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Scientists Identify Potentially Habitable Planet 40 Light Years Away with Ideal Atmosphere

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Rocky, Earth-sized planets in our Milky Way may be surrounded by atmospheres, with new research indicating a strong possibility of liquid water on their surfaces, supporting the potential for life.

Two separate papers, to be released on Monday in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, focus on the TRAPPIST-1 system, which contains seven rocky planets orbiting a single star. Both studies present initial findings from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, suggesting that one planet, TRAPPIST-1e, could possess a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, although further research is necessary to confirm this.

These findings represent significant progress in the search for extraterrestrial life both within our solar system and beyond.

Recently, NASA revealed that rock samples from Mars may harbor evidence of ancient microorganisms. Presently, Mars has a thin atmosphere made primarily of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon, but billions of years ago, it likely possessed a much thicker atmosphere that allowed liquid water to exist on its surface.

For quite some time, scientists have maintained that water is a crucial element for life.

For a planet or moon to retain water in liquid form, it must have an atmosphere that prevents instant evaporation into space. This makes the search for exoplanet atmospheres one of the most exciting and promising areas of astronomical research.

“Ultimately, our goal is to identify planets that can support life,” stated Ryan McDonald, an exoplanet astronomer at St Andrews University, Scotland, and co-author of both studies. “To do this, we first need to identify whether these planets have atmospheres.”

The TRAPPIST-1 system is located 40 light-years from Earth and has been extensively studied since its discovery in 2016, as some of its planets may have conditions suitable for extraterrestrial life.

One light year is approximately 6 trillion miles.

Specifically, TRAPPIST-1e is thought to reside in the so-called “habitable zone,” where liquid water could be present on the surface—not too close to the star to be scorching hot and not too far to freeze.

In a recent study, astronomers utilized NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to observe four “transits” of TRAPPIST-1e, which occur when the planet passes in front of its star. While the telescope did not directly detect the planet’s atmosphere, it measured how light passing through the atmosphere was absorbed, if one is present.

Like a prism, light can be split into different color bands across the spectrum, and variations in how particular colors are filtered or absorbed can help identify the presence of specific atoms or gas molecules.

For instance, if a specific color is absorbed, it may indicate a high concentration of carbon dioxide, while other color changes could suggest the presence of hydrogen, oxygen, methane, or nitrogen.

“If no color variation is present, the planet is likely just a barren rock,” McDonald noted. “Barren rocks won’t show any color changes in response to light.”

During the four transits, researchers found no signs of a hydrogen-rich atmosphere surrounding TRAPPIST-1e, nor did they observe any indications of a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. However, observations from the Webb telescope suggest a potential nitrogen-rich atmosphere.

“This is an exciting development that will significantly narrow down the prospects for a more Earth-like atmosphere,” remarked Caroline Piaulett Graeb, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago who was not involved in the new research.

Earth’s atmosphere is composed of a significant amount of nitrogen gas. Titan, one of Saturn’s moons, has an atmosphere primarily made of nitrogen and is believed by NASA to harbor a vast underground sea. Although it may be habitable, the methane-rich environment of the moon differs greatly from conditions on Earth.

Piaulet-Ghorayeb, the lead author of a study published last month in the Astrophysical Journal, focused on another planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system, TRAPPIST-1d. This planet is also located within the habitable zone, but the study found no evidence of common Earth-like molecules such as water, carbon dioxide, or methane.

Studying these distant worlds poses significant challenges.

The TRAPPIST-1 star is small and exceptionally active, producing considerable background noise that complicates researchers’ efforts. McDonald and his team dedicated over a year to analyzing data from the Webb telescope in order to isolate and identify chemical signatures from TRAPPIST-1e and its star.

To confirm the presence of an atmosphere, McDonald and his colleagues plan to observe TRAPPIST-1e during an additional 15 transits over the coming years.

They are also looking into three other planets, TRAPPIST-1f, TRAPPIST-1g, and TRAPPIST-1h, which are located further out in the system.

This research aims to bring scientists closer to answering some of the most persistent questions regarding exoplanets and the existence of life.

“We have not yet reliably confirmed the atmosphere of rocky planets outside our solar system, but it opens the door to studying temperate planets,” said Piaulett-Ghorayeb. “However, there is still much to explore.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Doctor Says This Is the Ideal Sleep Environment.

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Many theories exist around the “ideal” sleeping position. One common belief suggests that sleeping on the left side aids digestion.

This notion stems from basic anatomical structure. The stomach is positioned on the left, and its outlet (pylorus) tilts slightly to the right, leading into the small intestine.

