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Ancient Vertebrate Ancestors: The Surprising Discovery of Four Eyes

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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

Sword Dragon: The Ichthyosaur with Enormous Eyes and a Lethal Snout

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Reconstruction of Siphodracon it might have looked like

Bob Nicholls

Presenting the “sword dragon,” a recently identified species of ichthyosaur, a predatory ancient reptile that ruled the oceans during the reign of the dinosaurs on land.

This exquisitely preserved fossil skeleton was unearthed in 2001 near Golden Cap on England’s Jurassic Coast and remained in museum storage for many years. Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.

Dean Lomax of the University of Manchester, UK, stated: “They recognized it was something notable.” “They intended to study it, but ultimately did not.”

Lomax and his team have carefully examined and classified a specimen with large eye sockets and a sword-like elongated snout. The fossil contains “needle-like teeth,” adapted for consuming soft-bodied prey such as squid and fish. “This provides great insight into the lifestyle of this creature while it was alive. Essentially, it likely hunted in dim environments and depended on exceptional vision,” Lomax explained.

The creature measured approximately 3 meters in length, roughly the size of a bottlenose dolphin, and is believed to have existed during the Early Jurassic period, specifically the Pliensbachian epoch, around 193 to 184 million years ago.

Its anatomical features are unprecedented among ichthyosaurs, including a distinctive lacrimal bone with an unusual structure surrounding its nostrils. “The preservation quality, especially of delicate elements like cranial sutures and the lacrimal and prefrontal processes, is remarkable,” remarked Aubrey Roberts from the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway.

The black mass found between the ribs may represent its final meal, although the researchers were unable to identify it.

Fossilized Xiphodracon Golden Capensis

Dr. Dean Lomax

This ichthyosaur has been named for its menacing snout: Siphodracon Golden Capensis, known as the golden-capped sword dragon.

This specimen also provides valuable insight into the evolution of ichthyosaurs. “The greatest significance of this discovery lies in its age,” remarked Roberts. During the latter part of the Triassic, massive superpredator ichthyosaurs such as Ichthyotitan, reaching lengths of nearly 25 meters, existed alongside species as large as blue whales, but these titans vanished following a mass extinction event at the end of the Triassic, approximately 201.4 million years ago, marking the onset of the Jurassic period.

Fossils of various smaller ichthyosaurs have been discovered that date back to the Jurassic period, as Lomax pointed out. Many have been identified since the Pliensbachian period, but no common species exist, and there are two distinct types.

“Triassic ichthyosaurs were well-known for their uniqueness,” explains Neil Kelley of Vanderbilt University, Tennessee. “Their Jurassic successors are often perceived as somewhat more uniform, sharing a superficially dolphin-like appearance.”

“Siphodracon contributes another shade to the broad spectrum of ichthyosaurs,” he added, supporting evidence that Jurassic ichthyosaurs adopted a range of lifestyles, featuring diverse diets, swimming speeds, and habitat preferences.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

These Robotic Cats Feature Glowing Eyes and Heartbeat Technology, Offering Stress Relief for Children

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At the Springwood Library in the Blue Mountains, librarians arrive holding cat carriers in each hand.

Around 30 children form semicircles. From each carrier, a pair of bright, sci-fi-like eyes peer into the eager crowd.

“That’s the most fascinating thing ever,” exclaims one child.

Preschoolers have just finished enjoying Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell’s *Track Cat* for the annual national simultaneous storytime.

Metacut, the two friendly robot pets, are special guests on their inaugural library tour throughout Blue Mountain, New South Wales.


The Blue Mountains City Council states that lifelike cat replicas can offer comfort and alleviate stress, particularly for children and individuals dealing with anxiety and dementia.




Metacut features an artificial heartbeat and non-allergenic fur. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

Metacuts are capable of meowing and purring. They boast animated LED eyes, soft, hypoallergenic fur, and silicone legs. Yes, the artificial heartbeat resonates within.

With integrated sensors in their head, chin, and back, the cats respond to human interaction, exhibiting realistic movements upon specific voice commands.

When someone says, “I love you, Metacut,” their eyes light up with a glowing heart symbol.

Ewan, captivated by the black cat, bursts into laughter every time it turns its head towards him.

“He’s hooked,” chuckles Ewan’s mother, Amy Cameron, suggesting it’s because it resembles their family cat, Diego.

Meanwhile, 10-year-old Stella becomes enamored with the white cat’s fur, asserting that it evokes “real feelings.” Her six-year-old brother, Charlie, reminisces about Snuffle Pass, their late orange cat.




