Fossils uncovered in New Mexico’s Jose Creek Formation provide groundbreaking evidence that angiosperms (flowering plants) established dense, fruit-bearing forests around 75 million years ago—9 million years prior to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction that eradicated the dinosaurs. This discovery challenges longstanding evolutionary theories regarding the rise of angiosperms as the dominant plant group on Earth.
Reconstruction of a 74.6 million-year-old Dori tuff flora forest floor showcasing hypothetical angiosperm-dispersal interactions, with plants depicted in life-size forms based on fossil evidence. The mammalian and dinosaur seed dispersers illustrated are based on the known fauna of the Late Cretaceous Campanian period. Image credit: Brian Engh livingrelicproductions.com.
“Our findings reveal that 10 million years before the extinction threshold, angiosperms were amplifying their investment in individual diasporids, forming dense forests in hot, humid environments during the Late Cretaceous,” stated Jaemin Lee, a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley.
Flowering plants are believed to have originated during the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 135 million years ago, initially appearing as small, inconspicuous plants producing tiny seeds that were easily dispersed by the wind.
By the Late Cretaceous, angiosperms had diversified significantly in size, leaves, and flowers, although it was thought that their seed dispersal methods remained unchanged amidst the dominance of dinosaurs.
Contrary to this belief, fossil evidence from Late Cretaceous Doli tuff deposits in the Jose Creek Formation in New Mexico showcases a diverse array of flowering plants, including large-trunked trees from the laurel family and palms, alongside older fern and sequoia lineages.
In stark contrast to other Cretaceous floral patterns, where angiosperms averaged diasporid sizes similar to poppy seeds, the average diasporid size in this fossil forest was comparable to a large blueberry, suggesting an extraordinary increase in volume by more than 100-fold.
“Although it may not seem significant, the larger fruits we consume today are the result of centuries of selective breeding,” remarked Lee.
“For instance, wild watermelons were only 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter.”
“The New Mexico site is unique as it preserves an ancient environment, buried by ash that fell on an inland forest,” added Cindy Louie, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
“Unlike most fossil plant sites, which often consist of a mix of materials from various epochs and habitats, this site provides a pure snapshot of a specific moment in time, preserved through rapid ash fall.”
“Ground cover plants remain visible beneath the hardened ash layer, and higher up, leaves that fell during the ash deposit are pointing in all directions.”
“This phenomenon can be likened to a kind of ‘Pompeii for plants,’ where ash deposits meticulously preserve everything in place, allowing researchers to reconstruct forest structures accurately,” explained Lee.
“These deposits carry remnants from the tree canopy to the forest floor, preserving a variety of leaves and flowers.”
“This forest represents the earliest known angiosperm-dominated ecosystem with significantly larger spores and showcases one of the most diverse Cretaceous leaf floras documented to date.”
“The minimized movement within the forest canopy allows for instantaneous preservation, facilitating detailed recreations of these ancient landscapes.”
“This research sheds new light on the complexity of ecological interactions in ancient plant populations that no longer exist.”
For further details, refer to the findings published in the June 25 edition of Science.
_____
Lee Jae Min et al. 2026. The diversification of reproductive strategies in angiosperms preceded their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. Science 392 (6805): 1380-1383; doi: 10.1126/science.adw9457
Zircon crystals and impact-altered minerals reveal that a colossal asteroid impacted Western Australia’s Pilbara region approximately 3 billion years ago.
Arctic Dome Crater: (A) Simplified map of the Eastern Pilbara Terrain (EPT, Western Australia). Key geological features include Paleoarchean granite domes (pink) and greenstone belts (green and blue), with the North Pole Dome (NPD) at the center. (B) Geological map featuring NPD and shutter cone fields (yellow stars). (C) Quartz (Qtz) carbonate vein intersecting the shutter cone line. Image credit: Kirkland et al., doi: 10.1130/G54866.1.
According to Professor Chris Kirkland from Curtin University and his research team, “While evidence of heavy bombardment exists for the Moon during the Hadean and early Archean eras, the impact history on Earth remains largely unclear.”
“Identifying meteorite impact structures can be challenging, especially when impacts occur within Archean upper crustal rocks, which often lack quartz or zircon—minerals that preserve impact signatures.”
“Recently identified dense shutter cone fields in the Arctic Dome provide tangible evidence of impact on these weakly metamorphosed mafic rocks.”
“Shatter cones were once thought to have formed around 3.47 billion years ago.”
However, new findings reveal two fracture cones that suggest an impact event between 2.7 billion and 400 million years ago linked to the Neoarchean Low Basalt Mountains.
In their latest study, researchers analyzed two rock samples containing shattered cones (zircon-bearing metadolerite and apatite-bearing metabasalt), along with shocked quartz veins from the Arctic Dome.
Using advanced mineral dating techniques, they uncovered the most compelling evidence yet that the impact occurred roughly 3 billion years ago.
Professor Kirkland stated, “This discovery addresses long-standing questions regarding the timing of this impact event.”
Previously identified as an ancient impact structure, the exact age was unknown until now.
“The impact left behind a ‘mineral clock.’ By dating the minerals that have either regenerated or newly formed in these damaged rocks, we can determine the occurrence of this unusual event,” he explained.
“Key to this research are zircon minerals, renowned for their ability to retain geological timelines spanning billions of years.”
“Some of the zircons from the Arctic Dome exhibit unique branched skeletal shapes, interpreted as shock-altered crystals formed by heat and pressure during intense impact.”
“These zircon crystals provide a record of events that transpired about 3 billion years ago, marking the best estimate of the impact time.”
To further validate their findings, apatite was analyzed—this mineral forms as hot fluids move through impact-altered rocks, confirming similar dating results.
The correlation between these two mineral systems enhances our confidence that we are observing signs of a singular significant event: a meteorite impact.
This latest research positions the Arctic Dome structure as Earth’s oldest known impact crater and the sole recognized example from the Archean Era, a period when Earth’s earliest continents were forming.
Professor Kirkland highlighted, “Dating ancient impact craters poses challenges due to geological alterations such as heat, pressure, and fluid movements over billions of years, which may obscure original impact signals.”
“Our study successfully separates the moment of impact from its extensive geological history.”
This groundbreaking discovery extends Earth’s impact record deeper into geological history than any previously dated crater, offering an invaluable insight into the violent processes that shaped the early Earth.
For more details, refer to the team’s paper published in the June 23 edition of Geology.
_____
C.L. Kirkland et al. “How old is the Arctic Dome impact in Western Australia?” Geology, published online June 23, 2026. doi: 10.1130/G54866.1
Exploring the Arctic Dome Crater Landscape in Western Australia
Credit: Curtin University
According to mineral dating techniques, a colossal crater in Western Australia was formed by an asteroid impact approximately 3 billion years ago. This discovery potentially marks the crater as the oldest impact site on Earth, although its age has been contested by some researchers.
Known as the Arctic Dome Crater or the Miralga Impact Structure, this feature was first documented by Chris Kirkland in 2025 at Curtin University in Perth. His team estimated the crater’s diameter could reach up to 100 kilometers.
Kirkland and his colleagues found a unique layer of rock featuring cone-shaped formations known as shatter cones, typically created by significant impacts like asteroid collisions. While their initial research did not directly date this rock layer, correlations with age-dated rocks in adjacent layers led them to propose an age of 3.47 billion years.
This proposed age surpasses the Yarrababa Crater’s age by over 1.2 billion years, establishing it as the oldest known impact site on Earth. Furthermore, it stands out as the only recognized impact structure from the Archean Era, a time when Earth predominantly existed as a vast ocean.
However, a competing analysis from another research team led by Aaron Cavosie at Curtin University disputes this 3.47 billion-year timeline, claiming that their findings suggest the impact occurred around 2.77 billion years ago.
In a new development, Kirkland and his team assert that they have accurately dated recrystallized minerals, including detrital cones at the crater site. Kirkland states, “We’ve now examined the rock to identify minerals that directly correspond to impacts, rather than relying solely on correlations.”
Utilizing the decay rate of uranium to lead, the researchers dated zircon within the shatter cone formed by the asteroid’s impact. They also dated apatite minerals believed to have developed in hydrothermal systems activated by impact-induced heat.
Both the apatite and zircon dated at approximately 3.02 billion years, providing strong evidence of intense hydrothermal activity in the rock around 3 billion years ago. Kirkland notes, “This indicates that hot water infiltrated the rock long ago, showcasing an unusual heating and recrystallization process.”
Rocks Within the Arctic Dome Crater
Credit: Curtin University
Kirkland emphasized that other geological processes, such as mountain building or localized metamorphism, cannot adequately explain the mineral changes observed in the shocked rocks. He states, “The only process strongly correlated with these mineralogical transformations is an impact.” He concludes, “The current evidence strongly supports a 3 billion-year-old impact, potentially marking this as the oldest impact crater on Earth.”
Kavosie appreciates the new adjustments to the crater’s age, arguing, however, that Kirkland’s team continues to overstate its age. “We are grateful that they have revised their previous claim of a 3.5 billion-year impact, but believe they still lack a convincing case for the 3.02 billion-year hypothesis,” he adds, “This is how science progressively edges closer to the truth.”
Kavosie asserts that younger rocks, dating back only 2.77 billion years, exhibit shatter cones, indicating that the impact must have occurred after this point.
Alec Brenner, a Yale University professor and participant in the opposing study, concurs with Cavosie, stating the rocks must be younger than 2.77 billion years. “The new research disregards this finding based on the premise that these rocks are undated, yet they are directly linked to dated nearby rocks,” Brenner explains.
The key distinction, according to Kirkland, is that his team has calculated the ages of minerals within the impacted rock. “The argument for a younger age relies on a long-range correlation of undated rocks through satellite mapping, rather than on direct geochemical evidence or geochronology,” he states. “We now possess two mineral clocks of the same age sourced from the impact rock itself, emphasizing the importance of direct dating.”
The mouth biome (or oral microbiome) consists of a vast community of microorganisms in your mouth, including trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It ranks as the second most diverse microbiome in the body, just behind the lower intestine.
This ecosystem is incredibly intricate. Various microorganisms thrive in different areas of your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums. The mouth provides an ideal habitat—warmth, stable acidity, and saliva that continuously delivers nourishment.
Your unique microbiome starts developing at birth. As you mature, social interactions and diet become significant influences. For instance, during a 10-second kiss, approximately 80 million microorganisms are exchanged. This exchange is why couples often share similar oral microbiota.
So, does the oral microbiome affect taste? Yes, but only to a limited degree. Certain foods contain “precursor” molecules that microorganisms break down during chewing to reveal hidden flavors.
However, the primary factor influencing taste is genetics.
About 25 percent of people are super tasters, characterized by a greater number of mushroom-shaped papillae on the tongue that house taste buds. For these individuals, bitter flavors can be overwhelmingly strong.
Conversely, people with fewer papillae may find the same tastes weak or bland.
Moreover, a specific gene, TAS2R38, determines whether bitter compounds in broccoli and Brussels sprouts taste sharp and unpleasant or hardly noticeable.
Taste bud scan. Taste buds play a more significant role in your perception of food than the bacteria in your mouth – Image credit: Getty Images
Finally, saliva is rich in proteins that can influence the perception of dryness or bitterness in foods like wine and tea, with protein levels determined by your genetics.
While your mouth’s microbiome adds subtle nuances to taste, the real taste directors are your genes.
Think of microorganisms as seasonings for your dishes. They enrich your culinary experience, but the fundamental recipes are encoded in your DNA.
This article addresses a question from Adam King in Huddersfield: “Why do people have different oral biomes, and does this affect taste?”
If you have any questions, please contact us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a messageFacebook,Twitter, or Instagram (remember to include your name and location).
Check out our ultimatefun facts for more amazing science insights!
Around 66 million years ago, a catastrophic asteroid impact led to the extinction of approximately 75% of Earth’s species, including all dinosaurs except for their avian descendants, the non-avian dinosaurs. An ongoing debate in paleontology revolves around whether dinosaurs were already on the decline prior to this devastating event. Many researchers suggest that about 5 to 10 million years before the extinction, there was a notable decrease in dinosaur biodiversity across the United States, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
To explore this theory, scientists recently re-evaluated fossils from rock layers dating to the end of the dinosaur era that had previously been misdated. Previous studies primarily analyzed fossils from the well-known Hell Creek Formation in Montana. In contrast, the recent research focused on the Nashoibito Formation, a rock formation exposed in New Mexico, composed of ancient river deposits and approximately 30 meters (about 100 feet) thick.
To accurately determine the formation age of the Nashoibito member, scientists utilized a process known as radiometric dating, measuring the decay of radioactive elements within its mineral grains. This technique allowed researchers to establish that these mineral grains must have crystallized prior to their incorporation into the Naashoibito Formation, thus indicating the maximum age of deposition.
The study involved the analysis of 1,046 feldspar crystals from the Naashoibito Formation, which is home to two dinosaur species. Findings revealed that the sandstone located within 5 meters (approximately 16 feet) of the Naashoibito Formation’s lower boundary is younger than 66.9 million years, while layers about 3.5 meters (11 feet) up indicate ages younger than 66.4 million years. This data implies that the sandstone contained dinosaur fossils that formed roughly 400,000 years before the extinction event.
Following this, researchers measured the orientation of magnetic minerals within the rock using a methodology called magnetostratigraphy. The magnetic orientation of these minerals reflects the state of Earth’s magnetic field at that period. Given the Earth’s magnetic field has reversed numerous times throughout history, these signals can help create a chronological framework of when the deposits were formed.
Researchers aimed to ascertain whether the magnetic minerals were aligned as they are currently (normal polarity) or in an opposite orientation (reverse polarity). They identified one rock layer exhibiting positive polarity at the bottom of the Naashoibito Formation and another layer with reverse polarity at the top. The alignment of these magnetic fields corresponds with established polarity intervals consistent with the feldspar ages. Collectively, this data indicates that the Nashoibito member was formed at the conclusion of the dinosaur era, roughly contemporaneously with the Hell Creek Formation.
Next, the research team sought to determine whether non-avian dinosaurs retained their diversity across different areas of western North America during this era. By employing statistical grouping techniques, they analyzed fossil distributions in various locations throughout the continent to assess environmental similarities and differences. Their findings indicated that temperature, rather than geographical location alone, served as the primary predictor of diversity during extinction events.
The study concluded that a diverse assemblage of Nashoibito dinosaurs coexisted with dinosaurs from the Hell Creek Formation. Previous assumptions that dinosaurs had already begun to decline were based on studies focused on the colder northern regions exhibiting lower diversity. The new results imply that warmer southern climates still supported vibrant dinosaur populations. Altogether, this evidence suggests that dinosaurs remained diverse and thriving as recently as 66 million years ago, reinforcing the notion that their extinction was primarily due to the asteroid impact.
Increased Awareness and Reduced Stigma of Autism and ADHD Linked to Rise in Diagnoses
Ziyad Douglas/Gallo Images/Getty
Recent research sheds light on the factors driving the surge in ADHD and autism diagnoses. A comprehensive study involving 140,000 individuals in Denmark found that those recently diagnosed with ADHD or autism possess fewer genetic variants than those diagnosed a decade ago. This indicates that the broadening of diagnostic criteria may be responsible for the increasing numbers, rather than an overdiagnosis of these conditions.
Over the last 20 years, global autism and ADHD diagnoses have surged, with rates increasing up to tenfold, particularly among girls and adults. This trend could be attributed to heightened awareness, the expansion of diagnostic criteria, and the influence of commercial interests among pharmaceutical firms and diagnostic clinics. Additionally, shifts in environmental factors, such as rising screen time and unverified claims regarding childhood vaccinations and prenatal paracetamol exposure, may have a role.
