Revolutionary Quantum Simulator Breaks Records, Paving the Way for New Materials Discovery

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Artist Representation of Qubits in the Quantum Twins Simulator

Silicon Quantum Computing

Quantum Simulation of Qubits — Artist Representation of Qubits in the Quantum Twins Simulator

Silicon Quantum Computing

A groundbreaking large-scale quantum simulator has the potential to unveil the mechanisms of exotic quantum materials and pave the way for their optimization in future applications.

Quantum computers are set to leverage unique quantum phenomena to perform calculations that are currently unmanageable for even the most advanced classical computers. Similarly, quantum simulators can aid researchers in accurately modeling materials and molecules that remain poorly understood.

This holds particularly true for superconductors, which conduct electricity with remarkable efficiency. The efficiency of superconductors arises from quantum effects, making it feasible to implement their properties directly in quantum simulators, unlike classical devices that necessitate extensive mathematical transformations.

Michelle Simmons and her team at Australia’s Silicon Quantum Computing have successfully developed the largest quantum simulator to date, known as Quantum Twin. “The scale and precision we’ve achieved with these simulators empower us to address intriguing challenges,” Simmons states. “We are pioneering new materials by crafting them atom by atom.”

The researchers designed multiple simulators by embedding phosphorus atoms into silicon chips. Each atom acts as a quantum bit (qubit), the fundamental component of quantum computers and simulators. The team meticulously configured the qubits into grids that replicate the atomic arrangement found in real materials. Each iteration of the Quantum Twin consisted of a square grid containing 15,000 qubits, surpassing any previous quantum simulator in scale. While similar configurations have been built using thousands of cryogenic atoms in the past, Quantum Twin breaks new ground.

By integrating electronic components into each chip via a precise patterning process, the researchers managed to control the electron properties within the chips. This emulates the electron behavior within simulated materials, crucial for understanding electrical flow. Researchers can manipulate the ease of adding an electron at specific grid points or the “hop” between two points.

Simmons noted that while conventional computers struggle with large two-dimensional simulations and complex electron property combinations, the Quantum Twin simulator shows significant potential for these scenarios. The team tested the chip by simulating the transition between conductive and insulating states—a critical mathematical model explaining how impurities in materials influence electrical conductivity. Additionally, they recorded the material’s “Hall coefficient” across different temperatures to assess its behavior in magnetic fields.

With its impressive size and variable control, the Quantum Twins simulator is poised to tackle unconventional superconductors. While conventional superconductors function well at low temperatures or under extreme pressure, some can operate under milder conditions. Achieving a deeper understanding of superconductors at ambient temperature and pressure is essential—knowledge that quantum simulators are expected to furnish in the future.

Moreover, Quantum Twins can also facilitate the investigation of interfaces between various metals and polyacetylene-like molecules, holding promise for advancements in drug development and artificial photosynthesis technologies, Simmons highlights.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Fossil Discovery Sheds Light on the Origins of Earth’s First Fish

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists from Australia and China have conducted two groundbreaking studies on the fossilized remains of a remarkable Devonian lungfish. Utilizing advanced imaging technology, they have unearthed previously overlooked anatomical details, significantly enhancing our understanding of early vertebrate evolution. Their findings have been published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology and the journal Current Biology.

Paleolophus yunnanensis, a unique lungfish species that thrived in southern China’s waters 410 million years ago. Image credit: Brian Choo, Flinders University.

In a recent study, lead researcher Alice Clement, a paleontologist at Flinders University, investigates The Mystery of Kainokara, a fossil known from a single specimen found in the Late Devonian Gogo Formation of Western Australia.

“New research, including the analysis of previously neglected specimens, is gradually uncovering the rich diversity of lungfishes found in Australia’s significant fossil sites,” said Dr. Clement.

“One particularly enigmatic specimen originates from Australia’s earliest ‘Great Barrier Reef’, a Devonian reef located in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia.”

“When first described in 2010, this unusual specimen was so perplexing that the authors speculated it might represent an entirely new type of fish never documented in science.”

“Using advanced scanning techniques, we developed comprehensive digital images of both the external and internal structures of the skull, revealing the complexity of this fascinating lungfish’s brain cavity.”

“In fact, we confirmed that earlier interpretations may have been from an upside-down perspective.”

“We were also able to compare the well-preserved inner ear region with other lungfishes,” noted Flinders University paleontologist Hannah Thiele.

“This provides an essential data point in the rich collection of lungfish and early vertebrate species.”

“This research enhances our understanding of the evolutionary progression of these ancient lobe-finned fishes, both in Gondwana and globally.”

In a separate study, Flinders University paleontologist Brian Chu and colleagues reveal a newly discovered species of lungfish from the Devonian period in China, Paleolophus yunanensis.

“The discovery of Paleolophus yunanensis offers unprecedented insight into the transitional phase between the early appearance of lungfish and their extensive diversification millions of years later,” said Dr. Chu.

“At this time, this group was just beginning to develop unique feeding adaptations that would serve them well throughout the remainder of the Devonian period and into the present.”

“Lungfish, including the ancient lineage found in Queensland, Australia, have fascinated researchers due to their close evolutionary relationship with tetrapods, the four-limbed vertebrates that include humans.”

“The distinctive skull of the newly discovered lungfish from 410-million-year-old rock formations in Yunnan offers crucial insights into the rapid evolutionary changes during the Early, Middle, and Late Devonian periods.”

“The new specimens exhibited both similarities and differences compared to the earliest known specimens, such as Diabolepis fossils from southern China and uranolophus found in locations like Wyoming and Australia.

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Hannah S. Thiele et al., deciphering The Mystery of Kainokara from the Late Devonian Gogo Formation, Australia. Canadian Journal of Zoology, published online January 28, 2026. doi: 10.1139/cjz-2025-0109

Tuo Qiao et al., 2026. New fish fossil sheds light on the rapid evolution of early lungfish. Current Biology 36 (1): 243-251; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.11.032

Source: www.sci.news

Exciting Discovery: Earth-Sized Exoplanet Found Orbiting Nearby Star

Posted on January 31, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have recently identified a new exoplanet, HD 137010b, orbiting the nearby K dwarf star HD 137010, following the detection of a single shallow transit in archived data from NASA’s Kepler Expansion K2 mission.

HD 137010b is estimated to be 6% larger than Earth, with surface temperatures akin to those of Mars, possibly dipping below -70 degrees Celsius. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Keith Miller, California Institute of Technology and IPAC.

HD 137010 is classified as a K3.5V dwarf star located approximately 146 light-years away in the constellation Libra.

This star’s age ranges between 4.8 billion and 10 billion years, and its low magnetic activity reflects its status as an old, relatively calm star.

Commonly referenced as BD-19 4097, HIC 75398, 2MASS J15242123-1944215, or TYC 6179-1111-1, HD 137010 has an apparent magnitude of 10.1 and is recognized as one of the brightest stars hosting an Earth-sized planet in temperate orbits.

The new exoplanet, designated HD 137010b, was observed during K2 Campaign 15 when NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope monitored its parent star for about three months in 2017.

“Most Earth-sized planets discovered in the habitable zone orbit red dwarfs, which are smaller and dimmer than the Sun,” explains lead author Astronomer Alexander Venner from the University of Southern Queensland.

“Concerns arise regarding these planets losing their atmospheres due to intense radiation from their host stars, rendering them uninhabitable for known life forms.”

“However, HD 137010b’s star shares characteristics more closely aligned with the Sun, increasing the likelihood that a stable atmosphere could be retained, according to current theoretical models.”

In their study, Venner and colleagues analyzed K2 data, light curves from nearby stars, archival images, and radial velocity measurements to clarify the nature of the transit signal, which lasted roughly 10 hours.

These evaluations strongly suggest that the observed transit is astrophysical and not a result of background interference, eclipsing binaries, or solar-system debris.

Astronomers have determined that the planet’s radius is approximately 1.06 times that of Earth based on the transit depth.

Considering the transit’s duration and the star’s properties, the orbital period of HD 137010b is estimated to be around 355 days.

At its distance from the host star, HD 137010b is estimated to receive about 29% of the stellar flux that Earth obtains from the Sun, placing it near the outskirts of the star’s habitable zone.

“If HD 137010b has an atmosphere similar to that of Earth or Mars, it could experience temperatures colder than Antarctica,” noted Dr. Venner.

“However, if the atmosphere thickens, conditions could warm up sufficiently for liquid water to exist, creating a potentially viable environment for life.”

“Current astronomical instruments are unable to fully characterize this newly discovered planet, but it stands out as a primary candidate for future radial velocity tools aimed at detecting Earth-like analogs.”

“Upcoming space missions, like NASA’s Habitable World Observatory, could also provide images of HD 137010b.”

This discovery is detailed in the following article: paper published in Astrophysics Journal Letters.

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Alexander Venner and others. 2026. A cool Earth-sized planet candidate orbiting a K2 magnitude K-dwarf star. APJL 997, L38; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf06f

Source: www.sci.news

Massive Fossil Discovery Unearths 512-Million-Year-Old Ecosystem Treasures

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s Impression of the Huayuan Biota Ecosystem

Dinghua Yang

A remarkable fossil find has emerged in southern China, unveiling an ecosystem that dates back 512 million years, immediately postdating Earth’s first mass extinction event.

The fossils belong to the Cambrian period, initiated 541 million years ago, a time characterized by a significant increase in animal diversity which led to the emergence of most major animal groups.

This evolutionary flourishing faced a dramatic setback with the Shinsk event around 513.5 million years ago, when oceanic oxygen levels plummeted, resulting in the extinction of various animal groups.

Han Zeng and his team at China’s Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology began unearthing these fossils in 2021 at a quarry in Huayuan County, Hunan Province.

So far, researchers have documented 8,681 fossils from 153 distinct species, approximately 60 percent of which are previously unknown to science. This ancient ecosystem has been dubbed the “Flower Garden Biota,” potentially surpassing Canada’s renowned Burgess Shale in significance.

This ecosystem comprises 16 major animal groups believed to have thrived in deep-sea environments, largely unaffected by the Shinsk event.

“Our understanding of the Shinsk extinction event was limited to skeletal fossils of certain animals, such as archaeal sponge reefs, trilobites, and small shelled fossils,” Zeng explains.

The Flower Garden Biota also includes various mollusks. Zeng noted, “The extinction predominantly affected shallow-sea habitats, while the deep-sea environments, where the Huazono biota thrived, remained largely stable.”

Arthropods of the Hanazono Biota Family

Han Zeng

The majority of fossils unearthed belong to arthropods akin to modern-day insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Other fossil types include mollusks, brachiopods, and cnidarians, relatives of jellyfish.

One notable specimen is Guangshancharis Kunmingensis, an 80 cm long arthropod recognized as the largest animal discovered at the site, likely a predatory species within the Huayuan ecosystem.

Another arthropod, Hermetia, was previously known only from Canada’s Burgess Shale but is now found in the Flower Garden Biota, indicating that these early animals were capable of long-distance dispersal via ocean currents, according to Zeng.

Zeng emphasized that the exceptional preservation of the fossils is due to rapid burial under fine sediment, capturing intricate details of soft anatomy including limbs, antennae, tentacles, gills, and even nervous tissues.

*Aronia*: A Cambrian Sea Creature Similar to Sponges

Han Zeng

Joe Moishuk from Canada’s Manitoba Museum reflects that the site ranks among top Cambrian fossil locations, celebrated for its biodiversity and preservation quality.

While some groups like sponges and trilobites are known to have declined significantly during the mid-Cambrian Shinsk event, many animal groups’ fates remain unclear.

“Findings like the Hanazono biota offer invaluable insights into the biodiversity of this period, helping to illuminate gaps in our understanding of Earth’s history,” notes Moisiuk.

Tetsuto Miyashita of the Canadian Museum of Nature mentions that two key Cambrian fossil sites are the 520-million-year-old Chengjiang Biota in China and the 508-million-year-old Burgess Shale in Canada.

“Comparing these sites is akin to contrasting Bach’s ensemble with The Beatles; understanding the variances is crucial before grasping the overarching narrative of these ecosystems,” Miyashita states. “New biota discoveries assist paleontologists in unraveling the influence of geographical features, mass extinctions, and oceanic conditions.”

A conspicuous absence in the Flower Garden Biota is any evidence of fish. “Where are the fish?” queries Miyashita. “Are they scarce, which is globally uncommon, or are other ecological factors at play?”

Zeng mentions that not all fossils have been thoroughly scrutinized yet, suggesting the possibility of undiscovered species, including fish, as further exploration continues.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Discovery: Earliest Wooden Hand Tool Found, Dating Back 430,000 Years

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery, unearthing the “oldest known hand-held wooden tool” at a Middle Pleistocene site in Marathusa 1, Greece.

Impression of a Marathusa 1 female artist crafting a digging stick using small stone tools from an alder trunk. Image credit: G. Prieto / K. Harvati.

According to Professor Katerina Herberty from the University of Tübingen, “The Middle Pleistocene was crucial for human evolution, marking a period when complex behaviors emerged.”

“This era also showcases the earliest reliable evidence of the targeted use of plants for technological purposes.”

The 430,000-year-old wooden tools discovered at the Marathusa 1 site, led by Professor Harbati and his team, consist of worked alder trunks and small willow/poplar artifacts.

The primary tool is made from alder wood (Alnus sp.) and features engraving marks along with associated stop and chop marks, indicating intentional shaping.

This approximately 81 cm long artifact displays signs of usage consistent with a multifunctional rod likely employed for paleolakeshore excavation.

The second tool, a small piece of willow/poplar (Salix sp./Populus sp.), measures 5.7 cm and exhibits signs of rounding.

This object shows two signs of potential processing, suggesting that growth rings have been removed from one end.

Researchers hypothesize that this small wooden tool’s function remains uncertain but may have been utilized for modifying stone tools.

Alongside these wooden tools, scientists uncovered butchered remains of an elephant with straight tusks (Paleoloxodon Antique), as well as stone artifacts and processed bones.

Dr. Annemieke Milks, a researcher at the University of Reading, states, “Unlike stone artifacts, wooden objects need special conditions to survive over long durations.”

