Food Supply Shocks from Iran War: Inevitable Impact and Potential Escalation

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Food Prices Expected to Surge in Late 2023

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World food prices are reaching unprecedented levels, comparable to the energy crisis of the 1970s. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is exacerbating inflation, with rising costs for fuel, fertilizers, and pesticides. Are we on the brink of the worst food shock in history?

Many farmers are likely to decrease planting due to soaring costs, possibly leading to food shortages and increased prices later this year. How severe the situation becomes will depend on various factors, including the duration of the conflict and the impact of extreme weather events linked to climate change on crop yields.

“This could escalate into a major crisis for the impoverished and food-insecure,” warns Matin Kaim, a researcher at the University of Bonn, Germany.

“We’re facing a perfect storm. The resolution isn’t straightforward,” states Tim Benton of the University of Leeds, UK. “Even a resolution tomorrow may not yield immediate results, as seen with the post-COVID-19 recovery.”

After decades of decline since the 1970s, global food prices have climbed in real terms since the 2000s, nearing their historic peaks. Climate change intensifies this issue with increasing heatwaves, floods, and storms negatively affecting crop yields, resulting in global food shocks like those observed in 2010. The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have also led to significant price spikes.

Rising biofuel production is contributing to increased food prices, with over 5% of food calories now converted into fuel. Some governments have acknowledged the need to reduce food-based biofuels; however, a report suggests that by 2030, 92% of biofuels will still rely on food sources.

Currently, due to US and Israeli actions against Iran, there’s a significant depletion of essential raw materials for food production and distribution. Fuel, particularly diesel, is crucial as it powers agricultural equipment and transports food. Consequently, higher oil prices directly influence supermarket prices.

Fertilizers, crucial for global food supply, are also facing shortages. “If we halted the use of mineral fertilizers globally, it could lead to widespread hunger,” notes Keim.

Nitrogen fertilizers are produced using hydrogen and atmospheric nitrogen to create ammonia, relying heavily on natural gas for hydrogen and electricity. Qatar, with its abundant natural gas, is a significant fertilizer producer, supplying about 15% of the global urea market. However, due to the conflict, this urea cannot traverse the Strait of Hormuz, thus complicating supply chains.

Countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, which produce substantial amounts of their fertilizers from Persian Gulf gas, are facing factory shutdowns due to war-related damages. Additionally, Australia’s main fertilizer facilities are currently non-operational due to an incident.

Consequently, nitrogen fertilizer prices have already surged by over 33% and could escalate further. “If fertilizer costs double, food prices could easily rise by 20 to 30%,” warns Keim.

Beyond urea, Gulf states like Qatar and the UAE are also major sulfur fertilizer producers, essential for various regions and for converting mined phosphates into usable forms for plants.

Urea Fertilizer Readied for Export at Yantai Port, China

CN-STR/AFP (via Getty Images)

Pesticides, essential for safeguarding global food production, are also influenced by rising prices tied to naphtha costs, a fossil fuel derivative used in food packaging.

“In March alone, three of the world’s key naphtha export terminals were targeted in drone attacks,” notes Jide Tijani of Argus Media, UK. These include Russia’s Ustiluga port and facilities in Qatar and the UAE.

The consequences of these developments will likely lead to escalated food prices and a range of other commodities in the coming months and years. “The number of affected markets is staggering,” remarks Jason Hill at the University of Minnesota.

Farmers face increasing costs for fuel, fertilizers, and pesticides, all of which affect their planting decisions. Uncertainties regarding profitability may lead farmers to switch crops or abstain from planting altogether. Speculation and profiteering could further compound price rises, according to Jennifer Clapp at the University of Waterloo, Canada.

How severe could the situation become? The dramatic increases in food prices in the 1970s were partly due to dwindling global food reserves, warns Clapp. While reserves are currently sufficient, prolonged conflict could drastically alter this, especially if abnormal weather caused by climate change negatively affects crop yields.

“There is a substantial chance this could escalate into a crisis of equal or greater magnitude,” Clapp asserts. “Significant climate change could worsen the situation further.”

“Food prices are causing distress across the globe, disproportionately affecting lower-income populations who spend a significant portion of their income on food,” notes Keim.

Additionally, international aid is already diminishing and will likely be further curtailed. “Rising food prices often coincide with increased demand for aid, yet the available funding diminishes as costs escalate,” shares Benton.

This rising tide of food prices may lead to social unrest in the most severely impacted regions, as explained by Paul Behrens at Oxford University. “We’ve observed instability in times of rising food costs throughout history.”

Strategies Nations Can Implement to Mitigate Food Shocks

There are strategies to alleviate the situation. “In Europe, around 15 million loaves of bread are produced daily for biofuel,” points out Behrens, calling it an illogical method for energy generation.

As biofuel production primarily hinges on state incentives, governments can curtail its production to divert more food to markets. “This would make a significant difference,” remarks Keim.

He advocates for an international consensus that limits biofuel production from food sources when prices surge. Unfortunately, such actions have not materialized in past crises.

Instead, nations are likely to ramp up biofuel production to counteract rising fuel prices, which could significantly affect food pricing, according to Keim.

Initiatives are already underway; the United States recently announced an increase in the bioethanol proportion in fuels to mitigate price hikes. Australia is also contemplating similar measures.

However, ramping up food-based biofuels won’t substantially impact fuel prices but will dramatically influence food prices. For instance, a third of corn produced in the U.S. is converted into bioethanol, contributing minimally to gasoline supplies but having a disproportionate effect on food availability, asserts Hill.

“Enhancing ethanol in gasoline harkens back to the 1990s—a policy that fails to address air pollution or climate change,” critiques Simon Donner at the University of British Columbia. “Higher oil prices should instead be seen as an opportunity to transition towards cleaner, more advanced technologies like electric vehicles.”

The global community is unlikely to want a repeat of this supply shock. “This situation poses a significant challenge, raising questions on how to build a more resilient system going forward,” Hill emphasizes.

Accelerating the transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles could leave economies vulnerable to oil price shocks. Furthermore, there’s a need to transform the chemical industry to reduce fossil fuel dependence.

In terms of nitrogen fertilizers, this means generating them from electricity rather than natural gas. “It’s feasible to produce ammonia with zero greenhouse gas emissions,” states Ryan. “The technology exists; the challenge is harnessing enough renewable energy.”

Demand for electricity is surging, especially for data centers supporting AI technology. This scenario is unlikely to improve unless there’s a significant decline in AI development.

In the meantime, there are several ways to optimize fertilizer use. Excessive fertilizer application in many regions leads to runoff into water systems or the release of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Techniques to mitigate overuse include precision agriculture, crop rotation with legumes, and the development of crops that utilize fertilizers more effectively.

“We need to promote a more sustainable farming system,” Keim concludes, highlighting that sustainability does not automatically mean organic practices. A shift to organic farming could dramatically elevate food prices and contribute to deforestation, given the need for additional farmland.

“A fundamental change in our food system is imperative,” asserts Behrens. This includes modifying our dietary habits—favoring protein sources such as beans and legumes over grain-fed meat, which require significant fertilizer input. “This transition could yield substantial benefits,” he emphasizes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA Satellite Plummets to Earth: Minimal Risk of Debris Impact

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A decommissioned NASA satellite, **Van Allen Spacecraft A**, launched 14 years ago to study Earth’s radiation belts, is set to crash into Earth on Tuesday.

Weighing in at 1,323 pounds, the spacecraft is predicted to enter the atmosphere around 7:45 p.m. EDT, according to U.S. Space Force forecasts. This will be an uncontrolled re-entry, which means NASA cannot steer the spacecraft; however, they anticipate that most of the satellite will incinerate during its fiery descent through the atmosphere.

As NASA stated, “some components are expected to survive reentry.”

“The risk of harm to anyone on Earth is low, approximately 1 in 4,200,” according to NASA. “NASA and the Space Force will continue to monitor the reentry.” For the latest updates, visit this forecast.

Deactivated satellites, spent rocket stages, and space debris re-enter Earth’s atmosphere regularly. In fact, such objects make uncontrolled descents nearly every day, as reported by the European Space Agency.

Typically, hardware burns up harmlessly upon re-entry, but some parts may survive. Fortunately, with oceans covering approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, the chances of space debris landing on populated areas are minimal.

Accurately predicting the time and location of an uncontrolled spacecraft’s re-entry is challenging due to various factors, including atmospheric dynamics, space weather, and the spacecraft’s descent trajectory. The Space Force projects a re-entry window for Van Allen A with a margin of error of plus or minus 24 hours.

Van Allen Spacecraft A was launched on August 30, 2012, alongside its twin, Van Allen Spacecraft B. Both probes were designed to investigate a ring of high-energy radiation particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field, known as the Van Allen radiation belts.

Three donut-shaped radiation belts around Earth.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

The Van Allen belts are crucial for protecting Earth from solar storms, cosmic radiation, and charged particles from the solar wind. Without these belts, satellites could be damaged, human health could be jeopardized, and power grids on Earth could face disruptions. However, astronauts must navigate through the Van Allen belts to reach space, exposing them to potentially harmful radiation.

NASA’s Van Allen Probes A and B were instrumental in advancing our understanding of these radiation belts. The mission led to numerous discoveries about the radiation belts, including the identification of a temporary third radiation belt formed during intense solar activity.

These twin spacecraft continued their mission until 2019 when they exhausted their fuel. NASA subsequently concluded the mission, leaving the probes in orbit.

Initially, NASA projected that the spacecraft would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in 2034. However, increased solar activity has recently intensified atmospheric drag on both probes, accelerating their descent. As solar activity rises, denser atmospheric layers can slow down satellites, complicating their orbits.

Van Allen Spacecraft B is anticipated to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere by 2030.

These re-entries shed light on the growing issue of space debris, especially as the frequency of launches rises. Tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of tiny orbital debris, clutter low-Earth orbit, the zone where many telecommunications and GPS satellites operate.

Debris fragments can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour, posing safety risks to functioning spacecraft and astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

How Farming Transformed Human Evolution: The Impact of Agriculture on Our Development

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Advent of Agriculture and Evolutionary Pressures on Humans

Christian Jegou/Science Photo Library

Evolution and Agriculture Impact — The Advent of Agriculture and Evolutionary Pressures on Humans

Christian Jegou/Science Photo Library

The comprehensive analysis of ancient genomes has revealed significant insights into human evolution over the last 10,000 years. This research indicates that various populations worldwide have experienced similar evolutionary changes, particularly following the introduction of agriculture.

“Similar traits and genes are being selected in diverse populations,” says Laura Colbran from the University of Pennsylvania.

Evolution happens when genetic variation becomes prevalent in a population—often because it confers an advantage. By comparing genomes, we can identify recent signs of human evolution.

Colbran notes that ancient DNA is exceptionally valuable for this research, stating, “Using ancient genomes allows us to witness genetic history directly, as opposed to relying solely on inferential methods.”

Much of the recent research has primarily focused on European genomes, but Colbran’s team leveraged an increasing collection of genomes from outside Europe, analyzing over 7,000 ancient and contemporary genomes. Ancient genomes mainly originate from the last 10,000 years, while modern genomes are derived from living populations.

The research team utilized ancient genomes to predict possible modern genetic profiles without evolutionary influence, highlighting differences known as selection signals. They identified 31 selection signals, many of which were shared among varied populations, likely due to the independent rise of agriculture around the same era globally.

For instance, less than 25% of ancient individuals possessed the FADS1 gene, which encodes an enzyme that aids in converting short-chain fatty acids (common in plants) into long-chain fatty acids (predominant in meats). Increased production of this enzyme is thought to benefit individuals who adopt a plant-heavy diet. Currently, over 75% of people in Europe, Japan, and northern China carry advantageous FADS1 variants. The strength of selection for this gene has remained stable over the last 300 generations in Europe while intensifying in East Asia over the last century.

The genes impacting the alcohol dehydrogenase 1B enzyme, encoded by ADH1B, have also been critically analyzed. Variants of ADH1B are prevalent in East Asia and are associated with quick alcohol metabolism, leading to symptoms like facial flushing. Colbran stated, “This showcases the strongest selection signal we’ve observed in East Asia,” suggesting that this variant was favored to curb excessive alcohol consumption.

Even though this variant was absent in ancient Europeans, strong selection signals related to the ADH1B enzyme were identified. Colbran emphasized the need for further investigation to discern the involved variants and their specific impacts, indicating a likely adaptation to evolving alcohol consumption patterns.

The research team also explored traits influenced by multiple genetic variations, such as waist-to-hip ratios, often correlated with fertility. Surprisingly, they found a robust selection process stabilizing women’s waist-to-hip ratios within certain limits. “This is intriguing as it suggests a stabilization of selection,” Colbran remarked, emphasizing that while waist-to-hip ratios can differ across various populations, the ideal measurement likely exists in a balanced range.

As noted by Alexander Gusev at Harvard University, this study is remarkable for its analysis of ancient DNA that has yet to be thoroughly examined. Gusev explained, “The authors found enriched variants being selected within one population compared to others, indicating parallel selection across populations, previously hypothesized but not empirically demonstrated.”

Yashin Souilumi, from the University of Adelaide, emphasized that their novel approach reveals regions of the genome newly identified as subject to selection, complementing previously known areas. “Their innovative method optimally utilizes the vast amounts of available ancient DNA,” Souilumi stated.

Colbran concluded that these findings are merely the initial discoveries. As more non-European genomes are sequenced, we will uncover even more evidence of recent human evolution.

Discovery Tour: Archaeology, Human Origins, and Paleontology

New Scientist frequently covers extraordinary archaeological sites that reshape our understanding of human evolution and early civilizations. Join us on this fascinating journey!

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding How Changing Atmospheres Impact Cosmology

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

NASA, ESA, CFHT, CXO, MJ Jee (University of California, Davis), A. Mahdavi (San Francisco State University)

Recently, there has been a significant shift in the realm of cosmology, reminiscent of the changing trends in fashion. Gone are the days of skinny jeans; in come the baggy styles. Likewise, the foundations of our cosmic understanding are being challenged.

For years, physicists relied on the Standard Model of cosmology, a robust framework that adeptly illustrated the universe’s inception and evolution. Central to this model is dark energy, an enigmatic force driving the universe’s expansion.

Last year, groundbreaking results from extensive telescopic surveys suggested an astonishing possibility: dark energy may be weakening over time. Should this prove true, the Standard Model of cosmology may necessitate a profound rewrite.

A collection of three enlightening features seeks to unravel the intricacies of the Standard Model, examining its current precarious status and what might come next.

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It does not assist if attachment to old models is fueled by fear or nostalgia.
“

Despite these revelations, many physicists remain hesitant to abandon their trusted models. This skepticism is understandable, as many findings in modern physics may require reevaluation over time. However, clinging to outdated concepts out of fear of the unknown won’t advance our understanding.

In scientific discourse, paradigm shifts signify transformative moments when our comprehension fundamentally shifts. While challenging, history shows that such shifts enhance our ability to perceive reality. Whether the issues surrounding dark energy will spark a paradigm shift akin to the quantum or Copernican revolutions remains uncertain. If it does, we may reflect on this era of cosmology as an exhilarating chapter in our quest for knowledge.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unveiling the Unexpected Impact of Targeted Cognitive Training on Dementia Risk

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Cognitive Training May Protect Against Dementia

Gary Burchell/Getty Images

Cognitive training and dementia prevention — Cognitive Training May Protect Against Dementia

Gary Burchell/Getty Images

Cognitive ‘speed training’ can reduce the risk of a dementia diagnosis by 25%, according to a groundbreaking randomized controlled trial. This study is the first of its kind to assess the effectiveness of an intervention for dementia.

“Skepticism surrounded brain training interventions for years, but this study provides clear evidence of their benefits,” says Marilyn Albert from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The brain training sector has faced controversy, especially after companies overstated claims about cognitive decline prevention. In 2014, around 70 scientists signed an open letter stating no conclusive evidence existed that brain training leads to significant real-world changes or enhances brain health, echoing sentiments later supported by another letter signed by over 100 scientists.

Now, a comprehensive 20-year study with 2,832 participants aged 65 and older indicates that specific cognitive exercises may yield tangible benefits.

Participants were divided into three intervention groups and a control group. One group underwent speed training with a computer task called “Double Decision,” where cars and road signs briefly appeared, challenging participants to recall details after they disappeared. This adaptive task increases in complexity as users improve.

The other two groups focused on memory and reasoning training aimed at enhancing cognitive skills.

Each group completed two sessions per week for five weeks, with about half receiving booster sessions and additional training at one-year and three-year intervals.

After twenty years, evaluations of U.S. Medicare claims revealed that participants who completed speed training with booster sessions had a 25% lower risk of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or related dementias than those in the control group. Other groups without boosters showed negligible changes in risk, which Albert describes as “truly amazing.”

“The study’s rigorous methodology is commendable,” notes Torkel Klingberg from Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm. “The impressive 20-year follow-up and the significant reduction in dementia risk are crucial findings.”

However, Walter Boot from Weill Cornell Medical College cautions that measuring numerous outcomes over two decades can lead to coincidental findings. “While the results may suggest significance, they should be interpreted cautiously,” he adds.

Double Decision: A Cognitive Training Program

BrainHQ

The mechanism behind the effectiveness of speed training is still being explored. One theory suggests it relies on implicit learning, which can entail long-lasting changes without conscious effort, according to Albert.

Etienne de Villers Sidani from McGill University explains that brief, intense experiences can lead to significant, enduring changes in the brain—much like how a traumatic event can instill lasting fears.

This training may enhance the brain’s cognitive reserve, a potential buffer against cognitive decline. Albert notes that enhanced brain connectivity could improve attention division, facilitating daily activities and fostering physical activity and social engagement—key factors for sustained brain health.

The authors propose that results from the booster sessions suggest a dose-dependent effect of speed training. Bobby Stoyanowski from the Ontario Institute of Technology emphasizes the need for future research into optimal training levels: “What is the right amount of training to maximize benefits?”

