These stunning and enigmatic images were captured by scientists and photographers, like Felice Frankel, during her everyday life. Take a moment to see if you can guess what they depict before reading further. We will unveil the details beneath each photo.
The primary image is featured in Frankel’s latest publication, Amazing Moments: Uncovering the Hidden Science Around Us. Each close-up shot, many taken with her smartphone, is paired with an explanation of the scientific process highlighted. “It’s akin to a guessing game,” she notes.
So, what’s the answer? The primary image at the beginning of this article features an opal. The blue lines present are mineral veins. When light passes through the stone, it diffracts, and the size of the silica spheres along with their spacing determine the colors observed.
The above image was taken while Frankel sautéed peppers, where condensation formed on the pot lid. These small droplets acted as lenses, transmitting the colors of the peppers through the lid to the camera.
The above photo captures a high-resolution image of a 5 cm mineral agate sample. Its intricate pattern showcases a layer of silica.
Frankel was captivated by the glowing copper pot depicted above. When copper is heated and exposed to air, it oxidizes, resulting in vivid copper compounds that create beautiful colors.
In the concluding image above, oil leaking from the car forms a thin layer atop the puddle. Light reflects off the top and bottom of this oil layer, which varies in thickness, creating a spectrum of colors due to these reflections.
Our conscious experiences often shape our lives with positive joy. Feel the sunlight on your skin, listen to the birds singing, and embrace the moment. However, we also encounter pain. I recently fell down the stairs and my knee is hurting; I often find myself feeling pessimistic and in distress. Why have we, as living beings, evolved cognitive abilities that encompass not just pain and suffering, but also positive experiences? Dr. Albert Nguyen from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Dr. Carlos Montemayor from San Francisco State University suggest distinguishing three fundamental phenomena of phenomenal consciousness: basic arousal, general arousal, and reflexive (self-)consciousness.
Scholars believe that consciousness is a fundamental property of the universe. Image credit: NASA / ESA / JPL-Caltech / STScI / Sci.News.
“From an evolutionary standpoint, basic arousal was the first to develop, providing the fundamental ability to place the body in a state of alert in life-threatening situations, enabling organisms to survive,” Dr. Nguyen stated.
“Pain serves as a highly effective means of detecting bodily harm and the related threat to life.”
“This often triggers survival mechanisms such as fleeing or freezing.”
The subsequent evolutionary stage is the emergence of general attention.
This allows you to concentrate on a single item even when overwhelmed with information.
For example, if we see smoke while someone is speaking to us, our focus shifts entirely to the smoke in search of its source.
“This enables us to learn about new correlations. Initially, it establishes a basic causal relationship: smoke comes from a fire and indicates its location,” Dr. Montemayor remarked.
“Furthermore, targeted attention allows us to discern complex scientific relationships.”
Humans, along with certain animals, then develop reflexive (self-)consciousness.
This capability allows for a nuanced reflection not only on ourselves but also on our past and future.
We can create a self-image and incorporate it into our actions and plans.
“Reflexive consciousness, in its fundamental form, developed alongside the two primary forms of consciousness,” Dr. Nguyen explained.
“In such instances, conscious experience is less about perceiving the surroundings and more about consciously acknowledging aspects of oneself.”
“This encompasses not just the state of your body, but also your perceptions, feelings, thoughts, and actions.”
“A simple example would be recognizing oneself in a mirror, which is a form of reflexive consciousness.”
“Children begin to develop this ability by 18 months, and some animals such as chimpanzees, dolphins, and magpies have demonstrated this as well.”
“The core function of reflexive conscious experience enhances our ability to integrate into society and collaborate with others.”
The team’s paper will be published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.
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Albert Nieuwen and Carlos Montemayor. 2025. Three types of phenomenal consciousness and their functional roles: Development of the ALARM theory of consciousness. fill. transformer. R.Soc.B 380 (1939): 20240314; doi: 10.1098/rstb.2024.0314
A researcher suggests that the binary star system TOI-2267 is likely home to two warm Earth-sized exoplanets and an additional candidate. A new paper published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics discusses these findings.
Artist’s impression of the binary star system TOI-2267. Image credit: Mario Sucerquia, Grenoble-Alpes University.
The system, known as G 222-3 or TIC 459837008, consists of the M5 type star TOI-2267A and the M6 type star TOI-2267B, which are separated by approximately 8 astronomical units.
Located about 22 parsecs (73.5 light-years) from the Sun in the constellation Cepheus, TOI-2267 presents a fascinating planetary arrangement.
Dr. Sebastian Zuniga Fernández, an astronomer at the University of Liege, stated, “Our analysis shows a distinct planetary configuration: two planets orbiting one star and a third planet orbiting its companion star.”
This discovery makes TOI-2267 the first known binary star system to host planets that transit around both stars.
Dr. Francisco Pozuelos from the Andalucía Astronomical Institute remarked, “Our findings set several records, making this star system the most compact and coolest known planet-planet pair, and it is the first observed instance of a planet transiting both components.”
Astronomers utilized the SPECULOOS and TRAPPIST telescopes along with their proprietary detection software, SHERLOCK, to identify the three planetary signals.
“Uncovering three Earth-sized planets within such a compact binary star system is an exceptional opportunity,” Dr. Zuniga-Fernández noted.
“This will enable us to scrutinize the limits of planet formation models in complex environments and deepen our understanding of the variety of planetary structures in our galaxy.”
The two confirmed planets, TOI-2267b and TOI-2267c, have orbital periods of 2.28 days and 3.49 days, respectively.
The authors currently cannot determine which star in the binary system the planets orbit.
When orbiting TOI-2267A, TOI-2267b and TOI-2267c exhibit radii of 1 and 1.14 Earth sizes, while their radii become 1.22 and 1.36 Earth radii when orbiting TOI-2267B.
Furthermore, researchers detected a third strong signal with a period of 2.03 days, which is still classified as a planetary candidate, having sizes of 0.95 or 1.13 Earth radii depending on whether it orbits TOI-2267A or TOI-2267B.
Dr. Pozuelos added, “This system serves as a genuine natural laboratory for exploring how rocky planets can form and persist under extreme mechanical conditions that were previously thought to endanger their stability.”
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S. Zuniga-Fernandez et al. 2025. Two warm Earth-sized exoplanets and an Earth-sized candidate planet in the M5V-M6V binary star system TOI-2267. A&A 702, A85; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202554419
IThe T image is among the most chilling representations of the Holocaust. A Nazi soldier with glasses points a gun at the head of a resigned man in a suit, kneeling before a pit filled with corpses, surrounded by German troops.
Photos from present-day Ukraine have long been incorrectly associated with the last Jew of Vinica, remaining cloaked in mystery for decades.
Jürgen Matthäus, a German historian based in the U.S., has meticulously pieced together this puzzle for years. With the aid of artificial intelligence, he believes he has successfully identified the perpetrator.
His findings are now published in the esteemed Zeitschrift für geschichtswissenschaft (Journal of Historical Studies), detailing a massacre conducted by the SS on July 28, 1941, likely in the afternoon, at the Berdychiv fortress.
For centuries, Berdychiv has been a vibrant center of Jewish life, located 150 km southwest of Kyiv and about 90 km north of what is now Vinnizzia in English.
One of several mobile units deployed in the newly occupied Soviet Union, the Einsatzgruppe C Commando, was tasked with eliminating “Jews and Partisans” just days before Adolf Hitler’s visit.
Among those involved was Jacobs Onnen, a teacher of French and English, born in the village of Tichelwarf, Germany, near the Dutch border in 1906.
Matthäus described the “incremental process” involving traditional excavations of dusty archives, fortuitous discoveries, peer consultations, and the innovative contributions of volunteers from the open-source journalism group BellingCat.
“This match has a remarkably high confidence level based on the algorithm’s outputs, according to experts,” Matthäus stated.
A preliminary investigation released last year uncovered critical details about the dates, locations, and units involved in the mass shooting, leading to media coverage in Germany.
“The rise of digital tools in the humanities is remarkable, yet most are focused on processing mass data rather than qualitative analysis,” Matthäus commented, reflecting on the potential for AI in his field. Photo: Metropole
Readers have stepped forward, suggesting that communications from Onnen’s family era indicate the shooter could be Jacobs Onnen, his wife’s uncle.
