Australia’s Ancient Giant Crater: Possible Oldest Impact Structure on Earth

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring the Arctic Dome Crater Landscape in Western Australia

Credit: Curtin University

According to mineral dating techniques, a colossal crater in Western Australia was formed by an asteroid impact approximately 3 billion years ago. This discovery potentially marks the crater as the oldest impact site on Earth, although its age has been contested by some researchers.

Known as the Arctic Dome Crater or the Miralga Impact Structure, this feature was first documented by Chris Kirkland in 2025 at Curtin University in Perth. His team estimated the crater’s diameter could reach up to 100 kilometers.

Kirkland and his colleagues found a unique layer of rock featuring cone-shaped formations known as shatter cones, typically created by significant impacts like asteroid collisions. While their initial research did not directly date this rock layer, correlations with age-dated rocks in adjacent layers led them to propose an age of 3.47 billion years.

This proposed age surpasses the Yarrababa Crater’s age by over 1.2 billion years, establishing it as the oldest known impact site on Earth. Furthermore, it stands out as the only recognized impact structure from the Archean Era, a time when Earth predominantly existed as a vast ocean.

However, a competing analysis from another research team led by Aaron Cavosie at Curtin University disputes this 3.47 billion-year timeline, claiming that their findings suggest the impact occurred around 2.77 billion years ago.

In a new development, Kirkland and his team assert that they have accurately dated recrystallized minerals, including detrital cones at the crater site. Kirkland states, “We’ve now examined the rock to identify minerals that directly correspond to impacts, rather than relying solely on correlations.”

Utilizing the decay rate of uranium to lead, the researchers dated zircon within the shatter cone formed by the asteroid’s impact. They also dated apatite minerals believed to have developed in hydrothermal systems activated by impact-induced heat.

Both the apatite and zircon dated at approximately 3.02 billion years, providing strong evidence of intense hydrothermal activity in the rock around 3 billion years ago. Kirkland notes, “This indicates that hot water infiltrated the rock long ago, showcasing an unusual heating and recrystallization process.”

Rocks Within the Arctic Dome Crater

Credit: Curtin University

Kirkland emphasized that other geological processes, such as mountain building or localized metamorphism, cannot adequately explain the mineral changes observed in the shocked rocks. He states, “The only process strongly correlated with these mineralogical transformations is an impact.” He concludes, “The current evidence strongly supports a 3 billion-year-old impact, potentially marking this as the oldest impact crater on Earth.”

Kavosie appreciates the new adjustments to the crater’s age, arguing, however, that Kirkland’s team continues to overstate its age. “We are grateful that they have revised their previous claim of a 3.5 billion-year impact, but believe they still lack a convincing case for the 3.02 billion-year hypothesis,” he adds, “This is how science progressively edges closer to the truth.”

Kavosie asserts that younger rocks, dating back only 2.77 billion years, exhibit shatter cones, indicating that the impact must have occurred after this point.

Alec Brenner, a Yale University professor and participant in the opposing study, concurs with Cavosie, stating the rocks must be younger than 2.77 billion years. “The new research disregards this finding based on the premise that these rocks are undated, yet they are directly linked to dated nearby rocks,” Brenner explains.

The key distinction, according to Kirkland, is that his team has calculated the ages of minerals within the impacted rock. “The argument for a younger age relies on a long-range correlation of undated rocks through satellite mapping, rather than on direct geochemical evidence or geochronology,” he states. “We now possess two mineral clocks of the same age sourced from the impact rock itself, emphasizing the importance of direct dating.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unveiling the Giant Scorpion: The Apex Predator of Ancient Britain in the Devonian Period

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have recently confirmed that Praacturus gigas is the largest scorpion ever discovered, having roamed the shallow seas during the Devonian period, approximately 415 million years ago.

Praacturus gigas. Image credit: Franz Anthony.

This ancient creature measured approximately 1 meter (3.3 ft) long and boasted formidable pincers over 16 centimeters (6.3 inches) in length. According to Praacturus gigas, it was a powerful predator that thrived in floodplain ecosystems during its time.

Originally identified as an isopod in 1871, Praacturus gigas was later reclassified after comparisons with various arthropod groups and featured in a limited edition illustration of a giant scorpion from the 1980s.

Lead author Dr. Richard Howard, curator of fossil arthropods at the Natural History Museum in London, stated, “When people think of giant arthropods, they often envision the Carboniferous rainforests of Earth’s late history, where massive insects like millipedes and dragonflies thrived.”

However, Praacturus gigas existed at least 50 million years prior to that era, in a time when large terrestrial life was just beginning to take shape.

“Confirming that this creature is indeed a scorpion significantly alters our understanding of the evolution and growth of these astonishing animals,” added Dr. Howard.

In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Howard and his team employed modern analytical methods and fossil comparisons, concluding that Praacturus gigas is accurately classified as a scorpion.

Co-author Dr. Russell Garwood, a paleontologist at the University of Manchester, commented, “Praacturus gigas has baffled paleontologists for over a century. Our collaboration, utilizing advanced imaging techniques, has allowed us to construct a much clearer understanding of these ancient creatures.”

“What’s particularly intriguing about Praacturus gigas is its significant size during an epoch when most life forms on land were quite small. This suggests an ecosystem capable of supporting giant predators,” he added.

To gain insights into this ancient ecosystem, the research team compared scorpion fossils with other contemporaneous fauna.

The findings indicate that Praacturus gigas likely inhabited aquatic environments, where larger life forms were more prevalent.

During the early Devonian period, complex terrestrial ecosystems were in their infancy; only simple plants and fungi had begun to populate the land.

This means that, unlike later megafauna, this giant scorpion did not benefit from the elevated oxygen levels found in more advanced forested environments.

Instead, its large size may have been a result of limited competition from other sizable predators.

Fossil evidence also suggests that Praacturus gigas may have had a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

Co-author Dr. Greg Edgecombe, also a paleontologist at the Natural History Museum in London, remarked, “Back then, the distinction between land and sea was far less defined. Praacturus gigas gives us a fascinating glimpse into how early animals adapted to these shifting environments.”

“This species may even represent a lineage that returned to aquatic life after its ancestors had already commenced living on land,” he noted.

The team’s paper was published in the latest issue of Paleontology.

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Richard J. Howard et al. 2026. Revised classification of Praacturus gigas: A giant scorpion from the Lower Devonian (Rochkovian) of Britain. Paleontology 69 (3): e70064; doi: 10.1111/pala.70064

Source: www.sci.news

When Food is Scarce, This Single-Celled Organism Transforms into a Giant Predator for Survival

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Euprothes Gigatrochus, a newly identified species of ciliate organisms, found in a seawater filtration system on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, exhibits the potential to develop into cannibalistic “supergiants.” This discovery raises intriguing questions about the complexity of microscopic life.

Euprothes Gigatrochus. Image credit: Ben Larson and Samuel Lord.

“Ciliates of the genus Euprotes have captivated researchers since the advent of microscopy due to their widespread presence and unique characteristics,” stated lead author Dr. Ben Larson from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and colleagues.

The genus Euprotes is prevalent in various aquatic ecosystems and has been extensively studied concerning their movements, mating rituals, symbiotic interactions, distribution, and adaptations to environmental conditions.

These ciliated cells possess a highly structured and complex animal-like morphology, featuring cilia organized into membranous cells that are specialized for feeding (by generating water currents), swimming, and moving across substrates.

Among these organisms, Euprothes Gigatrochus was recently collected from a seawater filtration system in Curaçao.

In clonal populations, where all cells contain identical DNA, some cells can spontaneously evolve into supergiant forms, exceeding normal cell lengths by more than twofold, characterized by broader bodies and larger mouths.

Supergiants transition from filtering and consuming bacteria to becoming predatory hunters, capturing smaller cloned relatives at a remarkable rate of one every ten minutes.

“This single-celled organism exhibits behaviors typically associated with multicellular development,” Dr. Larson remarked.

“This expands our understanding of the capabilities within single-celled organisms and provides a new framework for investigating how cells regulate their form and function.”

The researchers assert that the behavioral adaptations extend beyond feeding.

Normal cells navigate surfaces and gracefully swim along spirals, while supergiants employ a distinct circular locomotion suitable for hunting prey, awkwardly rolling when displaced from surfaces.

“Supermacrogenesis is a strategic trade-off; while these cells excel at hunting, they sacrifice swimming efficiency, thus shifting their dietary focus from bacteria to larger prey,” Dr. Larson explained.

To delve into the molecular basis of these transformations, the authors sequenced transcriptomes from Euprothes Gigatrochus normal cells, supergiant cells, and those reverting from supergiant stages.

The findings reveal that supergiants represent distinct developmental stages, showcasing significant variations in gene expression related to cell cycle control, protein synthesis, and membrane organization.

Cells reverting from the supergiant state display distinctive molecular profiles that temporarily inhibit pathways driving transformation.

Populations derived from recently reverted cells exhibit a slower emergence of new supergiants compared to those initiated from normal cells, regardless of external conditions.

Supergiant cell formation typically occurs as populations transition from rapid growth to a stationary phase, particularly in the absence of small prey. They remain present only as long as small prey is scarce and larger ones (normal cells) are available.

Supergiants constitute no more than 5% of the population, which aligns with a bet-hedging strategy where a minority of cells explore alternative resources.

This groundbreaking discovery offers a fresh perspective on the development of unicellular organisms, which must execute cellular and organism-level functions within a singular membrane.

“Most of our developmental knowledge is derived from multicellular organisms,” Dr. Larson noted.

“Similar developmental processes are at play in single-celled organisms across various branches of the tree of life, paving the way to study fundamental biological questions in new contexts.”

The details of this study will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Ben T. Larson et al. 2026. Controlled development of cannibalistic supergiant cells in ciliates. Euprothes Gigatrochus. PNAS 123 (20): e2606891123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2606891123

Source: www.sci.news

Discovering a Meteorite in Africa: Evidence of a Lost Giant Protoplanet Unveiled

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Discover the fascinating North West Africa (NWA) 12774, an Angrite meteorite found in the Sahara Desert of Mauritania. This rare fragment offers compelling evidence that large planetary bodies were formed and subsequently destroyed during the chaotic early years of our solar system.

Artist’s impression of the protoplanetary disk surrounding HD 107146. Image credit: A. Angelich / NRAO / AUI / NSF.

“It’s hard to believe that the world was once this vast,” remarked Dr. Aaron Bell, the lead author of the study.

“We know it exists because some of its fragments have landed on Earth.”

“These meteorites contain evidence of a distinct evolutionary path for early planet formation.”

In their research, Bell and colleagues studied a sample of the NWA 12774 Angrite meteorite.

“Angrites are among the oldest known volcanic rocks in the solar system, having formed within a few million years of the solar system’s inception around 4.56 billion years ago,” the researchers explained.

“They are also extremely rare; of the more than 80,000 meteorites discovered on Earth, only 68 are classified as angrite.”

“What makes angrites particularly intriguing is their unique chemistry. Unlike Earth, Mars, and other rocky planets, angrites contain very little silicon dioxide or silica, which are major components of virtually all known terrestrial planets.”

“Therefore, scientists previously believed that angrites originated from small asteroids, planets with a radius of less than 200 km (124 miles).”

However, researchers found that NWA 12774 includes clinopyroxene, a mineral typically encountered in Earth’s crust and mantle.

This clinopyroxene is notably rich in aluminum, suggesting that the rock formed under immense pressure deep within its parent body.

Scientists reconstructed the conditions necessary for NWA 12774 to form.

X-ray image of NWA 12774. Image credit: Aaron Bell / CU Boulder.

Surprisingly, the aluminum-rich clinopyroxene requires pressures of at least 17.5 kbar, which is significantly higher than the crushing pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench (around 1 kilobar).

This level of pressure wouldn’t be feasible within a small asteroid.

Calculations indicate that the progenitor of the Angrite must have had a radius of at least 1,000 km (621 miles).

Additional clues about the meteorite suggest even more astonishing possibilities.

The crystals in NWA 12774 retain sharp edges and distinct chemical patterns, which would have been erased if formed deep underground.

This implies that the crystals likely originated at a relatively shallow depth in a much larger parent body.

In this case, the original planet could have a radius greater than 1,800 km (1,118 miles), making it comparable in size to Earth’s moon or approaching a Mars-sized body with a radius of 3,300 km (2,050 miles).

“We have numerous understudied meteorites still in storage, indicating there may be more protoplanets yet to be discovered,” says Bell.

“It remains uncertain what led to the demise of the protoplanet. One possibility is a catastrophic event in the early solar system that shattered it, with its fragments providing materials for the formation of other terrestrial planets, including Earth.”

“The materials forming the matrix of angrites differ fundamentally from those of Earth and Mars.”

“This divergence indicates distinct evolutionary pathways in the formation of planets during the early solar system,” Dr. Bell concluded.

For more insights, check out the study published online on April 10 in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

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Aaron S. Bell et al. 2026. High-pressure clinopyroxene from Northwest Africa 12774 and new global pressure evidence for an angritic parent body the size of a planetary embryo. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 685: 120029; doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2026.120029

Source: www.sci.news

The Alarming Truth: Why These Giant Insects Could Be Here to Stay

Posted on May 30, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

About 300 million years ago, prior to the age of dinosaurs, our planet resonated with the sounds of enormous insect life.

The most iconic of these species was the griffin fly, a predatory dragonfly-like creature boasting a wingspan of up to 70 cm (28 inches) and formidable jaws for hunting prey. In comparison, even today’s creepiest crawlies seem rather charming.

While many are relieved that we no longer share the Earth with these giants, curiosity remains about their disappearance and the possibility of their return.

For decades, scientists believed they had the answer: the atmosphere once contained about 35 percent oxygen, while today it holds only 21 percent. This high oxygen level allowed flying insects to grow larger as they could efficiently breathe enough to sustain their enormous bodies.

However, as oxygen levels fell, these massive creatures shrank, as it became energetically challenging to keep them airborne.

Recent groundbreaking research published in Nature questions this long-held belief, revealing that oxygen may not be the true limiting factor for insect size.

With this obstacle removed, what’s stopping giant insects from making a comeback?

How Insects Breathe

Insects have a unique respiratory system that differs significantly from ours. Lacking lungs, they do not transport oxygen through blood cells.

Instead, they utilize a complex network of air-filled tubes. Air enters through spiracles (valves on the sides of their bodies) and flows through progressively smaller tubes. The tiniest of these, called tracheae, penetrate deep into tissues, delivering oxygen directly to cells.

Initially, scientists believed this system relied largely on diffusion, the passive movement of oxygen from regions of high concentration to those of low.

However, diffusion is inefficient over long distances. When more oxygen is needed, it becomes increasingly difficult to supply oxygen to cells. Hence, if insects relied solely on diffusion, their growth would be severely restricted.

Ancient Earth’s high oxygen levels allowed for the growth of massive insects. “Back then, giant insects roamed the earth,” says Edward Snelling, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Pretoria and lead author of the Nature study.

300 million years ago, extensive swamps and vegetation created an ideal habitat for griffin flies. – Photo credit: Getty

“Previously, it was thought that the tracheal system operated mainly through diffusion,” Snelling explains. However, recent discoveries show that ventilation also plays a crucial role in insect respiration.

“In addition to tracheae, insects possess large air sacs that function as bellows, enhancing the ventilation of the tracheal system,” Professor Snelling adds. “This ventilation significantly boosts diffusion, mitigating its limitations.”