Genetics is another critical factor influencing these conditions. Research suggests that ADHD and autism are highly heritable, with thousands of common genetic variants identified that slightly increase the likelihood of developing core traits associated with these conditions.
Advances in DNA analysis allow researchers to evaluate a person’s “polygenic risk score” for specific traits. High scores for ADHD or autism are “not diagnostic by themselves,” asserts Dr. Sonya LaBianca at Copenhagen University Hospital. Environmental, cultural, and social factors, as well as rare variants, are not included in these scores. However, due to the stable nature of the population’s DNA over a decade, these scores serve as a benchmark to examine other influences.
LaBianca and her team used genome-wide association studies from 2018 and 2019 to develop polygenic risk scores for ADHD and autism, applying these to the iPSYCH Cohort Study of 140,000 people, of whom over 37,000 were diagnosed with ADHD or autism from 1994 to 2016. The researchers also assessed polygenic risk scores for various mental health disorders, including depression and specific personality traits like risk-taking.
They explored three possible reasons for the increasing rates of ADHD and autism. The first reason suggests that diagnostic thresholds have lowered due to the expansion of diagnostic categories. The second relates to individuals previously diagnosed with other mental health issues now being recognized as neurodivergent. Finally, improved understanding enables the identification of individuals who previously went unnoticed.
Findings indicated that recently diagnosed individuals had significantly lower polygenic risk scores for ADHD and autism compared to earlier diagnoses. Moreover, they also exhibited lower risk scores for other mental health issues and traits related to ADHD, such as impulsivity. This suggests that the current diagnostic practices are now reaching a broader range of individuals, with the primary explanation for rising case numbers being the expansion of diagnostic criteria, according to LaBianca. While increased awareness and diminished stigma may also play a part, there is less data to substantiate this claim.
While this might imply overdiagnosis, LaBianca emphasizes that even those with the lowest polygenic scores still had significantly more risk variants than neurotypical controls. “This supports our finding that we are not overdiagnosing,” she notes. “I would only use the term ‘overdiagnosis’ if diagnosing individuals with similar polygenic levels as the general population.”
Professor Tinka Polderman from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam also posits that the expansion of diagnostic criteria is the main reason for the rising rates of diagnoses. However, she cautions against viewing genetics and environment as completely separate entities. “Polygenic risk scores only provide one piece of the puzzle,” she explains.
“As more individuals seek support for these conditions, we must also consider other risk factors if one has a low genetic predisposition,” LaBianca advises.
Banning Social Media for Under-16s: Transforming Childhoods
Anna Barclay/Getty Images
The UK government is set to implement a ban on social media use for children under 16 by early next year, mirroring a similar policy that took effect in Australia in 2025. This initiative aims to safeguard children’s welfare over corporate profits. However, the effectiveness of this ban is still under scrutiny. How will scientists assess its impact?
As Professor Pete Etchells of Bath Spa University highlights, “There’s no evidence either way.” His team is collaborating with the Australian government to evaluate the repercussions of their national ban while advising the UK government. “This is very new territory,” he adds.
The Wellcome Trust is spearheading research in the UK and is actively involved in the IRL trial based in Bradford. The study includes around 4,000 participants aged 12 to 15 from 10 schools who use an app to monitor their social media habits. Notably, half of these children will face restrictions on social media access. Preliminary findings are expected next year, coinciding with the implementation of the new ban, although Katherine Sebastian from the Wellcome Trust emphasizes that these insights will still inform policy decisions.
This research will enhance existing studies, which often rely on subjective self-reports from children and parents about social media usage. In contrast, this objective approach marks a significant advancement, especially considering that intervention studies are notably scarce. As Etchells notes, “If we’re discussing significant mental health shifts, changes won’t be noticeable overnight.”
Australia’s ban was enacted in December, but its long-term effects are still unfolding. Once a national ban is established, conducting controlled studies becomes increasingly challenging, complicating the assessment of broader social impacts on populations before and after the ban.
For the time being, Sebastian is gearing up for further studies, anticipating some results post-ban. The UK government is expected to introduce this bill in parliament by Christmas, aiming for implementation in early 2027.
The Wellcome Trust is inviting 14 research teams to propose studies on the impact of social media on youth well-being, with plans to fund various approaches to maximize data collection for conclusive results.
Some of these studies will follow existing cohorts, regularly interviewing participants about their mental health before and after the ban. Others may utilize real-time assessments through text messages for immediate feedback. Alternative methods might analyze already collected data, such as hospital admissions or school absenteeism rates.
Although there’s optimism for insights following the ban, Sebastian believes the outcomes may vary. While some positive effects could arise, challenges may also emerge due to the disruption of online support networks.
The long-term impact of this ban may evolve over years, especially as today’s children transition to adulthood without social media exposure. “This is not a finished conversation,” warns Sebastian. “Policies might need reevaluation, shaped continuously by our findings and others.”
Currently, some experts express concern about the UK government’s hesitance to address mental health issues among youth without adequate data. Professor Holly Bear from Oxford University argues that a blanket age ban is a “blunt weapon” and surpasses what current evidence justifies, but acknowledges that Wellcome’s research presents an opportunity to evaluate whether such measures are beneficial, harmful, or inconclusive.
A critical obstacle to effective research and policy implementation could be users circumventing bans. Preliminary reports indicate age verification technology may be fooled by screenshots of video game characters, and VPNs enable users to connect from regions without age restrictions.
A research initiative by the Molly Rose Foundation in Australia revealed that 61% of children aged 12 to 15 had accounts on restricted platforms before the ban took effect, affirming concerns that a similar move in the UK could be a “high-stakes gamble.”
If you or someone you know needs support, contact British Samaritans at 116123 (samaritans.org) or the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (988lifeline.org). For assistance in other countries, visit bit.ly/SuicideHelplines.
In a groundbreaking mouse study by scientists at the Dasman Diabetes Research Institute in Kuwait, rodents following a sucrose-free diet exhibited insulin resistance, gut bacterial imbalances, and early signs of fatty liver disease, all while maintaining similar body weights.
Rashid Ahmad and Fatema Burman have found that a sucrose-free, low-fat diet drastically alters gut microbiota diversity, decreasing beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and increasing pro-inflammatory species like Helicobacter gammanii, Odoribacter splanchnicus, and Alistipes spp. Image credit: Lourdes Alvarez.
“The complete removal of sucrose from a low-fat diet can unexpectedly compromise gut health, triggering inflammation and metabolic issues,” stated Dr. Rashid Ahmad, the study’s lead author.
Dr. Ahmad and colleague Dr. Fatema Burman analyzed the impacts of a low-fat diet devoid of sucrose against a low-fat control diet for two groups of mice over 16 weeks.
Their assessments included glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, metabolic hormone levels, gut microbiota health, and inflammation in the colon and liver.
Mice on the sucrose-free diet experienced impaired glycemic control, increased insulin resistance, gut microbial imbalances, intestinal inflammation, and signs of fatty liver disease, despite comparable body weights to the control group.
“Our findings indicate that eliminating sucrose from a low-fat diet can negatively impact gut microbiota and overall metabolic health,” Dr. Ahmad remarked.
“This research underscores the critical nature of balanced carbohydrate intake for maintaining intestinal and immune system balance.”
The effects of restrictive diets that exclude sugar from low-fat meals have remained unclear until now.
“This study might reshape dietary guidelines to emphasize the importance of a healthy gut microbiome rather than just focusing on carbohydrate reduction,” Dr. Ahmad added.
“These insights could lead to enhanced strategies for preventing and managing metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease, and chronic inflammatory conditions.”
The authors presented their findings on June 13 at the Endo 2026 Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
_____
Rashid Ahmad and Fatema Burman. Sucrose-free low-fat diet induces metabolic dysfunction through dysbiosis and colonic inflammation in mice. Endo 2026 abstract number ORF07-04
As the highly anticipated match between Mexico and South Africa kicked off, an audience of football fans, players from different teams, and a dedicated group of scientists from the USA, South Korea, and Japan watched intently, holding their breath.
For fans, the outcome was everything. For players, it was a matter of competition. However, for the scientists, the focus was entirely on the ball.
The opening match featured the Trionda – a football that underwent months of research and development.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Each World Cup brings a new ball introduced by FIFA, soccer’s governing body. This not only serves as a marketing strategy but also aims to enhance the experience for players, officials, and fans alike.
For instance, the Telstar, launched for the 1970 World Cup, was the first design featuring multi-colored panels, making it easier for viewers with black-and-white TVs to track its movements.
Telstar’s iconic 32-panel design paved the way for classic football aesthetics – Photo Credit: Getty
The Azteca, utilized in the 1986 World Cup, was the first ball made from synthetic materials, enhancing its water resistance and maintaining its weight and shape even in rain.
The Azteca was inspired by the host nation’s rich murals and architecture – Photo Credit: Getty
The Trionda, crafted for this year’s tournament, is arguably the most advanced football to date.
With fewer panels, a rougher texture, and a more cohesive structure compared to its predecessors, the Trionda also includes integrated sensors that transmit real-time data to video assistant referees.
Surprisingly, advancements in technology haven’t drastically altered Trionda’s behavior, which is vital, as noted by John Eric Goff, a physicist from the University of Puget Sound involved in the study of the ball.
“While I crave the marketing buzz and excitement that comes with a new ball, we must ensure that it doesn’t behave unpredictably for players,” Goff explains.
His study corroborates this, showing that while Trionda and its predecessors exhibit different designs, their functional performance remains consistent.
Trionda is poised to transform gameplay experiences at this year’s tournament.
All except one: the Jabulani.
The Jabulani, featured in the 2010 World Cup, gained notoriety for its unpredictable behavior on the pitch. “The Jabulani was excessively smooth, affecting its flight,” Goff notes.
In minimal spin situations, most balls have a predictable trajectory. However, the Jabulani often stalled mid-air, veering off course unexpectedly.
This erratic behavior had significant implications, especially during critical shots on goal, potentially altering the outcome of games and even the tournament itself.
The Jabulani’s unpredictable flight drew complaints from players and goalkeepers alike throughout the tournament – Photo Credit: Getty
The reason behind Jabulani’s instability lay in its aerodynamic properties. With only eight panels and minimal seams, air flowed over the ball’s surface with lesser resistance.
In the absence of spin, these seams created asymmetrical airflow, diverting the ball’s path unpredictably. “It was reminiscent of a beach ball,” Goff remarks.
Despite having only four panels, one would assume the Trionda could share the same fate. However, Goff assures that the longer, deeper, and wider seams in Trionda help maintain a predictable airflow around the ball, reducing turbulence.
The team employed advanced laser scanning techniques to assess the seams, discovering that while the added grooves and microtextures increase resistance, they also enhance overall control.
“This ball’s roughness will add slight resistance on high-speed shots, possibly reducing the distance on corner kicks and free kicks compared to previous World Cup balls,” Goff comments.
Exploring New Frontiers
This leads to an intriguing question: If maintaining consistency is paramount, why design new balls every four years?
What drives the substantial investment (reportedly 3.5 years in development for Trionda) and innovative efforts (with the ball retailing at £130/$170)? Why not simply use a tested ball?
Although Adidas, the official World Cup ball supplier since 1970, did not respond for comment, Goff offers a compelling explanation.
“The aspiration is to discover the perfect sphere. It’s a quest of curiosity: Can we achieve this? Much like the Space Race of the 1960s – the goal is enticing simply because it exists,” he reflects.
“Why aim to decrease the number of panels? Because it’s uncharted territory and a challenge worth pursuing. Let’s see what happens.”
Now that Trionda has made its debut, Goff and his team are eager to monitor its performance throughout the tournament, keen to compare their predictions with real-time action on the field.
A groundbreaking study involving over 4.5 million participants reveals alarming statistics: smokers who switched to vaping post-cessation face more than a 50% increased risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who quit smoking entirely. Nonetheless, the research also emphasizes that using e-cigarettes to aid in quitting is a safer alternative than continued cigarette smoking.
As noted by Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney, Australia, who was not part of the study, “This research contributes to a growing body of evidence indicating that e-cigarettes may not be as low-risk as initially suggested. It’s essential for those attempting to quit smoking to explore safer options, yet effective cessation methods should be prioritized first.”
In the UK, over 40% of smokers are expected to use e-cigarettes in 2024, with 20% of ex-smokers continuing to vape over a year after quitting. Although e-cigarettes are often praised as a cessation tool, research links them to airway inflammation, diminished lung function, and increased cancer risk in animal studies.
To delve deeper into the effects of e-cigarettes, Kim Young Wook and a team from Seoul National University analyzed data from South Korea’s National Health Checkup Program from 2018 to 2023, tracking participants classified as current smokers, short-term quitters, or long-term quitters. Throughout the five-year span, 35,887 individuals developed lung cancer, leading to 12,807 related deaths.
Upon analyzing e-cigarette usage among different participant groups, researchers discovered that ex-smokers who continued to vape exhibited a significantly higher risk of dying from lung cancer compared to non-vapers. “Those who used e-cigarettes after quitting had a 56% elevated risk when compared to individuals who quit smoking completely,” Kim noted.
While the need for extended research is clear, certain studies suggest that e-cigarette chemicals may cause DNA damage, and vaping has been associated with oxidative stress, epigenetic changes, and inflammation in respiratory and oral tissues.
However, Kim’s team emphasizes that causation cannot be definitively established, stressing the necessity for further investigations, particularly involving diverse populations outside South Korea.
Remarkably, it was found that ex-smokers who utilized e-cigarettes had a significantly lower overall mortality risk compared to current smokers, reinforcing the substantial health benefits of quitting smoking altogether.
According to Nicole Lee from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, the study underscores that quitting both smoking and vaping entirely is more effective in preventing lung cancer than merely transitioning to e-cigarettes during the quitting phase. “The implications of this study are crucial for those who have stopped smoking,” she stated.
“Our ongoing recommendation to smokers is that complete cessation is the safest option. However, if quitting is unachievable for some, switching to e-cigarettes is certainly a less harmful alternative compared to continued smoking,” Lee advised.
Lastly, Bernard Stewart, a professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, emphasized the need for further research before implementing public health policies that may introduce additional e-cigarette regulations.
Planetary scientists are examining a lunar meteorite known as North West Africa (NWA) 12593, uncovering crucial evidence of an asteroid impact on the moon dating back 3.5 billion years. This discovery aids in reconstructing the era of catastrophic impacts that significantly shaped the inner solar system.
XRF map of a 7.53 g slice of NWA 12593: Calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) depicting crust location and diversity. Sulfur (S) indicates cracks and surface weathering. Image credit: Crow et al., doi: 10.1130/G54386.1.
The early billions of years in Earth’s history were pivotal, giving rise to life, an atmosphere, and oceans. However, this period remains largely enigmatic, as few rocks survive that chronicle the early history of our planet.
Dynamic geological processes such as erosion, subduction, and burial continually reform surfaces, rendering older rocks increasingly rare.
This ancient era is essential for understanding our origins and the impact of catastrophic events, like asteroid collisions, on early life on Earth.
“The oldest fossil evidence of life on Earth is about 3.5 billion years old, implying that life must have appeared and evolved prior to that,” stated Dr. Carolyn Crowe, a planetary scientist from the University of Colorado Boulder.
“A critical question we explore is what kind of shock record existed when life began?”
“Understanding how life establishes itself and how it emerges is vital. The cycle of these catastrophic events is a key component of this equation.”
Through their analysis of the NWA 12593 meteorite, Dr. Crowe and colleagues identified three distinct impact events.