Stephanie Lambilis and her children Stella (10) and Charlie (6) play with a Metacut at Springwood Library. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

Dr. Rosemary Dillon, CEO of Blue Mountains City Council, mentions that the council decided to acquire Metacut for the community after discovering them at the 2024 NSW Public Library Association Conference.

Dillon noted that library visitors started interacting with the Metacut, often seeking it out over the human staff.

Metacut has become unexpectedly popular amongst older patrons, Dillon adds. “A significant number of seniors frequent the library for companionship,” she states. “This offers an additional layer of engagement for them.”

Loneliness is a pressing national public health issue, with recent surveys indicating that one in four Australians feels isolated.

Associate Professor Alyssa Milton, a children’s mental health specialist at the University of Sydney, asserts that Metacuts may offer a comforting and reliable connection.

“Robotic pets, or real ones, can help children feel secure and acknowledged,” she explains. “Research indicates that robotic animals show promise in assisting children with various neurological developmental challenges.”




Storytime leader Elissa demonstrates one of the robot cats for the children at Springwood Library. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

Milton emphasizes that libraries and community spaces play a crucial role in diminishing feelings of social isolation, and Metacut provides an alternative for families who face limitations in owning real pets due to housing circumstances or allergies.


Feedback from Springwood indicates that Metacut has become a favorite.

The children eagerly line up to interact with the animatronic pets.

Stephanie Lambilis, the mother of Stella and Charlie, mentions that the family made a special trip to Springwood just to see the cat. “It’s gentle and sweet,” she comments.

Suggestions for cat names are welcome through the “CAT-FLAP” nomination box at the library until June 7th. Naturally, Stella has submitted her choice, Snuffle Pass.

Professor Adam Guastella, a child neurodevelopment expert at the University of Sydney, mentions that robotic animals can enhance learning and social interaction.

“Early findings indicate that…robotic dogs can foster improved social communication in children with autism,” notes Guastella.




Elissa takes the cat from her carrier as children line up to meet the furry animatron. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

Dr. Nathan Caruana, a cognitive psychology lecturer at Flinders University, concurs that the concept holds promise.

His cutting-edge research on social robots aims to assist children grappling with reading challenges and emotional struggles.

“Children crave attention, and it seems they find motivation with something that doesn’t pass judgment,” he explains.

However, Caruana emphasizes that his research is ongoing, and conclusive evidence supporting the use of robots as mental health tools is still developing.

After completing this tour, the robotic duo will return to what the council describes as their “previous” residences: Springwood and Katoumba Library, while also visiting other libraries for special events.

Source: www.theguardian.com

This Fossilized Creature Has Three Eyes, Yet Everything Else Seems Familiar

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Over 500 million years ago, Matt Groening and The Simpsons introduced us to Blinking, mutated fish with extra eyes that swam from an old fish hole in Springfield, pursuing their prey through Cambrian seas. Once you catch a quarry, a circular mouth lined with teeth will do the rest.

This creature, named Mothra Fentoni, is a remarkable addition to the peculiar fossils preserved in the Burgess Shale, a significant fossil deposit in the Canadian Rockies. However, findings published in the journal on Wednesday Royal Society Open Science suggest that Mothra may not be as alien as it initially appears.

The first Mothra specimens were unearthed over a century ago by paleontologist Charles Walcott, who discovered Burgess Shale in 1909. In recent years, paleontologists at the Ontario Museum in Toronto have unearthed “layers of seabeds revealing a plethora of Mothra fossils.”

Although they were not fish, it was evident that the masses from the sea related to Radiodonts, the group of ancestral arthropods dominating the Cambrian food chain. However, comprehensive examinations of these animals only began in 2012 when numerous Mothra specimens were found at Marble Canyon, an outcrop of Burgess Shale.

“The collection of both old and new specimens motivated us to finally understand this animal,” said Joseph Moiszk, a paleontologist who studied the Marble Canyon fossils during his doctoral research.

Dr. Moiszk collaborated with advisors at the Royal Ontario Museum, including Jan Bernard Carron, to analyze approximately 60 ocean specimens. Like other Burgess Shale creatures, many Mothra specimens are well-preserved, showcasing features such as the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system. Some even exhibited traces of nerve bundles in each of the creature’s three eyes.

The team meticulously documented the detailed anatomy of the flat fossils by photographing Mothra specimens under polarized light.

A defining characteristic of living arthropods is their body division into specialized segments. For instance, crustaceans like crabs have varying appendages suited for different functions such as feeding and locomotion. Fossils of early arthropod ancestors, including other Radiodonts, display relatively simple body plans. Consequently, researchers have long theorized that segmentation evolved slowly over time.

