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2026: The Year of the Galaxy – What to Expect

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James Webb Space Telescope captures an Einstein ring, revealing two galaxies connected in a cosmic dance.

Stunning image from the James Webb Space Telescope revealing an Einstein Ring formed by two distant galaxies.

Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, G. Mahler

As we approach 2026, we’re stepping into a year rich with galactic exploration.

We’ll witness the beginning of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s deep dive into the space-time legacy, alongside a potential launch of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

Both observatories are pivotal for galaxy observation, aimed at cataloging and unraveling the complexities of galaxy structures and behavior. Expect significant updates on galactic findings in the upcoming months!

As excitement grows for the wealth of information we’ll receive on galaxies, it’s notable that my early interest skewed towards active galactic nuclei (AGNs)—galaxies boasting supermassive black holes that release immense energy as they consume matter near the event horizon. Admittedly, I was drawn to AGNs primarily for their black hole attributes.

During my PhD journey, my curriculum mandated multiple courses on galaxies, which initially overwhelmed me. Galaxies are classified by shape, each category diving into further sub-categories, revealing a perplexing web of classifications. This complexity often felt devoid of mathematical logic, highlighting a possible divide between theorists and experimentalists.

If only I could rewind time and tell my younger self that the challenges in galaxy classification were what deserved my attention.

One of the core challenges in this research realm is that galaxies only manifest as 2D images in the night sky; we lack the ability to perceive them in three dimensions or to observe their rotation due to their enormity. Thus, we rely on these frozen snapshots in time, interpreting their classification based on scientific judgment and taste.

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The shape of a galaxy offers fascinating insights into its evolutionary history – elliptical galaxies typically harbor older stars.
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Historically, Edwin Hubble devised a classification system for galaxies that remains influential today. He defined three fundamental shapes: elliptical, spiral, and irregular. Notably, lenticular galaxies, while appearing spiral, lack an actual spiral structure.

Gérard de Vaucouleurs expanded this classification by incorporating subcategories to identify patterns within galaxy shapes. However, the efficacy of these classifications hinges on the quality of the underlying dataset. A century ago, during Hubble’s time, the datasets were rudimentary, lacking knowledge of dark matter—a critical component now understood to inhabit galaxies.

Galaxy shapes serve as indicators of evolutionary history; for instance, elliptical galaxies often house older stars and lie closer in proximity to galaxy clusters. Furthermore, the assembly and evolution history of these galaxies relates intricately to the configuration of their surrounding dark matter halos.

Additionally, galaxy shapes can unveil secrets about dark energy, which accelerates the universe’s expansion. The Roman Space Telescope aims to deepen our understanding in this regard.

The Vera Rubin Observatory will extend its observational prowess, particularly focusing on dwarf spheroidal galaxies—dim, circular galaxies devoid of substantial star mass. These dwarf galaxies frequently accompany larger counterparts, helping to illuminate the evolutionary structure of the universe.

Excitingly, the scientific teams behind the Rubin and Roman telescopes are collaboratively strategizing on how best to utilize the forthcoming data. As we honor the legacies of Vera C. Rubin and Nancy Grace Roman, 2026 heralds a new generation dedicated to exploring galaxies in extraordinary detail.

What I’m currently reading:
Twilight novel series.

What I see:
Correct, the Twilight movie series.

What I’m working on:
I’m diligently finishing the draft of my third book: Cosmos is a Black Aesthetic.

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of New Hampshire. She is the author of Turbulent Universe and upcoming works The Ends of Space and Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Boogie of Cosmic Dreams.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Weight Regain: What to Expect After Discontinuing Obesity Medications in Two Years

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Weight loss drugs effectiveness

Weight loss medications, including Munjaro (tirzepatide), are effective when taken consistently.

Alan Swart / Alamy

A recent study involving over 9,000 participants revealed that individuals who discontinue weight loss medications often regain the weight lost within two years. This finding underscores the notion that obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease necessitating ongoing treatment.