The first event, radiometrically dated to approximately 3.5 billion years ago, was large enough to transform the moon’s surface into a molten layer akin to a lava flow, leading to the formation of a mineral known as cubic zirconia, which forms only at extremely high temperatures.
“Cubic zirconia is typically synthesized for jewelry but cannot endure the low temperatures found on Earth and the Moon unless its cooling is meticulously controlled in a laboratory,” the researchers explained.
“Nevertheless, we managed to find traces of a cubic zirconia phase in our samples.”
The second impact event is recorded within the meteorite itself.
This event produced a type of rock called breccia, which formed after a smaller impact disrupted the molten layer from the initial event.
“Breccia resembles what you might see if you chipped away at a block of concrete,” Dr. Crowe explained.
“You can observe all these small stones fused together by cement — akin to how meteorites fusion occurs during impacts.”
“The impact led to a variety of rock fragments blending together like a concrete sidewalk.”
Evidence of the third impact is represented by meteorites found on Earth.
A more recent impact likely dislodged chunks of breccia from the Moon, setting them on a trajectory toward our planet.
The timing of the first major impact documented by NWA 12593 aligns with known impacts between Earth and Vesta, the fourth largest asteroid in the asteroid belt.
It is extraordinary for three events of similar age to be recorded, and this new discovery serves as a crucial link to a period when the solar system transitioned from frequent collisions during planet formation to sporadic impacts resulting from asteroid fragmentation.
“Such occurrences are rare, which is why we’re so enthusiastic,” Dr. Crowe remarked.
“It’s uncommon to find three records coinciding like this.”
The study was published in the journal Geology on May 12, 2026.
_____
Carolyn A. Crowe et al. Three pieces of evidence of approximately 3.7 Ga to 3.2 Ga impact events in the inner solar system. Geology published online on May 12, 2026. doi: 10.1130/G54386.1
The extinct Eurasian cave lion (Panthera spelea) and today’s African and Asian lions (Panthera leo) have been analyzed through the genomes of 12 cave lions spanning over 100,000 years. This study reveals that cave lions comprise a distinct evolutionary lineage that diverged approximately 1.7 million years ago, significantly earlier than previously believed.
A cave lion depicted in Chauvet Cave, France.
Lions are among the most prevalent megacarnivores in the fossil record, with remains discovered across four continents: Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The earliest fossils exhibiting distinct lion traits originated in East Africa around 1.9 million years ago, spreading to Syria by 1 million years ago.
These majestic creatures have been recorded in Europe since about 700,000 years ago (in Italy and Britain) and in North America for 300,000 years, possibly reaching southern North America and even parts of South America around 130,000 years ago.
Today, lions are limited to a small population in India and fragmented groups across Africa.
Evidence from skeletal remains, preserved soft tissues, and Pleistocene cave paintings suggests that the extinct late Pleistocene lions in the northern Arctic were morphologically distinct from modern lions, being larger and likely possessing lighter fur.
Despite their prominence in the Holarctic fossil record during the Late Pleistocene, cave lions went extinct approximately 13,000 to 14,000 years ago, marking them as one of the earliest casualties of the megafauna extinction.
At their peak, cave lions were among the most ecologically significant predators in the Northern Hemisphere.
“The cave lion is frequently portrayed as a larger, more robust version of modern lions,” remarked lead author Dr. David Stanton, a lecturer at Cardiff University.
“However, what our genomic analysis reveals is even more astonishing: this lineage has evolved independently for over a million years, accumulating remarkable biological traits.”
Stanton’s analysis utilized 12 cave lion genomes spanning more than 100,000 years. This research shows that modern lions and cave lions are separate evolutionary lineages, each with unique demographic histories and genetic variants. Image credit: Stanton et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.05.007.
The research team examined 12 cave lion genomes collected over 100,000 years across Eurasia and northernmost North America, comparing them with 20 genomes from modern lions in Africa and Southern Asia.
Cave lion DNA was extracted from both dental and skeletal remains, alongside well-preserved soft tissue specimens, including two cave lion cubs from northern Siberia.
Comparing these genomes indicates that cave lions and modern lions represent distinct groups, highlighting a substantial evolutionary divide.
While earlier research indicated a more recent divergence, this study supports a much older separation, approximately 1.7 million years ago.
Interestingly, the research uncovered evidence that the two lineages occasionally interbred during periods of peak glacial expansion, allowing cave lions to migrate into areas inhabited by modern lions.
The Central East Asian cave lions, dating back around 20,000 years, contained 3.2 to 4.4 percent of the ancestors of modern lions, likely stemming from the now-extinct lion population of Southwest Asia.
The authors also identified numerous unique mutations in proteins specific to cave lions, concentrated in genes associated with brain function, vision, the circulatory system, and growth, indicating significant biological adaptations to the harsh Holarctic environment they inhabited.
“Our findings point to the impact of historical climate change on more than just habitat,” stated lead author Professor Rav Dalen, research group leader at the Stockholm Center for Paleogenetics.
“It also influenced migration and created a fleeting window for interbreeding opportunities that would not have been present otherwise.”
The team’s results are published in the journal Cell.
_____
David WG Stanton et al. Paleogenomes reveal evolutionary relationships between modern lions and cave lions. Cell published online on June 3, 2026. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.05.007
Embracing Quantum Physics: A New Perspective on Life
Kamil SD / Alamy
In December 2019, I faced a life-threatening ordeal caused by dental issues. A debilitating toothache escalated into a major health crisis, leading to a week in intensive care. After recovery, I needed answers: Was it personal negligence, sheer bad luck, or a flaw in the U.S. healthcare system? Confused and distressed, I turned to the field that has always offered me profound insights: quantum physics.
Physics, the oldest science, has roots in early astronomy. It provides a robust and objective framework for interpreting our universe. Through meticulous analysis and empirical evidence, physics dissects the world into components and reassembles them into a comprehensible whole. Unlike emotions, physics is impartial—no one escapes the grasp of a black hole. Yet, I’ve always perceived physics as a personal journey.
In my book Entangled States: Life Based on Quantum Physics, I invite readers to embrace this personal connection. I illustrate how viewing the objective through a subjective lens can be transformative.
Consider my dental crisis. After my hospital stay, I grappled with the causes of my condition. Was it my fault for avoiding the dentist? Or was it beyond my control due to my status as a financially strained graduate student? Juggling these contradictory narratives left me more baffled.
A discussion with a physicist specializing in quantum causality brought unexpected clarity. I learned about “quantum switches,” a concept allowing for multiple causal relationships to coexist through superposition. Despite some skepticism, experiments with light particles support this theory. Some researchers propose applying quantum switches in new technologies like quantum computers for enhanced performance.
As a physicist, I recognize that light behaves quite differently from larger, warmer entities like myself. Yet, the notion of a quantum switch, where both “A causes B” and “B causes A” unfold simultaneously, resonated deeply with my dental dilemma.
This perspective brought peace and influenced my choices. I now prioritize dental visits and advocate for improved conditions, including dental insurance, for graduate students.
In Entangled States, I delve into numerous examples that highlight how quantum physics has helped me navigate personal challenges. My experiences as a queer individual, a young immigrant, and a high school teacher intertwine with the lessons I’ve learned from quantum physics, both as an academic and a journalist.
Engaging with the cutting edge of science in the realm of quantum physics has profoundly impacted me. By merging its emotional resonance with objective scientific inquiry, I have enriched my life and grown as an individual. I encourage you to approach quantum concepts not just as abstract phenomena but as potential catalysts for personal reflection.
Diagram of the Chicxulub Asteroid Impact, 66 Million Years Ago
Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library/Getty Images
The catastrophic Chicxulub asteroid impact, which occurred 66 million years ago, released immense energy and took at least 8 million years for the impact site to stabilize, fostering a warm underground ecosystem thriving with microbes.
Hitting what is now Mexico, the Chicxulub asteroid measured approximately 15 kilometers in diameter and triggered significant climatic shifts, resulting in the extinction of about 75% of Earth’s species. All non-avian dinosaurs faced extinction as a nuclear winter enveloped the planet for a minimum of 15 years.
Even the depths of the Earth felt the aftermath. “The Chicxulub impact caused deformation detectable up to 35 kilometers below the Earth’s surface,” explains Annemaire Pickersgill from the University of Glasgow.
This impact melted approximately 10,000 cubic kilometers of rock, and the interaction of molten rock with seawater resulted in hydrothermal systems rich in small pockets of heated water.
Research indicates the asteroid created a hydrothermal environment that extended several kilometers underground, as certain minerals only form in the presence of liquid water and heat. Surprisingly, the durations and extents of these hydrothermal systems appear to have been underestimated.
Previously thought to cool within 2 million years, Pickersgill’s research suggests the cooling process may have taken at least four times longer, providing more time for hydrothermal life to thrive.
“A major uncertainty regarding impact-generated hydrothermal systems like Chicxulub is how long the heat circulates water within the structure,” notes Pickersgill.
To investigate further, the research team drilled one kilometer into the crater, collecting rock cores. By analyzing the potassium decay into argon gas, they determined the age of the samples.
“Our findings showcase a range of ages from the impact event 66 million years ago to around 58 million years ago,” Pickersgill reports. “This implies hydrothermal activity persisted in at least some parts of the Chicxulub structure for 8 million years post-impact.”
Exploring sulfur isotopes in the rock cores indicates that microorganisms inhabited the hydrothermal system and exhibited rapid recovery following the cataclysm.
These findings imply that habitable hydrothermal conditions may have existed in early impact craters on young Earth and potentially on other celestial bodies for much longer than previously recognized.
“This opens up additional avenues for life to develop, evolve, and spread,” Pickersgill emphasizes. “The study bolsters the idea that early life could have established long-term habitats in impact craters, which may also extend to life on other planets characterized by large impact features.”
Chris Kirkland from Curtin University, Perth, Australia, adds that while there isn’t a definitive record of continued hydrothermal activity at Chicxulub, strong evidence suggests the site remained thermally active for millions of years.
“The significant impact doesn’t merely devastate the environment; it also creates long-lived underground systems that facilitate the circulation of hot fluids through fractured rock. These chemically rich environments could offer refuge to microorganisms and provide conducive conditions for the early steps toward life,” he concludes.
Electric vehicles and various clean energy technologies are powered by metal-based batteries known as lithium . The rising demand for lithium has turned lithium mining into a booming industry. This vital resource is predominantly found in volcanic formations called pegmatite . Ongoing research aims to determine the carbon and water consumption in pegmatite mining, but the impact on local water quality remains uncertain.
Mining pegmatites not only yields lithium but also other trace metals like rubidium and cesium. While the environmental effects and potential human toxicity of these trace metals are not well documented, the EPA has associated elevated lithium levels with detrimental health risks, including kidney dysfunction, impaired neurodevelopment, and thyroid issues. Currently, no safe threshold for lithium in drinking water has been established, although the United States Geological Survey suggests a preliminary safe level of 10 micrograms per liter (μg/L).
Researchers at Duke University recently investigated how pegmatite mining affects lithium concentrations in nearby water sources and the duration of these effects post-mining. Their study involved measuring metal concentrations in water downstream of two lithium mines and a connected processing plant. The researchers hypothesized that mining activities could alter the interactions between the rock and surrounding water, thereby influencing lithium levels.
The team collected 99 water samples from surface streams and 93 samples from groundwater wells in a 40-kilometer (25-mile) stretch along the South Carolina-North Carolina border, particularly near the Kings Mountain and Holman Beam lithium mines. They compared 51 surface water samples collected upstream of the mines to 48 samples taken downstream that were influenced by mining activities.
Using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer , the researchers measured lithium alongside trace elements such as rubidium, cesium, arsenic, and strontium. Their findings revealed that lithium concentrations in surface water skyrocketed from baseline levels of 0.2 μg/L to between 785 and 1,249 μg/L within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of mines. Groundwater wells showed lithium levels between 4,500 and 47,000 μg/L in mining areas, contrasted with unaffected downstream wells measuring between 0.5 and 890 μg/L.
The research suggested that the lithium found in groundwater downstream was primarily due to natural interactions between pegmatite rocks and water rather than direct mining activities. This was evidenced by rising lithium levels in groundwater following rainfall, which intensified water-rock interactions.
Moreover, the team analyzed ions such as calcium, sulfate, and chloride using an ion chromatograph . They observed spikes in calcium and sulfate concentrations in surface waters within 10 kilometers downstream of the processing facility, measuring 50 to 120 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of calcium and 100 to 300 mg/L of sulfate. In comparison, background surface waters contained only 5 to 20 mg/L of calcium and 3 to 10 mg/L of sulfate. These ions are by-products of pegmatite processing and arise from waste composed of calcium sulfate or plaster .
The researchers highlighted that active mining ceased at this site around three decades ago, and the lithium levels documented reflect a long-term release from dormant mining operations and waste. Historical data indicates that during its active years, the mine may have discharged 10 to 30 times more trace metals than currently recorded.
Ultimately, the researchers concluded that processing pegmatite has a more significant impact on downstream metal and ion concentrations than mining activities themselves. As lithium mining expands, further research is essential to explore lithium toxicity and the implications of co-occurring metals like rubidium and cesium. There is also a pressing need to develop strategies to mitigate trace metals and dissolved gypsum from infiltrating water systems.
During the winter of 2013-2014, shifts in the jet stream led to the emergence of a significant warm water mass dubbed the “blob,” which extended over 1,500 kilometers across the North Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon was detected by floating instruments anchored to the ocean floor off the coastlines of Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, alerting scientists and the fishing industry to water temperatures exceeding normal levels by up to 4 degrees Celsius.
These instruments are part of the Ocean Observing Initiative (OOI), which comprised five moorings along the West coast of the United States, as well as off the East coast and in Greenland. The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a substantial $220 million investment in 2023, emphasizing the necessity of the OOI for monitoring “Earth’s vital organs.” However, recent announcements from the NSF indicated plans to dismantle most of these arrays due to funding reductions initiated by the previous administration.
Between 2015 and 2016, sensors attached to the OOI mooring wire identified the warm water mass, with temperatures rising significantly influenced by global-warming events, particularly El Niño. This data revealed that occurrences of the blob happened again in 2019 and may be becoming more frequent due to climate change, which has been associated with toxic algae blooms affecting fisheries, such as the $60 million loss from California’s Dungeness crab fishery.
The removal of OOI moorings jeopardizes not only weather forecasts, including precipitation predictions which affect drought conditions in the western U.S., but also the ability to monitor key elements like the Atlantic Meridional Circulation (AMOC), crucial for maintaining Europe’s temperate climate and assessing El Niño impacts.
“We’re flying blind, which ultimately results in greater costs,” states John Abraham from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Operating the OOI costs approximately $56 million annually, while U.S. commercial fisheries, relying heavily on OOI data, generate billions of dollars annually. Weather-related disasters have historically caused damages reaching $183 billion, further emphasizing the importance of accurate data.
Without access to the OOI data, fishing fleets will struggle to determine which areas will be less affected by El Niño events. This upcoming El Niño is predicted by some models to be among the strongest on record. Oyster, clam, and shellfish farms would find it challenging to prepare for diminished temperatures and nutrients caused by El Niño, while scientists would lose sight of significant impacts on marine ecosystems, including the formation of low-oxygen “dead zones.”
“The timing couldn’t be worse,” lamented Hilary Palewski from Boston University, stressing the critical function of OOI in marine research.
Satellites cannot penetrate the ocean’s surface, making data from submerged floats, gliders, and tethered vessels vital for understanding the Earth’s ocean-covered regions, which account for about 70%. These instruments primarily measure temperature, salinity, and flow, but the OOI moorings also assess pH, oxygen, and CO2 levels—essential for comprehending oceanic biology and chemistry, particularly in remote, monitored regions where water mass movements influence climate.
