Intricate bird fossils reveal insights into the development of avian brains

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Skeleton of Nabaornis Hestia, an 80-million-year-old bird fossil

S. Abramowitz/Dinosaur Institute/Los Angeles County Natural History Museum

An 80-million-year-old fossil bird skull is so well preserved that scientists were able to study the detailed structure of its brain.

In both age and evolutionary development, new species Nabaornis Hestiae, It falls about halfway between the earliest known bird-like dinosaurs. ArcheopteryxBirds that lived 150 million years ago and modern birds. They lived along with dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period. tyrannosaurus and triceratops.

The fossil, which superficially resembles a pigeon, was discovered in 2016 near Presidente Prudente, Brazil, and quickly became important because of the rarity of complete bird skeletons, especially those from the same period. recognized as something.

but daniel field It wasn't until 2022 that Cambridge University professors realized that the skull was so intact that it could be scanned to create a 3D model of the brain.

High-resolution CT scans allow paleontologists to see inside fossils. “This involves careful 'digital dissection' – separating the individual components of the skull and reassembling them to create a complete, undistorted three-dimensional reconstruction,” Field said. says Mr.

“This new fossil provides unprecedented insight into the patterns and timing of the evolution of specialized brain functions in living birds.”

Professor Field said that based on the brains his team reconstructed, human cognitive and flight abilities: nabaornis It was probably inferior to most living birds.

Artist's impression of Nabaornis Hestia

J. D'Oliveira

The parts of the brain responsible for complex cognition and spatial awareness are not as enlarged as they are in modern birds, he says.

“It’s cerebral, but nabaornis greatly expanded compared to more archaic bird conditions such as . Archeopteryx, It is not as expanded as we see in living birds. ”

Professor Field said the enlarged brains of modern birds support a wide range of complex behaviors, but there is a lack of sufficiently complete and well-preserved fossil bird skulls from early bird relatives. This makes it difficult to understand how their brains evolved.

“nabaornis This fills an approximately 70 million-year gap in our understanding of how the distinctive brains of modern birds evolved. ”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Insights into Paleolithic Fishing Techniques Revealed by Ancient Carved Shield from 15,800 Years Ago

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Scientists from the Leibniz Center for Archaeology and Durham University conducted a study on a collection of 406 carved schist tablets discovered at the Magdalenian site in Gennersdorf, Germany. These ancient carvings depict fishing techniques and tools used by Paleolithic people, showcasing nets with interlaced diamond and square mesh. This provides valuable insight into the transformation of their culture.

Placket 341 from the Magdalenian ruins of Gennersdorf, Germany. Image credit: Robitaille others., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311302.

“Prehistoric fisheries introduced a variety of techniques and strategies for capturing fish. It can be summarized as active fishing, which requires active fishing, passive fishing with trapping methods, or a combination of both,” said Dr. Jérôme Robitaille of the Leibniz Center for Archaeology and colleagues.

“Some methods have been developed for individual fishing, such as fishing, while others have been improved to maximize yields using collective nets and traps.”

“The choice of a particular method was influenced not only by the fish species targeted, but also by the distinct habitats and topography in which particular aquatic resources thrive.”

“Evidence for fishing in the Upper Paleolithic (20,000 to 14,500 years ago) is not abundant, but there is direct and indirect evidence of several fishing methods, including barbed tips and harpoons, bows and arrows, traps, and fishing nets. exists sporadically.”

In their study, the authors analyzed carvings carved into 406 schist plaquettes from the Magdalena site in Gennersdorf, on the north bank of the Rhine River in central-western Germany.

These plaquettes feature a unique artistic style and iconographic theme depicting both terrestrial and aquatic animals and humans.

The new imaging technique allowed researchers to see intricate carvings on the fish, with grid patterns interpreted as depictions of fishing nets or traps.

This discovery suggests that fishing may have had symbolic meaning in the Upper Paleolithic.

These expand the known repertoire of Ice Age art and provide surprising insights into the symbolic and social practices of early hunter-gatherer societies.

“A comparative analysis including other sites from the same period, such as Altamira and Lascaux, highlights Gennersdorf’s contribution to the understanding of Paleolithic art and survival strategies,” the scientists concluded.

“Unlike famous locations known for their vivid depictions of fish, Gennersdorf’s abstract, minimalist style offers a fresh perspective on the sociocultural dynamics of the Magdalene community.”

“Net fishing, which originates from a wide range of economies, reveals the diversity, adaptability, and creativity of prehistoric communities, and their proficiency in utilizing a variety of fishing methods to sustainably exploit aquatic resources.”

“This research not only increases our understanding of the diverse survival strategies of Paleolithic societies, but also contributes to a broader discussion about the complexity and richness of their cultural practices.”

“By highlighting often overlooked aspects of fishing practices and the representation of those practices in art, our research adds to a more comprehensive and dynamic picture of Upper Paleolithic subsistence and contributes to the field. opens new avenues for future research in the field. “

“Clearly fishing plays a more important role in shaping social and cultural practices than hitherto recognized, as evidenced by population patterns around rich fishing grounds, and is therefore a subject worthy of further investigation.” It is.”

of study Published in an online journal PLoS ONE.

J. Robitaille others. 2024. Upper Paleolithic fishing techniques: Insights from carved plates from the Magdalenian site of Gennersdorf, Germany. PLoS ONE 19 (11): e0311302;doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311302

Source: www.sci.news

Pompeii Burials Reveal New Insights Through DNA Analysis

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Plaster statues of those who died at Pompeii. DNA testing revealed that the adult on the right was a man unrelated to the young child in his lap.

Pompeii Archaeological Park

Genetic testing has revealed that a plaster cast in Pompeii was not the person it was assumed to be, highlighting how idealized narratives can be projected onto archaeological evidence.

The analysis also revealed that Pompeii's demographics were also much more complex and diverse than previously thought.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, several Roman towns were buried, including Pompeii. Many of Pompeii's inhabitants were completely suffocated by the compressed ash during the eruption, and as their bodies decomposed, cavities formed, perfectly preserving their positions in their final moments.

in 19 years^th In the century, archaeologists developed a method of pouring plaster into cavities to create lifelike castings. Since then, more than 100 of these castings have been made, preserving the victims' shapes and bones that have remained undecomposed for centuries.

But it says it has long been known that many of the plaster statues were worked into different poses, sometimes placed together, to add drama to the story of Pompeii. Valeria Amoretti At the Archaeological Park of Pompeii in Naples, Italy.

To learn more about who these people were, Amoretti and colleagues examined 14 plaster casts and extracted DNA from the bones of five of them.

What they discovered completely changed the established interpretation of who they were. It was long believed that an adult wearing a gold bracelet and carrying a child on her lap was the child's mother. DNA analysis revealed that they were actually adult males and were not biologically related to the child. A nearby person previously interpreted to be the father was also unrelated to the child, who was assumed to be the mother.

Another pair, believed to be sisters or mother and daughter who died in an embrace, also included at least one genetic male, making them unlikely to be related.

Genetic analysis further revealed that the people of Pompeii had a diverse ancestry, including elements related to modern-day Jewish populations in the eastern Mediterranean, the Levant, and North Africa.

Amoretti says it's no surprise that the Roman world was multicultural and that the Mediterranean Sea and its ports brought people together.

“But discovering the extent of this melting pot, even in an average provincial city like Pompeii, and getting scientific evidence of it from ancient DNA is very interesting,” she says.

Alyssa Mitnik Researchers at Harvard University say the study highlights the importance of applying science before interpreting archeology at face value.

“Ultimately, it reminds us that the most intuitive, dramatic, sensational explanations aren't always the truth, and encourages us to recognize and question our preconceptions,” she says. .

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Insights into the Evolution of Flight from Microraptor Dinosaur Footprints

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The trajectories of theropod dinosaurs could be used as indirect evidence of pre-avian aerial behavior, according to a new study.

The animals in charge are Dromaeosauriformipes larus Trucks are thought to be small microraptid dinosaurs related to the ancestors of birds. Image credit: Julius Csotonyi.

In the study, University of Maryland paleontologist Thomas Holtz Jr. and his colleagues examined two-toed footprints made by fast-moving, small, bird-like microraptid dinosaurs.

with scientific name Dromaeosauriformipes larus these footprints are almost 100 million years old (Cretaceous period) and were discovered preserved in rock slabs in Korea.

“This guy is lanky. He's one of the smallest dinosaurs we have fossils of,” Holtz said.

“These footprints were a puzzle because they were so small and so far apart.”

Paleontologists believe that the producers Dromaeosauriformipes larus It's not just about running on land.

The animal gained lift by flapping its winged arms, allowing it to move faster than relying solely on leg strength.

This form of exercise, known as flap running, falls somewhere between running and flying.

This generates enough aerodynamics to lift the animal off the ground in one go, allowing it to run up a tree, for example, but stops short of flying at full power.

Microraptors are cousins, but Velociraptor And it is unknown whether it is a modern bird Dromaeosauriformipes larus You will be able to fly for longer periods of time.

Trajectory of a Microraptorian theropod excavated from the Jinju Formation in Korea. Image credit: Dececchi others., doi: 10.1073/pnas.2413810121.

“We can overcome the debate over whether pre-avian dinosaurs used arms for locomotion before flight evolved and provide missing details such as which species had these abilities, when they developed them, and to what extent. We can now begin to find out,” he said. Michael Pittman is a paleontologist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

“Our findings show that Dromaeosauriformipes larus “It would have needed to run at about 10.5 meters per second (23.5 miles per hour) to make the track using just the power of its hind legs,” said paleontologist Dr. Alex DeCecchi of Dakota State University.

“The relative speed of our footprints is faster than that of modern running animals such as ostriches and cheetahs.”

“This is also unlikely, so we think the dinosaur could have used the aerodynamics created by flapping its feathered arms to lengthen its stride, creating a slower trajectory.”

“The footprints also suggest that the raptor was in the midst of taking off or landing,” Holtz said.

“It's like a plane descending, bouncing a little bit on the runway, and then slowing down.”

“Microraptors, capable of powered flight, were less sophisticated than modern birds in terms of flight equipment. They would have been relatively clumsy.”

of result Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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T. Alexander Dececchi others. 2024. Theropod trajectories as indirect evidence of pre-avian aerial behavior. PNAS 121 (44): e2413810121;doi: 10.1073/pnas.2413810121

Source: www.sci.news

New study reveals surprising insights on throwing Frisbees

Posted on October 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Have you ever experienced it? Throwing a Frisbee to a friend, only for it to end up in the middle of a nearby picnic. Researchers at Berry College in Georgia may have found a solution to this embarrassment by discovering the optimal way to hold the disc for maximum performance.

A study conducted by the researchers involved professional and amateur disc golfers to investigate how different thumb positions affect disc throwing. The research revealed that positioning the thumb approximately 3 centimeters from the outer edge of the disc led to the fastest launch and spin speeds.

“For amateur players unsure of where to place their thumbs, starting at the 3cm position is a good choice,” said lead author Dr. Zachary Lindsey.

Disc golf, a sport where players throw a disc towards a metal basket, was established in the 1960s in the United States and is now played by approximately 108,000 players from 40 countries under the Professional Disc Golf Association.

To analyze techniques for enhancing players’ skills, Lindsey’s team utilized miniature sensors to examine the speed and rotation of discs thrown by 24 players. Through 600 pitches, it was observed that higher spin rates correlated with faster launch rates.

A 2020 study published in the European Journal of Applied Physics indicated that disc stability and flight distance can be improved by increasing frisbee spin. Physicists have also kept themselves busy during lockdown by studying how faster spin results in longer flight distances and faster launches.

The study concluded that the optimal thumb position for achieving the fastest launch and highest spin speeds is at the sweet spot, 3 cm from the center. Scientists are eager to further explore whether this position is effective for Frisbees of all sizes.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Archaeologists say beach and underwater ruins in Sicily offer insights into early immigration

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Sicily is thought to be one of the first islands inhabited by humans during the European Upper Paleolithic period. Research to understand the early occupation of the island has focused primarily on the north coast. An international team of archaeologists led by Washington University in St. Louis is currently searching for signs of human habitation in 25 caves and trenches in southeastern Sicily, Italy.

Coastal and underwater cave sites in southern Sicily contain important new clues about the routes and fate of early human migrants to the island. Image credit: Ilaria Patania.

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is considered by many scholars to be the oldest permanently inhabited island of human ancestors in the region, but it is unclear when and how these early settlers arrived. It remains unclear whether he accomplished this feat.

Although the island is less than three miles from mainland Italy, it would have been extremely difficult for early humans to cross the ocean.

In the ancient Greek poem The Odyssey, Homer describes Odysseus sailing past the mythical sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis as they crossed the Strait of Sicily.

This strait was well known to ancient sailors. They attributed the terrifying power of its waves and whirlpools to powerful monsters.

In modern times, thousands of migrants from North Africa attempt to cross the Channel each year. Many never make it, and some capsize just a few hundred meters from landing.

“We're not just looking for the first arrivals, we're looking for the first communities,” says Dr. Ilaria Patania, a researcher at Washington University in St. Louis.

“Understanding the timing of Sicily's early colonization provides important data on the patterns and modes of Sicily's early expansion. homo sapiens To the Mediterranean. ”

“This study shows that new ways of thinking and seeing can reveal previously invisible patterns,” added TR Kidder, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

“Previous scholars believed that the ruins on Sicily's southern coast were eroded or too damaged to yield useful information.”

“But discovering underwater ruins opens up a whole new area of research.”

“This allows us to reconsider the migration routes of these earliest modern human ancestors.”

Scholars agree that humans reached Sicily by 16,000 years after the Last Glacial Maximum.

But that date is puzzlingly late, given that humans are known to have dispersed from land to Siberia about 30,000 years ago.

This discrepancy has led some to wonder whether humans actually reached Sicily long before the currently accepted date.

Also, no one yet knows whether humans arrived in Sicily by sea or by foot over a land bridge, or even from what direction.

“The challenge in understanding the spread of early modern human ancestors is that we don't fully understand how they spread and colonized the world so early on,” Professor Kidder said. said.

“Did people come across the Strait of Messina from Italy or from the south along the coast of Africa?”

“Or could they have been island hopping in the Mediterranean? Locating a location on the southern coast helps us consider their route, and therefore their mode of movement.”

“In southeastern Sicily, very few Upper Paleolithic sites have been excavated and analyzed using scientific methods,” Dr. Patania said.

“Although our project is still in its early stages, we have already identified and assessed more than 40 locations of interest, of which around 17 locations have been more accurately relocated based on older identification information. .”

Two of the new sites identified by the research team may contain evidence of Upper Paleolithic human occupation, including fossilized animals.

Coruzzi is located at the southernmost tip of Sicily. This site was originally identified by other researchers in the 1940s.

“This is the location where a second land bridge would have connected this island to Malta,” Dr Patania said.

“When we investigated this site, we found European wild donkey teeth and stone tools.”

“Analysis of the ruins at this site may provide insight into the final leg of the human journey south down Sicily's southernmost coast and towards Malta.”