Some studies indicate that sleeping on the left side could help decrease acid reflux compared to sleeping on the right, as this position may prevent stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.

If you experience reflux or heartburn, it may be worth experimenting with this position.

That said, digestion occurs regardless of your sleeping posture. So unless you have a specific digestive issue like reflux, your position likely won’t make a significant impact.

Additionally, sleep involves more than just digestion. Sleeping on your back is often recommended to alleviate pressure on the neck and hips. However, this position may contribute to snoring and sleep apnea as it can cause the tongue to fall backward and partially obstruct the airways.

Side sleeping is the most prevalent choice, as it tends to keep airways open, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.

Pregnant women frequently sleep on the left side to enhance blood flow to the baby and alleviate pressure on the liver, though sleeping on the right side is usually acceptable as well.

For those experiencing back or pelvic pain (especially during pregnancy), placing a pillow between your knees can help reduce pressure on the lower back.

So, what is the best sleeping position?

In the end, there is no single best position for everyone. While left-side sleeping may offer benefits for reflux and pregnancy, comfort, spinal support, and the quality of sleep should take precedence for most individuals.

Honestly, no matter how meticulously you position yourself at bedtime, you often wake up drooling on your pillow in a completely different stance!

This article answers the query posed by Tim Hatley of Lincoln: “What is the best place to sleep?”

Please contact us to submit your questions at Question @sciencefocus.com or Message Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (please include your name and location).

Explore our ultimate Fun fact and more fascinating science pages.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Mathematics Reveals the Ideal Strategy for Winning the Lottery

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How can mathematics help you win the lottery?

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

I’ve got a foolproof method that guarantees you’ll win the lottery you desire. Just follow my simple technique and you’ll capture the biggest jackpot imaginable. The only caveat? You need either millions yourself or a circle of wealthy friends.

Let’s use the US Powerball as an illustration. To participate, you must select five unique “white” numbers from 1 to 69, along with a sixth “red” number from 1 to 26. Notably, this last number can replace one of the white ones. How many unique lottery tickets can you create? To find out, we turn to a branch of mathematics known as Combinatorics, which helps calculate the number of potential combinations of items.

This situation is analogous to the “n choose k” problem in which n signifies the total number of objects available for selection (69 for the white Powerball numbers) and k refers to the number of objects you wish to pick. It’s essential to note that these selections occur without replacement—each winning number drawn removes it from the pool of available choices.

For this, mathematicians employ a useful formula for solving n choose k problems: n! /(k! ×(n – k)!). If this notation is unfamiliar, don’t worry! It’s simply a representation of the product of all whole numbers leading up to a given integer. For instance, 3! = 3×2×1 = 6.

Applying 69 for n and 5 for k results in a total of 11,238,513 combinations. While that sounds substantial, we’ll see shortly that it might not be enough. Enter the Red Powerball. Essentially, this means you’re effectively playing two lottery tickets at once, raising the stakes for winning the grand prize. Merely adding a sixth white ball, the combinations soar to 119,877,472 in total. However, since there are 26 possibilities for the red ball, you would multiply the white ball combinations by 26, yielding a grand total of 292,201,338 potential outcomes.

Now we’re talking about over 292 million possible Powerball tickets. The ultimate trick to guaranteed victory? Simply purchase every possible ticket. Of course, the logistics involved complicate this idea. Most importantly, you’d need over $5 billion on hand, as each ticket costs $2.

Is that enough to ensure a significant payout? It’s a bit complicated to answer. The Powerball jackpot accumulates weekly, often remaining unclaimed, which means the prizes can vary. However, there are about 15 instances of jackpots exceeding $584 million, which would not be worth pursuing under the buy-all-tickets approach. Profits are further diminished by the prospect of multiple winners choosing the same combination and approximately 30% of winnings being deducted for taxes.

It’s not surprising, really. If winning the lottery and making a profit were guaranteed, people would be doing this all the time, leading lottery operators to go bankrupt. Yet, surprisingly, poorly designed lotteries do appear, leaving savvy investors at a disadvantage.

One of the earliest noted incidents of this kind involved the writer and philosopher Voltaire, who collaborated with mathematician Charles Marie de la Codamine to create a syndicate aimed at buying all tickets in a lottery tied to French government debts. While the exact methods remain vague, there are suggestions of devious tactics employed that allowed them to circumvent the full ticket payment, resulting in the syndicate winning repeatedly before authorities shut down the lottery in 1730. In a letter to a colleague, Voltaire remarked, “The group that won the victory and purchased all the tickets triumphed over a million players.”