The loss of these sensor networks will also pose challenges globally, especially concerning AMOC observability. The OOI array located in the Irminger Sea, east of Greenland, is part of the OSNAP initiative—a network of gliders and moorings stretching from Canada to Scotland, monitoring the warm saltwater flow, pivotal for the AMOC. A breakdown in this system could result in Europe experiencing severe winter conditions and disrupt essential monsoon rains vital for agriculture in Africa and Asia.
“OSNAP has revealed that most actual capsize events occur east of Greenland, making the Irminger Sea crucial for understanding variability,” notes Femke de Jong from the Royal Netherlands Marine Institute.
Palewski added that dismantling OOI will leave a significant data gap that could hinder future understanding of the AMOC, even if replacement is pursued later.
Scientists are concerned that the dismantling of OOI may herald a drastic reduction in U.S. ocean research funding, risking initiatives like OSNAP and potentially jeopardizing the Argo project, which comprises around 4,000 drifting instrument floats, over half of which are managed by the U.S.
In a statement to New Scientist, the NSF mentioned that the OOI’s removal is aimed at “prioritizing support for evolving scientific priorities.” However, this is contingent on political agendas, with experts like Gretchen Goldman of the Union of Concerned Scientists condemning it as an “attack on science,” amid proposals to cut thousands of research grants and reduce the NSF budget significantly.
This week, new regulations proposed by the administration seek to eliminate peer reviews for research funding applications and empower political appointees rather than independent experts to determine the fate of federally funded studies. Additionally, bans on international cooperation and studies on gender and diversity are planned.
Edward Deaver, a professor at Oregon State University managing the OOI array, emphasizes that both the dismantling of OOI and the proposed grant rule changes constitute sweeping reforms that threaten to undermine peer review and politicize NSF-funded research.
A recent study indicated that dismantling even a fraction of the Global Ocean Observing System, which includes the OOI and Argo floats, could inflate errors in annual ocean heating rates by 33%. This is akin to predicting an unemployment rate of 3% with an imprecise range of 2% to 4%, according to Abraham, a member of the research team.
“This is a calculated move to silence our monitoring of the ocean,” he asserts regarding the OOI dismantling. “If we don’t measure, how can we identify problems?”
While parenthood can disrupt date nights, not all is lost in love.
Credit: Elena Odariva / Alamy
Feeling exhausted from caring for a newborn makes it seem like there’s little time for love. New research indicates that couples tend to feel less love for their partners in the first year of parenting. Fortunately, there are steps to rekindle that connection.
Previous studies demonstrate that relationship satisfaction often declines in the two years following childbirth, with pre-pregnancy conditions frequently overlooked. Dr. Agnieszka Sorokowska, a researcher at the University of Wroclaw in Poland, sought to explore these shifts in relationships.
Sorokowska and her team studied approximately 300 childless heterosexual couples, each in committed relationships for at least two years. Participants were surveyed every six months for two years, rating their feelings of love and commitment on a scale from 0 to 6.
After examining the data from 71 couples who welcomed children during the study, researchers found that while pregnancy itself had no adverse effects, there was a noticeable decline in feelings of attachment and commitment within the first year post-birth. Couples who remained childless did not experience similar changes.
At the recent Love, Practical and Theoretical conference in Edinburgh, Sorokowska announced intentions to follow these couples until their children reach adulthood to investigate potential long-term impacts. However, past research indicates that relationship satisfaction generally improves over time, showing a steep decline followed by gradual recovery after the initial years.
Dr. Valentina Rausch-Anderegg, an independent psychologist based in Zurich, affirms that new parents may experience significant distress as a result of these early relationship changes. “Not all couples will need therapy,” she notes, “but many will notice shifts in their interactions.”
Factors such as physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy, along with overwhelming childcare responsibilities, often contribute to this dynamic. “Even simple moments, like watching Netflix or taking walks together, can feel impossible,” Rausch-Anderegg explains.
To mitigate these challenges and rediscover the romance, she encourages couples to reach out to friends and family for support and to openly discuss their concerns. “Clearly communicate your vision for parenting. Identify what aspects of your relationship are essential, even after having children—be it an annual hike or dedicating a weekly 20 minutes to reconnect with your partner.”
The 27 degrees east meridian divides the Earth into two equally reflective halves.
Planetary Visions Limited/Science Photo Library
A significant line traversing Africa, Europe, Alaska, and the poles creates a division in the Earth that reflects equal amounts of light. This symmetry could have a vital influence on Earth’s climate system.
Research shows that the northern and southern hemispheres exhibit nearly equal albedo, with findings from Jiang Hao and colleagues from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealing an additional line of symmetry at 27 degrees east longitude and 153 degrees west longitude.
The hemispheres defined by this line demonstrate equality in three aspects: clear sky albedo, cloud reflectance, and ice-free ocean coverage. This symmetry has been consistent throughout 25 years of satellite data analyzed by Zhang et al.
Initially, Zhang suspected this symmetry might be coincidental. “Three factors led me to believe that East-West symmetry is significant: its uniqueness, its long-term persistence, and its triple symmetry nature,” he states. “Finding a stable, unique east-west split that balances land and ocean distribution alongside clear and cloudy sky reflectivity is no small feat, especially considering the dynamic nature of clouds.”
Analysis of 25 years of satellite data shows that while the east-west symmetry centers around 27 degrees east, its exact position shifts slightly year to year. Researchers have linked these minor fluctuations to the phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a global climate phenomenon tied to changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures.
“This symmetry could be more than just geometric happenstance,” says Zhang. “It may be involved in significant climate change mechanisms. ENSO could serve as a substantial adjustment factor that helps sustain long-term east-west symmetry centered at 27 degrees east.”
According to Ovind Hodnebrok from the International Center for Climate Research in Oslo, Norway, who was not part of the study, there were initial doubts regarding these findings.
“I was initially skeptical about the east-west symmetry at approximately 27 degrees east longitude. It seems intuitively less clear than the equatorial separation, leading me to suspect it could be coincidental,” Hodnebrok notes.
However, he now agrees that it may represent a “robust feature and potentially an intriguing characteristic of Earth.”
Hodnebrok also highlights the importance of ENSO connections. Unlike the north-south symmetry, which is reportedly weakening due to climate change impacts on sea ice and cloud formation, the east-west symmetry remains stable—though models suggest it could weaken over time, potentially indicating shifts in atmospheric circulation.
Martin Uecker and researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney assert that the east-west symmetry might simply be coincidental.
“Weather patterns and climate easily interact across longitudes due to the Earth’s rotation, which creates easterly and westerly wind bands that orbit the planet, facilitating east-west atmospheric perturbation propagation,” Uecker explains.
Zhang notes that mechanisms maintaining east-west symmetry could have significant implications for geoengineering initiatives. For instance, attempts to enhance albedo in one hemisphere might be undermined by broader feedback loops.
“To confidently assert claims about geoengineering effects, we must deepen our understanding of how clouds, circulation, precipitation, and planetary reflectivity interact within the Earth system,” Chan states.
On Saturday afternoon, a high-speed meteor impacted Massachusetts, causing a significant ground shaking and a powerful shockwave that was felt across the state.
Subscribe to read this story without ads
Enjoy unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
According to NASA, the bright meteor fireball streaked over Massachusetts at a staggering speed of 75,000 mph at precisely 2:06 p.m., unleashing energy equivalent to around 300 tons of TNT as it disintegrated.
NASA indicated that the debris was first detected at an altitude of 40 miles over northeastern Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire, as stated in their public report.
NASA also confirmed that the fireball event was unrelated to any ongoing meteor shower, clarifying it as “a natural object” rather than the re-entry of space debris or satellite material.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported that public safety officials received numerous accounts of “thuds” and ground vibrations in the eastern region. However, they confirmed there were no emergency calls to police or fire services regarding the incident.
According to the United States Geological Survey, this event was identified as a “widely felt sonic boom from a suspected fireball.”
The research report clarified, “In contrast to earthquakes, which are localized events, sonic boom phenomena traverse a straight path through the atmosphere.”
The USGS determined there were no seismic activities or related disturbances affecting the ground during this event.
A scene from “Mirror” by Alexander Whitley Dance Company
Credit: Oskein
While traditional ballet featuring tutus and pointe shoes remains my favorite theater experience, I recently attended an engaging contemporary production at Sadler’s Wells East in London.
The performance, Mirror,
presented by the acclaimed Alexander Whitley Dance Company, is scheduled for another showing at the Royal Opera House on June 4. This innovative work draws inspiration from the thought-provoking book AI Mirror by Professor Shannon Valler, who explores the complex ethics surrounding data and artificial intelligence. Valler emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between viewing AI as a replacement for human agency and recognizing its potential existential threats.
As a science journalist, I appreciate the nuanced approach Valler takes in her writing; however, I found the same balance lacking in the choreography. The production’s captivating and slightly unsettling choreography and direction powerfully illustrate how our increasing interactions with AI and technology are shaping and distorting human relationships. I encourage you to experience it for yourself and form your own opinion.
Flames and smoke rise from an oil storage facility during the March 7 attack in Iran.
Image credit: Alireza Sotakbar/ISNA/AP/Alamy
Israeli airstrikes on oil facilities in Tehran on March 7 released an unprecedented amount of sulfur dioxide, equivalent to a small volcanic eruption. This alarming event has the potential to affect air quality and cause acid rain as far away as China.
In a coordinated effort between the US and Israel, fighter jets targeted oil facilities, igniting massive fires at various depots and refineries. Firestorms illuminated the night sky while soot-laden rain fell for days, causing health hazards, including eye and skin irritation among residents.
Recent data from advanced Chinese satellites indicates that the sulfur dioxide plumes from these explosions and fires spread over an area of about 300,000 square kilometers, passing over several countries including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China.
The rapid attack led to a surge in emissions, releasing a total of 29,800 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, as reported by Yin Jianping from Wuhan University. For context, this volume is significantly higher than the 20,000 tons of sulfur dioxide expelled daily by Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano during its 2010 eruption, which caused widespread disruptions in air travel.
Measurements from satellites indicated that sulfur dioxide levels reached concentrations that can hinder lung function, irritate the eyes and throat, and exacerbate asthma and bronchitis, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
The brief emissions event underscores the need to consider the long-term impact of such occurrences, as contaminants can deposit on water sources and agricultural land, leading to potential health risks from contaminated drinking water and food.
Sulfur dioxide can react with atmospheric chemicals to form sulfuric acid, contributing to smog and acid rain. Historical events like the Great Smog of 1952, which saw an estimated 12,000 deaths in London, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of such pollution.
The sulfur dioxide produced by the attacks is reported to be 20 times greater than the annual emissions from some coal-fired power plants in developed countries, illustrating the severity of the situation.
In addition to sulfur dioxide, the destruction of oil facilities released soot and heavy metals into the environment. According to Lucy Carpenter from the University of York, the substantial sulfur dioxide emissions suggest the plume also contained harmful levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which have been linked to cancer.
“The significant release of sulfur dioxide from a single incident has serious implications for human health… across vast distances,” Carpenter stated.
The pollutants carried by wind can linger in the atmosphere for several days. The study’s ability to track the plume’s journey over such a large area was impressive, shedding light on the potential for far-reaching health impacts.
Although the plume lasted only three days—possibly insufficient for long-term cancer risk—satellite data is crucial for assessing pollution levels in the atmosphere. Carpenter warns that these pollutants can trigger asthma attacks, strokes, and heart attacks, especially among vulnerable groups.
The Fengyun-3 satellite constellation utilized in this research could provide real-time atmospheric data on sulfur dioxide and other critical pollutants, enhancing disaster response capabilities, Yin asserted. “Satellite observations can significantly improve pollution assessments and offer early warnings to affected areas.”
The emergence of land plants around 450 million years ago significantly influenced Earth’s geological processes, particularly weathering and erosion. While earlier scientists speculated that plants might have caused straight rivers to meander—due to a lack of evidence showing naturally meandering rivers—recent studies have challenged this perspective. Researchers now propose that vegetation altered rivers without leading to their meandering.
To investigate how vegetation affected ancient rivers, researchers analyzed 49 modern meandering rivers. They categorized these rivers into three distinct types: vegetated, non-vegetated, and semi-vegetated. Their study revealed 18 vegetated rivers in South America, 24 non-vegetated rivers in the western United States, and seven semi-vegetated rivers in areas of China and the eastern United States.
To evaluate the influence of vegetation on curvature, the researchers quantified the degree of each river’s bends. They determined the curves by using the opposite bank of each bend to establish a center point and then drew equidistant lines along the river’s path. This method enabled them to calculate the angle between the curves and the central point, termed the transition angle. This angle illustrates the river bend’s relationship to its downstream direction, providing insights into how vegetation impacts the vertical or horizontal development of the river and the steepness of its bends.
The researchers analyzed the migration angles of each river to assess differences in bends between vegetated and non-vegetated systems. Their findings indicated that vegetated rivers tended to deposit sediment within bends, promoting wider and more horizontally developed curves over time. In contrast, non-vegetated rivers deposited sediment downstream, resulting in fewer bends and more variation in bend widths.
A key question remained: were these differences mainly due to vegetation or influenced by other factors? To address this, the researchers explored three additional variables. The first was the natural variation in water flow across river systems, known as flow rate fluctuation. They found that during storms, flow fluctuations shifted bends downstream in non-vegetated rivers but had no effect on vegetated ones, suggesting that while flow fluctuations can influence vegetation, they don’t necessarily lead to downstream migration.
The second variable analyzed was the river’s sediment capacity or sediment flux. The study concluded that rivers carrying more sediment did erode their banks more, influencing bends. However, rivers with similar vegetation cover and higher sediment levels demonstrated statistically similar tortuosity angles, indicating that sediment flow alone doesn’t drive bend development; instead, that changes are contingent upon vegetation cover.
The final variable studied was the strength of riverbanks. Researchers noted differences between strong banks made of rocks and compact sediments versus weak banks of loose sediment. Findings showed no significant differences in bends among rivers with varying bank strengths but similar vegetation, ruling out bank strength as a primary factor influencing bend movement.
Among the four examined variables—flow variability, sediment flux, bank strength, and vegetation cover—vegetation cover emerged as having the most substantial impact on the characteristics of meandering rivers. The researchers speculated that while winding rivers may have existed prior to the advent of plants, their appearance would have been markedly different. Like today’s non-vegetated rivers, ancient meandering rivers likely had gentler bends. As plants evolved and established themselves along riverbanks, the bends transformed to resemble modern vegetated rivers. This understanding could shed light on life on Earth 450 million years before the evolution of land plants.
Recent research from the University of Oxford and the University of Reading reveals that bipedalism and increased brain size are key factors contributing to the notable predominance of right-handedness in humans.
Reconstruction of Homo erectus.
According to Thomas Püschel, a researcher at the University of Oxford, “Approximately 90% of individuals globally show a preference for using their right hand.”
“Some researchers propose that this trend has existed since the Neolithic period, while others suggest it has been constant throughout human history,” he adds.
The research highlights that the pronounced lateralization of hand use in humans results in rare occurrences of ambiguous hand preferences or forms of ambidexterity, a stark contrast to findings in other primate species.
Despite some level of hand lateralization in certain primate groups, the consistent handedness seen in humans stands out as a remarkable evolutionary phenomenon that remains largely unexplained.
The study analyzed data from 2,025 individuals representing 41 different monkey and ape species.