“We meticulously examined all tree remains, analyzing the surfaces under a microscope.”

“Our findings revealed clear evidence of cutting and carving on these two objects, strongly indicating that early humans intentionally shaped them.”

A multifunctional digging stick (top) and small wooden tools (bottom) from the Marathusa 1 site in Greece. Image credit: D. Michailidis / N. Thompson / K. Harvati.

Additionally, researchers found a large fragment of an alder trunk exhibiting deep carved stripes, interpreted as fossilized claw marks from a large carnivore. This suggests potential competition between early humans and carnivores at this site.

Evidence of cuts and damage on the elephant remains indicate that early hominins had access to the carcass, while gnawing marks reveal subsequent carnivorous activity.

Dr. Milks added, “Previous discoveries of ancient wooden tools have occurred in countries such as Britain, Zambia, Germany, and China, comprising weapons, digging sticks, and tool handles.” However, she noted that these finds date newer than the Marathusa 1 artifacts.

“The only evidence of ancient wood used by humans, dating to around 476,000 years ago, comes from the Kalambo Falls site in Zambia, where the wood served as structural material rather than tools.”

“We have now identified the oldest known wooden tools and the first of their kind from southeastern Europe,” emphasized Professor Herberty.

“This discovery highlights the exceptional conservation conditions at the Marathusa 1 site.”

“The concurrent evidence of human activity and large carnivores in the vicinity of the butchered elephant indicates a competitive dynamic between them.”

Details of these findings are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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A. Chemilux et al. 2026. The earliest evidence of human use of wooden hand tools, discovered at Marathusa 1 (Greece). PNAS 123 (6): e2515479123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.25154791

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Bacteria Discovery Redefines Syphilis Origins: A Breakthrough in Medical History

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Treponema pallidum Bacteria Linked to Syphilis and Related Diseases

Source: Science Photo Library / Alamy

New research reveals that traces of Treponema pallidum—the bacteria responsible for syphilis—have been identified in the bones of ancient inhabitants of Colombia, dating back over 5,000 years. This discovery suggests that syphilis was infecting humans far earlier than previously believed, prior to the advent of intensive agriculture, which many experts think may have facilitated its spread.

Currently, Treponema pallidum encompasses three subspecies that cause syphilis, bejel, and framboise. The origins and transmission pathways of these diseases remain topics of scientific debate. Although ancient DNA and infectious markers on bones offer insights, they are often limited and ambiguous.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers analyzed DNA from 5,500-year-old remains discovered in the Bogotá savannah. The unexpected finding of Treponema pallidum in a human leg bone provides critical evidence of its historical prevalence.

“This discovery was entirely unanticipated, as there was a lack of skeletal evidence indicating an infectious disease,” notes Nasreen Broumandkoshbacht from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Many scholars have long posited that the majority of diseases affected humans only after the rise of intensive agriculture, which led to denser populations. However, this individual lived in a contrasting setting—small, nomadic hunter-gatherer bands that maintained close contact with wild animals.

“These results shed light on the extensive evolutionary history of these organisms,” states Davide Bozzi from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. “They reveal longstanding relationships between the bacterium and human populations.”

As researchers, including Blumandhoschbacht and Bozzi, correlated ancient genomes with contemporary ones, they identified that the pallidum strain was part of a distinct lineage, separate from any known modern relatives. This indicates that early variants of syphilis were already diversifying and infecting humans in the Americas millennia ago, with many of the same genetic traits that make present-day strains particularly pathogenic.

The findings imply that these pathogens were not only early residents in the Americas but may have been affecting human populations globally for much longer than previously assumed.

Rodrigo Barquera, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, suggests that this ancient strain might link to an elusive “missing” pathogen, Treponema carathaeum, known primarily for its physical characteristics rather than its genetic makeup.

Kertu Majumdar, a researcher at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, posits, “The genomes of even older organisms might provide insights into a variety of extinct lineages and diseases caused by these pathogens.”

For Bozzi, unearthing the evolutionary adaptations of pathogens like syphilis is crucial for understanding their genetic attributes that enhance their virulence in new hosts.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Vertebrate Ancestors: The Surprising Discovery of Four Eyes

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of *Haikouichthys*, a notable Cambrian fish with fossilized evidence of a second pair of eyes

Xiangtong Lei, Sihang Zhang

Illustration of Haikouichthys, a Cambrian fish — Illustration of *Haikouichthys*, a notable Cambrian fish with fossilized evidence of a second pair of eyes

Xiangtong Lei, Sihang Zhang

Over 500 million years ago, the earliest known vertebrates exhibited an intriguing feature: an extra eye. Interestingly, humans may retain traces of this ancient evolutionary trait.

Significant fossils from two species of jawless fish, known as myllokunmingids, were discovered by Kong Peiyun. From 2019 to 2024, Kong worked alongside colleagues at Yunnan University in China, specifically around Dianchi Lake.

The fossils unearthed in the Chengjiang biota area, renowned for its exquisite preservation, date back to approximately 518 million years ago—a timeframe marked by a dramatic increase in life’s diversity during the Cambrian period.

Remarkably, the vertebrate fossils discovered by Kong’s team included well-preserved soft tissue and vital eye structures.

Complex eye structures evolved independently in various animal groups. Many invertebrates, like insects, possess compound eyes, which consist of numerous individual units, each with its own lens, enabling a mosaic vision.

Meanwhile, vertebrates such as humans and reptiles possess what scientists label as “camera eyes.” These comprise a spherical lens, retina, iris, and muscles that regulate eye movement. Additionally, they contain pigment structures called melanosomes that influence eye color.

Light focuses on the retina, generating a signal relayed to the brain via the optic nerve.

Under electron microscopy scrutiny, Kong and his team identified two eyes situated on the sides of the head, with melanin-rich melanosomes preserved, alongside two smaller enigmatic black marks between them.

Employing a lens impression to analyze the fossils, team members led by Jacob Vinther from the University of Bristol suggested that these ancient creatures possessed two pairs of camera-like eyes, allowing them to visualize their environment much like modern vertebrates. The decisive difference? They utilized four eyes instead of two.

Fossil of *Haikouichthys* displaying conserved melanosomes

Xiangtong Lei, Sihang Zhang

The research team posits that this ancient additional eye has evolved into various organs known as the pineal complex. Some vertebrates, such as reptiles, possess a light-sensitive organ called the parietal eye atop their heads, while all mammals retain a reduced version that is the pineal gland, a key player in regulating sleep cycles through melatonin secretion.

“Early vertebrates likely used the pineal organs as functional eyes, enabling them to perceive their surroundings before evolving into sleep-regulating organs,” states Vinther.

These large eyes may have been optimized for high-resolution vision, complemented by smaller eyes that enabled detection of nearby threats—critical for survival in the predator-rich Cambrian seas.

According to Vinther, these creatures could likely discern objects with detail, estimating their shape and gain a degree of depth perception—all thanks to their remarkable four-eyed adaptation.

Tetsuto Miyashita, from the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, finds the interpretation of these fossils both “half-believable and half-doubtful.”

The structure located between the two eyes had previously perplexed researchers, but realizing it may indicate another camera eye was considered a “lightbulb” moment, he explains.

If indeed this is the case, it raises the question: where is the animal’s nose? “Most early fish evolution centered around nose development, suggesting that it would be unusual for the nose to not be preserved,” he notes.

Miyashita anticipates significant discussions will persist until experts can engage in a thorough debate regarding this exciting finding. “What function do so many prominent eyes actually serve?” he questions.

John Patterson, a researcher from the University of New England in Armidale, Australia, asserts that it is logical for prey species to have developed such visual capabilities to escape formidable predators.

The Cambrian era was evolutionary peculiar, showcasing animals displaying unusual behavior and not strictly developing pairs of eyes on their heads, but placing eyes in other regions as well.

Karma Nangle, a professor at the University of California, Riverside, aims to create a comprehensive map of the entire fossil body to investigate the potential existence of similar traces. Such findings could demonstrate that the second set of eyes may simply be a result of chemical processes during fossilization.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Groundbreaking Discovery: Researchers Document Cows Using Tools for the First Time

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In a groundbreaking study published in the latest issue of Current Biology, researchers from Vienna Veterinary University present the first experimental evidence that cows (Bos taurus) can utilize a single object as a versatile tool, adapting its use according to the task at hand. The study focused on a pet Swiss brown cow named Veronica, who learned to manipulate a deck brush to effectively scratch hard-to-reach areas of her body. Through a series of controlled trials, Veronica exhibited targeted adjustments based on the sensitivity of the body parts she aimed to scratch.

Veronica’s tool technique. Image credit: Antonio Osuna-Mascaró and Alice Auersperg, doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.11.059.

Veronica, a long-lived Swiss brown cow, is not raised for meat or milk. She is a beloved pet of Vitger Vigele, an organic farmer and baker who cherishes her as part of the family.

Over a decade ago, Vigele observed Veronica occasionally picking up sticks to scratch herself, sparking interest in her behavior.

According to Dr. Alice Auersperg, a cognitive biologist at Vienna University, “These findings suggest that our preconceptions about domestic animal intelligence may stem more from observational gaps than from actual cognitive limitations.”

In structured trials, Dr. Auersperg and colleague Dr. Antonio Osuna Mascaro placed deck brushes at random angles. They recorded which ends Veronica selected and the body parts she targeted.

After multiple assessments, the researchers discovered that Veronica’s choices were consistent and matched the needs of the targeted areas.

“We have demonstrated that cows can engage in genuinely flexible tool use,” stated Dr. Osuna Mascaro.

“Veronica doesn’t just use objects haphazardly.”

“She effectively employs different segments of the same tool for distinct purposes, altering her techniques based on the tool’s role and the specific body part involved.”

The study revealed that Veronica typically favors the bristles of a deck brush for scratching large, hard areas like her back. For more sensitive regions, she switches to the smooth stick end.

Moreover, her handling of the tools varies; her upper body scratching movements are broad and vigorous, while her lower body motions are slower, more deliberate, and precisely controlled.

Tool use is defined as manipulating external objects to achieve a goal through mechanical means. The study found that Veronica’s behavior fulfills this definition while demonstrating flexible and versatile tool use, utilizing different features of the same object for various functional outcomes.

Such agility in tool use is exceedingly rare, with evidence only convincingly documented in chimpanzees to date.

“Using tools on her own body represents a self-directed form of tool use, which is typically considered less complex than applying tools to external objects,” remarked Dr. Osuna Mascaro.

“Veronica faces inherent physical limitations as she depends on her mouth to manipulate tools.”

“What’s remarkable is her ability to overcome these limitations, demonstrating foresight by adjusting her grip strength and movements accordingly.”

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Antonio J. Osuna-Mascalo & Alice MI Auersperg. 2026. Flexible use of multipurpose tools by cows. Current Biology 36 (2): R44-R45; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.11.059

Source: www.sci.news

Astounding Discovery: Astronomers Find Iron ‘Rod’ at the Center of a Mysterious Ring Nebula

Posted on January 17, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the WHT Extended Area Velocity Explorer (WEAVE), a cutting-edge instrument aboard the William Herschel Telescope on La Palma Island, have uncovered an intriguing elongated structure of ionized iron within the renowned Ring Nebula.

A composite image of the Ring Nebula featuring four WEAVE/LIFU emission line images. Image credit: Wesson et al., doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf2139.

The Ring Nebula, also known as Messier 57, M57, or NGC 6720, is a classic planetary nebula located approximately 2,000 light-years away in the constellation Lyra.

This nebula was first discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in January 1779 while he was on a mission to find comets.

Messier’s report about the discovery of Comet Bode reached fellow astronomer Antoine d’Alquier de Perpois shortly afterward, who subsequently rediscovered the Ring Nebula during his comet observations.

The newly identified rod-shaped cloud of iron atoms resides within the inner layer of this elliptical nebula.

Measuring about 500 times the length of Pluto’s orbit around the sun, this cloud’s atomic mass of iron is comparable to that of Mars.

This iron cloud was detected using the Large Integral Field Unit (LIFU) mode of the innovative WEAVE instrument on the 4.2-meter William Herschel Telescope, part of the Isaac Newton Group.

According to Dr. Roger Wesson, an astronomer from University College London and Cardiff University: “While the Ring Nebula has been extensively studied with various telescopes, WEAVE enables us to observe it in unprecedented detail, providing much richer information than previously available.”

“By continuously collecting spectra across the nebula, we can image it at any wavelength and analyze its chemical composition at any given location.”

“As we process the data and examine the images, we discover a never-before-seen ‘rod’ of ionized iron atoms at the heart of this iconic ring.”

The exact nature of the iron “rods” within the Ring Nebula remains uncertain.

Two potential scenarios emerge: the bar may offer new insights into the nebula’s formation and ejection by its parent star, or (more intriguingly) it could represent an arc of plasma from a rocky planet evaporating during the star’s initial expansion.

Professor Janet Drew, also from University College London, noted: “We need to investigate further, particularly to determine if the newly detected iron coexists with other elements. This could guide us toward the appropriate models to explore.”

“Currently, this crucial information is lacking.”

For more in-depth details, check out the findings published today in the Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.

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R. Wesson et al. 2026. WEAVE Imaging Spectroscopy of NGC 6720: Iron Rods in the Ring. MNRAS 546 (1): staf2139; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf2139

Source: www.sci.news

Historic Discovery: Oldest Supernova in History Illuminates Earliest Star

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Image of SN Eos supernova taken by the James Webb Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope image of SN Eos supernova — Image of SN Eos supernova taken by the James Webb Space Telescope

Astronomers have identified a colossal star’s explosion shortly after the universe emerged from the Cosmic Dark Ages, offering insights into the birth and demise of the first stars.

When a star exhausts its fuel, it explodes in a spectacular event known as a supernova. While nearby supernovae are exceedingly bright, the light from ancient explosions takes billions of years to reach Earth, fading into invisibility by the time it arrives.

This is why astronomers typically detect distant supernovae only during exceptional circumstances, such as Type Ic supernovae, which are the remnants of stars stripped of their outer gas and producing intense gamma-ray bursts. However, the more common Type II supernova, the predominant explosion observed in our galaxy, occurs when a massive star depletes its fuel but remains too faint for casual observation.