Mothra supports this trend. Though measuring only 2.5 inches in length, the creature’s body was divided into as many as 26 segments.

“This feature has never been observed in this group before,” remarked Dr. Moisiuk, currently at the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg.

Along with its broad swimming flaps, the animal had a highly segmented trunk behind its body. Researchers note that this area resembles abdominal structures used by crabs, woodlice, and various insects for respiration.

Optimizing oxygen intake was crucial for active predators like Mothra. Researchers believe the animal hunted small prey in open waters while needing to distance itself from larger contemporaries, such as the 2-foot-long, oddly-shaped titanocory.

Since no other Radiodont displayed such a specialized trunk, researchers have classified Mothra in its unique group. Instead of naming the creature after that three-eyed cartoon fish, the team drew inspiration from another pop culture icon, Mothra, Godzilla’s winged adversary. Dr. Moysiuk stated that the name pays homage to the creature’s nickname while celebrating the lasting appeal of Japanese Burgess Shale creatures.

The team also identified other notable features in Mothra, such as dark, reflective patches and swimming flaps within the animal’s body. Researchers speculate these could indicate spaces for blood vessels, possibly linked to the heart’s pumping system.

However, some scientists remain skeptical that these features represent fossilized blood vessels. Joanna Wolf, a paleontologist at Harvard University who wasn’t involved in the study, suggested they might represent other structures, such as the digestive tract.

While some of Mothra’s attributes may stir scientific debate, Dr. Caron believes the body segments of this ancient sea creature reveal ties to modern arthropods. “It certainly is a very unique animal,” he concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Eyes witness new hues for the first time

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Our retina may be made to see the vibrant shades of blue-green

Mikecs images/aramie

Five people witnessed a strong green colour that has never been seen in humans before, thanks to devices that could allow them to experience typical vision.

It recognizes color through the retina behind the eyes. This absorbs each of three types of photodetector cone cells (called S, M, L) that usually absorb the blue, green, or red ranges and send signals to the brain. When you see something on the blue-green edge of the visible spectrum, there is a overlap in the wavelengths you detect, which activates at least two types of cone cells simultaneously.

ren ng At the University of California, Berkeley, I wondered what colour people perceived, whether or not only one type of cone is activated in this part of the spectrum. He was inspired by a device called the OZ, developed by other researchers studying how the eyes work, using lasers that can stimulate single cone cells.

Ng and his colleagues, including the scientist who built the OZ, upgraded the device so they could supply light to a small square patch of about 1,000 cone cells in the retina. Stimulating a single cone cell does not produce enough signals to induce color perception, says Ng.

Researchers tested five upgraded versions, only stimulating M-cones in this small area of ​​one eye, while the other eye was closed. Participants said they saw the blue-green colour the researchers called Oro. “It’s difficult to explain. It’s very wonderful,” says NG who also saw Oro.

To confirm these results, participants underwent a color matching test. I looked at the second colour until it matches as closely as possible the olo and the second colour that each could tune into any shade on the standard visible spectrum via the dial. They all dialed until it turned violent blue-green.

In another part of the experiment, participants used the dial to add white light to either the oro or the vibrant teal until it was closer to match. All participants diluted Oro. This supports more intense among the two shades.

Andrew Stockman At University College, London describes the study as “a kind of fun,” but with potential medical consequences. For example, the device can one day allow people with red-green color blindness to experience typical vision, which is difficult to distinguish between these colors. This is because conditions can be caused by both M and L cones, which are activated by light wavelengths with very similar states. Stockman said this should be tested in exams, but if you stimulate one more than others, people could be able to see a wider range of shades.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Seeing Through His Eyes: A Reflection on Super Mario, My Father, and Me

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oMy early memories NE watches my mom and dad play the opening level of Super Mario Bros in cooperative mode on Nintendo’s entertainment system. This was in the early 1990s, and joined the sofa waist and laughed at the idea that two Portly plumbers would become huge after consuming a ton of magical mushrooms.




“Not a tragic myth, normal man has been photographed by Thomas Hobbs’ family with his father, Jonathan. Photo: Thomas Hobbs

At this moment I felt their natural chemistry, but the intoxicating mix of 8-bit visuals and lively, synth-heavy music blew my toddler’s mind. It was frustrating to see me at the end of the level not being able to jump high enough to hit the top of the flagpole, but I remember it being translated to a TV screen.

I was only four years old when my father passed away. It suddenly happened when he was 37 years old and I witnessed it on my bike…it broke my family forever. However, the formative image of his most carefree and in love dad remained, clutching the rectangular controller connected to a grey slab of Japanese joy. It was something I could use whenever I was too sad. Most importantly, memories allowed us to visualize our father as an ordinary person, rather than the tragic myth that he later came to life.