Letters from Onnen from the Eastern Front were destroyed by relatives in the 1990s, but they retained his photographs, which BellingCat volunteers can utilize for AI image analysis.
“Experts explain that achieving a match of 98 or 99.9% in historic photographs is challenging,” said Matthäus. “This often results in forensic discussions.”
Nevertheless, his strong likeness combined with circumstantial evidence provides sufficient credibility for public consideration.
“The growth of digital tools in the humanities is substantial, typically for mass data handling rather than in-depth analysis,” he remarked regarding AI’s application in research.
“It’s clearly not a magic solution; it’s just one of many tools, and human elements remain critical.”
Onnen, who aligned with the Nazi Party prior to Hitler’s ascension in 1933, was raised in an educated family and was fond of “travel and study” in his youth, Matthäus noted.
“Then his trajectory moves eastward, and here he stands,” he added. “Understanding his motivation is one of the toughest questions, as it raises emotional considerations about his posing and self-representation in that context.”
Onnen never advanced beyond a lower rank and was killed in action in August 1943.
“Being involved in such murders is undeniable, and it doesn’t earn you any merits when assigned to these execution units,” Matthäus remarked.
He expressed regret that a letter possibly revealing Onnen’s ideological stance was lost from the front. Relatives who recalled reading the letters described them as “mediocre.”
Until this spring, Matthäus served as the director of research at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, where he has been active since 1994.
His latest work, *Gerahmte Gewalt* (Framed Violence), explores photo albums curated by Germans on the Eastern Front during World War II.
He noted that it is “highly likely” that the photograph depicting the Berdychiv genocide was taken by fellow soldiers, who often viewed such snapshots as “trophies” of civilian carnage.
Of the estimated 20,000 Jews in Berdychiv at the time of the German invasion in 1941, only 15 remained by early 1944, as reported by Del Spiegel in relation to the new study.
“These extensive executions persisted until the final day of German dominance in the East,” Matthäus observed.
“I believe this image should hold as much significance as the image of Auschwitz’s Gate, as it illustrates the tangible confrontation between the executioner and the victim.”
Jacobs Onnen, who enrolled in the Nazi Party prior to Hitler’s rise in 1933, hailed from a well-educated background. Photo: Metropole
He emphasized that comprehensive visual and written accounts circulated by German soldiers dismantle the myth of the civilian populace being unaware of the genocide perpetuated in their name.
Matthäus’s project also involves uncovering the identity of the victim in the photograph of Berdychiv. He collaborates with his Ukrainian colleague Andrii Mahaletskyi, utilizing Soviet-era records from the local community.
AI may also assist in this investigative endeavor, especially if equivalent images of men in suits can be identified.
He recognized the complexity of the mission, pointing out that while names of deported individuals from Western Europe were meticulously documented, the identities of most victims exterminated in the east remained unknown for over 80 years.
“The occupied Soviet Union witnessed over a million casualties,” he stated. “The majority remain anonymous, as intended by the perpetrators.”
OpenAI will restrict how ChatGPT interacts with users under 18 unless they either pass the company’s age estimation method or submit their ID. This decision follows a legal case involving a 16-year-old who tragically took their own life in April after months of interaction with the chatbot.
Sam Altman, the CEO, emphasized that OpenAI prioritizes “teen privacy and freedom over the board.” As discussed in a blog post, “Minors need strong protection.”
The company noted that ChatGPT’s responses to a 15-year-old should differ from those intended for adults.
Altman mentioned plans to create an age verification system that will default to a protective under-18 experience in cases of uncertainty. He noted that certain users might need to provide ID in some circumstances or countries.
“I recognize this compromises privacy for adults, but I see it as a necessary trade-off,” Altman stated.
He further indicated that ChatGPT’s responses will be adjusted for accounts identified as under 18, including blocking graphic sexual content and prohibiting flirting or discussions about suicide and self-harm.
“If a user under 18 expresses suicidal thoughts, we will attempt to reach out to their parents, and if that’s not feasible, we will contact authorities for immediate intervention,” he added.
“These are tough decisions, but after consulting with experts, we believe this is the best course of action, and we want to be transparent about our intentions,” Altman remarked.
OpenAI acknowledged that its system was lacking as of August and is now working to establish robust measures against sensitive content, following a lawsuit by the family of a 16-year-old, Adam Lane, who died by suicide.
The family’s attorneys allege that Adam was driven to take his own life after “monthly encouragement from ChatGPT,” asserting that GPT-4 was “released to the market despite known safety concerns.”
According to a US court filing, ChatGPT allegedly led Adam to explore the method of his suicide and even offered assistance in composing suicide notes for his parents.
OpenAI previously expressed interest in contesting the lawsuit. The Guardian reached out to OpenAI for further comments.
Adam reportedly exchanged up to 650 messages a day with ChatGPT. In a post-lawsuit blog entry, OpenAI admitted that its protective measures are more effective in shorter interactions and that, in extended conversations, ChatGPT may generate responses that could contradict those safeguards.
On Tuesday, the company announced the development of security features to ensure that data shared with ChatGPT remains confidential from OpenAI employees as well. Altman also stated that adult users who wish to engage in “flirtatious conversation” could do so. While adults cannot request instructions on suicide methods, they can seek help in writing fictional narratives about suicide.
“We treat adults as adults,” Altman emphasized regarding the company’s principles.
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.
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.”
Assessing cervical cancer risk non-invasively using a urine sample
SolStock/Getty Images
Urine tests can detect strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), linked to cervical cancer, with accuracy comparable to that of self-administered vaginal swabs.
Historically, cervical cancer screening involved healthcare professionals collecting cell samples from the cervix to test for abnormal cells or HPV strains. HPV 16 and 18 are the most common culprits.
In nations like the US and Canada, individuals can now opt for self-collected vaginal swabs that avoid direct contact with the cervix. This approach is similarly being adopted in the UK as part of a new strategy. Such swabs have been linked to increased screening uptake, although they may still be invasive and uncomfortable for some individuals.
Previous research indicates that HPV DNA can be identified in urine. To explore this further, Julia Lynch from the International Vaccine Institute in Seoul, along with her colleagues, surveyed 753 sexually active women aged 18-25, asking them to provide urine samples at any time and to perform vaginal swabs in clinical settings across Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal.
The results revealed that the capacity of the tests to identify seven high-risk HPV strains was strikingly similar, with 5.3% of self-collected swabs testing positive for one or more of these strains compared to 5% of urine samples. For HPV 16 and 18 specifically, the figures were nearly identical—2.3% for swabs and 2.4% for urine.
Urine samples were also preferred by many participants. “We operate in regions with diverse social contexts, and vaginal swabs were less accepted among certain age groups in some countries,” Lynch notes.
The World Health Organization set elimination goals for cervical cancer in 2018, primarily hinging on the success of HPV vaccinations. However, maintaining screening uptake remains critical, as the effects of vaccination programs may take years to be evident on a population level, according to Lynch.
Several types of HPV vaccines protect against all strains 16 and 18. Nonetheless, the data concerning HPV risks generally originates from North America and Europe, as Lynch states. Thus, this research could provide insights into the circulating strains in various regions globally to inform vaccine strategies.
The study focused solely on young women, which means the findings may not apply to broader demographics. Beverly Green from Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute mentioned that the current study is a part of a wider project aimed at determining HPV prevalence in eight low- and middle-income countries throughout South Asia and Africa, with additional studies within the same project assessing a sample of older women.
Deepfake video showcasing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on a smartphone
Australia’s Associated Press/Alamy
Universal DeepFake Detectors have demonstrated optimal accuracy in identifying various types of videos that have been altered or entirely produced by AI. This technology can assist in flagging adult content, deepfake scams, or misleading political videos generated by unregulated AI.
The rise of accessible DeepFake Creation Tools powered by inexpensive AI has led to rampant online distribution of synthetic videos. Numerous instances involve non-consensual depictions of women, including celebrities and students. Additionally, deepfakes are utilized to sway political elections and escalate financial scams targeting everyday consumers and corporate leaders.
Nevertheless, most AI models designed to spot synthetic videos primarily focus on facial recognition. This means they excel in identifying a specific type of deepfake where a person’s face is swapped with existing footage. “We need a single video with a manipulated face and a model capable of detecting background alterations or entirely synthetic videos,” states Rohit Kundu from the University of California Riverside. “Our approach tackles that particular issue, considering the entire video could be entirely synthetically produced.”