This insight led Snelling to ponder if the absence of a diffusion limit could imply that oxygen isn’t the reason giant carnivorous dragonflies don’t invade our picnics.

Research Findings

To determine if oxygen constraints limit the size of modern insects, Snelling set out to capture various specimens.

“I ran around campus with a net, looking like a mad scientist,” he recalls. “I gathered insects across a wide range of sizes and analyzed their flight muscles under a microscope to assess tracheal density.”

The underlying theory was straightforward: if oxygen limits the size of winged insects, one would expect a high tracheal density within flight muscles. Flight demands energy, and if muscles struggle to remain airborne, more tracheae would be needed to supply sufficient oxygen.

“If the oxygen limitation hypothesis held true, tracheae would likely occupy over 10 percent of the relative space,” Snelling states.

However, their findings revealed that tracheae occupy less than 1 percent of the space in an insect’s flight muscle. Despite body sizes varying over 10,000 times from tiny insects to giant beetles, the increase in occupied space across 44 species was only 1.8 times.

This implies that even at griffin fly size, the demand for oxygen does not require a significant amount of space.

“Even in the largest insects, the increase was minimal, casting significant doubt on the tracheal system’s potential limitations on insect body size,” Snelling concluded.

Fossil evidence indicates that these dragonflies had nearly identical body structures, only on a significantly larger scale. – Photo credit: Alexandre Albore/Wikimedia Commons

What Happened to Them? (Will They Ever Return?)

Dr. Snelling’s research provides compelling evidence against oxygen being a limiting factor but reveals little about other reasons for insects shrinking in size.

A notable alternative reason proposed by Snelling is environmental pressure.

“300 million years ago, there were no birds or bats, which are proficient at catching flying insects. Larger insects might have been easier prey for these warm-blooded animals,” he speculates.

This complexity makes sense; small flies are notoriously tricky to catch by hand, while larger beetles and moths are generally easier targets for both predators and humans. However, this remains a theory, as the reasons behind the extinction of giant insects and their potential return are still largely unknown.

“Historically, gigantism tends to emerge under stable environmental conditions,” Snelling notes, suggesting another reason for the unlikely resurgence of the griffin fly and its kin.

“Large animals typically struggle to adapt to shifting environments. With human activities dramatically altering ecosystems, it may take humanity’s absence before giant insects can re-evolve,” he adds.

“However, if we can stabilize our environment, it’s conceivable that insects could return to sizes last seen 300 million years ago. Contrary to popular belief, high-oxygen atmospheres may not be a necessity for this re-emergence.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking the Secrets of Laos’ Ancient Giant Stone Jars: Recent Discoveries Revealed

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Stone jars in Laos — Laos Pot Plains

Alvov/Shutterstock

Recent discoveries at the Plain of Jars in Laos have challenged our understanding of this ancient site, where at least 37 bodies have been unearthed from gigantic stone jars.

Spanning the remote Xieng Khouang Plateau, these enormous stone pots, some reaching heights of 3 meters and weighing several tons, have long been suspected to be linked to ancient burial practices.

Historical legends suggest that these jars were created for giants who brewed rice wine, according to Nick Skopal from James Cook University, Australia.

Findings from the 1930s hinted at a connection to the Iron Age (circa 500 B.C. to 500 A.D.), proposing that the jars may have played a role in cremation or the disposal of human remains. More recent studies have uncovered glass beads, burial artifacts, and cremated remains.

Recently, Skopal and his team excavated a jar measuring over 1.3 meters high and 2 meters wide near the town of Phonsavan, revealing the bones of 19 individuals, with teeth belonging to 37 people.

Radiocarbon dating indicates the remains date from the 9th to the 12th century AD, suggesting multiple burial events.

The arrangement of the bones indicates careful packing, with larger bones organized at the ends and many smaller bones likely missing due to decomposition.

This breakthrough is a key finding, as noted by Nigel Chan, also from James Cook University, who was not involved in the study. “This is the first investigation showing a definitive link to mortuary practices over the past century,” he stated.

Close to the larger jar were several smaller pots containing glass beads, suggesting a two-step burial process: initial storage in smaller jars followed by a transfer to the larger jars post-decomposition.

“Could these stone pots be part of rituals to honor ancestors or release their souls?” Skopal inquires. “DNA testing on the remains will reveal familial connections among these individuals.”

While the samples indicate when the jars were used, they do not ascertain the age of the jars themselves.

“Evidence indicates a significant activity around this site during the latter half of the first millennium AD,” Chan adds, while speculating that the jars may actually date back over 2000 years.

Although determining the jars’ age is challenging, Skopal noted their artifact dating aligns with the remains, supporting the theory that the jars were used for multiple generations. “The shift from an Iron Age context to a medieval cultural practice is becoming evident,” he states.

Excavated Stone Jar with Human Remains

Dr. Nicholas Skopal

According to Skopal, this practice has deep roots in ancestor worship, passed down through generations. However, variations exist among Laotian stone jars, with different customs observed across regions, such as upright jars in some areas and flat ones in others.

“It’s likely these jars were utilized by various cultural groups over extended periods,” suggests Tiatoshi Jamil of Nagaland University, India.

The excavation team also uncovered iron tools, pottery, copper bells, and glass beads inside the jars, revealing trade connections as far as southern India and Mesopotamia.

This is not surprising, as around 1000 AD was a flourishing time in East and Southeast Asia, highlighted by the Song Dynasty, Khmer Empire, and the pagan kingdoms of present-day Myanmar.

Marco Mitri is investigating similar stone jars at North Eastern Hill University in India. Archaeological findings in Northeast India indicate diverse cultural practices that resonate with these traditions.

Mitri theorizes that various Austro-Asian communities have practiced these funerary rituals for centuries, with modern parallels seen in groups like the Khasis in India, who still use stone boxes called cysts for bone deposits following cremation.

Discovery Tour: Archaeology and Paleontology

New Scientist regularly highlights incredible archaeological sites worldwide that reshape our understanding of civilization’s early days. Explore these fascinating locations!

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Newly Discovered Giant Dinosaur Species in Thailand Unveils Asia’s Hidden Diversity of Ancient Giants

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unveiled an exciting discovery: a new genus and species of Somphospondylan titanosaur dinosaur, heralded as the largest ever found in Southeast Asia. Fossilized bones uncovered in Thailand provide compelling evidence that this region once hosted a remarkably diverse array of giant herbivores during the Early Cretaceous period.

Reconstruction of the life of Nagatitan chaiyapumensis in the arid floodplains of the Late Early Cretaceous Aptian-Albian period. Image credit: Pachanop Boonsai.

This newly described dinosaur species inhabited what is now northeastern Thailand approximately 113 million years ago.

Named Nagatitan chaiyapumensis, this ancient giant measured about 27 meters (89 feet) in length and weighed between 25 and 28 tons.

During its time, it coexisted with smaller plant-eating dinosaurs like iguanodonts and early ceratopsians, as well as predatory dinosaurs such as carcharodontosaurs and spinosaurs, alongside sharks, turtles, crocodile relatives, and pterosaurs.

“Our dinosaur is large by most standards, likely weighing at least 10 tons more than Dippy” (referring to Diplodocus carnegie), stated lead author Titiut (Pers) Sesapanitisakul from University College London.

“However, it still pales in comparison to massive sauropods like Patagotitan (60 tons) and Luyangosaurus (50 tons).

The fossil of Nagatitan chaiyapumensis was excavated from the Khok Kruat Formation in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand.

“We consider Nagatitan chaiyapumensis the ‘last giant’ of Thailand,” Sesapanitisakul explained, “because it was found in a rock formation that contains the youngest dinosaurs.”

“Younger sediment deposited towards the end of the dinosaur era is unlikely to reveal dinosaur remains, as the area transformed into a shallow ocean by then.”

“This could represent the final or most recent large sauropod discovered in Southeast Asia.”

To classify Nagatitan chaiyapumensis, paleontologists compared its anatomy with over 150 other dinosaur species, situating it within the sauropod family tree.

The analysis established that the new species belongs to Euhelopodidae, a group of Somphospondylan titanosaurs primarily found in Asia.

This group also includes notable species such as Puwiangosaurus cylindornae from Thailand and Tanvayosaurus hofeti from Laos.

“This discovery highlights a trend of increased body size among Asian titanosaurs during the Mid-Cretaceous, likely driven by rising temperatures and the expansion of suitable habitats,” the researchers commented.

The identification of Nagatitan chaiyapumensis enhances the known diversity of sauropods in Southeast Asia and significantly contributes to our understanding of titanosaurs’ biogeography in this region.

The team’s paper has been published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.

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T. Setapanitisakul et al. 2026. The first sauropod dinosaur discovered from the Early Cretaceous Khok Kruat Formation in Thailand enriches the diversity of vertebrate titanosaurids in Southeast Asia. Scientific Reports 16, 12467; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-47482-x

Source: www.sci.news

Discover a New Species of Giant Long-Necked Dinosaur in Argentina

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Fossils discovered at a secluded ranch in Argentina reveal a new genus and species of large sauropod dinosaur, identified by an international team of paleontologists from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich.

Reconstruction of Vicaracosaurus dionydei. Image credit: Felipe Cutro-Lev.

The newly identified sauropod species roamed the southern region of the Gondwana supercontinent during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 157 million years ago.

Named Vicaracosaurus dionydei, this dinosaur measured around 20 meters (65 feet) in length.

“Sauropods are a key lineage of dinosaurs, representing one of the most significant groups of herbivorous vertebrates from the Mesozoic era,” said lead author Alexandra Reuter, a doctoral student at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, alongside her research team.

“These giant herbivores first emerged in the late Triassic period and thrived until the end of the Cretaceous period.”

“Sauropods displayed considerable taxonomic diversity and included the largest terrestrial animals in history.”

“Neosauropoda eventually branched into two primary clades, Diplodocoideae and Macronariidae, early in their evolutionary journey. This major classification has been widely accepted since the 1990s, though there is ongoing debate regarding the classification of many Jurassic taxa into these subclades or Neosauropoda as a whole.”

Fossil remains identified as Vicaracosaurus dionydei, including vertebrae, ribs, and parts of a hip joint, were first reported to paleontologists in March 2001 by local farmer Dionid Mesa.

This fossil site belongs to the Canadon Carcareo Formation, located in central to northern Chubut province, Argentina.

Historically, researchers have relied heavily on fossils from North America, Europe, and other Northern Hemisphere regions to piece together the evolution of neosauropods.

Both the Canadon Carcareo Formation and the Tendaguru Formation in Tanzania stand out as rare Gondwanan deposits preserving skeletons of multiple sauropods.

“For years, the only significant archaeological site in the southern continent was in Tanzania,” stated lead author Professor Oliver Rauchat, a paleontologist at the Bavarian Institute of Paleontology and Geology, as well as Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich.

“The fossils from the Chubut province, including Vicaracosaurus dionydei, provide critical comparative material that enhances our understanding of these creatures’ evolutionary history, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Fossil evidence indicates that Vicaracosaurus dionydei is part of a giant herbivore group known as Macronaria, which later gave rise to iconic giants like Brachiosaurus.

Yet, this new dinosaur’s anatomy also shows remarkable similarities to diplodocids, another sauropod lineage that includes famous species like Diplodocus.

To ascertain its position within the dinosaur family tree, researchers employed two distinct phylogenetic datasets for analysis.

Most analyses positioned Vicaracosaurus dionydei as sharing traits with Macronaria and Brachiosauridae, including Brachiosaurus and the African giant Giraffatitan.

“Our phylogenetic analysis indicates that Vicaracosaurus dionydei is closely related to brachiosaurids, making it the earliest known brachiosaur to inhabit South America during the Jurassic period,” Reuter concluded.

The research team’s paper was published in the online journal Peer J.

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A. Reuter et al. 2026. Vicaracosaurus dionydei, a new giant herbivorous dinosaur (sauropod) from the Late Jurassic Canadon-Carcareo Formation in Argentina and insights into the early evolution of giant sauropods. Peer J 14: e20945; doi: 10.7717/peerj.20945

Source: www.sci.news

Groundbreaking Discovery: Giant Squid DNA Uncovered in Deep Canyon Off Australia’s Coast

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA) from depths exceeding 4 km off the coast of Western Australia’s Ningaloo, researchers have identified an astounding 226 species spanning 11 major animal groups. This includes remarkable finds like the giant squid, which hasn’t been previously documented in the region, as well as species believed to be new to science.

When a giant squid, measuring 10 to 12 feet long, approaches Medusa’s e-jelly lure, it realizes the e-jelly is not bait and retreats. Image credit: Edie Widder and Nathan Robinson.

“Our findings underscore the vast unknowns within Australia’s deep sea ecosystems,” stated Dr. Georgia Nester, the lead researcher from Curtin University, now enrolled at the University of Western Australia.

Dr. Nester and her team from the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falco conducted a survey of the Cape Ranges and Croats submarine canyon, roughly 1,200 km north of Perth, collecting over 1,000 samples from depths as deep as 4,510 m.

Employing eDNA techniques, they documented the species inhabiting these deep-sea environments without direct observation or capture.

Among their significant discoveries was evidence of the giant squid (Architeuthis dux), detected across six separate samples from both the Cape Mountains and Cloetes Valley, alongside pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris).

“Only two previous records of giant squid exist in Western Australia, with no sightings for over 25 years,” noted Dr. Lisa Kirkendale from the Western Australian Museum.

“This marks the first detection of a giant squid using the eDNA protocol along the coast of Western Australia and represents the northernmost record of Architeuthis dux in the eastern Indian Ocean.”

Overall, researchers recorded a total of 226 species from 11 major animal groups, which included rare deep-sea fish, cnidarians, echinoderms, squid, marine mammals, and many more.

They also identified numerous species in Western Australian waters, such as the sleeper shark, previously unrecorded, as well as the faceless cask eel (Typhronus) and thin snaggletooth (Ladinastes demus).

“While the discovery of giant squid captivates public imagination, it’s part of a broader ecological puzzle,” explained Dr. Nester.

“We found numerous species that don’t align with existing records, indicating a significant scope of deep-sea biodiversity that remains to be uncovered.”

Curtin University researcher Dr. Zoe Richards noted, “eDNA has the potential to revolutionize how scientists explore and conserve deep-sea environments.”

“These ecosystems are vast, remote, and costly to study, yet they confront increasing threats from climate change, fishing, and resource extraction.”

“eDNA offers a scalable, non-invasive method to gain essential insights into the organisms residing there, crucial for informed conservation efforts.”

“You can’t protect what you don’t know exists. The sheer volume of discoveries, including megafauna, emphasizes that we have much to learn about marine life in the Indian Ocean.”

The team’s findings are published in the journal Environmental DNA.

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Georgia M. Nester et al. 2026. Environmental DNA reveals diverse and expanding biodiversity in underwater canyons in the eastern Indian Ocean. Environmental DNA 8 (2): e70261; doi: 10.1002/edn3.70261

Source: www.sci.news

Giant Echidnas Once Roamed Victoria, Australia: Fossil Discoveries Unveiled

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Australian echidna fossils are exceptionally rare and show an uneven distribution across time and geography. In a recent study, published in The Alcheringa, Australian Journal of Paleontology, paleontologists detailed parts of a skull belonging to Owen’s giant echidna (Megalibgwilia oweni), discovered in southeastern Australia. This specimen, found at Foul Air Cave in the Buchan Caves Reserve, East Gippsland, marks the first evidence of an extinct species in Victoria, which was previously unrepresented in the fossil record.