We were a working class family with limited space, so the NES eventually disappeared. No one could resolve whether they were collecting dust in old plastic bags in their relatives’ lofts or if it was accidentally thrown away. So I was recently shocked when mom unexpectedly handed over the console after finding it during the spring clean. She asked me if I could try to fix it.

There were no leads, games or controllers. Also, it was dirty, especially with sticky clumps of dirt around the AV slot, and as judged by the rust gathering in the cartridge slot, there was serious flood damage. After buying an expensive device that cleans deeply, removes all the damp dust from the inside and converts games to HD, I turned it on. For some reason, it still worked. Clearly, like most consumer devices produced in the 1980s, the NES was built to withstand nuclear winters if the Cold War heated up.




The retro Nintendo Family Computer was sold in Japan as a pioneer of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images

The last few weeks of retaking the game and getting lost in their fuzzy charms were really recovery for my mental health. A chance to reconnect with my roots. It took me about 15 minutes to understand how to jump to the Fortress level in Super Mario Bros. 3 World Level 1. The spikes were down from the ceiling just as my squirrel suit was flying to the other side. But working out made me just patient and had to dive into a small space to avoid any danger.

I’m particularly obsessed with Mike Tyson’s punch-out!! Despite the clunky 2D crowd and square dimensions, the boxer’s movements have a real dynamism, with the sense that David can beat Goliath by simply swinging, weaving and flipping the collision with the jabs he appears in. Later boxing games may have been dripping with body fluids like life, but I have yet to find anything that will replicate more of what is moving for the magic and murder of boxer tastes than this 1987 NES game.

The double dragon was also a revelation. This cooperative fighting game offers a large open space to navigate, making you feel like Brue Three despite the graphical limitations: surrounded by enemies, but with enough battlefield intelligence to use your environment to your advantage and kick your enemies into the dust. The early sequence of fighting some weight on a moving conveyor belt in a race that accompanied a 24-hour tension felt like he was in a John Woo action movie.

These games don’t have a save mode, allowing you to invest in continuous improvement. So, I’m confident that I’ll avoid the same mistake the next time I hit the scary “Game Over” screen. This glyft is oddly addictive and it’s easy to imagine that my father took a quick break after putting the baby to sleep. His heart is heartened by the charm of the hard work at the heart of this more patient era of Nintendo games.




Real dynamism…Mike Tyson’s punch-out!! Photo: Nintendo

Knowing that he once had the same smile while playing NES made him more concrete in my mind. It was possible for me to see through his eyes. And my 2-year-old son feels like he’s putting his father’s energy to life as he experiences his own father, obsessed with firing flower power-ups and defeating Dracula Duck in the final boss battle of the family’s melodrama, a Duck Tales.

Retro games are on the rise in the UK and the US, with many players rediscovering the joy of consoles in the analog era. Playing these old cartridges on the original machine is an escape from a world that gives you a deeper understanding of the evolution of the game and feels much more comfortable than in the days when these machines were thriving. Perhaps they also hope to rekindle memories of those who have passed and continue to connect with their loved ones who once invested time in these devices.

Rather than making that old console a home for spiders in the loft, dust it and play it. It may help you to sadden you, or you may relive special memories that may have been easily lost. When I heard the opening chords for the Super Mario Bros theme song, I immediately went back to that couch with Mom and Dad and assured me that everything would be fine.

We opened comments to readers to share their own story of the console, which reminds us of lost friends and relatives.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Atomfall: All Eyes on the Reactor | Games

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‘wHats if a Cornoville disaster occurs in the UK? “Atomfall is pretty beautiful, according to the developer rebellion.

Using the 1957 front-scale fire as a launch pad, Atomfall thrusts you into post-war Britain, causing the accident to deteriorate dramatically, urge the government to send troops before it runs through much of the Lake District, sealing off everyone inside. Your character, the typical video game Amnesiac, will wake up in the exclusion zone a few years later. To escape, they must unravel what caused the disaster, who is responsible for it, and the mystery behind how to fix it.

This mystery and how it unfolds is the most interesting part of Atomfall. The story reconstructs traditional quests as “leads.” Here, collecting documents such as text and military reports and talking to surviving locals within the zone reveals points of interest. At the heart of Enigma is a vast underground research facility. It unlocks the entrance, places atomic batteries to power different sectors, and eventually unleashes the heart of the front scale, keeping it in a dark secret.