Kundu and his team have developed a universal detector that leverages AI to analyze both facial features and various background elements within the video. It can detect subtle signs of spatial and temporal inconsistencies in deepfake content. Consequently, it identifies irregular lighting conditions for people inserted into face-swapped videos, as well as discrepancies in background details of fully AI-generated videos. The detector can even recognize AI manipulation in synthetic videos devoid of human faces, and it flags realistic scenes in video games like Grand Theft Auto V, independent of AI generation.
“Most traditional methods focus on AI-generated facial videos, such as face swaps and lip-synced content.” says Siwei Lyu from Buffalo University in New York. “This new method is broader in its applications.”
The universal detector reached an impressive accuracy rate of 95% to 99% in recognizing four sets of test videos featuring manipulated faces. This performance surpasses all previously published methods for detecting this type of deepfake. In evaluations of fully synthetic videos, it yielded more precise results than any other detectors assessed to date. Researcher I presented their findings at the 2025 IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 15th.
Several researchers from Google also contributed to the development of these new detectors. Though Google has not responded to inquiries regarding whether this detection method would be beneficial for identifying deepfakes on platforms like YouTube, the company is among those advocating for watermarking tools that help label AI-generated content.
The universal detectors have room for future enhancements. For instance, it would be advantageous to develop capabilities for detecting deepfakes utilized during live video conference calls—a tactic some scammers are now employing.
“How can you tell if the individual on the other end is genuine or a deepfake-generated video, even with network factors like bandwidth affecting the transmission?” asks Amit Roy-Chowdhury from the University of California Riverside. “This is a different area we’re exploring in our lab.”
The twin detectors of the NSF’s Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting the highest composite mass recorded to date and the merger of two black holes. This event, identified as GW231123 and discovered on November 23, 2023, produced a final black hole with a mass over 225 times that of the Sun.
GW231123 An infographic detailing the merger of black holes. Image credits: Simona J. Miller/Caltech.
LIGO made history in 2015 with the first direct detection of gravitational waves, the ripples in spacetime.
In that instance, the waves were generated by the merger of black holes, culminating in a black hole with a mass 62 times that of our Sun.
The signal was simultaneously detected by LIGO’s twin detectors located in Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington.
Since then, the LIGO team has collaborated with partners from Italy’s Virgo detectors and Japan’s KAGRA to create the LVK collaboration.
These detectors have collectively observed over 200 black hole mergers during their fourth observational run since starting in 2015.
Previously, the largest black hole merger recorded was in 2021 during the event GW190521, which had a total mass of 140 times that of the Sun.
During the GW231123 event, a black hole with a mass of 225 was formed by merging two black holes, one approximately 100 times and the other 140 times the mass of the Sun.
This discovery places it in a rare category known as intermediate mass black holes, which are heavier than those resulting from star collapses but significantly lighter than the supermassive black holes found at the centers of galaxies.
In addition to their substantial mass, these merged black holes exhibited rapid rotation.
“This is the largest black hole binary we’ve observed in gravitational waves and poses a significant challenge to our understanding of black hole formation,” stated Dr. Mark Hannam, an astrophysicist at Cardiff University and a member of the LVK collaboration.
“The existence of such a large black hole defies standard stellar evolution models.”
“One potential explanation is that the two black holes in this binary could have formed from the merger of smaller black holes.”
“This observation highlights how gravitational waves uniquely uncover the fundamental and exotic properties of black holes throughout the universe,” remarked Dr. Dave Reitze, executive director of LIGO at Caltech.
Researchers announced this week the discovery of GW231123, which will be discussed at the 24th International Conference on General Relativity and Gravity (GR24) and the 16th Edoardo Amaldi Meeting on Gravitational Waves, held jointly at the Gr-Amaldi Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland.
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LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration. GW231123: The largest black hole binary detected by gravitational waves. Gr-Amaldi 2025
The primordial stars, known as group III, likely formed from the abundant gases present in the young universe. These stars were responsible for generating the first heavier elements, illuminating the universe, bringing an end to the cosmic dark ages, and ushering in the era of reionization. Due to the challenges of direct observation, the characteristics of these early stars are still largely unknown. Professor Anastasia Fialkov from Cambridge University and her team suggest that astronomers can infer the masses of these stars by analyzing the cosmological 21 cm signal produced by hydrogen atoms located between the regions where the stars formed.
Artist’s impression of a field of Population III stars that would have existed hundreds of millions of years post-Big Bang. Image credits: noirlab/nsf/aura/J. da silva/SpaceEngine.
“This presents a unique opportunity to understand how the universe’s first light emerged from darkness,” stated Professor Fialkov.
“We are beginning to unravel the narrative of the transition from a cold, dark cosmos to one filled with stars.”
Studies focused on the universe’s ancient stars rely on the faint 21 cm signal, an energy signature emanating from over 13 billion years ago.
This signal, influenced by the radiation from nascent stars and black holes, offers a rare glimpse into the universe’s formative years.
Professor Fialkov leads the Leach theory group dedicated to radio experiments analyzing space hydrogen.
“Leach is a radio antenna and one of two key projects designed to enhance our understanding of the dawn and reionization phases of the universe, when the first stars reactivated neutral hydrogen atoms,” explained the astronomer.
“While our abilities to capture radio signals are presently undergoing calibration, we remain dedicated to unveiling insights about the early universe.
“Conversely, the Square Kilometer Arrays (SKAs) chart variations in cosmic signals across extensive areas of the sky.”
“Both initiatives are crucial for probing the masses, brightness, and distribution of the universe’s earliest stars.”
In their current research, Professor Fialkov and co-authors formulated a model to predict the 21 cm signal for both REACH and SKA, discovering that the signal is sensitive to the mass of the first stars.
“We are the first group to accurately model how the 21 cm signal correlates with the mass of the first stars, factoring in ultraviolet starlight and x-ray emissions resulting from the demise of the first stars,” stated Professor Fialkov.
“Our findings stem from simulations integrating the primordial conditions of the universe, such as the hydrogen and helium composition formed during the Big Bang.”
In developing their theoretical framework, researchers examined how the 21 cm signal responds to the mass distribution of Population III stars.
They discovered that earlier studies underestimated this relationship as they failed to account for both the quantity and luminosity of x-ray binaries among Population III stars and their impact on the 21 cm signal.
While REACH and SKA cannot photograph individual stars, they do provide comprehensive data on stars, x-ray binary systems, and entire galactic populations.
“Connecting radio data to the narrative of the first stars requires some imagination, but its implications are profound,” remarked Professor Fialkov.
“The predictions we present hold significant value in enhancing our understanding of the universe’s earliest stars,” noted Dr. Eloi de Lera Acedo from Cambridge University.
“We offer insights into the masses of these early stars, suggesting that the light they emitted may have been drastically different from today’s stars.”
“Next-generation telescopes like REACH are set to unlock the secrets of the early universe. These predictions are vital for interpreting radio observations being conducted from Karu, South Africa.”
The research paper was published online today in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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T. Gessey-Jones et al. Determination of the mass distribution of the first stars from a 21 cm signal. Nature Astronomy Published online on June 20th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02575-x
Across the globe, people coexist with cats, engaging in various social behaviors with their furry companions. While olfaction is one of cats’ most crucial sensory abilities, its specific role in identifying humans remains unclear. A recent study conducted by researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture examined how domestic cats use their sense of smell to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar humans.
Miyairi et al. Ferris Catus’ behavioral response to human olfactory stimuli was explained. They suggest that cats use their sense of smell to recognize humans. Moreover, the olfactory exploration behaviors of cats are linked to their personality traits, indicating a lateralization in odor detection between the left and right nostrils. Image credits: Sci.news / makieni777 / rise-a-mui / alexas_fotos / dorothe / vaclav zavada / artem makarov / daga roszkowska / birgit / pasi mammela.
“Dogs (Canis Familiaris) and cats (Felis Catus) present unique social interactions,” said Dr. Yutaro Miyairi, the lead author of the study.
“Prior research has largely focused on how these animals bond with their owners.”
“For instance, dogs are adept at recognizing human emotional expressions through facial cues and vocal tones, demonstrating their ability to process social information from humans.”
“Cats, too, possess remarkable social cognitive skills that have piqued the interest of researchers.”