In the summer of 2024, archaeologists began excavating the second site, a cave called Camporato.

“Here we found evidence of sea level changes caused by the last ice age and local earthquakes. We are still investigating,” Dr. Patania said.

“We reconstruct not only the period of human habitation, but also the environments in which these people lived and how they coped with natural phenomena such as earthquakes, climate and environmental changes, and even volcanic eruptions. I am thinking of doing so.”

of findings appear in the diary PLoS ONE.

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I. Patania others. 2024. Between land and sea: an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the early occupation of Sicily (EOS). PLoS ONE 19 (10): e0299118;doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299118

This article is a version of a press release provided by Washington University in St. Louis.

Source: www.sci.news

Carbonate minerals in Gale Crater reveal insights into the climate of ancient Mars

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Carbonate minerals are an integral part of the carbon and water cycles, both of which are implicated in habitability, making them of particular interest in paleoenvironmental studies. In the new study, planetary scientists focused on carbon and oxygen isotope measurements of carbonate minerals detected by NASA’s Curiosity rover inside Mars’ Gale Crater.

An artist’s concept of an early Mars with liquid water (blue area) on its surface. Image credit: NASA / MAVEN / Lunar and Planetary Institute.

Isotopes are versions of an element that have different masses. As the water evaporates, the lighter ones, carbon and oxygen, are more likely to escape into the atmosphere, while the heavier ones are more likely to be left behind, accumulating in larger quantities, and in this case eventually incorporated into carbonate rocks.

Scientists are interested in carbonates because they have been shown to act as climate records.

These minerals may retain traces of the environment in which they formed, such as the temperature and acidity of the water and the composition of the water and atmosphere.

“The isotopic values of these carbonates indicate extreme amounts of evaporation, suggesting that these carbonates likely formed in climates where only ephemeral liquid water could exist. ‘ said Dr. David Burt, a researcher at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

“Our samples do not match an ancient environment in which life (biosphere) existed on the surface of Mars. However, it does not match the subterranean biosphere or the surface environment that began and ended before these carbonates formed. This does not exclude the possibility of a biosphere.

Dr. Burt and his colleagues propose two formation mechanisms for the carbonates found in Gale Crater.

In the first scenario, carbonates form through a series of dry-wet cycles within the crater.

In the second, carbonates form in extremely salty water under cold ice-forming (cryogenic) conditions inside the crater.

“These formation mechanisms represent two different climate regimes that could indicate different habitation scenarios,” said Dr. Jennifer Stern, also of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

“Wetting and drying cycles would indicate alternations between more and less habitable environments, while the extremely low temperatures in the mid-latitudes of Mars mean that most of the water is trapped in ice. “And what’s there would be very salty and unpleasant to live in.” “

These climate scenarios for ancient Mars have been previously proposed based on the presence of certain minerals, global modeling, and the identification of rock formations.

The results are the first to add isotopic evidence from rock samples to support the scenario.

The heavy isotope values of carbonates on Mars are significantly higher than carbonate minerals observed on Earth, and are the heaviest carbon and oxygen isotope values ever recorded in Martian material.

In fact, both wet-dry and cold-saline climates are required to form carbonates, which are extremely rich in heavy carbon and oxygen.

“The fact that these carbon and oxygen isotope values are higher than any other measured on Earth or Mars indicates that the process is extreme,” Dr. Burt said.

“While evaporation can cause significant oxygen isotope changes on Earth, the changes measured in this study were two to three times larger.”

“This means two things: (i) there was an extreme degree of evaporation that made these isotope values very heavy, and (ii) these heavier values were conserved so that the lighter isotopes The process that generated the body value must have significantly reduced its size.””

team’s paper Published in this week’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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David G. Burt others. 2024. High concentrations of carbon and oxygen isotopes in carbonate-derived CO₂ At Gale Crater on Mars. PNAS 121 (42): e2321342121;doi: 10.1073/pnas.2321342121

This article is based on a press release provided by NASA.

Source: www.sci.news

Fresh Insights into OCD Will Lead to Innovative Treatments

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

When my daughter was little, she would wash her hands a lot. We might have lightly teased her, saying she was a bit OCD. Then she started to reveal “bad thoughts” that I thought were typical of a child's imagination. I told her that everyone has these thoughts and that they will go away if she ignores them.

That wasn't the case with her. At 21, her emotions were out of control and completely out of proportion to reality. She was diagnosed with OCD, and I finally realized there was nothing “a little” about this condition.

OCD is complex, widely misunderstood, and treatment options are limited. But in recent years, the brain and body mechanisms that cause OCD have finally been uncovered, revealing a complex picture that involves genetics, various brain networks, the immune system, and even gut bacteria. The resulting improved understanding is opening up new possibilities for tackling this life-destroying condition.

Around the world, It is estimated that 1-3% of people suffer from OCD.Obsessional thoughts typically begin during adolescence or early adulthood. As its name suggests, it is characterized by obsessions, or intrusive thoughts, and compulsions, which are habits that cannot be stopped. “Obsessive thoughts capture and dominate our attention because they have become obsessive habits,” says Barbara Sahakian At Cambridge University…

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Insights into Mars’ Water History from MAVEN and Hubble Observations

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The history of water on Mars is important for understanding the evolution of planets like Earth. Water escapes into space as atoms, but hydrogen (H) atoms escape faster than deuterium (D) (hydrogen atoms with a neutron in their nucleus), increasing the residual D/H ratio. The current ratio reflects the total amount of water Mars has lost.

These far-ultraviolet Hubble images show Mars near its farthest point from the Sun (aphelion) on December 31, 2017 (top), and Mars near its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) on December 19, 2016 (bottom). Images by NASA/ESA/STScI/John T. Clarke, Boston University.

There is ample evidence that Mars experienced an early wet period when liquid water flowed across the surface, leaving distinct erosion patterns and the presence of clay in the topsoil.

This wet climate period is thought to have ended over 3 billion years ago, and the fate of that water has attracted considerable interest.

As Mars cooled, some of the water remained trapped in the crust, some broke down into hydrogen and oxygen atoms, and many of the atoms escaped into space through the upper atmosphere.

“There are only two places water can go: it freezes to the ground, or the water molecules break down into atoms and those atoms escape through the top of the atmosphere into space,” said Dr John Clark, a researcher at Boston University.

“To understand how much water there was and what became of it, we need to understand how the atoms escaped into space.”

In the new study, Dr Clark and his colleagues combined data from NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to measure how many hydrogen atoms are escaping into space and the current rate of escape.

This information allowed the researchers to infer past rates of water escape and understand the history of water on Mars.

Specifically, the researchers measured hydrogen and its heavier isotope, deuterium.

Over time, more hydrogen than deuterium was lost, increasing the D/H ratio in the atmosphere.

Measuring this ratio today can give scientists clues about how much water may have been present on Mars during its warmer, wetter periods.

By studying how these atoms escape in the present, we can understand the processes that determined escape rates over the past 4 billion years and extrapolate back in time.

Most of the data comes from MAVEN, but the spacecraft is not sensitive enough to observe deuterium emissions throughout the entire Martian year.

Unlike Earth, Mars is farther from the Sun in its elliptical orbit during its long winters, making its deuterium emissions weaker.

The authors needed Hubble data to fill in the gaps and complete a three-Martian year (687 Earth days) annual cycle.

The Hubble Space Telescope also provided additional data going back to 1991, before MAVEN arrived at Mars in 2014.

Combining data from these missions provided the first complete picture of hydrogen atoms escaping Mars into space.

“In recent years, scientists have discovered that the annual cycle of Mars is much more dynamic than people would have expected 10 or 15 years ago,” Dr Clark said.

“The whole atmosphere is very turbulent, heating and cooling on short timescales of a few hours.”

“The brightness of the Sun on Mars varies by 40 percent over the course of a Martian year, causing the atmosphere to expand and contract.”

The team found that the rate at which hydrogen and deuterium are released changes dramatically as Mars gets closer to the Sun.

The classical view that scientists had until now was that these atoms would slowly diffuse upwards through the atmosphere until they reached a height where they could escape.

But that picture no longer accurately reflects the whole picture, because scientists now know that atmospheric conditions change very rapidly.

As Mars approaches the Sun, water molecules, the source of hydrogen and deuterium, rise rapidly through the atmosphere and release atoms at high altitudes.

The second discovery is that the transformation of hydrogen and deuterium is so rapid that the escape of the atoms requires additional energy to account for it.

At the temperatures of the upper atmosphere, very few atoms would be fast enough to escape Mars’ gravity.

When something gives atoms extra energy, faster (super hot) atoms are created.

These phenomena include the impact of solar wind protons entering the atmosphere and sunlight causing chemical reactions in the upper atmosphere.

of Survey results Published in the journal Scientific advances.

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John T. Clark others2024. Hydrogen and deuterium in the Martian atmosphere: seasonal changes and a paradigm for escape into space. Scientific advances 10(30);doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adm7499

This article is based on a NASA press release.

Source: www.sci.news

Insights into large pterosaur flying capabilities revealed by new fossils found in Jordan

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unearthed the fossils of two different large azhdarchoid pterosaurs. Inabatanin Arabia And previously known species Arambrugiana Philadelphia — Discovered in Upper Cretaceous deposits in Jordan, the fossils have led researchers to hypothesize that not only could the largest pterosaurs fly, but that they may have had a different style of flight.

Inabatanin Arabia (Top) Flying while flapping its wings Arambrugiana Philadelphia (Below) Soaring like a vulture. Image courtesy of Terrill Whitlatch.

Pterosaurs are an extinct group of flying reptiles that existed from the Late Triassic until the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period.

They evolved powered flight about 50 million years before flight feathers appeared in the fossil record, and some achieved wingspans twice that of the largest flying birds (12 metres versus 6 metres).

“Our team was very surprised to find a three-dimensionally preserved pterosaur bone, which is a very rare occurrence,” said University of Michigan paleontologist Kerstin Rosenbach.

“Because pterosaur bones are hollow, they are extremely fragile and, if preserved, are likely to be found flat like a pancake.”

Dr. Rosenbach and his colleagues discovered two azhdarchoid pterosaur specimens in Jordan, one of which corresponds to a giant species. Arambrugiana Philadelphia (wingspan about 10 meters) and the second is a new, smaller species. Inabatanin Arabia (Wingspan approximately 5 meters).

They used high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans to analyze the internal structure of the wing bones.

“3D preservation is very rare, so we don’t have a lot of information about what the inside of a pterosaur bone looks like, so we wanted to do a CT scan,” Dr Rosenbach said.

“It’s entirely possible that nothing was preserved inside, or that the CT scanner was not sensitive enough to distinguish the fossil bone tissue from the surrounding matrix.”

“But fortunately, what we found was amazing, with exciting internal structures that were not only preserved but could be seen with a CT scanner.”

New specimens Arambrugiana Philadelphia Its wingspan was determined to be 10 metres, and the first details about the reptile’s skeletal structure were revealed.

CT scans revealed that the humerus is hollow inside, with a series of spiral ridges running up and down the bone, similar to the internal structure of a vulture’s wing bones.

The spiral ridges are thought to resist the torsional loads associated with soaring (sustained powered flight that requires flapping wings to launch and maintain).

The Inabutinin Arabian specimen is one of the most complete pterosaurs ever discovered in Afro-Arabia.

CT scans revealed that the structure of its flight bones is completely different from that of Arambourgiania philadelphiae.

The interior of the flight bone was crossed with an arrangement of struts that matched those seen in the wing bones of modern flapping birds.

This indicates that it was adapted to withstand the bending loads associated with flapping flight, and so it is likely that Inabatanin flew in this way, although it does not exclude the possibility that other flight styles may have been used from time to time.

” Inabatanin Arabia “It’s not uncommon, but it’s fun to see,” Dr. Rosenbach said.

” Arambrugiana Philadelphia It was totally unexpected and at first I had no idea what I was looking at.”

“Being able to see the entire 3D model, Arambrugiana PhiladelphiaI was really excited to see the spiral ridges on the humerus.”

The discovery of diverse flight styles among different sized pterosaurs is extremely exciting as it gives clues about how these animals lived.

It also raises intriguing questions, such as to what extent flight style correlates with body size and which flight style is more common among pterosaurs.

“We have very limited information about the internal structure of pterosaur bones over time, so it’s hard to say with any certainty which style of flight emerged first,” Dr Rosenbach said.

“If you look at other groups of flying vertebrates, birds and bats, you’ll find that wing flapping is by far the most common flight behavior.”

“Even soaring and gliding birds need some flapping to take to the air and continue flying.”

“This leads us to suggest that if flapping flight was the default state and was advantageous for a population of pterosaurs in a particular environment, in this case the open ocean, then soaring behaviour probably evolved later.”

a paper The paper on the survey results is Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Kirsten L. Rosenbach othersNew pterosaur fossils from the Afro-Arabian Late Cretaceous provide insight into the flying capabilities of large pterosaurs. Journal of Vertebrate PaleontologyPublished online September 5, 2024; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2385068

Source: www.sci.news

Incredible Pterosaur Fossils offer insights into their flight capabilities

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Smaller pterosaurs may have flapped their wings, while larger ones may have flown.

Terryl Whitlatch

Despite living hundreds of millions of years apart, pterosaurs may be more similar to modern birds than previously thought: the bone structure of these giant reptiles suggests that the largest used wings to fly, while smaller ones flapped their wings to achieve flight.

The discovery comes from a remarkably well-preserved pterosaur fossil unearthed in Jordan, where the mechanism of flight has left traces in the skeleton. Jeffrey Wilson Mantilla At the University of Michigan.

Pterosaurs began flying about 80 million years before birds and bats. During their 150 million year reign, from the Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period, they conquered every continent and evolved into a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Some were as small as a sparrow, while others had wingspans the size of a city bus. Analysis of pterosaur bones has revealed that different pterosaurs used different flight tactics to stay airborne.

Wilson-Mantilla and his team compared the fossils of two different pterosaur species and were delighted to discover that the 3D structure of the bones was still intact, which was a surprise because the hollow, brittle bones of pterosaurs would have easily broken down. Computed tomography scans revealed that the bones of the two reptile species were significantly different.

Large pterosaur, Arambrugiana Philadelphiahad spiral ridges running up and down the inside of their bones, similar to modern birds like eagles that fly with their wings fixed. Inabatanin Arabia The bird, a new species to science, had crossed struts that mimicked those of flapping birds.

The helical spiral helps resist twisting forces during ascent, and the crossed footings resist bending forces of the flaps. Wilson Mantilla.

Because the team found the fossils in what was once a coastal area, Mantilla thinks the soaring pterosaurs may have gained altitude by riding updrafts (currents of warm air rising from the ocean surface). He speculates that these pterosaurs could have also flapped their wings specifically to take to the air, making their soaring trait even more unusual.