Icker’s manly style…Atom Fall. Photo: Rebellion

It’s a story that offers a lot of plot. Characters who support you on your journey, including soldiers, scientists and civil servants, have their own motivations to do so. These are often related to the transformations you see along the way. For example, infiltrate a castle occupied by a man-style druid of Wicker to retrieve special medicine and resolve the typical British murders in the church.

Solving these threads is fun, and the story benefits from harsher focus and pacing than most open-world adventures. Unfortunately, the accompanying game mechanics feel like they do more out of obligation than enthusiasm. With combat you can choose between serviceable but inconspicuous guns and brawl fights that will thank you for all the rusty firearms you have gathered. There is a basic craft system that is mainly used to make bandages and occasionally Molotov cocktails. Stealth systems exist in theory, but perhaps appropriately I have never seen it work in a meaningful way. The enemy can find you from half of the map and appears to be connected to telepathy with nearby allies.

Perhaps it’s rare in any part of the UK that it’s always bright and sunny in the Atom Fall exclusion zone, let alone the Lake District. Overall, there is a possibility that the Cambrian setting could be better utilized. The four maps of Atomfall are gorgeous and fun, including lumpy valleys filled with dry stone shells and the English villages that have been the most detailed reproduction since everyone went to the Rapture, but the world is not particularly atmospheric.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/RL57lHE-xvI?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Atomfall – Pre-Launch Trailer | Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, PS5 & PS4" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

What’s more, enemy factions, druids, and crazy looters feel like crazy looters dressed in cricket gear as vague attempts to chase after strange gangs that have been swept away. Where is the Wild Rambler, a literati roving band over whether Wordsworth and Coleridge were better poets? Why are Pasties so abundant when Kendal Mint Cake and Grasmere Gingerbread absent? This may seem like a flicker, but given that you have recently seen such a great lambhoon in northern life where you are grateful to be here, I feel that the Northern depiction of Atom Fall, and in fact the UK is a superficial, coincidence collection, a confused collection of cultural touch.

To use another example, one of the key inspirations for Atomfall is Stalker. This is a series that specifically has the strengths of Ukrainians. Stalker and its sequels are totally unafraid of being strange, bold, challenging and desolate to completely envelop players in the country’s radioactive trauma. The “what if” scenario of the rebellion can only be in the shadow of Chornovir, as Britain does not share its trauma in the same way.

Atomfall is currently £45

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Cretaceous period larvae possessed advanced eyes

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Paleontologists have discovered three racewing larvae in Myanmar's 100 million Kachin amber with large forward trunks (the eyes of Holometabolan). These specimens show highly developed, simple eye convergent evolution of at least two additional lines, indicating the enormous diversity of Cretaceous larvae.

A larva from Kachin Amber, 100 million years ago. Image credit: Haug et al. , doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.13509.

Adult insects are known for their fascinating and complicated eyes. This allows you to achieve amazing sensory feats when performing functions such as food and peers search.

However, in many insect larvae, these eyes are not yet developed. The simple eyes known as the stem are usually sufficient for these larvae. Often, it is a machine that is mostly eating at this stage.

However, some insect larvae are predators, and a few of these have developed highly efficient imaging systems from simple stems.

“The adults and pups of beetles, bees, flies, butterflies and close relative insects also have complex eyes that are present in some larvae,” says Dr. Carolin Haug, researcher at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.

“In contrast, most holometaboran larvae have a small group of up to seven simple eyes, known as stems, on either side of the head.”

“The trunk is inherent to holometaborane, usually a simple structure, often slightly radial oriented, creating a wide field of view.”

“However, the fields of the right and left trunks rarely overlap, but denies binocular vision in the larvae.”

“And more, most stems lack the complex internal structures needed to create images.”

“In contrast, several predatory holometaboran larvae evolved anteriorly directed stems, which were expanded with overlapping fields of vision that promote binocular vision.”

“Examples include the larvae of diving beetles known as water tigers, tiger beetles, anthraion and the Whirlgihi beetle.”

“The trunk has been reported in over 120 fossil larvae, but no imaging eyes have been identified that allow binocular vision.”

In a new study, the authors discovered three predatory larvae with unusually large and positive trunks in the Cretaceous Cachin Amber.

They found that the size and orientation of the larvae eyes are comparable to the size and orientation of modern anthraions, allowing for similar optical resolution.

“This is evidence of the first fossils of such an eye and therefore the oldest,” Dr. Haug said.

“The highly refined, simple eyes of predatory larvae evolved with a further double convergence, not just anti-, water tigers and tiger beetles, but also at least among extinct larvae.”

“Our results reveal greater diversity in morphology, ecology, and feeding strategies among Cretaceous larvae than today.”

Survey results Published in the journal Insect Science.