Modern lotteries have faced similar fates. A notable instance is the Irish National Lottery, which was taken over in 1992 by numerous syndicates. At the time, players had to select six numbers from 1 to 36. The n choose k formula indicates 1,947,792 possible tickets. With each ticket costing 50 Irishpense (the currency then), the conspirators managed to raise £973,896 and began acquiring tickets poised for an estimated £1.7 million prize pool.

Lottery organizers caught wind of this scheme and began restricting the number of tickets any one vendor could sell. This limitation meant the syndicate could only purchase roughly 80% of the possible combinations. The outcome was a shared jackpot with two other winners, leading to a loss of £568,682 for the syndicate. Thankfully, the lottery had introduced a £100 guaranteed prize for matching four numbers, bringing their total to £1,166,000.

In response to the incident, the Irish National Lottery quickly revised its rules. Players now must select six numbers from 47, elevating the total number of tickets to 10,737,573. Though the jackpot is capped at 18.9 million euros, the £2 price per ticket makes lottery investments unprofitable.

Despite ample awareness regarding the pitfalls of poorly structured lotteries, such phenomena may still arise. One extraordinary instance emerged in 2023, when a syndicate won a $95 million jackpot in the Texas lottery. Texas lottery tickets involved 54 choices, allowing for 25,827,165 possibilities, with each ticket priced at $1, making this a significant venture. However, there were speculations that the syndicate had possible support from the lottery organizers themselves. Fallout from this controversy is still ongoing, raising questions about legality. The syndicate may have collaborated through local retailers and acquired a ticket printing terminal from the Texas lottery, simplifying logistics. Organizers at the time deny any involvement in unlawful activities, and no criminal charges have been filed. As a lawyer representing the syndicate stated, “All applicable laws, rules, and regulations were adhered to.”

So there you have it. If you can secure an ample amount of upfront cash and the organizers fail to implement the n choose k formula effectively, you might just make a decent profit. Good luck!

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Source: www.newscientist.com

What Makes the Universe’s Physical Constants Ideal for Life?

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When observing the universe, we realize it can sustain life—if it couldn’t, we wouldn’t be here. This notion has been articulated numerous times throughout history, but it lies at the core of the philosophical debate known as the principle of humanity. While seemingly straightforward, it holds complexities.

This article is part of our special concept series, examining the intriguing perspectives scientists have on some of the most unexpected concepts in science. Click here for more information.

The universe seems to be delicately balanced on the edge of habitability, which leads to what scientists call “tweaking problems.” Several fundamental constants, from the mass of neutrons to gravity, require precise values for life to exist. “If some of these constants were larger, it could destabilize all atoms,” says Luke Burns from Western Sydney University, Australia.

The principles of humanity originated as a way to explain why the universe appears to be in this seemingly favorable condition, distilled into a simple idea: the universe must be this way, or we wouldn’t be here to observe it.

There are two central formulations of this principle, both articulated in a 1986 book by cosmologists John Barrow and Frank Tippler. The weak principle states that the basic constants of the universe must be in a state compatible with the existence of life—at least here and now. The strong principle goes further, asserting that these constants must lie within a range conducive to life, implying that the universe is designed to support it. This notion of “necessity” indicates that the universe exists to foster life.

If the weak principle suggests, “A tree falls in the forest and life must be able to thrive there,” the strong principle posits, “This planet is destined to have a forest where the tree can flourish.”

For contemporary scientists, the weak principle acts as a reminder of potential biases in our observations of the universe, especially if conditions are not uniform everywhere. “If we lived in a universe different from our current one, we’d find ourselves in conditions where life was feasible,” notes Shawn Carroll from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

As for the strong formulation of the principle, some physicists, like Burns, find it useful. He is exploring various multiverse models and sees the strong principle as a practical benchmark. This implies there’s a 100% chance at least one life-supporting universe will arise within the multiverse framework. Therefore, the closer a multiverse model approaches this 100% likelihood, the more plausible it becomes. Conversely, if the probability is around 50%, he views it as a solid signal of the model’s validity. “But if it hits a square meter, we have a problem,” he states.

Despite its utility, most physicists regard the strong principle as overly deterministic. It implies life was always meant to be present, according to Elliot Thorber from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “However, the likelihood is minimal; life could have failed to emerge, and we would still be making the same observations.”