The reason why one of these pterosaurs appeared to be flapping and the other was soaring raises new questions about how the more than 100 other known pterosaur species flew. Mantilla next wants to examine fossils from around the world to see if this pattern holds true. Perhaps, like modern birds, only the largest individuals of their species were able to soar.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New insights into the evolutionary origins of tardigrades from Cretaceous amber fossils

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Tardigrades are a diverse group of microinvertebrates widely known for their remarkable ability to survive. Molecular clocks suggest that tardigrades diverged from other panarthropods (arthropods, tardigrades, velvet worms, and lobopods) before the Cambrian, but the fossil record is extremely poor. Now, paleontologists have described a new species of tardigrade and redescribed previously known species. readBoth are from Canadian Cretaceous amber.

Artistic Restoration read (Top) and Aerobius dactylus (Bottom) A hypothetical fossilization environment. Image courtesy of Franz Anthony.

First discovered in 1773, tardigrades are a diverse group of microscopic invertebrates best known for their ability to survive in extreme environments.

Also known as tardigrades or moss pigs, these creatures can live up to 60 years and grow to a size of up to 0.5mm. They are best seen under a microscope.

They can survive up to 30 years without food or water, and can survive temperatures as low as -272°C and as high as 150°C for a few minutes, and as low as -20°C for decades.

Tardigrades can withstand pressures ranging from nearly zero atmospheres in outer space to 1,200 atmospheres at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, and can also tolerate radiation levels of up to 5,000-6,200 Gy.

They survive by entering a state of suspended animation called biostasis, using proteins that form a gel inside the cells and slow down vital processes.

“Tardigrades are microscopic invertebrates characterized by a compact body shape with lobopod legs with four pairs of claws, and are closely related to the clawed pterygota and euarthropods. Panarthropods“Harvard doctoral student Mark Mapalo and his colleagues said:

“Tardigrades are widely known for having several species with cryptobiotic capabilities that allow them to survive extreme conditions such as the vacuum of space, ionizing radiation and freezing temperatures. Tardigrades are also found in marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats around the world.”

“Despite their ubiquity in the modern biosphere, tardigrades have a notoriously poor fossil record, and research into their macroevolution, such as the origin of their body shape, the timing of their terrestrialization, and the acquisition of their cryptic abilities, is limited.”

“Currently, only four fossil crown-group tardigrades are known, all preserved as amber inclusions, but only two of these have an established taxonomic position relative to extant tardigrades.”

Aerobius dactylusImages/Photos: Mapalo others., doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06643-2.

For the study, the authors looked at a piece of amber containing a tardigrade fossil that was discovered in Canada in the 1960s. read and what was presumed to be another tardigrade, which was virtually unexplained at the time.

Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, a technique commonly used to study cell biology, the researchers were able to examine the microscopic structure of the tardigrade fossils in astonishing detail.

This study read It has been identified as a new species in the Tardigrade family tree, Aerobius dactylus.

“Both were found in the same Cretaceous amber, which means that these tardigrades coexisted with dinosaurs,” said Dr Javier Ortega-Hernández of Harvard University.

” read The seven claws are well preserved, and those that curve towards the body are smaller than those that curve away from it, a pattern seen in modern tardigrades.”

“The second, previously unidentified specimen had claws of equal length on each of the first three pairs of legs, but the outer claws on the fourth leg were longer.”

Both species serve as important calibration points for an analysis called a molecular clock analysis, which helps scientists estimate important evolutionary timing.

For example, new research suggests that modern tardigrades likely branched off during the Cambrian period, more than 500 million years ago.

The study also sheds light on the origins of tardigrades' remarkable ability to survive extreme environments by entering a state of torpor.

“This study estimates that this survival mechanism likely evolved during the middle to late Palaeozoic and may have played a key role in helping tardigrades survive the end-Permian mass extinction, one of the most severe extinction events in Earth's history,” Dr Ortega-Hernández said.

of result Published in a journal Communication Biology.

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MA Mapalo others2024. Inclusions in Cretaceous amber shed light on evolutionary origins of tardigrades. Communication Violet 7, 953; doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06643-2

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals Further Insights into Ice’s Unique Formation

Posted on July 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Ice 0 is Ice Shape If it is possible to induce the formation of ice crystals in supercooled water, University of Tokyo.

Ice nucleation in water nanodroplets at 180 K (minus 93.15 degrees Celsius, minus 135.76 degrees Fahrenheit). Image courtesy of G. Sun & H. Tanaka, doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-50188-1.

“Ice crystallization, known as ice nucleation, usually occurs heterogeneously, in other words, on solid surfaces,” said University of Tokyo researchers Gan Song and Hajime Tanaka.

“This is typically expected to occur at the surface of a container of water, where the liquid and solid meet.”

“But our study shows that ice crystallization can also occur just below the water surface, in contact with the air.”

“Here, ice nucleates around a small precursor that has the same characteristic ring-like structure as ice-0.”

“Simulations show that under isothermal conditions, water droplets are likely to crystallize near the free surface,” Dr Sun added.

“This settles a long-standing debate about whether crystallization occurs more easily on the surface or in the interior.”

The precursor to ice-0 has a structure very similar to supercooled water, which allows water molecules to crystallize more easily without having to form directly into the structure of regular ice.

These form naturally as a result of the negative pressure effect caused by the surface tension of water.

When crystallization begins from these precursors, the ice-0-like structure rapidly rearranges into the more typical ice-I.

“Our discovery of the mechanism behind water surface crystallization is expected to make significant contributions to various fields, such as climate research and food science, where water crystallization plays an important role,” said Dr. Tanaka.

“Understanding ice in more detail and how it forms can provide valuable insights into many different fields of research.”

“This work may be particularly important in meteorology, because the formation of ice from precursors such as ice-0 may have a much more pronounced effect on tiny water droplets such as those found in clouds.”

“Understanding ice also has benefits in technology, from food science to air conditioning.”

Team paper Published online in the journal Nature Communications.

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G. Sun & H. Tanaka. 2024. Surface-induced water crystallization driven by precursors formed in a negative pressure region. Nat Community 15, 6083; doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-50188-1

This article is based on a press release from the University of Tokyo.

Source: www.sci.news

Recent study provides insights into the factors influencing human evolution in East Africa

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

East Africa contains the world’s most complete record of human evolution, yet scientists know little about how long-term biogeographic dynamics in the region have influenced human diversity and distribution.

An artist’s depiction of early human habitation in Tanzania 1.8 million years ago. Image courtesy of M. Lopez-Herrera / Enrique Baquedano / Olduvai Paleoanthropology and Paleoecology Project.

In the new study, Dr. Ignacio Razaga-Baster from the National Center for Research on Human Evolution (CENIEH) and his colleagues focused on the mammal fossil record of the East African Rift Valley.

“The Late Cenozoic fossil beds of the East African Rift Valley provide the world’s richest, longest and most continuous record of human evolution and its environmental context,” the authors explained.

“As such, the human and faunal records of East Africa have been central to understanding the factors that shaped human evolutionary history.”

“Our study provides a new perspective on how climatic and environmental changes over the past six million years have influenced mammal and human evolution,” Dr Razaghabastar said.

“This study particularly highlights how biotic homogenization – the process by which the faunas of different regions become more similar in composition – has been an important factor in the evolution of ecosystems and the species that live in them.”

“Beta diversity analysis, which shows the relationships between regional and local biodiversity, allows us to trace how changes in vegetation and climate have driven patterns of dispersal and extinction over time.”

The team found that faunas from the Late Miocene and Pliocene (approximately 3 million to 6 million years ago) were primarily made up of endemic species.

The shift towards biotic homogenization, or faunal homogenization, began around 3 million years ago with the loss of endemic species within functional groups and an increase in the number of grazing species shared between regions.

This important biogeographic transition coincides closely with the regional expansion of ecosystems dominated by grasses and C4 grasslands that thrive better in warmer, drier climates.

These environmental changes directly affected the feeding and migration patterns of humans and animals that shared the habitat.

“We are certain that hominoids, like other East African mammals, were influenced by many factors. This study offers a new perspective on the link between environmental and human evolutionary change and, through an integrated approach, provides a framework for future research and to test the hypothesis that hominoids adapted to their environment,” Dr Razaghabastar said.

of study Published in the journal on July 15, 2024 Natural Ecology and Evolution.

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J. Rowan othersLong-term biotic homogenization in the East African Rift Valley during the past 6 million years of human evolution. Nat Ecol EvolPublished online July 15, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02462-0

Source: www.sci.news

How a carnivore diet impacts your health: Insights from a nutritionist

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Have you heard of the carnivore diet? It’s a new trend that takes low-carb dieting to the extreme by eliminating all plant foods and only consuming animal-derived foods like meat, fish, animal fats, and dairy products. Proponents claim that plant toxins and agricultural practices used in plant-based foods can harm our health, and suggest that eliminating sugar by cutting out plant foods can promote weight management and metabolic health.

While there is no scientific evidence on the health effects of the carnivore diet, anecdotal reports suggest benefits like improved weight management, cardiac and metabolic health, cognitive function, reduced inflammation, improved digestion, and even resolution of autoimmune diseases. However, side effects such as bad breath, constipation, and headaches may occur initially.

Nutritionally, animal-based foods provide high-quality proteins, essential vitamins like B12, iron, zinc, selenium, and other nutrients. However, the lack of fiber from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains in a carnivore diet may raise concerns for long-term gut and heart health. Scientific studies have shown the benefits of plant foods in reducing the risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, while high intake of red and processed meats can increase risks.

Proponents of the carnivore diet argue that it aligns with early human diets, but biological evidence suggests that humans evolved as omnivores who consumed both animals and plants. Transitioning to more sustainable and healthy food systems that consider the health of the planet is crucial, and excessive meat consumption may not support this goal. Ultimately, the choice to follow a carnivore diet may have long-term health implications and ethical considerations.

This article was first published on December 5, 2022.

Read more about nutrition:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Insights into the Future of Humanity from the 2024 United Nations World Population Prospects Report

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

“Demographic composition has changed significantly in recent years,” Li Junhua, the U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said in a news release.

The report predicts that the world’s population will continue to grow over the coming decades, from 8.2 billion in 2024 to a peak of nearly 10.3 billion in the next 50 to 60 years. But population won’t keep growing forever: By 2100, the world’s population is expected to return to 10.2 billion, 6% lower than UN experts predicted a decade ago.

The United Nations’ last population assessment, released in 2022, suggested humanity could reach 10.4 billion people by the late 2000s, but falling birth rates in some of the world’s largest countries, including China, are one of the reasons why the population peak will come sooner than expected.

More than half of countries have fertility rates below 2.1 children per woman, or the “replacement rate,” the number of children each woman needs to have to avoid population decline.

An additional 48 countries, including Vietnam, Brazil, Turkey and Iran, are also expected to see their populations peak over the next 30 years.

India’s population is 1.4 India’s population is expected to surpass China’s in 2022, surpassing 2 billion and becoming the world’s most populous country. India’s population is also expected to continue growing until the middle of this century, according to the report.

However, China’s population continues to decline.

“China has experienced a rapid and significant decline in births in recent years,” said Patrick Garland, head of the Population Estimates and Projections Division at the United Nations Population Division.

“The changes China has undergone in the past generation are among the fastest in the world,” Garland said.

Without immigration, the United States would also face a population decline. It is one of about 50 countries projected to continue experiencing population growth due to increased immigration. The U.S. population is projected to grow from 345 million in 2024 to 421 million by the end of the century.

People pass through a crowded street in Kampala, Uganda. Since 2013, Uganda’s population has grown by 13 million people, or nearly 40 percent, second only to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Badru Katumba/AFP via Getty Images

A growing country is likely to exacerbate problems related to consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and other drivers of global warming. A growing population also means more people are exposed to climate risks such as droughts, heat waves, and other extreme weather events that are intensified by global warming.

“Just because a challenge might emerge 60 years from now doesn’t mean it’s pointless to talk about it now,” said Dean Spears, an associate professor of economics at the University of Texas at Austin.

“Decades from now, people will be talking about these new demographic changes with the same level of academic and societal concern that we are talking about today about climate change,” Spears said.

Countries where population growth is expected to continue through to 2054 include India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Nigeria. In parts of Africa, including Angola, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger and Somalia, populations are expected to double dramatically between 2024 and 2054, according to the United Nations.

But a growing population on Earth does not necessarily mean that climate change will occur faster. Most of the world’s fastest growing regions are also countries that have historically contributed the least to global warming. These regions are also typically disproportionately affected by climate change.

The report notes that life expectancy has recovered after the impact of the pandemic. Global life expectancy will be 73.2 years in 2023, up from the pandemic low of 70.9 years in 2021 and higher than the pre-pandemic level of 72.4 years five years ago. Global life expectancy is projected to reach 81.7 years in 2100.

As life expectancy increases and birth rates fall, the world’s population is ageing. Projections show that by 2080, people aged 65 and over will outnumber children under 18. By 2023, there will be almost three times as many children as people aged 65 and over.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New DNA research reveals insights into the ancient ancestry of Australia’s dingoes

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Dingo (Dingo) are an iconic element of Australia’s biodiversity, but evidence-based management and conservation of dingoes depends on understanding their origins and population history. New ResearchIssued this week Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesResearchers have sequenced the genome of an ancient dingo individual, providing clues about the early history of dingoes in Australia, prior to the introduction of modern domestic dogs and the persecution of dingoes by European settlers. The results provide insight into the ancestry and origins of modern dingoes, including their relationship to the singing dogs of New Guinea, and will be a valuable resource for future developments in dingo management and conservation.

Dingoes are culturally and ecologically important free-living canines whose ancestors arrived in Australia more than 3,000 years ago, likely carried by sea voyagers. Image courtesy of Karlel.

Modern dingoes are free-ranging and naturalized Canine They live on most of mainland Australia and some of the nearby islands, including K'gari (known as Fraser Island from the 1840s until 2023).

Between the arrival of their ancestors in Australia at least 3,000 years ago and the introduction of domestic dog breeds as part of European colonisation beginning in the 18th century, dingoes were isolated from domestic dogs for thousands of years and represent an early 'primitive dog' lineage distinct from other free-ranging representatives of modern domestic dogs.

The early branching and free-living nature of dingoes means they were not subjected to the same intensive selective breeding as the ancestors of modern domestic dogs.

As a result, dingoes are behaviorally, genetically and anatomically distinct from domestic dogs and, as the continent's largest and most widespread terrestrial predator, they affect the distribution and populations of many other animal species.

“Dingoes have cultural significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and play a vital role in Australia's ecosystems,” said University of Adelaide researcher Dr Yasin Suirmi.

“Understanding the historical population structure of dingoes will help us to protect their role in Australia's ecosystems and culture.”

“Dingoes are currently under threat from lethal culling programs and our research highlights the importance of protecting populations both inside and outside national parks.”

For the study, Dr Suirmi and his colleagues sequenced genetic data from 42 dingo specimens taken from coastal Western Australia, the Nullarbor Plain and coastal eastern Australia, stretching more than 3,000 kilometres from east to west.

The majority of the dingo specimens the researchers analysed predate the arrival of Europeans in Australia, with some dating back more than 2,000 years, and therefore represent the true genetic diversity of dingoes before they interbred with modern domestic dog breeds.