In summary, Andrew Budson from Boston University advises against isolating oneself to play speed training games endlessly. Instead, engaging in activities that promote implicit learning—like learning new skills or sports—may provide long-term cognitive benefits while being enjoyable.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring the Environmental Impact of Space Debris: Air Pollution Concerns on the Rise

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

An incredible 30-second exposure captures the Falcon 9 upper stage re-entering the atmosphere over Berlin, Germany, on February 19, 2025.

Photo by Gerd Baumgarten

Falcon 9 Upper Stage Re-entry — An incredible 30-second exposure captures the Falcon 9 upper stage re-entering the atmosphere over Berlin, Germany, on February 19, 2025.

Photo by Gerd Baumgarten

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ignited a plume of vaporized metal as it re-entered the atmosphere, raising concerns about atmospheric pollution across Europe. This type of contamination is expected to surge as the number of spacecraft and satellites continues to grow.

The Falcon 9’s upper stage, intended for recovery in the Pacific Ocean, suffered an engine failure that led to its uncontrolled descent over the North Atlantic on February 19, 2025.

Witnesses throughout Europe observed fiery debris streaking across the sky, with some fragments landing behind warehouses in Poland. Researchers from Germany’s Leibniz Institute for Atmospheric Physics employed lidar technology to monitor the atmosphere. They noted a tenfold increase in lithium concentration— a significant component of the rocket’s structure— twenty hours after the re-entry event.

Using atmospheric models, researchers concluded that the lithium plume drifted approximately 1,600 kilometers from the re-entry site. This investigation represents the first instance of tracking high-altitude contamination resulting from a specific spacecraft re-entry.

According to Wing, small metal particles could catalyze ozone depletion, create clouds in the stratosphere and mesosphere, and interfere with sunlight’s passage through the atmosphere. “However, this field remains largely underexplored.”

As commercial space launches surge and companies expand their satellite constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, concerns regarding contamination are becoming more pronounced. Currently, around 14,500 satellites orbit Earth, and SpaceX recently applied to deploy an additional 1 million satellites to support Elon Musk’s vision of creating orbiting data centers for artificial intelligence.

To mitigate a potential cycle of collisions that could generate more space debris, satellites are often permitted to deorbit and burn up at the end of their operational lives. Experts warn that space debris could increase by fiftyfold over the next decade, potentially contributing to more than 40% of the mass currently entering the atmosphere from meteorites.

There is a common misconception that space debris simply burns up and disappears in the atmosphere. According to Daniel Cizzo of Purdue University, who did not partake in this study, “We need to be cautious and thoroughly analyze the potential impacts of this material.”

The Falcon 9’s plume is estimated to contain around 30 kilograms of lithium. However, given the alloy composition of the rocket’s hull, it likely contained significantly more aluminum.

When evaporated aluminum interacts with atmospheric oxygen, it forms aluminum oxide particles, which serve as surfaces for chlorine compounds to decompose more easily. The chlorine radicals generated through this process react with and deplete ozone molecules in the stratosphere.

Researchers estimate that the burnout of spacecraft releases approximately 1,000 tons of aluminum oxide into the atmosphere annually, a figure that continues to rise. This exacerbation could extend the ozone hole in the Southern Hemisphere, which has been shrinking as nations phase out ozone-depleting gases. The loss of ozone allows more harmful ultraviolet rays to penetrate, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

“In terms of metals, we are entering a new paradigm where anthropogenic pollution increasingly influences the upper atmosphere, overshadowing natural sources,” says Eloise Marais from University College London. “Space debris risks reversing the progress made in healing the ozone hole.”

Metal oxide particles also function as nuclei for water vapor to coalesce into droplets, potentially leading to the formation of cirrus clouds that trap heat in the upper troposphere.

Scientists have detected particles from a burned-out spacecraft within cirrus clouds. While the effect on global warming is currently considered minor compared to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, it could still pose increased risks.

“Substantial evidence indicates that this substance may adversely affect the atmosphere. It is now our responsibility as scientists to assess whether these effects are occurring and the degree of their negativity,” Cizzo stated.

Potential solutions include constructing satellites from wood-like materials—though these may emit black carbon soot upon re-entry—or relocating satellites to high-altitude “graveyard orbits.”

“You must take a moment to consider your intentions before proceeding,” Wing advises. “This rapid growth in satellite launches poses questions that remain unanswered.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Endurance Brain Cells Impact Your Running Stamina

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Your Limits When Exercising Can Be Mental

Cavan Images/Alamy

Neuroscience Research on Exercise — Your Limits When Exercising Can Be Mental

Cavan Images/Alamy

Recent research has unveiled specific neurons in mice that enhance endurance following exercise, suggesting that similar cells may exist in humans. These findings could pave the way for targeted drugs and treatments to amplify exercise effects.

Traditionally, the understanding has been that brain changes from physical activity differ from those occurring in muscles. However, Nicholas Betley from the University of Pennsylvania contends that these brain changes regulate all physical responses.

To investigate further, Betley and his team observed neuronal activity in mice before, during, and after treadmill sessions, concentrating on neurons located in the ventromedial hypothalamus. Previous research revealed that developmental issues in this area hinder fitness improvements, a finding likely applicable to humans due to the structural consistency across mammals.

Post-exercise, the researchers noted that a specific group of neurons with SF1 receptors exhibited increased activity. These neurons, critical for brain development and metabolism, activated more significantly with each subsequent run. By day 8, approximately 53% of neurons were activated compared to under 32% on day 1. As Betley emphasizes, “Just as your muscles get stronger through exercise, your brain’s activity adapts as well.”

Utilizing optogenetics, which uses light to manipulate neuron activity, the researchers turned off these neurons in another mouse cohort trained on the treadmill five days weekly for three weeks. Observed post-session, neuron inhibition lasted an hour, followed by endurance tests.

The findings showed that these inhibited mice improved their running distances by around 400 meters, compared to control mice whose neuron activity remained unaffected.

While the exact function of these neurons remains ambiguous, team member Morgan Kindel, also at the University of Pennsylvania, indicates their likely role in fuel utilization. During endurance exercises, carbohydrates are depleted faster, necessitating a shift to fat for fuel. However, when these neurons were inhibited, mice utilized carbohydrates earlier, leading to performance limitations. They also discovered that inhibiting these neurons hindered the release of a muscle protein, PGC-1 alpha, which optimizes fuel use, while also facilitating energy replenishment and muscle recovery.

Although optogenetics isn’t applicable to humans due to its invasive nature, Betley suggests potential alternative interventions could be developed to target these neurons. “If we can identify methods, like supplements, to activate these neurons, we could significantly boost endurance,” he states.

In experiments boosting neuron activity instead of suppressing it, the mice exhibited extraordinary endurance, able to run over twice the distance of control subjects.

Such advancements may particularly benefit individuals struggling with exercise, including the elderly or stroke survivors, as noted by Betley.

Nevertheless, several challenges remain. First, the applicability of these findings to humans is not confirmed. There are concerns about potential side effects, highlighted by Thomas Barris at the University of Florida. These neurons seem to regulate cellular energy uptake, and overstimulation might pose risks like dangerously low blood sugar levels.

Even if safely activatable in humans, Betley believes it won’t serve as a stand-alone solution for health. “Exercise fosters a wide array of benefits: reducing depression and anxiety, enhancing cognitive function, improving cardiovascular health, and strengthening muscles,” he notes. However, stimulating these neurons alone won’t unlock all the positive outcomes associated with exercise.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Ultramarathons May Negatively Impact Your Blood Health

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

There Can Be Too Much of a Good Thing When It Comes to Exercise

Reuters/Lucy Nicholson

Exercise is crucial for a long and healthy life; however, recent studies reveal that ultramarathons can significantly accelerate cellular aging in blood. Athletes completing 170 kilometers in mountainous terrain exhibit more age-related damage in their red blood cells compared to those who run shorter distances.

Long-distance running has been associated with health issues, including temporary immune system suppression and anemia. However, the impact on red blood cells, particularly in mountainous environments, is only beginning to be understood.

Angelo D’Alessandro and his team at the University of Colorado examined blood samples from 11 adults, approximately 36 years old, within hours before and after a 40km trail race. They conducted similar analyses on another group of 12 individuals of comparable age participating in a 170-kilometer ultramarathon over the same terrain.

The researchers discovered that participation in either race can lead to increased accumulation of damage in runners’ red blood cells due to reactive oxygen species. These highly reactive molecules are generated when red blood cells need to transport more oxygen throughout the body.

This cellular damage, which occurs naturally with aging, was markedly heightened in ultramarathon runners. D’Alessandro notes, “Anecdotally, the blood after an ultramarathon resembles that of someone who has just suffered a serious injury. Red blood cells accumulate damage, hastening cellular aging.”

Ultramarathon participation appeared to change red blood cells’ shape from disc-like to more spherical at an accelerated rate, a common occurrence as we age. The disc shape is crucial for navigating small blood vessels in the spleen, where aging red blood cells are typically destroyed. “This spherical morphology leads to entrapment in the spleen, resulting in immune cell clearance,” says Travis Nemkov, also from the University of Colorado Anschutz.

This damage likely stems from the inflammatory response triggered by intense exercise, which increases the circulation of red blood cells.

Additionally, ultramarathon runners experienced approximately 10% fewer red blood cells following the race. While this minor reduction isn’t indicative of a health issue or anemia, it suggests the body can probably recover swiftly from this change, according to Nemkov.

Current research efforts focus on analyzing ultramarathon runners’ red blood cells the day following a race to further comprehend the duration of these effects. Future studies aim to explore if these changes impact runners’ performance. Nemkov emphasizes, “This could reveal insights into the signals of damage that might enhance the body’s resilience to endurance running or indicate potential detriments.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Growing Global Threat of Pesticides: Understanding Their Harmful Impact

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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Farmers Spraying Pesticides on Cotton Fields

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Over 60 years have passed since Rachel Carson’s influential book, Silent Spring, highlighted the dangers of pesticides. The negative impact on wildlife has escalated, potentially more than ever before.

“Across nearly every nation, there is a trend of increased pesticide toxicity,” explains Ralph Schulz from RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, Germany.

The risks associated with pesticides depend on both the volume used and their toxicity levels, which can vary significantly among species. To quantify the overall pesticide burden, Schulz and his team formulated a metric called “applied toxicity.”

The team investigated the use of 625 pesticides across 201 countries from 2013 to 2019, incorporating both organic and conventional pesticide data.

They averaged toxicity data from regulatory bodies in various nations, assessing the toxicity levels to eight major organism groups: aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, fish, terrestrial arthropods, pollinators, soil organisms, terrestrial vertebrates, and terrestrial plants. This enabled them to calculate the total toxicity per country or organism group.

Globally, applied toxicity rose from 2013 to 2019 in six out of eight organism groups. Notably, pollinators saw a 13% increase, fish a 27% rise, and terrestrial arthropods—including insects, crustaceans, and spiders—experienced a 43% increase.

“This increase does not automatically translate to direct toxic effects on these organisms,” Schulz clarifies. “However, it serves as an important indicator of the toxicity levels of the pesticides currently in use.”

Numerous studies indicate that pesticide concentrations in various ecosystems, such as rivers, often exceed regulators’ assessments during approval processes.

“While this particular index does not account for it, significant evidence exists,” Schulz remarks, emphasizing that risk evaluations tend to underestimate real-world exposures.

The rise in the combined applied toxicity stems from two key factors: the increased use of pesticides and the replacement of older varieties with more toxic alternatives, spurred primarily by the emergence of pest resistance. Schulz notes, “In my view, resistance will only exacerbate with more chemical pesticide use.”

Pesticides like pyrethroids pose notable risks to fish and aquatic invertebrates, even when applied in minimal amounts. Neonicotinoids also significantly threaten pollinators.

Calls to eliminate glyphosate, known as Roundup, are growing. Although glyphosate’s overall toxicity is relatively low, its widespread use contributes to cumulative toxicity, according to Schulz. A ban could backfire if more toxic herbicides are adopted following the ban.

Reducing pesticide usage could lead to unintended consequences; declining farm productivity may necessitate more land clearance, resulting in biodiversity loss.

During the 2022 UN Biodiversity Summit, nations pledged to reduce biodiversity loss. Schulz states, “Overall risk from pesticides” has yet to be precisely defined, but he believes that the aggregate of applied toxicities could serve as a metric.

While this method has its limitations, he insists that no perfect measure of overall pesticide use exists. Roel Vermeulen of Utrecht University in the Netherlands adds, “Despite the uncertainties, the alarming trends it reveals are undeniable.” He warns, “The world is drifting away from UN objectives, which spells bad news for ecosystems and ultimately for human health.”

“Crucially, this study illustrates that a small number of highly toxic pesticides are responsible for the majority of overall risk, highlighting clear and actionable targets for significant benefits,” Vermeulen asserts.

Transforming agricultural practices will require broader societal shifts. “Consumers must adopt dietary modifications, minimize food waste, and pay fair prices that truly reflect the environmental costs of production,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring the Impact of Illness on Our Lives: A Captivating Yet Imperfect Read

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Healthcare professionals stand near a COVID-19 triage tent in Lisbon, Portugal, April 2020.

Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images

Healthcare professionals in protective masks stand near a triage tent for possible COVID-19 patients outside Santa María Hospital in Lisbon on April 2, 2020. Over 500 lives have been claimed by COVID-19 in Portugal, with more than 6,000 confirmed cases. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images) — Healthcare professionals stand near a COVID-19 triage tent in Lisbon, Portugal, April 2020.

Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images

The Great Shadow
by Susan Wise Bauer, St. Martin’s Press

Publishing a book on the history of disease seems timely given the ongoing challenges with public health. As we face yet another tough winter in the Northern Hemisphere, we reflect on the previous harsh winter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our vulnerability to illness has never been more evident.

Introducing The Great Shadow: A History of How Disease Shapes Our Actions, Thoughts, Beliefs, and Purchases, authored by Susan Wise Bauer. This work chronicles how disease influences individual lives and collective societal behaviors over centuries. From our guilty pleasures to our shopping habits, microbial influences are always at play.

However, the subject isn’t entirely new; similar works have emerged since the pandemic, such as Jonathan Kennedy’s comprehensive essays, along with updated versions of Sean Martin’s A Short History of Disease and Frederick F. Cartwright and Michael Biddis’s Disease and History. So, what sets this work apart?

The distinction lies in Bauer’s emphasis. She explores the shift from the “Hippocratic universe” to our contemporary understanding steeped in “germ theory.” The former relies on antiquated beliefs regarding bodily humors and inner balance, while the latter focuses on scientific evidence.

A key revelation of this book is the prolonged timeline for this transition; the acknowledgment that microbes cause disease took centuries to establish and only gained traction in the late Victorian era—resulting in millions of unnecessary deaths.

Yet, have we completely moved past Hippocratic medicine? The Great Shadow doubles as a discussion piece. Each chapter unveils a timeline, navigating through urbanization, the Black Death, and the trenches of World War I, before linking historical events to current beliefs surrounding disease.

At its best, this research provokes contemplation. Are we surprised that 19th-century anti-vaccination advocates resemble today’s skeptics? At its worst, some discussions may prove perplexing. For instance, Bauer confesses that following COVID-19, she avoided checkups out of fear of being criticized for her weight gain—a worrying reflection on the pressures surrounding health discussions.

Nevertheless, glimmers of insight are present in The Great Shadow. Despite moments of verbose writing, Bauer efficiently crafts narratives from historical archives. Her account of early germ theory proponents like Alexander Gordon and Ignace Semmelweis, often marginalized for their views, merits cinematic adaptation.

The final, memorable aspect of this book discusses our shift from superstition to science, presenting the current crisis termed the Third Epidemiological Transition. Bauer notes that we face not only epidemic failures with antibiotics but also the rapid emergence of novel diseases for which vaccines and treatments are yet unavailable, facilitated by modern global travel.

Peter Hoskin is the Books and Culture Editor at Prospect magazine.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Only Some People Get Seriously Ill from Epstein-Barr Virus: Understanding the Infection’s Impact

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Epstein-Barr Virus: A Common Infection with Serious Implications

Science History Images/Alamy

Approximately 10% of individuals carry genetic mutations that heighten their susceptibility to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common pathogen linked to diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus. Insights from a study involving over 700,000 participants may clarify why EBV results in severe illness for some, yet remains relatively harmless for the majority.

“Nearly everyone has encountered EBV,” explains Chris Whincup from King’s College London, who did not partake in the research. “How is it that, despite widespread exposure, only a fraction of the population develops autoimmune conditions?” This research offers plausible answers.

The Epstein-Barr virus was initially identified in 1964 when scientists detected its particles in Burkitt’s lymphoma, a type of cancer. Today, over 90% of the population has been infected with EBV, evidenced by the presence of antibodies against the virus.

Initially, EBV is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as monofever or glandular fever, which typically resolves in a few weeks. However, it is also linked to chronic autoimmune disorders, as evidenced by a 2022 study demonstrating its role in the onset of multiple sclerosis, leading to nerve damage.

“Why do individuals exhibit such varied responses to the same viral infection?” questions Caleb Lareau at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

To investigate, Lareau and her research team analyzed health data from over 735,000 individuals participating in the British Biobank study and a U.S. cohort called All of Us. Their genomes were sequenced using blood samples. “When EBV infects certain cells, it leaves behind copies in the blood,” shares Lareau, indicating that the human genome in their sample includes EBV genome copies.

The research highlights substantial variability in EBV DNA levels among subjects. Of the participants, 47,452 (9.7%) exhibited over 1.2 complete EBV genomes per 10,000 cells, indicating that while many cleared the virus post-infection, this subset did not.

To comprehend the heightened vulnerability of these individuals, the research team sought specific genomic differences that correlated with high EBV levels. As noted by Ryan Dhindsa from Baylor College of Medicine, they identified 22 genomic regions linked to elevated EBV levels, many of which are previously associated with immune-mediated diseases.

The strongest correlation was found in genes related to the major histocompatibility complex, essential immune proteins in distinguishing between self and foreign cells. “Certain individuals possess mutations in their major histocompatibility complex,” Dhindsa explains. Further studies indicated that these variants may impede the immune system’s capacity to detect EBV infections.