Where does that leave us? The strong extrinsic principle offers a solution to the fine-tuning dilemma, yet many consider it an irrational conclusion. In contrast, the weak principle doesn’t clarify why our universe’s constants are finely tuned, though it remains a valuable analytical tool for researchers. As principles go, this topic is quite complex.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Warm and Humid Climate Creates Ideal Conditions for Pterosaurs to Soar 220 Million Years Ago

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A recent study by paleontologists integrated data on the ancient climate of a specific region with fossil distribution information regarding Triassic eye pteraurauromorphs (pterosaurs + lagerpetids).

Foffa et al. Lagerpetids, alongside overall pterygoid morphospace, likely thrived in southwestern Pangaea (i.e. modern-day South America), indicating that pterosaurs may have originated at lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Image credit: James Kuether.

“Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight more than 60 million years ago—the oldest known birds,” stated Davide Foffa, a paleontologist from the University of Birmingham.

“Nevertheless, our comprehension of early pterosaur evolution is constrained by significant temporal and anatomical gaps separating these highly adapted flying reptiles from their closest terrestrial relatives.”

“The fossil records for pterosaurs and their related species remain incomplete, and fundamental aspects of early evolution, including timing, domains of existence, initial radiation, and the ecological context of paleontology, are not well understood compared to other contemporary groups such as dinosaurs.”

The researchers concentrated on the distribution of two closely related groups: Pterosaurs and Lagerpetids.

“Lagerpetids existed roughly 240 million years ago as a group of agile reptiles that lived in smaller land areas and among trees,” they noted.

“These small terrestrial reptiles are now recognized as the closest relatives to pterosaurs, and this study shows they endured a wider range of climatic conditions than their aerial counterparts, including the arid landscapes of ancient Pangaea.”

“This adaptability resulted in a broader distribution of this group.”

“Conversely, pterosaurs seemed to be restricted to humid environments found in limited regions of the ancient world, as evidenced by fossils discovered in modern-day Italy, Austria, and the southwestern United States.

During the late Triassic period, global climatic conditions began to change, with an increase in warm and humid environments outside the equatorial region.

This shift provided an opportunity for flying reptiles to expand across the globe, including present-day high-latitude areas such as Greenland and South America.

“While dinosaurs roamed the Earth, I find it fascinating to envision that these formidable reptiles ruled the skies during that era,” remarked Dr. Foffa.

“However, the origins of pterosaurs remain cloaked in mystery. Our research contributes new insights into this puzzle, proposing that early evolution among groups was likely influenced by shifting climates and environments during the Triassic.”

“Climate change significantly affects biodiversity, both today and throughout geological history,” stated Dr. Emma Dunn, a paleontologist at Friedrich Alexander Universitat Erlangen Nurnberg.

“Recent advancements in modeling techniques have enabled paleontologists to better understand how climate change has shaped the biodiversity of significant fossil groups like pterosaurs in just the past few years.”

“The combination of ecological models and fossil data is emphasized by Dr. Alessandro Chiarenza, paleontologist at University College London, who noted:

“Lagerpetids flourished as generalists, while pterosaurs, initially constrained to a humid tropical niche with possibly limited flight capabilities, occupied equatorial territories.”

“As the climate transformed and forest corridors emerged, their wings propelled them to every corner of the planet, ultimately allowing them to survive one of Earth’s greatest extinctions.”

“What started as a tale of lost fossils is evolving into a paradigmatic example of how paleoclimate, past climate, and evolutionary innovations intertwine, illuminating the complex history that has fascinated paleontologists for over two centuries.”

Study published in the journal Natural Ecology and Evolution.

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D. Foffa et al. Paleobiogeography of climate drivers and lagerpetids and early pterosaurs. Nat Ecol Evol published online on June 18th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41559-025-02767-8

Source: www.sci.news

As the World Cup Nears, Scientists Aim to Create the Ideal Grass

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Knoxville, Tennessee – From exhilarating goals to devastating defeats, the FIFA World Cup captivates its audience.

Next year, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will commence, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, marking a historic event.

This tournament may feature superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and is the first occasion where three nations co-host in 16 cities, making it the most complex World Cup ever, as per FIFA.

“No matter if they’re in Seattle or playing in Guadalajara, I need these pitches to perform consistently. I want the same bounce and the same player-to-grass interaction,” said an expert.

“Safety is paramount and must be my top priority,” Ferguson stated during an interview at the University of Tennessee facility in Knoxville, where researchers collaborate with Michigan State to help FIFA evaluate each venue’s pitch preparations for the tournament.

“Players need to feel confident as they make quick directional changes; the ground must be stable,” he added.

Managing over 12 venues for NFL games and concerts full of monster trucks is no small feat.