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Karolyn Haug et al. Cretaceous horny larvae with binocular vision show convergent evolution of refined, simple eyes. Insect SciencePublished online on February 18th, 2025. doi:10.1111/1744-7917.13509

Source: www.sci.news

New study reveals that coyotes can display ‘puppy eyes’ as well

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Recent research suggests that a muscle called the levator medial oculi (LAOM) is unique to dogs (canine) and evolved through domestication. This muscle lifts the inner eyebrows, creating a “puppy eye” look. In a new study, Baylor University scientists tested whether LAOM is a derived trait in dogs by (i) examining facial muscles in closely related wild ancestors; canis seed, Coyote (canis latrans) (ii) compare your results with other results; canis and canine species. They discovered that coyotes, like dogs, have well-developed LAOMs. This is different from the modified/absent LAOM of gray wolves. Their findings cast doubt on the hypothesis that LAOM developed through domestication.

Like dogs, coyotes have a well-developed LAOM, which gives both species the ability to develop “puppy eyes.” Image credit: Cunningham others., doi: 10.1098/rsos.241046.

“Our findings suggest that the ability to produce 'puppy eyes' is not a unique product of dog domestication, but rather an ancestral trait shared by multiple species on Earth. . canis genus,” said Dr. Patrick Cunningham. student at Baylor University.

“This raises interesting questions about the role of facial expressions in communication and survival in wild canids.”

In this study, Cunningham and colleagues compared the facial muscles of coyotes, dogs, and gray wolves.

Both dogs and coyotes have well-developed LAOMs, but gray wolves' muscles are modified or absent.

This challenges the hypothesis that human-driven selection alone is responsible for the development of the inner eyebrow ridge in dogs.

Instead, this study suggests that LAOM was likely present in the common ancestor of dogs, coyotes and gray wolves, but was later lost or reduced in wolves.

The researchers also documented significant within-species variation in coyote facial muscles, particularly those related to eyebrow and lip movements.

Genetic analysis excluded significant canine ancestry in the coyote specimen, confirming that these traits were not the result of interbreeding.

“Our research shows that coyotes and dogs not only share behavioral similarities, but also an interesting evolutionary history, including the ability to make expressions that were once thought to be unique to domestic animals. “We made it clear,” Cunningham said.

“This discovery has broader implications for understanding the evolution of facial expressions in mammals.”

“LAOM may have originally evolved for functions related to vision and eye movements, rather than for human communication, as previously thought.”

“Future studies on other canid species, such as red wolves and African wild dogs, may further elucidate the role of facial expressions in survival and species communication.”

a paper The survey results were published in a magazine Royal Society Open Science.

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Patrick Cunningham others. 2024. Coyotes can also have “puppy eyes”: a comparison of interspecific variation. canis Facial muscles. R. Soc. Open Science 11(10):241046;doi: 10.1098/rsos.241046

Source: www.sci.news

Protecting Your Eyes: A Comprehensive Guide

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Next month, people across the continental United States will have the opportunity to witness a partial or total solar eclipse. However, it is crucial for them to take precautions to prevent eye damage during this rare astronomical event.

On April 8th, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, causing a temporary blockage of the sun’s light. This will result in a darkening of the afternoon sky along a path approximately 160 miles wide across Mexico, parts of the United States, and parts of eastern Canada.

Those outside of this path will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse, where only a portion of the sun is obscured by the moon.

To safely view the eclipse, special glasses or a pinhole projector can be used. It is important to note that regular sunglasses or other tools like telescopes should not be used to observe the eclipse even while wearing special glasses.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

How to select the right eclipse glasses

The only safe way to directly view a solar eclipse is by using glasses specifically designed for this purpose. These glasses should be equipped with an ISO 12312-2 filter to prevent photothermal damage to the retina, as advised by Dr. Nicole Bajic from the Cleveland Clinic Cole’s General Ophthalmology Institute.

Eclipse glasses are significantly darker than regular sunglasses, making them safe for solar viewing.

Failure to take precautions while observing a solar eclipse can result in permanent damage to the eyes, known as solar retinopathy, which affects the retina’s ability to transmit light into electrical signals for vision.

When and how to use glasses

According to NASA, it is only safe to view a solar eclipse directly without glasses during the brief period of totality when the moon completely obscures the sun’s bright face. Before and after totality, eclipse glasses must be worn to protect the eyes.

Totality, when the sun is completely covered, lasts approximately three and a half to four minutes and can vary by location.

For those observing a partial solar eclipse, wearing eclipse glasses throughout the event is essential. Additionally, using tools like binoculars or cameras without solar filters can cause serious eye damage.