“However, studies on cat-human interactions have not progressed to the extent seen in canine research.”
In this study, the team aimed to determine whether cats can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar individuals using olfactory cues alone.
The researchers tested 30 cats by presenting them with plastic tubes containing swabs that had been rubbed under the armpits, behind the ears, and between the toes of their owners and unfamiliar humans.
Cats exhibited a significantly longer interest in unfamiliar scents compared to those from their owners or empty tubes.
Interestingly, the scientists observed that cats initially preferred using their right nostrils to smell unknown odors, later switching to their left nostrils as they became acquainted with the scents.
Cat owners were asked to complete an online survey to evaluate the relationship between their cats’ personalities and their ownership experiences.
Male cats with anxious temperaments tended to repeatedly sniff each tube, whereas those with more relaxed personalities approached the tubes in a calmer manner.
In contrast, there was no observable personality influence on the behaviors of female cats during the experiment.
The findings suggest that pet cats can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on scent alone, though it remains uncertain if they can identify a specific individual based solely on smell.
Additionally, the preference for investigating new scents with the right nostril implies a potential lateralization in brain function, a phenomenon also documented in other animals like dogs, fish, and birds.
“Our findings further support the idea that cats utilize their olfactory sense to recognize humans,” the authors stated.
“This also reinforces the significance of rubbing behavior that follows sniffing, which may suggest an exploratory phase that precedes scent marking.”
“This relationship calls for further exploration, particularly regarding whether cats can recognize specific individuals using olfactory signals.”
The study was published online in the journal PLOS ONE.
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Y. Miyairi et al. 2025. The behavioral response of pet cats to human odor. PLOS ONE 20(5): E0324016; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324016
The recently identified Transneptunian object, which was named in 2017, stands out as one of the most prominent objects in our solar system, measuring approximately 700 km in diameter, thus qualifying as a dwarf planet.
All cut-out images of 19 detections for 2017 2017. Image credits: Chen et al, arxiv: 2505.15806.
Transneptunian Objects (TNOs) are small celestial bodies that orbit the Sun at distances greater than that of Neptune.
In the 30 years following the discovery of the first TNO outside Pluto, numerous research initiatives have been launched to explore the expansive regions of the outer solar system, resulting in the identification of over 5,000 TNOs to date.
The newly discovered TNO is significant for two main reasons: its unique trajectory and substantial size.
“The object’s aphelion—the furthest point in its orbit from the Sun—is over 1,600 times the distance of Earth’s orbit,” states Dr. Sihao Chen, an astronomer at the Institute of Advanced Research and Boundary Research.
“Conversely, its perihelion—the closest point in its orbit to the Sun—is 44.5 times that of Earth’s orbit, akin to Pluto’s orbit.”
“This extreme trajectory takes around 25,000 years to complete, suggesting a complex gravitational history,” he adds.
“We likely experienced a close encounter with a massive planet, compelling us into this wide orbit,” comments Princeton University astronomer Dr. Elitas Yang.
“There may have been multiple phases in this transition.”
“The object might have initially been ejected into the Oort Cloud, the outermost region of the solar system, which is home to numerous comets.”
“Many extreme TNOs appear to follow similar trajectories, but 2017 OF201 stands out as an anomaly,” remarks Dr. Jiaxuan Li, also from Princeton University.
“This clustering is interpreted as indirect evidence suggesting the presence of another celestial body, often referred to as Planet X or Planet Nine, which could be influencing these objects through gravitational forces.”
“The existence of 2017 OF201 as an outlier in this clustering could potentially challenge this hypothesis.”
Astronomers estimate the diameter of 2017 OF201 to be 700 km, making it the second-largest object on such an extensive orbit.
“2017 OF201 can only be detected about 1% of the time when it is relatively close to us,” Dr. Chen notes.
“The presence of this solitary object implies that there may be around 100 other similar objects with comparable trajectories and sizes.”
Researchers discovered 2017 OF201 as part of an ongoing initiative to identify TNOs and potential new planets in the outer solar system.
The detection involved identifying bright spots in astronomical image databases from the Victor M. Blanco Telescope and the Canada France Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), as well as attempting to trace groups of possible spots that indicate TNO movement across the sky.
Scientists identified 2017 OF201 in 19 different exposures collected over a span of seven years.
“Although advancements in telescopic technology have allowed us to explore distant realms of the universe, much remains to be uncovered within our own solar system,” concludes Dr. Chen.
The team’s paper has been published online at arxiv.org.
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Sihao Cheng et al. 2025. Discovery of new planet candidates in extremely wide orbits: 2017 OF201. arxiv: 2505.15806
The recently identified species are part of the rare subgenus Bee Austrothil (genus) Megachil. These bees construct cells from skin within clusters of resin or tree bark, which are meticulously packed into twigs. Consequently, the author suggests “Pot Bee of Resin” as the common name for the bees in this subgenus.
Resin pot bee species Megachil (Austrothil) Tartoni. Image credit: David Pike.
Pot bees of resin are native to Australia, found across all states and territories except for Tasmania.
Dr. Remcoleis, a researcher at the Museum of South Australia, stated, “This group was previously believed to include seven species, with an additional 18 named in 1992.”
“Throughout the years, 23 more species were uncovered during field studies, including newly identified invertebrates and plant species found during various bushblitz investigations,” he added.
“Bush Blitz is a collaboration between the Australian Government, BHP Billiton, and Earthwatch Australia, aimed at recording the fauna and flora of select national reserves.”
“It also supports the identification of new species, allowing us to correlate newly collected specimens with existing species in Australia’s entomological collections.”
“This effort unveiled 20 more unidentified species residing in the collection, highlighting the significance of entomological collections as a source of discoveries.”
Dr. Katja Hogendoorn, a researcher at the University of Adelaide, remarked, “There is still much to learn about Australia’s critical role in honey production and pollination.”
“Despite the environmental and economic significance of native plants and crops as pollinators, the Australian bee fauna remains poorly understood.”
“An estimated one-third of bee species are yet to be documented scientifically, and insufficient funding for taxonomic research hinders the ability to assess conservation issues and take protective measures for native honeybees.”
“We may still lose a species we are unaware of.”
Currently, about 1,700 native bee species are recognized in Australia.
The research team discovered that there are 78 known species of resin pot bees, with almost half identified from a solitary location.
Dr. James Doley, a researcher at the University of Wollongong, stated, “We are diligently working to better our understanding of these species.”
“While the distribution of these species may be confined, there is a lack of sufficient information regarding their prevalence or population size.”
The findings appear in a new paper published in Australian Taxonomy.
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R. Rays et al. 2025. Australian resin pot honeybees, Megachil (Austrothil) (Megachilidae), description of a new species of 71. Australian Taxonomy 90:1-119; doi:10.54102/ajt.ek0f9
A research team from Penn State has developed a novel hybrid device that integrates distinct sensors with a flexible wireless power supply and an emotional recognition transmission module.
Wearable patches can accurately track multiple emotional signals at the same time. Image credit: Yangbo Yuan/Penn State.
“This represents a new and enhanced method for understanding our emotions by observing various body signals simultaneously,” stated Dr. Hua New Larry’Chen of Pennsylvania.
“Relying solely on facial expressions for emotional understanding can often be misleading.”
“Many people do not always express how they truly feel, so combining analyses of expression with other significant physiological signals can ultimately enhance mental health monitoring and support.”
The sticker-like patches monitor various physiological responses, including skin temperature, humidity, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels linked to emotional states.
Crucially, the device’s sensors are designed to function independently, reducing interference among different measurements.
The system integrates the analysis of physiological signals with facial data to better differentiate between authentic and behavioral emotions.
It wirelessly transmits real-time measurement data to your mobile device and cloud, where it could potentially assist clinicians in effectively evaluating patients.
The device does not store personal data; it only records signals, ensuring privacy is safeguarded through its design.
“This technology has the potential to aid individuals facing mental health challenges, especially when they may not be entirely forthcoming about their struggles,” remarked Yambo Yuan, a doctoral student in Pennsylvania.
“The collected data could also help bridge cultural or social divides, which can manifest as a disparity between stoic or expressive presentations to healthcare providers.”
“Tracking these signals could enable early detection of issues like anxiety and depression as they develop.”
Researchers have crafted a flexible device by folding a thin layer of materials such as platinum or gold into a wave-like shape that maintains its sensitivity, even when stretched or twisted.