Employing Bayesian modeling, the researchers explored evolutionary relationships across species to examine existing hypotheses regarding handedness evolution, including aspects like tool use, diet, habitat, body weight, social structures, brain size, and locomotion.
Interestingly, humans deviated from typical primate patterns, a difference that disappeared when brain size and the relative limb lengths—key indicators of bipedalism—were involved in the model.
Essentially, the upright walking and larger brains of humans clarify our evolution and no longer categorize us as anomalies.
The researchers also estimated the likely handedness of our extinct ancestors, indicating a gradual shift: Ardipithecus and Australopithecus likely exhibited a mild right-handed preference akin to modern great apes.
However, the emergence of the Homo genus, including species such as Homo ergaster, Homo erectus, and Neanderthals, marked a significant increase in right-handedness, peaking in modern Homo sapiens.
A notable exception is Homo floresiensis, a small-brained species from Indonesia, which exhibited a much weaker handedness tendency, aligning with their unique adaptations for a mix of bipedalism and climbing.
The research team posits a two-step evolutionary narrative.
Initially, upright walking liberated human hands from locomotion tasks, introducing new selective pressures for fine manual movements.
As larger brains developed and reorganized, the inclination toward right-handedness strengthened, resulting in the nearly universal pattern observed today.
“This groundbreaking study is the first to assess several major hypotheses concerning human handedness within a unified framework,” remarked Dr. Püschel.
“Our findings indicate that our distinct handedness is likely connected to the evolution of crucial human traits, particularly bipedalism and larger brain size.”
“By examining multiple primate species, we can distinguish which aspects of handedness have remained consistent over time versus those that are unique to humans.”
For the full study, refer to the article published in PLoS Biologyhere.
_____
Püschel, T. et al. 2026. Bipedalism and brain enlargement explain human handedness. PLoS Biol 24 (4): e3003771; doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003771
Princeton University Press (US, May 26; UK, July 28)
Industrial farming often invokes grim scenarios of livestock crammed in warehouse-like settings, recipient of antibiotics, and suffering neglect. However, the plight of bees has now risen to similar levels of concern.
In Bitter Honey: Big Ag’s Threat to Honeybees and the Fight to Save Them, environmental writer and social scientist Jenny Durant uncovers the industrialization of honeybee colonies in the U.S., revealing their harsh realities—such as being stored in cold storage and fed sugar syrup and protein bars. Each year, around 3 million bee colonies travel the country on rented trucks for crop pollination, many teetering on the brink of collapse and necessitating frequent replacements. This alarming trend poses significant risks to our food systems, but Durant emphasizes that there is still hope.
Humans have managed honeybees for over 8,000 years. Ancient Spanish cave paintings depict the act of honey collection, while Indigenous peoples noted that honeybees often preceded settlers, referring to them as “white man’s flies.”
Presently, honeybees in the U.S. are emerging as competitors to native bee species, potentially increasing their populations fiftyfold without the competition for nectar and pollen.
Beekeepers prepare honeybees to be transported across the U.S. as key pollinators.
Jenny Durant
With the advent of artificial hives in the 19th century, bees have been transformed into domesticated creatures. Yet, a combination of excessive pesticide use, monocrop farming, and various pathogens has led to the loss of over a third of U.S. honeybee colonies since the mid-2000s. Instead of addressing these core issues, beekeepers became “pesticide springboards,” as Durant describes, further exacerbating the plight of these colonies.
Durant contends that beekeepers should not shoulder all the blame. The influx of cheap and adulterated honey from abroad during the 1990s forced many beekeepers to pivot toward offering pollination services for survival. Drawing from her extensive fieldwork with commercial beekeepers, Durant provides a unique insight into their lives and the challenges they face.
Many of these families have operated in this field for generations, demonstrating a deep care for the bees. For instance, one beekeeper would traverse miles searching for lost hives and could discern the health of a hive just by the sounds its inhabitants make. It was heartbreaking to learn of one individual who lost half his hive to a toxic pesticide application conducted by his farm’s pest management advisor.
The principal challenge facing the honeybee population, according to Durant, originates from the almond farming sector. With honey prices becoming unviable, beekeepers shifted their focus to California’s lucrative almond industry, which boasts a staggering annual export value of $4 billion. Each February, approximately 99% of U.S. honeybees are transported to California to pollinate almond trees. Yet, like previous industrialized crops, this monoculture system prioritizes yield and profit over biodiversity and ecological health.
Moreover, the fossil fuels powering the global food system further strain bee populations. Strategies like storing bees in massive refrigeration units are merely temporary fixes to counter unpredictable weather patterns and seasonal variations.
While Durant presents a rather grim outlook, she also provides potential solutions in the latter portion of her book. These include innovative tree planting initiatives, regenerative agricultural practices, and rewilding efforts. There exists space for wildflower growth beneath long stretches of almond trees or solar panels, and employing managed burns grounded in Native American land management traditions can help restore grasslands. Such measures could significantly bolster the chances for bees and their native counterparts.
Nevertheless, the successful implementation of these strategies relies heavily on government investment and overcoming the economic constraints faced by farmers. At times, Durant delves into intricate state-level environmental policies, providing insight into the complex and frustrating nature of reforming harmful practices.
Numerous environmental issues, such as climate change and water scarcity, possess straightforward remedies. Yet, these solutions often struggle to gain traction due to outdated economic systems. Many share in this predicament, much like how I currently have a pack of cheap almonds—grown in the U.S., processed in Germany, and sold in the UK—on my desk. Durant advocates for a reconnection with nature among gardeners and farmers, yet does not appear intent on vehemently challenging the status quo.
One “rebel gardener,” introduced by Durant, transformed a barren lawn into a thriving ecosystem. This anecdote illustrates that individual efforts can contribute to biodiversity, even in the face of opposition from neighbors adhering strictly to monoculture. Such personal spaces foster new relationships with living organisms, revealing their shared existence with humans.
Observing how bees choose which flowers to visit and pass on crucial knowledge to fellow hive members accentuates their intrinsic value—not merely as pollinators, but as living beings. This kinship fosters a stronger motivation for action than the distressing statistics of bee die-offs that often go unheeded. When combined with Durant’s inquiries about the ideal future of our landscapes and food systems, the need for change becomes undeniable.
She states, “Let’s plant flowers. Let’s minimize pesticides. Let’s share the land.” “Let’s nurture relationships with living beings,” she adds.
Are bees intelligent and capable of basic emotions and consciousness? Whether you agree or disagree with Chitka’s findings, he prompts readers to reconsider how bees perceive their reality and the remarkable complexity of hive life.
Donna Haraway presents a balanced view of our environmental challenges, urging readers not to succumb to despair or blind optimism. Instead, she advocates for nurturing complex relationships with all life forms.
The inspiring narrative of how the Knepp Estate in southern England transformed from barren land to a vibrant ecosystem provides valuable insights. While not everyone has vast land holdings, this book is rich in practical advice.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assures residents that most properties cleared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers show no dangerous levels of lead. This conclusion comes after soil testing was conducted on approximately 1% of homes affected by the Eaton Fire. However, skepticism remains from an independent scientist.
Subscribe to read this story without ads
Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
The Eaton Fire of January 2025 resulted in significant destruction, impacting approximately 9,400 homes in the Altadena area and releasing harmful substances like lead, arsenic, and asbestos into the air. Lead exposure is particularly concerning due to its neurotoxic effects and potential developmental risks for children.
Post-inspection of 100 randomly selected residences by the EPA revealed that only five homes exceeded established lead safety standards. However, 17 parcels reported levels above California’s stricter regulations. The EPA report indicated that the median lead concentrations across all assessed sites remained well below both state and federal safety thresholds. The EPA news release was issued Tuesday.
This data should instill confidence in residents regarding the remediation efforts by the Corps to manage fire-related contaminants, especially lead, noted Michael Montgomery, director of EPA’s Region 9 Superfund and Emergency Management Division. “The Corps effectively removed ash, debris, and the contaminated soil beneath these materials,” he added.
Montgomery expressed belief that the findings are representative of the entire affected burn zone.
“I am 95% confident that the areas addressed in Altadena and Pasadena are below both California and federal lead inspection thresholds,” he affirmed.
The trauma of contamination fears loomed large over Altadena, where many lots were blanketed in soot and ash from the Eaton Fire, particularly concerning given the older homes — many constructed before lead was eliminated from building materials. While the Army Corps removed about two-thirds of the debris from affected sites, soil testing was not conducted as part of the cleanup effort, raising concerns among residents about lingering contamination risks.
Since soil testing was not mandated during cleanup efforts, academic scientists from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health have initiated their own testing in the area, resulting in concerns due to mixed results.
Andrew Welton, a professor specializing in civil, environmental, and ecological engineering at Purdue University, has critiqued the EPA’s assessment as inconclusive. He noted that the methodology employed was aimed at measuring average risks, not pinpointing higher-risk areas.
Welton emphasized, “The results they obtained are not representative of the Eaton fire area,” adding that the sample collection methods were not aligned with existing data that Californians and businesses expect regarding property safety.
Critics have raised alarms about the debris removal process, where the Army Corps was reported to have inconsistently and hastily removed debris, with whistleblowers suggesting the quantity of leftover debris was higher compared to past wildfire responses. Concerns remain regarding the ongoing risk of contamination for residents.
“It’s so incomplete,” one whistleblower remarked.
Montgomery shared that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requested the EPA to perform testing in light of the concerns voiced by residents and officials, a protocol not typically followed in past wildfire incidents.
The EPA’s study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of contamination levels throughout the Eaton burn area. Properties were selected randomly, and inspections were conducted at accessible locations with resident consent.
For each site, soil samples were collected from two distinct depths at 30 specified locations within the “ash footprint” designated for debris removal.
These samples were then pooled to form two composite samples—one at ground level and another six inches below.
The findings revealed that median lead concentrations in surface soils measured at 31 milligrams per kilogram, significantly below the California threshold of 80 mg/kg and the EPA’s level of 200 mg/kg. The below-surface concentration averaged 43 mg/kg.
EPA findings indicated that five surface samples surpassed the federal testing standards, with one sample showing a lead concentration of 705 mg/kg.
Welton expressed concerns that the EPA’s approach of pooling samples could obscure contamination hotspots at specific locations within the impacted area.
Based on prior evidence in California, “hotspots” often occur post-debris removal, where contractors may have left ash and debris intact. Even properties that pass this average test might still harbor lead levels that exceed state guidelines.
Welton also noted that the EPA’s testing was limited to the volcanic ash footprint and did not account for unassessed areas of the property.
He pointed out that the most contaminated sites, averaging 705 mg/kg of lead, raise significant concerns, as levels above 1,000 mg/kg are classified as hazardous and necessitate disposal in specialized landfills.
“That means the entire property is warmer,” Welton concluded. “There could be areas with even higher contamination levels.”
Humans inadvertently impact their environment with every muscle movement they make.
As climate change persists, our lifestyles—including diets, transportation, and comfort choices—are facing increasing scrutiny, particularly as the human population continues to grow. Recently, our online behaviors have also come under examination.
The rise of AI has highlighted the substantial energy and water demands of digital technologies.
A 2026 report predicts that global AI usage, especially the data centers that support it, will produce CO2 emissions comparable to that of New York City within a year.
Moreover, estimates suggest that every 5 to 50 queries to ChatGPT requires 0.5 liters of water (about 1/10th of a gallon) to cool its servers.
But how does AI usage contrast with other online activities, such as streaming movies or scrolling through social media?
Global AI usage is estimated to emit CO₂ equivalent to that of New York City within a year – Photo credit: Getty
Comparing one technology to another or one platform to another can be challenging, but some analysts have attempted to do so.
For instance, AI and tech writer Andy Masley calculated that the average ChatGPT query emits 0.28g of CO2. This is roughly equal to streaming video for 35 seconds, uploading nine photos to social media, or using a laptop for one minute.
It’s important to note that assessing the total environmental impact of AI is complicated due to the extensive resources needed for model training, making precise calculations challenging.
A simpler way to gauge the environmental costs of online activities is by examining the amount of data consumed at any given moment.
For example, reading a text post on LinkedIn utilizes less data than watching a video on TikTok. Similarly, a text query to an AI chatbot consumes much less data compared to generating an AI text-to-video request.
Cloud-based gaming is among the biggest online culprits, requiring gaming servers to operate continuously.
However, a 2025 report from the carbon accounting firm Greenly indicates that physical video games are 100 times more carbon-intensive than online streaming, due to the manufacturing of discs and packaging, product distribution, and their eventual disposal in landfills or incinerators.
Cloud-based gaming can be one of the most environmentally harmful activities online, requiring servers to run continuously – Photo credit: Getty
This illustrates a broader truth: our offline activities typically have a significantly greater environmental impact than our online endeavors.
Another analysis from Greenly indicates that an annual subscription to Netflix (based on average viewing time) results in approximately 17 kg of CO2 emissions, roughly equivalent to a 60-mile trip in a gasoline vehicle.
A single flight from London to Berlin generates ten times more emissions per economy passenger. Additionally, consuming just one sirloin steak produces more carbon (20-30 kg depending on size) than a year’s worth of binge-watching Bridgerton.
In summary, if reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, while managing screen time is important, factors such as your purchases, dietary choices, and travel habits have a more significant impact.
This article addresses the question posed by Adeline Cliffe of Lisburn: “What is the worst thing you can do for the planet online?”
If you have any queries, please reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a messageFacebook,Twitter, orInstagramPage (please include your name and location).
Explore our ultimatefun facts and discover more amazing science pages.
Read more:
We may be on the brink of an entire internet collapse, and we might only have a few months to stop it.
‘Our products are sometimes used to kill people’: Inside Palantir, the world’s most alarming AI company.
How malevolent can AI become? Researchers are uncovering its darker possibilities.
Smog Contains Particles That Reflect Sunlight and Cool Earth’s Surface
Credit: Dennis McDonald/Alamy
Addressing air pollution in Europe and North America could inadvertently weaken the Atlantic Meridional Circulation (AMOC), a crucial ocean current influencing Europe’s climate.
Air pollution, including smog and soot, claims approximately 7 million lives annually and contributes to widespread health issues. Interestingly, aerosols, which are tiny particulate pollutants like sulfur dioxide, can reflect sunlight, making clouds brighter and reducing surface heat absorption.
Recent research indicates that reducing air pollution from maritime sources and other sectors could accelerate global temperature increases. “If we cut back on aerosols, we will start to see the extent of warming,” says Michael Diamond from Florida State University.
Historically, scientists’ insights into aerosols’ climatic impact have relied on global simulations akin to those used for examining the greenhouse effect. These models suggest that “higher aerosol levels cool the North Atlantic surface and strengthen the AMOC,” according to Robert Allen from the University of California, Riverside. Conversely, if global aerosol emissions are reduced, the Earth’s surface may warm, weakening the AMOC.
Nonetheless, these simulations often overlook the regional characteristics of air pollution. Unlike greenhouse gases, which linger in the atmosphere for years, most aerosols dissipate within a week, meaning their climatic effects typically manifest close to their source, revealing the complex consequences of pollution reductions.
To gain deeper insights into the impacts of clean air initiatives, Allen and his team employed eight distinct climate models to assess how changes in regional aerosol emissions impact both local and global climates. The models evaluated AMOC strength under high-emission scenarios established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and reformulated these scenarios with enhanced air quality regulations.
The findings indicate that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise but aerosol pollutants decrease, the AMOC could weaken by a third by mid-century compared to scenarios where aerosol levels remain elevated.