Restoration of Owen’s Giant Echidna (Megalibgwilia owenii). Image credit: Chris Edser.

First highlighted in the 1990s, Megalibgwilia owenii reached lengths of up to 1 meter and weighed around 15 kg.

This species’ absence in Victoria was notable, especially given its identified presence across Australia, from Western Australia to Tasmania and southern New South Wales.

The newly described specimens help bridge this gap, indicating a potentially more continuous range for the species than previously documented.

This fossil includes a fragment of a skull and is part of the Museum Victoria Paleontology Collection.

Dr. Tim Ziegler, the collections manager for vertebrate palaeontology at Museums Victoria Research Institute, discovered this specimen in 2021 and utilized historical archives to confirm its recovery from a 1907 expedition to Foulair Cave, led by museum staff and naturalist Frank Spry.

“Museum collections serve as a link between science, heritage, and communities,” Dr. Ziegler noted.

“Over a century ago, Spry, alongside scientists and local residents, explored the Buchan caves using only ropes and kerosene lamps, inspiring us to continue this vital research.”

Dr. Ziegler and Deakin University student Jeremy Lockett emphasized that this discovery underscores the importance of reevaluating historical collections, as they can yield new insights long after specimens were first collected.

Further exploration of museum collections and fossil remains is crucial for enhancing our understanding of ancient echidna diversity and their distribution during the Quaternary period.

“Previous research by Museums Victoria has demonstrated that Buchan Caves hold an exceptional record of Australia’s ancient megafauna, including species such as Simosthenurus occidentalis and the giant marsupial Parokestes azael,” Dr. Ziegler added.

“The next remarkable find may arise from within a museum, through ongoing fieldwork, or from the discerning eyes of citizen scientists. We eagerly anticipate future discoveries.”

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Tim Ziegler and Jeremy Lockett. First Victorian record of Owen’s giant echidna Megalibgwilia oweni from Buchan Caves, East Gippsland, Australia. The Alcheringa, published online on April 13, 2026. doi: 10.1080/03115518.2026.2643598

Source: www.sci.news

How Disappearing Giant Animals May Have Triggered the Stone Tool Revolution

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Evolution of Tools: Early Humans Innovate for Smaller Prey

Raul Martin/MSF/Science Photo Library

Early Humans Tool Evolution — Evolution of Tools: Early Humans Innovate for Smaller Prey

Raul Martin/MSF/Science Photo Library

A notable decline in megafauna populations approximately 200,000 years ago prompted ancient humans to pivot from robust stone tools to lighter, more versatile hunting kits for capturing smaller animals, according to a groundbreaking study. This research bolsters the theory that the shift to hunting smaller prey played a pivotal role in enhancing the cognitive abilities of early humans.

For over a million years, diverse early human species relied on heavy stone toolkits, including axes, kitchen knives, scrapers, and stone balls. Evidence indicates these tools specifiably targeted large herbivores, such as now-extinct relatives of elephants, hippos, and rhinos.

Between 400,000 and 200,000 years ago, the emergence of smaller, advanced tools coincided with the disappearance of heavier implements. Our species, Homo sapiens, emerged during this transformational period.

About 200,000 years ago, heavy tools vanished from archaeological records across the Levant, while the quantity of sophisticated, lightweight stone toolkits—such as blades and precision scrapers—increased significantly.

Research led by Vlad Litov, a professor at Tel Aviv University, establishes a compelling connection between these technological advancements and the dramatic decline of large herbivorous mammals, likely caused by overhunting.

Researchers meticulously cataloged archaeological evidence from 47 Paleolithic sites—covering 3.3 million to 12,000 years ago. Cross-referencing stone artifacts with animal remains revealed a distinct pattern.

The findings show a marked decline in large herbivores exceeding 1,000 kilograms, coinciding with the disappearance of fundamental stone tools 200,000 years ago. Conversely, the presence of smaller prey and innovative small tools rose significantly.

Supporting the correlation between tool types and prey availability, previous research indicates durable stone tools persisted in areas like southern China—where large game remained abundant—until about 50,000 years ago.

Comparative Analysis: Heavy Stone Tools vs. Lightweight Tools

Vlad Litov et al., Institute of Archeology, Tel Aviv University

Previously, it was posited that technological advancements were driven by an inherent rise in intelligence among humans, potentially influenced by unknown evolutionary pressures. However, Litov and his colleagues suggest that the reliance on smaller prey may have been a significant factor in the brain’s evolution across modern humans.

“As megaherbivores dwindled, humans increasingly turned to smaller prey, demanding novel hunting methods, enhanced planning capabilities, and the use of more intricate, lighter toolkits,” states Litov. “This cognitive evolution was thus a response to new adaptive needs, rather than its initial driver.”

“It’s essential to consider more than just prey size,” states Seri Shipton from University College London. He mentions evidence suggesting mass hunts of medium-sized ungulates like horses and bison, indicating that cognitive developments and advanced planning were already occurring during the Middle Paleolithic period.

Nicolas Tessandier from the French National Center for Scientific Research adds a critical perspective. “Human adaptations to new fauna reflect resourcefulness rather than sheer intelligence,” he explains. “The development of effective technologies for hunting large herbivores was equally strategic.”

Litov acknowledges that earlier studies demonstrate cognitive abilities in ancient hominins, particularly Homo erectus specimens dating back around 2 million years. However, he contends that the transition from large to small prey had far-reaching implications for human development. An ancient elephant carcass could have sustained about 35 hunter-gatherers for an extended period. With this high-calorie resource’s disappearance, relying solely on smaller prey could drastically reduce caloric returns.

“To match the energy yield of one elephant carcass, we had to acquire numerous smaller ungulates, like fallow deer,” Litov explains. This necessity may have spurred cognitive and behavioral transformations, such as enhanced cooperative hunting strategies and better planning, laying the groundwork for increased brain sizes in later hominins like Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.

“In my view, the decline of large prey likely escalated inter-group competition,” notes Shipton. “It’s possible this dynamic created a feedback loop where diminishing large prey spurred cognitive advancements, allowing access to diversified smaller prey.”

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Webb Observations Reveal TOI-5205b: A Carbon-Rich, Oxygen-Poor Atmosphere of a Giant Exoplanet

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have utilized the Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec) on the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to analyze the atmosphere of TOI-5205b, an extrasolar gas giant orbiting a dim red dwarf star. These groundbreaking observations reveal that the atmosphere is surprisingly deficient in heavy elements, raising intriguing questions regarding the formation and evolution of such “forbidden” alien worlds.

The Jupiter-sized planet TOI-5205b has a surface temperature of 737 K and orbits at a distance of 0.02 astronomical units from its parent star, TOI-5205. Image credit: Sci.News.

TOI-5205b is a short-period gas giant with only 1.03 times the radius and 1.08 times the mass of Jupiter, completing its orbit in just 1.63 days.

Discovered in 2022, this planet orbits the TOI-5205, an M4-type star with approximately 39% of the Sun’s size and mass.

The system, also known as TIC 419411415, is located about 283 light-years away in the constellation Vorissa.

“Short-period Jupiter-mass planets are among the first exoplanets found around Sun-like main-sequence stars, yet their formation processes are still not fully understood,” explained Dr. Caleb Cañas from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

“The increasing number of short-period giant exoplanets around M dwarfs adds further complexity to gas giant planet formation theories.”

“These worlds are challenging to form through nuclear accretion due to the low disk masses and longer orbital time scales of M dwarfs, which hinder the efficient creation of massive planetary cores necessary for runaway gas accretion.”

“These planets exemplify an extreme formation regime for mid-to-late M-type dwarfs since the significant planet-to-star mass ratio demands a core mass exceeding the estimated dust mass of the protoplanetary disk.”

Astronomers used Webb’s NIRSpec to observe three separate transits of TOI-5205b.

To their surprise, they discovered that the concentration of heavy elements in the planet’s atmosphere, relative to hydrogen, is lower than found in the gas giants of our solar system, including Jupiter. Remarkably, it is even less metallic than its host star.

This finding sets TOI-5205b apart from all other studied giant planets.

Furthermore, the observations revealed the presence of methane and hydrogen sulfide in the planet’s atmosphere, corroborating previous findings.

To better understand their results, the researchers employed an advanced model of the planet’s interior, predicting that TOI-5205b’s overall composition is about 100 times richer in metals than its atmosphere.

“We observed a significantly lower metallicity than what models predicted for the planet’s bulk composition, based on measurements of its mass and radius,” noted Dr. Shubham Kanodia of Carnegie Science.

“This suggests that heavy elements migrated to the interior during formation, indicating that the interior and atmosphere are not currently mixing.”

“In essence, our findings imply that the planet’s atmosphere is notably carbon-rich and oxygen-poor.”

For more information on these findings, check out the latest publication in Astronomy Magazine.

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Caleb I. Cañas et al. 2026. GEMS JWST: TOI-5205b’s transmission spectroscopy reveals significant contamination of the star and a metal-poor atmosphere. A.J. 171, 260; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ae4976

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals Giant Prehistoric Dragonfly-Like Insects’ Size May Not Be Due to Environmental Factors

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

For many years, scientists believed that the size of prehistoric insects, such as the griffin fly, was linked to elevated oxygen levels in the atmosphere. However, a groundbreaking study led by paleontologist Edward Snelling from the University of Pretoria suggests that the impressive size of these Carboniferous insects may have other underlying causes.

A giant griffin fly that thrived in Carboniferous forests.

In the 1990s, researchers suggested that the high oxygen concentrations of the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago, coincided with the emergence of these giant insects.

They theorized that the increased oxygen demand due to the larger body sizes of these insects necessitated higher atmospheric oxygen levels.

This hypothesis is logical, given that insects rely on a specialized tracheal system for oxygen intake, a network of branching airways that culminate in trachea.

Insects require oxygen to travel by diffusion through this system, fueling their flight muscle cells.

Prior researchers posited that such giant flying insects could not exist today due to current atmospheric oxygen levels being insufficient to meet the high oxygen needs of their flight muscles.

In the latest study, Dr. Snelling and his team employed high-magnification electron microscopy to examine the relationship between body size and the number of tracheae within flight muscles.

They discovered that trachea typically occupy only about 1% or less of the flight muscles’ space in most species, a trend that holds true for the griffin fly as well.

This finding indicates that insect flight muscles are not limited by atmospheric oxygen levels; they can easily accommodate additional trachea within the muscle itself.

“If atmospheric oxygen truly restricts the maximum body size in insects, we should observe compensatory adaptations at the tracheal level,” remarked Dr. Snelling.

“There is some cost associated with larger insects, but overall it is minor.”

Professor Roger Seymour from the University of Adelaide pointed out, “In contrast, capillaries in bird and mammal heart muscles occupy approximately ten times more relative space than trachea in insect flight muscles. Thus, if oxygen transport is indeed a limiting factor for body size, significant evolutionary potential exists to enhance tracheal investment.”

Some researchers argue that oxygen flow to trachea and other body parts may still impose limits on insect size, leaving the theory of maximum size due to oxygen constraints open for debate.

“Regardless, these new findings clearly demonstrate that diffusion within the flight muscle trachea does not pose a constraint. Scientists need to investigate other factors that may explain the existence of these giant insects,” Dr. Snelling concluded.

If oxygen is not the limiting factor for insect size, alternative explanations like predation from vertebrates or limitations in the biomechanical support of the exoskeleton may be at play.

A detailed paper outlining this research was published in the latest issue of Nature.

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EP Snelling et al. Oxygen supply via the tracheal musculature does not suppress insect gigantism. Nature published online March 25, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10291-3

Source: www.sci.news

Stunning Photos of NASA’s Giant Moon Rocket: Explore the Future of Space Exploration

Posted on March 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Orion spacecraft, designed with a distinctive gumdrop shape, has a capacity to carry up to four astronauts. With a width of 16.5 feet and a habitable volume of approximately 330 cubic feet, crew members have been rigorously trained to function effectively in confined spaces, including sleeping, eating, exercising, using the restroom, and communicating with ground control.

Inside the Orion capsule, you’ll find an advanced space toilet equipped with a privacy door. This facility utilizes a vacuum system to expel urine into space, while all other waste is securely stored for disposal upon mission completion.

Post-launch, astronauts have the flexibility to remove and stow two seats to create additional space until landing. Each day, astronauts engage in 30 minutes of training to maintain their physical fitness, as per the Canadian Space Agency. The capsule also features a specialized flywheel device that facilitates exercises like squats and deadlifts.

Looking ahead, NASA plans to reuse Orion components on its forthcoming Artemis III mission, set to launch in mid-2027. This flight will focus on demonstrating important docking and landing techniques in low Earth orbit, followed by the Artemis IV mission, which aims to achieve a lunar landing in 2028.

The Artemis II mission will be commanded by NASA’s Wiseman, with Grover as the pilot. Mission specialists include NASA’s Koch and Canada’s Hansen. The crew has already arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in preparation for the scheduled launch.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

How Giant Magnets Could Shield Earth from Hazardous Asteroids

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Can Magnets Safeguard Earth from Asteroids?

Timothy OLeary/Getty Images

Scientists propose a groundbreaking method to alter the course of potentially hazardous asteroids using a giant magnet. This innovative approach, known as non-contact orbital velocity adjustment (NOVA), aims to mitigate the challenges associated with traditional kinetic impactor techniques, which involve colliding a spacecraft with an asteroid to redirect it. However, as of now, this method remains untested, leaving its effectiveness uncertain.

Günther Kletechka from the University of Alaska Fairbanks introduced the NOVA concept at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Texas on March 17th. He focused on the NOVA application for the asteroid 2024 YR4, which was initially thought to be on a collision course with Earth or the Moon in 2032. Fortunately, subsequent observations indicated it would safely pass by.

This asteroid, less than 70 meters in diameter, represents a manageable target for location adjustment. The proposed spacecraft features a large, superconducting magnet that is approximately 20 meters wide, powered by a nuclear fission reactor. A small booster would maintain its orbit around the asteroid, allowing it to stay within 10 to 15 meters of the surface and interact with its iron content.

While a magnet could theoretically deflect a solid iron asteroid, most asteroids consist of smaller fragments held loosely together in what is known as a rubble pile. “It’s a pile of rubble with virtually zero tensile strength, so you can’t push the whole body effectively,” stated Kletechka during his presentation. He cautioned that kinetic impactors could fragment such asteroids, creating debris that may fall to Earth.

In contrast, the NOVA spacecraft would gradually extract pieces from the rubble pile and trap them in a magnetic field at its center. Each collected fragment would increase both the spacecraft’s mass and magnetic field strength, easing the extraction of subsequent pieces. This technique allows the spacecraft to slowly shrink and control the asteroid’s movement.

To delay the trajectory of YR4 effectively, Kletechka estimates that at least 170 days of continuous operation would be essential. Although he believes that this electromagnetic deflection strategy is feasible, he acknowledges significant uncertainties. The precise quantity of iron in 2024 YR4 remains undetermined, although educated guesses suggest it’s adequate. Furthermore, maneuvering a spacecraft so close to an asteroid for extended periods has not been attempted before and poses unique challenges.

“Including this tool in our Earth’s defense arsenal is beneficial, especially since the likelihood of exacerbating the problem is virtually nonexistent,” Kletechka remarked.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Did Neanderthals Hunt Giant Elephants in Prehistoric Europe?