A layer of material incorporated into a hollow tube made of carbon atoms adjusts current flow with temperature, absorbing moisture and monitoring humidity levels.
Multiple sensors have been designed and positioned on the device to avoid interference with each other’s readings.
For instance, scientists placed a rigid layer underneath the temperature and humidity sensors to protect it from the stretching experienced by the expression sensor.
A waterproof layer was also utilized to shield temperature and strain sensors from humidity.
Dr. Libo Gao, a researcher at Xiamen University, stated:
The authors subsequently trained artificial intelligence (AI) models to interpret and recognize the signs of human emotions exhibited.
They enlisted eight participants, a typical sample size for pilot studies, who expressed six fundamental emotions: happiness, surprise, fear, sadness, anger, and disgust.
Participants showcased each emotional expression 100 times while the device monitored movements.
The researchers then input the data into AI models, training them to link specific facial movements with distinct emotions.
Three additional participants were recruited to further evaluate the model’s effectiveness.
It categorized facial expressions with an impressive accuracy of 96.28%.
In testing the device’s capacity to monitor actual emotions, the scientists assessed how well it recorded the psychological responses of the same participants while viewing video clips designed to evoke emotions.
The device successfully identified emotions with an accuracy of 88.83%, confirming that the psychological responses corresponded with established links between emotions, such as rising skin temperatures and increased heart rates associated with surprise and anger.
“The capability to transmit data wirelessly allows healthcare professionals to remotely monitor individuals and offer timely emotional support through telehealth,” Dr. Chen emphasized.
“The sensor could play a vital role in enhancing access to care.”
“Given the increasing stress levels in contemporary society, monitoring emotions could provide early indicators of debilitating conditions and enable proactive support.”
The device’s development is documented in a paper published in the journal Nano Letters.
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Yanbo Yuan et al. 2025. Stretchable, rechargeable, multimodal hybrid electronics for isolated sensing for emotional detection. Nano Letters 25 (13): 5220-5230; doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c06392
A network of airports like Hong Kong International Airport could effectively detect disease outbreaks
Yuen Man Cheung / Alamy
A global early warning system for disease outbreaks and future pandemics is possible with minimal surveillance. We test wastewater from just a few of our international flights at just 20 airports around the world.
If passengers fly while infected with bacteria or viruses, traces of these pathogens can be left in the waste, allowing airports to gather from the plane after the flight. “If you go to the airplane toilet, blow your nose and place it in the toilet, some of the genetic material from the pathogen can go. In the wastewater.” Guillaume St-Onge at Northeastern University, Massachusetts.
St-Onge and his colleagues used an A Simulator Called the Global Epidemic and Mobility Model, it analyzes how airport waste monitoring networks can detect new variants of the virus, such as those that cause Covid-19. By testing the model using different numbers and locations at airports, they have been able to provide 20 strategically located “sentinel airports” around the world and are as quickly as a network involving thousands of airports. It has been shown that occurrence can be detected efficiently. The larger network was only 20% faster, but cost more.
To detect new threats from anywhere in the world, your network should include major international airports in cities such as London, Paris, Dubai and Singapore. However, the team also showed how networks containing different airport sets could provide a more targeted detection of disease outbreaks that are likely to occur on a particular continent.
“This modeling study is the first to provide the actual number of sentinel airports needed to support effective global monitoring while optimizing resource use,” he says. jiaying li At the University of Sydney, Australia.
Additionally, airport-based networks provide useful information on disease outbreaks during an epidemic, such as how quickly diseases spread from person to person, and estimating people who may become infected from exposure to a single case. You can also do it, says ST-. Onge.
Such wastewater surveillance provides early warnings for known diseases and could also track new and emerging threats if genome data for bacterial or viral is available. “I don’t think I can look at the wastewater and say, ‘There’s a new pathogen out there.'” Temi Ibitoye At Brown University in Rhode Island. “But when new pathogens are announced, we can look at previous waste data very quickly and say, “Is this present in the sample?” “
A map of Sentinel Airport shows how quickly the network detects new disease outbreaks at various sites around the world
Northeastern University
There are still some nuances, such as the frequency of ingesting wastewater samples to track different pathogens. Other challenges include knowing the most efficient way to sample wastewater from an aircraft and assessing the actual effectiveness of the system, says Li.
Long-term surveillance programs also require cooperation from airlines and airports, along with consistent funding sources.
Individual airports can hesitate to participate as risks are recognized for business if infectious disease statistics become widely available. Unless a data processing agreement can alleviate such concerns, Trevor Charles At the University of Waterloo, Canada. He emphasized the importance of coordinated international funding to offset “local political considerations.”
However, given President Donald Trump’s launch of the US withdrawal from the organization, even coordination through international organizations such as the World Health Organization is bringing its own political complications, according to Ibitoye He said. Still, such research is “contributed to making it.” [the monitoring network] She says.
Have you ever experienced this feeling before? On a blazing hot day, the desire to plunge into a cool stream of water intensifies by the minute. The water appears pristine, clear, and incredibly refreshing. However, in reality, it could be extensively contaminated.
Even the purest rivers can harbor harmful bacteria, including fecal bacteria originating from livestock manure and human waste.
In a recent announcement, the Designated bathing area in the UK, a favored holiday spot, has been a subject of concern due to issues such as being submerged in sewage and incidents of rowers contracting E. coli infections. To address these concerns, we consulted with water and sanitation expert Professor David Werner to provide essential information for safely enjoying wild swimming this summer.
Werner’s research delves into treated sewage, stormwater (untreated sewage overflows following heavy rains), and occasionally illegal sewage disposal in dry weather. These factors impact both human health and ecosystem health. While human waste is discharged into oceans, rivers tend to exhibit higher concentrations of human waste and the accompanying harmful bacteria due to lower dilution levels compared to water bodies, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful substances.
(Notably, a microbiology professor, William Gays, mentioned in BBC Science Focus that rivers have only recently been subjected to the same microbial testing as coastal waters. Moreover, wastewater discharged into the ocean is often subjected to more stringent treatment standards than rivers, including ultraviolet disinfection.)
The following guidelines mainly focus on rivers but are also relevant for coastal swimming activities.
The key takeaway? Avoid swimming after rainfall.
How do diseases enter rivers, and what is the risk of swimming in them?
Fecal contamination doesn’t always mean significant. The majority of people’s stool contains beneficial bacteria essential for our health. However, the stool of an ill individual harbors bacteria responsible for the illness, potentially leading to disease transmission.
According to Warner, the risk of contracting a disease from a river is relatively low, but it escalates if you ingest river water (discouraged but not impossible).
This can result in unpleasant symptoms like infections and diarrhea. The worst-case scenario involves acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria, an eventuality deemed highly improbable by Warner.
So, should one abstain from wild swimming altogether? Ultimately, it boils down to whether you are willing to accept the (generally minimal) risk for the mental health benefits, as Warner highlights.
“There is no such thing as absolute safety or zero risk,” he states. “Each time we embark on a car journey, we weigh the trip’s advantages against the accident risks. Similarly, outdoor recreation offers significant mental health perks, particularly for urban dwellers.”
How to safeguard yourself from sewage while swimming
Warner and his team are currently devising a device capable of swiftly testing water for contaminants, akin to a lateral flow corona test, though substantial research is required to materialize this concept.
Until this technology is available, several straightforward methods can help identify sewage presence while swimming in rivers this summer. Here are Warner’s recommendations:
1. Choose your spot wisely
According to Werner, it is crucial to avoid swimming downstream from a sewage treatment plant under any circumstances. While untreated sewage overflows are a common concern, treating sewage does not completely eradicate the risks; it merely diminishes them.
“Treating wastewater significantly reduces the levels of harmful bacteria, possibly by a factor of 1,000, but it doesn’t eliminate them,” Werner explains.
“Hence, if a location is situated immediately downstream of a treatment plant discharge point, one can expect a consistent presence of fecal bacteria due to the continuous discharge.”
Individuals can consult the “Poop Map” and trace their local river upstream to identify any treatment facilities along the route.
2. Check the poop map
UK organizations such as Rivers Trust and Surfers Against Sewage have developed an interactive map showcasing regular treated sewage discharges and anticipated untreated sewage overflows across the UK in 2023.