While Allen’s research does not delve into the regional weather implications of AMOC weakening, previous studies suggest that such a decline could lead to adverse outcomes, including increased droughts across Europe, exacerbated sea level rise in northeastern North America, and disruption of global monsoons and rising temperatures in Northern Europe.
Allen’s analysis revealed that the most significant impact on AMOC would stem from reduced aerosol levels in Europe and North America. However, he noted that air quality improvement initiatives in East Asia are also proving impactful. Cleaner air in East Asia is affecting global temperatures—despite their short lifespan, aerosols can travel long distances and mask warming effects wherever they reach, potentially leading to further weakening of the AMOC.
“To improve air quality, we must acknowledge that there will be associated climate changes,” Allen states. “To achieve clean air while minimizing our climate impact, we must simultaneously reduce other greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane.”
Diamond echoes this sentiment, stating, “When considering clean air policies, it’s vital to concurrently address decarbonization strategies.”
Topics:
Climate Change/
Air Pollution
This version retains the original HTML structure while enhancing the SEO aspect through targeted keywords and improved readability.
Illustation of CAR T cell therapy for melanoma, a form of skin cancer
Nemeth Laszlo/Shutterstock
Innovative therapies are transforming the treatment landscape for blood and skin cancers, with recent studies highlighting enhanced effectiveness. In murine models with advanced skin cancer, researchers have discovered that manipulating the physical properties of cancer cells amplifies the efficacy of immunotherapy—specifically, CAR T-cell therapy. This promising breakthrough could significantly improve survival rates for patients undergoing immunotherapy.
“This groundbreaking concept addresses a critical medical issue from a physical perspective,” notes Lee Sui from Queen Mary University of London, who is not associated with this research. “The outlook is very hopeful.”
“We examined whether the softness of cancer cells allows them to evade the immune response and how T cell mechanosensing affects the cellular response to cancer,” explains Lee Tan, who presented his findings on May 11 at an academic conference hosted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Biophysical Immunoengineering: From Insights to Clinical Applications conference in London focused on these innovative approaches.
The researchers set out to uncover why cancer cells exhibit softness by contrasting their membranes with those of healthy cells. They discovered that both murine and human cancer cells tend to be softer due to high cholesterol content in their membranes.
The team subsequently injected 24 mice with melanoma cells, notorious for being the deadliest skin cancer. Nine days post-injection, the mice received genetically modified T cells specifically designed to target the tumor, emulating CAR T-cell therapy, which is approved for conditions like acute lymphoblastic leukemia and B-cell lymphoma.
Additionally, the mice underwent three injections over five days of IL-15, a protein that heightens the cancer-killing capacity of tumor-specific T cells.
Crucially, only half of the mice received a third treatment involving methyl beta-cyclodextrin (meβCD), a compound that reduces cholesterol levels in cell membranes, administered directly into the tumors daily from day 9 to day 18 post-cancer cell injection. The other mice received saline as a control.
After roughly one month, all 12 mice that did not receive meβCD succumbed to rapidly-growing tumors. In stark contrast, only seven mice in the meβCD group perished, while five experienced complete tumor resolution. “The results are compelling. Very encouraging,” states Lance Cam from Columbia University, New York.
Further analysis indicated that meβCD enhanced the adherence of tumor-specific T cells to tumor cells by stiffening them. Consequently, T cells were more effective in delivering toxic agents such as perforin, which perforates and obliterates cancer cells.
The research team aims to extend this approach to a broader array of tumors in mice, according to Tang. “The significant challenge lies in ensuring this understanding translates to human applications,” Kam emphasizes. Few successful immune-targeting drugs in mice yield equivalent results in humans, primarily due to immune system disparities. However, since cancer cells tend to be soft in both species, there is potential for therapies that modify cancer cell stiffness to be more effective.
Moreover, researchers are actively working on developing therapeutics with effects akin to meβCD that can be delivered with a single injection.
ALTADENA, Calif. — In response to alarming lead levels, an Altadena mother has initiated chelation therapy for her son. Geochemists are now required to don respirators and full-body suits before entering homes affected by contamination. A filmmaker has invested thousands in testing and remediation on his property, which once served as his home, to address heavy metal contamination—efforts not included in any government cleanup initiative.
Subscribe to read this story without ads
Enjoy unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
Sixteen months post-Eaton Fire, the residents of Altadena are resorting to drastic measures to tackle severe contamination from toxic compounds like arsenic and asbestos affecting their homes and health. This pollution stems from an unprecedented urban firestorm which devastated numerous homes, releasing heavy metals into the air.
Despite efforts to clear charred debris and repair homes, tests indicated dangerously high lead levels—enough to threaten children’s health.
The Eaton fire not only destroyed structures but also left behind significant metal contamination. Evan Bush/NBC News
Jennifer Rochlin, a potter and single mother, shared, “I purchased a lead test from Amazon for $75 and after several tests, I found lead everywhere,” including in her HVAC system. Her insurance provider initially refused to authorize a lead inspection at her home.
Rochlin has relocated twice, incurring costs to replace absorbent household items like mattresses.
The events surrounding the Eaton Fire have resulted in many residents of Altadena, a suburb in northeastern Los Angeles, still not returning home. Nearly two-thirds of residents were adversely affected by the fire, leading to prolonged stays in temporary housing, creating financial burdens for individuals and insurance companies as policies expire.
Uncertainty surrounding the timeline for rebuilding has compelled academics, independent scientists, and community advocacy groups to undertake their own assessments of the contamination. Below is an account of these findings and the conflicts they incite, based on interviews with numerous affected residents, scientists addressing the pollution crisis, debris removal workers, local officials, and insurance representatives.
The shared experiences highlight the inadequacies of existing systems for responding to fire-related disasters, including insurance frameworks, restoration services, local governance, and environmental regulations.
“This was an urban fire, and the contamination we encountered was unlike anything seen in previous events,” stated Dawn Fanning, managing director of the nonprofit Eaton Fire Residents United.
Dawn Fanning, managing director of Eaton Fire Residents United, noted that approximately 70% of residents in smoke-damaged homes have yet to return. Evan Bush/NBC News
California currently lacks safety standards for indoor contamination from various hazardous substances prevalent in Altadena, aside from lead and asbestos. This absence complicates the decision-making process for homeowners and insurers regarding when it is safe to return to their properties. Moreover, testing companies don’t adhere to consistent methodologies. Areas affected by fire were not subjected to soil testing by FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, leaving residents with significant information gaps regarding potential hazards.
Whistleblowers from the Corps involved in the cleanup have expressed concerns that communities may face lingering soil contamination issues.
Both individuals, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, indicated that the cleanup process was rushed and plagued by inconsistencies. One whistleblower noted an alarming amount of debris left behind compared to past wildfire responses.
“This cleanup is subpar. We typically remove everything, going fence to fence, but this time ‘contaminants are still present,’” one individual remarked.
A spokesperson for the Corps stated that the cleanup’s scope, including the criteria for debris removal, was established by FEMA in coordination with California state officials and Los Angeles County.
“The assigned mission encompassed the removal of structural ash and debris, along with soil in the top six inches of the structural foundation,” the spokesperson clarified. “Soil testing was not included in the USACE mission directive from FEMA.”
The Hidden Soil Threat
Altadena embodies the intersection of nature and urban life.
Nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains, this area radiates warm terracotta hues at dusk, with the silhouettes of downtown Los Angeles visible in the distance.
The January 2025 Eaton Fire devastated 9,400 homes and structures, releasing smoke laden with lithium from electric car batteries, arsenic from antiquated wood, and asbestos from insulation. Winds during thefire reached up to 90 mph, propelling the flames.
Alireza Namayande, a National Science Foundation postdoctoral researcher at Stanford, collected smoke samples during the fire within the plume at Pasadena Park. His findings indicated that most particulates were nanoparticles, measuring one-thousandth the width of a human hair—capable of penetrating lungs, bloodstream, and brain.
In 2025, wildfires will severely impact the boreal forest of Manitoba, Canada.
Anadolu (via Getty Images)
The increasing frequency of wildfires across the Arctic is having a more substantial impact on global warming than previously understood. While initial assumptions suggested that primarily recent vegetation was burning, soil core studies reveal that these fires are igniting ancient carbon deposits accumulated for over 5,000 years.
“Soil combustion has the potential to release long-term stored carbon from soil, which was previously considered a carbon sink,” explains Meri Rappel from the Finnish Meteorological Institute in Helsinki. Current climate models neglect the release of this ancient carbon.
In the cold conditions of the Arctic, plant growth is slow, leading to the accumulation of organic matter in the soil as peat and other forms over centuries or even millennia. This factor positions Arctic and adjacent boreal soils as significant carbon sinks, which effectively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
However, increasing wildfire incidents are changing this dynamic. Rappel’s research team has collected soil cores from recently burned areas to study the impact of these fires.
Their findings indicate that while surface vegetation may burn quickly, the underlying organic material smolders for a longer duration, releasing considerable amounts of soot and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Black carbon, a byproduct of these fires, absorbs sunlight, contributing directly to atmospheric warming. Moreover, in colder regions, black carbon can accumulate on ice and snow, accelerating melting processes that would otherwise not occur.
“We discovered that the age of the carbon released during fires varied significantly depending on soil depth and burn intensity,” Rappel stated during the European Geosciences Union Conference in Vienna.
The risk of releasing ancient carbon is particularly high as it tends to increase toward the North Pole, where organic matter accumulates close to the surface. For instance, in Canada’s Northwest Territories, fires are penetrating soil just a few centimeters deep, unleashing carbon stored for up to 400 years.
In Greenland, fires can consume up to 10 centimeters of soil, releasing carbon that is over 560 years old, with some areas experiencing burns of up to 15 centimeters, releasing carbon that has been stored for 1,000 years.
Remarkably, a boreal forest site in Quebec, Canada, has been identified where fires released carbon dating back 5,000 years. “However, this occurrence is not widespread,” said Ruppel at the conference.
The critical question remains: how much ancient carbon is currently being released by wildfires? Rappel emphasizes that this study is merely the starting point, indicating the need for further research to quantify the released carbon.
“Rappel’s work is vital and underscores the urgency,” noted Sandy Harrison from the University of Reading. “It’s evident that substantial old carbon exists in high-latitude soils and peat. As new fire regimes evolve, destroying topsoil layers and peatlands, this ancient carbon will be released into the atmosphere.”
Welcome to New Scientist, your trusted source for the latest in science and technology news. If you have feedback or items that may interest our readers, please reach out via email at feedback@newscientist.com.
Eurovision 2026: Are You Ready?
The highly anticipated 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is fast approaching, with the grand finale set for Saturday, May 16th. Whether you’re a fan or not, get ready for an entertaining spectacle!
Coinciding with this buzz, a comprehensive study published in Royal Society Open Science delves into the rich history of Eurovision. Researchers analyzed data from every contest between 1956 and 2024, totaling 1,763 songs. They categorized entries by various musical attributes, including language, themes, lyrics, and genre, utilizing AI tools for analysis. It’s hard to ignore the auditory implications of such a massive dataset!
The analysis unearthed intriguing insights, revealing that past research identified 12 major themes prevalent in popular songs, such as desire, heartbreak, and pain. However, only 11 themes are reflected in the Eurovision entries, as researchers excluded the theme ‘Jaded’ for being underrepresented.
The data also shows a significant decline in songs expressing nostalgia, while themes of pain, rebellion, despair, confusion, and escapism have become more prominent over the years. The 1970s marked a notable rise in songs depicting disorder and escapism, reflecting the societal crises of that era. However, the increase in ‘pain’ themes began not until the 2000s, post-Great Recession, suggesting a correlation.
Interestingly, songs have shifted from acoustic to electronic styles, with a growing prevalence of English lyrics over national languages. This trend indicates that Eurovision participants are deliberately aligning their entries with the winning formula established by past champions.
There are notable exceptions, as countries like France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain continue to champion their native languages, suggesting a deeper cultural rationale beyond mere competition.
The researchers conclude by emphasizing the notion of “organizational learning” among Eurovision participants, reflecting an ongoing adaptation to the competition landscape. Feedback sees this as a testament to the enduring allure of the contest.
Moss Appeal: A Niche Attraction
In a previous article, we discussed a park filled with intricate foraminiferal carvings and pondered the existence of niche science-themed attractions. This inspired reader John Wilson to share information about the Serenity Moss Garden in North Carolina.
Spanning about 900 square meters, this moss-covered mountainside offers visitors a unique experience, though John humorously described it as “more like a climate-controlled box” rather than a traditional museum.
Feedback realizes that our quest for niche appeal may have been too limited. Are there any other unique attractions, such as a museum dedicated to Plecopteran (stoneflies) or specialized exhibits featuring beach pebbles?
New Math? A Logical Dilemma
Regardless of our professional backgrounds, math can sometimes overwhelm us. Navigating concepts like converting square kilometers to square meters can be perplexing.
Recently, U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced scrutiny for claiming a 600% decrease in drug prices, an assertion deemed mathematically implausible by rival politicians.
Feedback believes RFK Jr. has been misled. A 100% drop suggests prices have plummeted to zero, a mathematical limit. In theory, this could even lead to negative pricing, but the complexities of rate changes should ideally be left to mathematicians.
In a curious twist, RFK Jr. stated, “If that drug goes from $100 to $600, that’s a 600% price increase.” This form of reasoning feels like a new, perplexing brand of logic—while the premises hold, the conclusion is unmistakably flawed.
Contribute Your Story
If you have a story or feedback, share it with us! Email your article to Feedback and include your home address. You can also find this week’s and past feedback on our website.
Renowned biologist Craig Venter, instrumental in decoding the human genome and advancing synthetic biology, has passed away.
According to the J. Craig Venter Institute, Venter died “after a brief hospitalization due to unexpected side effects from treatment for a recently diagnosed cancer.” He was 79 years old.
Venter’s legacy is vast and impactful, marked by significant advancements in genomics and biodiversity. His career also highlighted the commercialization of biological research and the competitive nature of modern science.
Venter’s journey into research was unconventional; after high school, he was an uninterested student drawn to sailing and surfing. His experience in the US Navy during the Vietnam War inspired him to turn his life around. Upon returning home, he pursued higher education, eventually becoming a biomedical researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the 1980s.
Venter’s fascination with the human genome led him to utilize automated sequencing machines, significantly accelerating research. He began with sequencing short DNA fragments called expressed sequence tags, igniting controversy when he claimed NIH would patent these sequences, leading to heated debates within the scientific community.
The Official Human Genome Project (HGP) launched in 1990, but Venter deemed their methods too slow. In 1998, he founded the for-profit company Celera Genomics to expedite the sequence, competing against the publicly funded HGP.
While HGP employed Sanger sequencing, which involved mapping and piecing together the genome, Venter introduced the shotgun sequencing technique. This novel method involved breaking the genome into random pieces followed by sequencing and computer analysis. In 1995, he successfully sequenced the whole bacterial genome, laying the groundwork for targeting the more complex human genome.
The race culminated in a draw, with both teams publishing draft sequences in 2000, followed by their finalized results the next year. The HGP released all of its data publicly, while Venter’s Celera initially withheld some for commercial benefit.
Despite backlash from the genetic community, Venter moved forward with his innovative research. From 2004 to 2006, he sailed aboard his yacht, the Sorcerer II, collecting seawater samples and sequencing vast amounts of DNA, resulting in the identification of over 1000 new protein families.
Venter’s ambition extended to creating synthetic life forms, asserting that manipulating organisms could yield significant advantages in fields ranging from medicine to agriculture. In 2010, his team synthesized a novel cell.
Starting with the bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides, they synthesized an artificial genome by combining lab-generated DNA strands and replaced the original genome with an artificial one, allowing the cell to thrive and multiply instead of dying.