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Chemical Clues in Straight-Tusked Elephant Teeth (Paleoloxodon antiquus): The 125,000-year-old remnants at Germany’s Neumark Nord reveal that these massive creatures migrated hundreds of kilometers, suggesting intentional hunting by Neanderthals.

The straight-tusked elephant (Paleoloxodon antiquus) stands as the largest terrestrial mammal of the European Pleistocene. Image credit: Hodari Nundu, CC-BY-4.0.

According to Dr. Elena Almaroli, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia, “The straight-tusked elephant exemplifies the European Pleistocene interglacial ecosystem, sharing its habitat with Neanderthals during warmer periods.”

Archaeological findings indicate that Neanderthals utilized these elephants both as a food source and for tool-making materials across Europe.

Previously, the evidence that straight-tusked elephants were hunted and not merely scavenged was minimal and contentious.

In this groundbreaking study, researchers examined the molar teeth of four straight-tusked elephants found at the Neumark Nord site in northeastern Germany.

Strontium isotope analysis along the teeth’s growth axis indicated that these elephants roamed different regions of Europe throughout their lives.

Dr. Almaroli emphasized, “This isotope analysis allows us to track the elephants’ movements like a travel diary inscribed in their teeth for over 100,000 years.”

Dr. Federico Lugli, also from the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia, remarked, “Some of the elephants in our study demonstrated considerable mobility.”

“Their teeth reveal travel distances of up to 300 km to the region north of present-day Neumark,” he added, helping to reconstruct their geographical range and adaptation to the landscape.

Researchers identified the sex of the four elephants: three males and one female, with varying isotopic signatures indicating different habitats, suggesting that males had larger territories akin to modern elephant behavior.

“The concentration of remains and isotopic profiles indicate that Neanderthals targeted these elephants deliberately, not just opportunistically,” Dr. Almaroli stated.

“This implies organized hunting strategies where large prey could be systematically pursued.”

Dr. Lugli noted, “This study marks a significant methodological advancement as paleoproteomics has been employed to determine individual sex from proteins in tooth enamel for the first time in straight-tusked elephants.”

The findings were published in the magazine Scientific Progress on March 13th.

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Elena Almaroli et al. 2026. Life history of straight-tusked elephants from the last interglacial site of Neanderthals in Neumark Nord (~1.25 million years). Scientific Progress 12(11);doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adz0114

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Newly Discovered Giant Mosasaurus Species Unveiled in Morocco

Posted on March 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered a new giant species of Mosasaurus, named Pluridence Imeraki, derived from Late Cretaceous phosphate deposits in Morocco. This slender-jawed mosasaur may have reached over 9 m (29.5 ft) in length, making it a significant addition to the mosasaur family.

Pluridence Imeraki holotype, enlarged view of the dentary. Scale bar – 10 cm. Image credit: Nicholas R. Longrich & Nour-Eddine Jalil, doi: 10.3390/d18030159.” width=”580″ height=”281″ srcset=”https://cdn.sci.news/images/2026/03/image_14606_1-Pluridens-imelaki.jpg 580w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2026/03/image_14606_1-Pluridens-imelaki-300×145.jpg 300w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

Pluridence Imeraki holotype, enlarged view of the tooth. Scale bar – 10 cm. Image credit: Nicholas R. Longrich & Nour-Eddine Jalil, doi: 10.3390/d18030159.

Pluridence Imeraki existed in the ocean during the late Maastrichtian period of the Cretaceous, roughly 66 to 67 million years ago.

This species is classified under the Halisauridae subfamily, which typically includes smaller mosasaurs. Early members ranged from approximately 4 to 5 m (13 to 16.4 ft) long, such as Halisaurus, which could grow up to about 7.5 m (24.6 ft) in closely related species like Pluridence Serpentis.

At over 9 meters long, Pluridence Imeraki rivals the largest predatory mosasaurs from the region.

Dr. Nicholas Longrich from the University of Bath and Dr. Nour Eddin Jalil from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris remarked, “The Late Cretaceous saw a significant expansion of mosasaurs, a specialized group of large marine predators that dominated the oceans during the final 25 million years of this period in Marrakech.”

“Morocco’s late Maastrichtian Phosphate Formation is home to the most diverse mosasaur assemblage known, featuring what could be the richest marine reptilian fauna globally.”

“In recent years, numerous new mosasaur species have been identified, with over 16 species reported so far.”

“The four primary subfamilies of mosasauridae represented in these phosphates include mosasauridae, plioplatecarpini, tylosauridae, and halisauridae, along with basal mosasauridae like Pachybalanus.”

“While mosasaurids account for most of the species diversity, halisaurids thrived in phosphate-rich areas and were prevalent across Africa during the Cretaceous.”

Pluridence Imeraki, Pluridence Serpentis, and Halisaurus aramburgi from the latest Maastrichtian phosphates in Morocco. Scale bar – 1 m. Image credit: Nicholas R. Longrich & Nour-Eddine Jalil, doi: 10.3390/d18030159.” width=”580″ height=”323″ srcset=”https://cdn.sci.news/images/2026/03/image_14606_2-Pluridens-imelaki.jpg 580w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2026/03/image_14606_2-Pluridens-imelaki-300×167.jpg 300w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2026/03/image_14606_2-Pluridens-imelaki-316×176.jpg 316w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2026/03/image_14606_2-Pluridens-imelaki-195×110.jpg 195w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

Relative sizes of Pluridence Imeraki, Pluridence Serpentis, and Halisaurus aramburgi, all extracted from Morocco’s latest Maastrichtian phosphates. Scale bar – 1 m. Image credit: Nicholas R. Longrich & Nour-Eddine Jalil, doi: 10.3390/d18030159.

A 1.25 m (4.1 ft) long skull, along with the lower jaw of Pluridence Imeraki, was unearthed from the phosphate layer of Couche III in Sidi Chennan, Kouribga department, Morocco.

The phosphate layer represents a marine upwelling zone, deposited in a shallow marine embayment along the eastern edge of the Atlantic Ocean from late Maastrichtian to early Eocene times,” noted the paleontologist.

“These formations are part of vast phosphate accumulations that arose along the Tethyan Mountains and the eastern Atlantic margin during the Late Cretaceous and early Paleogene.”

Compared to related species, Pluridence Imeraki likely exhibited a distinct feeding strategy.

Variations in jaw structure, tooth shape, and eye size suggest that this species occupied unique ecological niches in the marine ecosystem at the Cretaceous’s end.

“We discovered that halisaurids were not only more diverse than previously imagined, but also exhibited greater variation in tooth morphology, jaw shape, and body size,” the researchers concluded.

“Instead of merely competing with mosasaurines, halisaurinae experienced a minor adaptive radiation during the Late Cretaceous and served as significant components of low-latitude ecosystems.”

The discovery of Pluridence Imeraki was detailed in a research paper published in this week’s edition of Diversity.

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Nicholas R. Longrich and Nour Eddin Jalil. 2026. A giant halisaurine from the late Maastrichtian of Morocco. Diversity 18(3):159; doi: 10.3390/d18030159

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Explore Giant Fire Tornadoes as a Revolutionary Method for Ocean Cleansing

Posted on February 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

An oil spill at sea represents one of the worst man-made disasters in history. Surprisingly, introducing a fire whirlpool may emerge as an innovative solution. A recent study reveals it might be an effective method to address the aftermath.

In responding to significant oil spills, emergency teams often ignite oil slicks on the ocean surface, creating fire pits “on-site” to curb the further spread of oil.

While this approach helps protect marine ecosystems, it simultaneously releases substantial amounts of smoke and toxic soot into the atmosphere.

The inspiration for this method traces back to an unusual incident in Kentucky in 2003, where a bourbon spill ignited 800,000 gallons, creating a 30-meter (100-foot) firestorm over a lake. Professor Elaine Oran and her team began exploring whether this process could be utilized more permanently.

“We were joking about what it would smell like,” she shared with BBC Science Focus. “Then we examined the event closely. The larger fire vortex was effectively consuming smaller fire vortices, drawing them in and absorbing them.”

The team constructed a 4.8-meter (16-foot) triple-walled triangular structure at a fire training facility in Texas, featuring a pool of crude oil at its center. When ignited, this setup created a roaring fire vortex approximately 5.2 meters (17 feet) high.

Initial large-scale experiments demonstrate that fire vortices burn spilled oil faster and cleaner than traditional fire pools, showcasing innovative potential for ocean cleanup. – Photo credit: Texas A&M University College of Engineering

Compared to conventional fire pools, the oil burns 40% faster, soot emissions are reduced by 40%, and up to 95% of the fuel is consumed.

The secret to this efficiency lies in the fire’s spin. Instead of spreading outward, the vortex pulls in oxygen from all angles, allowing for hotter and more complete combustion, akin to a giant incinerator rather than a simple bonfire.

However, harnessing this fire whirlpool’s power is no easy task. The structure is unpredictable; too much wind can lead to its collapse, while insufficient airflow control may revert it to a traditional fire pool.

Nonetheless, achieving a “Goldilocks Zone” on-site is “very realistic,” according to Oran, who envisions deploying a movable barrier structure directly above oil spills at sea.

“This research is more than just an experiment; it offers a glimpse into a future where fire is not merely a destructive force, but a tool to safeguard our oceans and our planet,” she stated.

The findings were published in the journal Fuel.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unveiling the Hidden Life of Giant Viruses: Are They More Alive Than We Realize?

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of Mimivirus: A Giant Virus Infecting Amoebae

Credit: Science Photo Library / Alamy

Mimivirus Illustration — Illustration of Mimivirus: A Giant Virus Infecting Amoebae

Credit: Science Photo Library / Alamy

Viruses exploit host cell machinery to produce proteins, with certain large viruses encoding essential components within their genomes to instruct host cells to generate viral proteins. This phenomenon emphasizes how giant viruses challenge the distinction between living and nonliving entities.

Since the discovery of the mimivirus in Bradford, England in 2003, which infects amoebas, biologists have increasingly focused on these giant viruses. Some exhibit sizes larger than typical bacteria, complex shapes, and possess numerous genes.

Among these genes are those that code for components involved in translation—the biological process that turns genetic information into proteins. In cellular biology, translation occurs through ribosomes, initiated by molecular assemblies known as initiation complexes.

To investigate whether giant viruses possess a similar system, Max Fells and his team from Harvard Medical School explored the dynamics within infected amoebas and the manipulations by mimivirus post-infection.

The researchers isolated ribosomes from infected cells and identified the viral proteins linked to them. “This was our initial clue that these might be the elements we were seeking,” said Fells.

Subsequently, they knocked out the gene responsible for the viral complex by substituting it with a modified DNA sequence, resulting in a virus that could not synthesize the corresponding protein. This intervention decreased virus production by up to 100,000-fold and severely inhibited the formation of new infectious particles.

These findings collectively indicate that during an infection, viral complexes potentially redirect the protein synthesis machinery of the host to significantly boost the production of viral structural proteins, even under extreme conditions like nutrient scarcity and oxidative stress, which typically hinder protein synthesis in host cells.

This discovery introduces a profound evolutionary inquiry: how did these viruses acquire such capabilities? Some researchers propose that giant viruses may descend from ancient cellular life forms, while others suggest they evolved from typical viruses through gene acquisition from their hosts.

“Giant viruses have acquired a diverse array of cellular machinery from their eukaryotic hosts over evolutionary time,” stated Frank Aylward from Virginia Tech, who was not part of the study. Genetic exchange can occur during viral infection, allowing natural selection to favor advantageous genes over extended evolutionary periods.

Many of the largest viruses dominate the internal environment of single-celled organisms, which presents more variability than the relatively stable environments of multicellular hosts. Consequently, this flexible control over protein synthesis may confer a significant evolutionary advantage, Aylward noted.

This research also raises critical questions. The mimivirus genome comprises approximately 1,000 proteins, the majority of which remain functionally enigmatic. It remains unclear how these viruses intricately control protein production throughout a single infection cycle.

“Viruses have traditionally been regarded as passive participants in the evolution of living systems,” stated Hiroyuki Ogata from Kyoto University, Japan. “This study demonstrates that giant viruses can reconfigure molecular systems that are fundamental across the spectrum of life.”

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The Giant Python: An Ancient Legend from Taiwan

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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Fossil vertebrae of a massive python, measuring nearly 4 meters long, were unearthed from the Chiting Formation in Taiwan, indicating its existence during the Middle Pleistocene.

An artistic reconstruction of a python and Toyotamafimia in Middle Pleistocene Taiwan. Image credit: National Taiwan University, Fossil Vertebrate Evolution and Diversity Laboratory / Cheng-Han Sun.

The Python genus comprises nearly 10 species of snakes within the Pythonidae family, found across tropical and subtropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere.

In Africa, pythons inhabit tropical zones south of the Sahara, being absent from the southwestern tip of southern Africa and Madagascar.

In Asia, their range extends from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, across Myanmar to Indochina, southern China, Hong Kong, Hainan, and throughout the Malay region of Indonesia, and the Philippines.

“There are currently no living members of the Python genus on the main island of Taiwan,” notes Yi Lu Liau and colleagues from National Taiwan University.

A recent study involved paleontologists who analyzed a large, single trunk vertebra found near Tainan, Taiwan.

This vertebra dates back to the Middle Pleistocene, approximately 800,000 to 400,000 years ago.

The researchers classified this specimen as belonging to the Python genus, marking the first discovery of python fossils on mainland Taiwan.

Using measurements from a 3D reconstruction of the specimen, researchers estimated that this ancient snake reached lengths of about 4 meters, surpassing the size of modern snakes in Taiwan.

While Taiwan is home to over 50 snake species, none match the size indicated by these fossils.

“This fossil is not only the largest but also the most surprising snake fossil discovered in Taiwan,” the researchers stated.

The fossil was recovered from the Chiting Formation, a geological unit rich in fossils from southern Taiwan, where large herbivores such as saber-toothed cats, massive crocodiles, mammoths, and extinct rhinos have also been found.

Collectively, these findings suggest a complex, predator-dominated ecosystem during the Middle Pleistocene, in stark contrast to Taiwan’s current fauna.

“A top predator has gone extinct, as shown by the discovery of this enormous Python. Alternatively, previously documented saber-toothed tigers and large crocodiles indicate rapid changes in Taiwan’s modern biodiversity,” the scientists concluded.

“We propose that the top predator niche in today’s ecosystems may have remained vacant since the Pleistocene extinction event.”

“Future discoveries and in-depth analyses should further explore this hypothesis and illuminate the origins of modern biodiversity in the Far East.”

For more details regarding this discovery, refer to the study published in the journal Historical Biology.

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Yi Lu Liau and colleagues. Unexpected snake fossil (Pythonidae, Python) discovered in Taiwan. Historical Biology, published online on January 16, 2026. doi: 10.1080/08912963.2025.2610741

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Source: www.sci.news

Emerging Giant Hybrid Pest in Brazil Poses Global Threat to Crops

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) Larvae Feeding on Cotton Plants

Debra Ferguson/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group (via Getty Images)

The cotton bollworm and corn earworm, recognized as “giant pests,” are currently wreaking havoc on farmers globally. Recent interbreeding incidents in Brazil have resulted in a hybrid that possesses resistance to various pesticides. If this trend continues unchecked, the hybrid strain may severely impact soybean and other crop yields, jeopardizing global food security.