To locate a wastewater treatment plant on The Rivers Trust map, click the yellow square corresponding to your area or tap the brown circle icon, peruse the cards to pinpoint locations. The phrase “Sewage Discharge – Final/Treated Effluent – Water Companies” typically indicates a wastewater treatment facility.
The Rivers Trust’s interactive wastewater map displaying treated and untreated sewage discharge locations into UK rivers in 2023. – Image credit: Rivers Trust
This year, the charity integrated near real-time data into its maps. “This marks a significant advancement for individuals seeking real-time updates,” remarks Warner. “We strongly recommend utilizing these online resources, offering current information.”
Presently, individuals can ascertain if sewage has been discharged within the last 24 hours, albeit inland data is exclusive to designated bathing locations and rivers within the Thames Basin (Northumbrian Water also provides a County-level map while coastal regions are included).
3. Monitor the weather
Despite the allure of swimming on a sunny day, verify there hasn’t been rainfall for a few days. Swimming post-rainfall significantly heightens the possibility of encountering contaminated water due to sewer overflows and increased water release during heavy downpours.
To compound matters, even as a dry spell seems to prevail and swimming appears safe, hidden risks could lurk upstream. Thunderstorms can unleash localized rainfall, implying that upstream areas may experience heavy showers despite sunshine at your location.
4. Steer clear of small rivers
In addition to potentially turbid waters, small rivers tend to exacerbate the situation as sewage, whether treated or untreated, is less diluted in these settings.
Warner adheres to a safety benchmark stipulating that raw sewage minimal dilution should be 1,000 times for paddling and over 10,000 times for swimming. While calculating these dilution levels is not advised, the underlying principle is straightforward: “A large river with vigorous flow signifies ample dilution,” Werner asserts.
Nonetheless, disparate river segments need not cause undue concern: while one side may seem stagnant relative to the center, the water mixes uniformly.
5. Keep tabs on the paper trail
Exhibit prudence: refrain from swimming if toilet paper is visible. Alarming indicators surpass toilet paper and include wet wipes and sanitary pads crafted from plastic materials that should not be flushed but often are.
According to Werner, unlike toilet paper and human excrement, these items do not disintegrate in swiftly moving waters.
6. Stay informed
“After frolicking in the river, diligently cleanse yourself. Embrace standard personal hygiene,” stresses Werner.
About our experts
David Warner serves as a Professor of Environmental Systems Modelling at Newcastle University. Previously, his research concentrated on sanitation and water quality in low-income countries by utilizing DNA sequencing and assessing microbial hazards in rivers. During travel restrictions amid the pandemic, he shifted his focus to the UK’s rivers. His research on post-rain fecal bacteria levels has been documented in various journals such as Water Science and Technology, Comprehensive Environmental Science, and Environmental Pollution.
William Gays, a Professor of Microbiology at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health within the University of Exeter’s Medical School, conducts research published in journals like International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, Food and Environmental Virology, and Water Research.
Google and XPRIZE are launching a $5 million competition to create a quantum computer that could actually benefit society. It’s already known that quantum computers can perform certain tasks faster than classical computers, ever since Google first claimed the quantum benefits of its Sycamore processor in 2019. However, these demonstration tasks are simple benchmarks and have no real-world applications.
“There are a lot of fairly abstract mathematical problems for which quantum computers can prove to provide very significant speedups,” he says. Ryan Babush Google. “However, much of the research community is less focused on adapting more abstract quantum acceleration to concrete real-world applications, or on trying to figure out how quantum computers can be used. I didn’t.”
To this end, Google and the XPRIZE Foundation are inviting researchers to come up with new quantum algorithms as part of a three-year competition. The winning algorithm could potentially solve an existing problem, such as finding a new battery electrolyte that significantly increases storage capacity, but it doesn’t have to actually solve the problem, Babush said. Instead, researchers only need to demonstrate how the algorithm is applied and detail the exact specifications of the quantum computing required. Alternatively, competitors could demonstrate how existing quantum algorithms can be applied to real-world problems that have not been considered before.
The award examines how big an impact an entrant’s algorithm can have, whether it tackles problems similar to those outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and how well it can be done on available machines. They will be judged on a variety of criteria, including feasibility. Now or in the near future.
The $5 million prize pool consists of a $3 million grand prize to be split between up to three winners, $1 million to five runners-up, and $50,000 each to the 20 semi-finalists. .
The award could help shift the focus of quantum computing researchers from technical definitions of quantum benefits, such as those demonstrated by Google and IBM, to real-world applications, it said. Nicholas Quesada At the Polytechnic University of Montreal, Canada. “[The prize is] “We realized clearly that this is a very important issue,” Quesada said. “We need to think about what we’re going to do with quantum computers.”
But finding socially beneficial quantum algorithms requires a deeper understanding of how quantum computers work, including how they deal with noise and errors, he said. bill fefferman at the University of Chicago. The award does not address this fundamental aspect of building quantum computers, he says.
“I’m generally very optimistic that we’ll find an algorithm that’s really useful,” Pfefferman says. “I’m not very optimistic that within the next three years we’ll be able to discover those algorithms and implement them on the current hardware that’s going to exist.”
We naturally detect lies all the time. It can be a drop in our partner's voice that alerts us to the fact that they are hiding their feelings. The eyes of a child return to the drawer containing the present they are not allowed to open. Or the incredible story told by a colleague trying to explain why the company's petty cash went missing.
However, we often cannot see through the lies. why? Researchers have been trying to answer this question for more than a century, but liars still slip through our hands. But the latest research may help shed light on where we went wrong.
But first they needed to determine exactly what a lie was. We might use the word “lie” to refer to someone who says they look good in clothes they don't know whether they fit, a partner who seems to be trying to hide an affair, or a murderer who claims to be innocent. yeah. But are they comparable? Surely some lies carry more weight than others? Luke likes to distinguish between “white” lies and what he calls deception.
“The structure of deception is more complex than many people think,” he says. “There may be a variety of psychological processes underlying it. We're not talking about the same thing. Even superficial things like the length and type of communication are important.”
Whether you're texting a lie or telling someone a lie to their face, Luke says the core of deception is a deliberate attempt to mislead another person. But determining what is a lie is another thing. Detecting it is another thing entirely. Is there really a surefire clue to someone else's deception?
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Can you spot a liar just by looking at their eyes?
A common belief is that people who lie are reluctant to meet the gaze of others. Still, in the Gothenburg study, 82 percent of experts agreed that people who lie are less likely to avoid eye contact or look away than people who tell the truth.
“Empirical research on deception detection is vast,” he says. Per Anders Grand Hug, professor of psychology at the University of Gothenburg and one of the co-authors of the study. “But the one issue most experts agree on is that gaze aversion is not a diagnostic clue for deception.”
Similarly, 70% of experts agreed that liars appear no more nervous than truth tellers. This may be surprising since nervousness and gaze aversion are two of her four main behaviors that a liar exhibits.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images, Alamy. Image manipulation: Andy Potts.
Other traditional indicators include that liars continually change their posture, touch their body frequently, and offer explanations that are less plausible, logical, or consistent than they would be if they were telling the truth. There are things to do.
These beliefs are also based on shaky empirical evidence. The researchers investigated deception and fidgeting (body movements), how long subjects took to answer questions (response latency), and whether subjects' explanations were consistent, meaningful, and easily expressed ( found that the relationship between fluency and fluency was not clear. cut. Some experts said liars do these things more, some less, and others said there was no difference.
read more:
words are important
Professor Aldert FreiThe University of Portsmouth expert on the psychology of deception, who was not involved in the Gothenburg study, said the most widespread misconception about deception was “the idea that nonverbal lie detection works”. ing.
He suggests that people who try to use nonverbal lie detection methods, even if those methods include polygraphs, video analysis, taking brain “fingerprints” using neuroimaging equipment, or using audio Even if it involves technologies such as change exploration, it means we need to proceed with caution. Pitch – These are all controversial areas in deception detection research.
is that so Any What is an effective way to spot a liar? According to Luke, he has one promising lead. It's the lack of detail. About 72% of experts agreed that people who lie provide less detailed information than people who tell the truth.
Vrij agreed, saying that instead of looking at how people behave, find out what they say. He said there are several linguistic indicators, such as the number of details or “complexity” that appear in the subjects' statements.