Venter clarified that he did not create life from scratch but engaged in generating a new form of life whose genome was entirely computer-generated, lacking biological ancestry. His team humorously inscribed their names onto the genome, symbolizing the successful transfer of genetic data.
Venter faced skepticism from fellow synthetic biologists who questioned the purpose of his flashy experiments, suggesting that alternative approaches may yield more practical outcomes. However, he persisted in refining his work, stripping away non-essential genes to develop organisms with “minimal genomes,” revealing many unknown essential gene functions and underscoring the complexity of life.
It will take extensive analysis for historians to evaluate Venter’s full impact on science. Nevertheless, his contributions are undeniably profound and transformative.
The coral reefs of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, located off the coast of Western Australia, have shown remarkable resilience against the severe heatwave that impacted coral ecosystems globally in early 2025. Researchers are eager to unveil the secrets behind the extraordinary heat tolerance of these corals, hoping to aid in the preservation of coral reefs worldwide, which face extinction due to climate change.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kate Quigley, a team from the University of Western Australia ventured to 11 dive sites in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands during July 2025.
In contrast, up to 60% of the corals on Ningaloo Reef succumbed to the same heatwave. This trend reflects a pattern observed in coral reefs globally, as the marine heatwave of 2025 resulted in disastrous coral mortality rates.
However, at Houtman Abrolhos, aside from a few minor areas, the corals exhibited no signs of distress, unlike the typical fluorescent coloring associated with stress. “We anticipated a massive bleaching event following the prolonged marine heatwave. Surprisingly, the corals thrived,” stated Quigley.
Coral bleaching typically occurs due to prolonged thermal stress, where corals expel the symbiotic algae living within them, which are crucial for their sustenance.
Researchers are currently evaluating the heat stress levels experienced by corals using the Degree Heating Week (DHW) metric, which measures the duration and intensity of heat waves.
Significant bleaching is generally observed after 4 °C weeks, with catastrophic conditions arising after 8 °C weeks. “Around 8°C per week is deemed disastrous and is often linked to widespread bleaching and coral mortality,” explained Quigley.
The waters around the Houtman Abrolhos Islands experienced 4°C per week in early February 2025, reaching 8°C per week by early March. By mid-April, the corals were subjected to heat stress equivalent to 22°C per week.
Quigley and her team were particularly astonished to observe that corals of various species at the reef remained unharmed despite the devastating conditions affecting other regions.
To further investigate the heat resistance of Houtman Abrolhos corals, scientists collected several coral colonies and subjected them to elevated temperatures in laboratory settings.
At 8°C weeks, survival rates in Houtman Abrolhos were double, and bleaching resistance was nearly quadruple when compared to established thresholds. Nearly 100% survival was noted even at approximately 16 °C weeks.
The maximum tolerance level of these corals remains to be fully determined, but Quigley asserts it is “remarkably substantial and exceeds the thresholds recorded at other coral reef locations studied globally.”
The next phase for researchers is to discern how these corals manage to thrive in such extreme conditions.
Quigley posits that the presence of symbiotic algae could be key to the heat resilience seen in Houtman Abrolhos corals. “There are likely unique environmental conditions in this area that promote heat tolerance evolution among local species,” she stated. For this reason, protecting these reefs should be a top priority, along with identifying other resilient reefs.
Petra Lundgren from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation mentions that such reefs serve as “natural laboratories for understanding heat tolerance.”
“They also promise insights into enhancing selective breeding and interventions aimed at bolstering thermal resilience in coral restoration and conservation aquaculture,” Lundgren noted.
While curbing global carbon emissions is crucial for safeguarding these vital ecosystems, “providing adaptive support, such as seeding reefs with heat-tolerant corals, will significantly improve their chances of surviving future heat stress events,” she concluded.
Topic:
This version uses targeted keywords such as “coral reefs,” “heat tolerance,” and “Houtman Abrolhos Islands,” aiming to enhance search visibility while preserving the original content’s intent.
Sure! Here’s the content rewritten for better SEO, while keeping the HTML structure intact.
Wildfires are currently raging across southern Georgia and northern Florida, exacerbated by intense heat, strong winds, severe drought, and dry vegetation left from previous hurricanes. These elements have created a perfect storm for wildfires in the region.
Subscribe to read this story without ads
Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
This situation is exactly what climate scientists have been warning about for decades as our planet continues to warm.
“This is certainly abnormal, but aligns with our concerns regarding climate change,” explained Caitlin Trudeau, a climate scientist at Climate Central, a nonprofit scientific research organization. “These events highlight the dramatic changes occurring in our climate.”
The wildfires are consuming thousands of acres across both states. Notably, a wildfire in Atkinson, Georgia, has already destroyed approximately 90 homes since its ignition on Monday.
In response to these fires, multiple counties, including those in Georgia, have implemented burn bans, leading to Gov. Brian Kemp declaring a state of emergency on Wednesday across 91 counties.
The wildfires are primarily attributed to widespread drought conditions in the Southeast, exacerbated by remnants of previous hurricanes—circumstances tied to climate change.
Specifically, Hurricane Helen, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area as a Category 4 storm in 2024, left behind scorched trees, branches, and other dry vegetation.
“It’s as if the hurricane stripped a significant number of trees and laid everything bare in that area,” Trudeau noted. “The remains were exposed to the sun, and wood with high oil content becomes extremely flammable when dry.”
This dry vegetation significantly amplifies wildfire risks, fostering their growth and increasing their destructiveness.
Researchers warn that catastrophic wildfires will become increasingly prevalent in a warming world. Studies indicate wildfires will not only occur more frequently but will also be more devastating due to climate change—a situation with serious environmental, economic, and health repercussions for communities nationwide and globally.
Trudeau emphasized that even in humid areas like the Southeast—traditionally not considered as wildfire-prone—the risks are evolving under climate change.
“This is the reality we’ve been anticipating with climate change,” she said. “Certain parts of the Southeast are extremely dry now. Although these regions have high humidity, climate change has intensified atmospheric thirst. As temperatures rise, the amount of water drawn from the landscape and extracted from plants and soils increases as well.”
For a wildfire to ignite, two key elements must be present: fire-prone weather, which includes dry conditions, lightning, and wind, and “fuel,” such as dead wood, dry leaves, and other flammable vegetation.
As temperatures rise due to climate change, the atmosphere can efficiently extract moisture from trees and soils. In the event of prolonged droughts, insufficient rainfall exacerbates the potential for destructive wildfires.
Currently, all of Florida is experiencing some level of drought, with much of the Panhandle region categorized as facing “extreme” or “exceptional” drought, according to the US Drought Monitor. Likewise, 71% of Georgia is experiencing “extreme” or “exceptional” drought, particularly in southern regions.
For Trudeau, the wildfires witnessed this week serve as a stark indication of climate change’s catastrophic effects on natural ecosystems, including increased fire activity in areas historically deemed humid.
“This is why we are facing such an extraordinary situation right now,” Trudeau concluded. “It’s truly a perfect storm.”
This version integrates keywords related to wildfires, climate change, and specific regions to improve its search engine optimization (SEO) effectiveness.
New research on rice reveals that the acoustic vibrations from falling droplets have the ability to stimulate dormant seeds, marking the first direct evidence that plants can detect natural sounds.
Rice and its related seed types can detect the sound of rain hitting the soil or water, accelerating germination when the sound intensity is adequate to displace stationary stones away from cell membrane receptors, thereby facilitating gravitropic growth mechanisms.
Plants are remarkably sensitive organisms. To thrive, they have developed mechanisms to perceive and react to various environmental stimuli.
For instance, certain plants snap shut upon contact, while others retract when exposed to harmful odors.
Moreover, most plants exhibit phototropism, reaching for sunlight to optimize growth.
Plants also respond to gravity, with roots growing downward and shoots rising upward against the gravitational pull.
One important method of gravity perception involves stationary stones within plant cells.
These “stillstones” are denser than the cell’s cytoplasm, floating or sinking inside the cell, similar to sand in water.
When the stones settle at the bottom, they rest against the cell membrane, signaling the direction of gravity and guiding root and shoot growth.
Research has shown that removing the stationary stones can further stimulate seed growth.
“Our findings indicate that seeds can perceive sound as a vital survival mechanism,” stated Professor Nicholas Makris from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
“The energy generated by rain sounds is potent enough to trigger seed growth.”
Professor Makris and fellow MIT researcher Cadine Navarro conducted experiments involving rice seeds, which naturally thrive in shallow rice fields.
During multiple trials, they submerged approximately 8,000 rice seeds in a shallow bath, exposing a subset to dripping water.
By varying the droplet size and height, they simulated light, medium, and heavy rainfall.
The team deployed hydrophones to capture the acoustic vibrations generated by the water droplets underwater.
These laboratory measurements were validated against records taken in natural environments, such as puddles, ponds, wetlands, and storm-influenced soils.
The comparison confirmed that laboratory conditions replicate rain-induced acoustic vibrations seen in nature.
Moreover, they observed that rice seeds subjected to water sounds germinated 30 to 40 percent faster than those without sound exposure but in identical conditions.
Those seeds positioned nearer to the water surface demonstrated heightened sensitivity to droplet sounds and exhibited faster growth than their deeper counterparts.
This research indicates a clear link between acoustic vibrations from rain and enhanced seed growth.
Scientists speculate that seeds capable of sensing rain may gain evolutionary advantages. Seeds that are close enough to the surface to detect raindrop sounds are likely positioned optimally to absorb moisture and safely push through to the surface.
The research team conducted calculations to verify if the physical vibrations from the droplets could perturb the micro resting stones within the seeds.
Such findings would provide insights into how sound directly influences plant growth.
The calculations considered factors like droplet size and terminal velocity to evaluate the amplitude of acoustic vibrations generated by falling droplets.
Based on this data, the team assessed how vibrations affect submerged seeds and the impact on their biological dynamics.
The experiments on rice seeds aligned with their theoretical predictions, confirming that the sound of rain could indeed displace hard seeds’ resting stones, leading to collisions.
This phenomenon may underlie plants’ capacity to “hear” rain sounds and respond with growth.
“Extensive research worldwide continues to delve into the mechanisms facilitating plants’ gravity sensitivity,” noted Professor Makris.
“Our study revealed that these same mechanisms empower seeds to discern their submerged depth in soil or water, enhancing survival through sound detection of rain.”
“Titled Falling Rain Awakens the Soil, this insight offers a fresh perspective on Japan’s Fourth Microseason.”
A study detailing this research is featured in this week’s edition of Scientific Reports.
_____
N.C. Makris and C. Navarro. 2026. Seeds detect the sound of rain to promote germination at the appropriate planting depth. Science Officer 16, 11248; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-44444-1
Recent studies reveal that bacteria in our gut can recycle discarded sex hormones back into the bloodstream. Researchers found that individuals in industrialized societies host significantly more bacteria that perform this recycling than those in hunter-gatherer populations or non-industrialized farmers. This phenomenon may lead to elevated blood levels of certain sex hormones, presenting potential health risks.
“We don’t yet know how the body reacts to this increased input,” explains Rebecca Britten from Jagiellonian University School of Medicine in Poland. “However, the implications could be substantial.”
Sex hormones, including estrogen, travel in the bloodstream. Elevated hormone levels trigger a chemical signal in the liver, causing the hormone to be excreted via the intestines. Bacteria feed on a sugar molecule attached to the hormone, utilizing an enzyme named β-glucuronidase to remove this tag.
Once the tag is cleaved, hormones can be reabsorbed by the body and re-enter the bloodstream. Research indicates that a notable portion of excreted sex hormones undergoes this recycling process due to gut bacteria.
The term “oestrobolome,” introduced in 2011, refers to the collection of intestinal bacteria that influence estrogen levels. Recently, the term “Testbolome” was proposed, indicating gut bacteria’s role in altering testosterone levels as well.
The latest research, conducted by a British team, analyzed gut microbiome data from various populations, including hunter-gatherers in Botswana, rural farmers in Venezuela, and urban residents in Philadelphia and Colorado. The findings show that the estrogen recycling ability of gut microbes in industrialized populations is up to seven times greater and twice as diverse compared to hunter-gatherers or rural communities.
Interestingly, the study also highlights that formula-fed infants exhibit up to three times more recycling capacity and eleven times more diversity than breastfed infants. However, factors such as age, gender, and BMI did not significantly affect the oestrobolome composition.
Researchers are now investigating if the enhanced recycling capabilities linked to gene sequences translate to actual increases in estrogen levels in the bloodstream. It remains to be seen whether the body compensates for heightened recycling by adjusting hormone levels.
If certain individuals maintain high estrogen levels due to their microbiome, it could significantly impact fertility and overall health, potentially raising the risk for conditions like certain cancers. Conversely, increased recycling might be beneficial for those with low estrogen levels. “We shouldn’t automatically assume that higher estrogen recycling is detrimental,” Britten notes. “In some cases, it can be advantageous.”
Katherine Cook, a professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine studying the microbiome’s connection to breast cancer risk, emphasizes the growing evidence of gut microbiome’s role in human health. However, she cautions that the current study’s cohort is primarily based in the United States, suggesting that including a European group could strengthen the findings.
Britten expresses her intention to explore the lifestyle factors contributing to these observed differences. “We want to gather more precise data for further research,” she remarks.
Topic:
This revision enhances SEO by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases, improving readability, and maintaining the HTML structure.
Recent models predict the emergence of an exceptionally strong El Niño climate phase later this year, potentially the strongest recorded.
This event is being referred to as “Super El Niño” or “Godzilla El Niño,” which could lead to severe droughts in certain regions and catastrophic flooding in others, contributing to the hottest year on record globally.
“Projections indicate that the tropical Pacific Ocean will warm at an unprecedented rate this century,” says Adam Scaife from the UK’s Met Office. “Something unusual is clearly happening.”
What is Super El Niño?
El Niño is a recurring climate phenomenon that significantly raises temperatures and disrupts global weather patterns. This occurs when the trade winds over the tropical Pacific Ocean weaken, disrupting upwelling of cold water and causing warm surface water to accumulate in the central and eastern Pacific. As a result, atmospheric circulation is altered.
El Niño is characterized by sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific exceeding 0.5 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. A “super” El Niño occurs when this temperature rise exceeds 2 degrees Celsius.
The name El Niño, meaning “the Christ child,” originates from observations by Peruvian fishermen who noted that warming typically peaks in December.
While El Niño events occur every few years, “super” events have been recorded in 1982-1983, 1997-1998, and 2015-2016.
What are the Chances of a Super El Niño Occurring?
Westerly winds during March and early April have carried warm water toward the central and eastern Pacific, paving the way for a significant El Niño event. The Japan Meteorological Agency anticipates that the temperature anomaly could reach nearly 2 degrees Celsius by September. Additionally, models from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) indicate a 50% chance of reaching 2.5 degrees Celsius by October.
The National Weather Service estimates a 25% chance of experiencing a Super El Niño by year’s end. If predictions hold that temperature anomalies in the central Pacific exceed 3 degrees Celsius by September, we could witness the strongest El Niño ever recorded.
Currently, signs of El Niño’s development remain weak, and models struggle to provide accurate forecasts, a challenge known as the “spring predictability barrier.” Meteorologists expect to have clearer insights into El Niño’s strength by May or June.
What are the Weather Impacts?
Changes in atmospheric circulation due to El Niño can have far-reaching consequences, including substantial economic damage, crop failures, coral bleaching, and the spread of diseases. “Conditions are chaotic and well outside normal ranges,” states Tim Stockdale from ECMWF. “It’s not solely about increased rainfall; these changes are occurring in areas typically shielded from such storms.”