Notably, David Coulter, a professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and his team utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to discover a Type II supernova named SN Eos, dating back to when the universe was only 1 billion years old.

Fortunately, the supernova’s explosion took place behind a vast galaxy cluster, whose potent gravity amplified the light, rendering SN Eos dozens of times brighter than it would typically appear, facilitating detailed studies.

Researchers meticulously analyzed the light spectrum from SN Eos, confirming it as the oldest supernova detected via spectroscopy. Their findings denote it as a Type II supernova, attesting to its origins from a massive star.

Additionally, evidence suggests that the progenitor star contained remarkably low quantities of elements beyond hydrogen and helium—less than 10% of the elemental abundance present in the Sun. This aligns with theories about the early universe, where multiple stellar generations hadn’t existed long enough to create heavier elements.

“This allows us to quickly identify the type of stellar population in that region. [This star] exploded,” stated Or Graul from the University of Portsmouth, UK. “Massive stars tend to explode shortly after their formation. In cosmological terms, a million years is a brief interval, making them indicators of ongoing star formation within their respective galaxies.”

Light from such vast distances is typically emitted by small galaxies, allowing astronomers to infer the average characteristics of the stars within these galaxies. However, studying individual stars at these distances tends to be unfeasible. As noted by Matt Nicholl of Queen’s University, Belfast, UK, “This discovery provides us with exquisite data on an individual star. [Distance] has kept us from observing an isolated supernova here, but the data confirms this star’s uniqueness compared to others in the local universe.”

This observation occurred just a few hundred million years following the Era of Reionization, a pivotal period in the universe’s history. During this time, light from the inaugural stars began ionizing neutral hydrogen gas, transitioning it into translucent ionized hydrogen. This relates to SN Eos, as it serves as a supernova from a time we would expect to see.

“This discovery closely coincides with the reionization era when the universe emerged from darkness, permitting photons to travel freely once more and allowing us to observe,” said Graul.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring the Distant ‘Little Red Dot’ Galaxy: Possible Discovery of a Baby Black Hole

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring ‘Small Red Dots’ Unveiled by the James Webb Space Telescope

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and D. Kocevski (Colby U.)/Space Telescope Science Institute Public Extension Office

James Webb Space Telescope red galaxy discovery — Exploring ‘Small Red Dots’ Unveiled by the James Webb Space Telescope

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and D. Kocevski (Colby U.)/Space Telescope Science Institute Public Extension Office

The remarkable bright galaxies uncovered by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may not be as brilliant as initially thought. These celestial bodies once posed a challenge to our cosmic understanding, implying they were home to supermassive black holes and an unexpected abundance of stars. However, new insights suggest these galaxies may harbor “baby” black holes.

During its initial years surveying the early Universe, JWST serendipitously discovered numerous bright and red galaxies, referred to as “little red dots” (LRDs).

The light emitted by these galaxies indicates the presence of far more mass than previously recognized in any other galaxy. They exhibit star densities that challenge existing models or host black holes larger than expected considering the size of their parent galaxies.

Both scenarios would necessitate a substantial overhaul of our galaxy formation and black hole growth theories in the early Universe.

Initial assumptions posited that the red hue of LRDs was due to copious dust surrounding the black holes or stars. This notion has come under scrutiny, as researchers find little evidence of dust in these extraordinary galaxies.

Jenny Green, a researcher at Princeton University, posits that this discovery warrants a reevaluation of LRD characteristics. “We were confident that if red coloration was due to dust, we’d detect dust emissions. However, we found none,” Green stated. “This suggests our initial assumption about their dust content was flawed.”

Previous analyses gauged the total brightness of the LRDs by assessing specific wavelengths of light linked to hydrogen, calibrated against a model of how dust impacts this light.

In their recent study, Green and her team measured the total light output from two LRD galaxies across various light frequencies, including X-rays and infrared. They discovered that, except for visible light, these galaxies emitted significantly less light than the typical galaxy—implying that LRDs are at least ten times dimmer than earlier estimates. This revelation holds critical implications for the nature of black holes within LRDs.

“If the emitted light is substantially less than we’ve believed, the mass of the black holes is likely much more modest,” Green remarked. “This reduces the tensions that have perplexed us since the black holes no longer need to be exceedingly massive or possess substantial mass initially.”

The new emission patterns imply the black holes may harbor less mass compared to standard black holes. Rohan Naidu from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology describes them as “baby black holes.” He further noted these findings align with the emerging perspective that LRD black holes could be categorized as black hole stars—a unique type of black hole encased in gas.

“In a typical black hole, what we observe is merely a fraction of the total energy emitted by the system. However, we should reconsider the little red dots as bulging black hole stars,” Naidu explained. “Most of their energy appears to be emitted at wavelengths we can detect, suggesting that what we see accurately reflects their output.”

Conversely, Roberto Maiorino from the University of Cambridge emphasizes that one cannot definitively ascertain the black hole’s mass within an LRD, as the emitted light reveals its growth rate rather than its total mass.

Green asserts that the notion of baby black holes holds merit. “If the photon count is significantly lower,” she noted, “this indicates a downward shift in the entire mass scale. On average, they possess lesser masses than previously assumed when we incorrectly categorized them as regular accreting black holes enshrouded in dust.”

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Asteroid Breaks Records: Discovery via Pre-Survey Data from Vera Rubin Observatory

Posted on January 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have identified a fascinating asteroid named 2025 MN45 using early data from the Legacy Space-Time Survey (LSST) Camera, the largest digital camera in the world, at the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Artist’s impression of asteroid 2025 MN45. Image credit: NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory / NOIRLab / SLAC / AURA / P. Marenfeld.

Asteroids orbiting the sun rotate at varying speeds, providing critical insights into their formation conditions billions of years ago, as well as their internal structure and evolutionary history.

Fast-spinning asteroids may have been propelled by prior collisions with other space rocks, suggesting they could be remnants of larger parent bodies.

To withstand such rapid spinning, these asteroids must possess enough internal strength to prevent fragmentation, a process where an object breaks apart due to its rotation speed.

Most asteroids consist of aggregates of debris, with their construction limiting how swiftly they can spin without disintegrating based on their density.

In the main asteroid belt, the threshold for stable fast rotation is approximately 2.2 hours. Asteroids exceeding this rotation period must be exceptionally strong to remain intact.

The faster an asteroid spins and the larger it is, the more durable its material must be.

A recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters reveals important insights into asteroid composition and evolution, showcasing how the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory is redefining our understanding of solar system discoveries.

This research presents data on 76 asteroids with verified rotation rates.

It includes 16 ultra-fast rotators with periods ranging from approximately 13 minutes to 2.2 hours, along with three extreme rotators completing a full rotation in under 5 minutes.

All 19 newly identified high-rotation objects exceed the length of an American football field (around 90 meters).

Notably, the fastest-spinning known main-belt asteroid, 2025 MN45, has a diameter of 710 meters and completes a rotation every 1.88 minutes.

This combination establishes it as the fastest rotating asteroid discovered, surpassing 500 meters in diameter.

“Clearly, this asteroid must be composed of exceptionally strong material to maintain its structure at such high rotation speeds,” commented Dr. Sarah Greenstreet, an astronomer at NSF’s NOIRLab and the University of Washington.

“Our calculations suggest it requires cohesive forces comparable to solid rock.”

“This is intriguing because most asteroids are believed to be ‘rubble heap’ structures, composed of numerous small rocks and debris that coalesced through gravitational forces during solar system formation and collisions.”

“Discoveries like this incredibly fast-rotating asteroid result from the observatory’s unmatched ability to deliver high-resolution time-domain astronomical data, thus expanding the limits of what we can observe,” stated Regina Lameika, DOE associate director for high-energy physics.

In addition to 2025 MN45, other significant asteroids researched by the team include 2025 MJ71 (rotation period of 1.9 minutes), 2025 MK41 (rotation period of 3.8 minutes), 2025 MV71 (rotation period of 13 minutes), and 2025 MG56 (rotation period of 16 minutes).

All five of these ultra-fast rotators are several hundred meters in diameter, categorizing them as the fastest-rotating subkilometer asteroids known to date, including several near-Earth objects.

“As this study illustrates, even during its initial commissioning stages, Rubin allows us to investigate populations of relatively small, very fast-rotating main-belt asteroids that were previously unattainable,” Dr. Greenstreet concluded.

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Sarah Greenstreet et al. 2026. Light curve, rotation period, and color of the first asteroid discovered by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. APJL 996, L33; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae2a30

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of Three Supermassive Black Holes Merging into One: A Cosmic Event Unveiled

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Supermassive black holes can consume or merge with other black holes.

Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library

Supermassive black holes absorbing matter — Supermassive black holes can consume or merge with other black holes.

Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library

Recent studies reveal that three galaxies featuring supermassive black holes at their cores are merging into a colossal galaxy—a phenomenon rarely observed in astronomy.

Astronomers posit that to achieve their immense sizes, supermassive black holes often need to engulf or merge with other massive black holes during galactic collisions. Discovering these events is challenging, as they are short-lived compared to a black hole’s lifespan. These mergers are most easily detected when a black hole is actively consuming matter and emitting light, which is not frequently the case. Currently, only around 150 pairs of merging galactic black holes have been identified.

Researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., led by Emma Schwartzman, have identified a trio of supermassive black holes actively feeding and functioning as a single system. “The more galaxies involved, the rarer this system becomes,” Schwartzman noted.

Each supermassive black hole emits low-frequency radiation as radio waves, which can penetrate dust that obscures other forms of light. This characteristic enabled Schwartzman and her team to conduct observations using the Very Long Baseline Array in Hawaii and the Very Large Array in New Mexico, effectively ruling out alternate light sources such as star-filled galaxies.

“What’s particularly intriguing is that all three of these black holes show signs of merging. There’s no guarantee we will observe emissions in the radio spectrum that we haven’t detected before,” Schwartzman commented.

According to Isabella Lamperti, a researcher at the University of Florence, there are visible indications that the galaxies are beginning to interact. Given that two of the galaxies are approximately 70,000 light-years apart, and the third is 300,000 light-years away, this interaction is still in a relatively early phase.

However, considering their life spans spanning billions of years, we are witnessing a dramatic conclusion. “It’s akin to capturing the final moments of a melodrama where the galaxies converge,” commented Emma Kuhn from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.

Simulating the merging of three active supermassive black holes presents substantial difficulty, but observing this unique system will provide physicists with better insights into more intricate mergers, according to Kuhn. “This marks the initial step in unraveling the physics underlying the system,” she stated.

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Remarkable Discovery: 160 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Footprints Unearthed in Chile

Posted on December 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The recently uncovered theropod and sauropod footprints from the Late Jurassic Mahara Formation are the oldest dinosaur tracks documented in Chile and along the western edge of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.

Palaeoartistic reconstruction of Quebrada Huatacon from the Late Jurassic period. Image credit: Nahuel Vazquez.

“The Late Jurassic fossil record highlights significant disparities in the density and distribution of dinosaur footprints between Laurasia and Gondwana,” stated Dr. Marco Yurac from the School of Paleontology and his colleagues.

“In Europe alone, numerous footprint sites have been identified, including regions in Italy, Croatia, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Portugal.”

“Moreover, North America boasts extensive track sites rich in ichthyological evidence.”

“Conversely, dinosaur footprints in Gondwana are relatively scarce and fragmentary, with notable exceptions like footprint-bearing outcrops in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.”

“Beyond these, ichthyological evidence is limited, with only a few records from Australia.”

“In South America, the majority of dinosaur footprints are found along the eastern coast, particularly in Brazil, Guyana, and Uruguay, with additional reports from northern locales like Colombia.”

“In contrast, on the western coast of South America, corresponding to Gondwana’s western boundary, Late Jurassic dinosaur footprints have only been discovered in Chile.”

A track consisting of four consecutive imprints from a large three-fingered dinosaur in the Mahalla Formation of Chile. Image credit: Yurac et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00419-9.

Paleontologists have discovered five distinct formations containing footprints within the Majara Formation in the Quebrada Huatacondo area of Chile.

These footprints were created by theropod and sauropod dinosaurs approximately 160 million years ago.

“Around 160 million years ago, northern Chile experienced cycles of flooding and drought,” explained the researchers.

“While the climate was primarily arid, temporary wetlands formed from seasonal water accumulation, attracting a variety of animals, from small theropods to massive carnivorous dinosaurs.”

“As dinosaurs traversed wet mud near these water sources, their footprints were imprinted into the soft sediment.”

“Subsequent flooding gently covered these tracks, preserving them for millions of years.”

The Majara footprints reveal the existence of giant (51-52.8 cm), large (43.5-46.5 cm), and medium-sized (25-27 cm) theropod dinosaurs.

One surface showcases over 25 footprints (ranging from 8 to 13 cm), attributed to microscopic theropods.

“These footprints represent the smallest theropod prints ever recorded in Chile, and likely extend across the entire western margin of Gondwana,” said the scientists.

Another surface is the only stratigraphic level exhibiting solely sauropod footprints (potentially undertracks).

“Due to their poor state of preservation, exact quantitative measurements were not feasible,” commented the authors.

“Nonetheless, analyses of the digital model suggest at least nine footprints with configurations indicative of potential movements.”

Paleontologists assert that this discovery represents the earliest known dinosaur footprints from Chile and the western margin of Gondwana.

“These footprints offer crucial insights for reconstructing the paleoenvironment and behavioral patterns of dinosaurs in northern Chile during the Late Jurassic, reflecting the temporary inhabitation of semi-arid floodplain and ephemeral wetland ecosystems,” the researchers concluded.

This significant finding is detailed in a research paper published in the Swiss Journal of Paleontology.

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M. Yurac et al. 2025. Upper Jurassic dinosaur footprints from the Mahara Formation of the Huatacondo region (Tarapaca Basin, Chile): Reassessment of known localities and discovery of new footprints. Swiss Journal of Paleontology 144, 72; doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00419-9

Source: www.sci.news

2025 Discovery: Living Organisms Emit Ghostly Glow

Posted on December 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Living Things Emit “Biophotons”

Microphone shot/Shutterstock

This year, scientists made a fascinating discovery: an eerie glow emitted by mice that vanished after death, evoking paranormal notions about the body’s aura. This finding has ignited significant interest in the scientific exploration of biophotons.