“These medications are very effective; however, obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition,” explained Susan Jebb, who addressed the press at the University of Oxford. “Similar to hypertension medications, these treatments are likely needed for life.”

It’s evident that weight loss medications can significantly aid individuals in combating obesity, particularly newer GLP-1 medications mimicking gut hormones such as glucagon-like peptide 1—examples include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). These drugs not only facilitate weight loss but also positively impact health metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Nevertheless, many patients have ceased using GLP-1 medications due to side effects, including nausea, or a lack of availability triggered by heightened demand. “Approximately half of users discontinue these drugs within a year,” remarks Jebb.

While nations like the United States and parts of Europe permit long-term use of GLP-1 medications for weight control, frameworks like the UK’s National Health Service are restricting semaglutide usage for weight management based on cost-effectiveness evaluations over two years.

Previous studies indicate that individuals often regain weight post-semaglutide discontinuation. Yet, it remains unclear if this pattern extends to other weight loss interventions and the swift occurrence of weight gain upon cessation.

To investigate this, Jebb and colleagues reviewed 37 trials, combining data from over 9,000 participants, all classified as overweight or obese and using some form of weight loss medication (including GLP-1) for about 10 months, followed by a monitoring period of roughly 8 months.

From their analysis, the researchers noted that participants lost an average of 8.3 kilograms and experienced improvements in metabolic parameters like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.

When examining weight patterns during the follow-up phase, the model suggested participants regained the average weight lost within 1.7 years after stopping their medications.

In trials specifically addressing semaglutide and tirzepatide, participants lost an average of 14.7 kilograms, yet it was anticipated they would regain all lost weight within a year and a half. Jebb points out that further insights are required to understand the accelerated weight gain associated with these drugs compared to others.

Additionally, the team discovered that the weight regain rate after ceasing weight loss drugs was about four times steeper than that observed following the termination of a structured behavioral weight loss program, which typically emphasizes healthy eating and increased physical activity.

However, this disparity may be attributed to the greater motivation for weight loss among individuals participating in behavioral programs compared to those relying on medications.

Another factor contributing to this swift weight regain may be the appetite suppression induced by these drugs. Users often report significant increases in hunger and cravings upon discontinuation, possibly leading to rapid weight resurgence, as noted by Taraneh Soleimani from Pennsylvania State University.

Yet, a separate analysis suggested that offering behavioral support during the follow-up phase did not effectively curb weight gain. Soleimani emphasizes that more research is essential to determine optimal strategies for supporting individuals transitioning off weight loss medications.

What Jebb’s research illustrates, according to her, is the critical need to consider obesity as a long-lasting condition. “Weight loss drugs demonstrate effectiveness, and weight regain is prevalent upon cessation,” states Professor Soleimani. “These results confirm obesity as a chronic condition that requires prolonged treatment.”

Topics:

  • obesity/
  • weight loss drugs

Source: www.newscientist.com

Overview of the Ariane 6 Rocket Launch: What to Expect and When to Watch

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Artistic depiction of the Ariane 6 rocket

ESA-D. Duclos

What is Ariane 6?

Ariane 6 is the latest model in the Ariane series of European satellite launch vehicles. The project dates back to a proposal in 1973, with the first flight of the Ariane 1 rocket taking place just six years later in 1979.

The last to be launched was Ariane 5, which completed 112 successful missions out of 117 launches, including the James Webb Space Telescope and the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, but was retired last year to make way for Ariane 6, which was expected to have lower launch costs.

The loss of Ariane 5 and the European Space Agency's (ESA) decision to cut ties with the Russian space agency Roscosmos following Russia's invasion of Ukraine temporarily left Europe without a direct means of launching satellites and forced it to turn to the commercial sector.

The ultimate idea is to not just take on all of these government launches in the future, but also offer its own commercial launch services — it's already received a launch order from Amazon. Kuiper Internet Satellite.