“This virus profoundly impacts our immune system, having lasting effects on certain individuals,” comments Ruth Dobson at Queen Mary University of London. Persistent EBV DNA can subtly stimulate the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune attacks on the body.

Moreover, the genetic variants linked to high EBV levels were associated with various traits and symptoms, notably an elevated risk for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, reinforcing the hypothesis of the virus’s involvement in these conditions.

The research team also identified a connection between these mutations and chronic fatigue, intriguing given that some studies have posited EBV as a contributing factor to myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Due to the large sample size, “we can assert that this signal exists,” Dhindsa remarked, although the precise relationship remains unclear.

For Wincup, the primary takeaway is the identification of immune system components damaged by continuous EBV presence. Targeting these components could lead to more effective treatments for EBV-related conditions.

Additionally, vaccination against EBV is a potential avenue. Currently, only experimental vaccines exist. Wincup emphasizes that developing a vaccine would be a significant advancement, arguing that despite its common perception as benign, EBV causes considerable suffering for many. “How benign is it really?”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Termination Shocks Could Intensify the Economic Impact of Climate Change

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Solar geoengineering: A solution to save ice sheets with potential risks

Credit: Martin Zwick/REDA/Universal Images Group (via Getty Images)

Research indicates that an abrupt halt to solar geoengineering may lead to a “termination shock,” causing a rapid temperature rise that could make the initiative more expensive than continuing without intervention.

With greenhouse gas emissions on the rise, there’s increasing attention on solar radiation management (SRM), which cools the planet by dispersing sulfur dioxide aerosols into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight.

However, sustained solar geoengineering is crucial for centuries; otherwise, the hidden warming could quickly reemerge. This rebound, referred to as termination shock, leaves little time for adaptation and could catalyze critical climate events such as ice sheet collapses.

According to Francisco Estrada, researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico assessed the risk of inaction on climate change compared to solar geoengineering approaches.

Projections suggest that if emissions aren’t curtailed, temperatures may soar by an average of 4.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100, leading to approximately $868 billion in economic damages. In contrast, a hypothetical stratospheric aerosol injection program initiated in 2020 could limit warming to around 2.8°C, potentially reducing these costs by half.

Nevertheless, if the aerosol program ends abruptly in 2030, resulting in a temperature rebound of 0.6 degrees Celsius over eight years, economic damages could surpass $1 trillion by century’s end. While estimations vary, Estrada states, “The principle remains consistent: the termination shock will be significantly worse than inaction.”

Estrada’s research innovatively gauges damage not only by global warming levels but also by the speed at which temperatures rise, according to Gernot Wagner from Columbia University.

Wagner warns that solar geoengineering may be riskier than it appears. “This highlights a critical concern,” he notes.

Make Sunsets, a Silicon Valley startup, has already launched over 200 sulfur dioxide-filled balloons into the stratosphere and offers emission offsets for sale. A recent launch in Mexico prompted governmental threats to ban geoengineering activities.

Israel’s Stardust Co., Ltd. has secured $75 million in funding and is lobbying the U.S. government to explore solar geoengineering options. A recent survey revealed that two-thirds of scientists anticipate large-scale SRM could occur this century, as reported by New Scientist.

According to studies, it would take at least 100 aircraft to cool the Earth by 1°C through aerosol injection, releasing millions of tons of sulfur dioxide annually, unimpeded by geopolitical conflicts or unforeseen events.

Presently, major nations like the United States are undermining global climate cooperation, but researchers highlight that such collaboration is essential to prevent termination shock and potentially realize the benefits of SRM.

Analysis of varying parameters suggests that aerosol injections could mitigate climate damage only if the annual probability of cessation is extremely low. In scenarios allowing for a gradual stop over 15 years, SRM might be viable.

If countries successfully reduce emissions, only minimal geoengineering cooling may be necessary, rendering aerosol injection beneficial with a maximum outage probability of 10%. This indicates a potential 99.9% chance of failure over a century, but manageable temperature recovery remains plausible in low emissions scenarios.

This need for international cooperation reveals what Estrada describes as the “governance paradox” of solar geoengineering: “We must ensure extremely low failure rates and possess effective governance to mitigate adverse outcomes.” However, he adds, “If we effectively reduce greenhouse gases, the need for SRM diminishes.”

These findings challenge the notion that solar geoengineering might lead to irresponsible development, as some have suggested, according to Chad Baum from Aarhus University. Funding for this new research was provided by the Degrees Initiative, aimed at supporting geoengineering studies in vulnerable low-income nations.

Baum stated, “We intend to complete all stages of this study, incorporating feedback from impacted communities.”

Despite this, Wagner emphasizes the imperative for further exploration into geoengineering’s trade-offs given the rise in emissions and their consequences: “We are approaching a critical juncture.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Impact of Abnormal Oral Microbiome on Obesity: Key Characteristics and Insights

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Oral Bacteria (Blue) on Human Cheek Cells (Yellow) in Scanning Electron Micrograph

Steve Gschmeisner/Science Photo Library

Bacteria in the oral cavity — Oral Bacteria (Blue) on Human Cheek Cells (Yellow) in Scanning Electron Micrograph

Steve Gschmeisner/Science Photo Library

Recent research has revealed that individuals with obesity exhibit unique oral microbiome characteristics. This finding could pave the way for early detection and prevention strategies for obesity.

The diverse community of microorganisms in our gut significantly impacts weight gain, being commonly linked to obesity and various metabolic conditions. Notably, up to 700 species of bacteria have been implicated in obesity and overall health.

“Given that the oral microbiome is the second largest microbial ecosystem in the human body, we aimed to investigate its association with systemic diseases,” says Ashish Jha, from New York University, Abu Dhabi.

Jha and his team analyzed saliva samples from 628 adults in the United Arab Emirates, 97 of whom were classified as obese. They compared these samples with a control group of 95 individuals of healthy weight, similar in age, gender, lifestyle, oral health, and tooth brushing habits.

The analysis showed that the oral microbiome of obese individuals has a higher abundance of inflammation-causing bacteria, such as Streptococcus parasanguinis and Actinobacterium oris. Additionally, Oribacterium sinus produces lactic acid, which is linked to poor metabolic health.

Jha and his colleagues identified 94 distinct differences in metabolic pathways between the two groups. Obese participants demonstrated enhanced mechanisms for carbohydrate metabolism and the breakdown of histidine, while their capability to produce B vitamins and heme—crucial for oxygen transport—was reduced.

Metabolites notably generated in obese individuals include lactate, histidine derivatives, choline, uridine, and uracil, which are associated with metabolic dysfunction indicators such as elevated triglycerides, liver enzymes, and blood glucose levels.

“When we analyze these findings collectively, a metabolic pattern surfaces. Our data indicates that the oral environment in obesity is characterized by low pH, high carbohydrate levels, and pro-inflammatory conditions,” notes Lindsey Edwards from King’s College London. “This study offers compelling evidence that the oral microbiome may reflect and contribute to the metabolic changes associated with obesity.”

Currently, these findings suggest a correlation rather than causation. “While some associations are surprising, we cannot determine cause and effect as of now, which remains our next focus,” Jha states.

To explore whether the oral microbiome contributes to obesity or is modified by it, Jha and his team plan further experiments analyzing both saliva and gut microbiomes to investigate potential microbial and metabolic transfers.

Professor Jha believes this is plausible, as the mouth’s extensive blood vessel network facilitates nutrient absorption and taste sensing, potentially allowing metabolites direct access to the bloodstream, influencing other bodily systems.

Establishing a causal connection will also necessitate randomized controlled trials and detailed metabolic pathway analyses, according to Edwards.

As dietary patterns evolve, specific food components may become more readily metabolized by certain bacteria, leading to increased microbial activity that can influence cravings and potentially lead to obesity, Jha explains. For instance, uridine has been shown to promote higher calorie intake.

If oral bacteria are demonstrated to influence obesity, Edwards suggests it could lead to innovative interventions, such as introducing beneficial oral microbes through gels, using prebiotics to foster specific bacterial growth, or employing targeted antimicrobials. “Behavioral strategies, like reducing sugar intake, can also significantly contribute to obesity prevention,” she adds.

Even if the oral microbiome acts as a consequence rather than a cause of obesity, its assessment can still provide valuable insights. Saliva tests can easily detect distinct microbial changes, which Jha believes could be useful for early obesity detection and prevention strategies.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring ‘Dark Oxygen’: Scientists Research Its Impact in Deep Sea Mining Zones

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Experiment on Oxygen Production with Deep-Sea Nodule

Nippon Foundation

Experiment on Oxygen Production by Deep-Sea Nodule — Experiment on Oxygen Production with Deep-Sea Nodule

Nippon Foundation

Scientists are set to deploy instruments to the ocean floor to explore the intriguing process of metal nodules producing oxygen in the Pacific Ocean. This unexpected phenomenon has ignited significant debate regarding the ethics of deep-sea mining.

In a surprising revelation from 2024, researchers identified that a potato-sized formation in the depths of the Pacific and Indian Oceans—including the distinguished Clarion-Clipperton Zone—functions as a vital oxygen source. This discovery challenges the conventional belief that large-scale oxygen production derives solely from sunlight and photosynthesis.

Dubbed “dark oxygen,” this phenomenon sustains life within the abyss, including microorganisms, sea cucumbers, and predatory sea anemones thriving thousands of meters beneath the surface. This finding casts doubt on proposals from deep-sea mining companies aiming to extract cobalt, nickel, and manganese by removing nodules from the ocean floor. A controversial deep-sea mining company was involved in this discovery, prompting a call for further scientific investigation.

Now, the team responsible for discovering dark oxygen is returning to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, the prime location for potential deep-sea mining, to verify its existence and comprehend the mechanisms behind its production.

“Where does the oxygen come from for these diverse animal communities to thrive?” asked Andrew Sweetman from the Scottish Marine Science Society. “This could be an essential process, and we’re focused on uncovering it.”

The researchers propose that a metallic layer in the nodule generates an electrical current which splits seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. They’ve recorded up to 0.95 volts of electricity on the surface of the nodules—just below the standard 1.23 volts necessary for electrolysis. However, the team suggests that individual nodules or clusters could produce higher voltages.

Plans are underway to deploy a lander, essentially a metal frame housing various instruments, to a depth of 10,000 meters to measure oxygen flow and pH changes, as the electrolysis process releases protons, increasing water acidity.

Research Lander Deployed Into the Ocean

Scottish Marine Science Society

Given the potential role of microorganisms in this process, the lander will also collect sediment cores and nodules for laboratory analysis. Each nodule is home to approximately 100 million microorganisms, which researchers aim to identify through DNA sequencing and fluorescence microscopy.

“The immense diversity of microorganisms is constantly evolving; we are continually discovering new species,” remarked Jeff Marlow from Boston University. “Are they active? Are they influencing their environment in crucial ways?”

Furthermore, since electrolysis is generally not observed under the intense pressures found on the ocean floor, the team intends to utilize a high-pressure reactor to replicate deep-sea conditions and conduct electrolysis experiments there.

“The pressure of 400 atmospheres is comparable to that at which the Titan submarine tragically imploded,” noted Franz Geiger from Northwestern University. “We seek to understand the efficiency of water splitting under such high pressure.”

The ultimate aim is to carry out electrochemical reactions in the presence of microorganisms and bacteria under an electron microscope without harming the microorganisms.

The United Nations’ International Seabed Authority has yet to decide on the legality of deep-sea mining in international waters, with U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for its implementation. The Canadian company, The Metals Company, has applied for authorization from the U.S. government to commence deep-sea mining operations.

A recent paper authored by Metals Company scientists contends that Sweetman and his colleagues have not produced sufficient energy to facilitate seawater electrolysis in 2024, suggesting the observed oxygen was likely transported from the ocean’s surface by the deployed landers.

Sweetman countered this claim, stating that the lander would displace any air bubbles on its descent, and asserted that oxygen measurement would not have occurred if deployed in other regions, such as the Arctic ocean floor, which is 4,000 meters deep. Out of 65 experiments conducted at the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, he noted that 10% exhibited oxygen consumption while the remainder indicated oxygen production.

Sweetman and his colleagues also discovered that the oxidation phase of the electrolysis process can occur at lower voltages than those recorded on the nodule’s surface. A rebuttal presenting this data has been submitted to Natural Earth Science and is currently under review.

“From a commercial perspective, there are definitely interests attempting to suppress research in this field,” stated Sweetman in response to the Metals Company’s opposition to his findings.

“It is imperative to address all comments, regardless of their origin,” added Marlowe. “That is our current predicament in this process.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Love Machine Review: Exploring the Impact of Chatbots on Human Relationships

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Imagine forming a deep bond with a chatbot that suddenly starts suggesting products.

Maria Kornieva/Getty Images

A woman with hearts in her eyes, representing the rise of AI relationships. — Imagine forming a deep bond with a chatbot that suddenly starts suggesting products.

Maria Kornieva/Getty Images

Love Machines
by James Muldoon, Faber & Faber

Artificial intelligence is becoming an inescapable reality, seamlessly integrating into our lives. Forget searching for chatbots; new icons will soon appear in your favorite applications, easily accessible with a single click, from WhatsApp to Google Drive, and even in basic programs like Microsoft Notepad.

The tech industry is making substantial investments in AI, pushing users to leverage these advancements. While many embrace AI for writing, management, and planning, some take it a step further, cultivating intimate relationships with their AI companions.

In James Muldoon’s Love Machine: How Artificial Intelligence Will Change Our Relationships, we delve into the intricate connections humans form with chatbots, whether they’re designed for romantic encounters or simply companionship. These AI systems also serve as friends or therapists, showcasing a broad range of interactions we’ve often discussed. New Scientist dedicates 38 pages to this topic.

In one interview, a 46-year-old woman in a passionless marriage shares her experience of using AI to explore her intricate sexual fantasies set in an 18th-century French villa. This opens up broader conversations about utilizing AI in more practical life scenarios, such as during a doctor’s visit.

Another participant, Madison, recounts uploading her late best friend’s text messages to a “deathbot” service, which generates a way for her to maintain communication.

Muldoon’s anecdotes often carry an element of voyeuristic intrigue. They reveal the diverse ways individuals navigate their lives, some paths being healthier than others. What works for one person might prove detrimental for another.

However, a critical question remains. Are we naïve to think that AI services won’t evolve like social media, cluttered with advertisements for profit? Envision a long-term relationship with a chatbot that frequently pushes products your way. What happens if the company collapses? Can you secure backups of your artificial companions, or migrate them elsewhere? Do you hold rights to the generated data and networks? Moreover, there are psychological risks associated with forming attachments to these indifferent “yes-men,” which may further alienate individuals lacking real social connections.

Nonetheless, there are positive applications for this technology. In Ukraine, for instance, AI is being harnessed to help individuals suffering from PTSD, far exceeding the current availability of human therapists. The potential to revolutionize customer service, basic legal operations, and administrative tasks is immense. Yet, Muldoon’s narrative suggests that AI often functions as an unhealthy emotional crutch. One man, heartbroken over his girlfriend’s betrayal, envisions creating an AI partner and starting a family with her.

This book appears less about examining the social impacts of innovative technology and more like a warning signal regarding pervasive loneliness and the critical lack of mental health resources. A flourishing economy, robust healthcare system, and more supportive society could reduce our reliance on emotional bonds with software.

Humans are naturally inclined to anthropomorphize inanimate objects, even naming cars and guitars. Our brain’s tendency to perceive faces in random patterns—pareidolia—has been a survival mechanism since prehistoric times. So, is it surprising that we could be deceived by machines that mimic conversation?

If this provokes skepticism, guilty as charged. While there’s potential for machines to gain sentience and form genuine relationships in the future, such advancements are not yet realized. Today’s AI struggles with basic arithmetic and lacks genuine concern for users, despite producing seemingly thoughtful responses.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How El Niño Triggered Famine in Early Modern Europe: Uncovering the Climate Crisis’ Impact

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

El Niño’s Impact on European Agriculture: Crop Failures and Price Hikes

Public Domain

Impact of El Niño on Crop Failures — El Niño’s Impact on European Agriculture: Crop Failures and Price Hikes

Public Domain

El Niño, a climate phenomenon affecting the Pacific Ocean region, significantly influenced the economy and climate of Europe, resulting in widespread famine from 1500 to 1800.

During El Niño, the warming of ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific disrupts trade winds, which leads to altered global rainfall patterns. The cooling phase, known as La Niña, and the oscillation between these two phases is referred to as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

This climatic variation poses severe risks in tropical and subtropical areas, notably in Australia, where it can lead to droughts and wildfires, and in the Americas, where it causes increased rainfall.

However, until recently, the focus on El Niño’s effects on Europe was minimal. Emil Esmaili from Columbia University and his research team studied records from 160 famines in early modern Europe, correlating them with El Niño and La Niña data derived from tree rings.

The findings revealed that over 40% of famines in Central Europe during this era were directly linked to El Niño events.

El Niño typically increases rainfall in the region, which can lead to excess soil moisture, resulting in crop failures. Though it did not directly trigger famine in other European areas, it raised the likelihood of famine occurrences by 24% across all nine regions studied.

To better understand this correlation, Esmaili’s team assessed grain and fish prices, discovering that El Niño significantly drove up food prices throughout Europe for several years.

Researchers, including David Yubilaba from the University of Sydney, indicate that ENSO events can still lead to food insecurity and malnutrition in low-income households in regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and parts of Africa.

While El Niño continues to influence the climate in Europe, its impact on food security is expected to be less severe today. “Modern agricultural practices are now more resilient, weather forecasting has greatly improved, and markets have become more consolidated,” says Ubilaba.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Enhancing Chess Fairness: The Impact of Rearranging Game Pieces

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Innovative Chess Rules: Enhancing Complexity

Image Credit: Richard Levine/Alamy

Chess can be significantly enhanced by rearranging the starting pieces, creating a more challenging or equitable game, as discovered by physicists.