Biophotons are extremely faint particles of light created by cellular structures, particularly mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production. Researchers have been attempting to detect these weak signals, but the field has encountered skepticism. Separating biophotons from other light sources, such as infrared light, presents considerable challenges in demonstrating their authenticity.

<p>Due to experimental limitations, biophoton research has mainly concentrated on smaller, specific body parts. However, in May, <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sUKbEwsAAAAJ&hl=en">Daniel Oblak</a> and his team at the University of Calgary, Canada, observed biophotons emitted from the entire bodies of four hairless mice. Interestingly, these biophotons dissipated shortly after the mice died.</p>
<p>The researchers also recorded biophotons emitted from the leaves of umbrella trees (<em>Heptapleurum arboricola</em>), reinforcing the evidence for their existence through comprehensive study.</p>
<p>Following the <em>New Scientist</em> report on the study, many media outlets contacted Oblak’s team for interviews. The phenomenon's similarity to a "spiritual aura," which some psychics claim reflects an individual's physical and mental health, may have contributed to the public's fascination. Oblak mentioned, "Someone from Argentina urged us to investigate the glow of hands during healing." </p><section>

</section>
<p>However, Oblak emphasizes that the science surrounding biophotons is legitimate. Numerous scientists have approached his team to collaborate on further studies. One proposal involves investigating biophoton production mechanisms in plants. Experts in genetically modified seeds suggest analyzing changes in biophoton emissions by disabling specific genes.</p>
<p>Insights into how biophotons correlate with seed germination could significantly benefit agriculture, according to Oblak. “You could assess seed samples to determine if the germination process happened without direct contact with the seeds.”</p>

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rising Hopes for Alien Discovery in 2025: What Happened to the Excitement?

Posted on December 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s Impression of Exoplanet K2-18b

A. Smith/N. Mandusudhan

Artist's impression of K2-18b exoplanet — Artist’s Impression of Exoplanet K2-18b

A. Smith/N. Mandusudhan

The quest for extraterrestrial life intensified this year when scientists detected intriguing signals from exoplanets containing molecules associated with life on Earth. Although subsequent attempts to confirm these findings were unsuccessful, exoplanet researchers believe the resulting discussions provided valuable insights for future alien detection efforts.

In April, Nick Madhusudan and his team at the University of Cambridge announced they observed “the first hints of another world, possibly inhabited.” These signals originated from K2-18b, an exoplanet approximately eight times the mass of Earth and located 124 light-years away within its star’s habitable zone, as observed with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

The infrared radiation emitted by K2-18b suggests its atmosphere may contain dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a molecule known to be produced solely by living organisms, particularly marine phytoplankton, here on Earth.

As expected, this discovery generated significant buzz within both media and the scientific community. However, many researchers advised caution, emphasizing that the DMS signal was weak and required additional observations and rigorous analysis for confirmation.

Now, several months later, most astronomers concur that there is currently no evidence of DMS or any biomolecules in K2-18b’s atmosphere. Should they exist, they remain undetectable. “We only know for certain that methane and carbon dioxide are present in the atmosphere of this planet,” explains Lewis Wellbanks from Arizona State University.

Claims of discovering extraterrestrial life were premature, according to Wellbanks. “It’s been shown repeatedly that this information is inaccurate. New observations indicate that those gases are not present,” he asserted.

Yet, the data spike initially attributed to DMS still requires clarification, says Jake Taylor at Oxford University. “We observed a spike—a physical phenomenon. At this point, we still don’t know what it signifies.”

Identifying the molecules responsible for these spikes requires further exploration planned for the JWST next year. Scientists can only ascertain what’s present in a planet’s atmosphere by analyzing the starlight filtering through it during the planet’s transit across its host star. This occurs four times each Earth year.

Despite the controversy surrounding this discovery, Taylor notes it also fostered positive outcomes. “This has been a significant learning experience for the entire exoplanet community. We are reassessing our definitions and statistical methods, which has been tremendously beneficial,” he states.

“This experience teaches us to calibrate our expectations,” says Wellbanks. “It’s a reminder that relying on data manipulation to validate a claim is challenging. As one wise person noted, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. This whole DMS saga falls into that category.”

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New Fossil Discovery Indicates Mosasaurs Could Thrive in Freshwater Environments

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

Paleontologists have discovered a 66-million-year-old Mosasaurus tooth within the Hell Creek Formation in North Dakota, USA. This find reinforces the idea that mosasaurs, often viewed as marine reptiles, also hunted in freshwater rivers.

Artist’s reconstruction of the Hell Creek Mosasaurus. Image credit: Christopher DiPiazza.

“Mosasaurs were apex predators in marine environments, diversifying during the Late Cretaceous and dominating a range of ecological niches,” stated paleontologist Melanie Dooling from Uppsala University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam alongside her team.

“The mosasauridae family is divided into three subfamilies: mosasauridae, plioplatecarpinidae, and tylosauridae, each showcasing unique adaptations that allow them to exploit various ecological opportunities.”

“Although mosasaurid fossils are often linked to shallow marine environments, findings of fossils in estuarine and freshwater settings challenge the notion that they were solely marine creatures.”

In 2022, a significant mosasaur tooth was unearthed from a multi-species fossil site in the Hell Creek Formation.

This area, once part of the ancient Western Interior Seaway, is well-known for a scarcity of marine species, primarily housing fossils of terrestrial and freshwater organisms.

The fossil was found in river sediments alongside an ancient tooth from a tyrannosaurus rex and a crocodile jawbone, indicating a rich ecosystem that included fossilized dinosaurs like edmontosaurus.

This specimen is related to the mosasaurid family prognatodontini, as its surface texture resembles that of other members in this group.

Researchers also studied isotopes within the tooth enamel to deduce the habitat of mosasaurs, discovering oxygen and strontium isotopic signatures indicative of freshwater conditions.

This may imply that mosasaurs preyed on freshwater animals, suggesting they could thrive and hunt away from oceanic environments.

“The carbon isotopes in teeth generally reflect the diet of the organism,” Dr. Dühring explained.

“Many mosasaurs exhibit low ¹³C values, allowing for deeper dives.”

“The teeth of Mosasaurus, in contrast, have higher ¹³C values compared to those of all known mosasaurs, dinosaurs, and crocodiles, indicating they likely did not dive deeply and may have occasionally consumed drowned dinosaurs.”

“Isotopic data suggest this mosasaur inhabited freshwater river environments.”

“When we examined two additional mosasaurus teeth from a nearby, slightly older site, we noted similar freshwater isotopic signatures.”

“These analyses indicate that mosasaurs inhabited fluvial environments for about the last million years before their extinction.”

Further examination of older mosasaurus teeth and other fauna from the Western Interior Seaway suggested isotopic concentrations more aligned with freshwater rather than saltwater habitats.

This points to a gradual decrease in salinity in the region over time.

The authors propose that members of Prognathodontini might have been opportunistic predators inhabiting niches similar to modern species, akin to the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), believed to have adapted to freshwater systems in response to the receding salinity of the Western Interior Seaway, gradually moving into the Hell Creek channel.

“We also analyzed fossils from other marine species and found distinct differences,” stated Dr. Per Ahlberg, a paleontologist at Uppsala University.

“Gill-breathing animals possessed isotopic signatures linked to brackish or saltwater, while all lung-breathing organisms did not.”

“This indicates that mosasaurs, which required surface access to breathe, lived in the upper freshwater layer rather than the saltier deeper layers.”

The team’s paper was published in the Journal on December 12, 2025, in BMC Zoology.

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in the midst of chaos others. 2025. King of the Riverside offers a fresh perspective on pre-extinct mosasaurs through a multi-proxy approach. BMC Zuhl 10, 25; doi: 10.1186/s40850-025-00246-y

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Shell-Producing Sea Anemone Species in Japanese Waters

Posted on November 5, 2025 by

A newly identified species of hermit crab-associated sea anemone, Paracalliactis, has been described by a group of marine biologists from Japan and Australia. This crab creates and maintains a distinctive shell-like structure known as a carcinodecium, which enhances the living space for its hermit crab host.

Paracalliactis. Image credit: Yoshikawa et al., doi: 10.1098/rsos.250789.

Paracalliactis is the ninth recognized species within its genus, Paracalliactis.

The genus previously included eight species, one of which was unverified; Involves Paracalliactis and one yet-to-be-described species inhabit shells occupied by hermit crabs.

Most Paracalliactis species thrive on the deep-sea floor (at depths of approximately 200 to 4,700 meters), while Paracalliactis rosea and Paracalliactis sinica are noted at varying depths from shallow to deep (50–3,000 m and shallow depths of 39–40 m, respectively).

“Our findings indicate that even simple organisms like sea anemones can exhibit unexpectedly complex behaviors,” stated the first author, Dr. Akihiro Yoshikawa, a researcher at Kumamoto University.

“The capacity of animals to construct shell-like structures offers intriguing insights into how they navigate and perceive their environment.”

The Paracalliactis hermit crabs have been found inhabiting the shells of Oncopagurus monstrosus, which resides at depths ranging from 200 to 500 meters along the Pacific coast of Mie and Shizuoka prefectures.

Unlike typical sea anemones, which lack a hard skeleton, this species secretes a carcinogen that fortifies and enlarges the crab’s shell.

The research team’s stable isotope analysis indicated that the sea anemones derive a portion of their nutrition from organic particles and crab feces, demonstrating an unusual yet effective recycling method on the deep sea floor.

Additionally, 3D imaging using micro-CT scans revealed that sea anemones attach to their shells in a consistent, unidirectional manner, potentially linked to both feeding and shell formation.

Consequently, hermit crabs gain the advantage of increased body size through this association, underscoring a true symbiotic relationship between the two species.

“Our study provides the first quantitative evidence of mutualism within the carcinogen-forming context, illustrating a remarkable case of deep-sea symbiosis and hypothesizing how mutual benefits evolve over time, fostering the development of carcinogen-forming abilities and species-specific mutualisms,” the authors concluded.

Their paper was published on October 22nd in Royal Society Open Science.

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Akihiro Yoshikawa et al.. 2025. Deep seafloor symbiosis: A new shell-forming sea anemone coexists with hermit crabs. R. Soc. Open Science 12(10):250789; doi: 10.1098/rsos.250789

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Marsupial Species in Peru

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have discovered a new species within the marsupial genus Marmosa from a single specimen found on the eastern slopes of the Andes in the San Martin region of Peru.

Marmosa Chachapoya. Image credit: Pedro Peloso.

Marmosa is a relatively small genus of neotropical mammals belonging to the family Didelphidae.

It represents one of three genera commonly referred to as mouse opossums, with the others being Tamarins and Tracuatine.

Marmosa Professor Sylvia Pavan from California Polytechnic University and her team stated:

“In addition to the naming of this species Marmosa, phylogenetic analysis has recently identified two potential new species from northern Peru. One has been classified under the subgenus Stegomarmosa, while the other is situated among the species of the subgenus Mikureus.

The new Marmosa species was found at altitudes where no other species of this genus had previously been recorded.

Designated as Marmosa Chachapoya, these animals exhibit reddish-brown fur and distinct mask-like facial markings.

They have a combined body and tail length of up to 25 cm (10 inches), with the body measuring approximately 10 cm (4 inches).

Researchers note that Marmosa Chachapoya is closely related to two species in the subgenus Stegomarmosa: Marmosa Repida and Marmosa Undersoni.

“I quickly realized this was an extraordinary find,” said Professor Pavan.

“Currently, we know very little about this species, as only a single specimen has been collected.”

To verify its classification as a new species, scientists analyzed its DNA and physical characteristics, concentrating on notable features such as the elongated nose and slender body.

“Marmosa Chachapoya is not the only new species discovered during our expedition,” Professor Pavan remarked.

“We have collected several other specimens, including new semi-aquatic rodents that have yet to be officially described.”

“These discoveries are crucial for biodiversity and conservation efforts, underscoring the ongoing mysteries of biodiversity in this region.”

“The results suggest that there are additional undiscovered species, many of which may be at risk without proper protection.”

“It emphasizes the significant role of scientific exploration and conservation in areas like the Rio Abysseo.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Novitate at the American Museum on June 19, 2025.

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Sylvia E. Pavan et al. 2025. New species of Marmosa (Mammals, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) from Peru’s Parque Nacional del Rio Abysseo. Novitate at the American Museum 4037

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Carnivorous Dinosaur Species in Argentina

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recently identified member of the Megaraptran dinosaur family has been unveiled by a collaborative effort of Argentine and US paleontologists.

Joaquinraptor Casali. Image credit: Andrew McCuffy, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

This newly discovered dinosaur species inhabited Patagonia, Argentina, during the later stages of the Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 67 million years ago.

Dubbed Joaquinraptor Casali, these ancient predators were the apex carnivores in the region.

It is a member of the Megaraputra, a lineage of large, clawed carnivorous theropod dinosaurs recognized from Cretaceous deposits across Asia, Australia, and especially South America.

“Megaraptrands were carnivorous theropods characterized by elongated skulls, large claws, and robust forelimbs found in Asia, Australia, and South America,” stated Dr. Lucio Ibilik, a paleontologist at Patagonico de Geología y Paleontología.

“Nevertheless, our comprehension of this group is limited due to the scarcity of complete fossils.”

A well-preserved, partially articulated skeleton of a single Joaquinraptor Casali specimen was uncovered in the Lago Corfue Huapi Formation, situated in the South Central Chubut province of central Patagonia, Argentina.

The specimen comprised numerous dinosaur skulls, anterior limbs, hind legs, ribs, and vertebrae.

Based on the microstructure of the bones, paleontologists propose that the specimen is an adult, albeit possibly not fully matured.

Drawing from other megaraptran remains, they estimate that Joaquinraptor Casali measured about 7 meters in length and weighed over 1,000 kg.

Evidence from sediment suggests this dinosaur thrived in a warm, humid floodplain environment.