How big is Ariane 6?

The Ariane 6 is 63 meters tall and 5.4 meters in diameter, and can launch up to 21,650 kilograms of cargo into low Earth orbit. While that's less than the payloads of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), China's Long March 10, or SpaceX's Starship, it can still put a variety of satellites into orbit, including spy, weather, and global positioning satellites.

Ariane 6's main advantage isn't its payload, but its low cost and ease of construction: Aerospace company Arianegroup designed it to be easier and quicker to build and launch than its predecessor, allowing ESA to launch it once a month if necessary.

The rocket was originally scheduled to launch in 2020 but has been postponed multiple times. Those delays, along with the falling cost of reusable rockets operated by SpaceX, have led Europe to look elsewhere for launch capacity. The European Agency for the Exploration of Meteorological Satellites recently said: Launch contract awarded to SpaceX Rather than opting for Ariane 6, the European contract was signed last year. Galileo navigation satellite in orbit I also went to SpaceX.

When is the Ariane 6 launch and how can I watch it?

The launch from ESA's facility in French Guiana is scheduled for 7pm-11pm BST on July 9. ESA said Live broadcast of the launchThe event will begin 30 minutes before the launch and will be available to watch via streaming. News Scientist.

What happens during launch?

Ariane 6 will be launched using a Vulcan 2.1 main engine and two expendable boosters. These will drop in the same way as the first stage, after which the Vinci engines of the upper stage will launch it into an elliptical orbit measuring 300 by 700 kilometers above Earth. The Vinci engines will then reignite to put the upper stage into a circular orbit, after which Ariane will release its eight satellites and the upper stage will burn up in the atmosphere. Two small re-entry capsules will return it safely to Earth.

What comes next for Ariane 6?

A successor to Ariane 6 is already in development and will break the sequential rocket numbering system. Known as ArianeNext, it will be a reusable rocket similar to SpaceX's Starship and is scheduled to launch in the 2030s.

A major criticism of Ariane 6 is that it cannot be reused, a feature pioneered by SpaceX and already being developed by several other companies, and will likely not be resolved in Europe until Next begins operations.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Be prepared: A fungus is threatening to eradicate millions of ‘zombie cicadas’ in the US. Here’s what to expect.

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It’s finally here. Once every 200 years, two flocks of periodical cicadas will emerge from the ground.

Across much of the US, billions of winged insects are emerging from the ground in search of a mating opportunity, but an unlucky few have been infected by a mysterious pathogen that is transforming them into flying insects. The salt shaker of death.

Are you locking the door and hiding under the covers? Before you do, hear this: Although zombie insects sound like the plot of a low-budget ’70s horror movie, they’re completely harmless to humans, plants, and pets, so feel free to marvel (probably from afar) as one of nature’s most powerful forces takes control.

Why do cicadas turn into zombies?

Cicada species live all over the planet, but the species currently abundant across the US are called “periodic cicadas,” which spend years underground as larvae before emerging as adults to mate.

Currently, two so-called “swarms” occur simultaneously in parts of the eastern U.S.: one that appears every 13 years, the other every 17. If you live in an area where this phenomenon is occurring, you’ll notice that it’s accompanied by a noise that’s louder than traffic.

The current occupation is expected to continue until the end of June, by which time most of the cicadas will have died and their eggs will have hatched and burrowed underground for another 13 to 17 years.

“One of the main reasons for this periodic emergence is to prevent predators from developing specialized ways to catch them,” says Dr. Jonathan Larson, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky. BBC Science Focus.

The only exception, Larson said, is Massospora cicadaina. “It’s likely that the disease will play a long game and remain dormant and not cause any symptoms until the cicadas emerge as adults above ground,” he said.

Once above ground, the infected cicada’s normally hollow body fills with white fungal spores and the abdomen bursts open to reveal what Larson describes as a “chalky white mass.”