“This dataset provides a rare glimpse into the genetic landscape of pre-colonial dingoes, without any interbreeding with modern dog breeds,” said Dr Sally Wasef, a palaeogeneticist at Queensland University of Technology.

“As a result, they are behaviorally, genetically and anatomically different from domestic dogs.”

“The ancestors of modern dingoes arrived in Australia more than 3,000 years ago, probably carried there by seafarers.”

“The samples we analysed represent the oldest ancient DNA ever found in Australia and point to broad potential for future DNA and conservation action for dingoes and other animals.”

“Dingo populations have been divided into eastern and western groups and were previously thought to have formed during post-colonial human activity.”

“However, our results show that dingo population structure was already present thousands of years ago, shedding light on the dingo's genetic heritage and highlighting the importance of using ancient DNA for wildlife conservation.”

“For example, all of the K'gari dingoes we analysed are free of domestic dog blood, proving they have retained their ancestral heritage intact.”

“Although we only studied a small number of K'gari dingoes, our results highlight the importance and usefulness of ancient pre-colonial genomic data in conserving our unique native fauna.”

“Bad human behaviour has led some dingoes to take food from tourists so although a few problem dingoes have been culled, this is concerning given the small population.”

“Our unique dataset of ancient dingo DNA has helped us to reveal important details about the ancestry and migration patterns of modern dingoes,” Dr Suirmi said.

“Dingoes existed in Australia long before Europeans arrived, with distinct regional populations roughly separated along the Great Dividing Range, and certainly before the construction of the dingo-proof fence.”

“DNA analysis also shows that there has been less interbreeding between dingoes and modern dogs than previously thought, and our study confirms that today's dingoes retain a significant amount of their ancestral genetic diversity.”

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Yasin Suirmi others2024. Ancient genomes reveal dingo population structure over 2,000 years. PNAS 121(30):e2407584121; doi:10.1073/pnas.240758412

Source: www.sci.news

New research reveals deeper insights into the genetic factors influencing coffee consumption

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages. In a new study, scientists from the University of California, San Diego and others conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of coffee intake among US-based 23andMe participants. They investigated genetic correlations and conducted a phenotype-wide association study across hundreds of biomarkers, health, and lifestyle traits, and compared their results with the largest GWAS of coffee intake from UK Biobank.

Coffee drinking is an inherited habit and carries a certain amount of genetic load. Image courtesy of Sci.News.

“To create the GWAS, we collected genetic data and self-reported coffee consumption,” said lead author Dr. Hayley Thorpe, a researcher at Western University and the University of Guelph.

“Our goal was to identify associations between genes known to be associated with coffee consumption and health-related traits and conditions.”

“We used these data to identify regions in the genome that are associated with a higher or lower likelihood of drinking coffee.”

“And then we identify the genetics and biology that underlie coffee consumption.”

“Many people are surprised that coffee consumption has genetic effects,” said co-author Abraham Palmer, PhD, a research scientist at the University of California, San Diego.

“From previous papers, we had good reason to suspect that there was a gene that influenced coffee intake.”

“So it wasn’t a surprise to us that in both cohorts we looked at, there was statistical evidence that this is a genetic trait.”

“In other words, the specific genetic variants we inherit from our parents influence how much coffee we drink.”

“The genetic influence on coffee consumption was the first of two questions we wanted to answer,” said Sandra Sanchez Loij, PhD, a research scientist at the University of California, San Diego and senior author of the paper.

“The second thing is what coffee lovers really want to know: Is drinking coffee good or bad? Does drinking coffee have positive health consequences or not?”

The group’s genome-wide association study of 130,153 US-based 23andMe study participants, compared with a similar UK Biobank database (334,649 British individuals), found consistent positive genetic associations between coffee consumption and adverse health outcomes such as obesity and drug use.

A positive genetic association is a link between a particular gene variant (genotype) and a particular condition (phenotype).

Conversely, a negative genetic association would be a clear protective trait that would thwart the onset of the disease.

When it comes to mental illness, the findings are more mixed.

“For example, if you look at the genetics of anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and depression, in the 23andMe data, they tend to be positively correlated with the genetics of coffee consumption,” Dr. Thorpe said.

“However, in UK Biobank we see the opposite pattern of negative genetic correlation, which is not what we expected.”

“There were other instances where the 23andMe sets did not match the UK Biobank, but the biggest discrepancies were for psychiatric disorders.”

“It’s common in this field to combine similar datasets to increase research power. This information tells us pretty clearly that combining these two datasets was not a smart idea. And we ended up not doing so.”

“Mixing databases can mask effects, leading researchers to erroneous conclusions, or even cancel each other out.”

“There are a few ideas as to how the differences in results could have arisen. First, the studies were comparing apples with oranges,” Dr. Sánchez Loisi said.

“For example, the 23andMe survey asks, ‘How many 5-ounce (cup-sized) cups of caffeinated coffee do you drink per day?’ Compare this to UK Biobank’s, ‘How many cups of coffee do you drink per day (including decaffeinated coffee)?'”

“The study did not take into account the variety of ways coffee is presented, beyond serving size and whether it’s caffeinated or decaffeinated.”

“We know that in the UK instant coffee is generally preferred, whereas in the US ground coffee is more commonly preferred,” Dr Thorpe said.

“And then there’s the Frappuccino, the American fad of drinking coffee loaded with added sugar,” Dr. Sánchez Loij added.

“There are other caffeinated drinks out there and, particularly in the UK Biobank context, tea was not included in the GWAS that looked solely at coffee,” Dr Palmer said.

“GWAS shows that the genotype-phenotype relationship is more different than that between coffee and tea.”

“Genetics influences a lot of things. For example, it influences your height.”

“And these things would probably play out in the same way whether you lived in the US or the UK. But coffee is a decision people make.”

“Coffee comes in many forms, from instant to Frappuccino, and is consumed within different cultural norms in different places,” Dr Sánchez Loij said.

“Someone with one genotype may end up with a completely different phenotype if they live in the UK and the US.”

“And that’s exactly what the data tells us, because in the case of height, behavior doesn’t really matter, but behavior and selection in the environment affect it in different ways. So genotype-environment interactions complicate the picture.”

Team paper Published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

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HHA Soap othersGenome-wide association study of coffee consumption in UK/US participants of European descent revealed cohort-specific genetic associations. NeuropsychopharmacologyPublished online April 17, 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41386-024-01870-x

Source: www.sci.news

New research reveals insights into childhood stress in Neanderthals and Paleolithic humans

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Neanderthal life has been portrayed as historically highly stressful, shaped by constant pressure to survive in harsh ecological conditions, which may have contributed to their extinction. In a new study, paleoanthropologists analyzed the frequency of dental enamel hypoplasia, an indicator of growth impairment due to early life stress, in the largest sample of Neanderthals and Upper Paleolithic humans. Their findings support similar overall stress levels in both groups, but show that there are species-specific patterns in the distribution of its occurrence. They found that the likelihood of growth impairment increased during the weaning process in Neanderthal children and culminated in intensity after weaning, whereas growth impairment in Upper Paleolithic children was limited to the time of weaning and significantly decreased after its expected completion. These results may reflect differences in parenting and other behavioral strategies between the two species, including some that may be advantageous for long-term survival in modern humans.

Neanderthal family. Image courtesy of the Field Museum.

“Neanderthals have traditionally been depicted as living highly stressful lives, including pressures to survive in the harsh and highly variable ecological conditions of Pleistocene Eurasia, which have been thought to have contributed to their extinction,” said Dr Laura Rimmer from the University of Tübingen and her colleagues.

“Modern Upper Paleolithic humans faced similar environmental conditions, but it is generally assumed that they were better equipped to buffer such pressures through their behavioral repertoire.”

“This includes strategies such as greater flexibility and efficiency in resource use and more complex social organisation and networks.”

“Their behavioral repertoire is thought to have given modern humans a competitive advantage over Neanderthals during the Upper Paleolithic, allowing them to survive while Neanderthals became extinct.”

“However, several recent studies have cast doubt on this view, arguing that Neanderthals and modern Upper Paleolithic humans lived similarly stressful lives.”

For the study, the researchers analyzed the enamel of 423 Neanderthal teeth and 444 Upper Paleolithic human teeth.

The researchers investigated early life stress in these individuals by identifying thin horizontal grooves in the enamel that previous studies have demonstrated are associated with early life stressors such as illness, infection, malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies and trauma.

The researchers found that the overall likelihood of enamel defects was similar in the teeth of Neanderthals and modern Upper Paleolithic humans.

“However, we observed that the distribution of dental enamel defects varied across developmental stages: in modern humans, enamel defects were more likely to occur around the time of weaning,” Dr Rimmer said.

In Upper Paleolithic humans, enamel defects were more likely to occur around the age when weaning was estimated to have occurred (between 1 and 3 years) than after the estimated weaning period.

In Neanderthals, enamel defects began to appear during weaning (around 1 year of age), peaked during late weaning (between 2 and 4 years of age), and then tended to decrease.

Scientists hypothesize that the stress experienced by Upper Paleolithic human children during weaning may have been due to increased energy demands that increased their risk of malnutrition.

They propose that Late Paleolithic humans may have helped to reduce developmental stress in their offspring after weaning through strategies such as encouraging long-term dependency on parents, using resources more efficiently and providing offspring with access to food.

They suggest that these strategies may not have been used by Neanderthals, which may have contributed to the long-term survival advantage of modern humans compared to Neanderthals.

“Modern humans may have gained an advantage over Neanderthals by providing better support for their young during these difficult times, such as by protecting them for longer or by providing a better food supply,” said Dr Shireen El-Zaatari, a researcher at the University of Tübingen.

“Neanderthals lived in a particularly cold and harsh climate, which is often said to have led to their extinction.”

“But because over a period of time Neanderthals and modern humans were exposed to the same climatic conditions, we are investigating other explanations.”

of study Published in a journal Scientific Reports.

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LS Rimmer others2024. Differences in childhood stress between Neanderthals and early modern humans reflected in impaired dental enamel growth. Scientific Reports 14, 11293; doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61321-x

Source: www.sci.news

The Leading Platform for Seasoned Traders – Featuring Blockchain News, Insights, TV, and Job Listings

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

RevoluteThe London-based digital banking giant, which boasts over 40 million customers worldwide, has officially launched its long-awaited Revolut X crypto exchange platform, marking a major step forward into the competitive landscape of cryptocurrency trading.

In response to this monumental development, Alex Saleh, Head of Partnerships at Blockchain Protection Company, said: coin cover, heralds Revolut’s foray into the cryptocurrency trading space as a transformative moment for the UK cryptocurrency ecosystem. Saleh emphasizes that the launch of Revolut played a pivotal role in overcoming previous regulatory uncertainties that stifled innovation in the sector.

“The launch of a new crypto exchange by Revolut is a major step forward for crypto in the UK and marks a significant shift away from the regulatory uncertainty that has hindered innovation in this space.” Mr. Saleh is adamant.

Additionally, Saleh praised Revolut’s strong commitment to compliance and security, saying it is a cornerstone of the company’s strategy. By prioritizing a ‘compliance first’ approach, Revolut sets a precedent for responsible crypto trading practices in line with institutional norms, thereby fostering trust and confidence within the market.

“Revolut’s focus on a ‘compliance first’ strategy is very positive,” Saleh said. “With robust compliance and security measures, this should serve as an example of a mature approach to crypto trading in line with institutional norms and help build trust in the market.”

Saleh also highlights the importance of Revolut X’s advanced trading platform, which provides users with a 1:1 financial support guarantee. This is an important feature that addresses persistent concerns arising from past incidents such as the FTX fallout.

“Now Revolut’s millions of users can try their hand at using an advanced trading platform that backs their funds 1:1, something that still plagues traders in the wake of FTX.” Saleh observes.

In light of Mr. Saleh’s remarks, Revolut’s debut of Revolut This is also proof of our unwavering efforts.

Source: www.the-blockchain.com

Zircuit staking reaches over $2 billion TVL in only 2 months – Blockchain Updates, Insights, Shows, Careers

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

George Town, Grand Cayman, April 23, 2024, Chainwire

jill kitthe ZK rollup with parallel circuits and AI-enabled security was announced today. staking program In just two months, TVL has soared to over $2 billion.

As Zircuit progresses toward mainnet, ZK Rollup's staking program is rapidly gaining momentum, amassing over $2 billion in TVL in just two short months. Zircuit staking allows users to earn his Zircuit points by depositing assets and transfer those assets to her Zircuit's mainnet at launch. Users can earn Zircuit points by depositing ETH, Liquid Staking Tokens (LST), Liquid Restaking Tokens (LRT), and USDe (Ethena USD).

In March, Zircuit launched its Build to Earn program to encourage builders, founders, and community members to contribute to the Zircuit ecosystem. He has already received more than 1,000 applications for the program. Zircuit's growing pre-launch TVL and community allows approved projects to gain user engagement and benefit from a rich developer experience in one of the fastest growing L2s. Additionally, developers and ecosystem contributors who participate in Zircuit's Build to Earn program can receive rewards for their approved contributions. Projects that join Zircuit through Build to Earn will join a growing list of top-tier launch partners, including Ethena, Ether.fi, KelpDAO, Renzo, Hashflow, Galxe, Elixir, Blocto, Eigenpie, and more.

Zircuit is currently in testnet and plans to launch mainnet in summer 2024.

To participate in Build to Earn, users can visit: https://build.zircuit.com/

To participate in Zircuit staking, users can access: https://stake.zircuit.com/

About Jill Kit

Zircuit is a ZK rollup with parallelized circuitry and AI-enabled security at the sequencer level. Built by a team of Web3 security veterans and PhDs in computer science, algorithms, and cryptography, Zircuit is backed by Pantera Capital, Dragonfly Capital, and Maelstrom. If you want to know more, please visit here zircuit.com Or follow us on Twitter/X @Zircuit2

contact

jessica graber
jill kit
jessica@zircuit.com

Source: www.the-blockchain.com

Transforming Pitch Competitions with AI Insights and Leading Web3 VCs – Blockchain News, Opinions, TV, Jobs

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paris, France, April 25, 2024, Chainwire

The total prize pool is over 1 million euros, including a media grant from Cointelegraph.
Proof of Pitch is part of Proof of Talk, which brings together all of Web3’s global leaders
June 10-11, 2024, Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD), Louvre Palace, Paris

A groundbreaking shift from traditional pitch competitions, Proof of Pitch is an innovative platform that uniquely combines the insights of artificial intelligence (AI) with the strategic acumen of the world’s leading Web3 venture capitalists. will appear. proof of pitch Participants will present to a limited audience of speakers and VCs, including CEOs, founders of leading blockchain companies, and top Web3 VC partners.

In addition to zkSync, the contest’s main sponsor, prominent partners and judges include Pantera Capital, Borderless Capital, Binance Labs, Greenfield Capital, Arrington Capital, Animoca Brands, Spartan Group, X Ventures, Mechanism Capital, and Cointelegraph. There is.

The Proof of Pitch winner will receive a grand prize worth €1 million, a combination of cash investments from participating VCs, accelerator services, visibility (including a 30,000 media grant from Cointelegraph), and many other value-adds. will be awarded. element.