“The discovery of bones within the fossilized remains of a crocodilian’s leg pressed against the lower jaw of Joaquinraptor Casali provides insights into its feeding habits, suggesting it may have been a primary predator in its habitat,” the researchers noted.

“However, additional studies are necessary to enhance our understanding of its behavior and ecological role.”

According to scientists, Joaquinraptor Casali and other factions of Megaraputra remained dominant predators in this area of South America, ultimately facing extinction alongside other non-avian dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.

“It seems that South American megaraptolids achieved larger body sizes (over 7 m in length) than their generally smaller counterparts in Australia (5-6 m),” they added.

“The Patagonian Megaraputrids may have continued to grow throughout their evolutionary history, possibly influenced by the extinction of Carcharodontosaurus during the late Cretaceous.”

“Furthermore, this could have permitted Megaraptorids to fill a niche as apex predators within their ecosystems.”

“Moreover, as suggested by the stratigraphy of the Maastrichtian (likely late Maastrichtian), Joaquinraptor Casali may have survived until the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, perishing alongside all other non-avian dinosaurs.”

The discovery of Joaquinraptor Casali has been detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature Communications.

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lm ibiricu et al. 2025. The latest Cretaceous Megaraptolid Cellopod dinosaurs shed light on the evolution and paleontology of megaraptrans. Nut commune 16, 8298; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-63793-5

Source: www.sci.news

Strange Discovery: Venus Features a Lava Tube

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

We are gaining knowledge about Venus, a high-pressure planet

JSC/NASA

SEI 267222984 — We are gaining knowledge about Venus, a high-pressure planet

JSC/NASA

There is compelling evidence that vast underground tunnels have been formed from lava on Venus. These formations are unusually wide and distinct from those found on other celestial bodies.

It is generally accepted that underground tunnels, carved through lava, exist as lava tubes on Earth, the Moon, and Mars. Smaller, low-gravity planets tend to develop more porous tubes as their rocky walls are less susceptible to collapse due to weaker gravity. For instance, the Moon has such large tubes that scientists have proposed utilizing them as habitats for astronauts, shielding them from intense solar winds.

Researchers have observed indications of these lava tubes on Venus, evident from surface holes that may have been formed by the underground features or by other geological activities associated with its active fault lines.

Recently, Barbara de Tofoli from the University of Padova in Italy along with her colleagues uncovered direct evidence of these lava tubes on Venus. Remarkably, despite Venus’s similarities to Earth regarding its mass and gravity, its lava tubes appear to be surprisingly wide, with a volume comparable to those found on the Moon.

“While Earth has a small number of lava tubes, Mars has a slightly larger count, and the Moon has even more. Venus disrupts this trend by featuring incredibly large tubes, indicating its potential significance,” she stated at the Europlanet Science Congress in Helsinki, Finland, earlier this month.

De Tofoli and her team used radar and mapping data from previous missions to examine the alignment of these pits near large volcanoes. They identified four distinct sites where alternative geological explanations, such as structural activities, were implausible. The pits were also found to align with the steepest sections of volcanic slopes, consistent with the movement of lava. Their depth-to-width ratio corresponded with known lava tubes.

The unexpectedly large size of these tubes, especially their width, implies that the extreme conditions on Venus, characterized by high temperatures and pressure, can influence the movement of molten rock beneath the surface. “Due to the extremely high pressure, the floor of these tubes is not eroded as intensely as it typically is on other planets; instead, it remains largely flat throughout the tube.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Tektite Discovery Sheds Light on 11-Million-Year-Old Asteroid Impact in Australia

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tektite forms almost pure glass (with minimal crystalline inclusions) when space debris impacts the Earth, causing surface materials to melt and be ejected hundreds or thousands of kilometers away.

Map of Ananguite strown field based on Tektite location. Image credit: Musolino et al. , doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119600.

“Tektite is a specific type of glass formed by impacts, recognized particularly for its distribution across extensive spray fields far from the source crater,” stated Professor Fred Jordan from Curtin University and his team.

“The widespread distribution in Central Europe (14 million years ago), North America (35 million years ago), the Ivory Coast (1 million years ago), and from China to Australia (780,000 years ago) has been traced back to the spread originating from Central Europe, known for four distinct scattered fields located in Central America (800,000 years ago).

“The corresponding tektites include Moldavites, Bediasite-Georgiaite, Ivorites, Australiasites, and Belizites, respectively.”

A newly identified type of Tektite, called Ananguite, has been found primarily in South Australia.

“Discovering a new Tektite field is akin to opening a new chapter in Earth’s tumultuous geological history,” remarked Professor Jourdan.

“These glasses are indigenous to Australia and reveal ancient impact events previously unknown to us.”

“Each piece acts as a small time capsule from the depths of our planet’s history.”

“What adds intrigue to these findings is that, despite the considerable impact, the crater has yet to be located.”

“Understanding when and how frequently large asteroids strike Earth can also assist in evaluating the risk of future impacts, which is vital for planetary defense.”

Photos of six Tektites studied by Musolino et al. Scale bar – 2 mm. Image credit: Musolino et al. , doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119600.

“The glasses differ from all previously known tektites,” noted PhD candidate Annam Solino from AIX-Marseille University.

“These tektites are distinct due to their unusual chemistry and an approximate age of 11 million years.”

“They indicate a shock event that is completely separate from the fields associated with well-known Australian tektites.”

“While Australian tektites formed roughly 780,000 years ago and have spread across the globe, these tektites are significantly older and suggest major impacts that were previously overlooked.”

The team’s research paper was published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

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Anna Musolino et al. 2025. Australia’s new tektite spray field dates back 11 million years, originating from a volcanic arc impact crater. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 670:119600; doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119600

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Pakisephalosaur Species: A Dome-Headed Dinosaur Unearthed in Mongolia

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unearthed fossilized remains of a previously unknown species of pachycephalosaur in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. These fossils are the most complete and geologically oldest Pachycephalosaurus specimens discovered worldwide.

A young zavacephale rinpoche engaged in a territorial duel along the shores of a lake 108 million years ago. Image credit: Masaya Hattori.

“The Pakisepalosaurus, akin to the dome-headed dinosaurs, is one of the most intriguing dinosaurs,” states Dr. Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig, a researcher affiliated with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Paleontology at North Carolina State University.

“It is thought that members of this group, characterized by their enlarged skull roofs and intricate skull features, developed a complex social structure.”

“Despite their crucial role in comprehending dinosaur behavioral ecology, the absence of uncontested early species has hindered our understanding of their origins and the reconstruction of early evolution.”

This new pachycephalosaur species has been named zavacephale rinpoche, which thrived in Mongolia during the early Cretaceous period, approximately 108 million years ago.

During this period, the region was a valley adorned with lakes and flanked by cliffs and wetlands.

“zavacephale rinpoche predates the known Pakisepalosaur fossils by about 15 million years,” Dr. Chinzorig notes.

“It was a small creature, measuring less than 1 meter (3 feet) in length, yet it stands as the most complete specimen discovered to date.”

Fossilized remains of zavacephale rinpoche were found in the Klen Duk Formation within the East Gobi Basin.

“zavacephale rinpoche represents a vital specimen for deciphering the evolution of the Pachycephalosaurus’s cranial dome. This has been a topic of debate for quite some time, given the lack of early divergent or pre-rear Cretaceous species and the fragmentary nature of most Pachyphalosaurus fossils,” Dr. Chinzorig explained.

“We’ve encountered many unique experiences worldwide,” remarked Lindsay Zanno, a researcher at North Carolina State University and director of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

“The domes likely provided no defense against predators or help in thermoregulation; thus, they were probably a means of display for social interactions.”

“If you seek to establish a relationship, I suggest starting your rehearsals early,” she adds.

zavacephale rinpoche fills a significant gap in the timeline of Pachycephalosaurs.

“This specimen is a unique discovery,” Dr. Zanno emphasized.

“Not only does it push the fossil record of this group back by at least 15 million years, but it is also the oldest and most well-preserved Pachycephalosaurus known, offering profound insights into its anatomy and biology, including the use of gastroliths to aid in digestion.”

“The newly recovered materials from zavacephale rinpoche are helping to reconstruct our understanding of the paleobiology, locomotion, and anatomy of these enigmatic dinosaurs, including aspects of their hands, gastroliths, and the articulated tails with preserved tendons,” Dr. Chinzorig concluded.

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

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T. Chinzorig et al. A dome-shaped Pakisephalosaurus from Mongolia’s early Cretaceous period. Nature Published online on September 17th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09213-6

Source: www.sci.news

Remarkable Discovery: Two Fossils of Young Individuals Tragically Lost to a Catastrophic Storm in Germany

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists from the University of Leicester studied two immature fossilized skeletal remains of Pterodactylus antiquus, individuals whose wings were damaged and were discovered in Solnhofen limestone, southern Germany. Their findings reveal that these creatures were sadly victims of a powerful Jurassic storm, which created the perfect conditions for fossilization, leading to the preservation of hundreds of similar specimens.

Artistic representation of the hatchling Pterodactylus antiquus, inspired by fossil discoveries, struggling through a tumultuous tropical storm. Image credit: Rudolf Hima.

“Dating back 153-148 million years, the Jurassic Solnhofen limestone deposits in Bavaria, southern Germany, are renowned for their remarkably preserved fossils, including many examples of various pterosaurs, flying reptiles from the Mesozoic era.”

“A puzzling aspect of this site is that while Solnhofen is home to hundreds of pterosaur fossils, almost all are small, immature specimens that are remarkably intact.”

“In stark contrast, larger adult pterosaurs are infrequently found and typically represented by isolated fragments, such as skulls or limbs.”

“This trend contradicts expectations, as larger, more resilient animals should theoretically have a greater chance of fossilization than fragile juveniles.”

In their latest study, the researchers examined the fossilized remains of two immature pterosaurs from the Solnhofen limestone.

These individuals belong to Pterodactylus antiquus, a species that inhabited Germany during the late Jurassic period.

With a wingspan of under 20 cm (8 inches), these hatchlings represent the smallest known pterosaurs.

Both specimens exhibit identical injuries: a clean, sloping fracture in the humerus.

Newborn specimens of Pterodactylus antiquus from Solnhofen limestone, Germany. Scale bar – 20 mm. Image credit: Smyth et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.006.

One specimen’s left wing and another’s right wing appear broken in a manner consistent with a strong twist, likely caused by a sudden gust of wind rather than impact with a hard object.

The unfortunate pterosaur was likely submerged beneath the lagoon’s surface, overwhelmed by storm waves, and swiftly sank to the seabed, where it was quickly buried by a fine layer of mud stirred up by the tempest.

This rapid entombment facilitated the exceptional preservation observed in the fossils.

It’s reminiscent of a scene only days or weeks after the animals’ demise, with preservation so remarkable that while no significant skeletal trauma is evident, many other small, very young pterosaurs are found within the Solnhofen limestone.

These juvenile pterosaurs, unable to withstand the storm’s ferocity, were also drawn into the lagoon.

This discovery clarifies why smaller fossils are so well preserved—due to the direct aftermath of the storm, which was a common cause of death for pterosaurs in the region.

“For centuries, scientists believed the Solnhofen lagoon ecosystem was primarily composed of small pterosaurs,” stated Dr. Smith.

“However, we now recognize that this perspective was quite skewed; many of these pterosaurs were not lagoon dwellers.”

“Most were likely immature individuals that lived on nearby islands, inadvertently caught in a powerful storm.”

A study detailing these findings was published today in the journal Current Biology.

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Robert S. Smith et al. Fatal incidents in juvenile pterosaurs and selective sampling within fossil Solnhofen communities. Current Biology, published online September 5th, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.006

Source: www.sci.news

Groundbreaking Discovery: Scientists May Have Uncovered a Method to Halt Brain Aging

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

As we grow older, our cognitive learning and memory capabilities decline—recent studies have identified the proteins responsible for this phenomenon.

Researchers at UC San Francisco have pinpointed the culprit: an iron-associated protein called FTL1. Its detrimental effects hinder cognitive awareness throughout the aging process, and understanding this may allow us to target it in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

“It’s essentially a reversal of the challenges,” said Saul Vilda, PhD, Associate Director and Senior Author of the Papers at UCSF Bakar Aging Research Institute; Natural aging. “It’s about more than just slowing or preventing symptoms.”

The hippocampus, a brain region essential for learning and memory, is particularly susceptible to the effects of aging. Researchers observed an increase in neuronal FTL1 in the hippocampus of older mice, correlating with cognitive decline and reduced intercellular connections.

The hippocampus, shown here, is vital for the formation of new memories (credit: Getty Images)

In an experiment, scientists artificially increased FTL1 levels in young mice, leading to brain and behavior changes reminiscent of older mice. Elevated FTL1 levels hinder synaptic connections, ultimately resulting in poorer memory performance.

Interestingly, their motor skills and anxiety levels remained stable, indicating that the cognitive impairments were specifically linked to memory and synaptic functions.

When researchers reduced FTL1 levels in the hippocampus of older mice, they noted improved neuronal connections and enhanced performance in memory tests, effectively reversing some signs of aging.

The FTL1 protein is involved in iron storage and metabolism, regulating long-term levels in the brain. As we age, alterations in iron metabolism lead to increased FTL1 in neurons.

By reversing aspects of cognitive aging in mice, this discovery could pave the way for treatments that counteract the effects of FTL1 in the brain, potentially restoring cognitive function in older adults.

“Identifying elements that seem to promote aging while keeping your brain youthful is crucial for overall health and activity as you age. FTL1 appears to be an anti-aging champion,” stated Andrew Steel in BBC Science Focus.

“This is an intriguing preliminary study, but as this research was conducted on mice, we must observe whether the same effects occur in humans.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Potential Discovery of ‘Planet Y’ in the Outer Solar System

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Could there be hidden planets in our solar system?

Peter Jurik/Alamy

At the far reaches of our solar system, there could be a new Earth-sized planet, referred to as Planet Y.

Astronomers have speculated for a long time about the existence of concealed planets past the Kuiper Belt, which is populated with frozen bodies, including UTO. Notable theories have included Planet X, a compelling candidate believed to be approximately seven times the mass of Earth and orbiting about 50 times the distance from the Sun, alongside at least 300 other solar masses.