“This can pose significant challenges,” notes Chris Jiggins from Cambridge University.

Many nations rely on Brazilian soybeans for both human and animal feed—“it essentially feeds the world,” Jiggins remarks.

In Brazil, over 90% of soybeans cultivated are genetically modified (GM) varieties containing built-in pesticides. The emergence of resistant pests could precipitate a decline in yields, leading to heightened food prices. Additionally, increased deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions may occur as farmers seek to clear more land for cultivation.

The corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), a moth native to the Americas, features caterpillars that are highly destructive to a variety of crops, particularly corn. They also pose threats to tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants.

Historically, H. zea has not been a significant issue for soybean farmers in Brazil, as soybeans are not their primary food source. However, the detection of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) in Brazil in 2013 marked a troubling development. This pest, a close relative of H. zea, has proven to be widely detrimental. Both moth species are categorized as “giant pests” due to their notorious destructiveness and resistance to control measures.

“The concerns are well-founded, given their significant impact,” Jiggins emphasizes. “Moths can travel substantial distances, complicating control efforts.”

H. armigera feeds on multiple plant types, while H. zea primarily reproduces in soybeans, leading to financial strains on Brazilian agriculture with costs totaling billions of dollars, according to Jiggins.

The introduction of Bt soybeans—genetically engineered to produce proteins derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis—has alleviated some challenges posed by these pests.

Initial belief held that hybridization between H. armigera and H. zea was implausible. However, genetic analyses from 2018 identified hybrids within the species. Recent genomic studies of around 1,000 moths collected over the past decade have revealed alarming trends.

Analysis indicates that one-third of H. armigera specimens now possess genes conferring resistance to Bt toxins, a concerning development since H. zea strains have evolved comparable resistances after their introduction in North America during the 1990s. This resistance, now spreading to South America, suggests a perilous progression as hybridization occurs. While hybrid H. armigera has not yet produced severe consequences, experts caution that as resistance continues to evolve, the situation may change rapidly.

Gene transfers between species are occurring, and H. zea in Brazil have gained resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. “The speed of this development is astounding,” notes Jiggins.

Angela McGaughran from the University of Waikato asserts that “as global interconnectedness and climate change enable species range expansion, the looming threat of these megapests could amplify on a worldwide scale.”

Farmers are advised to implement non-Bt crop rotations alongside Bt crops to mitigate the spread of resistant pests. However, adherence to these guidelines remains inconsistent across various countries.

Biotech companies are now researching multi-gene Bt strains—producing two, three, or even five different Bt proteins to combat resistance. However, Jiggins insists that the cost and duration of bringing such innovations to market underscore the necessity for sustainable resistance management, including reducing exposure to existing Bt crops.

While hybridization facilitates resistance, Tabashnik highlights that intra-species evolution remains the leading concern. In China, for instance, H. armigera has developed resistance to the original Bt toxin independently.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Did Ancient Giant Kangaroos Have the Ability to Jump Despite Their Size?

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Procoptodon Goria: The 2-Meter Tall Kangaroo

Credit: Michael Long/Science Photo Library

Procoptodon prehistoric kangaroo — Procoptodon Goria: The 2-Meter Tall Kangaroo

Credit: Michael Long/Science Photo Library

New bone analysis suggests even the colossal kangaroos of ancient Australia might have been capable of jumping.

During the Pleistocene, some kangaroos weighed over twice as much as today’s species. One subset, the Stenurines, reached such enormous sizes that their ability to jump was doubted, leading researchers to believe they primarily walked on their hind legs.

“When discussing giant kangaroos, the stenurines are a frequent topic,” says Megan Jones from the University of Manchester, UK. “These unique kangaroos feature very short, box-shaped skulls and one toe on each foot. The largest male red kangaroos today average around 90 kilograms, while the biggest stenulin weighed nearly 250 kilograms.”

Among these giants is Procoptodon Goria, the most significant kangaroo species, standing approximately 2 meters tall and going extinct around 40,000 years ago.

Debate has persisted regarding the stress on their feet, prompting Jones and her team to analyze bone measurements from 67 macropod species—encompassing modern kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, beetongs, rat kangaroos, and extinct giant kangaroos.

They measured leg bones (including the femur, tibia, and calcaneus) and gathered body weight data to estimate tendon sizes and their endurance under stress.

“The kangaroo’s Achilles tendon is on the brink of rupture but serves a vital role,” states Jones. “It enables kangaroos to store elastic energy for the next jump. Simply scaling today’s kangaroo would present challenges.”

Yet, ancient kangaroos weren’t merely massive. With shorter legs and wider calcaneus bones, their structure mitigated bending influences during hopping, allowing for larger tendons capable of withstanding the corresponding forces.

“This evidence indicates they weren’t mechanically restricted from jumping,” asserts Jones. “Whether they actually jumped, however, is a different question.”

While hopping likely wasn’t their primary locomotion mode, it might have been used sporadically for rapid movement, Jones explains.

This study reinforces the view that the iconic kangaroo hop is likely an adaptable feature within a surprisingly varied locomotor repertoire, according to Benjamin Kia from Uppsala University, Sweden. Over millions of years, this versatility has contributed to the ecological triumph of macropods.

The flexibility remains clear today; red kangaroos, often perceived as constant hoppers, can also utilize their tails as a fifth limb for walking. “Tree kangaroos exhibit diverse locomotion styles—they walk, jump, bounce, and can even move on two legs,” adds Jones.

Topics:

Evolution/
Animal Behavior

Source: www.newscientist.com

Massive Iceberg Transformed into a Giant Pool: The Ultimate City Attraction

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Satellite image of Antarctic iceberg A23a displaying meltwater on its surface

NASA

Satellite image of Antarctic iceberg A23a on January 7 — Satellite image of Antarctic iceberg A23a displaying meltwater on its surface

NASA

The Antarctic iceberg A23a, comparable in size to a city, is experiencing an alarming build-up of meltwater on its surface, signaling potential fragmentation.

Researchers are captivated by the massive A23a iceberg due to its unique ability to collect and retain meltwater.

Satellite visuals reveal a distinctive raised ice rim encircling the entire cliff-edge of this slab-like iceberg, giving it an intriguing resemblance to an oversized playground. This pooling region spans approximately 800 square kilometers, larger than the city of Chicago.

In several areas, the meltwater appears deep and brilliantly blue, indicating depths of several meters. The total volume of water on A23a is estimated to be in the billions of liters, enough to fill thousands of Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Douglas MacAyeal from the University of Chicago explains that this rim effect is a typical phenomenon observed in the world’s largest icebergs.

“My hypothesis is that the edges curve downward from the nose, forming an arched dam that retains snowmelt,” he states. “This curvature likely results from a combination of wave undercutting and melting ice, as well as the inherent flexibility of vertical ice cliffs.”

The streaks of water visible in the satellite images indicate remnants of past ice flow when these icebergs were still attached to the Antarctic coast, he noted.

Image of iceberg A23-A captured from the ISS on December 27, 2025

NASA

A23a dates back to 1986 and originated from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, initially being over five times its current size. It once held the distinction of being the largest iceberg on Earth.

In recent years, A23a has drifted north into increasingly warmer waters, leading to its gradual fragmentation. The substantial volume of surface meltwater can ultimately contribute to its collapse. “Should that water seep into its fractures and subsequently refreeze, it will effectively split the iceberg,” remarks Mike Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey.

He contends that the iceberg can deteriorate unexpectedly within a matter of days.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How ‘James and the Giant Peach’ Can Inspire the Future of Food Innovation

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Liaocheng City, China - February 18: People capturing moments with a stunning glass sculpture of Chinese cabbage in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China. This iconic sculpture stands 9 meters tall and 5 meters wide. Known as 'bai cai' in Chinese, it is a homonym for 'wealth'. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images) — Visual China Group (via Getty Images)

In Roald Dahl’s enchanting novel, James and the Giant Peach, a magical crystal causes a dead peach tree to sprout colossal, juicy peaches. It’s a whimsical thought: what if we could cultivate giant fruits without the hassle of pests or dubious old ladies?

Fast forward to the mid-2030s, where botanists have cracked the code. Scientists have enhanced the classic James peach, harnessing genetics to yield extra-large fruits and vegetables, ultimately creating crops that produce an array of delectable and nutritious foods.

One notable innovation is the fruit salad tree, a marvel developed in the early 2020s. Utilizing ancient grafting techniques, hybrid plants are born by combining branches from different species, allowing trees to bear multiple types of fruit. For instance, a grafted tree can yield both red and golden delicious apples, along with other varieties. In 2013, an innovative horticulturist successfully grafted a tree to produce 250 different types of apples. Citrus hybrids combine lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, while other variations produce plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots.

A remarkable example is the Tomtato, which merges potato roots with tomato foliage. These hybrids arise from closely related plants, such as tomatoes and potatoes, which both belong to the same genus. Additionally, the eggplant also falls under the same classification, showcasing the ease with which thriving hybrids can be created.

By the early 2030s, advanced gene editing and selective breeding will make it feasible to grow fruits from entirely different botanical families. This opens the door to extraordinary plants that can produce bananas, citrus, apples, and peaches from a single tree, tailored to farmers’ and consumers’ preferences.

Gardeners have also turned to Brassica oleracea, a species that generates various types of cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Hybridization was simple, enabling the development of plants yielding these vegetables in diverse areas of a large garden.

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In homage to Roald Dahl’s tale, scientists have created a peach variety yielding fruit the size of a large suitcase.
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While grafting yielded impressive results, it was labor-intensive and costly since each plant required individual attention. The game-changer came in the mid-2030s, with plant geneticists succeeding in creating hybrid superplants from seeds, allowing broader access to multiple harvests from a single crop.

Organizations like PolyPlants are leading the way in novel agricultural practices. As public perception towards gene editing becomes more favorable, people recognize the nutritional benefits. For instance, fruits engineered to be rich in vitamins and nutrients are being developed. A 2022 study focused on creating tomatoes packed with antioxidant-rich anthocyanins, linked to longevity benefits. Other modifications through gene editing have led to polyplants that exhibit enhanced resistance to fungal pathogens, salinity, drought, and insect infestations. By engineering the root microbiome, mycorrhizal fungi are tailored for each crop component, stimulating growth and productivity.

As climate change escalates and traditional crops face threats, large-scale gene editing holds immense importance. PolyPlant’s innovations aim to ensure global food security amidst rising temperatures.

Genomic studies have pinpointed a cluster of genes linked to the size of edible plant components. Grafting techniques enable gene editing in species not directly modified, such as avocados, coffee, and cocoa. These advancements have facilitated the creation of plants that produce oversized fruits.

Honoring Roald Dahl’s legacy, scientists have developed a peach variety that bears fruit as large as a suitcase. A festive tradition has emerged around this giant fruit tree, celebrating the harvest with events encouraging children to enjoy these delightful oversized peaches, cherries, and strawberries.

The crops and trees yielding colossal, nutritious food are not solely for feasting; they play a vital role in addressing nutrition deficits in regions grappling with food insecurity.

Rowan Hooper, Podcast editor of New Scientist and author of How to Spend $1 Trillion: 10 Global Problems We Can Actually Solve. Follow him on Bluesky @rowoop.bsky.social. In Future Chronicles, he imagines the history of future inventions and advancements.

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Destiny of Rotating Giant Stars – Sciworthy

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

At its core, a star is formed when gravity gathers matter tightly enough to facilitate nuclear fusion in its center while also ensuring it doesn’t generate enough energy to disintegrate. The equilibrium between the gravitational forces pulling inward and the radiative forces pushing outward is referred to as: hydrostatic equilibrium. This balance constrains the size that stars can attain. This limit is known as the Eddington mass limit, which is believed to range between 150 and 300 solar masses.

When stars rotate, they have an enhanced ability to maintain their structure because a rotating body generates a force directed inward from its outer edges. This force is called centripetal force. As the star spins, it applies a centripetal force that acts alongside gravity, balancing the radiation pressure. Recently, a group of scientists investigated how the rotation of giant stars impacts their lifetimes throughout cosmic history. Massive stars contribute significantly to key cosmic phenomena, and understanding their end stages can shed light on the universe’s formation, including the creation of black holes and supernovae.

The researchers employed grid-based modeling software called the Geneva Stellar Evolution Code, also known as Genec. This tool helped simulate stellar behavior and long-term evolution based on initial characteristics. GENEC treats a star as a multi-layered system and tracks the movement of matter across these layers over time.

Two primary variables in their simulations were the star’s rotation status and its initial mass, which ranged from 9 to 500 solar masses. The researchers indicated that current science portrays very massive stars, those exceeding 100 solar masses, as inherently unstable and unpredictable. To clarify this, the team analyzed results for these colossal stars, utilizing 2 other models.

To understand how the fates of giant rotating stars have evolved, the researchers examined the ratio of stars containing elements heavier than hydrogen and helium ( metallic). They argued that since the early universe after the Big Bang had few metals, the modern universe must contain significantly more, allowing metallicity to serve as a proxy for stellar evolution. By analyzing spinning stars with low metallicity, they sought insights into the lifespan of the early universe’s rotating stars.

Following the GENEC simulations, the researchers observed distinct differences in the fates of rotating versus non-rotating stars. Spinning massive stars were more likely to collapse into black holes while being less prone to massive supernova eruptions or transitioning into dense neutron stars. The research indicated that very massive, non-rotating stars with low metallicity tend to explode as supernovae, whereas those with high metallicity collapse into black holes.

The researchers proposed that this intricate relationship arises because rotating stars tend to have more of their material mixed, increasing the fusion potential in their cores. However, this rotational dynamic can also lead to the ejection of more outer material, ultimately reducing the fusion resources available in the core.

An additional complicating factor arises from the frequent occurrence of multiple massive stars in close proximity, forming a binary system. In these scenarios, stars can exchange mass, either gaining or losing material. The researchers suggest that because massive stars in binary systems may shed mass before their lifetimes conclude, their model could underestimate the frequency of massive stars evolving into neutron stars rather than exploding or collapsing into black holes.

In summary, the team concluded that rotation intricately influences star evolution. While rotation increases the likelihood of a massive star undergoing certain outcomes, such as collapsing into a black hole, factors like composition and initial mass significantly affect its destiny. Acknowledging the multitude of variables, the researchers emphasized that the next phase in understanding massive stars’ fates should focus on identifying stars in binary systems.

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Source: sciworthy.com

The Ancient Giant Mackerel Shark: 115 Million Years Ago in Australian Waters

Posted on December 2, 2025 by

The western order encompasses sharks commonly referred to as mackerel sharks. This group includes some of the most recognized shark species, such as great whites and shortfin mako sharks, along with lesser-known varieties like goblin sharks and megamouth sharks. The recent discovery of a 115-million-year-old giant shark in northern Australia indicates that oligarchs experimented with massive sizes around 15 million years earlier than previously believed, reigning at the top of the marine food chain alongside giant marine reptiles during the era of the dinosaurs.

In the ocean off the coast of Australia 115 million years ago, a gigantic 8m long predatory shark chases an unwary long-necked plesiosaur. Image credit: Polyanna von Knorring, Swedish Museum of Natural History.

Sharks are iconic predators in contemporary oceans, and their lineage dates back over 400 million years.

Nonetheless, the evolutionary journey of modern sharks initiated during the age of the dinosaurs, with the oldest known fossils appearing around 135 million years ago.