The U.S. venues could face increased scrutiny after last summer’s Copa America Tournament raised concerns, notably from players like Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who referred to conditions at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a “disaster.”

“There’s no doubt that last year’s tournament raised the stakes,” Ferguson remarked, referencing the tournament that featured the best 16 teams from North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

“Research was in progress, but Copa highlighted more traditional hesitations regarding international football pitches. Venue schedules are packed with events transitioning from one to another continuously.”

U.S. stadiums have long been central to the debate on natural versus artificial turf in terms of safety. Next summer, all venues will adopt artificial stitch blends of natural grass, focusing on both the underlying structure and the grass itself.

In April, NBC News had exclusive access to the Knoxville facility, where researchers led by Professor John Solochan are tackling these challenges.

The team is investigating artificial stitches and layering techniques beneath the grass to improve root growth and ensure light use, contributing to consistent pitch quality indoors and outdoors.

Solochan, who specializes in turfgrass science and management, mentioned that the mix for warm-season venues includes Bermudagrass, while cool-season venues use a blend of perennial rye and Kentucky bluegrass. Indoor venues also benefit from recommended drainage layers, contributing to a firmer pitch.

“Many of these trials here were unsuccessful,” Solochan explained as he showcased a grid filled with grass plots labeled with different variables. Some experiments involved sewing fibers together to fortify the play surface, while others examined the upper layers typical in World Cup venues featuring flooring for concerts and artificial turf.

The facility includes setups that simulate indoor stadium growth conditions, along with a flex machine that tests the impact on players’ ankles by pressing soccer shoes into the grass. The initial data shows promising insights.

“You can track the speed of the ball as it moves. By analyzing the footage, we can determine its recovery speed, angle, and exit coefficients,” Solochan noted while standing next to a machine resembling one used for NFL punt returns.

Ferguson concluded, “It’s the science that underpins the game. That’s what elevates the sport.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Henrogers Reflects on the Ideal Game: Acquiring Tetris and Outsmarting the KGB

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when game designer and entrepreneur Henk Rogers first encountered Tetris at the 1988 Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, he immediately recognized its uniqueness. “It was just the perfect game,” he reflects. “It appeared very simple yet was fundamentally captivating, making me want to play it repeatedly. There had never been a demo for a game I hadn’t experienced before.”

Rogers is now a co-owner of the Tetris Company, which oversees and licenses the Tetris brand. Over three decades, he has gained fame equivalent to that of the game itself. The intrigue surrounding his acquisition of distribution rights from the Russian agency Elektronorgtechnica (Elorg) has been transformed into a dramatic Apple TV+ film featuring Taron Egerton. “I suggested that either Johnny Depp or Keanu Reeves should portray me, but it seems they were too old,” says Rogers.


Upon reading the script, casting was only one of his concerns. “It was appalling. I was clueless about how the script would translate into a film. It felt like a disaster… a car chase?”


Induces trance… Nintendo’s Game Boy Tetris. Photo: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

However, during his pivotal journey to Russia in 1988, nothing could be more daunting than the KGB interrogation awaiting Rogers. Tetris has since become one of the most successful video games in history, selling over 520 million copies, although it was originally conceived by Alexei Pajitnov. This collection of mind-bending tetrominos was on the verge of being kept behind the Iron Curtain, confined to the Soviet regime.

Fortunately, a complex web of international rights agreements among multiple companies, including Robert Maxwell’s Mirrorsoft, ultimately led the Dutch Rogers, residing in Japan, to forge deals for handhelds. On his arrival in Moscow with a tourist visa, the KGB scrutinized Rogers closely. He managed to enter the state-owned enterprise Elorg, which held a monopoly on all Soviet-produced computer software. Upon meeting the mysterious coder behind this mesmerizing game, Rogers quickly realized he had been misled. The rights to Tetris had been “sold” without Russia’s knowledge, much to the displeasure of the Soviets.

“I was in a room with seven individuals, some of whom were KGB operatives, subjected to intense questioning for hours, like, ‘Who is entering the Soviet Union?'” recounts Rogers. It was there he first crossed paths with Pajitnov. “Alexei was initially skeptical of me because he had encountered other individuals seeking Tetris’ rights before. He perceived them all as slimy capitalists wanting to make a quick buck.” The film’s portrayal of this encounter stays true to reality, complete with tense interrogation scenes and KGB surveillance matching Rogers’ account.

“Once he learned I was a game designer, Alexei’s demeanor shifted entirely,” remembers Rogers. “Alexei had never met a game designer before… in the Soviet Union, there was no gaming industry, so game design was merely a side project amidst other work.”