…
Despite problems associated with purported behavioral cues, such as gaze aversion, many practitioners are reluctant to replace them with more useful cues based on what the suspect says. , says Vrij. Old myths and methods slowly disappear.
“The most annoying thing is the assumptions that come from the TV programs that lead the general public.” [and] “Experts believe they can catch individual liars.” Professor Amina Memon He is a professor at the University of London, a leading expert on lie detection and interrogation, and one of the co-authors of the Gothenburg study.
Police who have a hunch about a suspect based on a typical profile of a liar may use coercive tactics such as getting innocent people to confess to crimes they did not commit. For this reason, Memon advocates interviewing with a neutral, fact-finding approach, rather than guessing whether someone is lying.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images, Alamy. Image manipulation: Andy Potts.
But behind all this lies a bigger problem. Perhaps the reason we haven't found universal clues to deception is because they simply don't exist.
Over the past century, researchers have almost exclusively adopted what is known as the non-theoretical approach. This means they are looking for the “laws” of deception, the clues that everyone shows. But perhaps the reason this kind of one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work is simply because everyone lies differently.
Poker players apply this logic when looking for other players' “tells,” actions that indicate whether that person is bluffing or not. Tellurium varies from person to person, so some people may scratch their nose when their hands are not feeling well, others may cough more, and others may seem calmer than usual.
Even if you throw these three people into a research setting, a theoretical approach will not work. These differences appear to be just noise.
Signs of lying
If we want to understand the cues, Luke argues, researchers need to take an “ideographic” approach and focus on what makes each individual unique. This involves creating a personal profile of how each person lies about the same types of things and in similar situations.
“Testing the same people under different conditions (a so-called 'repeated measures' experimental design) is the best approach,” Memon says.
It remains to be seen how researchers will overcome the logical hurdles, but it seems clear that the science of lie detection is changing. It's time to move away from what Luke calls “crude averages.” “People are a little too fascinated by cool tricks to spot someone's lies,” he says.
Importantly, researchers studying deception have repeatedly found that evidence from controlled environments shows that most people are bad at detecting lies. is. Liars are able to escape detection in part because they know and exploit stereotypes.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images, Alamy. Image manipulation: Andy Potts.
Our confirmation bias can also make us overconfident. We remember a disproportionate amount of the times when we caught a liar, and we don't notice the times when we didn't lie at all.
Even if we succeed, Luke is not convinced that the clues we think we used are really the keys we used to unlock the truth.
“Remember the last time you caught someone in a lie? How did you know?” he asks. “It probably wasn't because they were looking up and left. They probably had some kind of evidence, like receipts, text messages, witnesses. These are things that make people wonder if someone is offering the truth. That’s how we tend to actually judge whether or not.”
Even in the absence of concrete external evidence, it may be possible to assess situational factors. “In the real world, we can often understand to some extent why people would want to lie,” Luke says.
When someone we know is lying, we can better guess from subtle cues such as their gaze because we know them well. In these situations, Luke says it's best to read the situation better than the other person and try to understand their motives.
The key message is that behavioral cues to deception may exist, but they are likely to be highly personal. “It's better to trust your own detective work and check what people say against the evidence,” says Luke.
Fixed cues won't work. In fact, it can make it even harder to spot a liar. And what if no evidence is found? Luke's advice is simple. “Proceed with caution.”
Fingerprints from two fingers on the same hand may look different, but AI can find basic similarities
Andrey Kuzmin/Shutterstock
Artificial intelligence can accurately identify whether fingerprints left by different fingers belong to the same person. This helps forensic investigators determine whether one person was at separate crime scenes.
Current technology can only match fingerprints left by the same finger. However, previous research suggests that all human fingertips may have fundamental similarities.
So, Gabe Guo Researchers at Columbia University in New York trained a machine learning model to determine whether fingerprints from different fingers can be identified as belonging to the same person. More than 50,000 fingerprints from around 1,000 people were used in the training. Samples were obtained from public databases at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University at Buffalo, New York. All fingerprints either belonged to deceased individuals or were anonymized from those living.
The team then tested the trained model on another set of more than 7,000 fingerprints from about 150 people. They evaluated the model using a statistical measure that estimates accuracy on a scale of 0 to 1. The researchers found that the model's score was greater than 0.75. This suggests that the model can reliably identify whether fingerprints from different fingers belong to the same person.
This technology has the potential to improve the efficiency of forensic investigations. “It could be useful if fingerprints found at multiple crime scenes don't match anyone in the database,” he says. ralph listenbutt at Pennsylvania State University. “Is the person who left fingerprints at this particular crime scene the same person who left them?” [different] What about this other crime scene print? ”
However, “the accuracy is not sufficient at this time.” [for this model] The court will have to decide this,” Guo said.
“If this is actually used for legal purposes, it will require professional retraining. [bigger] database” Hod Lipsonalso part of the research team at Columbia University.
Tyrannosaurus is one of the most intensively studied and best known dinosaurs. Nevertheless, their relationship and system are highly controversial. The ongoing discussion is Nanotyrannus lansensisinterpreted as either a separate genus of small-bodied tyrannosaurs, or a juvenile tyrannosaurus. tyrannosaurus rex. In a new study, paleontologists from the University of Bath and the University of Chicago examined multiple lines of evidence that Nanotyrannus lansensis as a separate species.
Nanotyrannus attack a boy tyrannosaurus. Image credit: Raul Martin.
first skull Nanotyrannus It was discovered in Montana in 1942, but paleontologists have debated for decades whether it was a separate species or just a juvenile of a much larger species. tyrannosaurus.
In the new study, paleontologist Nick Longlich of the University of Bath and paleontologist Evan Saitta of the University of Chicago reanalyzed the fossil and looked at its growth rings and body structure. Nanotyrannusand hitherto unrecognized fossils of youth tyrannosaurus.
Measuring tree rings Nanotyrannus They found that the bone was more densely packed toward the outside, indicating that bone growth was slowing down. That suggests these animals were nearly life-sized. It is not a young body that grows quickly.
Fossil growth modeling shows that the animal could have weighed between 900 and 1,500 kg and reached a maximum length of 5 meters, about 15% of the size of a giant. . tyrannosaurus8,000 kg and grew to over 9 m.
“I was quite surprised when I saw these results. I didn't expect to see such conclusive results,” said Dr. Longlich.
“If they were young tyrannosaurus They're supposed to grow like crazy and gain hundreds of pounds a year, but we don't see it that way. ”
“We tried modeling the data in different ways, but still got low growth rates. This seems to put an end to the hypothesis that these animals are young.” tyrannosaurus”
Researchers found no fossil evidence that combined both traits to support the existence of different species Nanotyrannus and tyrannosaurus —If one turns into the other, it will exist.
Every fossil they examined could be confidently identified as one or the other species.
The growth patterns of other tyrannosaurs were also inconsistent with the hypothesis that these tyrannosaurs were young. tyrannosaurus.
“If you look at other juvenile tyrannosaurs, you'll see a lot of characteristics that are typical of adults. Very young. tarbosaurus — next of kin of tyrannosaurus — exhibiting unique characteristics of adults,” Dr. Longrich said.
“Just as kittens look like cats and puppies look like dogs, the various juvenile tyrannosaurs are also unique. And Nanotyrannus nothing similar tyrannosaurus”
“It may have grown in a completely different way than other tyrannosaurs or other dinosaurs, but it's more likely that it simply wasn't a dinosaur. tyrannosaurus”
But it poses a mystery. Nanotyrannus not a boy tyrannosaurusSo why didn't anyone find the young man? tyrannosaurus?
“That was always one of the big questions. Well, it turns out we actually found it,” Dr. Longrich said.
“However, this fossil was collected many years ago, put away in a box of unidentified bones in a museum drawer, and then forgotten.”
Nanotyrannus They were lighter in build and had longer limbs than their stouter relatives. It also had larger arms, unlike those known for their short arms. tyrannosaurus.
“Actually, my arms are longer than people's.” tyrannosaurus.Even the biggest one tyrannosaurushave shorter arms and smaller claws than these smaller animals. Nanotyrannus. This was an animal whose arms were actually pretty scary weapons. It's actually a completely different animal, smaller, faster and more agile,” Dr. Longrich said.