In traditional chess, the pieces initiate the game symmetrically, with rooks, knights, and bishops positioned on the board’s edges, while kings and queens are centrally located. This fixed setup enables elite players to memorize optimal opening moves, potentially leading to predictable and uninspiring matches.

In the 1990s, the renowned chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer proposed an innovative variation to mitigate this reliance on memory. This variation, which effectively randomizes the starting positions of the seven pieces behind the board, allows for a fair arrangement between the white and black pieces, under the rule that bishops, rooks, and kings maintain relative positions. Known as Chess960 due to its 960 possible starting positions, this format has recently gained immense popularity, drawing players like former world champion Magnus Carlsen to competitive events.

Although Chess960 appears equitable due to its randomness, Marc Barthelemy from The University of Paris-Saclay has revealed that this perceived fairness is deceptive after analyzing all possible configurations.

Typically, the white pieces, who commence the game, hold a slight edge in standard chess. Barthelemy’s analysis indicates that while certain Chess960 setups may greatly favor white, others could advantage black. “Not all positions are equal,” he explains.

To arrive at these findings, Barthelemy utilized Stockfish, an open-source chess engine, to evaluate each starting position’s complexity based on how challenging it was for both players to determine their next moves. By comparing the ease with which the best move could be identified, he assessed the complexity of each configuration. If finding the best move was straightforward, the player encountered minimal decision-making challenges. However, if both players faced comparable difficulties, the decision-making process became increasingly complex.

His research identified the starting position BNRQKBNR as the most complex, while QNBRKBNR offered a balanced challenge for both players. Such insights could assist tournament organizers in ensuring fairer matchups, Barthelemy notes.

Conversely, Vito Servedio from Austria’s Complexity Science Hub argues that randomness inherently provides fairness, and favoring specific Chess960 arrangements over others may lead players to prepare excessively. “It’s more equitable as players start on an equal footing,” Servedio asserts. “Grandmasters have deep knowledge of standard chess openings, but cannot prepare for every potential Chess960 setup.”

Barthelemy also discovered that the standard chess setup is relatively unremarkable regarding fairness and complexity in comparison to many of the other existing positions. “Surprisingly, the standard chess arrangement is not particularly striking,” Barthelemy observes. “It lacks balance and asymmetry, sitting rather centrally in the spectrum of positions. The reasoning for this historical choice remains unclear.”

“In a vast array of positions, it stands in the middle,” Servedio remarks. “Is it purely coincidental? I cannot say.”

Barthelemy notes that measuring complexity is not the sole method for evaluating chess game difficulty. Giordano De Marso from the University of Konstanz comments that the true challenge of a position often lies in having a singular move to identify, rather than choosing the best among several options.

De Marso expresses uncertainty regarding whether Barthelemy’s higher complexity scores correlate with players perceiving games as more difficult but suspects they do. “If increased positional complexity leads to longer deliberation times, it strengthens the case for this measurement,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Long He Abstains: The Impact of Male Ejaculation Timing on IVF Success

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

How Simple Interventions Boost IVF Success Rates

Christoph Burgstedt/Science Photo Library

Men are encouraged to ejaculate within 48 hours prior to IVF egg retrieval to enhance their chances of achieving a viable pregnancy. This recommendation comes from the first clinical trial exploring the effects of varying ejaculation intervals on fertility treatment outcomes.

During the final stages of an IVF cycle, a woman receives a “trigger” injection that matures the developing egg. This crucial injection occurs 36 hours before the eggs are harvested and fertilized.

For optimal sperm health during fertilization, men are often advised to ejaculate between two to seven days before providing their sperm sample for IVF. According to Dr. David Miller from the University of Leeds, who was not involved in the study, “There is an ideal timeframe for ejaculation when sperm quality peaks.”

This two-to-seven-day range is quite broad. Prolonged storage of sperm in the testes exposes them to various environmental toxins, particularly free oxygen radicals from metabolic processes and pollution. This exposure can lead to DNA damage and deterioration of sperm quality, warns Dr. Richard Paulson, also not involved in the trial. Conversely, too short a period between ejaculations may decrease sperm count.

Until now, solid clinical evidence supporting the idea that shorter intervals between ejaculations improve pregnancy outcomes has been lacking, though some studies hint at this. For instance, a 2024 meta-analysis observed that ejaculating less than four days apart correlated with improved semen quality in infertile men. Moreover, another study indicated that intervals under four hours resulted in lesser DNA-damaged sperm and enhanced sperm motility.

To investigate this concept further, Professor Yang Yu from the First Hospital of Jilin University in Changchun, China, conducted a study with 453 men undergoing conventional IVF. One group ejaculated roughly 36 hours prior to the final sperm sample, while another group ejaculated between 48 hours and seven days before.

Results revealed that the ongoing pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the short abstinence group: 46% versus 36% in the longer abstinence group. “While these findings are encouraging, it’s essential to note that they don’t completely represent ultimate treatment outcomes such as live birth rates,” Miller states. Nonetheless, the shorter abstinence group exhibited lower miscarriage rates, suggesting a potential for more live births.

Professor Paulson highlighted that the study provided intriguing insights but also noted its weaknesses, including the inclusion of both fresh and frozen embryos. IVF success rates can vary significantly between these two types. He also pointed out that the data showed a fertility decline in the short abstinence group while simultaneously seeing an increase in ongoing pregnancies. This suggests that fewer couples conceived, but those who did were more likely to continue past 12 weeks, warranting more detailed analysis. “Extraordinary claims necessitate extraordinary evidence that meticulously accounts for all potential variables,” he commented.

Future studies may also disclose whether more frequent ejaculation improves pregnancy outcomes for couples not undergoing IVF. “This trial offers strong evidence that shorter periods of abstinence contribute to better sperm quality,” asserts Dr. Jackson Kirkman-Brown from the University of Birmingham, UK.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Likelihood of Catastrophic Asteroid Impact Rises Temporarily in 2025

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Illustration of an asteroid passing near the moon

Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library

In 2025, the threat of a disastrous asteroid impact momentarily heightened when astronomers detected a building-sized asteroid on a collision course with Earth.

Known as 2024 YR4, this asteroid was initially identified by astronomers in late December 2024, with estimates placing its size between 40 and 90 meters. Any potential trajectory through our solar system would intersect a narrow zone that includes Earth, leading astronomers to initially assess a 1 in 83 probability of collision in 2032.

As they monitored the asteroid’s orbit more closely in early 2025, the likelihood of an impact was updated to a concerning 1 in 32 by February.

If it had impacted close to an urban area, the consequences would have been devastating, equivalent to several megatons of TNT. The asteroid was temporarily classified as a 3 on the Turin scale, where 0 means no threat and 10 signifies a global catastrophe. This raised alarms among several United Nations agencies, resulting in coordinated efforts for a global telescope campaign and discussions on the necessity of an asteroid deflection mission.

During this period, global space agencies convened regularly to share observations and enhance understanding of the asteroid. “2024 YR4 proved to be a significant learning experience for us,” stated Richard Moisle from the European Space Agency (ESA). “This served as crucial training to enhance our capabilities related to asteroid detection and understanding the overarching challenges.”

By February 20, astronomers had refined the trajectory of 2024 YR4, effectively removing Earth from the asteroid’s predicted path, and ESA subsequently reduced the collision risk to 1 in 625, or 0.16 percent. Weeks later, both NASA and ESA confirmed that there was no longer any risk of collision. “They are not considered a threat to our planet,” affirmed Moisle.

Nonetheless, astronomers still acknowledge a minor risk of a lunar impact, estimated at about 4% for 2032. “Should we hit the moon, it would provide a unique opportunity to observe the impact process from a safe distance,” commented Gareth Collins from Imperial College London.

Researchers are now assessing the potential ramifications of an asteroid impacting the moon, including the risk of debris cascading toward Earth. They are also exploring the feasibility of a deflection mission and strategizing on how to effectively dispatch a small satellite to an asteroid in an attempt to detonate it with a nuclear device. “We must tread carefully to ensure that a moon impact does not unintentionally lead to an Earth impact,” Rang Moisle.

The present 4 percent chance of a lunar collision is not sufficiently alarming to compel global space agencies to initiate a formal mission. This probability is unlikely to shift soon, as 2024 YR4 is currently obscured by the Sun and won’t be visible until 2028. However, due to its unique positioning in Earth’s orbit, there will be a rare opportunity to observe it with the James Webb Space Telescope in February 2026. Moisle indicated that since planning an asteroid mission can take years, data from these observations will represent the last realistic chance to determine whether a mission to visit or deflect the asteroid is warranted.

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Topic:

Asteroid/
2025 News Review

Source: www.newscientist.com

Tattoos May Impact Local Immune System Function

Posted on December 5, 2025 by

Some researchers are concerned that tattoos might be hazardous to health

Olga Korbakova / Alamy

Research indicates that tattoo ink can accumulate in lymph nodes, potentially disrupting the immune system and leading to permanent alterations in the body’s disease defense mechanisms.

This conclusion arises from a study involving mice, which revealed chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes of tattooed animals—nodes that were stained with ink—and modified antibody responses to vaccinations. Similarly, studies have shown inflammation and discoloration in the lymph nodes of individuals with tattoos, persisting for years after the tattoo was applied.

The findings suggest that tattoos could increase disease risk and highlight the necessity for further investigation. Santiago González from the University of Lugano, Switzerland, asserts, “When you get a tattoo, you are essentially injecting ink into your body. This affects not only the skin’s appearance but also the immune system. Chronic inflammation, over time, can deplete the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and certain cancers—many questions remain that require additional research.”

Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, with approximately 30 to 40 percent of individuals in Europe and the United States sporting at least one tattoo. Though Gonzalez does not have a tattoo, he admires them as an art form, stating, “I think they’re visually appealing.” Nonetheless, the long-term health implications of tattooing—particularly concerning the immune system—are still not well understood.

Gonzalez noted that he and his team were conducting an unrelated investigation into inflammation in mice when they observed a “crazy inflammatory response” after applying small identifying tattoos. Curious, they decided to delve deeper.

The team utilized standard commercial inks in black, red, and green to mark 25 square millimeter patches on the hind legs of several mice. With specialized imaging technologies, they tracked the ink traveling through lymph vessels towards nearby lymph nodes almost immediately, often within minutes.

In these nodes, the researchers found that macrophages (immune cells that eliminate debris, pathogens, and dead cells) absorbed the ink, turned the nodes discolored, and initiated acute inflammation. Within approximately 24 hours, these macrophages would perish and release the ink, which would then be taken up by other macrophages, creating a continuous cycle of chronic inflammation that outlasted the healing of the tattoo site.

After two months, during which the tattoos remained, the mice still exhibited inflammatory markers in their lymph nodes that were up to five times higher than typical, Gonzalez reported.

To comprehend how this inflammation affected immune functioning, the researchers administered a vaccine directly into the tattooed skin. Notably, the tattooed mice demonstrated a markedly weaker antibody response to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine compared to control mice, while showing a stronger response to the influenza vaccine.

Further analysis revealed that the lymph node macrophages from tattooed mice were filled with ink and struggled to capture the COVID-19 vaccine. For mRNA vaccines to be effective, they must be processed by macrophages. Conversely, the protein-based influenza vaccines triggered an enhanced antibody response, likely due to an increase in immune cells drawn to the tattoo site. “The response may vary based on the type of vaccine,” Gonzalez explained.

Lastly, the researchers investigated a limited number of lymph node biopsies from individuals who had tattoos near their lymph nodes. Two years post-tattoo application, the lymph nodes retained visible pigment, housed within the same type of macrophages observed in the mouse research. “Their lymph nodes were entirely filled with ink,” noted Gonzalez.

Crucially, he emphasized that even if individuals undergo tattoo removal, the ink is likely to persist in the lymph nodes for a lifetime. “You can eliminate ink from your skin, but the ink in your lymph nodes remains,” he stated.

The research findings illuminate the long-suspected link between tattoos and immune response. Christel Nielsen at Lund University, Sweden, indicated that her team had recently published findings that suggest individuals with tattoos have a heightened melanoma risk. She believes that the findings from Gonzalez’s team may be explained by increased inflammation in lymph nodes. “This study provides compelling proof that this is indeed the case,” she remarked, calling it a significant advancement in our understanding of the relationship between tattoos and disease.

For Michael Jurbdazian, this study conducted at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Berlin paints a clearer picture of how tattoo pigments interact with the immune system. However, he notes that results from mouse studies might not precisely mirror human outcomes, especially considering the differences between human and mouse skin. “The correlation with human health, particularly once healing is complete, necessitates more investigation,” he stated.

topic:

immune system/
inflammation

Source: www.newscientist.com

AI’s Impact on Voter Sentiment: Implications for Democracy

Posted on December 4, 2025 by

AI chatbots may have the potential to sway voter opinions

Enrique Shore / Alamy

Could the persuasive abilities of AI chatbots signal the decline of democracy? A substantial study investigating the impact of these tools on voter sentiments revealed that AI chatbots surpass traditional political campaign methods, such as advertisements and pamphlets, in persuasiveness, rivaling seasoned campaigners as well. However, researchers see reasons for cautious optimism regarding how AI influences public opinion.

Evidence shows that AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, can migrate the beliefs of conspiracy theorists, winning converts to more reasonable positions and attracting support during human debates. This capability raises valid worries about AI possibly skewing the digital scales that determine election results or being misused by malicious entities to manipulate users towards certain political figures.

The concerning part is that these fears have merit. A survey involving thousands of voters who participated in recent elections in the US, Canada, and Poland found that David Rand and researchers at MIT discovered that AI chatbots effectively swayed individuals to back specific candidates or alter their stance on certain issues.

“Conversations with these models can influence attitudes towards presidential candidates—contributions often deemed deeply entrenched—more than previous studies would suggest,” Rand remarks.

In their American election analysis, Rand’s team surveyed 2,400 voters, asking them about the most significant policy issues or characteristics of a potential president. Subsequently, voters rated their preferences for the leading candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, on a 100-point scale and answered additional questions to clarify their choices.

The answers were inputted into a chatbot, such as ChatGPT, with the objective of persuading the voters to support an already favored candidate or switch their support to a less favored one. The interaction took about six minutes, consisting of three question-and-answer exchanges.

Following the AI interaction and a one-month follow-up, Rand’s team discovered that voters adjusted their candidate preferences by an average of 2.9 points.

Furthermore, the researchers examined AI’s capacity to influence views on specific policies and noticed a substantial change in opinions regarding the legalization of psychedelics, shifting voter support by approximately 10 points. In comparison, video ads impacted views by only about 4.5 points, and text ads swayed opinions by merely 2.25 points.

The magnitude of these findings is remarkable. Sasha Altai of the University of Zurich stated, “These effects are considerably larger than those typically observed with traditional political campaigning and are comparable to the influence stemming from expert discussions.”

Nevertheless, the study reveals a more hopeful insight: these persuasive interactions predominantly stemmed from fact-based arguments rather than personalized content, which tends to exploit users’ personal information available to political operatives.

Another study of approximately 77,000 individuals in the UK assessed 19 extensive language models across 707 distinct political issues, concluding that AI performed best when employing fact-based arguments, as opposed to tailoring its discussions to the individual.

“Essentially, it’s about creating a compelling argument that prompts a mindset shift,” Rand explains.

“This bodes well for democracy,” notes Altai. “It indicates that individuals are often more influenced by factual evidence than by personalized or manipulative strategies.”

There is a need for further research to confirm these findings, asserts Claes de Vries at the University of Amsterdam. He adds that if replicated, the controlled environments of these studies—where participants engaged with chatbots extensively—might differ significantly from individuals’ typical political interactions with friends or colleagues.

“The structured setting of interaction about politics with a chatbot is quite different from how people usually engage with political matters,” he mentions.

Despite this, De Vries notes growing evidence that individuals are indeed turning to AI chatbots for political advice. A recent survey of over 1,000 voters in the Netherlands ahead of the 2025 national elections found that about 10% sought AI guidance regarding candidates, political parties, and election matters. “This trend is particularly noteworthy as the elections approach,” De Vries points out.

Even if people’s engagements with chatbots are brief, De Vries asserts that the integration of AI into political processes seems unavoidable, as politicians seek tools for policy recommendations or as AI generates political advertisements. “As researchers and as a society, we must recognize that generative AI is now a vital aspect of the electoral process,” he states.

Topics:

artificial intelligence/
US election

Source: www.newscientist.com

Job Crisis: The Impact of Large Data Centers on Australia’s Freshwater Resources

Posted on December 4, 2025 by

a■ Australia is capitalizing on the AI boom, with numerous new investments in data centers located in Sydney and Melbourne. However, experts caution about the strain these large-scale projects may impose on already limited water resources.

The projected water demand for servicing Sydney’s data centers is anticipated to surpass the total drinking water supply in Canberra within the next decade.

In Melbourne, the Victorian government has pledged a $5.5 million investment to transform the city into Australia’s data center hub. Currently, hyperscale data center applications already exceed the collective water demands of nearly all of the top 30 business customers in the state.

Tech giants like Open AI and Atlassian are advocating for Australia to evolve into a data processing and storage hub. With 260 data centers currently operational and numerous others planned, experts express concern regarding the repercussions for drinking water resources.

Sydney Water projects that it will require as much as 250 megalitres daily to support the industry by 2035—more than the total drinking water supply in Canberra drinking water).

Cooling Requires Significant Water

Professor Priya Rajagopalan, director of RMIT’s Center for Post Carbon Research, points out that a data center’s water and energy requirements are largely dictated by the cooling technology implemented.

“Using evaporative cooling leads to significant water loss due to evaporation, while a sealed system conserves water but requires substantial amounts for cooling,” she explains.

Older data centers typically depend on air cooling. However, the increased demand for computational power means greater server rack densities, resulting in higher temperatures. Hence, these centers rely more heavily on water for cooling solutions.

Water consumption in data centers varies significantly. For instance, NextDC has transitioned to liquid-to-chip cooling, which cools processors and GPUs directly, as opposed to cooling entire rooms with air or water.