Amir Shiraj from Princeton University and his team suggest the existence of Planet Y, distinct from other candidates, based on the warping observed in the orbits of some Kuiper Belt objects. “If that warp is confirmed, the simplest explanation is an undiscovered planet with a tilt,” Shiraj explains.

This hypothetical planet could have a mass comparable to that of Mercury or Earth and might orbit roughly 100-200 times the distance of genomic syndrome. The gravitational influence of this planet could cause certain Kuiper Belt objects to have orbits that are slightly inclined, mimicking the rippling effect in a body of water.

“The signals we’re detecting are subtle but trustworthy,” Shiraj remarks. “Previous hints of Planet Nine shared similar statistical probabilities.”

The orbital distortion conjectured for Planet Y differs from the rationale behind the potential existence of Planet Nine, which is thought to attract objects with its gravity. “The signatures indicate a different source,” Shiraj adds.

Johnty Horner at the University of South Queensland believes it is “plausible” that an unseen realm, like Planet Y, exists in the outer solar system. “It’s a reminder that we are still exploring what lies beyond Neptune; our understanding is still in its infancy,” he states.

Such a planet might have been ejected from the inner solar system to the outer reaches. “Scattering appears more likely,” Horner suggests.

With the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s decade-long survey of the skies, our perception of the outer solar system is expected to transform significantly in the coming years. Should Planet Y, Planet Nine, or other candidates exist, Rubin may directly observe them.

“Rubin is rapidly expanding our catalog of well-studied trans-Neptunian objects,” remarks Shiraj. If Planet Y is indeed lurking out there, Rubin might identify it “within the initial years of the survey,” Shiraj adds, or at least provide further evidence of the observed warping effect.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Discovery: A Galaxy That Defies Existence

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Embracing Life After 40

Worried that you’re past your prime? Think again! We’ve gathered the most effective workouts to try once you hit the big 4-0.

Discover Your Purpose

Finding purpose is essential for our wellbeing, both mental and physical. Join us as we explore how to uncover the meaning in your life.

Bird Migration Insights

How do birds manage to travel such incredible distances? Researchers are beginning to uncover the secrets—insights that may one day help us rejuvenate our own energy.

Understanding Hoarding

Hoarding isn’t just about collecting items; it’s recognized as a psychological condition that requires a nuanced approach for treatment.

Additionally

Protect Bees: While pollinators need our help, the situation for bees may not be as dire as you think.
Four-Day Workweek: There’s research supporting the idea that a shorter workweek can enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. Find out what the studies reveal.
Q&A Section: This month’s questions include: Can animals engage with video games? Why do my eyelids twitch unexpectedly? What does “clubbed finger” refer to? Are there particles related to time? Will relocating near a golf course improve my health? Is breakfast cereal genuinely nutritious? Should I give up on high-intensity interval training? Can clothing chemicals disrupt my hormones? What are the most dangerous fish? Can we detect animals in infrared? And much more…

Issue 423 Launching on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025

Remember that BBC Science Focus is available across all major digital platforms. Find it on Android, Kindle Fire and e-readers, as well as the iOS App for iPad and iPhone.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Discovery of a New Blue-Spotted Mussel Species in Fiji

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Marine researchers have discovered a new species of the genus Stingray Neotrygon residing in the waters of Fiji.

Vibrant colors of Neotrygon Romeoi from around Fiji. Image credit: Glaus et al., doi: 10.1111/jfb.70094.

Neotrygon is a genus of stingrays found extensively in the West Pacific region of India.

Commonly referred to as mask rays, these animals are uniquely identifiable within the family Dasyatidae by a dark band present in the interorbital area, which results in distinctive black and white banding towards the latter part of the tail and two nipple-like structures in the mouth.

Currently, there are 17 recognized species of Neotrygon, with ten of these described since 2016.

The majority of these species (14) are believed to belong to the blue-spotted maskray complex.

The newly identified species, found exclusively in Fiji’s waters, has been named Neotrygon Romeoi, previously confused with Neotrygon kuhlii and Neotrygon trigonoides.

“It is characterized by its broad, angular snout, long claspers in adult males, and a row of spine-like structures extending from the neck to the tail’s base,” explained Dr. Kelstin Grousse, a researcher at the University of South Pacific.

“The ray’s brown dorsal surface is adorned with dark, mask-like patterns around its eyes, and it features two large patches behind its spirals, along with numerous small black spots surrounding its face.”

The description of Neotrygon Romeoi is based on nine specimens (31-39.7 cm disc width) procured from the Suva fish market and collected by local fishermen. Notably, none of the rays were killed for research purposes.

“Rays are among the most threatened marine species,” stated Dr. Glaus.

“Considering their limited distribution, high catch volumes, and unknown life histories, it is advisable to evaluate them for protection under Fiji’s Endangered and Species Conservation Act. This act is particularly relevant for endemic sharks and rays, assisting in the preservation of native biodiversity by regulating trade and the protection of certain vulnerable species.”

“This discovery underscores Fiji’s unique natural heritage and the urgent necessity to enhance our understanding and conservation of marine species,” added Lavenie Tawake, team leader of the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) program.

The discovery of Neotrygon Romeoi has been documented in a study published in the Journal of Fish Biology.

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Kirsten Grousse et al. A new species of blue-spotted maskray (Neotrygon, Dasyatidae) from Fiji. Journal of Fish Biology published online on June 9th, 2025. doi:10.1111/jfb.70094

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Rock Type Originating from the Old Slug Heap

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

French lens slug heap

Caroline Bancoilly/Alamie

Nearly two decades ago, New Scientist conducted a thought experiment titled “Imagine Earth Without People,” projecting how our planet would evolve over millennia in the absence of humanity. This intriguing exploration highlighted the environmental impacts of our species without relying on speculative dread. The takeaway was clear: while it would take considerable time, nature would eventually reclaim its landscapes, leaving scant evidence of our existence. “What’s humbling and paradoxical is that Earth forgets us so swiftly,” the piece concluded.

This reflection resurfaced when I encountered a recent research article in Geology, where researchers from the University of Glasgow unveiled a geological process indicating that the Earth may never truly forget us.

The team investigated the geology of Derwent Howe along the coast of Cumbria, England, a site that served as a major iron and steel hub for about 125 years from the 1850s. This location generated massive amounts of industrial waste known as slag, with approximately 27 million cubic meters deposited along a two-kilometer stretch of coastline. While the slag heaps persist, they are steadily eroded by oceanic forces.

During their fieldwork, researchers discovered outcrops comprised of unusual sedimentary rock types. Formerly sandy shores had their geology altered quite recently, clearly indicating detrital formations made of fragments from other rocks and minerals. A closer examination revealed that this material was derived from the slag heaps, suggesting a cycle where the slag erodes, enters the ocean, and rapidly solidifies into rocks onshore.

Remarkably, this process occurs much faster than typical rock formation, which usually spans thousands or millions of years. Here, however, it seems to transpire in mere decades.

Rock industrial waste on the Cambria coastline is turning into rocks in just a few decades, research reveals

University of Glasgow

Even more astonishingly, the researchers uncovered two artifacts embedded in this rapid rock formation. One was a penny minted in 1934, and the other was a pull tab from an aluminum beverage can, less than 36 years old. This suggests that calcification can happen in mere decades, leading the team to propose a new geological process termed the “anthropomorphized rock cycle.”

Researchers suggest that this is an entirely new geological process: anthropomorphized rock cycle.

“What’s remarkable is we’ve found that human-made materials can integrate into natural systems and dissolve over decades,” explained Amanda Owen, the team leader, to the University of Glasgow news team. “This challenges our understanding of rock formation and implies that the waste created during the modern era will have a lasting impact on our future.”

Much like with Derwent Howe, this phenomenon extends worldwide. A similar rock was discovered near Bilbao, Spain in 2022, though dating it proved challenging. David Brown, a team member, noted that slag waste presents a worldwide occurrence that will turn into rocks wherever it interacts with ocean waves.

At first glance, this might seem problematic. The environmental implications of such processes remain ambiguous. However, this discovery could indeed have a silver lining. If industrial waste solidifies into rock formations, that may offer a neat, albeit indirect, way to manage it. Rocks from Derwent Howe also revealed remnants of clothing, plastics, car tires, and fiberglass. Perhaps this process could serve as a rapid disposal method for our discarded remnants.

The study yields varied conclusions. For years, Earth scientists have debated the designation of a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene, to acknowledge that humanity has superseded natural processes as the primary influence on Earth’s systems. I’m a strong advocate for this designation, as it underscores the myriad perturbations in natural processes that have kept our planet habitable for millennia. Yet, last year, the International Geological Union opted not to endorse the Anthropocene due to controversy regarding its inception.

Now more than ever seems the right moment to reconsider that decision. Our impact on Earth’s surface marks the beginning of a new geological chapter that commenced roughly 175 years ago, observable by future civilizations. If this isn’t a new geological era, then what is?

Graham’s Week

What I’m reading

I’m listening to an anthology of comedic poems by Tim Key on audiobook.

What I’m watching

Wimbledon, the Women’s Euro, and later this month, the British and Irish Lions Rugby Test Series against Australia.

What I’m working on

I’m tending to my vegetable garden. As a beginner, I’m learning from my mistakes. How can you tell when beetroots are ready to be harvested?

Graham Lawton is a staff writer for New Scientist and the author of Must Not Grumble: The Surprising Science of Everyday Ailments. You can follow him @grahamlawton

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers Unveil Their First Solar System Discovery

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have, for the first time, been able to witness the early stages of solar system formation, discovering small entities that would eventually evolve into planets orbiting a distant young star.

This represents the earliest phase of planetary formation ever documented, giving us insight into our own solar system’s appearance shortly after the Sun ignited.

“We observe signs of planetary development – the transformation of tiny dust particles into slightly larger grains – and in some systems, this provides insight into earlier phases. Professor Merel Van ‘T Hoff, a co-author of the new study, elaborated on these findings. BBC Science Focus.

“This can be likened to researchers studying human evolution who, for the first time, can observe infants by examining young children.”

The Baby Planetary System is coming to life around a young star known as Hops-315, located 1,300 light years from Earth.

Stars in this early stage are thought to closely resemble our Sun, making them ideal subjects for uncovering the secrets of our solar system’s inception and Earth’s genesis.

Young stars like Hops-315 are enveloped by hot disks of gas and dust termed “protoplanetary discs.” Initially, these disks are extremely hot, causing silicon and iron – crucial planetary components – to be in gaseous form. However, as the disk cools, these elements begin to solidify.

Evidence from ancient meteorites in our solar system suggests that the first solid materials were formed from these discs, specifically crystalline minerals containing silicon monoxide (SiO).

These images illustrate how hot gas condenses into solid minerals around Baby Star Hops-315. The left image captures Hops-315 and its surroundings as seen by the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (Alma). Two insets depict an artist’s representation of silicon monoxide molecules condensing into solid silicates – credit: ESO/L. Calsada/Alma (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/M. McClure et al.

Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (Alma), international teams identified SiO in its gaseous form and as a newly formed crystalline mineral surrounding Hops-315, strongly indicating that solidification is just beginning.

“The first tiny minerals we observe clump together to form ‘pebbles,’ roughly the size of thumbnails,” Professor Melissa McClure, who led the research, stated. BBC Science Focus. “If they cluster closely enough, they can naturally collapse under their own gravity, forming bodies similar in size to kilometer-sized asteroids.

“Eventually, these will collide and merge, creating a planetary embryo, a full-sized rocky planet, or even the core of a gas giant like Jupiter.”

The research team plans to continue its observations of Hops-315 while also looking for other systems at this nascent stage of planetary evolution.

However, don’t expect to witness planetary formations in real-time. As Van’T Hoff remarked, “The timescale for disk evolution spans hundreds of thousands of years.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j-mh6_qlba

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About our experts

Merrell van T. Hoff is an assistant professor at Purdue University in the United States. His research aims to understand how planets form and how frequently Earth-like planets exist in the Milky Way and other galaxies. Before joining Purdue, Professor Van’T Hoff was a postdoctoral researcher with the Michigan Fellows Association at the University of Michigan.

Melissa McClure is an assistant professor at Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands and a Beni Prize laureate. Her research employs observations and models to trace how solid building blocks of life (such as “dust” grains like ice and rocks) are incorporated from the formation of dense molecular clouds to the evolution of planets within protoplanetary discs and young exoplanets.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Discovery of a Gigantic New Sauropod Dinosaur Species in China

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Chinese paleontologists have uncovered the fossilized skeleton of the colossal Mamenchisaurus dinosaurs, heralding a remarkable new genus from the late Jurassic epoch.

Fossil remains of Tongnanlong Zhimingi. Image credit: Wei et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-09796-0.

The newly identified species inhabited southwestern China approximately 147 million years ago (late Jurassic epoch).

Scientifically designated as Tongnanlong Zhimingi, this sauropod dinosaur measured around 23-28 m (75.5-92 feet) in length.

“Sauropods are enormous, herbivorous quadrupeds and represent the largest terrestrial dinosaurs that ever existed,” remarked Dr. Xuefang Wei, a researcher from the Western Center for China Geological Survey.

“They first appeared in the late Triassic period, spread globally by the Middle Jurassic, and ultimately went extinct at the end of the late Cretaceous period.”

More than 150 genera have been documented, including over 20 genera from the Jurassic period within China.

“Southwest China is a significant area for Jurassic sauropod discoveries, particularly in the Sichuan Basin,” they added.

The sauropod fauna found in the Jurassic Sichuan Basin was once considered an endemic population distinct from the terrestrial fauna of Pangaea.

This distribution was often explained by the East Asian seclusion hypothesis, suggested to have occurred between the Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods.

However, this hypothesis faces challenges from recent phylogenetic analyses conducted in China, as well as the discovery of Neosaurupod dinosaurs, including a Mamenchisaur dinosaur found in Africa.

The holotype specimen of Tongnanlong Zhimingi was excavated from a construction site in the Dongnan district of the Chonging region within the Sichuan Basin.