Pajitnov in 1989. Photo: SIPA Press/Rex Features

Curious about another enthusiast, Alexei discreetly requested that Rogers find him post-meeting. The KGB monitored their every move, sensing the potential worth of the deal, and Rogers was acutely aware of the risks involved. “As a foreigner, I had to tread carefully. So, I waited by the door downstairs, took him to my room in the dead of night, and quietly showcased my version of Tetris.”

Rogers and Pajitnov have remained friends ever since, establishing the Tetris Company in 1996 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the sale of Elorg’s shares. Until that moment, Pajitnov had not seen any financial reward from the game.

The 2023 film did take some creative liberties (“I was perturbed about events that didn’t transpire in the film, like not witnessing my daughter sing at her recital. It premiered in theaters, and although the audience was particularly discerning, they cheered when they first glimpsed the boy in the game. Together, we received the most enthusiastic standing ovation from the crowd).

However, keen to share the deeper narratives of his journey, Rogers has just published a book titled Perfect Game: Tetris, Love from Russia. This work offers an introspective look at the events that brought Pajitnov’s creation to the world, frequently accompanied by mild corrections to errors, infused with fond memories from Pajitnov.


Pajitnov, Rogers, and Nintendo’s Mountain Village Forest at the company headquarters in Kyoto, Japan Photo: Nintendo Company Limited

The film underscores Rogers’ undeniable charisma and business acumen while somewhat underplaying his significance as a game developer. While living in Japan in 1983, he founded Bullet-Proof Software and created the impactful role-playing game The Black Onyx, which introduced an iconic health bar and introduced the RPG genre to Japanese audiences. The game’s manual was authored by Kenyō Suzuki, who later became the president of Squaresoft, the creators of the Final Fantasy series. The influence of Black Onyx extended even to the legendary Nintendo designer Miyamoto, who remarked that it inspired him to create Zelda.

Is it peculiar that Rogers’ narrative sometimes eclipses that of Pajitnov, the original creator of Tetris? “Alexei and I serve very different roles,” responds Rogers. “In narrating my part of the story, he wouldn’t undertake the same role. He is more introverted. If given the platform, he’d prefer to sit in a room and delve into mathematical discussions.”


“We created it in the desert”… the Tetris effect (2019). Photo: Enhance Games

New iterations of Tetris emerge every few years, with the 2019 psychedelic Tetris effect being a notable recent highlight, developed by Mizuguchi Tatsuya, the creator of the Dreamcast classic Rez. “Gucci — that’s what we call him — is a good friend,” Rogers shares. “We attended Burning Man together, where we redefined the Tetris effect in the desert, creating Tetris in VR and built that product.”

While Rogers still revels in the game (“Minecraft has truly done something innovative”), his priorities have shifted after experiencing a fatal heart attack in 2005. “I’ve wrapped up publishing the game,” he states. “I fully understand the labor involved, the finances required, and how much my heart needs to be committed. Now, my focus is combating climate change.”

Residing in Hawaii, Rogers has spent the last 20 years advocating for the island nation to commit to clean energy by 2030 through his Blue Planet Foundation. If anyone can save our planet, it’s the man who outsmarted Maxwell, evaded the KGB, and brought first the iconic blocks to life.

The Perfect Game by Henk Rogers is published by Diangelo

Source: www.theguardian.com

From Ideal Gardening Tools to Eight Pounds of Mascara: My Top Picks of the Month | Life and Style

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the arrival of spring always accelerates the rhythm of life, especially with the hustle of tidying up the sprawling house and garden. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy the delightful early sunshine this season.


Throughout winter, I kept my gaze primarily indoors. Most plants that I bought with hope last summer seemed doubtful of survival. Thus, it’s heartening to see the garden springing back to life. Many of you share this sentiment; the response to our article on getting your garden summer-ready and organizing for spring has been overwhelmingly positive.

It’s also the ideal moment to clear away the cobwebs from your summer wardrobe and rejuvenate it with fresh pieces, be it a “chic spring sweater,” stylish barrel-leg trousers, or an £8 mascara. (If you’re interested in shopping sustainably, check out our recent guide on vintage clothing.)

Bargain Mascara

L’Oréal Paradise Big Deal Volume Mascara

£8 on Amazon

Savin Wiesel, a former beauty editor with a mascara obsession, is on a quest for the best product. After retesting 25 favorites and five new releases, she curated an impressive selection. “Even those who prefer a low-maintenance approach tend to own mascara,” she notes. Sabine’s top pick is a best-seller that she swears transforms lashes with just one swipe.