NextDC reports that while initial trials of this cooling technology have been concluded, liquid cooling is far more efficient and can scale to ultra-dense environments, improving processing power without a proportional increase in energy consumption. Their modeling suggests that the power usage efficiency (PUE) could decline to as low as 1.15.

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The data center sector measures its sustainability using two key metrics: water usage efficiency (WUE) and power usage efficiency (PUE). These metrics gauge the levels of water or power consumed per unit of computing work.

WUE is calculated by dividing annual water usage by annual IT energy usage (kWh). For instance, a 100MW data center that uses 3ML daily would yield a WUE of 1.25. A number closer to 1 indicates greater efficiency. Certain countries enforce minimum standards; for example, Malaysia recommends a WUE of 1.8.

Even facilities that are efficient can still consume substantial amounts of water and energy at scale.

NextDC’s last fiscal year’s PUE stood at 1.44, up from 1.42 the previous year. The company indicates that this reflects the changing nature of customer activity across its facilities and the onboarding of new centers.

Calls to Ban Drinking Water Usage

Sydney Water states that estimates regarding data center water usage are continually reassessed. To prepare for future demands, the organization is investigating alternative, climate-resilient water sources like recycled water and rainwater harvesting.

“Every proposed connection for data centers will undergo case-by-case evaluations to guarantee adequate local network capacity. If additional services are necessary, operators might need to fund upgrades,” a Sydney Water representative said.

In its submission to the 2026-2031 rate review in Victoria, Melbourne Water observed that hyperscale data center operators seeking connectivity “expect instantaneous and annual demand to surpass nearly all of Melbourne’s leading 30 non-residential customers.”

Melbourne Water mentioned, “This has not been factored into our demand forecasting or expenditure plans.”

The agency is requesting upfront capital contributions from companies to mitigate the financial burden of necessary infrastructure improvements, ensuring those costs do not fall solely on the broader customer base.

Documents show that Greater Western Water in Victoria has received 19 data center applications. See more from ABC provided to the Guardian.

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The Concerned Waterways Alliance, composed of various Victorian community and environmental organizations, has expressed concerns regarding the potential diversion of drinking water for cooling servers when the state’s water supplies are already under stress.

Alliance spokesperson Cameron Steele emphasized that expanding data centers would create a greater reliance on desalinated water, thereby diminishing availability for ecological streams and possibly imposing costs on local communities. The group is advocating for a ban on potable water usage for cooling and demanding that all centers transparently report their water consumption.

“We strongly promote the use of recycled water over potable water within our data centers.”

Closed Loop Cooling

In hotter regions, like much of Australia during summer, data centers require additional energy or water to remain cool.

Daniel Francis, customer and policy manager at the Australian Water Works Association, highlights that there is no universal solution for the energy and water consumption of data centers, as local factors such as land availability, noise restrictions, and water resources play significant roles.

“We constantly balance the needs of residential and non-residential customers, as well as environmental considerations,” says Francis.

“Indeed, there is a considerable number of data center applications, and it’s the cumulative effect we need to strategize for… It’s paramount to consider the implications for the community.”

“Often, they prefer to cluster together in specific locations.”

One of the data centers currently under construction in Sydney’s Marsden Park is a 504MW facility spanning 20 hectares with six four-story buildings. The company claims this CDC center will be the largest data campus in the southern hemisphere.

Last year, CDC operated its data centers with 95.8% renewable electricity, achieving a PUE of 1.38 and a WUE of 0.01. A company representative stated that this level of efficiency was made possible through a closed-loop cooling system that does not require continuous water extraction, in contrast to traditional evaporative cooling systems.

“CDC’s closed-loop system is filled only once at its inception and functions without ongoing water extraction, evaporation, or waste generation, thereby conserving water while ensuring optimal thermal performance,” the spokesperson noted.

“This model is specifically designed for Australia, a nation characterized by drought and water shortages, focusing on long-term sustainability and establishing industry benchmarks.”

Despite CDC’s initiatives, community concerns regarding the project persist.

Peter Rofile, acting chief executive of the Western NSW Health District, expressed in a letter last June that the development’s proximity to vulnerable communities and its unprecedented scale posed untested risks to residents in western Sydney.

“This proposal does not guarantee that this operation can adequately mitigate environmental exposure during extreme heat events, potentially posing an unreasonable health risk to the public,” Rofile stated.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Tesla Cautions UK: Easing EV Regulations Could Impact Sales Negatively

Posted on December 3, 2025 by

Tesla has notified the UK government that loosening electric vehicle regulations could negatively impact battery car sales and hinder the achievement of carbon targets, as highlighted in recently disclosed documents.

Elon Musk’s electric vehicle manufacturer also requested “support for the used car market,” as per a government consultation submission acquired earlier this year. fast charging, a newsletter focused on electric vehicles.

In April, the Labor government raised concerns among some electric car manufacturers by relaxing rules known as the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Previously, this mandate aimed to increase EV sales annually, but the new loophole allowed manufacturers to sell more gasoline and diesel vehicles.

Critics argue that a new tax on electric vehicles introduced in last week’s budget may further dampen demand.

Automakers such as BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, and Toyota, all operating factories in the UK, expressed in their submissions during the spring consultation that the mandate was discouraging investment, as they were selling electric vehicles at a loss. In contrast, environmentalists and brands focusing primarily on electric vehicles assert that the rules are serving their intended purpose, with no manufacturers expected to be penalized for 2024 sales.

Tesla emphasized that avoiding new loopholes referred to as “flexibilities” was “essential” for the success of electric vehicle sales.

According to Tesla, these changes could “diminish the availability of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), significantly impact emissions, and jeopardize the UK’s carbon budget.”

Prime Minister Rachel Reeves has committed to imposing a “pay-per-mile” charge on electric vehicles from 2028, warning manufacturers of even stricter budgets to come. This could make electric vehicles less appealing compared to more polluting petrol and diesel options. Simultaneously, she announced an extension of subsidies for new electric vehicles, which was positively received by the industry.

Tom Reilly, author of Fast Charge, remarked: “Just as the shift to EVs seemed stable, the Budget has pulled it in two different directions, effectively taking from Peter to pay Paul. If car manufacturers seek mitigation obligations again, Labor will only be held accountable when climate targets are not met.”

Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford expressed concern about their responses being made public and were only permitted to reply through appeals under the Freedom of Information Act. Several documents were extensively redacted, yet the headline still indicated Tesla’s call for “support for the used car market.” Tesla opted not to comment on whether this assistance would involve subsidies.

Conversely, U.S. manufacturer Ford and Germany’s Mercedes-Benz are advocating against stricter regulations after 2030, which would require them to further lower average carbon dioxide emissions, allowing them to continue selling polluting vehicles longer.

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Ford has strongly criticized European governments for retracting support for electric vehicle sales, stating, “Policymakers in various European regions are not adhering to the agreement.” Ford had previously backed stronger goals but has since changed its position.

U.S. automakers also highlighted the risk of being overshadowed by Chinese manufacturers, which “lack a foothold in the UK and benefit from lower costs.”

Mercedes-Benz contends that the UK should lower the value-added tax on public charging, which is equivalent to household electricity, from 20% to 5%, and suggests that a price cap on public charging fees should be considered.

Additionally, Tesla advocated for banning the sale of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a battery-only range of less than 160 miles starting in 2030, a rule that would exclude many of the best-selling models in this category.

Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla chose not to provide further comments.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Over 1,000 Amazon Employees Raise Concerns About AI’s Impact on Jobs and the Environment

Posted on November 28, 2025 by

An open letter signed by over 1,000 Amazon employees has raised “serious concerns” regarding AI development, criticizing the company’s “all costs justified and warp speed” approach. It warns that the implications of such powerful technologies will negatively affect “democracies, our jobs, and our planet.”

Released on Wednesday, this letter was signed anonymously by Amazon employees and comes a month after the company’s announcement about mass layoffs intended to ramp up AI integration within its operations.

The signatories represent a diverse range of roles, including engineers, product managers, and warehouse staff.

Echoing widespread concerns across the tech industry, the letter also gained support from over 2,400 employees at other companies such as Meta, Google, Apple, and Microsoft.

This letter outlines demands aimed at Amazon regarding workplace and environmental issues. Employees are urging the company to provide clean energy for all data centers, ensure that AI-driven products and services do not facilitate “violence, surveillance, and mass deportation,” and establish a working group composed of non-administrators. “They bear significant responsibility for overarching objectives within the organization, the application of AI, the implementation of AI-related layoffs, and addressing the collateral impacts of AI, such as environmental effects.”

This letter is a product of an advocacy group of Amazon employees advocating for climate justice. One worker involved in drafting the letter shared that employees felt compelled to speak out due to adverse experiences with AI tools at work and broader environmental concerns stemming from the AI boom. The employee emphasized the desire for more responsible methods in the development, deployment, and use of technology.

“I signed this letter because executives are increasingly fixated on arbitrary productivity metrics and quotas, using AI to justify pushing themselves and their colleagues to work longer hours or handle more projects with tighter deadlines,” stated a senior software engineer who preferred to remain anonymous.

Climate Change Goals

The letter claims that Amazon is “abandoning climate goals for AI development.”

Like its competitors in the generative AI space, Amazon is heavily investing in new data centers to support its AI tools, which are more resource-intensive and demand significant power. The company plans to allocate $150 billion over the next 15 years for data centers, and has recently disclosed an investment of $15 billion for a data center in northern Indiana and $3 billion for centers in Mississippi.

The letter reports that Amazon’s annual emissions have seen an “approximately 35% increase since 2019,” despite the company’s promises. The report cautions that many of Amazon’s AI infrastructure investments will be in areas where energy demands compel utilities to maintain coal plants or establish new gas facilities.

“‘AI’ is being used as a buzzword to mask a reckless investment in energy-hungry computer chips, which threaten worker power, accumulate resources, and supposedly save us from climate issues,” noted an Amazon customer researcher who requested to remain anonymous. “It would be fantastic to build AI that combats climate change! However, that’s not where Amazon’s billions are directed. They are investing in data centers that squander fossil fuel energy for AI aimed at monitoring, exploiting, and extracting profit from their customers, communities, and government entities.”

In a statement to the Guardian, Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser refuted the employees’ claims and highlighted the company’s climate initiatives. “Alongside being a leading data center operator in efficiency, we have been the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy globally for five consecutive years, with over 600 projects globally,” Glasser stated. “We have also made substantial investments in nuclear energy through our current facilities and emerging SMR technology. These efforts are tangible actions demonstrating our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon across our global operations by 2040.”

AI for Enhanced Productivity

The letter also includes stringent demands regarding AI’s role within Amazon, arising from challenges employees are facing.

Three Amazon employees who spoke with the Guardian claimed that the company was pressuring them to leverage AI tools to boost productivity. “I received a message from my direct boss,” shared a software engineer with over two years at Amazon, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, “about using AI in coding, writing, and general daily tasks to enhance efficiency, stressing that if I don’t actively use AI, I risk falling behind.”

The employee added that not long ago, their manager indicated they were “expected to double their work output due to AI tools,” expressing concern that the anticipated production levels would require fewer personnel and that “the tools simply aren’t bridging the gap.”

Customer researchers shared similar feelings. “I personally feel pressure to incorporate AI into my role, and I’ve heard from numerous colleagues who feel the same pressure…”

“Meanwhile, there is no dialogue about the direct repercussions for us as workers, from unprecedented layoffs to unrealistic output expectations.”

A senior software engineer highlighted that the introduction of AI has led to suboptimal outcomes. The most common scenario involves employees being compelled to use agent code generation tools. “Recently, I worked on a project that was merely cleaned up after an experienced engineer attempted to use AI to generate code for a complex assignment,” the employee revealed. “Unfortunately, none of it functioned as intended, and he had no idea why. In fact, we would have been better off starting from scratch.”

Amazon did not respond to questions regarding employee critiques of its AI workplace policies.

Employees stressed that they are not inherently opposed to AI but wish to see it developed sustainably and with input from those who are directly involved in its creation and application. “I believe Amazon is using AI to justify its control over local resources like water and energy, and it also legitimizes its power over its employees, who face increasing surveillance, accelerated workloads, and implicit termination threats,” a senior software engineer asserted. “There exists a workplace culture that discourages open discussions about the flaws of AI, and one of the objectives of this letter is to show colleagues that many of us share these sentiments and that an alternative route is achievable.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Mathematicians Announce Significant Impact of Google’s AI Tools on Research Advancement

Posted on November 18, 2025 by

AI aids mathematicians in solving diverse problems

Andresle/Getty Images

The AI tools created by Google DeepMind are proving to be remarkably effective in aiding mathematical research, and experts believe this could initiate a wave of AI-driven mathematical breakthroughs on an unprecedented scale.

In May, Google unveiled an AI system named AlphaEvolve, which may reveal new algorithms and formulas. This system generates numerous potential solutions through Google’s AI chatbot Gemini, which then feeds them into a distinct AI evaluator. This evaluator filters out nonsensical outputs that chatbots are prone to produce. During initial tests, Google researchers pitted AlphaEvolve against over 50 unresolved mathematical problems, and discovered that it accurately rediscovered the most prominent solutions established by humans in approximately three-quarters of the cases.

Recently, Terrence Tao and his team at UCLA assessed the system using 67 more rigorous and extensive mathematical research queries. They found that AlphaEvolve did more than merely revisit old solutions; in certain instances, it could generate improved resolutions suitable for integration into other AI systems, like a more resource-intensive version of Gemini or AlphaProof, the AI that secured a gold medal in this year’s International Mathematics Olympiad, to craft new mathematical proofs.

Tao noted that it’s challenging to gauge overall effectiveness, as the problems differ in their complexities. However, the system consistently operated much faster than any individual mathematician.

“Addressing these 67 problems through traditional methods would require us to design a specific optimization algorithm for each task. That would take years and we might never have initiated this project at all. This initiative offers a chance to engage in mathematics on a previously unseen scale,” Tao states.

AlphaEvolve is particularly adept at solving what are known as optimization problems. These encompass tasks like determining the optimal figures, formulas, or objects that best resolve specific challenges. For instance, calculating the maximum number of hexagons that can occupy a defined area.

While the system is capable of addressing optimization problems across various branches of mathematics, such as number theory and geometry, these still represent “only a small fraction of all the problems that mathematicians are interested in,” according to Tao. Nonetheless, the power of AlphaEvolve is such that mathematicians might attempt to reformulate non-optimization problems into solvable forms for AI. “These tools offer a fresh perspective for tackling these issues,” he adds.

A potential drawback, however, as Tao explains, is that the system sometimes tends to “cheat” by producing answers that seem correct but utilize loopholes or methods that don’t genuinely solve the problems. “It’s akin to administering a test to a group of exceptionally bright yet morally ambiguous students who will do whatever it takes to score highly,” he remarks.

Even with its flaws, AlphaEvolve’s achievements are garnering interest from a broader segment of the mathematical community that might have previously leaned towards more general AI solutions such as ChatGPT, according to team member Javier Gomez Serrano from Brown University. Although AlphaEvolve isn’t publicly accessible yet, numerous mathematicians have expressed interest in testing it.

“There’s definitely a growing curiosity and openness to employing these tools,” asserts Gomez Serrano. “Everyone is eager to discover their potential. Interest in the mathematical community has surged compared to a year or two ago.”

Tao believes that such AI systems alleviate some of the burdens of mathematical work, allowing researchers to focus on other areas. “Mathematicians are few in number globally, making it infeasible to consider every problem. However, there exists a multitude of mid-level difficulties where tools like AlphaEvolve are particularly effective,” he notes.

Jeremy Avigado, a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, observes that machine learning methods are increasingly beneficial to mathematicians. “The next step is enhancing collaboration between computer scientists skilled in machine learning tools and mathematicians with domain-specific knowledge,” he emphasizes.

“We aspire to witness more outcomes like this in the future and identify methods to extend this approach into more abstract mathematical fields.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Intact Impact Crater Unearthed in China

Posted on November 14, 2025 by

Scientists have identified an impact crater formed in a granite mountain, which is covered by a dense weathered crust in southern China. The Jinlin Crater, situated in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, is among approximately 200 craters recognized worldwide and is estimated to be less than 11,700 years old.

Panoramic aerial drone image of Jinlin Crater taken on May 12, 2025. Image credit: Chen et al., doi: 10.1063/5.0301625.

Throughout Earth’s geological history, a variety of impact craters have emerged.

Nevertheless, due to tectonic movements and significant surface weathering, many ancient craters have been eroded, distorted, or covered.

Currently, around 200 impact craters have been documented globally.

Only four of these impact craters have been reported in China, all of which are in the northeastern region.

In contrast, southern China experiences a tropical to subtropical monsoon climate, with high rainfall, humidity, and temperatures that promote substantial chemical weathering.

The newly found impact structure, referred to as Jinlin Crater, is located in the low mountains and hills of northwestern Guangdong province, adjacent to Jinlin Waterside Village in Deqing County, Zhaoqing City.

With a diameter of 900 m, it stands as the largest known impact crater of the modern Holocene, significantly surpassing the 300 m Maka crater, which was previously the largest identified Holocene impact structure.

“This discovery indicates that the scale of small extraterrestrial object impacts on Earth during the Holocene is much greater than previously known,” remarked Dr. Ming Chen, a researcher at the Hyperbaric Science and Technology Center.

In this instance, the “small” impactor is believed to be a meteorite, rather than a comet, which would have resulted in a crater no less than 10 km wide.

However, Chen and his team have not yet established if the meteorite was composed of iron or stone.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this crater is its remarkable preservation, especially given the monsoons, heavy rainfall, and high humidity conditions of the region, which are typically conducive to erosion.

Within the granite layers that shield and conserve that impact structure, researchers uncovered numerous quartz fragments that exhibit distinctive microscopic characteristics known as planar deformation features. Geologists utilize these as indicators of some form of impact.

“On Earth, quartz planar deformation features can only be formed by intense shock waves generated from celestial body collisions, with formation pressures between 10 to 35 gigapascals. This shock effect cannot be replicated by geological processes on Earth,” explained Dr. Chen.