All participants will also receive a detailed 12-page investment report to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their pitch, outlining strengths to focus on and weaknesses to improve. This equates to a team of analysts spending several weeks analyzing participant startups.

Zohair Dehnadi, Co-Founder and Partner, Proof of Talk, X-Ventures: “Unlike traditional pitch competitions, Proof of Pitch enables global companies and leaders to intelligently harness the power of Web3 to increase investment performance. It provides valuable and sustainable insights for homes and startups across the community, rather than another light-touch startup competition with glittering prizes that ultimately adds no real business value. Join our prestigious Proof of Pitch experience and improve yourself! See you in June!”

Revolutionizing startup valuation: The benefits of AI

The pioneering AI-powered tools at the heart of Proof of Pitch are redefining startup valuation, delivering deep and nuanced insights at an unprecedented pace. Developed by XVentures through his year-long rigorous collaboration involving top VCs and data scientists, this AI, known as the Pitch Scan LLM tool, scrutinizes a startup’s business model, conducts thorough due diligence, and analyzes ideas. You can evaluate the team behind. Understand market size and competitive landscape within minutes instead of weeks. All participants will receive a detailed 10-page report containing a strategic roadmap for success in the ever-evolving Web3 domain.

Beyond funding: Prizes that fuel growth

This initiative is an innovative approach aimed at identifying, nurturing, and promoting startups that are redefining Web3’s innovative horizons. Winning at Proof of Pitch is about more than just securing financial support. Winners will receive resources ranging from AI-powered analytics to mentorship from her Web3 visionaries, as well as direct introductions to leading venture capitalists. This comprehensive support system is designed to refine your strategy, accelerate growth, and establish market leadership.

Unprecedented visibility among the elite

You’ll be presented to a prestigious audience including CEOs, founders of leading blockchain companies, and top Web3 venture capitalists, and gain exclusive exposure by being in the top 10% of applicants. This exposure is more than just name recognition, it’s the golden ticket to attracting the attention of industry elites, securing significant investment, and forging transformative connections.

Vanguard’s Call to Web3 Innovators

Proof of Pitch seeks startups at the cutting edge of Web3 innovation to outwit industry giants, venture on the cutting edge of technology, and stake their claim on the digital future. This unique opportunity allows participants to showcase their visionary ideas, advance their startups, and create a lasting impact in the field of digital innovation.

Proof of Pitch invites anyone interested to jump into this revolutionary journey to transcend traditional pitch standards. Web3 Navigate the front lines of innovation.

Proof of Talk aims to welcome over 2,500 participants. The summit features impact-driven networking and a sophisticated agenda, coupled with an impressive lineup of speakers featuring CEOs, founders, and leaders from the Web3 and digital asset industries. Speakers include:

● Joseph Rubin, ConsenSys CEO and Founder

● Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton

● Tim Draper, Founder of Draper Associates

● Ophelia Snyder, 21Shares Co-Founder President

● Mihailo Bjelic, Polygon co-founder

● Raul Pal, Crypto Macro Economist

● Mr. Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands

● Avara CEO Stani Kulechov

● Staci Warden, Algorand Foundation CEO

● Tim Grant, CEO of Deus X Capital

● Leading digital assets from over 30 major TradFi banks

● Partners from over 100 participating VCs

The Summit’s agenda also actively reflects the growing importance of Web3, with over 20 panels, 10 workshops, and 10 keynotes and hearths on important topics shaping the future of Web3. will be carried out. These include the tokenization of real-world assets, AI & blockchain integration, gaming evolution, and smart contract security.

Attendees at this year’s Proof of Pitch will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and gain valuable information. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry experts and potential investors who can help take their business to the next level. If you are interested, please apply here.

About proof of talk

Proof of Talk is setting a new standard in the Web3 conference world, establishing itself not just as another Web3 conference, but as a pivotal forum where the promise of decentralization is realized. This summit uniquely combines the essence of a traditional economic forum with the dynamic decentralized Web3 community, fostering an innovative ecosystem of dialogue and action. It stands as a platform for change, where every voice, from experienced economists to radical he Web3 founders, contributes to a collective vision for the future of the decentralized economy. Participants will shape this new landscape by fostering engaging discussions and unparalleled networking. Learn more about www.proofoftalk.io

About X Ventures

X Ventures is a Germany-based digital asset investment fund dedicated to supporting and empowering entrepreneurs in the Web3 industry. Alongside its investment activities, X Ventures founded www.xschool.io with the aim of providing accessible education to future leaders around the world. Website: https://www.xventures.de

contact

Shanna Molina
cognito
shanna.molina@cognitomedia.nl

Source: www.the-blockchain.com

Could dinosaurs make a comeback in the future? Insights from a paleontologist

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Dinosaurs, in the form of birds, continue to exist today. However, traditional dinosaurs like tyrannosaurus, triceratops, and stegosaurus, are unlikely to evolve again if the climate and temperatures return to Cretaceous conditions.

While pondering this idea is entertaining, it is impossible to accurately predict future evolutionary developments. Evolution is largely influenced by chance and natural selection, which occurs in response to immediate needs rather than long-term planning.

The late paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould once contemplated rewinding the tape of life to a past era and playing it again. He theorized that each replay would result in a different world, shaped by random quirks and unpredictable paths.

One thing that becomes clear with fossil record analysis is that once a species goes extinct, it is gone forever. Trilobites, for example, have not reappeared despite similarities in today’s climate to theirs in the past.

Evolution through convergence is a powerful force, leading different species to develop similar traits when faced with similar environmental challenges. Therefore, if Earth were to undergo a Cretaceous-like climate shift, it is possible that new large reptiles may evolve, but not necessarily tyrannosaurus and triceratops.

In response to a reader’s question about the possibility of dinosaurs evolving again under different Earth conditions, this article explores the unpredictable nature of evolution and the potential for new species to emerge under changing circumstances.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out on our Facebook or Instagram pages.

Explore more fascinating science topics on our website and stay curious!

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Psychology Behind Paranormal Beliefs: Insights from a Ghostbusters Consultant

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

When something strange happens in your neighborhood, who do you call? Most likely, the police, as ghosts and Ghostbusters are not real. However, that doesn’t stop people from believing in the paranormal.

According to a 2019 YouGov poll, 45% of Americans believe in ghosts. Meanwhile, a YouGov poll from 2016 found that Britons are more likely to believe in creepy spirits than in the existence of God. A nostalgic sequel, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” is set to be released this month. Why do people struggle with belief in ghosts?

“It tends to be driven by two factors,” says Richard Wiseman, Professor of Public Understanding in Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. “One is personal experience. Many claim to have experienced paranormal phenomena after losing a loved one.

“The second factor is popular media. Most experiences are easily rationally explained. For instance, phenomena like double exposures in photography used to be common but have decreased with the rise of camera phones, making ghosts less common.”

Wiseman explains that both drivers tap into various psychological traits, some universal and others unique to certain individuals.

“Humans have imaginative minds,” he says. “We seek to imagine a world free of pain and suffering, where loved ones are still present. We are creatures that seek patterns, but sometimes we overwork ourselves and see patterns that aren’t real.”

Wiseman connects belief in ghosts to creativity. For example, a 2013 study at the University of British Columbia found that people are more likely to attribute human characteristics to non-human objects, making them more likely to believe in ghosts.

“Those who believe in such phenomena typically share similar psychological traits,” Wiseman notes. “They are open-minded, creative, and excel at immersing themselves in experiences like plays and movies, identifying patterns.”

However, one can harness this inherent creativity. A study by psychologist Dr. James Horan in the 1990s found that people were more likely to believe in the paranormal when “primed,” a psychological term describing how one stimulus affects subsequent stimuli.

©Christina Cali

“He took two groups around disused movie theaters,” Wiseman elaborates. “One group was told it was an architecture tour with nothing out of the ordinary, while the other group was told it was haunted. As a result, the latter group began experiencing phenomena. Ambiguity and suggestions can influence how we perceive and report experiences. Psychics often utilize this technique.”

The power of human beliefs can shape our reality, sometimes leading to belief in foolish things like ghosts or harmful notions like conspiracy theories. Yet, Wiseman chooses to focus on the positive aspect of this phenomenon.

“When we consider great scientific achievements like landing a man on the moon or developing a coronavirus vaccine in record time, we realize the power of belief in achieving near-impossible feats. Despite sometimes being led astray by ghosts, we can achieve remarkable things through belief, even with minimal evidence. That’s the trade-off for greatness.”

About our expert Professor Richard Wiseman

Richard is Professor of Public Understanding in Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is a former professional magician, a member of the Inner Magic Circle, an Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association, and a Fellow of the Rationalist Association.

Read more popcorn science:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back with additional insights and words of wisdom from inspiring women | Podcast

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

This week’s picks

football dial F
Widely available every week starting Wednesday
Total Sport FM listeners are used to their hosts being white and ungainly, so what happens when the management brings in a young YouTuber? Rory Adefope (below), with Des (Fergus Craig) She plays Lisa, a new employee who pairs up to compete for airtime. The fast-talking, tongue-in-cheek satire of sports radio is spot-on, and every character is a bit ignorant and awful. As the producer says, “Hate equals clicks, views, and ad dollars.” Hannah Verdier

miss me?
BBC Sounds, 2 episodes every week
Lifelong friends Lily Allen and Mikita Oliver have a wealth of chemicals and materials for their twice-weekly updates. Funny stories, memories from her ’90s involving A-listers, discussion of hot topics, musings on the Princess of Wales are all here, and an insider’s look at how the celebrity world works It also includes a perspective. HV

Rory Adefope. Photo: Julia Kennedy/Observer

smarter than me
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ best podcast with older (and smarter) women is back for season two. Billie Jean King, Patti Smith, and Sally Field are among the sensational subjects who offer pure inspiration this time around. Louis-Dreyfus says it has “brainwashed” her about her own ideas about aging and made her look forward to it. I can see why. HV

unreliable witness
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Who is Ellie Williams? The 22-year-old was jailed on false rape charges in 2022, but this nuanced podcast proves there’s a lot the public doesn’t know. Sky News home editor Jason Farrell and producer Liz Lane have spoken to her family and friends, who portray her as an intelligent and sociable woman who had shown signs of abuse. HV

strike
BBC Sounds, weekly episodes
There are many reflections on the miners’ strike, which marks its 40th anniversary, but it is the personal memories that are truly moving. Merthyr Tydfil-born filmmaker Jonny Owen, then 13, explores the divide between miners who went on strike and those who didn’t, and how it divided friendships and communities. talked about. HV

There’s a podcast for that

Danny Robbins, host of the Battersea Poltergeist Podcast. Photo: David Levin/The Guardian

this week, Rachel Aroesti choose the best five paranormal phenomenon Podcasts from a guide to American spiritualism to a BBC investigation finding the truth about 1950s London poltergeists.

ghost story
This wonderful podcast by journalist Tristan Redman begins as a vague anecdote about a potentially haunted attic in south-west London and turns into a fascinating, deep, and rather beautiful meditation on memory and the past. We will continue to expand. This series was started by a strange coincidence. As a child, Redman experienced strange occurrences in her bedroom. Years later, he found his wife’s great-grandmother murdered next to her. What follows is an interesting investigation into a very strange murder and a spine-chilling investigation into the possibility of ghosts. Could it be that Redman has lived under the influence of supernatural forces all his adult life? Although his conclusions were by no means definitive, they were revelatory and moving.

battersea poltergeist
Danny Robbins is the king of paranormal podcasting in the UK, as host of the BBC’s excellent audio series-turned-TV show Uncanny. But it was actually the 2021 series Battersea Poltergeist that first ignited the comedy writer’s late career. switch. An incredibly thorough investigation into the ghostly events that took place on Wycliffe Road in the 1950s, Robbins pulls out all the stops to uncover the noises and flights that haunted the Hitchings family and made headlines for more than a decade. Provided a reasonable explanation for the object. But no matter how hard he tries, the host can’t completely dismiss the idea that something happened there that can’t be explained scientifically. And by the end of the series, you will too.

ghost church
Podcaster and comedian Jamie Loftus (known as co-host of the long-running show “The Bechdel Cast”) is an American spiritualist (a religion adjacent to Christianity defined by the belief that the dead never actually die). ) is a reliable and often hilarious guide to. This charming, funny and heartfelt series. To delve into the shaky underpinnings of spiritualism and its less comical modern aspects, Loftus ventures into Cassadaga, a small, highly insular community in Florida that has dedicated its life to communicating with spirits. I would like to interview mediums. Although she arrived with an open mind, she quickly realized that it would take a preternatural level of seriousness to keep from laughing at all the mind-bogglingly bizarre details. Ta.

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radio rental
Podcaster Payne Lindsay, who made a name for himself by investigating a series of cold cases, goes on to create a series of gruesome films that revolve around something that isn’t exactly a true crime, but is still incredibly sinister. I turned my attention to the story. After scouring forums for suitably chilling stories, from stories of her girlfriend’s doppelgänger to an evil babysitter that clearly never existed, Lindsay tracks down the posters and reveals the gruesome details of their experiences. I recorded everything. The paranormal is just one possibility in these explanations, but human evil is a far more terrifying possibility, so for once it’s often the preferable option. Oh, and if that gets a little too much, Rainn Wilson (aka Dwight from The Office US) is on hand to break the ice, serving as MC for the whole thing in the guise of video store owner Terry Carnation .

ghost in the suburbs
Wellesley, Massachusetts is a real place, but it’s not the poltergeist-filled community this podcast would have you believe. Ghosts in the Burbs does not initially appear to be a work of fiction. Our host is a seemingly real person named Liz Sower, a community member who decided to compile local ghost stories from her neighbors into a (real) blog. However, it soon becomes clear that Sour is actually narrating a sophisticated melodrama about a town plagued by paranormal activity. The tone is pleasant, and Sour and his acquaintances give off a delicious mummy vibe, but it’s also very unsettling. After a while, the host will be able to see ghosts, spirits, and demons. It’s not a skill set that will help you sleep at night.

Why not try it…

After Broad and Market Examines the 2003 murder of Sakia Gunn, a young, black, gay 15-year-old student in downtown Newark. Her murder galvanized LGBTQ+ activism in New Jersey.
in Y is importantnutritionist Alina Kuzmina and expert guests discuss a wide range of health topics, including overeating, work-life balance, and the relationship between mind and body.
Serpentine Podcast: Intimacy We ask how we can expand and evolve our connections with ourselves, others, and the world around us.

If you want to read the full newsletter, subscribe to receive Listen Here in your inbox every Thursday.

Source: www.theguardian.com

What insights can a home fecal test kit provide about our gut microbiome?

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Feces can reveal the bacteria in your intestines, but we don’t yet know which ones are best.

STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/Science Photo Library/Alamy

The science of our gut microbiome is often portrayed as one of medicine’s hottest new areas, but some argue that this research is overhyped. The latest aspect of this field to gain traction is test kits that allow you to send in a stool sample to find out if your gut bacteria are impacting your health.