Best Budget Secateurs




Photo: Cremy Power Collins

Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage Bypass Secateurs

£9.95 on Amazon

“Secateurs are among the most essential tools in gardening, as vital as a well-crafted trowel,” notes Matt Collins, head gardener at the Garden Museum in London, emphasizing their importance in spring. “It’s time to trim perennials and grasses to promote new growth.” He describes these Spear & Jackson secateurs as “simple yet durable tools that excel in functionality.”




Photo: Jonathan Buckley

Niwaki Hori Hori Knife

£32.95 at Sarah Raven

When asked about their preferred tools, professional gardeners consistently mention the Hori Hori. It’s noted as a favorite among experts for summer preparations. “It’s multifunctional, ideal for digging, cutting, weeding, and planting,” says Lulu Roper-Caldbeck.

Spring Sweater

Borden Enid Embroidered Jumper

£112 at John Lewis

“I adore chic sweaters,” states Jess Kurtner Morley in April’s Style Essentials. “Finding a stylish jumper can be a challenge,” she remarks, highlighting its versatility for cool evenings. “I pair this with a black camisole for a layered look.”

Five-Star Rated Coconut Milk

Biona Organic Coconut Milk

£11.95 for 6 x 400ml on Amazon

“I prefer high-quality coconut milk; there’s a noticeable difference between products loaded with sweeteners and stabilizers,” remarks Ravinder Bhogal in a tasting of coconut milk.

Barrel Leg Trousers

Jersey Trousers

£34.90 at Uniqlo

Initially highlighted by Jess Cartner Morley as a cost-effective way to achieve a high-end look, these Uniqlo Barrel Leg trousers have earned popularity as one of our top choices in the Women’s Spring Wardrobe Essentials guide. Their wearability is certainly a selling point.

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Ultra-Portable Power Bank

Anker Nano

£29.99 at Anker

“Compact, efficient, and easily fits in your pocket,” praises reviewer Pete Wise about this 102g power bank. “No other power banks match its combination of charging prowess and portability,” he adds. With a 5,000mAh capacity, it provides ample energy for most smartphones.

The Best Sunscreen

Altruistic Sunscreen SPF50

£27.95 for 1 liter on Amazon

“Using sunscreen is essential; otherwise, anti-aging products are futile,” states Sari Hughes, an expert on age-defying skincare. This dermatologist-recommended formula might seem pricey, but it is an excellent investment in high-quality sun protection.

‘Glass Hair’ Conditioning Gloss

Glaze Clear Conditioning Gloss

£15.99 on Amazon

Hayley Spencer consulted experts on achievable, DIY-friendly beauty treatments. “Glass hair” can be easily attained at home. “The shine and freshness of salon-treated hair are undeniably appealing,” she mentions. This clear conditioning gloss, which can be applied to dry hair, takes only 10 minutes to work its magic.

Best Budget Walking Pad

Rattantree Shock Absorbent Treadmill

£142.49 at Debenhams

While there’s no substitute for walking outdoors, under-desk treadmills are on the rise for boosting daily steps while at work. The Rattantree model provides solid value at £142.49, as noted by Fitness Fanatic Leon Poultney. “It may lack the frills of pricier models, but it’s lightweight and covers the basics for anyone looking to increase their step count.”

Pollock-Style Bud Vase

Rainbow Vase

Starting at £12.50 on Etsy

A popular choice among readers, this vibrant vase adds a splash of color to any space, designed to hold a single flower stem. It’s a simple and affordable way to brighten your home. Fashion writer Ellie Violet Brumley notes that it pushes the boundaries of traditional splatter patterns.




Source: www.theguardian.com

Unlocking the Importance of Chronotype in Determining Your Ideal Sleep Duration

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Would I feel better if I got some more sleep? Maybe – but that's not guaranteed. We know how much sleep the average person needs, but the amount varies widely. Let's start with the basics to better understand how many hours you need and when and how to get them.

This article is part of a special series exploring important questions about sleep. Click here for details.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a typical adult needs between 7 and 9 hours Newborns sleep between 14 and 17 hours, but this gradually decreases throughout childhood. What teenagers need is 9 hours a night People over 65 tend to need about 7 to 8 hours. Sex can also be a factor. “There are some studies that show that women need about 20 minutes more on average than men.” Veena Kumari at Brunel University, London. And there is evidence that humans, like many animals, are also prone to: Sleep a little longer during the wintertoo.