“It is widely accepted that over Earth’s history, every point on the Earth’s surface has experienced impacts from extraterrestrial objects with roughly equal probability.”

“However, geological variations have led to different erosion rates of these historical impact markers, with some vanishing completely.”

“This underscores the significance of the Jinlin Crater discovery.”

“Impact craters serve as genuine records of Earth’s impact history.”

Uncovering Earth impact craters can furnish us with a more objective basis for comprehending the distribution, geological evolution, and impact history and regulation of small extraterrestrial objects.

For more details, refer to the team’s paper published in the Journal on October 15, 2025, titled Matter and radiation at the limit.

_____

Ming Chen et al. 2026. Jinlin Crater, Guangdong, China: Impact origin confirmed. Matarajith. extreme 11, 013001; doi: 10.1063/5.0301625

Source: www.sci.news

The Impact of Parenthood on the Aging Process: A Complex Relationship

Posted on November 7, 2025 by

Many claim that children keep us feeling youthful, but it’s a complex issue.

Javier Zayas/Getty Images

For centuries, humanity has sought to comprehend the aging process. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle theorized that aging correlates with the passage of time. The reduction of water necessary for bodily functions was his primary focus.

A contemporary concept known as the disposable soma hypothesis proposes that aging is the cost of reproduction; evolution, it argues, favors genetic replication above all else. This results in a fundamental trade-off. The substantial energy expended on having and nurturing offspring is often compromised by investments in DNA repair, disease resistance, and organ maintenance.

This idea is particularly relevant for women, who allocate more resources to reproduction through pregnancy and nursing than their male counterparts. However, when researchers examined whether women with more children had shorter lifespans, findings were inconsistent. Some studies supported the hypothesis while others did not.

“It’s challenging to extract clear correlations between childbearing and longevity,” said Elizabeth Bolland from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, a professor not involved in the research.

Euan Young and associates from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands postulated that variations in reproductive costs depend on maternal environment, noting, “In favorable conditions, this trade-off is less apparent. It’s during challenging times that it becomes noticeable,” Young remarked.

To explore this hypothesis, researchers examined parish records of over 4,500 Finnish women spanning 250 years, including the era of Finland’s Great Famine from 1866 to 1868. Young highlighted how difficult times impacted reproduction and longevity.

They discovered that for women who lived before and after the famine, or those who had no children during that period, there was no notable correlation between child quantity and lifespan. Conversely, women who gave birth during the famine experienced a reduction in life expectancy of six months for each child born.

This research stems from a study released last year, which utilized a dataset from the pre-industrial populace of Quebec, Canada, tracked over two centuries. This previous work illustrated trade-offs in mothers likely to be in poor health or facing high stress, without evaluating the influence of specific environmental conditions.

In contrast, Young’s team emphasizes catastrophic events as factors that underscore these reproductive trade-offs. “This extensive dataset enables us to control for confounding variables,” he stated. “This study brings us closer to understanding causality without needing laboratory-controlled experiments,” remarked Bornd.

This investigation further endorses the energy demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding, which necessitate substantial additional calorie intake daily. During periods of starvation, women cannot acquire sufficient energy from food, which compromises their body’s “basal metabolism.” As a result, essential bodily functions may decelerate or cease, leading to deteriorated health and shortened lifespans, Young explained. This scenario clarifies why previous studies often identified these trade-offs predominantly in lower socio-economic groups, who typically reside in resource-limited conditions.

Bolland noted that this trade-off’s occurrence under particularly adverse circumstances, alongside a time when women usually had more children, may help clarify why women generally outlive men. In the UK, girls born between 2021 and 2023 are projected to live four years longer than boys.

In contemporary Western societies, reproductive costs have significantly diminished, with the average number of births declining drastically over centuries, as noted by Bornd. Consequently, it’s likely that very few women reach the stage where lifelong costs become evident. Bolland and colleagues noted in their study analyzing Utah’s historical population, that this threshold was only observed when women had five or more children. The average woman in the United States is now expected to have 1.6 children throughout her lifetime.

Therefore, other environmental factors may play a larger role in explaining the lifespan disparity between genders. For instance, men are generally more prone to smoking and tend to consume more alcohol, both of which influence longevity, according to Bolund. The current gap in longevity between men and women likely results from a mix of reduced reproductive costs for women relative to earlier historical periods, alongside differences in lifestyle choices.

Research also indicates that variations in sex chromosomes are significant. “Differences between the sexes extend beyond reproductive costs; thus, further research is essential to delineate how different factors impact sex-specific aging,” Young concluded.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

‘It Felt Disposable’: Models (Aged 27 and 62) Discuss Botox, Weight Loss, Creativity, and the Impact of AI

Posted on November 4, 2025 by

I
When we imagine models, they often appear as glamorous individuals who command high fees for their work. However, New York’s Daniel Maleka, 27, and London’s Dee O, 62, reveal that the reality is often a challenging quest for visibility.

The fashion industry is also rapidly evolving. Since O began her modeling career in 1983, the internet and social media have dramatically altered its dynamics. Currently, she’s adapting to trends such as:
AI models appearing in “VOGUE” and
the effects of GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
O and Maleka recently convened to reflect on their careers across different eras.

What’s your story?
D-O: I grew up in Birmingham, from a working-class Irish immigrant family. My boyfriend entered me in the “Face of 1983” contest without telling me. I was about 17 or 18 then. Out of the blue, Look Now magazine called, inviting me as a finalist in Birmingham. Though I didn’t win, the agency still wanted me to represent them, leading me to travel frequently from Birmingham and catch a bus from Victoria at 2 AM after a less than appetizing sandwich.

Composition: Christian Sinibaldi, The Guardian

Daniel Maleka: I was raised in New York by Guyanese-American parents and was inspired to model by watching America’s Next Top Model. Though my family urged me to focus on university first, I explored modeling a little during my teenage years. While studying public health at New York University and running track, a teammate who loved photography helped me take my first photos. As fashion week approached, we reached out to casting directors and designers via Instagram. I eventually signed with WeSpeak, a boutique agency founded by models.

How has your career evolved since then?
D-O: At 29, I decided to step away from modeling for a regular job. I pursued education, but my daughter, now 27, inspired me to return to modeling, something I initially disliked. Five years later, I found my passion again and signed with Gray Agency, which offers a diverse range of models and continuing opportunities without the stress I once felt.

DM: After five years at WeSpeak, I felt I hadn’t reached my full potential, so I tried a more traditional agency for a year and a half. We clashed often, eventually parting ways. I found my way back to WeSpeak while scouting for a UK agent during a London show with a New York client. Many agencies don’t provide feedback, often leaving me to feel undervalued.

Danielle is wearing Christopher John Rogers’ Pre-Fall 2023 collection. Photo: Cesar Buitrago

Do: The situation is always murky! It’s challenging to navigate since I desire clarity, yet often, with competition being high, I wonder if I’m overlooked because there are countless others who resemble me.

Dee, how has modeling transformed since your initial days?
Do: Back then, conversation was minimal. The agent handled all communications, often taking 20% commission. Models just needed to show up with looks. While there’s a surge of writers and stylists in the industry now, not all models fit the same mold. Leveraging platforms like social media is essential for job hunting today.

DM: I’ve cultivated a solid social media presence and experienced waves of viral moments during COVID-19. Much of my career has revolved around online networking and connections.

Does modeling affect how you perceive yourself?
DM: Some shoots led me to question if others appreciated my looks. For a while, I struggled with my sense of beauty, which is quite a burden.

Do: It’s subtle but impactful. Prioritizing others’ needs and identity over our own can affect mental health significantly over time. When I began in the early 1980s, there was an evident class structure, making me feel like an outsider. There’s also the personal challenge of comparing oneself to other women.

Composition: Christian Sinibaldi, The Guardian

I think models are often seen and not heard, but does this lead to exploitation?
Do: We witnessed predatory behaviors pre-MeToo in the ’80s. I was fortunate to have a strong voice, which made others wary of me. Yet, I recognized that social invitations might have led to more work, highlighting a power dynamic dominated by men, which made me feel expendable.

DM: I’ve always been progressive. At NYU, I collaborated with organizations on family planning and women’s rights. However, in that previous corporate environment, I often held back my opinions out of fear of agency rejection. Now, I advocate with the
Model Alliance, which fights for model rights. The
Fashion Worker Law passed in New York last year, enhancing protections. Despite this, I still see models being asked to sign contracts that exceed legal requirements, suggesting some continue to exploit the inexperience of newcomers.

Do: Absolutely, naivety, aspirations, and disillusionment.

DM: Joining the Model Alliance Worker Council comes with a warning: your agency could terminate you for being part of it. I had no idea such implications existed.

The Fashion Workers Act: What an impressive step forward!
Is progress occurring elsewhere?
Do: There’s still a dominance of typical models in runway shows, often standing at 6 feet tall and size 8 or 6. Occasionally, I do see designers like
Ashish Gupta intentionally showcasing diverse models. His recent London Fashion Week show incorporated a troupe of dancers, a creative idea that excites me. It’s also gratifying to see growing awareness about ethical sourcing and environmental concerns in fashion, with greater salary attention for workers. I’m passionate about fashion and proudly represent vintage clothing.

JD Williams Dee model. Photo: JD Williams

DM: 2020 truly felt like a turning point in Black representation within modeling. After the Black Lives Matter protests, my bookings surged, creating a narrative of inclusivity. Now, however, it appears the trend is regressing, with fewer Black models in the spotlight. Additionally, I often find that stylists aren’t equipped to handle black hair, leading to detrimental outcomes, such as heat damage I experienced.

I’ve heard that models face pressure to remain thin. Have you experienced that?
Do: I once knew a roommate who was an unhealthy size 12 in the UK (8 in the US). She lived on apples, battled rotting teeth, and suffered from bulimia, all in pursuit of agency approval for the desired height and size. Ultimately, she became sick and had to return home, a memory I’ll never forget.

DM: This issue has long affected model standards, and while I maintain a fit physique, I’ve gradually come to realize the pressures of being thinner. Initially, I was more muscular due to my athletics, but feedback like, “You need to change your dimensions,” during meetings hit me hard emotionally.

Do: Such standards have a profound impact on your mental state. Yet, we’re witnessing an emergence of diverse body shapes and sizes. Although it appears better than before, curvy models still face stereotypes, often expected to have hourglass figures.

With innovations like Botox and weight loss medications, have you noticed changes in the industry?
DM: My peers who model plus sizes have expressed that these developments affect their runway bookings.

Do: On one job, they even taped my face to alter my skin. If my face isn’t good enough, why book someone older? These thoughts persist. I find myself torn about it; I have never undergone Botox or surgery, yet contemplate it. Models of my age at that shoot often shared similar feelings, emphasizing the contradictions we navigate.

Are you concerned about your images being used for deepfakes or AI training?
DM: The Model Alliance included a clause in their legislation requiring written consent from models for such uses. There’s apprehension about the risk of my image being misused, especially with the vulnerability posed by sharing on platforms like Instagram.

Would you recommend modeling as a career?
DM: Yes, it offers fulfillment and is often playful and fun, allowing you to embrace your inner child. However, if I had children, I’d prefer they start their modeling journey later, not at 15 or 16.

Do: I mirrored my parents’ approach with my daughter, insisting she finish college first. Nevertheless, her determination prevailed. I’m grateful for her resolve, especially as we now collaborate in the industry.

Photo: Christian Sinibaldi/Guardian

DM: I urge pursuing interests outside of modeling. After gaining recognition through TikTok, I perceived it as my sole identity for a while, which left me feeling disoriented.

Do: Traveling worldwide has been invaluable; even those experiences justify the journey. However, it’s critical to remember that success can vanish overnight.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unveiling the Reality Behind F1’s New ‘Sustainable’ Fuel and Its Impact on Future Cars

Posted on October 22, 2025 by

In the upcoming year, Formula 1 (F1) is set to undertake one of its most ambitious transformations yet, shifting from fossil fuels to a fully sustainable fuel mixture. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to adhere to new environmental regulations and demonstrate that the sport can, as F1 puts it, “continue without the need for new car production”.

Nonetheless, skepticism remains. As F1 contributes over 1% of the total carbon footprint in sports, experts argue that there are far more significant environmental issues that F1 must address. What are these challenges and how can we overcome them?

Switch Gears

In 2020, F1’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), established a timeline for race car engines to transition to 100% sustainable fuel by 2026 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

From 2023 to 2024, Formula 2 and Formula 3, F1’s supporting racing series, will start utilizing 55% ‘sustainable bio-based fuels’, transitioning to 100% ‘advanced sustainable fuels’ by 2025.

F1 has developed its own ‘sustainable’ fuel for 2026, designed specifically for the hybrid engines currently used in F1 cars, which consist of both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and two electric motor generators.

Images from the Japanese Grand Prix, which was rescheduled from autumn to spring to minimize carbon emissions related to equipment transport between races (Source: Formula 1) – Formula 1

According to F1, the new fuel will not raise the overall carbon levels in the atmosphere. The carbon used in these new fuels will be sourced from existing materials, such as household waste and non-food biomass, or it will be captured directly from atmospheric carbon dioxide.

This will enable the production of synthetic fuels, which are man-made fuels aimed at replacing the fossil fuel-based gasoline currently in use. In the long term, the FIA asserts that F1, 2, and 3 will all eventually adopt this “fully synthetic hybrid fuel”.

Moreover, this new fuel will be classified as “drop-in”, indicating that it will be compatible with existing internal combustion engines as well as the current fuel distribution infrastructure. This means the fuel powering F1 cars in 2026 will be the same fuel you could purchase at your local gas station today.

Is it Truly Sustainable?

However, as the term “sustainable” has gained popularity, experts have started to challenge F1’s assertions.

Dr. Paula Pérez-López, an expert in environmental and social sustainability at the MINES ParisTech Center for Observation, Impacts, and Energy (OIE), articulates that for a product to qualify as “sustainable”, it must fulfill certain environmental, social, and economic criteria, with each segment of the supply chain considering these factors.

“The term ‘sustainable’ should not be confused with ‘low carbon’. A product or process may exhibit low carbon emissions but still produce high levels of other pollutants, thus rendering it ‘unsustainable’. “

The FIA’s collaboration with the Zemo partnership, a UK-based nonprofit organization, has led to the introduction of the Sustainable Racing Fuel Assurance Scheme (SRFAS). This third-party initiative ensures that sustainable racing fuels comply with FIA regulations.

The certification mandates that the fuel comprises “at least 99 percent Advanced Sustainable Components (ASC)” that are certified to be derived from renewable energy sources such as non-biological origin (RFNBO), municipal waste, or non-food biomass.

Essentially, this means that the new fuel must be synthetic, produced from waste, or derived from materials not intended for human or animal consumption, such as specially engineered algae.

New fuels must also adhere to criteria such as the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) along with EU Delegated Law.

Fraser Browning, the founder of Curve Carbon, which advises companies on minimizing their environmental footprints, indicates that these new fuels can indeed facilitate genuine decarbonization efforts if managed appropriately.

“The overarching question pertains to F1’s complete impact,” he notes. “Is F1 pursuing synthetic fuels as a vital component of their sustainability goals, or is it merely a procedural formality?”

Browning emphasizes that advancements in motorsport have historically contributed to significant innovations in sustainable transportation. For instance, in 2020, Mercedes announced that hybrid technology would be utilized in road cars. Earlier this year, they also revealed a new battery technology capable of extending the range of electric vehicles by 25 percent.

“Without the innovations deriving from motorsport, hybrid vehicles wouldn’t have evolved at the present speed,” he contends. “However, this needs to be executed transparently and responsibly.”

Cutting Carbon

Beyond the transition to synthetic fuels, F1 is also making strides to reduce carbon emissions in other areas. Travel and logistics account for roughly two-thirds of F1’s carbon emissions, as teams, heavy machinery, and fans travel considerable distances between races each year.

To mitigate this, adjustments have been made to the F1 calendar for 2024 to lessen freight distances between events, as stated in F1’s latest Impact Report. For example, the Japanese Grand Prix has been synchronized with other Asia-Pacific races and moved to April.

Formula 1 has unveiled that DHL’s new fleet of biofuel-powered trucks minimizes carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 83% compared to traditional fuel-powered trucks during the European segment of the 2023 season (Source: F1) – Formula 1

Additionally, F1 has broadened the adoption of biofuels for the trucks used to transport equipment throughout Europe, resulting in a 9% reduction in logistical carbon emissions.

By the conclusion of 2024, total carbon emissions are projected to decrease by 26% from 2018 levels, although F1 acknowledges there remain “key milestones to achieve, including further investments in alternative fuels and updates to our logistics system to enhance efficiency”.

Synthetic Fuels vs. Electric Vehicles

What does it mean when F1 claims that its new synthetic fuel is a drop-in solution suitable for everyday vehicles? Could it serve as a more sustainable alternative to electric vehicles (EVs)?

Critics warn that producing synthetic fuels for internal combustion engines (ICE) is energy-intensive, costly, and may require five times the renewable electricity compared to operating a battery-powered electric vehicle.

At present, 96% of hydrogen used for these fuels within the EU is derived from natural gas, a process that releases significant amounts of CO₂. Currently, renewable hydrogen is more costly than fossil-based hydrogen.

“Obtaining pure and concentrated CO₂ poses a considerable challenge,” states Gonzalo Amarante Guimarantes Pereira, a professor at the State University of Campinas in São Paulo, Brazil, and co-author of a study comparing biofuels with pure electric vehicles.

“There is a technology known as direct air capture that can achieve this, but attaining 100% concentration comes with substantial energy costs. The estimated expense varies between $500 to $1,200 (approximately £375 to £895) per tonne, rendering e-fuels at least four to eight times more costly than operating an electric vehicle.”

Browning concurs that EVs represent a more favorable low-carbon choice for the future. “Their emissions during use and maintenance are significantly lower,” he states.

“While synthetic fuels might yield a lesser overall impact if managed wisely, we still lack a comprehensive lifecycle assessment across multiple sustainability metrics to definitively address this issue.”