This includes three dorsal vertebrae, six caudal vertebrae, scapulae, coracoids, and hind limb bones.

“Our fieldwork indicates that the fossil site belongs to the upper part of the Jurassic. The Monitor formations are situated above Quaternary sediments,” noted the paleontologist.

“The Sorning Formation is composed of purple-red mudstone and sandstone.”

“The layer is rich in invertebrate fossils, including various freshwater Conchostracans, particularly ostracods and stone trails.”

Several vertebrates are identified from this layer, such as fish Ceratodus szechuanensis, turtle Plesiochelys Tatsuensis, and dinosaurs like Mamenchisaurus anyuensis.

Anatomical and phylogenetic studies affirmed that Tongnanlong Zhimingi is part of the sauropod dinosaur family Mamenchisauridae.

“Mamenchisauridae was not a fauna confined to East Asia, but rather had a global distribution during the late Jurassic period,” the researchers concluded.

“Tongnanlong Zhimingi enhances the diversity of Eusauraupods and offers new insights into sauropod diversity and evolutionary developments from the mid-Jurassic to the Late Jurassic as they increased in size.”

Their study was published in the journal Scientific Reports on July 10th.

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X. Wei et al. 2025. New Mamenchisaurus discoveries monitoring the Upper Jurassic formations in the Sichuan Basin, China and their implications for sauropod gigantism. Sci Rep 15, 24808; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-09796-0

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of Hemifusomes: Biologists Unveil New Organelle Complexes in Human Cells

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A team of biologists from the University of Virginia and the National Institutes of Health has found that half of certain organelles can make up to 10% of vesicle organelles present in cells, yet they do not follow the typical endocytotic pathway.

Cutting-edge Cryo-Electron microscope images of rat-1 cells cultured on Cryo-EM grids. The lamellipodia and filopodia in the upper right corner illustrate the cell boundary, distinguishing the cytoplasm from the extracellular space (ext). Various vesicle organelles are highlighted, including early endosomal-like vesicles (EN, pink), multinuclear bodies (MVB, blue), hemispores (HF, yellow), and inverted hemifusomes (FHF, green). Scale bar – 0.5 µm. Image credit: Tavakoli et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-59887-9.

“It’s like uncovering a new recycling center within a cell,” remarked Dr. Seham Ebrahim, a researcher at the University of Virginia.

“Many believe it plays a role in how cells manage their packaging and processing of materials. If this process fails, it can lead to diseases affecting multiple systems in the body.”

“One such condition is Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that may result in albinism, visual impairments, lung issues, and problems with blood clotting.”

“The challenges related to how cells manage their cargo are central to many of these issues.”

“We’re just beginning to grasp how these new organelles fit into the broader context of cellular health and disease.”

“This discovery is thrilling because finding a genuinely new internal cell is rare, and it opens up avenues for exploring entirely new paths.”

Utilizing Cryo-Electron tomography (Cryo-ET), the researchers managed to capture a significant number of images.

They propose that these organelles facilitate the creation of vesicle-based organelles, which function like mixing bowls, small blister-like sacs, and multiple vesicles.

This process plays a critical role in cellular sorting, recycling, and debris management.

Dr. Ebrahim stated, “You can think of vesicles as small delivery trucks within a cell.”

“Part of it functions like a loading dock where cargo is connected and transferred. It’s a step in the process we were unaware of.”

Many of these organelles have gone unnoticed but are surprisingly prevalent in certain areas of the cell.

Researchers aim to enhance their understanding of their significance in proper cell functioning and how issues with them can lead to diseases.

Such findings may contribute to targeted treatments for a range of serious genetic disorders.

“This is only the beginning,” Dr. Ebrahim noted.

“Now that we’ve confirmed the existence of hemifusomes, we can explore their behavior in healthy cells and investigate what occurs when problems arise.”

“It could pave the way for new strategies to address complex genetic disorders.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Nature Communications.

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A. Cigarette et al. 2025. Proteolipid nanosap interacting with half of hemifusomes mediates polyspore formation. Nat Commun 16, 4609; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-59887-9

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of the Tiwanaku Civilization Temple in Bolivia

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Bolivian archaeologists have unearthed an ancient complex located approximately 215 km (130 miles) southeast of the historic Tiwanak site. This large modular structure, featuring integrated sunken courtyards, bears a striking resemblance to the terraced temples of Tiwanak, indicating significant national investment.

Isometric reconstruction of the Paraspata temple rendered with a 3 m high wall. Image credits: Capriles et al., doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.59.

The ancient society near the southern shore of Lake Titicaca was once among the most influential civilizations in Bolivia.

Known as Tiwanak, this society is regarded by archaeologists as one of the earliest instances of Andean civilization and a precursor to the Inca Empire, yet it mysteriously vanished around a millennium ago.

“Much remains enigmatic about the Tiwanak civilization,” remarked Pennsylvania archaeologist Jose Capriles.

“Their society disintegrated around 1000 AD, long before the Incas seized control of the Andes in the 15th century.”

“At its zenith, Tiwanak showcased a well-organized social structure, leaving behind architectural remnants like pyramids, terraced temples, and monoliths. While most of these artefacts are found around Lake Titicaca, Tiwanak’s influence extended much farther, though the exact boundaries of its control remain debated.”

“The newly uncovered temple complex is situated about 215 km south of the historically recognized Tiwanak site, known to local indigenous farmers but inadequately studied by researchers due to its unassuming setting.”

“However, the site’s location is quite strategic.”

During the Tiwanaku period, it linked three major trade routes across diverse ecosystems, with the fertile highlands around Lake Titicaca to the north.

This has led researchers to conclude that the site must have been significant in connecting communities.

“People traveled, traded, and erected monuments at pivotal points across the arid mountainous terrain,” Dr. Capriles said.

“Upon discovering an unmapped rectangular area, we employed various techniques to visualize the region.”

“The function of the site was unclear, so I integrated different satellite images.”

“We also carried out a series of UAV missions to capture high-resolution images.”

“Using photogrammetry—a method that constructs 3D models from photographs—we achieved a more detailed visualization of the structure and its surrounding landscape.”

Stone alignments identified an ancient temple named Palaspata, derived from the local terminology.

This temple complex spans roughly 125 m in length and 145 m in width, featuring 15 rectangular enclosures surrounding a central courtyard.

The layout seems to align with rituals that coincide with the sun’s zenith, particularly when it is directly above the equator.

Paraspata Temple. Image credits: Capriles et al., doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.59.

Using the information gathered, researchers created reconstructions to visualize what the ancient Palaspata temple may have looked like.

The temple’s surface contained numerous fragments of Kelcups, which were used for consuming chicha, a traditional corn beer, during agricultural festivals and ceremonies, suggesting the temple was a key trade hub.

This highlights that corn was cultivated in the Cochabamba valley, indicating the temple’s role in facilitating connections among various culinary traditions on its elevated grounds, thereby enhancing access to an assortment of products.

“The temple likely served a spiritual function, as evidenced by the interconnections that managed trade and harvest distribution within designated ritual spaces,” noted Dr. Capriles.

“Most economic and political dealings were likely mediated through divinity, since this was a common framework for fostering cooperation among disparate individuals, as religion often serves as a unifying force among different groups.”

“The discovery was a revelation, even for local inhabitants,” commented Jas Ventura Guaralo, the mayor of Caracoro, where the site is located.

“The archaeological findings at Palaspata are vital as they unearth significant aspects of local heritage that have been largely ignored.”

“This discovery is crucial for our community, and we regard its documentation as invaluable for boosting tourism and showcasing the region’s rich history.”

The team’s paper was published today in the journal Ancient.

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Jose M. Capriles et al. 2025. Gateway to the East: Palaspata Temple and the southeast expansion of Tiwanak. Ancient 99 (405): 831-849; doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.59

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Metaterian Mammal Species Unearthed in Texas

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Members of the genus Metatherian Swaindelphys were previously identified in the Swain Quarry in southern Wyoming and the Nasimiento Formation in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico, and are now also found in the Black Peaks Formation in West Texas.

Reconstructing the life of Swaindelphys. Image credit: Kristen Tietjen.

The newly identified species thrived in Texas during the Ale-Nocene period, around 60 million years ago.

It has been designated Swaindelphys Solastella; these animals were significantly larger than related species, yet still about the size of a modern hedgehog.

It belonged to Metatherian, a group encompassing living marsupials and their extinct relatives.

“We’ve dedicated a lot of effort to uncovering this world,” remarked Kristen Miller, a doctoral student at the University of Kansas.

Fossil remains of Swaindelphys Solastella were uncovered in the Black Peak Formation within Big Bend National Park, West Texas.

“The earliest fossil mammals from the Big Bend during the Ale Holocene epoch were initially documented decades ago,” stated Professor Chris Beard of the University of Kansas.

“However, our mission is to uncover some of the smaller, more elusive fossil mammals that inhabited Big Bend during that era.”

“The new fossil we are describing holds significance as it represents the largest marsupial ever identified from the Ale Holocene in North America, in terms of body size.”

“This isn’t surprising considering that everything tends to be larger in Texas.”

The distribution patterns of Swaindelphys may provide insights into the natural features and barriers that limited the geographical spread of species during this time, including early primates.

“During the Ale New Century, the climate would have been warmer, likely leaning towards tropical,” Miller explained.

“Instead of the desert landscape seen today, there would have been more vegetation, possibly alongside numerous rivers and streams.”

“These fossils are found in what are referred to as river sediments, stemming from ancient river systems.”

The discovery of Swaindelphys Solastella is detailed in a paper released this month in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Kristen Miller et al. Implications of biogeographical and biostratigraphic novel species. Swaindelphys (Mammals, Metatheria) from the Black Peaks Formation, Big Bend National Park, Texas. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online on June 17th, 2025. doi:10.1080/02724634.2025.2500501

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of New Superheavy Nucleus: Seaborgium-257

Posted on June 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A collaborative team of physicists from Germany, Finland, India, and Japan has identified a new isotope of the synthetic element Seaborgium.

Mossat et al. Report on the discovery of the new isotope Seaborgium-257. Image credit: P. Mossat, GSI/Fair.

Seaborgium is a synthetic chemical element with the symbol SG and atomic number 106.

This element was first synthesized in 1974, and currently, there are 14 known isotopes. The most stable isotope, Seaborgium-271, has a half-life of about 2.4 minutes.

The newly discovered isotope, Seaborgium-257, decays through spontaneous fission and alpha particle emission, possessing a half-life of 12.6 ms.

“Our progress is hindered by a scarcity of high-quality lead-206 targets necessary for the production of Seaborgium-257, using a powerful beam of Chromium-52 from the GSI/Fair Linear Accelerator Unilac,” they explained.

Utilizing the advanced gas-filled recoil separator TASCA (transactinide separator and chemical device), researchers recorded a total of 22 decays of Seaborgium-257.

“Our findings regarding Seaborgium-257 provide intriguing insights into the shell effects influencing the fission properties of ultra-heavy nuclei,” they mentioned.

“One significant outcome suggests that the next lightweight yet unknown isotopes may undergo nuclear fission within a brief timeframe of 1 nanosecond to 6 microseconds.

“This upper limit for the anticipated half-life is close to the current experimental capabilities unless a so-called K-extra-character state exists.”

“This excited state, stabilized by quantum effects, exhibits extended fission lifetimes and potentially allows for the exploration of short-lived nuclei.”

“Recently, notable advancements were achieved with the discovery of the 60-NS Rutherford 252 through a long-lived K-amplitude state, edging towards the stability threshold.”

“The quest for the isotopic limits of elements is a natural extension of these experiments, mapping the boundaries of hyper-heavy nuclear stability.”

“To date, no K-atroscopy states have been identified in Seaborgium isotopes.”

Nonetheless, in this current experiment, the team also irradiated a lead-208 target and found strong evidence of a K-isomer state in Seaborgium-259.

“Our results concerning the K-Crossic state of Seaborgium-259 open avenues to investigate the K-isomer phenomena in other isotopes, paving the way for the synthesis of short-lived Seaborgium-256 isotopes.”

The team’s results were published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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P. Mossat et al. 2025. Investigating the shell effect in fission: a new hyperstable nucleus 257SG. Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 232501; doi:10.1103/s7hr-y7zq

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a Compact Binary System: A Neutron Star Orbiting Within Another Star

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This binary system comprises a PSR J1928+1815 along with a rapidly spinning millisecond pulsar known as the Helium Star Companion.

The AI impression of the compact binary system. Image credit: Gemini AI.

The millisecond pulsar consists of rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit radio waves.

These stars attain remarkable rotational velocities by harvesting material from surrounding stellar groups.

The development of such exotic binary systems remains partially understood, as it encompasses a range of complex processes.

The theory suggests that binary systems may undergo a common envelope phase, where a star orbits within the outer layer of its companion.

If the companion in this evolutionary phase is a neutron star, the theory indicates that the outer layer will be swiftly ejected, resulting in a binary system of recycled pulsars and stripped helium stars.

In the recent study, Dr. Zonglin Yang, a national astronomer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with colleagues, examined the millisecond pulsar PSR J1928+1815.

Utilizing data from a high-speed 500-meter aperture spherical radio telescope, they discovered that the pulsar has a spin period of 10.55 ms and resides in a close binary system with companion helium stars, completing an orbit every 3.6 hours.

They employed a stellar model to demonstrate that this system originated following an unstable mass transfer from companion stars to neutron stars, leading to the formation of a common envelope around both stellar objects.

The neutron star approached the core of the other star, ejected the outer envelope, and released energy, resulting in a tightly bound binary system.

“The companion star has a mass between 1.0 and 1.6 solar masses, obscuring the pulsar approximately 17% of its orbit and is undetectable at other wavelengths, suggesting it is likely a stripped helium star,” the authors noted.

“We interpret this system as having recently undergone a common envelope phase to create compact binaries.”

“Such systems are thought to be rare, yet we anticipate the existence of others,” they added.

“We estimate that there could be between 16 and 84 undiscovered examples within the Milky Way.”

The findings are documented in a paper published in the journal Science.