These early modern sharks, referred to as olipids, were relatively small, measuring roughly 1 meter in length, but evolved over time into colossal species like the renowned megalodon, which may have exceeded 17 meters, and the great white, known as the modern apex predator of the seas, measuring up to 6 meters.

Sharks possess cartilaginous skeletons, and their fossil record primarily consists of teeth, which are continuously shed as they eat.

This results in shark teeth being commonly found in sedimentary rocks on the ocean floor, alongside the remains of other species, such as fish and large marine reptiles, which dominated marine ecosystems during the time of the dinosaurs.

The rugged coastline around Darwin in northern Australia was once the mudbed of the ancient Tethyan sea, which extended from the southern reaches of Gondwana (now Australia) to the northern island archipelago of Laurasia (now Europe).

Fossils of sea creatures like plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and large bony fish have been uncovered.

Most notably, several giant vertebrae were found, indicating the presence of an unexpected predator: the giant sheep shark.

The five recovered vertebrae were partially calcified, allowing for their preservation, and they closely resemble those of modern great white sharks.

However, while the vertebrae of an adult great white shark measure about 8 cm in diameter, the fossilized sheep shark vertebrae from Darwin exceeded 12 cm in diameter.

These vertebrae also exhibited unique morphological traits, enabling their classification within the Cardabiodontidae family, giant predatory sharks that have existed in the oceans for approximately 100 million years.

Significantly, the rhamniforms in Darwin were around 15 million years old and had already achieved the substantial body size characteristic of cardabiodontids.

“Our findings demonstrate that large body size is an ancient trait, with Australian storkids measuring between 6 to 8 meters long and weighing over 3 tonnes,” stated lead author Dr. Mohammad Bazzi from Stanford University and colleagues.

“This is comparable to some of the largest marine reptiles of their time and indicates that oligarchs entered the apex predator niche early in their adaptive evolution.”

“These sharks were substantial in size and inhabited shallow coastal waters,” added co-author Dr. Michael Syverson, a researcher at the Western Australian Museum.

“This provides significant insights into the workings of ancient food webs and underscores the value of Australia’s fossil remains in comprehending prehistoric life.”

“This discovery not only reshapes the evolutionary narrative of sharks but also enhances Australia’s global significance in paleontological studies.”

“With each fossil discovery, we refine our understanding of ancient oceans and the remarkable creatures that once ruled them.”

For more details on this discovery, refer to the new paper published in Communication Biology.

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M.Bazzi et al. 2025. Early giant amnioids mark the beginning of giant body sizes in the evolution of modern sharks. Commun. Biol. August 1499. doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-08930-y

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Reveal Aging Stars Could Be Devouring Nearby Giant Exoplanets

Posted on November 6, 2025 by

During the concluding phase of their main sequence life, stars with mass comparable to the Sun experience a transformative evolution. This evolutionary process is likely to affect the surrounding planetary systems. As the star expands in its post-main-sequence stage, astronomers anticipate that most exoplanets detected to date may be engulfed by the growing star.

An artist’s impression of a sun-like star engulfing a giant exoplanet. Image credits: International Gemini Observatory / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / M. Garlick / M. Zamani

Utilizing data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), astronomers Edward Bryant and Vincent Van Eylen studied 456,941 stars that have just commenced their post-main sequence phase.

By employing a computer algorithm, they targeted giant planets with short orbital periods (those that complete an orbit in less than 12 days) and searched for consistent dips in brightness that would indicate these planets transiting in front of their host stars.

They discovered 130 planets and planet candidates, including 33 previously unknown, closely orbiting these stars.

The researchers observed that such planets are less likely to exist around stars that have expanded and cooled sufficiently to be categorized as red giants (more evolved stars), implying that many of these planets might have already been destroyed.

Dr. Bryant, an astronomer at University College London and the University of Warwick, stated: “This provides compelling evidence that as stars progress beyond the main sequence, planets can rapidly spiral out of existence.”

“This topic has been debated and theorized for some time, but we can now observe this phenomenon directly and quantify it at the level of stellar populations.”

“We expected to observe this phenomenon, but we were still astonished by how effectively these stars can consume nearby planets.”

“This destruction is believed to stem from a gravitational tug-of-war between the planet and the star, known as tidal interactions.”

“As the star evolves and expands, these interactions intensify.”

“Just as the moon influences the Earth’s oceans, creating tides, planets also exert a pull on their stars.”

“These interactions decelerate the planet, reducing its orbit and causing it to spiral inward, ultimately resulting in its disintegration or absorption by the star.”

“In the coming billions of years, our sun will expand and transform into a red giant,” mentioned Dr. Van Eylen, an astronomer at University College London.

“Will the planets in our solar system endure this transformation? Our findings suggest that, in some instances, planets do not survive.”

“Earth may be better off than the giant planets much closer to the stars we examine.”

“However, we only analyzed the initial part of the post-main-sequence phase, spanning the first one or two million years. There is still ample opportunity for stellar evolution.”

“Unlike the giant planets lost in our investigation, Earth has the potential to endure the Sun’s red giant phase. However, life on Earth is likely to be extinguished.”

The team’s paper was published on October 15, 2025, in Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.

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Edward M. Bryant and Vincent Van Eylen. 2025. Determine the impact of post-main sequence stellar evolution on the population of passing giant planets. MNRAS 544 (1): 1186-1214; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf1771

Source: www.sci.news

Major Revelation: Amazon Web Services Outage Highlights UK Government’s £1.7 Billion Reliance on Tech Giant

Posted on October 22, 2025 by

Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy wore a broad smile while meeting Keir Starmer in the gardens of Downing Street to announce a £40bn investment in the UK this past June. Starmer shared his enthusiasm, stating, “equally passionate”. He remarked, “This transaction demonstrates that our transformation strategy to attract investment, stimulate growth, and enhance people’s financial well-being is succeeding.”

However, just four months later, the company faced a massive global outage on Monday that halted thousands of businesses and underscored its reliance on Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing platform utilized by the British government.

Data gathered for the Guardian indicates that the UK government is increasingly dependent on the services of U.S. tech giants. These companies have come under fire from trade unions and politicians for their working conditions in logistics and online retail.

Since 2016, AWS has secured 189 contracts with the UK government valued at £1.7bn and has billed approximately £1.4bn during this timeframe, according to data from public procurement intelligence firm Tassel.

The research group reported: “Currently, 35 public sector authorities utilize AWS services across 41 contracts totaling £1.1bn. The primary ministries involved include the Home Office, DWP, HMRC, the Ministry of Justice, Cabinet Office, and Defra.

Screenshot of the out-of-service HMRC website on Monday, October 20th. Photo: HMRC.gov.uk/PA

Tim Wright, a technology partner at law firm Floodgate, noted that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have consistently warned about the risks associated with concentrating cloud services for regulated enterprises.

“Recent efforts by the Treasury, the PRA, and the FCA to impose direct oversight on ‘significant third parties’ aim to mitigate the risk of outages like those faced by AWS,” he said. “However, until we see substantial diversification and the establishment of sovereign clouds, the UK government’s approach contradicts the resilience principles that regulators advocate for.”

The House of Commons Treasury Committee has reached out to Chancellor of the Exchequer Lucy Rigby to inquire why Amazon wasn’t classified as a “significant third party” within the UK financial services sector, a designation that would have subjected the tech giant to regulatory scrutiny.

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Committee Chair Meg Hillier noted that Amazon recently informed the committee that its financial services clients rely on AWS for “resilience” and that AWS offers “layers of protection.”

This week’s outage impacted over 2,000 businesses around the globe, leading to 8.1 million reports of issues, with 1.9 million in the U.S., 1 million in the UK, and 418,000 in Australia, according to internet outage tracker Downdetector.

Only HMRC confirmed it was affected by the outage, stating customers were “experiencing difficulties accessing our online services” and recommended they call back later due to busy phone lines.

While many websites restored their services after a few hours, some continued to experience problems throughout the day. By Monday evening, Amazon announced that all cloud services had “returned to normal operations.”

Trade unions have long questioned whether Amazon should be excluded from government contracts because of its reputation for subpar working conditions in its large warehouses.

Andy Prendergast, national secretary of the GMB union, stated: “Amazon has a dismal record regarding fair treatment of workers. Shocking conditions in their warehouses have resulted in emergency ambulance calls, with employees claiming they are treated like robots, forced to work until exhaustion, all while being compensated with poverty wages until they strike for six months.”

“In this context, wasting nearly £2 billion of public funds is deplorable.”

AWS has not provided a comment. A spokesperson from Amazon’s fulfillment centers stated that the “vast majority” of ambulance calls at their facilities are not “work-related.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Webb Uncovers Evasion Agent Discs That Create Exomoons Around Gas Giant Exoplanets

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified a carbon-rich disk encircling CT Cha B, a massive exoplanet located approximately 620 light years from Earth in the Chamaeleon constellation. This discovery offers the first direct insights into the chemical and physical characteristics of the gas giant and the materials that might contribute to its potential lunar system.

Artistic rendering of dust and gas discs surrounding a young exoplanet CT Cha b. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/G. CUGNO, University of Zurich & NCCR Planets/S. Grant, Carnegie Institution for Science/J. Olmsted, Stsci/L. Hustak, Stsci.

CT CHA, also referred to as PDS 44 and TIC 454259409, is merely 2 million years old and continues to accumulate materials for its formation.

However, the disks identified by Webb are independent of the larger accretion disks surrounding the central star.

“We can observe signs of disks around companion celestial bodies and explore their chemistry for the first time,” remarks Dr. Sierra Grant, an astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science.

“We are not merely observing the moon’s formation; we are witnessing the planet’s formation as well.”

“We are investigating the materials involved in forming planets and moons,” added Dr. Gabriele Kuno, an astronomer from the University of Zurich and the National Center for Capacity for Research Planets.

Infrared observations of CT CHA B have been captured by Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument), which employs a medium-resolution spectrometer.

An initial examination of Webb’s archived data revealed evidence of molecules in the surrounding disk, prompting deeper analysis of the data.

The planet’s faint signal is obscured by the glare of its host star, requiring astronomers to utilize high-contrast techniques to separate the star’s light from that of the planet.

“We detected molecules in the planet’s vicinity, indicating there was something significant to delve into within the data, which took us a year of dedicated effort. It truly required a lot of patience,” Dr. Grant stated.

Ultimately, researchers identified seven carbon-containing molecules within the disk, including acetylene (C₂H₂) and benzene (C₆H₆).

This carbon-rich chemistry contrasts sharply with that found in the disks around the host star, where water was detected alongside carbon.

The disparity between the two disks suggests rapid chemical evolution occurring within just 2 million years.

“We aim to better understand how our solar system formed its moons. This necessitates examining other systems that are still in the process of development. We are striving to comprehend all the underlying mechanisms,” Dr. Cugno explained.

“What do these moons resemble? What are their components? What physical processes are in action, and what are the associated timescales?”

“Webb is capturing the narrative of moon formation, enabling us to explore these questions observationally for the very first time.”

The survey results were published today in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Gabriele Cugno & Sierra L. Grant. 2025. A carbon-rich disk surrounding the planetary mass ally. ApJL 991, L46; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae0290

Source: www.sci.news

No Need to Panic: Giant Radioactive Bees Are Not Present!

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback brings you the latest science and technology news, featuring intriguing articles that pique the interest of our readers. If you have something you believe deserves attention, you can reach us at Feedback@newscientist.com.

Super Hornet

One of my preferred categories in news stories is “events that echo the first five or ten minutes of a disaster flick.” Titles like “Tremors near Major City” and “Scientists Develop an Aging Robot with Machine Guns for Arms” come to mind. For example, a giant mysterious black sarcophagus discovered in Egypt (yes, this one is real).

So, when we glimpsed a headline from the BBC news on July 31st, we were understandably concerned: “Radioactive hornet nest discovered at an old U.S. nuclear weapons site.”

The nest was identified on the Savannah River grounds close to Aiken, South Carolina, a location previously known for producing nuclear bomb components during the Cold War and currently housing millions of gallons of liquid nuclear waste. Investigators, however, calmed down concerns by stating none of the tanks were leaking. Rather, the nest was discovered to be harboring “onsite legacy radioactive contamination,” which refers to leftover contamination from past plutonium production.

Notably, the nest was sprayed to eliminate any wasps, subsequently bagged as radioactive waste. Thankfully, no bees were found, leading to speculations that they might have perished from radiation exposure and mutated into some chaotic form. However, I’ve watched enough Godzilla films to know that radiation typically causes creatures to grow rather than disappear. Let’s hope 2025 doesn’t bring a giant radioactive hornet invasion along the East Coast.

As a precaution, we dug out our aging copies of New Scientist‘s book Do You Eat Wasps? to learn that various creatures, including badgers and birds (of course), prey on striped insects, along with other insects like dragonflies. We consider sending badger families to the Savannah River site due to the substantial radiation; it seems like the only effective solution.

What to do if Your Dog Takes Cocaine

Reporter Matthew Sparks was combing through a press release when he stumbled upon a intriguingly phrased title. “What to do if your dog takes cocaine?” Instantly, the first suggestion from Feedback was to “take it for a walk,” but that’s neither a solution nor appropriate.

This press release referred to a Clinical Report relating to a case of a Chihuahua who experienced “acute onset of lethargy and a temporary episode of unresponsiveness.” It was revealed that the dog’s urine contained “cocaine, cocaine metabolites, norfentanyl, and trace amounts of fentanyl.” This mixture appeared to slow the dog’s heartbeat, an issue that was effectively managed by the attending veterinarian.

While the dog is fine now, it’s challenging to envision how bewildered the Chihuahuas must have been.

Upon further exploration, I found that dogs have a “history of culinary indifference.” This makes sense. I recall a rather dim spaniel we had that ate everything she discovered on the ground, despite its unsanitary nature and the chaotic aftermath on her digestive system. Living where we did, this predominantly consisted of discarded takeaway boxes and heaps of fox excrement. Still, one wonders what she might have sampled if we’d taken her for a stroll around Soho, London.

Curtailing Academic Jargon

Feedback often finds themselves perusing the references list at the end of academic papers, seeking crucial context. Many of these appear as structures like “Thomas, Richard & Harold, “The Very Complex Things”, Nature Vol. 13 P 666 (1984).”

In an effort to save space, academic journal titles are frequently abbreviated, and these can often be perplexing. For example, we were recently bemused to discover a journal abbreviated simply as Fish fish. Was the editor particularly enthusiastic about vertebrates that inhabit freshwater? Turns out the complete title is actually Fish and Fisheries.

Our curiosity sparked, leading us to wonder if this was indeed the most absurd abbreviation of a journal title.

There are evident trends. For instance, “analysis” tends to be abbreviated to “anal,” which can lead to unfortunate titles such as Advances in Risk Analysis becoming ADV risk anal and Accident Analysis and Prevention being shortened to Before the Accident Analysis. Similarly, many journal titles include library-related terminology, helping to explain why Zeitschrift Für Bibliothekswesen und Bibliographie is humorously abbreviated as Z bibl bibl.

Several abbreviated titles may risk creating confusion. The American Chemical Society has launched a whole series titled Advances in Arsenic Research, but it certainly didn’t yield what we anticipated.

The sheer number of journals paired with feedback’s limited lifespan means it’s nearly impossible to locate the most ridiculous abbreviation. Therefore, we’d like to invite a broader audience to help in our quest for the funniest journal title abbreviations.

Have you shared your feedback?