In simpler terms, as long as the entire system producing synthetic fuels cannot be reliably demonstrated to have a positive environmental impact, the jury remains out on the actual extent of their effects.

Read More:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Overconsumption and Destruction: Visualizing Technology’s Impact on Our Planet Through Before and After Images

Posted on October 17, 2025 by

In a project that emphasizes the environmental consequences of technological consumption, artists have created pieces that illustrate the effects of the climate crisis on some of the world’s most renowned landscapes.

Locations such as Venice in Italy, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the River Seine in Paris serve as study points for potential impacts from the climate crisis anticipated by the end of the century. An exhibition in London will showcase the findings.

Giant’s Causeway Present and Visualization

Current status and visualization of the Giant’s Causeway. Written by Alex Griffiths

Mark Maslin, a professor of earth system science at University College London, employed climate modeling to evaluate the minimum and maximum damage at each site. A group of artists interpreted his findings for a display at Back Market’s Last Shot Gallery. The aim of the artwork is not to forecast exact conditions in these locations, but to elevate consciousness regarding the threats posed by climate change.

Maslin addressed the environmental repercussions of technological consumption. Estimations suggest that human actions account for 6% of the climate crisis, which is double that of the airline sector.

“There is an unawareness regarding how much the devices people constantly use and replace are contributing to overconsumption, vast pollution, and climate change,” he states. “We aim to raise that awareness. Many who utilize their phones daily are oblivious to the impact on the planet.”

Current status and visualization of Moraine Lake in Canada

Current status and visualization of Moraine Lake in Canada. Written by Hugh Jardine

The environmental damage from rapid technological advancement stems from the extraction of materials such as tantalum, cobalt, and tin—a process notoriously damaging socially and environmentally—and the disposal of e-waste, which emits harmful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide when burned or pollutes soil and water with toxins when irresponsibly discarded in landfills.

He mentioned that the EU is implementing legislation aimed at curbing built-in obsolescence, which includes regulations on universal chargers to reduce the chaos of myriad wires and plugs piling up in homes.

Tech companies are resisting accusations from Bullock and other lawmakers of disrupting the free market. In June 2024, the EU passed a directive that requires a broader selection of product repairs, extends legal guarantees, and forbids manufacturers from obstructing third-party components.

Current status and visualization of Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, present day and visualization by Osman G.

In the UK, regulations have been active since 2021 concerning certain household appliances. However, there are ongoing concerns about their overall effectiveness.

“Our studies indicate that while individuals are aware of the shifts occurring around them, many still lack an understanding of how their daily choices, particularly regarding technology, relate to the broader context,” stated Luke Forshaw, head of brand and marketing at Back Market, a global marketplace focusing on regenerative technology, which collaborated with Maslin to organize the exhibition.

Venice – now and visualized

Venice – present and visualization. Written by Archie McGrath and Josiah Naggar

A record was set in 2022 with 62 million tons of e-waste produced, marking it as one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams. Forshaw points out that it’s crucial now more than ever to reevaluate our relationship with technology, opting for sustainability over contributing to landfills. “Making sustainable choices more affordable, accessible, and transparent is essential to bridging that gap,” he remarked.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Your phone contains valuable materials that can be reused. Photo: Maxim Emelyanov/Alamy

Choose the technology that suits you and stick with it.
Remember that mobile phones hold valuable materials that should be reused, not discarded.
Sell your old device either to a reputable reuse shop or privately.
Maintain your phone’s battery between 20% and 80% for optimal longevity.
Keep your device clean, removing dust from charging ports.

The exhibition is at the Last Shot Gallery on October 17th in Fitzrovia, central London.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unraveling the Lasting Impact of Childhood Adversity

Posted on October 17, 2025 by

Childhood hardships can have lasting impacts

Ton Photography/Getty Images

SEI 270359063 — Childhood hardships can have lasting impacts

Ton Photography/Getty Images

Individuals facing significant adversity in their early years show elevated levels of specific proteins in their brains, a discovery that may shed light on the connection between childhood difficulties and persistent mental health issues. Moreover, medications targeting this protein could potentially mitigate these effects in the future.

About 1 in 5 adolescents in the U.S. report having experienced at least four potentially traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, or losing a parent. Studies indicate that these experiences can hinder brain development, leading to an increased risk of mental health conditions, including depression, persisting into adulthood.

“The mechanisms through which early life stress and adversity exert lasting effects are still not fully understood,” states Christoph Anacker from Columbia University, New York. “Individuals who have endured childhood trauma usually exhibit lesser responsiveness to current antidepressant treatments.”

Prior studies have indicated that individuals with depression show elevated symptoms such as heightened levels of the protein SGK1 (serum and blood glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1). While little is known about this protein’s exact role, it seems to affect brain cell processing and information dissemination .

To investigate its effects further, Anacker and colleagues examined SGK1 levels in the postmortem brains of 50 men, 36 of whom had died by suicide. Each participant had completed a questionnaire detailing experiences of physical or sexual abuse before the age of 16.

The research revealed that in the hippocampus—a brain region linked to memory and stress—the levels of genetic material for SGK1 were approximately 33 percent higher in men who had died by suicide compared to those who had not, with even higher levels in those who faced childhood adversity.

In another segment of the study, over 8,500 children aged 9-10 were analyzed, revealing that those diagnosed with depression were more likely to exhibit heightened activity of the SGK1-encoding gene, which was also connected to instances of childhood adversity.

Finally, the researchers conducted an experiment injecting 10 adult male mice daily for 10 days with a novel drug designed to inhibit SGK1. After each injection, the mice were placed in a cage with aggressive counterparts for 5 minutes to elevate stress levels.

At the conclusion of the 10-day study, the treated mice exhibited fewer signs of anxiety and depression than a control group that received saline injections. Notably, the treated group spent more than double the time in the center of a vacant cage rather than cowering in a corner, compared to the control subjects.

“Lowering SGK1 levels in the hippocampus enhances resilience to stress in mice,” states Anacker. A similar biological pathway appears to exist in humans, suggesting that targeting SGK1 may alleviate depression in those who faced early hardships. Although the exact mechanism by which SGK1 contributes to mental health issues remains unclear, one theory is that it inhibits the formation of brain cells in the hippocampus.

While the drug utilized in this study is not yet approved for human use, other SGK1 inhibitors are undergoing clinical trials for specific heart conditions. If proven safe, these could potentially be repurposed for treating mental health disorders, according to Anacker. However, “this fundamental research in rodents is still far from providing the conclusive evidence needed to identify practical drug targets for humans,” notes Katie McLoughlin at Harvard University.

If you need someone to talk to, reach out to the British Samaritans at 116123; the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; or find hotlines in other countries.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A Critical Flaw in Society’s Punishment System: The Psychological Impact.

Posted on October 16, 2025 by

Individuals engage in wrongdoing and face consequences. They begin to collaborate. This fundamental belief that humans act rationally and alter their behavior in response to consequences lies at the core of Western legal frameworks, criminal behavior, and economic theories. The evolution of cooperation. However, extensive research over several decades indicates that punishment may not be as effective as thought.

Analysis has consistently shown that harsher penalties, including the three strikes law, do not reliably deter crime. The U.S. National Research Council’s report could not establish the death penalty’s effectiveness. Meanwhile, the U.S. possesses the most punitive criminal justice system globally, with notable rates of imprisonment and recidivism.

These real-world observations stand in stark contrast to much of the controlled experimental literature. In notable research, economists Ernst Fehr and Simon Gechter designed a game where participants could allocate money to a communal pool, which would then be doubled and redistributed, maximizing benefits for all contributors. Yet, individuals found it more advantageous to withhold contributions while others carried the load. While cooperation diminished in scenarios lacking punishment for free riders, the introduction of penalties significantly boosted contributions to the pool.

What explains the gap between experimental results and real-world dynamics? We explored this question in a recent study published in PNAS. We noted that individuals tasked with enforcing penalties often have conflicting incentives that can erode their credibility and diminish the public’s trust in them. In Ferguson, Missouri, authorities relied on fines to fund city services, disproportionately impacting Black communities. Across the U.S., billions are confiscated through civil asset forfeiture, permitting law enforcement to seize property from individuals suspected of criminal activity.

We hypothesized that self-serving motives behind punishment could undermine cooperation by clouding the ethical implications associated with collaborative behavior. Unlike other species, humans possess a “theory of mind” and are acutely aware of others’ intentions and motives. Punishment carries a message of disapproval necessitating behavioral change; however, this only holds weight if individuals perceive the punisher’s motives as justifiable. Humans, inherently social beings, ask, “What’s your reasoning for this?” If the answer appears self-serving, the deterrent effects of punishment diminish.

To validate our hypothesis, we conducted a series of experiments utilizing the same game that demonstrated punishment’s role in enhancing cooperation. Here, one player (the dictator) decides on potential monetary sharing with another player (the receiver), while a third player (the punisher) can revoke funds from the dictator. A twist emerged where punishers were incentivized financially; akin to police utilizing ticket quotas to boost revenue, our punishers received bonuses each time they issued a penalty. This change reversed the expected outcome; rather than improving cooperation, the incentivized punishment led to decreased collaboration, as trust in the punisher waned.

Our results indicate a need to reassess crime management methodologies. When punitive actions are perceived as self-serving, they foster distrust and hinder the cooperation that such measures are intended to reinforce. To cultivate safer, more cohesive communities, it is essential to eliminate policies that compromise the ethical underpinnings of punishment. This includes abolishing speed trap quotas and profit-driven incarceration, practices implying that punishment is motivated by financial gain rather than justice.

Raihan Alam and Tage Rai are students at the Rady School of Business at the University of California, San Diego.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Prohibiting Phones in Schools Might Negatively Impact Certain Students’ Mental Well-Being

Posted on October 16, 2025 by

Some schools mandate that students store their cell phones in lockers throughout the school day.

Robin Utrecht/Shutterstock

Concerns about the adverse effects of excessive screen time are growing. Specifically, phone usage in educational settings can detract from learning experiences. However, some studies indicate that outright banning smartphones from schools can lead to feelings of loneliness among students, at least initially.

“When a school opts to completely prohibit smartphones, several factors should be considered,” explains Sanyogita Kare from Radboud University in the Netherlands. “Socially vulnerable youth may face additional challenges, leading to a possible sense of estrangement from peers.”

Mobile phones and similar devices have been linked to various issues, ranging from declining academic performance to worsening mental health among adolescents. However, there is a lack of concrete evidence supporting these claims. As of January 1, 2024, the Netherlands has instituted a ban on the use of smartphones and other smart devices in classrooms. Many schools enforce strict rules, prohibiting students from using such devices at all during class and often requiring that they be stored in lockers.

Seeking to unravel this impact, Carré and colleagues conducted a study with students from two middle schools in the Netherlands, both of which disallow smartphone usage during class. Surveys were administered initially in December 2023, prior to the nationwide ban, and repeated in March or April 2024.

The researchers aimed to analyze two types of loneliness: social loneliness and emotional loneliness. “Social loneliness pertains to your overall network and feelings of group belonging,” states Carre. “Emotional loneliness speaks to the depth of connection in close friendships.”

Upon comparing loneliness rates before and after the ban, findings were mixed. “Though we did not observe a significant change in social loneliness, there was a slight uptick in psychological loneliness,” Carre mentions. This surge may occur if some classmates are absent, thereby limiting students’ ability to connect with close friends during the school day.

The research also revealed that while the general sense of social loneliness didn’t rise among children, those who found social interactions more challenging were likely to feel increased loneliness. Carre notes that these impacts might not be long-lasting as students adjust to the ban over time.

A limitation of the study is that there was no comparison made with other Dutch schools where regulations are more lenient, such as allowing phones during breaks. Jonathan Canter from RAND, a U.S. nonprofit research organization, states, “To draw meaningful comparisons, we need data from similar students in schools without prohibition. Without that, we can’t ascertain whether our findings reflect broader patterns.”

Both Carre and Cantor express that there’s a gap in fundamental data regarding the effects of phone bans in schools. Canter and his team have recently attempted to address this issue by looking into voluntary bans on phones in U.S. schools.

They discovered significant variability in policies; certain schools enforce total bans on phones, while others permit their use at the discretion of teachers. In the UK, government guidelines suggest the use of phones in schools but leave the final decision to the discretion of school leaders regarding whether these devices should be banned.

“The pressing issue is the need for rigorous evaluations to assess the effectiveness of these policies at the school level. This requires detailed data on the types and timing of policies implemented,” Kanter states. “This is the focal point of current analysis efforts.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Southern Impact Reveals Magma Ocean in Moon’s Largest Crater: Study

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Approximately 4.3 billion years ago, during the early formation of our solar system, a massive asteroid collided with the far side of the moon, resulting in the creation of the South Pole-Aitken Basin—an enormous crater. This feature, the largest on the moon, spans over 1,200 miles in length and 1,000 miles in width. Its rectangular shape is attributed to a glancing impact rather than a direct hit. Challenging previous beliefs that the basin was formed by an asteroid coming from the south, recent research indicates that the narrowing shape of the basin towards the south suggests an impact from the north.

The South Pole-Aitken Impact Basin on the far side of the Moon was formed by a southward impact. Image credit: Jeff Andrews-Hanna / University of Arizona / NASA / National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

“The downstream edge of the basin should have a thick layer of material that was excavated from the moon’s interior by the impact, while the upper edge should not,” explained Dr. Jeffrey Andrews-Hanna, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona.

“This suggests that the Artemis mission will target the downrange rim of the basin, an ideal site to examine the moon’s largest and oldest impact basins, where most of the ejecta, consisting of material from deep within the moon, are likely to be gathered.”

Historically, it has been believed that early moons were molten due to the energy released during their formation, resulting in a magma ocean that enveloped the entire moon.

As this magma ocean solidified, heavy minerals settled to create the Moon’s mantle, while lighter minerals floated upwards to form the Earth’s crust.

Nevertheless, certain elements were not incorporated into the solid mantle and crust, but instead became concentrated in the last liquid remnants of the magma ocean.

These “residual” elements, including potassium, rare earth elements, and phosphorus, are collectively known as KREEP.

Dr. Andrews-Hanna and his team noted that these elements appear to be especially abundant on the moon’s near side.

“If you’ve ever frozen a can of soda, you might have noticed that high fructose corn syrup doesn’t freeze all the way through and instead accumulates at the bottom of the liquid,” remarked Dr. Andrews-Hanna.

“We believe a similar phenomenon occurred on the moon with KREEP.”

“Over millions of years, as it cooled, the magma ocean crystallized into the crust and mantle.”

“Eventually, only a small amount of liquid remained trapped between the mantle and the crust, which is this KREEP-rich material.”

“The abundance of KREEP’s heat-producing elements somehow concentrated on the moon’s near side, causing it to heat up and initiate intense volcanic activity, thus creating the dark volcanic plains visible from Earth.”

“However, the process by which this KREEP-rich material became concentrated on the near side and how it evolved remains an enigma.”

“The moon’s crust is considerably thicker on the far side compared to the near side that faces Earth, a discrepancy that continues to puzzle scientists.”

“This asymmetry influences various aspects of the moon’s development, including the final stages of the magma ocean.”

“Our hypothesis posits that as the far side’s crust thickened, the underlying magma ocean was forced outward, akin to squeezing toothpaste from a tube, causing most of it to accumulate on the near side.”

A recent investigation of the Antarctic Aitken Basin has uncovered unexpected asymmetries supporting this scenario. The western ejecta blanket is rich in radioactive thorium, while the eastern side is not.

This indicates that the rift left by the impact formed a conduit through the moon’s crust, near the boundary separating the “normal” crust from the underlying layers that contain the final remnants of the KREEP-rich magma ocean.

“Our research shows that the distribution and composition of these materials align with predictions derived from modeling the later stages of magma ocean evolution,” stated Dr. Andrews-Hanna.

“The last remnants of the Moon’s magma ocean have reached the near side, where the concentration of radioactive elements is at its peak.”

“However, prior to this, there may have been a thin, patchy layer of magma ocean beneath parts of the far side, explaining the presence of radioactive ejecta on one flank of the Antarctic Aitken Basin.”

For further information, refer to the study published in the journal Nature.

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JC Andrews-Hanna et al. 2025. The southern impact excavated a magma ocean in the Moon’s South Pole Aitken Basin. Nature 646, 297-302; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09582-y

Source: www.sci.news

Unveiling the Ovary’s Secret Ecosystem: Its Unexpected Impact on Fertility

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Neural networks (white) and eggs (green) in a mouse ovary (left) and a fragment of a human ovary (right). Growing follicles containing eggs are depicted in magenta

Eliza Gaylord and Diana Laird, UCSF Laird Laboratory

A novel imaging technique has uncovered an unexplored ecosystem within the ovaries that could affect the aging process of human eggs. This breakthrough may pave the way for strategies to slow ovarian aging, maintain fertility, and enhance health after menopause.

Women are born with millions of immature eggs, with one maturing each month post-puberty. However, after the late 20s, fertility declines sharply, typically attributed to diminishing egg quantity and quality.

To gain insights into this decline, Eliza Gaylord and her team at the University of California, San Francisco, developed a 3D imaging method that visualizes eggs without the need for slicing the ovaries, a traditional technique.

These newly captured images revealed that eggs cluster in pockets, rather than being uniformly distributed, indicating that the ovarian environment may significantly influence egg aging and maturation.

By integrating this imaging with single-cell transcriptomics, which identifies cells by their gene expression, researchers examined over 100,000 cells from both mouse and human ovaries. Samples were taken from mice aged 2 to 12 months and four women aged 23, 30, 37, and 58.

Through this approach, the team identified 11 major cell types and uncovered some surprises. One unexpected finding was the presence of glial cells—typically associated with the brain—that nourish and repair nerve cells, alongside sympathetic nerve cells that manage the fight-or-flight response. In mice lacking sympathetic nerves, fewer eggs matured, suggesting these nerves may influence when eggs develop.

Moreover, the researchers observed that fibroblasts, crucial for structural support, decrease with age, potentially leading to inflammation and scarring in the ovaries of women in their 50s.