Ensuring the safety of your glasses

While NASA does not endorse specific solar viewers, it is recommended to choose reputable options from sources like the American Astronomical Society to avoid counterfeit or substandard products.

If you saved your eclipse glasses from the 2017 event, they can be reused as long as the lenses are undamaged. However, if there are any scratches, holes, or wrinkles on the lenses, it is advisable to purchase new glasses.

Creating and using a pinhole projector

In the absence of proper glasses, a pinhole projector can be made to safely view the solar eclipse without looking directly at the sun. This device captures sunlight through a small hole, projecting it onto a surface to create a safe image of the sun.

To make a pinhole projector, cut a hole in a piece of paper, cover it with aluminum foil, poke a small hole in the foil, and use another piece of paper as a screen for the projected image. Adjusting the distance between the projector and the screen will change the size of the image.

Other household items like a colander or a cereal box can also be used to create a pinhole projector for eclipse viewing.

Alternatively, stand under a shady tree during the eclipse to observe the crescent-shaped shadow cast on the ground.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Keeping your eyes open can lead to faster sleep because of the body’s natural response to darkness.

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Do you find yourself tossing and turning all night once again? Are you counting down the hours until your unyielding alarm goes off? If you’re a reader struggling with sleep, you’re not alone.

Many of us have experienced the frustration of feeling like the more we try to force ourselves to sleep, the more it eludes us. But is this truly the case?

According to recent trends on TikTok, trying to fall asleep can actually hinder your ability to do so. In fact, influencers are actively promoting the idea of not trying to fall asleep. This counterintuitive technique is known as “paradoxical intent,” and while it may be new to TikTok, it’s a scientifically backed method.

As it turns out, there is scientific support behind TikTok after all. Who would have thought?

“Paradoxical intentions are a well-established therapeutic technique that has been used in psychotherapy for decades,” explains Colin Espie, Professor of Sleep Medicine at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford. “In fact, I conducted my first research using paradoxical intention therapy in the 1980s.”

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What is paradoxical intent?

Paradoxical intent can be useful for various phobias and anxiety disorders, but the underlying premise remains the same: deliberately adopting an attitude contrary to the desired outcome.

For instance, if a patient has a phobia of failure, a psychologist might assist the patient in confronting failure instead of avoiding it, ultimately reducing fear and anxiety.

“The fundamental directive regarding sleep is that you should aim to stay awake when you’re in bed, feeling sleepy, or waking up in the middle of the night,” Espie explains. “You need to switch your intention from sleeping to staying awake.”

Although this approach may seem illogical at first, it is based on the idea that trying too hard to sleep can backfire.

“Sleep is largely an involuntary process, so attempting to control it often interferes with the natural sleep process,” Espie says. “Essentially, you can’t force sleep; you can only invite it. It’s like stepping back from being awake rather than actively pursuing sleep.”

How to use paradoxical intention to fall asleep faster

Implementing paradoxical intent is simple, but there are some considerations to keep in mind before giving it a try.

1. Go to bed when you feel sleepy (not before)

It may seem obvious, but you can’t sleep unless you’re tired. While paradoxical intention involves trying to stay awake, attempting this during the day is not as challenging.

“Sometimes people go to bed early because they’re desperate for sleep, but if they’re not morning people, they may struggle, leading to falling asleep early in the evening,” Espie notes.

2. Prepare for bed as usual

Despite its fancy name, paradoxical intent doesn’t require any elaborate setup. There’s no need for high-tech gadgets or sleep meditation apps; simplicity is key.

Espy recommends getting into bed, turning off the lights, and lying down.

3. Keep your eyes open instead of closing them

There are several ways to practice paradoxical intent, but this is the simplest approach.

“Keep your eyes open, assume that position, and tell yourself, ‘I am not falling asleep, I am not falling asleep, I am not falling asleep,'” Espie suggests.

“Then, encourage yourself further by saying phrases like, ‘I will stay awake a bit longer,’ or ‘I will keep my eyes open for 10 more seconds.’ Whenever you feel your eyes drooping, say ‘No.'” he explains.

Gradually, it becomes increasingly challenging to keep your eyes open, and instead of struggling to fall asleep, you find yourself struggling to keep your eyes open.

If you sense sleep approaching, try not to resist or acknowledge it too much. Simply allow it to happen.

As an additional tip, Espie recommends keeping a tissue or handkerchief under your pillow in case your eyes start to water.

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4. Don’t take it too literally

The most common mistake people make when employing paradoxical intent is interpreting it too literally.

“It’s not about tormenting yourself to stay awake at all costs. The goal isn’t to prevent yourself from sleeping,” Espie clarifies.