You can send your stories to feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Don’t forget to include your address. Explore past feedback on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Observing a Group of Young Giant Stars in the Lobster Nebula

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope captured stunning new images of the Star Cluster Pismis 24, located in the heart of the nearby Lobster Nebula.

This web image showcases Pismith 24, with young stars clustering around the 5,500 light-year-old star in the Psycholpius constellation. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/A. PAGAN, STSCI.

Pismis 24 is located roughly 5,500 light years away from the Scorpius constellation.

This cluster, part of the Lobster Nebula, is the largest known star cluster to date.

“As a vibrant stellar nursery and one of the closest locales for the birth of a massive star, Pismith 24 provides unusual insights into the characteristics of large-scale stars,” Webb astronomers noted in a statement.

“This region serves as an excellent venue for exploring the traits of hot, young stars and their evolutionary paths.”

“It’s remarkable to be at the center of this dazzling cluster Pismith 24-1.”

“Within a mass of stars towering above the jagged orange peak, the tallest spire points directly at it.”

“Initially appearing as a massive single star, Pismis 24-1 was once considered the largest known star.”

“In reality, it comprises at least two stars, which cannot be resolved in a Webb image.”

“With respective masses of 74 and 66 solar masses, the two known stars rank among the largest and brightest ever observed.”

This latest image from Webb’s Nircam (near-infrared camera) reveals thousands of gem-like stars of varying sizes and colors.

“The largest and most astonishing, with six diffraction spikes, is the biggest star in the cluster,” an astronomer commented.

“The numerous small members of the cluster appear as white, yellow, or red, differing by star type and surrounding dust levels.”

Webb also highlights tens of thousands of stars positioned behind clusters that belong to the Milky Way galaxy.

A very hot infant star—almost eight times the temperature of the Sun—creates powerful winds and radiation, shaping a cavity in the walls of the star-forming nebulae.

The nebula far exceeds what Nilkham can observe.

Only a few of these are visible at the bottom right and top right of the image.

“Streams of hot ionized gas from the nebula ridge and a faint veil of star-lit gas and dust surround the towering peak,” the researchers explained.

“A dramatic spire protrudes from the glowing gas walls, resisting the relentless radiation and winds.”

“These spires resemble fingers pointing towards the hot young stars that carved them.”

“The intense forces that shape and compress these spires will likely lead to the formation of new stars within them.”

“The tallest spire measures approximately 5.4 light years from its tip to the bottom of the image.”

“Over 200 solar systems in Neptune’s orbit could fit within its tip, which is 0.14 light-years wide.”

“In this image, cyan represents hydrogen gas that has been heated or ionized by a large young star.”

“Dust molecules akin to Earth’s smoke are depicted in orange. Red signifies cold, dense molecular hydrogen; the darker the red, the thicker the gas. Black indicates dense gas that does not emit light.

Source: www.sci.news

Is the Giant Moon Telescope Humanity’s Best Hope for Discovering Aliens?

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“In 2050, the first 100m diameter telescope took shape in a crater on the moon.”

Vladimir Vasyansky/NASA

The Allsea eyes, operational since the 2070s, were the largest and most powerful optical systems ever constructed. Comprising eight telescopes dispersed across the lunar expanse, each equipped with a 100-meter mirror, the collective aperture of this composite telescope spanned the entire lunar surface, enabling exceptional imaging capabilities.

This marked the first occasion we could observe the “first light,” indicating the birth of the universe’s first star. We also captured details of distant exoplanet surfaces across great expanses of time.

In 2020, numerous proposals emerged for these ambitious, next-generation telescopes; however, the technological feasibility for large-scale space projects was limited at that time. By the 2050s, lunar transport became routine and economically viable, paving the way for lunar construction.

An earlier proposal from 2020 focused on what was termed Finally, a large telescope (ULT), with a mirror measuring 100 meters, came to fruition.

ULT utilized liquid mirrors instead of traditional glass. These liquids were more cost-effective to transport to the moon and could be molded into completely reflective surfaces. Given the moon’s gravity, constructing larger mirrors that exceed those on Earth became practical. For comparison, the James Webb Space Telescope, operational in the 2020s, features a 6.5-meter mirror.

While the lunar single telescope was powerful, it lacked the resolution to distinguish the detailed features of exoplanet bodies. Nonetheless, astronomers focused on expanding ULT’s capabilities.

A clever technique used in radio telescopes to enhance their range, Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), proved suitable for optical systems as well. In 2017, the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration employed VLBI to capture the first image of a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy by merging inputs from eight Earth-based telescopes to amplify the effective telescope size.

In 2025, scientists spearheaded by Zixin Huang at the Engineering Quantum Systems Center at Macquarie University, Australia, proposed using VLBI for optical telescopes. Although technical, political, and financial barriers prolonged development, the advent of the first 100-meter diameter telescope in lunar craters by 2050 led to serious initiatives for constructing a lunar-sized optical telescope.

“
The telescope on the moon dates back 13 billion years and photographs the first generation of high-mass stars.
“

By 2075, an additional seven telescopes were established on the lunar surface, linking to form an effective aperture equivalent to a 3000 km mirror.

In the mid-2020s, the James Webb Telescope revisited the past to observe the formation of the universe’s first galaxy. Now, through the combined observations, the enigmatic Population III stars have been unveiled. Stars are categorized into different groups; Population I contains recent stars abundant in heavy elements, Population II includes older stars with lower metal content, while Population III consists of the universe’s earliest stars formed post-Big Bang, characterized by minimal metallic content. The Big Bang primarily produced hydrogen and helium, with mere traces of lithium and beryllium. All heavier elements had to be synthesized in stars. The combined observations have looked back 13 billion years and documented the high-mass first-generation stars, including one blue giant star, 100,000 times the mass of the sun, dubbed Zixin-1 in honor of the astronomer who significantly contributed to the development of optical VLBI.

The moon-sized telescope concept has been referred to by various names over the years. Initially proposed in 2008 by a team from the University of Arizona, the lunar liquid spraying telescope eventually evolved into a larger project in 2020. To escape the possibly uninspired public names like Moony McMoonface, the term “Allsea Eyes” was officially adopted. The project is now affectionately dubbed Sauron: Super-Accessible Ultra-Resolution Optical Network.

The facility has enabled unprecedented imaging of black holes, but its primary objective was to determine if humanity is alone in the universe. The observations made of the exoplanet Gliese 667cc indicated the potential for alien civilizations to have developed in our cosmic neighborhood, particularly within the Trappist-1 system, about 22 light-years away. Despite debates surrounding the costs of constructing Sauron, they never gained significant traction.

Rowan Hooper is the podcast editor for New Scientist and the author of How to Spend $1 Trillion. These are 10 global issues that can be fixed. Follow him on BlueSky
@rowhoop.bsky.social

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Images of Giant Exoplanet Candidates in Alpha Centauri’s Habitable Zone

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The planetary candidate, Alpha Centauri AB, may be a gas giant orbiting at a distance of one to two times that of the Earth from the Sun, as indicated in two research papers. Astrophysics Journal Letter. If verified, this planet would be the closest known to Earth within the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. Nonetheless, since it is a gas giant, astronomers do not believe it could support life as we understand it.

Artist’s rendering of the gas giant Alpha Centauri A. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/Robert L. Hurt, Caltech & IPAC.

Alpha Centauri resides in the Centaurus constellation and represents the nearest star system to Earth.

Also referred to as Rigil Centaurus, Rigil Kent, and Griese 559, this system includes a bright binary star pair, Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, alongside a fainter red star known as Alpha Centauri C.

The two prominent stars are approximately 4.35 light-years away, while Alpha Centauri C, commonly called Proxima Centauri, is slightly nearer at about 4.23 light-years.

In comparison to the Sun, Alpha Centauri A is a G2-type star similar in nature, but slightly larger (1.1 times the size of the Sun and around 1.5 times its luminosity).

Alpha Centauri B, classified as a K1-type star, is slightly smaller and less luminous (approximately 0.9 times the mass of the Sun, with about 45% of its visual brightness).

These two stars orbit around a common center of gravity approximately every 80 years, maintaining a minimum distance of about 11 times that of the Earth-Sun distance.

Astronomers study these stars closely along with our nearest interstellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri, making them prime targets in the search for potentially habitable planets.

“This proximity offers the best chance to gather data on planetary systems beyond our own,” stated Dr. Charles Beichman from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Exoplanet Science Institute at IPAC Astronomy Center in California.

“However, the brightness and swift motion of these stars present significant challenges in observation, even for the world’s most advanced space telescopes.”

The Alpha Centauri star system captured by different terrestrial and space-based observatories: DSS, Hubble Space Telescope, and James Webb Space Telescope. While the DSS shows the triple system as one light source, Hubble distinguishes between Alpha Centauri A and B. Webb’s Milimask image mitigates glare from Alpha Centauri A via a coronagraphic mask. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/ANIKET SANGHI, CALTECH/CHAS BEICHMAN, NEXSCI, NASA & JPL-CALTECH/DIMITRI MAWET, CALTECH/JOSEPH DEPASQUALE, STSCI.

The first observations of this system occurred in August 2024, employing a Coronagraphic Mask with Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to reduce the brightness of Alpha Centauri A.

The presence of nearby companion star Alpha Centauri B added complexity to the analysis, but astronomers successfully subtracted the light from both stars, uncovering objects that were more than 10,000 times dimmer than Alpha Centauri A.

On the other hand, an initial detection was promising, but further data was required for a definitive conclusion.

However, subsequent observations in February and April of 2025 did not unveil any objects akin to those detected in August 2024.

“We are facing a case of disappearing planets,” remarked Dr. Aniket Sangi from Caltech.

“To unravel this mystery, we employed computer models simulating millions of potential orbits, taking into account the insights gained from observing planets and their absence.”

In the simulations, the team incorporated the 2019 sightings of potential exoplanet candidates reported by the ESO’s Very Large Telescope, alongside new data from Webb, considering the gravitational stability of orbits influenced by Alpha Centauri B.

“The non-detections in the second and third rounds with Webb were not unexpected,” stated Sangi.

“In many simulated orbits, the planet was positioned too close to the star, rendering it invisible to Webb during both February and April 2025.”

“Based on mid-infrared observations of planetary brightness and orbital simulations, this gas giant could have a mass similar to Saturn, orbiting Alpha Centauri A at a distance one to two times greater than that between the Sun and Earth.”

“If confirmed, the potential planets identified in Webb’s Alpha Centauri images will represent a significant milestone in exoplanet imaging efforts,” Sangi added.

“Of all directly imaged planets, this would be the closest star we have ever observed.”

“Moreover, it would be the nearest to our home, with gas giants in our solar system that are similar in temperature and age to Earth.”

“The mere existence of two closely separated star systems poses intriguing challenges to our understanding of planetary formation, survival, and evolution within chaotic environments.”

If substantiated by further observations, these findings could reshape the field of exoplanet science.

“This will become a pivotal object in exoplanet research, offering multiple opportunities for detailed characterization by Webb and other observatories,” Dr. Beichman concluded.

____

Charles Beichman et al. 2025. The Neighbor World: Imaging a giant planet candidate, orbital and physical properties of CEN A, and habitable zones at the exozodiacal upper limit. ApJL in press; Arxiv: 2508.03814

Aniket Sangi et al. 2025. The Neighbor World: Imaging a giant planet candidate in the habitable zone of Cen A. II. Binary Star Modeling, Planetary and Exozodiacal Search, and Sensitivity Analysis. ApJL in press; Arxiv: 2508.03812

Source: www.sci.news

Studies Suggest Giant Megalosauroids and Allosauroids Had Weak Bites

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Similar to the tyrannosaurus dinosaur Tyrannosaurus Rex, a study conducted by paleontologists at the University of Bristol revealed that other massive carnivorous dinosaurs, while having skulls designed for formidable bite forces, exhibited much weaker bites and specialized instead in physical reduction and clefts.

Tyrannosaurus Rex Holotype specimens from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, USA. Image credit: Scott Robert Anselmo/CC BY-SA 3.0.

Dr. Andrew Lowe, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol, noted:

“Tyrannosaurs developed skulls that were robust and capable of grinding, while other species exhibited relatively weaker but more specialized skull structures, indicating diverse feeding strategies despite their large size.”

“In essence, there wasn’t a singular ‘best’ skull design for being a predatory giant; a variety of designs functioned effectively.”

Dr. Lowe and his colleague, Dr. Emily Rayfield, sought to understand how bipedalism affected skull biomechanics and feeding methods.

Historically, it was known that predatory dinosaurs evolved in distinct regions of the world at varying times, showcasing a range of skull shapes, even as they reached similar sizes.

These observations prompted questions about whether the skulls were functionally similar underneath or if significant differences existed in predatory behaviors.

To explore the connection between body size and skull biomechanics, the researchers employed 3D techniques, including CT scans and surface scans, to analyze skull mechanics, assess feeding performance, and measure bite strength across 18 species of theropods, a category of carnivorous dinosaurs ranging from small to gigantic.

While they anticipated some variations among species, the analysis astounded them as it revealed distinct biomechanical differences.

“For instance, the Tyrannosaurus Rex skull, designed for high bite force, ultimately compromised on stress resistance,” Dr. Lowe explained.

“Conversely, other large species like Giganotosaurus exhibited a calculated stress pattern, indicating a relatively gentle bite.”

“This insight led us to consider how multiple evolutionary paths could exist for life as a massive, carnivorous organism.”

Surprisingly, skull stress did not exhibit a consistent increase with size; some smaller species experienced higher stress levels than certain larger counterparts due to greater muscle mass and bite force.

The findings demonstrate that being a predatory giant does not always equate to having a bone-crushing bite.

In contrast to the Tyrannosaurus Rex, other dinosaurs, such as Spinosaurus and Allosaurus, evolved into giants while maintaining weaker bites better suited for slashing and shredding flesh.

“I often liken Allosaurus to modern Komodo Dragons in terms of feeding behavior,” Dr. Lowe commented.

“On the other hand, the larger tyrannosaurs had skulls optimized for high bite force, akin to modern crocodiles that crush their prey.”

“This biomechanical variability suggests that dinosaur ecosystems could have supported a broader spectrum of ecology among giant carnivores than previously thought, indicating reduced competition and increased specialization.”

This study will be featured in the journal Current Biology this week.

____

Andre J. Lowe & Emily J. Rayfield. 2025. The carnivorous dinosaur lineage employs a variety of skull performances in huge sizes.Current Biology 35 (15): 3664-3673; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.051

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Giant Stick Insect Species in Australia

Posted on August 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Australian entomologists unveil a remarkable new species from the Stick Insect genus Acrofella, identified from two female specimens and their eggs.

Holotype of Acrofera Alta in its natural habitat. Image credit: Ross M. Coupland.

Originally described in 1835, Acrofella is a genus of stick insects belonging to the tribe Phasmatini.

Species in this genus inhabit nearby regions including China, Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania, and Lord Howe Island.

The newly classified Acrofera species is found in the highlands of the Wettropic Bioregion in Queensland, Australia.

“Key locations include Lewis National Park, Evelyn Tableland (likely encompassing Maarlan National Park), Topaz, Upper Baron, Mount Hypamie, and Dumbra,” stated Professor Angus Emmott from James Cook University and his colleague Ross Coupland.

The new species, named Acrofera Alta, can reach lengths of up to 40 cm (16 inches) and weigh approximately 44 g.