This research indicates that ovarian aging is influenced beyond just the eggs; it involves the surrounding ecosystem, as noted by Diana Laird, also affiliated with UCSF. Importantly, she highlights the similarities discovered between aging ovaries in mice and humans.

“These similarities provide a basis for using laboratory mice to model human ovarian aging,” states Laird. “With this roadmap, we can start to explore the mechanisms that dictate the pace of ovarian aging to devise treatments that might slow or reverse the process.”

One potential avenue is to adjust sympathetic nerve activity to slow egg loss, thereby extending the reproductive time frame and delaying menopause.

Whole eggs (green) and a subset of developing eggs (magenta) in the ovaries of 2-month-old (left) and 12-month-old (right) mice.

Eliza Gaylord and Diana Laird, UCSF Laird Laboratory

Theoretically, this approach not only preserves fertility but may also diminish the risk of common postmenopausal conditions, including heart disease. “While later menopause could increase the risk for some reproductive cancers, this pales in comparison to the 20-fold higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease post-menopause,” explaines Laird.

However, such interventions are likely still far in the future. Evelyn Telfer, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh—known for being the first to successfully culture human eggs outside the ovary—points out that the limited age range and samples from just four women restrict the applicability of the findings. “Though intriguing, this study’s results are too preliminary to support treatment strategies aimed at altering follicle utilization or slowing egg loss,” she notes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding the 5 Types of Sleep and Their Impact on Your Health

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Sleep experiences can vary remarkably from one person to another

PeopleImages/Shutterstock

Individuals can undergo one of five different sleep types, each showcasing the diverse ways our rest impacts health.

Previous research has identified links between sleep and aspects like sleep cognition, mental health, and physical issues including heart disease. Nonetheless, these studies typically examined only one dimension of sleep, like its duration or quality.

To adopt a more integrated perspective, Valeria Quevette from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, along with her team, explored the connections among seven sleep-related factors (like sleep satisfaction and the use of sleep aids) and 118 other variables, including cognition, substance use, and mental health. They gathered data encompassing cognitive evaluations, sleep studies, and brain imaging from 770 adults aged 22 to 36 in the United States with no reported health issues.

This analysis led to the identification of five distinct sleep profiles. The first profile represented a general trend of sleep deprivation, distinguished by heightened sleep disruptions, diminished sleep satisfaction, prolonged time to fall asleep, and worsening mental health, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as issues like anger, fear, and stress.

Brain imaging of individuals in this category revealed decreased connectivity among networks linked to self-reflection, such as the temporolateral network, and those responsible for attention and tasks, like the somatomotor and dorsal attention networks. Researchers suggest this may indicate a disruption in the brain’s ability to alternate between internal thoughts and the external environment. For instance, individuals in this group might dwell on personal feelings and thoughts rather than focusing on their surroundings.

The second sleep profile also indicated declining mental health, particularly relating to inattention, yet not to sleep disorders. Essentially, these individuals generally had good quality sleep. “We interpreted this as the restorative capacity of sleep,” Kebets notes. “They experience poor mental health, which does not necessarily have repercussions on their sleep.” People in this category similarly showed differing brain connectivity patterns than those observed in the first group, suggesting that such connectivity issues are directly linked to sleep disturbances rather than overarching mental health.

The third profile illustrated a connection between the use of sleep medications, including prescription drugs and herbal teas aimed at improving sleep. These individuals often exhibited poor memory and emotional insights—perhaps explaining the reduced connectivity in brain areas associated with vision, memory, and emotion.

The fourth profile was marked by obtaining less than 7 hours of sleep per night, which is the recommended minimum. This inadequacy correlated with slower accuracy and reaction times in cognitive tasks assessing emotional processing, language, and social skills. Additionally, this profile was linked to increased aggressive behaviors and heightened connectivity across brain networks. Previous studies on sleep deprivation have shown similar connectivity enhancements, pointing to sleep debt implications.

The fifth profile was distinguished by frequent sleep interruptions, such as waking multiple times during the night. These disruptions were linked with poorer language processing capabilities and working memory, alongside indications of deteriorating mental health, including anxiety symptoms and issues with substance use.

These findings enhance our understanding of the intricate relationship between sleep and health, according to Kebets. “Sleep is essential to your well-being and connects to cognition, physical health, mental health, substance use, and many other functioning spheres.”

However, not all individuals conformed precisely to a single profile, Kebets explains. The researchers found no causal ties but rather associations between sleep profiles and traits. It’s also crucial to acknowledge that a substantial number of individuals attain consistently high-quality sleep. Moreover, as the participants were predominantly Caucasian, this study may have overlooked sleep profiles prevalent in other ethnic groups.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ultracold Clock Sheds Light on Quantum Physics’ Impact on Time

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

What is the quantum nature of time? We may be on the verge of discovering it

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SEI 267717982 — What is the quantum nature of time? We may be on the verge of discovering it

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How does time manifest for a genuine quantum entity? The most advanced clocks can rapidly address this query, enabling us to test various ways to manipulate and alter the quantum realm, thereby delving into the uncharted territories of physics.

The notion that time can shift originates from Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity. As an object approaches the speed of light, it appears to experience time more slowly compared to a stationary observer. He expands upon this with a general theory of relativity, which demonstrates a similar temporal distortion in the presence of a gravitational field. Igor Pikovsky from the Stevens Institute in New Jersey and his team aim to uncover whether a similar effect occurs within the microscopic quantum landscape, utilizing ultra-cold clocks constructed from ions.

“The experiments we’ve performed until now have always focused on classical time, disregarding quantum mechanics,” says Pikovsky. “We’ve observed a regime where conventional explanations falter with an ion clock,” he continues.

These clocks consist of thousands of ions cooled to temperatures nearing absolute zero via laser manipulation. At such low temperatures, the quantum state of an ion and its embedded electrons can be precisely controlled through electromagnetic forces. Thus, the ticks of an ion clock are governed by the electrons oscillating between two distinct quantum states.

Since their behavior is dictated by quantum mechanics, these instruments provided an ideal platform for Pikovsky and his colleagues to investigate the interplay between relativistic and quantum phenomena on timekeeping. Pikovski mentions that they’ve identified several scenarios where this blending is evident.

One example arises from the intrinsic fluctuations inherent in quantum physics. Even at ultra-low temperatures, quantum objects cannot be completely static and instead must oscillate, randomly gaining or losing energy. Team calculations indicated that these fluctuations could lead to extended clock time measurements. Although the effect is minute, it is detectable in current ion clock experiments.

The researchers also mathematically analyzed the behavior of ions in a clock when “compressed,” resulting in “superpositions” of multiple quantum states. They found that these states are closely linked to the motion of the ions, influenced by their internal electrons. The states of ions and electrons are interconnected at a quantum level. “Typically, experiments necessitate creative methods to establish entanglements. The intriguing aspect here is that it arises organically,” explains team member Christian Sanner from Colorado State University.

Pikovski asserts that it is intuitive to think that quantum objects existing in superposition cannot simply perceive time linearly, though this effect has yet to be experimentally confirmed. He believes it should be achievable in the near future.

Team member Gabriel Solch from the Stevens Institute of Technology mentions that the next step is incorporating another crucial aspect of modern physics: gravity. Ultra-cold clocks can currently detect temporal extensions caused by significant variations in the Earth’s gravitational pull, such as when elevated by a few millimeters, but the exact integration of these effects with the intrinsic quantum characteristics of the clock remains an unresolved question.

“I believe it is quite feasible with our existing technology,” adds David Hume from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Colorado. He highlights that the primary challenge is to mitigate ambient disturbances affecting the clock to ensure it doesn’t overshadow the effects suggested by Pikovsky’s team. Successful experiments could pave the way for exploring unprecedented physical phenomena.

“Such experiments are thrilling because they create a platform for theories to interact in a domain where they could yield fresh insights,” remarks Alexander Smith at St. Anselm College, New Hampshire.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Impact of Visa Fees on Talent: Trump’s Tariffs Endanger Technology’s Top Professionals

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Greetings from TechScape! I’m back in the US and busy writing this from the plane. This week’s Tech News revolves around a significant deal involving Donald Trump, which has implications for the high-tech industries in China, the UK, and the US due to unexpected fines on favored visas.

Trump’s Talent Tariff: Visa Fines Threatening the Industry’s Most Valued Employees

Last year, a major tech firm brokered an agreement where tens of millions of dollars went to Trump’s presidential campaign in exchange for favorable policies that foster access to the president and stimulate industry growth. If Elon Musk is included, this figure rises to hundreds of millions. However, Trump’s new fees on frequently utilized visas pose a threat to this arrangement.

My colleague Johanna Bouyan reports:

On Friday, Donald Trump signed a declaration imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, which could have significant repercussions for the US tech landscape.

The potential crackdown on H-1B visas has become a central issue for the tech industry. Government data reveals that around two-thirds of H-1B visa employment is tech-related, as employers utilize these visas to attract engineers, educators, and healthcare professionals.

In response to the initial announcements, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google encouraged their overseas staff to return quickly to the US and advised dependents against traveling abroad. The implications of the fines that began at 12 AM on September 21 were uncertain, raising concerns within their HR departments. The White House later clarified that the fees would only apply to new applicants and would not impact existing visa holders with six-figure annual fees. The US Secretary of Commerce reiterated this point. With the camera Fees will be collected on an annual basis.

These penalties are particularly alarming for immigrants from India. Approximately 700,000 H-1B visa holders reside in the US, with 71% originating from India. Chinese nationals make up about 10% to 15% of this group. Additional noteworthy insights: nearly three-quarters of H-1B visa holders are male, earning a median salary of around $120,000. If these penalties survive potential legal challenges, the cost of hiring these workers in the US could become prohibitive for employers.

“Fearing for Our Talent”: India Responds to Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Increase

These fees serve as tariffs on talent, paralleling Trump’s duties on goods from nearly all US trading partners. The president’s protectionist approach towards professional work resonates like his stance on imports from Vietnam. Additionally, similar to these tariffs, the rationale behind his employee fees is challenging to discern. The US lacks adequate domestic manufacturing capabilities to assemble smartphones fully and will not erect barriers preventing parts made abroad. Likewise, it doesn’t possess a robust pipeline of trained technical workers comparable to those in India and China, creating a talent gap that many leading American companies currently face. Enter H-1B. Advocates of the program, including Elon Musk of Tesla, argue it will address the talent void and attract essential skilled workers to maintain competitiveness. Musk, a US citizen originally from South Africa, once held an H-1B visa himself.

In December, Trump expressed his support for the program.

“I have a lot of H-1B visas for my properties. I support H-1B. I’ve utilized them many times. It’s a valuable program,” said the president. New York Post.

Will Trump’s Talent Tariff catalyze a resurgence of technical manufacturing, prompting the American education system to inspire more students toward technical careers? Perhaps not while he continues to battle against a university system that trains many international students who subsequently obtain H-1B visas and contribute to American companies.

At Last: Trump Finalizes the TikTok Transfer Agreement

Will the TikTok deal go through? Photo: Dado Ruvić/Reuters

Five years later, TikTok faces uncertainty, having dealt with multiple deadline extensions, and Trump claims he has finalized an agreement to transfer TikTok from its parent company in Beijing to US ownership, which is expected to be accepted.

“We have a deal concerning TikTok. A group of major companies is interested in acquiring it,” Trump stated last Tuesday without elaborating.

Since the initial vague announcement, further details have emerged. Trump mentioned in an interview on Fox News Sunday that media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, CEO of Fox Corporation, might be involved in the deal. Additionally, Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, is reportedly a part of the discussions.

White House officials revealed that Larry Ellison, who recently lost his Forbes title as the world’s richest man to Elon Musk, would lease and manage TikTok’s algorithm, extending to the management of data collected from American users.

Broader Technology Landscape

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Attention Big Spenders: Starmer and Trump’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tech Agreement

Last week, Trump and Keir Starmer met at Checkers, the Prime Minister’s residence. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP

Just a week ago, Keir Starmer and Trump announced a commitment from numerous US companies to invest £31 billion in the UK technology sector in the coming years.

Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, hailed it as the “largest announcement” with a commitment of £22 billion over the next four years. Google has also promised to invest £5 billion.

CoreWeave, a US data center company, plans to invest an additional £1.5 billion in the UK, including its site in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The US software company Salesforce is contributing another $2 billion in the UK.

Nvidia, the leading AI chip manufacturer, has pledged a £11 billion investment in the UK economy as part of this agreement, providing up to 120,000 Blackwell GPUs for projects developed over the coming years in the UK.

A notable critique has suggested that this contract resembles the US’s Stargate project, which promises either $500 million in commitments from high-tech companies or the establishment of the world’s largest data center in Abu Dhabi. The government isn’t obliged to oversee the significant financial transactions. Nvidia announced on Monday that it would invest $100 million in OpenAI, which is more than three times its UK commitment.

Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and past top policymaker for Meta, criticized the arrangement as a “second-class offer” for the UK in the US technology market.

At a Royal Television Association meeting in Cambridge, Clegg stated that the relationship between the UK and the US tech sectors is heavily lopsided and that the announcement primarily serves US businesses.

He cautioned that the UK risks becoming overly dependent on the US tech industry instead of fostering its own capabilities.

“These companies need these infrastructure resources anyway,” he noted. “They are constructing data centers globally. Perhaps they’ve merely made a token effort to align with the timing of this week’s state visit, but the flow of benefits isn’t mutual.”

“We are technically becoming a kind of vassal state. This is a reality. As soon as our high-tech companies begin to grow in size and ambition, they must turn to California.”

Learn More About Tech in the UK

Source: www.theguardian.com

How Fat Storage Locations Impact Brain Function

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Our brain activity and health is influenced by various bodily events

Cavallini James/BSIP/Getty Images

The impact of body fat on our movements, emotions, and even the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease varies based on its location within the body.

While many studies emphasize abdominal fat due to its correlation with cognitive decline and heart disease, few have explored fat distribution in other regions, usually with limited participant numbers.

To broaden understanding, Qiu from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and her team investigated the effects of fat in the arms, legs, torso, and around internal organs on brain health.

The research team analyzed body composition scans and Brain Imaging data of over 18,000 adults with an average age of 62 involved in the UK Biobank Project. After taking age and other factors into account, they associated excess fat in different body regions with specific brain changes.

For instance, higher fat levels in the arms and torso correlated with thinning in the sensorimotor cortex, which is involved in movement. Increased arm fat was also linked to reduced hippocampal volume, a crucial area for memory that is traditionally affected in Alzheimer’s disease, potentially explaining why arm fat is associated with a higher risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

The researchers found that excess leg fat correlated with diminished connectivity in the brain’s limbic network, which is responsible for emotion and reward processing. This may be due to the fact that fat in the lower body releases leptin, a hormone that regulates hunger, with higher leptin levels connected to reduced limbic connectivity.

Conversely, visceral fat (around internal organs) was the type most strongly linked to functional changes in the brain, uniquely associated with white matter degradation—a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease—rather than its preservation.

This may arise from the fact that visceral fat produces more inflammatory substances compared to fat located elsewhere in the body, according to Sonia Anand from McMaster University in Canada, which can contribute to brain inflammation.

It remains unclear why arm fat appeared to have both protective and detrimental effects on the brain. “Observing such divergent impacts was intriguing,” noted Mikal Schneider Biary from Rutgers University, New Jersey. This complexity underscores the intricate relationship between body fat and brain health, she added.

The research only established correlations between body fat and brain function, so “we can’t infer any causal connections,” Biary cautions. Some brain changes may indeed influence the distribution of body fat. Moreover, the findings might not apply to the broader population, as there was a notable lack of diversity among participants.

Nevertheless, the study emphasizes that different types and locations of fat exert varying effects, according to Anand. This suggests that treatments focusing on reducing visceral fat could have a more significant impact on brain health than generalized weight loss approaches.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Tektite Discovery Sheds Light on 11-Million-Year-Old Asteroid Impact in Australia

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tektite forms almost pure glass (with minimal crystalline inclusions) when space debris impacts the Earth, causing surface materials to melt and be ejected hundreds or thousands of kilometers away.

Map of Ananguite strown field based on Tektite location. Image credit: Musolino et al. , doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119600.

“Tektite is a specific type of glass formed by impacts, recognized particularly for its distribution across extensive spray fields far from the source crater,” stated Professor Fred Jordan from Curtin University and his team.

“The widespread distribution in Central Europe (14 million years ago), North America (35 million years ago), the Ivory Coast (1 million years ago), and from China to Australia (780,000 years ago) has been traced back to the spread originating from Central Europe, known for four distinct scattered fields located in Central America (800,000 years ago).

“The corresponding tektites include Moldavites, Bediasite-Georgiaite, Ivorites, Australiasites, and Belizites, respectively.”

A newly identified type of Tektite, called Ananguite, has been found primarily in South Australia.

“Discovering a new Tektite field is akin to opening a new chapter in Earth’s tumultuous geological history,” remarked Professor Jourdan.

“These glasses are indigenous to Australia and reveal ancient impact events previously unknown to us.”

“Each piece acts as a small time capsule from the depths of our planet’s history.”

“What adds intrigue to these findings is that, despite the considerable impact, the crater has yet to be located.”

“Understanding when and how frequently large asteroids strike Earth can also assist in evaluating the risk of future impacts, which is vital for planetary defense.”

Photos of six Tektites studied by Musolino et al. Scale bar – 2 mm. Image credit: Musolino et al. , doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119600.

“The glasses differ from all previously known tektites,” noted PhD candidate Annam Solino from AIX-Marseille University.

“These tektites are distinct due to their unusual chemistry and an approximate age of 11 million years.”

“They indicate a shock event that is completely separate from the fields associated with well-known Australian tektites.”

“While Australian tektites formed roughly 780,000 years ago and have spread across the globe, these tektites are significantly older and suggest major impacts that were previously overlooked.”

The team’s research paper was published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

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Anna Musolino et al. 2025. Australia’s new tektite spray field dates back 11 million years, originating from a volcanic arc impact crater. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 670:119600; doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119600

Source: www.sci.news