“tyrannosaurus While animals relied on size and strength, this animal relied on speed. ”
“The long arms and other features suggest it was only a distant relative.” tyrannosaurus — and may have been sitting outside the family TyrannosauridaeWhich tyrannosaurus Part of the predatory dinosaur family. ”
a paper The survey results were published in a magazine fossil research.
_____
Nicholas R. Longrich and Evan T. Saitta. 2024. Taxonomic status of Nanotyrannus lansensis (Dinosaur: Tyrannosauridae) – A different taxon of small tyrannosaurs. Phos.stud 2 (1): 1-65; doi: 10.3390/fossils2010001
This scientific study used satellite transmitters, population counts, and DNA analysis of tissue samples to describe the special Kangi ringed seal in the Ilulissat Icefjord. Here, a satellite transmitter is attached to the seal’s back.Credit: Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Nature Research
Local hunters in the Icefjord near Ilulissat are familiar with a special type of ringed seal known as the Kangia seal. Kangia seals vary in size and appearance, being significantly larger than the common Arctic ringed seal, and with markedly different fur colors and patterns. Recent scientific research has revealed that this distinctive seal has been genetically separated from Arctic seals over a long period of over 100,000 years.
Exploring the natural wonders of the Arctic can be difficult. Extreme weather and vast distances often hinder researchers’ quest to uncover nature’s mysteries.
However, a research project led by Greenlandic and Danish researchers has succeeded in describing a new species of ringed seal that lives in an ice fjord near Ilulissat in West Greenland. A unique natural area on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The results were recently published in a prestigious scientific journal. molecular ecology.
Kangia ringed seals are larger than the typical Arctic ringed seal, and their fur is a different color and has more distinctive markings.Credit: Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Nature Research
small population
For years, researchers worked with local hunters to trap seals in nets and attach small satellite transmitters to their backs. As the seals flew, satellite transmitters sent messages about the seal’s location.
“We found that the Kangia seals mainly stayed within the ice fjords. We were able to count the seals from the plane, so we estimated that there was only about one seal. There are 3,000 special Kangi ringed seals,” said Akual Rosing Asvid, a senior researcher at the Greenland Institute for Nature Research Pingoltitalerifik and one of the researchers who supported the study. .
Color and pattern of the fur of the Kangia ringed seal (left) and a typical Arctic ringed seal (right).Credit: Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Nature Research
Their small population is very unusual compared to the typical Arctic ringed seal, which is huge and often travels thousands of kilometers around the North Pole in search of food.
isolated for thousands of years
The researchers also took small tissue samples from the captive seals. The samples were sent for genetic analysis to determine the seal’s identity. DNA The results revealed that Kangia ringed seals are genetically distinct from typical Arctic ringed seals.
Kangia ringed seals live in the Ilulissat Icefjord, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its spectacular and unique nature.Credit: Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Nature Research
However, where and how the Kangia ringed seal became isolated from other Arctic ringed seals and why it acquired new special biological characteristics remains a mystery.
Perhaps other arctic fjords also have special seals
The study highlights that there is still much we don’t know about the biodiversity of the Arctic and its potential to adapt to climate change and human activities.
“There are many other fjords in the Arctic that have not yet been studied in detail, and ringed seals may also carry new genetic mutations in these areas,” said Rune Dietz, professor at Aarhus University’s School of Ecological Sciences. Point out. he participated in the research.
Reference: “Evolutionarily distinct ringed seals of the Ilulissat Icefjord” Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid, Ari Löytynoja, Paolo Momigliano, Rikke Guldborg Hansen, Camilla Hjorth Scharff-Olsen, Mia Valtonen, Juhana Kammonen, Rune Dietz, Frank Farsø Rigét, Steve By H Ferguson, Christian Leidersen, Kit M. Kovacs, David M. Holland, Jukka Jarnvall, Petri Auvinen, Morten Tange Olsen, October 19, 2023. molecular ecology.
Five new species of hedgehogs have been discovered by scientists in Southeast Asia.
These are all types of hedgehogs that have soft, spineless fur, and are more hairy than spiny.
Two of the species discovered by researchers are completely new, and the remaining three are subspecies that have been upgraded to species level.
image: H. maxi is found in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Photo: David Orcock/SWNS
Researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History used DNA to identify different genetic lineages, which were later confirmed as different species by comparison with museum specimens.
One completely new species, Hylomys vorax, is found in the rainforest on the slopes of Mount Leuser in northern Sumatra.
It is approximately 12 cm (4.7 inches) long, has dark brown fur, a very thin snout, and a completely black tail.
Another completely new species, the H. macaron hedgehog, also has dark brown fur, but is larger than the Hylomys vorax hedgehog, at about 14 cm (5.5 inches) long.
Found in southern rainforests. VietnamMales of this species have long fang-like incisors, hence their name from the Vietnamese word for vampire (Ma cà rồng).
The researchers said further research would be needed to determine what purpose the tusks serve.
Lead author Dr. Arlo Hinckley said the findings “highlight that even in well-studied animal groups like mammals, there are discoveries still waiting to be discovered.”
The other three new species were previously considered subspecies of Hylomys suillus but have now been elevated to species in their own right and have been named H. dorsalis, H. Maxi, and H. peguensis. Masu.
The H. dorsalis hedgehog is found in the mountains of northern Borneo, and the H. maxi hedgehog is found in the mountains of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.
Both are about 14 cm long, but H. dorsalis has a prominent black strike that starts at the head and reaches the middle of the body.
The H. pegwensis species is small, usually about 13 cm (5 inches) long, and has slightly more yellow fur than other species.
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It is found in many countries in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Each of the five species are active during the day and night and, like all other hedgehog species, are omnivorous. They probably eat a mixture of insects and other invertebrates, and fruit whenever possible.
Dr Hinckley said: “Based on field observations and the lifestyle habits of their relatives, these hedgehogs tend to forage in hollow areas, foraging among tree roots, fallen logs, rocks, grassy areas, undergrowth and leaf litter. It is highly likely that they build nests and hide.
“But they are so poorly studied that we are limited in speculating about the details of their natural history.”
Stanford Medicine and international collaborators have discovered that around 20% of individuals carry genetic mutations that reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease by 10% or more. This particular variant, known as DR4, has the potential to enhance future vaccines for these neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the study found a potential link between the tau protein and both diseases, providing new possibilities for targeted therapies and vaccines.
The large-scale analysis included medical and genetic information from a wide range of individuals across different continents. This data analysis revealed that certain gene variants related to immune function are associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Approximately one in five people possess a specific genetic mutation that provides resistance to both diseases.
The research, led by Stanford Medicine, indicates that individuals with this protective genetic mutation may be less likely to benefit from future vaccines aimed at slowing or stopping the progression of these common neurodegenerative diseases. Results from the analysis of medical and genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people from diverse backgrounds confirmed that carrying the DR4 allele increased the average chance of developing Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease by more than 10%. New evidence has also surfaced suggesting that the tau protein, which is known for aggregating in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, may also play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was a collaboration between researchers at Stanford Medicine and international partners. The researchers involved in this study were Emmanuel Mignot, MD, Michael Gracius, MD, Iqbal Farooq, and Asad Jamal from Stanford Medicine, as well as Dr. Jean-Charles Lambert from Inserm, University of Lille, France. The lead author was Yan Le Nguyen, Ph.D., and other contributors included Dr. Guo Luo, Dr. Aditya Ambati, and Dr. Vincent Damot.
Further findings from the study showed that individuals with the DR4 allele were more likely to develop neurofibrillary tangles, characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, in their brains. The study also suggests that tau, a protein central to Alzheimer’s disease, may have an unknown role in Parkinson’s disease.
DR4 is a particular allele of the DRB1 gene, which is a part of the human lymphocyte antigen complex. This complex is crucial in allowing the immune system to recognize the internal contents of cells. One of the significant findings of this study was that the specific peptide fragment that DR4 recognizes and presents is a chemically modified segment of the tau protein, which plays a role in both diseases. The study suggests that the DR4 allele could be used to create a vaccine targeting this modified peptide as a potential way to interfere with tau aggregation and the development of these neurodegenerative diseases. There may be potential to delay or slow the progression of the diseases in individuals who carry the protective variants of DR4.
The study also noted that the effectiveness of the vaccine may depend on the subtype of DR4 a person carries, which varies among different ethnic groups. For example, one subtype of DR4 that is more common among East Asians may be less protective against neurodegenerative diseases.
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