Analysis found that these kits made claims that were not supported by evidence and that their testing procedures were not rigorous enough. So should companies even be allowed to sell them?

Research into the microbiome began about 20 years ago, with advances in DNA sequencing allowing scientists to learn more about our bodies and the bacteria that live within them.

Doctors have long known that some infectious diseases are caused by an overgrowth of harmful pathogens. The innovative idea is that more subtle microbiome disturbances can lead to conditions normally thought to have nothing to do with our gut, such as obesity, cancer and depression. did.

Despite the hype, this field has yet to change the world of medicine. Fecal transplants (transferring one person’s stool to another’s to increase beneficial bacteria) have so far been approved for only one rare medical condition. It is a severe form of diarrhea that usually affects hospitalized patients taking strong antibiotics. Additionally, probiotic products that purport to deliver “good bacteria” to the gut have generally not yet been shown to be effective in randomized trials, the gold standard of medical evidence.

But that hasn’t stopped some companies from selling microbiome-related products directly to the public. In response, the US National Institutes of Health launched an investigation into the increased use of fecal test kits by the general public.

Diane Hoffman Researchers from the University of Maryland identified 31 companies around the world that offer direct-to-consumer microbiome analysis kits. Based on the results of these analyses, users may be provided with a comprehensive report on their gut health, for example in the form of a numerical score, or told that their gut bacteria are associated with certain medical conditions. there is.

The big problem, Hoffman says, is that the science behind fecal DNA analysis is not yet advanced enough to draw reliable conclusions. Previous research has shown that Giving the same sample to different laboratories can give different results. This may be due to differences in how samples are processed or the reference databases companies use to determine someone’s microbiome.

Companies typically do not provide details about how they conduct their analysis, considering it commercially sensitive. “They don’t have to provide any information,” Hoffman said.

A further problem is that even if we could accurately quantify how much of each bacterial species is in someone’s feces, there is still no debate among doctors about which bacteria are associated with specific medical conditions or gut health. There’s a lack of consensus, Hoffman said. “They don’t have the data they need to determine whether someone’s gut microbiome is healthy or unhealthy.”

Some of the companies selling these tests have conflicts of interest. The research team found that nearly half of manufacturers sell supplements and probiotic products that claim to improve gut health and recommend them to consumers based on test results.

The findings are not surprising. leslie hoyles He is co-author of a review on the field at Nottingham Trent University in the UK. natural microbiology Last year, it concluded that the country was susceptible to “hype and misinformation.” When it comes to fecal testing, “it varies so much from person to person that it’s meaningless,” she says. “We don’t know what a healthy microbiome is.”

It might be tempting to think that if people want to waste money on fecal test kits, they should be allowed to do so. However, many other types of direct-to-consumer medical tests, such as pregnancy tests and COVID-19 tests, are regulated by government agencies and require sufficient supporting evidence. It’s time for microbiome testing to meet the same standards, Hoffman says.

No one is arguing that microbiome research should be abandoned. Although there is great promise in this field, it is clear that it is still in its early stages. So for now, it may be wise to just continue flushing your stool down the toilet.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Middle Cretaceous paleoclimate insights from dinosaur footprints in the Nanushuk Formation

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists investigated dinosaur footprints and large assemblages of fossilized plants. Nanushuk FormationIt extends over much of the northern slope of central and western Alaska, varying in thickness from 1,500 to 250 m (4,921 to 820 ft) from west to northeast.

Theropod dinosaur footprints in the Nanushuk Formation, Alaska, USA. Note the sinusoidal shape of the metatoe impression. Scale bar – 10 cm.Image credit: Fiorillo other., doi: 10.3390/geosciences14020036.

“For the past 20 years, Alaska has been working on projects that integrate sedimentology, dinosaur paleontology, and paleoclimate indicators,” said Paul McCarthy, a professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

“We've been studying the other three formations, Denali, the North Slope, and southwestern Alaska, and they're about 70 million years old.”

“This new one is in strata that are about 90 million to 100 million years old.”

“What we were interested in looking at rocks from this age is that this is about the same time that people thought the Bering Land Bridge connecting Asia and North America began.”

“We want to know who was using it, how they were using it, and what the circumstances were.”

“The mid-Cretaceous period was the hottest period of the Cretaceous period.”

“The Nanushuk Formation gives us a snapshot of what high-latitude ecosystems look like on a warm Earth.”

The Nanushuk Formation dates from the mid-Cretaceous period, approximately 94 to 113 million years ago, at the beginning of the Bering Land Bridge.

The field survey was conducted between 2015 and 2017, focusing on the Cork Basin, a circular geological feature of the formation.

The basin is located at the base of the Delong Mountains along the Kukpouluk River, approximately 100 km (60 miles) south of Point Rey and 32 km (20 miles) inland from the Chukchi Sea.

In the area, paleontologists found about 75 fossilized footprints and other traces of dinosaurs believed to have lived along rivers and deltas.

“This place had so many dinosaur footprints. One site stands out,” said Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, a researcher at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

“We eventually realized that we were walking over an ancient landscape for at least 400 yards (366 meters).”

“In that landscape, we found large upright trees with smaller trees between them, with leaves on the ground. There were footprints on the ground, and there was fossilized feces.”

“We found numerous fossilized tree stumps about 60 centimeters (2 feet) in diameter. It felt like we were walking through a forest that was millions of years old.”

Although the Nanushuk Formation includes rocks of marine and non-marine characteristics and composition, the new study focuses primarily on non-marine sediments exposed along the upper Kukpouluk River.

“One of the things we did in our paper was look at the relative frequencies of different types of dinosaurs,” Dr. Fiorillo said.

“What was interesting to us was that bipedal plant-eating animals were clearly the most common.”

Two-legged plant-eating animals accounted for 59% of all footprints discovered. 17% were four-legged plant-eating dinosaurs, 15% were birds, and 9% were non-avian, mainly carnivorous bipedal dinosaurs.

“One of the interesting things is the relative frequency of bird tracks,” Dr. Fiorillo said.

Carbon isotope analysis of wood samples revealed that the area received approximately 70 inches (178 cm) of rainfall per year.

This record of increased precipitation during the Mid-Cretaceous provides new data supporting global precipitation patterns associated with the Mid-Cretaceous. Cretaceous thermal maximum.

The Cretaceous thermal maximum was a long-term trend about 90 million years ago, during which average global temperatures were significantly higher than today.

“Temperatures were much warmer than today, and perhaps more interestingly, we had a lot of rain,” Dr. Fiorillo said.

a paper Survey results are published in a magazine earth science.

_____

Anthony R. Fiorillo other. 2024. New dinosaur ichthyological, sedimentological, and geochemical data from the Nanushuk Formation of Alaska's North Slope, a Cretaceous high-latitude terrestrial greenhouse ecosystem. earth science 14(2):36; doi: 10.3390/geosciences14020036

Source: www.sci.news

Lif3 collaborates with BitGo to enhance blockchain security for institutional DeFi assets – Blockchain News, Insights, Videos, Opportunities

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Road Town, British Virgin Islands, March 13, 2024, Chainwire

riff 3 (LIF3/USD)(LIF3/USDt) an innovative multi-chain DeFi Layer-1 Ecosystem The company, which operates on Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and Phantom, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with. bitgo, an industry-leading secure and qualified institutional custodian. This collaboration represents a major step forward in securing and democratizing access to blockchain technology for users around the world. riff3.com Leverages BitGo’s pioneering multi-signature technology for custody transactions and cold storage. Lif3 token, L share token, and L3USD.

“We are excited to support Lif3’s goal of increasing access to DeFi with our industry-leading secure custody solution. This partnership will allow Lif3 users to feel secure and confidently participate in the DeFi ecosystem. Become.” mike belsheCEO of bitgo.

“This strategic partnership not only strengthens the security of digital assets for institutional customers, but also instills new confidence in secure storage and transaction capabilities within the Lif3 ecosystem, creating a new gold standard for asset protection in the DeFi space. As a supporter of the LIF3 ecosystem, I am very excited to leverage BitGo's renowned multi-signature authority custody solution to fully protect its core assets. By partnering with BitGo, recognized as the industry standard for security, we are able to leverage BitGo's cutting-edge cold storage technology to provide an innovative and unparalleled layer of security for Lif3 tokens, LSHARE tokens, and L3USD. It will be. My relationship with BitGo spans over 10 years, I've been using their products since 2013, and their product offerings have evolved from, for example, protecting Bitcoin to creating Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC). I've been doing it. “It was an easy decision for him to choose BitGo to protect the Lif3 ecosystem.” Harry YehManaging Director quantum fintech group.

This partnership supports Lif3's vision of a simpler, more secure, and more interactive user experience, and facilitates seamless consumer DeFi acquisition through .riff 3 walletYou can download it from “. app store and google play.

This BitGo announcement Lif3’s recent Ethereum migration announcement strategic partnership with layer zerois an alliance designed to address the challenges associated with token bridging for a more secure and efficient blockchain experience.

riff3.com And that “Riff 3 Wallet” continues to be an interesting platform for those investing in the future of decentralized finance and blockchain technology. With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, Lif3 has established itself as a frontrunner in shaping the future landscape of the digital economy, and through the Lif3 mobile app, a one-stop solution for adoption, investment, and trading, Lif3 We are realizing our vision of breaking down barriers to adoption. , earn money, play games, and off-ramp.

About Lif3.com

Lif3.com is a complete omnichain DeFi ecosystem that includes carefully selected layer 1 blockchains and self-custodial wallets. ‘Lif3 Wallet’ is available on the App Store and Google Play – Unlocking the potential of Web3 through consumer DeFi, iGaming and entertainment sectors

LIF3

LIF3 (LIF3) is an ERC-20 token that powers the LIF3 ecosystem, providing a comprehensive suite of features for managing digital assets across multiple blockchains while allowing users to benefit from staking. Offers. To access $LIF3 on Bitfinex, please visit: https://trading.bitfinex.com/t/LIF3:UST – The API symbol for LIF3 is LIFIII. bitfinex

twitter | Lif3 news and updates | How to buy LIF3 with ETH or USDT on Ethereum

For the official LIF3 logo and branding, please visit:

https://docs.lif3.com/brand-assets

About BitGo

Founded in 2013, BitGo is a leading provider of secure digital asset wallet solutions, offering institutional-grade custody, staking, trading, and core wallet infrastructure. Notably, the company pioneered multi-signature wallets and launched BitGo Trust Company, the first certified custodian of digital assets, in 2018.with $250 million insurance policy, SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certification, and strict regulatory compliance, BitGo guarantees high standards of security and confidentiality. BitGo has expanded its services and introduced his institutional-level DeFi, NFT, Web3 products, and the Go Network. In 2023, the company secured $100 million in Series C funding, giving it a company value of $1.75 billion. BitGo supports over 700 digital assets, processes 20% of on-chain Bitcoin transactions, and serves his over 1,500 institutional customers in 50 countries.

Disclaimer

Custody services are provided through BitGo Trust Company, a South Dakota chartered trust company. BitGo is not registered with the SEC and does not provide legal, tax, investment, or other advice. Please consult your legal/tax/investment professional with any questions regarding your specific situation.

About Quantum Fintech Group

Quantum Fintech Group is a private investment group founded in 2020 that focuses on providing superior returns in the alternative asset space with a particular focus on blockchain investments.

twitter: https://twitter.com/quantumftg

contact

Media contact point
Chantel Elloway
Lif3 Labs Limited
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Source: the-blockchain.com

Webb observations provide new insights into the enigma of “Hubble tension”

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

When you’re trying to solve one of the biggest puzzles in cosmology, you need to triple-check your homework. The mystery, called the Hubble tension, is that the universe is currently expanding faster than astronomers expect based on the initial conditions of the universe and our current understanding of its evolution. Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and many other telescopes are constantly discovering numbers that don’t match predictions based on observations from ESA’s Planck mission. Does this discrepancy require new physics to resolve, or is it a result of measurement errors between the two different methods used to determine the rate of expansion of space?

NGC 5468 is an image of a galaxy located approximately 142 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, combining data from Hubble and Webb. Image credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / A. Riess, JHU & STScI.

One of the scientific justifications for building Hubble was to use its observational capabilities to provide accurate values for the rate of expansion of the universe.

Before Hubble’s launch in 1990, ground-based telescope observations were subject to large uncertainties. Depending on what we infer from the expansion rate, the age of the universe could be between 10 and 20 billion years old.

Over the past 34 years, Hubble has reduced this measurement to less than 1% accuracy, dividing the difference by an age value of 13.8 billion years.

This was achieved by improving the so-called “cosmic distance ladder” by measuring important milepost markers known as Cepheid variable stars.

However, the Hubble value does not match other measurements that suggest the universe expanded faster after the Big Bang.

These observations were made by mapping the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation by ESA’s Planck satellite.

A simple solution to this dilemma would be that the Hubble observations are wrong as a result of some inaccuracy creeping into the measurements of the deep space yardstick.

Then the James Webb Space Telescope came along, allowing astronomers to cross-check Hubble’s results.

Webb’s infrared observations of Cepheids were consistent with Hubble’s optical data.

Webb confirmed that Hubble’s keen observations were correct all along and dispelled any lingering doubts about Hubble’s measurements.

The bottom line is that the Hubble tension between what’s happening in the nearby universe and the expansion of the early universe remains a perplexing puzzle for cosmologists.

“There may be something woven into the fabric of the universe that we don’t yet understand,” the astronomers said.

“Do we need new physics to resolve this contradiction? Or is it the result of measurement errors between the two different methods used to determine the rate of expansion of space?”

Hubble and Webb are now working together to make the final measurements, making it even more likely that something else, not measurement error, is influencing the rate of expansion.

Dr. Adam Rees, a physicist at Johns Hopkins University and leader of the SH0ES (Dark Energy Equation of State Supernova “This is a very real and interesting possibility.” ) Team.

As a cross-check, the first Webb observations in 2023 confirmed that Hubble’s measurements of the expanding universe were accurate.

But in hopes of softening the Hubble tension, some scientists have speculated that invisible measurement errors may grow and become visible as we look deeper into the universe.

In particular, star crowding can systematically affect measurements of the brightness of more distant stars.

The SH0ES team obtained additional observations by Webb of an object that is a Cepheid variable star, an important cosmic milepost marker. This can now be correlated with Hubble data.

“We now have the entire range observed by Hubble and can rule out measurement errors as a cause of the Hubble tension with very high confidence,” Dr. Rees said.

The team’s first few Webb observations in 2023 succeeded in showing that Hubble is on the right track in firmly establishing the fidelity of the first rung of the so-called cosmic distance ladder.

Astronomers use different methods to measure relative distances in space, depending on the object they are observing.

These techniques are collectively known as the space distance ladder. Each stage or measurement technique relies on previous steps for calibration.

But some astronomers believe that the cosmic distance ladder could become unstable as we move outward along the second rung, as Cepheid measurements become less accurate with distance. suggested.

Such inaccuracies can occur because the Cepheid’s light can mix with the light of neighboring stars. This effect can become more pronounced at greater distances, as stars become denser in the sky and harder to distinguish from each other.