Typically light brown in color, this species is exceptionally camouflaged despite its large size.

“Although there are long stick insects in this region, they tend to have relatively light bodies,” explained Professor Emmott.

“As far as we know, this is Australia’s heaviest insect.”

The eggs of Acrofera Alta were also crucial in distinguishing it as a new species.

“Every stick insect species has distinct egg characteristics,” noted Professor Emmott.

“Their surfaces, textures, and corrosion patterns vary. Shapes can differ as well.”

“Even the caps of the eggs are uniquely identifiable.”

Researchers speculate that Acrofera Alta may not have been discovered earlier due to the inaccessibility of its habitat.

“Their environment could explain their large body size,” Professor Emmott added.

“It is a cool, damp habitat.”

“Larger body weight might enable them to endure colder temperatures, which could have led to their evolutionary characteristics over millions of years.”

The identification of such a large new insect species highlights the critical need to conserve remaining biologically diverse habitats and ecosystems, with potential undiscovered species like stick insects awaiting description.

The discovery of Acrofera Alta has been documented in a study published in the journal Zootaxa.

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Ross M. Coupland and Angus J. Emmott. 2025. New giant species of Acrofella Gray, 1835 (Fasmida: Fasmida), from the highlands of Wettropic, Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa 5647(4): 371-383; doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.4.4

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient ‘Terror Birds’ Likely Not Comparable to Giant, Hungry Caiman

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s interpretation of the encounter between ancient caiman and terror birds

Julian Bayona Becerra

Approximately 13 million years ago, massive predators clashed in a sprawling South American wetland. Fossils of a giant flightless bird discovered in Colombia bear tooth marks from enormous caimans.

Andrés Link from the University of the Andes in Colombia and his team were examining crocodile fossils in the museum’s collection when they identified an unusual bone. This bone belonged to the Forsulhacid bird, commonly referred to as “terror birds.” These predators possessed hooked beaks and muscular legs equipped with sharp claws. The fossilized remains were from the lower limbs of a bird standing 2.5 meters tall, making it one of the largest terror birds ever found.

However, this predator likely faced a grim fate. Initially unearthed in Colombia’s Tatacoa desert by local paleontologist César Perdomo, the bones exhibited four distinct puncture marks.

Link and his research team sought to identify the predator that dared to bite such a formidable bird. They scanned the fossil’s surface to create a digital model of the tooth marks, finding striking similarities to the teeth of ancient predators in the region. The culprit was almost certainly not a mammal.

“There are no signs of gnawing, and the markings are rounded,” Link explains. “The lines closely resemble those attributed to alligators and caimans.”

Terror birds roamed the earth when northern South America was dominated by the Pebas System, a vast network of wetlands interspersed with tropical forests and grasslands. This flooded habitat supported a diverse range of crocodile species, leading the team to link the dental impression to the giant caiman Purussaurus neivensis, estimated to be around 4.5 meters in length.

“Terror birds were undoubtedly apex predators,” remarks Link. “However, this evidence indicates that when they ventured near large bodies of water, they could also fall prey to massive caimans, either in pursuit of prey or while navigating this complex ecosystem.”

The researchers speculate that the bird may have already been deceased when the caiman encountered it, with the tooth marks indicative of scavenging. There are no signs of bone regeneration surrounding the marks. Either way, the encounter proved fatal for the terror bird.

“These types of [tooth] impressions are more prevalent than one might assume,” states Carolina Acosta Hospitalce from La Plata National University in Argentina.

In a study published last year, she and her colleagues discussed tooth marks found on a smaller, older fossil terror bird—about 43 million years old—suggesting that ancient carnivorous marsupials also preyed upon these birds. These markings were also found on the lower limbs, leading Hospitalce to ponder whether this area of the bird’s anatomy is particularly vulnerable to predators.

“[Bite marks] offer fascinating glimpses into past life,” comments Stephanie Drumheller from the University of Tennessee.

When studying ancient environments, she notes there is a tendency to categorize extinct organisms into strict ecological roles. However, food webs can be quite intricate.

“This is an animal that thrived in aquatic environments, while another lived on land, entirely separate from one another. Yet, nature often defies our neat categorizations,” Drumheller observes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

AMOC: An Ambitious Strategy to Preserve Vital Ocean Currents Using Giant Parachutes

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Strategies to uphold the current involve oversized versions of parachute-like ocean anchors

Ed Darnen (2.0 by CC)

As part of an ambitious initiative to avert severe climate change, large parachutes could be deployed into Atlantic waters using transport tankers, drones, and fishing vessels.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) moves warm water from the tropics northward and helps stabilize temperatures in Northern Europe.

Nevertheless, the swift melting of Arctic ice and rising sea temperatures have hampered these currents, prompting some scientists to warn that they could falter entirely within this century. Such an event would disrupt marine ecosystems and exacerbate the cooling of the European climate.

Experts emphasize the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the risk of AMOC collapse and other catastrophic climate “tipping points.” However, some are exploring alternative, more fundamental methods to preserve the current.

Stuart Haszeldine from the University of Edinburgh, along with David Sevier, introduced a concept from the British water treatment firm Strengite during a recent meeting in Cambridge, UK. They propose utilizing just 35 ocean tugs, each capable of pulling underwater parachutes roughly half the size of a soccer pitch, which could effectively move enough water to maintain the current. “A modest amount of energy and equipment can yield a significant impact,” Haszeldine remarks.

These parachutes, designed similarly to existing ocean anchors, stabilize containers in rough weather while also aiding in water movement across the sea surface. Each parachute features a central hole 12 meters wide to allow marine creatures to escape.

The operation would run 365 days a year in a rotating schedule, using drones, transport tankers, tugs, or wind kits. “It’s a small but consistent intervention,” notes Haszeldine.

Sevier refers to this proposal as “any Mary,” indicating a solution to stave off the severe consequences of AMOC collapse. “This is about buying time,” he asserts, emphasizing the need for the world to reduce emissions sufficiently to stabilize global temperatures at safe levels.

However, leading AMOC researchers express skepticism about the idea. Rene van Westen from the University of Utrecht, Netherlands, highlights that the density differences between cold, salty water and warm, fresh water play a crucial role in the descent and upwelling movements that sustain AMOC.

“If this idea is to work,” Van Westen argues, “you can only use surface wind to influence the top layer of water.

Stephen Rahmstoef from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research concurs. “The challenge lies not in moving surface water horizontally but in sinking it to depths of 2,000 to 3,000 meters and returning it south as a cold, deep current,” he states.

Meric Srokosz of the UK National Oceanography Centre believes the proposal is “unlikely to succeed,” given the variable weather conditions that complicate equipment deployment in the oceans.

Haszeldine welcomes feedback from fellow scientists regarding the proposal and hopes it will inspire ocean and climate modelers to assess the ecological and environmental ramifications of the plan. “I believe this warrants further investigation,” he asserts.

More generally, Haszeldine argues for increased research focused on climate intervention strategies to sustain ocean circulation: “I don’t see anyone else working on ocean currents.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Giant Atoms Kept “Confined” for Record Durations at Room Temperature

Posted on June 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Manipulating Giant Atoms for Enhanced Quantum Computing

koto_feja/istockphoto/getty images

Recently, giant atoms have emerged as prime candidates for the development of advanced quantum simulators and computers, thanks to researchers demonstrating control over them for an extended period in room temperature environments.

Using electromagnetic pulses or laser light, scientists can modify the quantum properties of an atom—allowing for the adjustment of electron energy to encode information. Manipulating thousands of such atoms paves the way for constructing a quantum computer or simulating unusual quantum materials. However, spontaneous state changes in atoms can cause errors, with these atoms being controllable only within a limited “lifetime,” previously recorded at up to 1400 seconds. Despite advancements in trapping atoms longer, these methods typically required refrigeration systems, leading to logistical hurdles.

Zhenpu Zhang and Cindy Regal, along with their colleagues at the University of Colorado Boulder, have shattered previous room temperature records by employing Rydberg atoms. These atoms have outer electrons positioned far from the nucleus, resulting in a larger atomic diameter. The research team successfully loaded these atoms into a vacuum chamber, effectively blocking interfering air particles and employing laser-based “optical tweezers” for precise atom manipulation. This technique is standard for controlling Rydberg atoms, noted for their sensitivity to electromagnetic fields and light.

The team enhanced their setup by adding a copper layer inside the container, which they cooled to -269°C (-452°F). This cooling shields the atoms from thermal interference that could alter their states. Additionally, Zhang explains that air particles condense onto the copper walls, akin to how water droplets form on cold surfaces, further improving the vacuum within the chamber. Consequently, they managed to maintain control of approximately 3000 seconds (or 50 minutes), which is nearly double that achieved in previous experiments.

Zhang has been developing this innovative setup for five years from the ground up. Regal adds, “This represents a significant evolution in how we approach these experiments.”

Clement Sayrin of the Kastler Brossel Laboratory in France emphasized that this new methodology may facilitate manipulating even more atoms. “3000 seconds is quite impressive. Achieving such extended lifetimes for these atoms demands considerable effort,” he states. However, as the number of atoms in the chamber increases, so does the requirement for additional lasers to control them, potentially shortening the atomic lifespans and introducing further engineering challenges, according to Sayrin.

Topics:

Quantum Computing/
Quantum Physics

Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers May Have Detected a Gas Giant Still Forming Around RIK 113

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (VLT) have captured stunning images of a highly structured planetary formation disc surrounding the star Rik 113.

This image, captured with a very large telescope at ESO in Chile, illustrates the RIK113 system. Image credits: ESO/Ginski et al.

RIK 113 is located approximately 431 light-years away in the constellation Scorpio.

Also referred to as 2MASSJ16120668-3010270, this star hosts a structured protoplanetary disc.

“In a study published last year, the intricate nature of this protoplanetary disc was first unveiled by the Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array (ALMA),” remarked Galway astronomer Christian Ginsky and colleagues.

“These findings indicated the presence of gaps, suggestive of planet-like objects within them.”

“This prompted the team to conduct follow-up observations using ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT).”

Employing VLT’s Sphere Instrument, Dr. Ginski and co-authors obtained a new image of the system, revealing an appealing spiral feature in the inner ring.

“Our team is currently examining nearly 100 planet-forming discs around nearby stars, and these images are exceptional,” Dr. Ginsky noted.

“It is rare to find a system exhibiting both rings and spiral arms. This aligns almost perfectly with predictions regarding how planets form from the parent disk, according to theoretical models.”

“Such detections bring us a step closer to comprehending how planets, in general, formed and the origins of our solar system in the far past.”

A detailed analysis of the VLT/Sphere data hinted at two potential signals, as well as two possible signals from a protoplanet orbiting Rik 113, close to the original detection by ALMA.

At this stage, these signals serve more as proposals than definitive confirmations.

Nonetheless, these results are highly promising for future explorations, with both ALMA and VLT studies indicating the presence of at least one planet.

“We identified an inner disc (up to 40 AU) with two spiral arms, which are separated by a gap from the outer ring extending to 115 AU,” the astronomer stated.

“Comparing with unique and hydrodynamic models from the literature, we found that these structures are consistent with the existence of embedded gas giants, with masses ranging from 0.1 to 5 Jupiter masses depending on the model and its underlying assumptions.”

“The RIK 113 system is one of the few that displays this remarkable form of spiral arms amidst the scattered gaps of light and the ring,” they added.

“We hypothesize that this could be linked to higher disk viscosity compared to other systems, such as PDS 70.”

“If a planet in the disk is confirmed, RIK 113 will become a focal point for studying planetary disk interactions.”

Study published online in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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C. Ginsky et al. 2025. Disk evolution studies with imaging of nearby young stars (Destinys): 2MassJ16120668-3010270 Evidence of planetary disk interaction in the system. A&A in press; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202451647

Source: www.sci.news

Giant Exoplanet Discovered Orbiting Low-Mass Star TOI-6894

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The identification of TO-6894B, an exoplanet roughly 86% the size of Jupiter orbiting the low-mass Redd star (0.2 solar masses), underscores the importance of enhancing our comprehension of the formation mechanisms of giant planets and their protoplanetary disc environments.

Artist’s illustration of TOI-6894B behind its host star. Image credit: Markgarlic/Warwick University.

The TOI-6894 system is located approximately 73 parsecs (238 light years) away in the Leo constellation.

This planet was discovered through a comprehensive analysis of data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), aimed at locating giant planets around low-mass stars.

“I was thrilled by this discovery. My initial focus was on observing a low-mass red star with TESS, in search of a giant planet,” remarked Dr. Edward Bryant, an astronomer from the University of London.

“Then, utilizing observations from ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), one of the most substantial telescopes globally, I identified TO-6894B, a giant planet orbiting the smallest known star with such a companion planet.”

“I never anticipated that a planet like TOI-6894B could exist around such a low-mass star.”

“This finding will serve as a foundational element in our understanding of the boundary conditions for giant planet formation.”

TOI-6894B is a low-density gas giant, with a radius slightly exceeding that of Saturn, which has only 50% of its mass.

The parent star is the lowest mass star yet found to host a massive planet, being just 60% of the mass of the next smallest star observed with such a planet.

“Most stars in our galaxy are actually small, and it was previously believed that they couldn’t support a gas giant,” stated Dr. Daniel Baylis, an astronomer at Warwick University.

“Therefore, the fact that this star has a giant planet significantly impacts our estimates of the total number of giant planets likely to exist in the galaxy.”

“This is a fascinating discovery. We still don’t completely understand why relatively few stars can form such large planets,” commented Dr. Vincent Van Eilen, an astronomer at the University of London.

“This drives one of our objectives to search for more exoplanets.”

“By exploring different planetary systems compared to our own solar system, we can evaluate our models and gain insights into how our solar system was formed.”

The prevailing theory of planetary formation is known as core accretion theory.

According to this theory, the cores of planets are initially formed by accreting material, and as the core grows, it attracts gases that eventually create its atmosphere.

Eventually, the core becomes sufficiently large to initiate the runaway gas accretion process, leading to the formation of a gas giant.

However, forming gas giants around low-mass stars presents challenges, as the gas and dust necessary for planetary formation in their protoplanetary discs is limited, hindering the formation of a sufficiently large core to kickstart this runaway process.

The existence of TOI-6894B indicates that this model may be insufficient and that alternative theories need to be considered.

“Considering TO-6894B’s mass, it might have been formed through an intermediate core-fault mechanism, whereby the protoplanet forms and accumulates gas steadily without orbiting, making it large enough to undergo runaway gas accretion,” Dr. Edward explained.

“Alternatively, it might have formed due to an unstable gravitational disk.”

“In certain cases, the disk surrounding the star can become unstable due to the gravitational forces it exerts on itself.”

“These disks may fragment as gas and dust collapse, leading to planet formation.”

However, the research team found that neither theory fully accounted for the formation of TOI-6894B based on the data available.

“Based on the stellar irradiation affecting TOI-6894B, we anticipate that its atmosphere is primarily influenced by methane chemistry, which is quite rare to identify.”

“The temperatures are low enough that atmospheric observations may even reveal the presence of ammonia.”

TOI-6894B might serve as a benchmark for methane-dominated atmospheric studies and an ideal laboratory for investigating planetary atmospheres containing carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen beyond our solar system.

Survey results will be featured in the journal Nature Astronomy.

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Bryant et al. A giant exoplanet in orbit around a 0.2 solar mass star. Nature Astronomy, Published online on June 4th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02552-4

Source: www.sci.news