Once exposed, the spores are free to infect other cicadas…

read more:

How bacteria reproduce

Imagine a third of your body being filled with a harmful pathogen. You might not feel too great, and for good reason. However, infected cicadas can carry on with life as normal. In fact, the fungus changes the cicada’s behavior in some pretty significant ways.

“They can continue to act normally as if they are not infected, which allows them to continue spreading the virus,” Larson explains.

What is normal cicada behavior? After 17 years (or 13) underground, all they have on their mind is finding a mate. Male cicadas shake their abdomens to attract females, hence the loud explosion. Infected males do the same, killing unsuspecting females.

But the fungus has another trick up its sleeve.

“Female cicadas flap their wings in response to the loud, boisterous calls of males,” Larson explains, “but if the males are infected, they also start flapping their wings, fooling other males into thinking they’re mating with the female.”

How cicadas manage to stay alive with so many parts of their bodies packed with spores remains a mystery, but scientists have found some clues in recent years.

Billions of cicadas will emerge in the United States this year in a once-in-200-year event. – Image credit: Getty

For example, a study published in the journal Fungal Ecology It turns out that the fungus produces a type of amphetamine in its mass, which is used as a powerful human stimulant. Massospora Cicadina Will it stick?

Larson explains that it’s not clear exactly how the psychoactive substances affect the cicadas, but that the insects must be stimulated in some way. “That’s the real zombification part: They’re doing their job, they’re alive, but they’re just going through the motions. The lights are on, but no one’s home,” Larson says.

Should we worry about zombies?

First, the percentage of infected insects is very small, less than 5%, but 5% out of billions or even trillions of insects is still a lot of zombies flying around.

Thankfully, this fungus is specialized for cicadas. Massospora Cicadina ‘ is just a little hint so you don’t have to worry about infecting yourself.

“Transmission tends to be very localized, so while there are hotspots, it’s not common everywhere,” Larson said.

However, if you are planning to eat cicadas, you should definitely be careful. Yes, there are a lot of people out there who eat cicadas. Spicy Popcorn Cicada RecipeIf you’re interested, however, you should definitely avoid eating infected varieties.

“If you’re catching cicadas, the infected ones will be noticeably different,” Larson says. “If some fall off and you see a whitish lump, throw it away and don’t eat it.” Who would have thought eating insects infected with a pathogenic zombie fungus would be a bad idea? Everyone would.

About our experts

Jonathan Larson He is an entomologist and assistant professor at the University of Kentucky who provides his insect expertise to those dealing with problems in urban landscapes, lawns, nurseries, greenhouses and the home, and he is co-host of the informative insect podcast, The Insect Podcast. Arthropods.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Changing Clocks in Summer 2024: What to Expect and Why it Happens

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Make sure to set your clocks forward an hour tonight as Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins for the summer of 2024. But have you ever wondered why we have daylight saving time and when exactly does the time change?

Lately, the necessity of such time changes has been questioned and even a bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate in March 2022 to end the practice of constantly moving the clocks forward and backward twice a year. However, the bill did not pass the house, so here we are again.

When will the clocks change in March 2024?

In the United States, clocks will spring forward one hour on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2 a.m. local time, making the new local daylight saving time 3:00 AM. This change will result in sunset being one hour later on March 10, 2024, compared to the previous day, around 6:00pm to 7:00pm in New York and Los Angeles, and 6:30pm to 7:30pm in Houston.

On November 5, 2023, clocks were set back one hour for winter time, giving you that extra hour of sleep you may have enjoyed.

Daylight saving time (DST) will end on Sunday, November 3, 2024 when the United States returns to standard time. Your internet-connected devices will automatically adjust, but remember to manually change the time on devices like wall clocks and car clocks.

Why do clocks change?

There isn’t a scientific explanation for this time dance, but it aims to make the most of daylight hours as the days get longer in the Northern Hemisphere heading into summer. So, take advantage of daylight saving time by enjoying outdoor activities after work or socializing with friends.