The observational challenge is that past Hubble images of these more distant Cepheid variable stars show that as the distance between us and our host galaxy grows ever greater, they appear to overlap more closely with their neighbors. Therefore, this effect needs to be carefully considered.

Intervening dust makes reliable measurements in visible light even more difficult.

The web cuts through the dust, naturally isolating the Cepheid cluster from its neighboring stars. The reason is that its view is clearer at infrared wavelengths than the Hubble Cluster.

“Combining Webb and Hubble gives us the best of both worlds. We find that the reliability of Hubble measurements remains as we climb further along the cosmic distance ladder,” Dr. Rees said.

The new Webb observations include five host galaxies consisting of eight type Ia supernovae containing a total of 1,000 Cepheids, and are located 130 million light-years away, the most distant galaxy in which Cepheids have been sufficiently measured. NGC 5468 is also reached in the distance.

“This spans the entire range measured by Hubble, so we’ve reached the end of the second rung of the cosmic distance ladder,” said Dr. Gagandeep Anand, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute. Told.

of the team paper Published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

_____

Adam G. Reese other. 2024. JWST observations refute unrecognized crowding of Cepheid photometry as an explanation for the Hubble tension with 8σ confidence. APJL 962, L17; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad1ddd

Source: www.sci.news

Insights from China’s Huge Cyber Breach: The Market for Hackers

Posted on February 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A significant data breach from a Chinese cybersecurity company has offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Beijing-linked hackers.

Analysts suggest that the breach contains valuable information about the day-to-day operations of China’s hacking program, which the FBI claims is the largest globally. I-Soon has not yet verified the authenticity of the leak and has not responded to requests for comment. As of Friday, the leaked data has been taken down from GitHub, where it was originally posted.

From staff complaints about salaries and office rumors to claims of infiltrating foreign governments, here are some key insights gathered from the leak.

Who was targeted in the hack?

Icesun employees were actively seeking high-profile targets on a daily basis.

The leak exposed that government entities in neighboring countries of China, such as Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Vietnam, had their websites and email servers breached. The targets ranged from British government departments to Thai ministries. I-Soon staff also claimed to have gained access to communication service providers in various countries. They specifically mentioned targeting the Indian government, viewed as Beijing’s geopolitical rival, and accessing educational institutions in Hong Kong and Taiwan. However, they acknowledged difficulty in accessing data seized from government agencies in Myanmar and South Korea.

Additional targets included domestic entities from Xinjiang to Tibet, covering topics from illegal activities to gambling establishments.

Who were the clients of Yi Seung?

Based on the leaks, most of Icesun’s customers were local police departments and state security agencies responsible for safeguarding the Communist Party against perceived threats to its authority. The company offered assistance in securing devices and communications with many contracts listed as non-confidential.

There were indications of official corruption, with discussions of kickbacks in sales to law enforcement agencies. Complaints about business challenges in regions like Xinjiang were also highlighted.

The leak mentioned the company’s focus on creating Trojans, compiling personal information databases, and developing technology for various hacking purposes.

Who are the hackers?

The leak sheds light on the daily operations at mid-sized Chinese cybersecurity firms, revealing internal issues like office politics, technical shortcomings, low pay, and customer retention challenges.

Employee conversations included complaints about management decisions, such as extravagant purchases and salary disputes.

The leak illustrates a less flattering side of the operations at these companies, showcasing a mix of competence and ethical concerns.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Interview with Mona El Isa, Founder of Avantgarde: Discovering her Insights on Blockchain

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The recent approval of a spot Ethereum ETF has sparked debate within the crypto community, raising concerns about Ethereum becoming increasingly centralised.

Mona El Isa, founder of the avant-gardeis a pioneer in the blockchain industry and sheds light on the potential risks associated with this development. In recent comments, El Issa highlighted the challenges posed by the concentration of power in the Ethereum staking ecosystem and the impact of the Spot Ethereum ETF on the decentralization of the network.

Ethereum Staking Trends: El Isa expresses concern about the current state of the Ethereum staking ecosystem, revealing a disconcerting trend where the top three staking pools control over 50% of the staking power. did. Furthermore, an astonishing 91% of this power is granted or centralized, leaving only 9% with decentralized alternatives. Lido’s dominance in holding 85% of the on-chain Liquid Staking token dynamics further highlights the concentration of power within the network.

Challenges and Urgent Need for Alternatives: With Spot Ethereum ETF approval on the horizon, El Issa says there is an urgent need for new on-chain alternatives to address growing centralization issues We emphasize that. She highlights that the current scenario calls for a break away from existing monopolies, prompting the emergence of solutions like Divastaking. El Isa revealed that Diva Saking offers her Enzyme-powered key sharing approach and secured commitments of up to 100,000 ETH through Octant for Public Goods Funding. This approach is in line with the fundamental principles of cryptocurrencies and aims to promote decentralization and community participation.

Spot Ethereum ETF: A blessing in the mix: El Isa acknowledges the positive aspects of ETFs that provide a regulated entry point for institutional investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies. However, she has raised concerns about the centralized nature of these funds, which contradicts the ethos in which the cryptocurrency asset class was built. El Isa said that while ETFs may attract institutional investors, she argues that they pose a risk of centralization and remove some of the key characteristics that initially drove the crypto movement. .

Maintaining the essence of cryptocurrencies: In her comments, Mona El Issa warns against losing sight of the core principles that underpin the cryptocurrency movement. The move to centralized structures, whether through staking or ETFs, challenges the decentralized nature that initially attracted many to the crypto space. El Issa urged the community to consider the potential impact of these developments on the nature of cryptocurrencies, stressing the importance of maintaining a balance between institutional adoption and decentralization. There is.

As Ethereum navigates centralization challenges, Mona El Issa’s insights provide valuable perspective on the potential risks associated with the recent approval of Spot Ethereum ETFs. The call for new on-chain alternatives reflects a collective effort to preserve the decentralized spirit of cryptocurrencies and build a more inclusive, community-driven ecosystem. As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, finding a balance between institutional adoption and decentralization remains a key consideration for the future of Ethereum and the broader blockchain space.

Source: the-blockchain.com

Understanding the sensation of dying: Insights from medical professionals

Posted on February 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Similar to childbirth, death is a bodily process that progresses through stages and is recognizable. The speed of the process varies from person to person, and medical support may be necessary to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

As death nears, most people lose interest in eating and drinking, which is normal. Even if they are unable to manage full meals, a small taste may still be welcomed.

Dying individuals typically experience a lack of energy, similar to the extreme fatigue associated with severe illness or surgery recovery. While sleep normally recharges energy, it gradually diminishes as the body weakens towards death.

Waking hours decrease, and periods of unconsciousness become more frequent. People report feeling like they were peacefully asleep during these periods of unconsciousness.

If the dying person relies on regular medications, it may be necessary to switch to medications that do not require swallowing. Skin patches, syringe pumps, and suppositories can be used, as unconsciousness is usually caused by the dying process, not medication.

What happens in your last moments

As death progresses, the heartbeat slows, blood pressure drops, the skin cools, and the nails dull. Restlessness, confusion, and periods of deepening unconsciousness may occur.

There is no proven method to investigate what people experience near death, but recent research suggests that the unconscious brain responds to noise in the room. Breathing becomes automatic and may involve heavy, noisy breaths or breathing through saliva in the back of the throat without signs of distress.

Breathing cycles from deep to shallow, fast to slow, until it becomes slow and very shallow, eventually pausing and stopping altogether due to lack of oxygen.

Understanding common patterns of death and its stages can help companions feel less fearful and manage symptoms. Seeking medical attention when necessary is important. For more information, you can watch the BBC short film about death: BBC short film about death.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Insights from a 45,000-year-old Bone Hole into the Lives of our Earliest Ancestors

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

In a cave beneath a medieval German castle, researchers have discovered a bone pit that is said to reveal the secrets of early humans.

The remains, buried in layers of soil in a collapsed cave, contained genetic material from cave bears and hyenas, as well as the bones of 13 early humans who died about 45,000 years ago.

The discovery, described in three papers published Thursday in the journals Nature and Nature Ecology & Evolution, suggests that early humans may have traveled further north earlier than scientists realized. It shows that they went on an adventure, they were able to make spear-shaped tools, and then humans were able to make spear-shaped tools. A means to thrive in temperatures much colder than today’s climate.

These discoveries, perhaps made through the development of new DNA techniques, are reshaping the way scientists understand the time when humans and Neanderthals roamed the European continent.

Fragments of human bones excavated from a cave in Ranis, Germany.
From Tim Schuler, Springer Nature

The discovery could bring scientists closer to understanding why Neanderthals ultimately became extinct and what role humans played in their demise.

John Hawkes, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies ancient human relatives but was not involved in the study, said the study shows that as Neanderthals neared their demise, different human cultures He said this helps solidify the theory that these spots were developing.

“These groups are doing research. They’re going to go to new places. They live there for a while. They have different lifestyles,” he said of early humans. “They feel comfortable moving into areas where Neanderthals were.”

These discoveries were only possible because previous researchers left no stone unturned. Archaeologists in the 1920s and 1930s previously excavated the Ilsenhöhle Cave beneath Ranis Castle in the Thuringia region of Germany. The castle was built over the cave long before any excavations took place.

That’s when scientists were unable to drill into critical layers of the cave, which collapsed after hitting rock more than five feet thick.

In 2016, researchers returned with updated drilling techniques and new forms of analysis. About 24 feet below the surface, they discovered a layer containing leaf tips (like the tip of a spear) and human bone fragments.

The discovery of human bone fragments led researchers to dig deep into material excavated nearly 90 years ago, where they discovered additional skeletal fragments.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

QRDO Foundation and EQ LAB Join Forces to Introduce Warden Protocol – Latest Blockchain Updates, Insights, and Opportunities

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands, January 31, 2024, Chainwire

QRDO Foundation, dedicated to the growth and development of the QRDO ecosystem, announced a strategic partnership with EQ LAB, a leading blockchain development lab, to launch Warden Protocol. This effort will accelerate the upcoming launch of Warden Protocol, an intent-based interoperability protocol built on Cosmos and based on Fusionchain primitives.

Introducing the Warden Protocol

of warden protocol is a modular intent-centric blockchain built on Cosmos-SDK. At the most basic level, it allows users to create spaces and wallets on various blockchains and manage their activities through on-chain intents. Complex multi-leg transactions can be constructed, and cross-chain activity is protected by complex intents, all enforced on-chain by the Warden protocol.

For builders in this space, Warden enables the deployment of smart contracts into Cosmos using Solidity and WebAssembly, facilitating a modular marketplace of leading management solutions ranging from HSM solutions to multiparty computing providers.

QRDO Foundation representatives said: “The Warden protocol is the next evolution in intent and interoperability primitives. Joining forces with the EQ LAB team will help us achieve this ambitious vision, and QRDO token ownership “This will ensure that people can truly experience fulfillment.” A decentralized, open, intent-centric interoperability and key management protocol. ”

A variety of applications have committed to support deployment on Warden, including:

EQ.FinanceCosmos' liquid staking hub that powers existing liquid staking tokens.
WARDD is a decentralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar that provides Warden users with instant access to dollar liquidity.
slightly, a pluggable protocol for decentralized capital pools that enables margin trading on any spot DEX.and
SpaceWard is a SAFE-like platform for wallet management and governance.

EQ LAB forms the core contributor team for Warden Protocol and brings an extensive team of 15 core developers to Warden Protocol.

EQ LAB Founder Alex Melikhov said: “We are very happy to contribute to the establishment of the Warden Protocol as a core contributor.As an experienced team of qualified blockchain developers, I We see a bright future in the Cosmos ecosystem and look forward to unlocking incredible value for both the existing QRDO community and the community of Q token holders.”

word token

Warden Protocol plans to introduce the WARD token through a fair initiation mechanism. The launch will take place without any pre-mining or investor allocation, and will initially extend eligibility for both airdrops and incentivized WARD swaps to existing QRDO holders. As a tribute to the public good performed by various other Cosmos chains, not only TIA and ATOM stakers are eligible, but also builders and users of other free protocols and chains. Further details will be announced soon.

The Alfama testnet will go live in the coming weeks, and details about the incentivized testnet will be published soon.

contact address

warden protocol

Warden Protocol is a new modular, intent-based blockchain based on CosmosSDK that enables users and builders to explore and build cross-chains securely.

pr@wardenprotocol.org

www.wardenprotocol.org

About EQ LAB

EQ LAB is an experienced software engineering house specializing in permissionless applications and protocols, serving as a technology partner for numerous projects on Cosmos, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polkadot, and other blockchain platforms.

hello@eqlab.io

www.eqlab.io

About QRDO Foundation

The QRDO Foundation was created to focus on accelerating the adoption of open custody, security, and interoperability protocols and fostering the value of the QRDO ecosystem.

contact

PR team
QRDO Foundation
pr@qrdo.org

Source: the-blockchain.com

Unlocking the Power of Your Business Data: 4 Ways Azure Cloud Drives Employee Engagement and Customer Insights

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

As organizations move their computing infrastructure to the cloud, they are harnessing the power of data like never before. Cloud-based services use artificial intelligence (AI) to make data easier to access, search, and understand. Instead of data being the property of a team of data scientists and analysts, new cloud-based tools and technologies are opening up this area of expertise to a wider range of employees across the organization.

Leighton Searle, director of Azure Solutions UK at Microsoft, believes there are significant benefits for businesses running their IT infrastructure. microsoft azure cloud platform. “The huge potential of new generative AI technologies has placed a renewed emphasis on the quality and availability of data in organizations,” he says. When companies move their data to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, they can instantly access tools and services to unlock their value for both employees and customers. This will lead to culture change and deeper embedding of data throughout the business.

Searle identifies four areas where the cloud is accelerating the use of data, empowering employees, and increasing productivity.

1 Empower employees to make data-driven decisions
Searle emphasized that the cloud is helping to democratize data, allowing employees to access data directly in their daily workflows, rather than being locked into administrative reports or separate line-of-business applications. Masu. “To unlock the value of data and realize its potential, data must be accessible to the people who need it,” Searle said. “It provides contact center agents with a scannable overview of all previous customer interactions, transactions, and support calls, as well as instant access to a company-wide knowledge base of specialized information for world-class That could mean providing a better customer experience or enabling mobile mechanics to meet customer needs. Identifying parts and inventory status from a photo taken with a mobile phone.”

Almost every role can benefit from timely, secure and relevant data, Searle says. When staff become responsible for managing data related to their role, they need tools to simplify the process. Data visualization tools help employees create simple representations of data to glean insights and improve customer experiences.For example, Heathrow Airport Microsoft Power BI Use data visualization tools through Microsoft Teams to transform data from management systems into visualizations that are easy for staff to read. These allow employees to see at a glance how airport passenger numbers are changing in real time. Prepare your staff for the peaks and troughs rather than just reacting to them.

2 Breaking down data silos
To achieve a higher degree of data democracy, data must be made available throughout the organization, rather than being locked away in a central repository. “With the right guidance, governance, and guardrails in place, you can enable the rest of your business and provide access to the data you need,” Searle says.