Typically, El Niño brings intensified storms and wet weather to southern coastlines of the Americas, the Horn of Africa, and China, elevating flooding risks. Conversely, regions like Australia, Southeast Asia, south-central Africa, India, and the Amazon rainforest are likely to face hotter, drier conditions, heightening the potential for droughts, heat waves, and wildfires.
In the UK and northwestern Europe, the effects are less predictable, with El Niño potentially leading to warmer summers and colder winters, although other climatic factors may also contribute to milder, wetter winters.
Even after reaching its peak, El Niño’s damaging effects can persist. Following the Super El Niño of 1997-1998, heavy rains resulted in devastating floods in China’s densely populated Yangtze River basin, claiming over 3,000 lives, destroying 15 million homes, and causing $20 billion in economic losses.
A silver lining is that fewer hurricanes typically form in the Caribbean and off the U.S. east coast during El Niño, as enhanced atmospheric circulation increases wind shear, causing storms to dissipate quickly rather than evolving into major hurricanes.
How Will El Niño Affect Climate?
If climate change is likened to a slowly rising tide, El Niño acts as a powerful wave that temporarily elevates temperatures even further. A strong El Niño could lead to a global temperature increase of 0.2°C.
The last significant El Niño event in 2024 contributed to record-high global temperatures, briefly surpassing the Paris Agreement limit of 1.5°C for the first time. Many anticipate that a Super El Niño in 2027 could also set a new record.
“As we approach 1.4°C, it is very plausible that we will exceed the 1.5°C threshold in 2027,” Scaife noted. “Global warming is inching closer to the Paris Agreement limits.”
Will More Super El Niño Events Occur?
Despite rising El Niño temperatures in the central Pacific due to climate change, long-term temperature averages remain consistent, suggesting that we may not see an increase in the frequency or intensity of El Niño events. Consequently, the National Weather Service has begun to classify El Niño based on the central Pacific’s temperature relative to other tropical regions, although this new classification has not yet gained widespread acceptance.
Both El Niño and its counterpart, La Niña, have been observed with greater frequency and intensity over the past 50 to 60 years. One study indicated that climate change has intensified the temperature variation in the central Pacific by about 10%. However, with only 150 years of reliable data available, early measurements are often unreliable, leading many scientists to be cautious about asserting that climate change has intensified El Niño.
“Will climate change influence El Niño events? That remains a complex question,” Stockdale stated. “The answer is likely yes.”
It is evident that global warming exacerbates the consequences of El Niño. As global temperatures rise, evaporation heights increase, leading to higher atmospheric moisture retention and intensified extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods.
“We refer to this as the intensification of the water cycle,” Stockdale explained. “El Niño can cause dramatic shifts in typical precipitation patterns, likely compounded by climate change.”
Exploring the Impact of Birth Order on Health Outcomes
iStockPhoto
A recent study involving over 10 million siblings reveals that birth order may significantly influence the risk of developing more than 150 health conditions, ranging from autism and anxiety to hay fever.
Birth order has intrigued researchers for over a century, igniting debates about its correlation with personality traits and IQ. However, many prior studies faced criticism for lacking robustness in data collection and analysis.
A groundbreaking study conducted by Julia Rohrer in 2015 examined data from 20,000 children, determining that birth order had minimal impact on personality, resulting in only a slight decrease in IQ — about 1 to 2.5 points for the youngest siblings.
The recent analysis took a comprehensive approach, evaluating the likelihood of various health outcomes. Researchers like Benjamin Kramer at the University of Chicago meticulously compared 1.6 million sibling pairs, accounting for gender, birth year, parental age, and age difference, thereby mitigating potential confounding factors that may arise from parental treatment differences.
Out of 418 medical conditions studied, 150 were associated with birth order, with 79 more prevalent among firstborns and 71 among second-borns.
Notably, firstborns displayed heightened risks for several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and Tourette syndrome, along with an increased tendency for anxiety, allergies, and acne. Conversely, second-borns exhibited greater susceptibility to conditions such as drug abuse, shingles, and migraines.
“This study provides a rigorous examination of the topic,” states Lawler, urging caution as the relationships observed are modest. For instance, firstborns have a 3.6% elevated risk of depression, emphasizing that individual life trajectories may differ significantly across birth order.
The research team explored several potential explanations for these findings. For example, the increased incidence of allergies among firstborns may align with the “friendly enemy” hypothesis, suggesting that younger siblings encounter more microorganisms from their older counterparts, fostering immune tolerance. Indeed, wider age gaps were linked to lesser allergy occurrences in firstborns.
A parallel trend was noted for substance abuse, with risk diminishing for second-borns as age differences increased. The authors connected this to enhanced risk-taking tendencies often observed in later-born children. However, Lawler emphasizes that much of this evidence remains contentious and may imply that later-borns often pursue environments that heighten exposure to substance-use opportunities.
Furthermore, the substantial prevalence of autism among firstborns might stem from both biological and environmental factors. The mother’s immune response in the first trimester is hypothesized to potentially impact the developing brain. Research indicates that families with one autistic child may choose not to have additional children, suggesting possible biases in families who do have a second child following an autism diagnosis in the first.
Another perspective from Lawler pertains to “diagnostic substitution.” Diagnoses of ADHD and autism often rely on cognitive assessments, where slight IQ variations may lead to different labels. Firstborns, possessing marginally higher IQs, might be diagnosed with autism, while their younger siblings may receive an ADHD diagnosis despite sharing similar symptoms.
As noted by Ray Blanchard from the University of Toronto, results may vary when considering sibling gender and birth order dynamics. His research suggests older brothers might increase the likelihood of later-born boys identifying as homosexual, potentially due to maternal antibodies affecting subsequent pregnancies. “These distinctions are pivotal in understanding birth order effects on sexual orientation,” concludes Blanchard, advocating for further studies that incorporate sibling gender hierarchies.
Human-induced global warming is disrupting the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical ocean current system that includes the Gulf Stream, responsible for warming Europe. A total shutdown of the AMOC could trigger a massive release of carbon from deep Antarctic waters into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
Research indicates that an AMOC collapse can lead to severe climatic consequences, including colder winters in Europe and disrupted monsoons in Africa and Asia, while also increasing global temperatures. Recent computer models predict that this scenario could release 640 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide near the South Pole, raising global temperatures by an additional 0.2°C.
“The collapse of the AMOC may trigger large-scale mixing in the Southern Ocean, releasing carbon stored in deep waters,” states Danian, a researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. “This outcome is unprecedented.”
The co-authors emphasize that potential catastrophic events can have even more severe implications than previously understood. As Johan Rockström, also from the Potsdam Institute, notes, “We must remain vigilant, as one failure can trigger a domino effect.”
The AMOC operates by transporting warm, salty water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic, where it cools, sinks, and circulates back southward along the ocean floor. Scientists believe that increased fresh meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet is diluting the AMOC, thereby slowing its sinking process.
Recent buoy measurements reveal a weakening return flow, suggesting a 15% decline in the AMOC, with models predicting a potential collapse within decades to centuries.
A new study exploring AMOC collapse under varying climate scenarios shows that if atmospheric CO2 levels exceed 350 ppm, the AMOC fails to recover after shutdown. Given the current CO2 level of 430 ppm, this indicates that AMOC decay may be irreversible.
The study also identified that if the AMOC, a key component of the global ocean current conveyor belt connecting the Southern Ocean and Pacific Ocean, collapses, it could lead to deep water convection near the South Pole. This deep water rests under a layer of fresher surface water, where carbon accumulates from both atmospheric CO2 and decaying plankton. The model suggests a significant portion of this carbon would be released into the atmosphere.
Previous research indicates that past AMOC collapses similarly triggered convection near the South Pole, aligning with evidence that the Southern Ocean is becoming less salty. This reduction in salinity disrupts the layered structure above the saltier deep water, facilitating surface access for deep water.
“It’s striking to observe these changes in such a warm climate amid rising CO2 levels,” says Jonathan Baker from the Met Office. “This study is intriguing, yet its findings depend on whether convection in the Southern Ocean intensifies; different models exhibit varied responses, leading to ongoing uncertainties.”
The study also forecasts that AMOC collapse could cool the Arctic by 7 degrees Celsius, freezing regions in Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia while concurrently warming Antarctica by 6 degrees Celsius. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet remains at risk of surpassing its tipping point, which could trigger a larger collapse of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, resulting in significant sea level rises.
The repercussions of CO2 emissions could persist for over a millennium following any AMOC closure. However, Rockström cautions that continued greenhouse gas emissions may lock in a future collapse of the AMOC in just a few decades.
“The window for change could be as short as the next 25 to 50 years,” he warns. “It’s vital to recognize the urgency; it’s not just about the timing of impacts, but about our commitment to preventing an increasingly inhospitable planet for future generations.”
In 2018, the legalization of medical cannabis in the UK marked a pivotal change, driven by campaigns advocating for children with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
The legal reforms permit specialist medical consultants to prescribe cannabis-based medical products (CBPMs) for a variety of conditions, always prioritizing the patient’s well-being.
Despite this legalization, the possession and use of cannabis (classified as a class B drug) without a valid prescription continues to be illegal in the UK.
Most cannabis products available are unlicensed, lacking endorsement from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), resulting in limited prescriptions through the National Health Service (NHS). This gap has inadvertently triggered a burgeoning private market.
Currently, more than 30 specialist cannabis clinics are registered with the Healthcare Quality Commission, with estimated prescriptions for cannabis products reaching 80,000 patients. Conditions treated range from chronic pain and anxiety to ADHD.
Data reveals that 42% of patients were prescribed medical cannabis for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD, aligning with trends observed in Australia and the US.
The UK stands as a major producer of medical cannabis. Photo courtesy of Getty.
However, a recent review published in Lancet Psychiatry assessed over 50 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and found “no evidence” supporting the efficacy of cannabinoids for treating conditions like anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or anorexia.
While some efficacy was noted for cannabis use disorder, insomnia, Tourette syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder, these findings were categorized as “low quality.”
The Advisory Committee on the Abuse of Drugs (ACMD) is conducting a review examining the implications of medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK, focusing on any “unintended consequences” resulting from recent legal changes.
Professor Owen Bowden Jones, former ACMD Chairman, indicated that the study results indicate that the benefits of medical cannabis may have been “overestimated” for numerous conditions, and these products “should not be administered for psychiatric conditions lacking supportive evidence.”
“We must focus on reducing barriers to facilitate superior research that further explores cannabis product effects,” he added.
The review asserts that routine cannabinoid use for mental health conditions is “seldom justified,” raising critical questions, notably, why is cannabis prescribed despite limited evidence of its effectiveness?
Treatment Options
It is stated that “absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” Dr. Niraj Singh, a consultant psychiatrist in the UK, has prescribed medical cannabis for over six years.
“Numerous patients have reported that this treatment effectively addresses a range of conditions, and most use it responsibly. In my experience, it has yielded positive results, enabling patients to lead happy, fulfilling lives,” Singh remarked.
Many patients seeking treatment at cannabis clinics have reportedly exhausted all traditional options or lack access to adequate mental health support. As of January 2026, 1.5 million adults engaged with NHS mental health services, while 8.7 million people were prescribed antidepressants in the UK from 2023 to 2024, believed to be effective for approximately one year.
In a survey by the United Patient Alliance, a patient dealing with anxiety, depression, and PTSD expressed feeling “seen and supported” after receiving effective treatment without harmful side effects associated with previous prescriptions.
“In instances where individuals have plateaued in treatment options, medical cannabis is making a significant difference,” Singh expressed.
Evidence from peer-reviewed studies links cannabis to improved symptoms and quality of life for conditions such as: PTSD, OCD, and insomnia. However, observational studies were excluded from the aforementioned review due to concerns of biases that could not establish causality.
Despite the need for more robust clinical trials, Professor David Nutt, former chair of ACMD and founder of the independent charity Drug Science, argues that RCTs alone do not offer sufficient data on a drug’s effectiveness.
This sentiment is echoed by Sir Michael Rollins, former director of the MHRA and the National Institute for Healthcare Research and Evaluation (NICE). He emphasized the need for real-world evidence that could yield “better clinical data and statistical power” in a speech at the Royal College of Physicians.
According to Nutt, “Placebo-controlled trials are costly and involve highly selective patient populations, limiting their generalizability.” He also highlighted that cannabis’s numerous active compounds, which vary vastly in dosage and formulation, pose significant challenges when conducting double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Professor Mike Burns, President of the Association of Medical Cannabis Clinicians, emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach in understanding mental health prescribing.
Clinical Supervision
Medical cannabis can induce side effects, including heightened anxiety and paranoia, making it unsuitable for individuals with a history of psychosis.
According to a survey published in BMJ Mental Health, those using cannabis for self-medication tend to use it more frequently and consume higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), resulting in increased paranoia.
“Cannabis is not devoid of side effects,” stated Dr. Marta Di Forti, a Professor of Drug Use, Genetics, and Psychosis at King’s College London, who runs a clinic for individuals with mental health issues in London.
She recounted cases where patients developed complications after being prescribed products containing high THC levels, leading to hospitalizations for psychotic symptoms. Yet, much of our understanding in this area remains anecdotal.
“There is valid reasoning for prescribing cannabis as medication,” she noted. “However, there must be comprehensive evidence and proper oversight, which is currently lacking.”
The Association of Medical Cannabis Clinicians recommends a review by a peer panel for prescriptions exceeding 60 grams per month or containing over 25% THC. Like other controlled substances, prescribing CBPM requires diligent clinical oversight, thorough evaluation, and ongoing monitoring, especially in complex cases with significant mental health histories.
While Singh noted that side effects are relatively rare, he expressed concern about the rising availability of high-THC products. “Checks and balances are imperative,” he insisted, “as adjustments to THC concentrations must be carefully monitored.”
Prescribers maintain that a strong clinical oversight process is in place, stating they’ve never felt pressure to prescribe. Eligibility for medical cannabis entails having undergone at least two previous treatments, receiving an evaluation from a psychiatrist, and being reviewed by a multidisciplinary team.
Nonetheless, some critics argue that clinics should enhance support and training for prescribers and have a responsibility to foster research that substantiates their claims. “The industry has not adequately collected and analyzed patient outcomes,” Burns stated. “Clinics have a moral obligation to gather and share data whenever possible.”
In 2018, cannabis became legal for medical use in the UK with a prescription. Use without a prescription remains illegal. Photo credit: Getty.
Evidence Gap
There is a shared consensus on the urgent need to develop a robust evidence base. However, finding common ground proves challenging. Some advocate for cannabis’s efficacy, while others dispute it, with a lack of substantial research to confirm either stance.
Nutt emphasized that the current clinical research system is inadequate for medical cannabis. “In 2018, the Health Ministry pledged to conduct efficacy trials for children with epilepsy, but no progress has been made. This reflects a disinterest from pharmaceutical companies due to the impossibility of patenting plant medicines.”
This challenge cannot be solved solely by a call for further research, he noted, but requires prioritizing real-world data and practical experience to support cannabis in clinical settings.
Meanwhile, patients express fears of being pushed back into the illegal market, where they have no access to medical oversight or regulated products, which is widely viewed as more dangerous.
Denying access to medical marijuana based on “incomplete evidence” not only misrepresents scientific data but also inflicts harm on patients who rely on it, according to the United Patient Alliance.
“Real-world evidence studies, patient-reported outcomes, and research focusing on treatment-resistant populations are critically needed,” they added. “We do not ask for science to be ignored; we urge it to catch up with patient experiences.”
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