Of course there are exceptions. A rare genetic trait called familial spontaneous short sleep causes people to habitually go to bed late and wake up early, growing up in as little as four to six hours. “We don't know how widespread this is,” he says liza ashbrook At the University of California, San Francisco, many genetic mutations is involved in the trait, but “it's in the minority.”

Most of us aren't so lucky, but the occasional disturbed or shortened night doesn't really matter. “We can more or less get through the night without sleep…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Utilizing Neuroscience to Discover the Ideal Children’s Toy

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“Lloyd,” he told me. “His name is Lloyd.” Of course. Why is the green Lego Ninjago called a different name? This plastic figurine has shot to the top of son Sam's Christmas list.

Anyone who knows young children will relate. While they covet the Barbie Color Reveal Deluxe Styling Head, which promises instant but fleeting joy, we want to buy a woodland activity kit that is sure to nourish the body and mind.

If you are despairing of such a choice, help is readily available. Thanks to our increased understanding of the cognitive benefits of specific toys, we now have a better understanding of the relative merits of different toys. This Christmas, I decided to use this research to identify the perfect toy, or at least get as close to it as possible.

If you dig deeper into this world, you'll quickly discover that some toys are really better for young brains than others, and that computer games aren't as evil as you think. Now you know the secret to buying toys without getting bored. Cupboard.

Although toys may seem like a relatively recent invention, they have been a part of our lives for thousands of years. Analysis of rock fragments dating back 60,000 to 80,000 years in South Africa's Western Cape suggests that children may have been tinkering with dull and functionally useless copies of adult stone tools. Ta. These ancient playthings are thought to have been key to the development of cognitive skills, such as the ability to imagine alternative scenarios and come up with new ideas.

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Ideal Response to a Compliment, Backed by Science

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Compliments can sometimes be tricky to navigate, as identified by a Belgian psychologist. There are several ways in which receiving compliments can make the person being complimented uncomfortable.

When someone compliments you, it might make you feel self-conscious or criticized. For instance, if a friend praises your outfit during a meet-up, you might feel uneasy due to the attention being drawn to you.

Another factor that can make compliments uncomfortable is social awkwardness or inappropriateness, such as when a boss gives you a personal compliment.

Aside from these, feelings of indebtedness, pressure to return the compliment, being misunderstood, or feeling inadequate can also arise when receiving compliments. If you’re unhappy with something you’ve done, a compliment from someone might irritate you.

One way to address these feelings is to remind yourself that the person giving the compliment likely meant well. They probably wanted to show appreciation and make you feel good with their kind words.

It’s not always easy to see compliments in this light, especially for those with low self-esteem. These individuals might yearn for understanding and feel like compliments suggest a lack of it.

Research indicates that compliments can have adverse effects on individuals with low self-esteem in romantic relationships, leading to feelings of anxiety and misunderstanding.

Recent studies have explored ways to help those with low self-esteem benefit from compliments by shifting focus from personal beliefs to situational context and relationship dynamics.

Overcoming low self-esteem might result in increased receptiveness to compliments over time.

This article addresses a question from George Alvin via email: “How can I accept a compliment well?”

If you have any questions, please send them to the email address below. For additional information, contact:or send us a message Facebook, Xor Instagram Page (be sure to include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Ideal Location of Our Milky Way Galaxy for Discovering Extraterrestrial Life

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All life as we know it in the entire universe is tucked away on a tiny rock floating in a tiny branch of the Milky Way galaxy. There are billions of other planets that could potentially support life, but how does our location affect our chances of finding it?

So far, the search for life elsewhere has only scratched the surface. “The bubble of space we've been able to explore around the Sun is tiny compared to the size of our galaxy,” he said. Jesse Christiansen“But we've already discovered more than 5,000 planets, called exoplanets, that orbit other stars,” says John F. Kennedy, an astrophysicist at the California Institute of Technology. Some of these have been found throughout our galaxy and even in other galaxies, but most are within a few hundred light years of the sun, a stone's throw in the scheme of the universe.

Our Galactic Neighborhood

Astronomers are beginning to look at different types of stars in the galactic outskirts and how they affect the habitability of planets around them. We live in an arm of the Milky Way galaxy called Orion, inside the main plane of the galaxy called the thin disk. We are surrounded by stars in the Orion arm. Further outwards, we are surrounded by the dense bulge of the galaxy's dense core on one side, and the sparser outer parts of the other arms of the galaxy on the other side.

Thin, disk-shaped stars, like our Sun and other stars in the constellation Orion, generally…

Source: www.newscientist.com