“If you overdo it, you will be overly determined to stay awake, interfering with sleep. The real aim is to allow sleep to naturally happen,” he adds.

5. Be consistent

Changing your sleep patterns doesn’t happen overnight, so persistence is key. “To derive the most benefit from these strategies, you need to continue using them for a while,” Espie advises.

“One challenge with such an approach,” notes the Oxford professor who advocates for it, “is that if it works initially but falters over time, people may become disillusioned, potentially leading to depression.”

“This is usually because individuals underestimate the extent of their sleep problems and the ingrained habit of overthinking,” he explains.

If the issue persists, seeking professional help is crucial. “It’s not just a lifestyle matter,” Espie emphasizes, “sometimes, people need assistance.”

“This is not a hack”

Contrary to what TikTokers may suggest, there is no magical trick to manipulate our brains.

“You can’t outsmart human nature,” Espie asserts. “Sleep is an essential process, and this is not a technique to switch on sleep. It’s not a game.”

He finds it intriguing that sleep advice and techniques are gaining popularity on social media. TikTok’s #insomnia tag currently boasts around 600,000 posts, while the #sleep tag has over 2.9 million posts.

Meanwhile, according to a study investigating American adults, nearly three-quarters of social media usage occurs right before bedtime. It might be an opportune time to learn new sleep strategies, don’t you think?

According to Espie, the increasing online interest in the subject could indicate rising levels of insomnia.

“The value of sleep and the need for effective solutions to sleep issues are sorely underestimated, with many young individuals in particular struggling,” he observes.

“This is why paradoxical intentions are so beneficial; they remind us that the answer isn’t a gimmick, pill, or potion. It’s sleep itself.

“The solution lies in establishing healthy sleep habits to attain the rest you deserve.”

About our experts

Colin Espie is a Professor of Sleep Medicine at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience (NDCN) at the University of Oxford. He established the Experimental and Clinical Sleep Medicine Research Program at the Sir Jules Soane Sleep & Circadian Institute (SCNi). Additionally, he serves as the Clinical Director of Oxford’s Sleep Medicine Online Program.

Professor Espie is also a Research Fellow at Somerville College, University of Oxford, and a Senior Research Fellow in the University’s Department of Psychiatry. He is the author of the book “Overcoming Insomnia,” a self-help guide utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques, including guidance on paradoxical intentions.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Artificial Intelligence creates personalized 3D printed prosthetic eyes

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A man with artificial eyes not made by AI

Stephen Bell, Ocupeye Ltd.

Prosthetic eyes designed with artificial intelligence and 3D printing could benefit more people by requiring 80% less time for human experts compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Small trials also suggest that this approach leads to adequate prostheses in most cases.

For example, in the UK, Approximately 1 in 1,000 people wears a prosthetic eye., it takes a highly trained ophthalmologist to take an impression of the eye socket. Many people wearing such prostheses also have orbital implants that replace lost eye volume and create a surface to which muscles can be reattached, allowing natural eye movement. Masu. A prosthesis is placed over this to give it a natural appearance.

The standard process for making a prosthetic limb takes about eight hours; Johan Reinhardt Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics in Darmstadt, Germany, have developed a method to automatically design and 3D print an implant that fits into a wearer's eye socket and aesthetically matches the remaining eye. .

“It's more comfortable to do an optical scan than to have someone pour this alginate.” [mould-making material] It seems difficult to make an impression on the eye socket, especially for children. [sit through] This is the procedure,” Reinhardt said.

In the new process, an optical coherence tomography scanner uses light to create a 3D model of a person's missing eye, so the back of the prosthesis can be designed to fit snugly. A color image of the remaining eye is also taken to ensure an aesthetic match.

The data is collected into an AI model, a design is created, and then 3D printed on a machine that can operate at a resolution of 18 billion droplets per cubic centimeter.

Once the prosthesis is printed, a human eye doctor can polish and adjust it for the perfect fit. This task takes only 20% of the time of the existing process.

3D printed prosthetic eye designed by AI

Johann Reinhardt, Fraunhofer IGD

In a trial of 10 people at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, only two people found these prostheses did not fit properly. Neither has orbital implants, which Reinhardt says poses problems for scanners and AI designers.

The team hopes to improve the process to significantly reduce the cost required to create convincing prosthetics and make them available to more people. However, Reinhardt says it is unlikely that future prosthetics will be created without human experts.

“We think of this like a tool for ophthalmologists,” he says. “So this is not going to replace an eye doctor, but it's a new process that they can use, and we think it's going to give them better results in terms of appearance.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com