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Zl Yang et al. 2025. A pulsar helium star compact binary system formed by common envelope evolution. Science 388 (6749): 859-863; doi: 10.1126/science.ado0769

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a Newly Preserved Specimen of Archeopteryx

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The latest fossil, named Chicago Archeopteryx, is the 14th known specimen of this remarkable Jurassic species.

Chicago Archeopteryx. Image credit: Delaney Drummond/Field Museum.

The Archeopteryx inhabited the Jurassic period around 150 million years ago.

The Chicago specimen is the smallest known, roughly the size of a pigeon. Its fragile hollow bones are embedded in exceptionally hard limestone.

As with other Archeopteryx fossils, this new find was located in limestone deposits near Solnhofen, Germany.

This particular fossil was uncovered by a private collector before 1990 and has remained privately held since then.

A coalition of supporters assisted the Field Museum in acquiring it, and it arrived there in August 2022.

“When we initially obtained the specimen of Archeopteryx,” remarked Dr. Jinmaio Connor, the Field Museum’s Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles.

“Despite the fact that Archeopteryx has been known for over 160 years, we were uncertain about the new insights we might gain.”

“However, our specimens are exceptionally well preserved and prepared, so we are uncovering a wealth of new information, from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail.”

Thanks to the outstanding preservation of the specimens, paleontologists conducted high-resolution CT scans and digital 3D reconstructions.

The findings reveal an almost entirely intact skull, featuring a well-preserved palate region.

“The bones in the roof of the mouth provide valuable insights into the evolution of what is known as a skull, a feature of modern birds that allows them to move their beaks independently from the braincase,” Dr. O’Connor explained.

“While it may not seem thrilling, for those studying bird evolution, it’s quite significant, as it is thought that specialized skulls may have evolved for varying ecological niches.”

“Additionally, the soft tissues preserved in Chicago Archeopteryx‘s hands and feet support the idea that Archeopteryx likely spent considerable time on the ground and may have even climbed trees.”

An illustration of Archeopteryx depicting its characteristic feathers that would have assisted flight. Image credit: Michael Rothman.

The wing feathers of the Chicago Archeopteryx raise an enduring scientific question regarding the origins of flight in dinosaurs.

“Archeopteryx is not the first dinosaur with wings, nor the first to possess ‘wings’,” Dr. O’Connor explained.

“However, it is considered the earliest known dinosaur that managed to achieve powered flight using its wings.”

“This section of the paper is particularly intriguing to me, as it provides evidence that Archeopteryx employed feathered wings for flight.”

Key to Archeopteryx‘s flight may be a set of feathers previously unrecognized in the species—a group of long upper arm feathers known as Tertials.

“In comparison to most modern birds, Archeopteryx has an exceptionally long upper arm bone,” noted Dr. O’Connor.

“If you are flying, having an elongated upper arm bone can create a gap between your long primary and secondary wings and the rest of your body.”

“If air flows through that gap, it can disturb the lift being generated, making flight impossible.”

Nevertheless, modern birds have developed solutions to this issue, employing a series of tertial feathers to bridge the gap between their bodies and wings.

“Our specimen is the first Archeopteryx to be preserved and studied for its long feather structure,” Dr. O’Connor said.

“These feathers share similarities with those of birds, yet are absent in non-avian feathered dinosaurs.”

“Their wing feathers terminate at their elbows, indicating that these non-bird dinosaurs could not fly, whereas Archeopteryx could.”

“This also supports the idea that flight in dinosaurs may have evolved multiple times, which I find very exciting.”

The team’s research findings were published in the journal Nature this week.

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J. O’Connor et al. Chicago Archeopteryx offers insights into early avian evolution. Nature Published online May 14, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08912-4

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a Massive Wandering Black Hole Located 600 Million Light-Years Away

Posted on May 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The discovery of this superwalled black hole was made possible by the newly identified tidal disruption event, AT2024TVD.

Tidal Disruption Event AT2024TVD. Image credits: NASA/CXC/University of California, Berkeley/Yao et al. /ESA /STSCI /HST /J. DEPASQUALE.

“A tidal disruption event (TDE) occurs when stars are either stretched or ‘spaghettified’ by the immense gravitational forces of black holes,” explained UC Berkeley researcher Dr. Yuhanyao.

“The remnants of the torn-apart stars are pulled into a circular orbit around the black hole.”

“This process creates high-temperature shocks and emissions that can be detected in ultraviolet and visible light.”

The AT2024TVD event enabled astronomers to utilize the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to identify elusive wandering supermassive black holes, supported by observations from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.

Interestingly, these 1 million rogue black holes are often found to be supermassive and actively consuming surrounding material.

Among the roughly 100 TDEs recorded by the Light Sky Survey, this marks the first instance of an offset TDE being identified.

In fact, at the center of the host galaxy lie ultra-massive black holes differing in mass by 100 million solar masses.

Hubble’s optical precision indicates that the TDE is located just 2,600 light-years from the larger black holes at the galaxy’s core.

This distance is comparable to just one minute of the span between our Sun and the central ultra-massive black hole of the Milky Way.

The larger black hole expels energy as it accumulates material, classifying it as an active galactic nucleus.

Interestingly, the two supermassive black holes exist within the same galaxy but are not gravitationally linked like a binary pair.

Smaller black holes can potentially spiral toward the center of the galaxy, eventually merging with their larger counterparts.

However, at this point, they are too distant to be bound by gravity.

“AT2024TVD is the first offset TDE captured through optical observations, opening up new possibilities for studying this elusive population of black holes in future surveys,” Dr. Yao remarked.

“Currently, theorists have not focused extensively on offset TDEs.

“I believe this discovery will drive scientists to search for more instances of this type of event.”

The black holes responsible for AT2024TVD are traversing the bulges of gigantic galaxies.

Black holes periodically consume stars every tens of thousands of years, lying dormant until their next “meal” arrives.

How did the black hole become displaced from the center? Previous studies suggest that three-body interactions can eject lower-mass black holes from a galaxy’s core.

This theory may apply here, given its proximity to the central black hole.

“If a black hole undergoes a three-body interaction with two other black holes in the galaxy’s core, it can remain bound to the galaxy and orbit the central region,” explained Dr. Yao.

Another possibility is that these black holes are remnants from a smaller galaxy that merged with the host galaxy over a billion years ago.

In such a case, the black hole could eventually merge with the central active black hole in the distant future. As of now, astronomers remain uncertain about its trajectory.

“There is already substantial evidence that the galaxy will increase its TDE rate, but the presence of a second black hole associated with AT2024TVD suggests a past merger has occurred.”

The team’s survey results will be published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Yuhan Yao et al. 2025. A massive black hole located 0.8 kpc from the host nucleus. apjl in press; Arxiv: 2502.17661

Source: www.sci.news

Early Monotonicity: A Semi-Quantitative Discovery by Paleontologists

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The prevailing belief regarding these egg sales has been that both species descend from land-dwelling ancestors. While the ancestors of the platymonds became semi-aquatic, Echidna remained terrestrial. However, a detailed examination of a humerus bone from Kryoryctes cadburyi, a prehistoric monotreme that lived in Victoria, Australia, during the early Cretaceous period, indicates that Echidna evolved from semi-aquatic ancestors, suggesting that the lifestyle of modern paddy field amphibians originated over 100 million years ago.

Artist’s impressions of Kryoryctes cadburyi. Image credit: Peter Schouten.

“Approximately 30 examples of mammals have evolved to live entirely or partially in water, such as whales, dolphins, dugongs, seals, otters, and beavers,” says Professor Suzanne Hand, a paleontologist from the University of New South Wales.

“However, it is exceedingly rare to observe mammals evolving in the opposite direction.”

“We are discussing semi-aquatic mammals that transitioned to a land-based existence. Such an event would be quite unusual, but I believe that’s what occurred with echidnas.”

In their recent study, Professor Hand and her team analyzed a single humerus bone of an ancient monotreme, Kryoryctes Cadbury.

Using CT scans and other techniques, they investigated the internal microstructure of the specimen.

“The external structure of bones allows for direct comparisons with similar animals to clarify relationships, while the internal structure offers insights into the beast’s lifestyle and ecology,” Professor Hand explained.

“Thus, while the internal structure might not reveal the animal’s identity, it can inform us about its environment and living conditions.”

Living in southern Victoria about 108 million years ago, Kryoryctes cadburyi and its relatives dominated the Australian mammalian fauna.

“Mesozoic mammals from Australia are uncommon and primarily known through their teeth and jaws,” states Professor Michael Archer from the University of New South Wales.

“Currently, Kryoryctes cadburyi is known solely from limb bones.”

“This humerus presents an extraordinary chance to gain insight into the lifestyles of Australian mammals, revealing a considerable story, perhaps one we weren’t initially anticipating.”

Researchers were taken aback when they discovered that the internal structure of the ancient humerus differed from that of modern Echidna bones.

“The internal structure shows that the bone wall of platymonds is quite thick with a narrow bone marrow cavity, while Echidna has a much thinner bone wall,” they noted.

“The fine structure of the Kryoryctes cadburyi humerus resembles that found in lizards, with its dense bone serving as ballast, aiding its ability to dive for food, a trait noticed in other semi-aquatic mammals.”

There are also peculiar traits in modern Echidna that might hint at an ancient semi-aquatic ancestry.

“It’s well established that the platypus bill contains numerous highly sensitive receptors that detect slight currents created by prey,” Professor Hand remarked.

“Although Echidna’s snouts have fewer receptors, it’s thought these might be remnants of their aquatic manipulative capabilities, along with traces of platypus-like features found in the embryos of echidnas.”

“Another characteristic inherited from their aquatic ancestors is the backward orientation of Echidna’s hind legs, similar to the rounded feet of the platypus when swimming.”

“In Echidnas, however, this trait is utilized for digging.”

“Our research has shown that echidnas exhibit diving reflexes when submerged in water, which assist in conserving oxygen and prolonging breath-holding capabilities. Studies on a respiratory protein called mammalian myoglobin further suggest echidna’s semi-aquatic ancestry.”

“The positive charge on myoglobin’s surface correlates with enhanced muscle capacity to retain oxygen, thereby extending the duration mammals can dive.”

“This is more prominent in platypuses, but even among burrowing mammals, echidnas show a higher than expected capacity.”

Survey results were published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Suzanne J. Hand et al. 2025. Bone microstructure supports the Mesozoic origin of monotremes’ semi-aquatic lifestyle. PNAS 122 (19): E2413569122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2413569122

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of Glowing Dark Clouds and Molecules Near Earth

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Stars and planets arise from swirling clouds of cosmic gas and dust, primarily composed of hydrogen and other molecular elements. On Monday, astronomers announced the discovery of the closest known cloud to Earth, a vast, crescent-shaped region teeming with potential for star formation.

This cloud, located approximately 300 light-years from our solar system, has been named after EOS, the Greek goddess of dawn. It is the first molecular cloud identified through hydrogen fluorescence, according to Blakeley Burkhart, an astrophysicist at Rutgers University.

“If you observe these clouds in the sky, they’re enormous,” Dr. Burkhart stated. The findings were published in conjunction with a colleague in the Nature Astronomy Journal. She also remarked, “It literally glows in the darkness.”

Investigating clouds like EO, especially regarding their hydrogen content, could reshape astronomers’ understanding of the galactic material available for planet and star formation. This research also provides insights into the rates of formation and destruction of the materials that fuel these processes.

“For the first time, we are observing this hidden reservoir of hydrogen that can create stars,” explained Thavisha Dharmawardena, an astronomer at New York University and co-author of the study. Following the discovery of EOS, astronomers expressed a desire to identify more hydrogen-rich clouds.

Molecular hydrogen, which consists of two hydrogen atoms, is the universe’s most abundant substance. This stellar nursery contains it abundantly. However, detecting these molecules from the ground is challenging because they emit light at wavelengths easily absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere.

In contrast, carbon monoxide—composed of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom—is simpler to detect. It emits light at longer wavelengths, making it accessible for observation with radio telescopes commonly used to identify star-forming clouds.

EOS eluded detection for a long time due to its unexpected nature and low carbon monoxide levels.

Dr. Burkhart identified the cloud while analyzing data from approximately 20 years earlier from the Far-Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (FIMS), an instrument aboard a Korean satellite. She found molecular hydrogen signatures in areas where she believed no molecular cloud existed and collaborated with Dr. Dharmawardena for deeper investigation.

“At this stage, I was familiar with nearly every molecular cloud by name,” Dr. Dharmawardena noted. “I had no awareness of this particular structure; I couldn’t comprehend it.”

Dr. Dharmawardena confirmed the discovery against the 3D map of interstellar dust in our galaxy, which was developed using data from the now-retired Gaia Space Telescope. “EOS was distinctly outlined and visible,” she commented. “It’s a stunning structure.”

John Black, an astronomer at Sweden’s Chalmers Institute of Technology, lauded the methods used to unveil EOS, though he was not part of the research team.

“It’s remarkable to witness molecular hydrogen firsthand and trace the outline of this cloud,” Dr. Black remarked. He added that, compared to carbon monoxide, hydrogen reveals the “authentic shape and size” of EOS.

Utilizing molecular hydrogen data, astronomers estimated the mass of EO to be about 3,400 times that of our Sun, significantly exceeding the carbon monoxide-based estimate of 20 solar masses.

Dr. Burkhart suggested that similar carbon monoxide measurements may underrepresent the mass of other molecular clouds. She emphasized the significance of this finding in stellar formation, as larger clouds can spawn larger stars.

In a follow-up study, EOS, which remains unreviewed, revealed that the cloud has not produced a star previously. However, the future potential for star formation remains uncertain.

Dr. Burkhart collaborated with a team of astronomers to conceptualize a NASA spacecraft named EOS, which inspired the cloud’s name. This proposed space telescope aims to map molecular hydrogen content in clouds across the galaxy, including its namesake.

Such a mission could enhance our understanding of the potential for more concealed clouds and known stellar clouds to contribute to star and planet formation.

“I genuinely don’t know how stars and planets come into being,” Dr. Burkhart admitted. “By observing molecular hydrogen firsthand, we can gain insights into how the birthplaces of stars form and how they ultimately fade away.”

Source: www.nytimes.com