What is the history of daylight saving time?

Contrary to popular belief that Benjamin Franklin came up with DST, the idea is credited to New Zealander George Hudson in 1895. DST was first implemented in the U.S. during World War I and later standardized in 1966. Originally, DST lasted from the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, but in 2007, it was extended to the current period from March to November.

Do all states use daylight savings time?

No, states and territories can choose to opt in or out of DST as per the Uniform Time Act. Arizona and Hawaii are on Permanent Standard Time, while some parts of Arizona observe DST. The situation in Arizona can be a bit confusing.

Will daylight saving time always be used?

Despite efforts to abolish DST, changes cannot happen until federal laws are amended. Some states are pushing for a permanent transition to standard time rather than DST, leading to a lack of consensus on the issue.

Why do people want to abolish daylight saving time?

Studies have shown negative health impacts of DST changes, like increased blood pressure and sleep deprivation. Losing morning light can affect mood and contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some people advocate for the abolition of DST to mitigate these effects.

Are there any countries that do not use daylight saving time?

About 70 out of 195 countries use DST, while major economies like Japan, India, and China do not. Some places, like the Antarctic Research Station Troll, switch between GMT and CEST. The debate over DST continues in different parts of the world.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Cicada Spectacle: What to Expect from the Insect Apocalypse

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Remember in 2021, when Brood XIII and it’s coming soon.

What is a cicada?

Cicadas are large, durable insects with transparent wings and large compound eyes. They have a unique corrugated exoskeletal structure called a “timbal” on the side of their abdomen, and it is this organ that produces the loud buzzing sound.

By rapidly contracting and relaxing the “ribs” of the eardrum (essentially folding the eardrum), cicadas produce chirping, clicking, or snapping sounds. And thanks to the insect’s hollow abdomen, this sound is amplified.This is the most complex sound- and vibration-producing organ of any arthropod, and the eardrum is probably evolved over 300 million years ago.

Each species has a unique call, and the African cicada Brevisana Brevis, Also known as the high-pitched cicada, the cicada is very noisy. It has been recorded that it reached a whopping 106.7 decibels. – It’s almost as loud as a chainsaw.

There are over 3,000 species of cicadas around the world, but only one species exists in the UK: the endangered New Forest cicada. cicadetta montana. In fact, it is so endangered that No one has seen it since the 1990s.There is a possibility that that species is already extinct.

Adult cicadas can take up to 17 years to complete development. – Photo credit: Getty

Why a huge cicada explosion will occur in 2024

To make it easier to track the patterns of occurrence of different populations, entomologists divide cicadas into “family members.” This is especially helpful for periodic cicadas that spend longer underground than their annual or dog days.

Different chicks usually appear at different times. But this year is quite literally a once-in-a-lifetime event, as his two offspring, Brood XIII (born every 17 years) and Brood XIX (born every 13 years), will be born at the same time.

The last time these brothers were in sync was 221 years ago* in 1803. And he is in 2245 when it happens again. And it just so happens that these two of his brothers are geographically adjacent. So if you live in Illinois or Indiana, you’re in for a double whammy.

result? Billions of cicadas will emerge in a noisy mating frenzy sometime this spring. Some estimates suggest that as many as 1 trillion cicadas could be seen in this so-called “insect apocalypse.”

Brood XIII last saw the light of day in 2007, but it may first appear in April or when soil temperatures reach around 17.7°C (64°F). Brood XIX is also expected to follow him around mid-May.

Be careful of rain showers at this time of year. The influx of warm water will encourage these noisy creatures to leave their underground nests.

How many cicadas are there?

There are seven types of periodic cicadas, Magicada. Currently, in the 13 year cicada he has 3 different chicks and in the 17 year cicada he has 12 chicks. They are all native to the United States.

The next cicada emergence period is as follows.

  • 2024: Brood XIII and XIX – see below

Source: www.sciencefocus.com