For example, a group of five south London boroughs formed the South London Partnership; Linked with Azure Build a universal data platform. This includes sharing data from “Internet of Things” (IoT) sensors monitoring at-risk populations, and he estimates the partnership has already saved four lives. I am. IoT sensors also monitor air quality and flood risk. “The ability of cloud technology to share data while maintaining data rights and privacy has allowed us to break down data silos,” Searle says.

3 Building AI and modern search to accelerate your business
Customer and employee expectations have changed as AI-driven experiences play a larger role in daily life. Along with a good data foundation and a good data culture, these experiences are quickly becoming critical to both employee and customer retention. Employees can use internal apps to search for data and access historical information in “structured” tables and graphs or in “unstructured” formats from documents, images, and other sources. You need to dig deep into your knowledge.

Mr. Searle points out that: Azure cognitive search The platform and Azure Open AI service allow users to type common natural language queries into the search bar. This is processed by an AI-powered system that looks at all data sources and returns a natural language summary from the most relevant sources. Used for validation or further research. He says this type of his AI-driven experience will help companies derive insights and make data-driven decisions intuitively and at unprecedented speed.

For example, Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust moved its computing infrastructure to the cloud and used Azure Cognitive Search to Make patient records easier to search By the clinician. The trust has uploaded all records to Azure. The records included all kinds of unstructured data, including handwritten notes, doctor's notes, scanned images, and photographs.

Clinicians said they were “blown away” to learn that Azure Cognitive Search enabled them to discover these diverse formats, allowing them to quickly find handwritten notes and records from the previous year.

4 Building a data-driven culture
From frontline workers to boardroom executives, all employees should be open to incorporating data into the way they work, Searle says. He believes they can all learn from and contribute to enriching the data that flows through them. Employees who are involved in managing their own data are also better placed to reduce the risk of bias and incorrect assumptions in data-driven decision-making.

Searle believes that democratizing data requires a significant change in corporate culture. Departments across the organization, such as human resources, marketing, operations, sales, and finance, play a critical role in the data they generate and consume. For example, business users of organizational data are in the best position to set data security and access policies and manage the data so that it can be used with confidence by other parts of the business.

The pace of change can be daunting for leaders at all levels. To help organizations upskill, Microsoft has partnered with European business school Insead to AI Business School.

Searle outlines the steps businesses need to take to get the most out of their data. “We securely bring data into the Microsoft cloud. We lead from the top to build a data-driven culture across the organization and move quickly to projects that deliver business value. This positive experience ripples throughout the business, and this It will help us incorporate data-driven approaches to further scale.”

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Source: www.theguardian.com

Upcoming Antimatter Science to Provide Insights into the Existence of All Living Beings

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

After years of extremely precise experiments, a group of researchers at CERN finally succeeded in creating and carefully capturing a sample of antihydrogen (the antimatter version of hydrogen) in September of this year. The sample was held in magnetic confinement to prevent it from hitting the walls of the container and quickly disappearing. The ALPHA-g experiment aimed to answer how antimatter behaves and revealed that it actually falls the same way that regular matter does.

Antimatter is known for generating high-energy radiation when it encounters normal matter, but contrary to popular belief, it has been shown to be less extreme than expected. For example, positrons, known as antielectrons, are exactly the same as electrons but with opposite charges and “parity.” Physicists had not experimentally confirmed that antimatter behaves the same way as regular matter until the ALPHA-g experiment.

Despite its violent tendencies, antimatter’s nature has raised questions about the definition and properties of matter in physics. The debate revolves around the conception of matter, where rest mass is the simplest definition. Matter encompasses various substances, atoms, molecules, protons, neutrons, electrons, quarks, and neutrinos. However, what constitutes matter becomes blurry when considering massless elementary particles and the contribution of energy to the mass of an object.

Exotic materials, like dark matter and negative mass materials, add complexity to the matter debate. The fact that matter and antimatter exist in unequal amounts, although not fully explained, has led to the formation of stars, galaxies, and planets. Antimatter experiments like ALPHA-g offer insight into matter’s nature and the existence of the universe.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Recognizing Burnout Syndrome: Insights from a Therapist

Posted on December 30, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Work-related stress can sometimes lead to a condition called burnout, resulting in noticeable symptoms and chronic exhaustion.

For help understanding burnout, listening to a podcast episode of instant genius or speaking with Dr. Sarah Boss, a psychotherapist and clinical director at The Balance, can provide valuable insights.

The conversation provided has been edited for length and clarity.

What Causes Burnout?

Burnout typically develops as a result of prolonged stress from work overload or excessive demands, leading to chronic symptoms.

Although often associated with work-related issues such as excessive pressure, no rewards, or monotonous tasks, burnout can also result from family, social, and caregiver stress.

Credit: Kathryn Ziegler

Brain and Body Effects of Burnout

Burnout impacts the body’s nervous system and stress response, hindering the ability to recover and triggering a continuous state of stress. Prolonged periods of stress ultimately lead to burnout.

Differentiating Burnout from Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Burnout is characterized by difficulties in relaxing and unwinding, noticeable changes in behavior, and physical symptoms, distinguishing it from other mental health issues.

Prevalence of Burnout

Personality traits, family environment, and lack of self-awareness can contribute to an increased risk of burnout. Perfectionists and overachievers are particularly susceptible.

Burnout Prevalence Among Young People

Youth experiencing job uncertainty, rapidly changing environments, and social media influences are more prone to burnout. The digital age has also led to increased stress and uncertainty.

Managing Burnout

To address burnout effectively, it is crucial to understand its underlying causes and seek support from therapists, coaches, or medical professionals. Adopting self-care practices, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and addressing any problematic coping mechanisms are essential steps in overcoming burnout.

About Dr. Sarah Boss

Dr. Sarah Boss, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with expertise in addiction, currently serves as the clinical director of The Balance, a rehabilitation and mental health center.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The CHOOSE system unveils insights into autism

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

IMBA – Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Austrian Academy of Sciences

December 25, 2023

A breakthrough in autism research has been achieved with the CHOOSE system developed by researchers at IMBA and ETH Zurich. This technology enables detailed study of genetic mutations in human brain organoids, providing deep insight into the mechanisms underlying autism and paving the way for applications in broader disease research.

The CHOOSE system is an innovative approach that combines brain organoids and genetics to transform autism research by enabling detailed analysis of mutations and their impact on brain development.

Does the human brain have an Achilles heel that ultimately leads to autism? With an innovative new system that combines brain organoid technology and complex genetics, researchers are now able to identify multiple It is now possible to comprehensively test the effects of mutations in parallel at the single-cell level.

The technology was developed by researchers from the Knoblich Group at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Treutlein Group at ETH Zurich and aims to identify the vulnerable cell types that underlie autism spectrum disorders. Enables identification of gene regulatory networks. This innovative method provides unparalleled insight into one of the most complex disorders that challenges the human brain and brings much-needed hope to clinical research in autism.

Human brain development and ASD riskcompared to other animals seed, the human brain has a mind of its own. The human brain relies on uniquely human processes to develop and is able to build a complex, layered and interconnected cortex. These unique processes also predispose humans to neurodevelopmental disorders.

As an example, many genes confer a high risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential for cortical development. Clinical studies have shown a causal link between multiple genetic mutations and autism, but researchers still do not understand how these mutations lead to impaired brain development. . Additionally, the uniqueness of human brain development limits the use of animal models.

Only human brain models can reproduce the complexity and specificity of the human brain,” says IMBA Scientific Director Jürgen Knoblich, one of the study’s corresponding authors.

Left half: Confocal image of CHOOSE (CRISPR-humanorganoids-scRNA-seq) human brain organoid mosaic system. Cells with mutations are shown in red. Right half: Mosaic depiction of different colors representing a single cell. Each cell carries a mutation in one high-confidence autism gene.

Innovative CHOOSE system for genetic screeningTo unravel this black box, researchers from IMBA and the research group of Jürgen Knoblich and Barbara Treutlein at ETH Zurich have identified a complete set of key transcriptional regulatory genes associated with autism. We have developed a screening technology. This development is particularly impactful because it allows for the simultaneous testing of genes of interest within a single mosaic organoid, marking the beginning of an era of complex, efficient, and rapid genetic screening in human tissues.

Source: scitechdaily.com

Insights from AI: How Oxygen is Produced on Mars

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Recent breakthroughs in using robotic AI chemists to synthesize oxygen on Mars and create OER catalysts from Martian meteorites mark an important step towards realizing the dream of colonizing Mars. This technology promises to establish oxygen factories on Mars and bring human habitation on Earth closer to reality.Credit: AI Chemistry Group, University of Science and Technology of China

AI chemists have successfully created a catalyst that produces oxygen from a Martian meteorite.

continue to live with immigration to Mars It has often been used as a theme in science fiction. Before these dreams become a reality, humanity faces significant challenges, including a lack of critical resources such as oxygen needed for long-term survival on Mars. However, recent discoveries about water activity on Mars offer new hope for overcoming these obstacles.

Scientists are currently investigating the possibility of splitting water to produce oxygen through electrochemical water oxidation driven by solar energy with the help of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. . The challenge is to find a way to synthesize these catalysts in situ using Martian materials, rather than having to transport them from Earth, which is costly.

Advances in AI and Mars chemistry

To address this problem, a team led by Professor Luo Yi, Professor Jiang Jun, and Professor Shang Weiwei from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) recently made it possible to: Use a robotic artificial intelligence (AI) chemist to automatically synthesize and optimize his OER catalyst from Martian meteorites.

Their research, in collaboration with the Deep Space Exploration Institute, was recently published in the journal. Natural synthesis.

“AI chemists will innovatively synthesize OER catalysts using Martian materials based on interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Professor Luo Yi, the team’s lead scientist.

In each experimental cycle, AI chemists first use laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as an eye to analyze the elemental composition of Martian ores. The ore is then subjected to a series of pretreatments, including weighing in a solids distribution workstation, preparing a feed solution in a liquid distribution workstation, separating it from the liquid in a centrifugation workstation, and solidifying it in a drying workstation. Masu.

A robotic AI chemist uses a Martian meteorite to create a useful oxygen-producing catalyst.Credit: AI Chemistry Group, University of Science and Technology of China

The resulting metal hydroxide is treated with Nafion adhesive to prepare a working electrode for OER testing in an electrochemical workstation. Test data is sent in real time to the AI chemist’s computational “brain”, machine learning (ML) Processing.

The AI chemist’s “brain” employs quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics simulations on 30,000 high-entropy hydroxides with different elemental ratios and calculates their OER catalytic activity via density functional theory. The simulation data is used to train a neural network model to rapidly predict the activity of catalysts at different elemental compositions.

Finally, through Bayesian optimization, the “brain” predicts the combination of available Martian ores needed to synthesize the optimal OER catalyst.

Achieving breakthrough advances in oxygen production

So far, AI chemists have used five types of Martian meteorites to create successful catalysts under unmanned conditions. This catalyst operates stably for more than 550,000 s at a current density of 10 mA cm.^-2 Overvoltage is 445.1 mV. Further tests at -37 degrees Celsius, the temperature of Mars, confirmed that the catalyst could stably produce oxygen without any obvious degradation.

In less than two months, AI chemists completed a complex optimization of a catalyst that would have taken a human chemist 2000 years.

The team is working on turning AI chemist into a common experimental platform for performing various chemical syntheses without human intervention. The paper’s reviewers praised the paper, saying, “This type of research is of widespread interest and is rapidly progressing in the synthesis and discovery of organic/inorganic materials.”

“In the future, humans will be able to establish oxygen factories on Mars with the help of AI chemists,” Zhang said. It takes just 15 hours of sunlight to produce sufficient oxygen concentrations for human survival. “This breakthrough technology brings us one step closer to realizing our dream of living on Mars,” he said.

Reference: “Automatic synthesis of oxygen production catalyst from Martian meteorite by robot AI chemist” Qing Zhu, Yan Huang, Donglai Zhou, Lyuan Zhao, Lulu Guo, Ruyu Yang, Zixu Sun, Man Luo, Fei Zhang, Hengyu Xiao , Xinsheng Tang, Xchun Zhang, Tao Song, Xiang Li, Baochen Chong, Junyi Zhang, Yihan Zhang, Baicheng Zhang, Jiaqi Cao, Guozhen Zhang, Song Wang, Guilin Ye, Wanjun Zhang, Haitao Zhao, Shuang Cong, Huiron Li, Li – Li Ling, Zhe Zhang, Weiwei Shang, Jun Jiang, Yi Luo, November 13, 2023, natural synthesis.
DOI: 10.1038/s44160-023-00424-1

Source: scitechdaily.com

Navigating the 2024 Venture Environment: Strategic Insights for Technology Founders from Seed to Series A

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

mike cardamom
Contributor

Mike Cardamone is CEO and Managing Partner. forum venturesAt , we’re focused on developing the Forum’s investment strategy, with a mission to make the B2B SaaS journey easier, more accessible, and more successful for early-stage founders.

I do not have any questions 2023 was a tough year for the venture and technology ecosystem. Carta revealed that the total number of funding rounds and total investments have decreased dramatically. 64% decrease in Q1 2023 Total investment was down 86% from its peak in Q4 2021. Forum Ventures has invested in more than 100 B2B SaaS companies across accelerators and seeds this year, and we’ve seen first-hand how difficult the funding environment can be for founders at every stage of this market. funds. Michael Cardamone, his CEO and managing partner at Forum Ventures, spoke to up-and-coming executives about the state of the market, saying, “This has been the most difficult to raise money in a long time.”

in recent reports, Forum Ventures surveyed 70 funds and 167 closed pre-seed and seed funds between January and October 2023 to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the early-stage B2B SaaS investment landscape. We analyzed the round data.

Key findings from this report include:

Data across these rounds shows a 10% decrease from the same survey conducted last year, with 75% of respondents citing a decrease in valuations from 2022 onwards.
The average valuation at pre-seed was $9 million post, and the same for pre-revenue until the ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) for the entire round for which data was collected was $250,000.
Companies with an ARR of $250,000 or more raised at an average valuation cap of $15 million.

seed round

As a founder, manage your cash flow wisely, convince top talent to join your company, and focus on building the product your customers want.

While seed valuations remain stable from 2022 to 2023, it has become more difficult to achieve the traction needed for these rounds, which can create false expectations for founders. In 2020-2021, it is relatively common for $3-5 million seed rounds to close with little if any traction, depending on the space and founder. They were typically completed at a valuation of $12 million to $25 million. ‘Background.

While there are exceptions, today’s market is looking for big traction early on, and companies typically need $250,000 to $1 million in ARR to raise a $3 million+ seed round, and these rounds is typically completed with about 20% to 25% dilution (i.e. $12 million post $3 million, $1 million to $15 million post, or $16 million to $20 million post $4 million). The hurdles to raising an institutional seed round are much higher, and founders and companies often need to prove more of a track record in today’s market than ever before. This dynamic means that many founders must first raise a pre-seed round to reach those milestones, and thus multiple rounds to reach Series A. To do.

Source: techcrunch.com