Why Exercise Alone May Not Be Effective for Weight Loss: Key Insights

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exercise has numerous benefits, but weight loss might not be one of them.

Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg 5+/Alamy

Benefits of Exercise vs Weight Loss — Exercise has numerous benefits, but weight loss might not be one of them.

Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg 5+/Alamy

Engaging in regular exercise is extremely beneficial for overall health; however, it may not effectively lead to weight loss. Recent studies provide compelling evidence explaining this phenomenon.

While individuals who up their exercise routine often burn extra calories, weight loss usually doesn’t align with the caloric expenditure expected. A meta-analysis of 14 trials indicates that our bodies often compensate by reducing energy expenditure in other activities.

Notably, the compensatory effects are pronounced when one combines reduced caloric intake with increased exercise, effectively negating the hoped-for weight loss benefits of physical activity. In simpler terms, while dietary restrictions can lead to weight loss, increasing exercise alongside dieting may yield minimal additional benefits.

“The real challenge here is that when you combine exercise and dieting, the body compensates more aggressively,” explains Herman Pontzer of Duke University, North Carolina. “Exercise is still beneficial, but weight loss isn’t guaranteed.”

In his research on the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania, Pontzer found that despite their high activity levels, they did not expend more energy than sedentary individuals. This led him to propose, back in 2015, that our bodies may have evolved to conserve energy through reduced expenditure when faced with increased physical activity.

Although some studies support this compensation theory, not all experts agree. Pontzer and fellow researcher Eric Trexler at Duke have examined existing studies that were designed for other purposes, ensuring their analysis was unbiased. They analyzed 14 trials involving around 450 participants—small due to the rigorous methods needed to monitor total energy expenditure.

Their findings revealed an average energy expenditure increase of only one-third of expectations based on increased physical activity levels. For instance, if a person’s workout routine burns an additional 200 calories daily, these trials reported an overall increase of only about 60 kilocalories.

Interestingly, the results varied significantly. Those who maintained their caloric intake saw about half of the expected increase in total energy expenditure, while individuals who increased their physical activity while reducing their caloric intake often did not observe any significant changes. “They’re exercising 200 calories a day but seeing no tangible results,” Pontzer noted.

The type of exercise also plays a crucial role; compensation predominantly occurs during aerobic activities like running. In contrast, strength training appears to result in greater-than-expected energy expenditure. For example, individuals who burn an extra 200 calories from weightlifting tend to increase their total energy expenditure by approximately 250 calories per day.

However, Pontzer advises caution in interpreting these findings, as energy expenditure measurement during weight training can be challenging. He hypothesizes that weightlifters may deplete energy while repairing and building muscle tissue.

Initially, Pontzer believed the type of exercise might be negligible, but he now finds the insights exciting as they reveal unrecognized aspects of energy compensation. Despite the gains in muscle, weightlifting participants exhibited minimal fat loss, indicating it may not be a practical approach for weight loss.

So, why does an increase in aerobic exercise not lead to expected increases in energy expenditure? This analysis suggests that the body compensates by reallocating energy expenditures across various systems. For instance, the resting metabolic rate, particularly during sleep, can decrease with increased aerobic activity.

“Our body adjusts how different organ systems function post-exercise,” Pontzer says. “Understanding these changes could provide insights into how exercise benefits different individuals unequally.”

While Pontzer’s findings provide support for energy compensation, skeptics remain. Researcher Dylan Thompson from the University of Bath emphasizes the results of a meta-analysis suggesting aerobic exercise does not significantly affect resting metabolic rates.

Additionally, there might be critical research limitations, as pointed out by Javier Gonzalez, also at the University of Bath. For example, additional exercise might replace other daily activities like gardening, which could account for the lack of increased energy expenditure.

Nevertheless, Pontzer asserts that some studies effectively rule out this possibility, as compensation effects have also been documented in animal studies, corroborating human findings. Nonetheless, Thompson and Gonzalez argue for the necessity of more rigorous studies. “We require meticulously designed randomized controlled trials involving humans,” Thompson concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why SpaceX Seeks Approval to Launch 1 Million Satellites: Key Insights

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

SpaceX Satellite Launch at Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Geopics/Alamy

SpaceX satellite launch at Kennedy Space Center — SpaceX Satellite Launch at Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Geopics/Alamy

As 2026 approaches, one of the year’s most significant space stories is already emerging: the rise of mega-constellations and ambitious plans to launch thousands of satellites into Earth’s orbit.

Recently, SpaceX made headlines by requesting approval from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy 1 million orbital data center satellites. This unprecedented move follows SpaceX’s previous filing in 2019 for 42,000 Starlink satellites.

“This is an unprecedented scale for any satellite constellation,” says Victoria Samson, an expert at the Secure World Foundation in the United States.

Currently, SpaceX operates the largest satellite constellation, the Starlink Internet service, with approximately 9,500 satellites in orbit of the total 14,500 satellites. However, this current setup represents just 1% of SpaceX’s planned satellite network. Furthermore, these Starlink satellites are already navigating a risky orbit, as the company anticipates needing to prevent 300,000 collision scenarios by 2025.

The latest information released on January 30 reveals CEO Elon Musk’s vision for these data centers. Musk states that the launch of a million satellites is a fundamental step towards evolving into a Kardashev II civilization. The Kardashev Scale, developed by Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kardashev in 1964, quantifies the technological advancement of civilizations.

With AI’s energy requirements rising, the concept of space-based data centers has gained traction. In November 2025, the American company StarCloud successfully launched a demonstration data center powered by advanced Nvidia chips. The European Commission has also conducted studies indicating the feasibility of such orbital data centers.

Musk suggests that the reusability of SpaceX’s Starship rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built, enables this ambitious satellite deployment. He claims, “With hourly launches and 200 tons per flight, Starship will transport millions of tons yearly into orbit and beyond, ushering in a new era of human exploration.”

This filing coincides with SpaceX’s announcement on February 2 about acquiring xAI, a company that operates the social media platform X and the intriguing Grok chatbot. “If you want AI in an orbital data center, it’s a bundled package,” says Ruth Pritchard-Kelly, a US satellite regulation expert.

SpaceX is not the only entity aiming to launch more satellites. On December 29, China requested to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to deploy 200,000 satellites into space. While there are no explicit restrictions on the number of satellites that can be safely deployed, prior research has suggested that managing over 100,000 satellites could become exceedingly challenging.

The FCC will take several months to decide on SpaceX’s application, during which public comments are welcome, and a separate submission to the ITU is required. Once approval is granted, SpaceX typically has six years to deploy half of the constellations but is requesting a waiver, arguing that their satellites communicate via optical links and do not cause radio interference.

SpaceX has stated that it will place its satellites in slightly polar orbits, ranging from 500 kilometers to 2,000 kilometers in altitude, primarily above the current Starlink operational altitudes. While the dimensions of the proposed satellites remain unspecified, it’s estimated that if they are similar to existing Starlink satellites, approximately 10,000 Starship launches will be needed to complete the constellation.

If Musk’s plan for hourly launches is realized, it would take just over a year to deploy the entire million satellite network. SpaceX assures safe disposal of satellites at the end of their operational lifespan by relocating them to decommissioned orbits or placing them in solar orbit.

The extensive proposed constellation could significantly impact astronomical research. SpaceX highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the scientific community in its application. However, in December, researcher Alejandro Borlaf from NASA Ames Research Center warned that adding 500,000 satellites could render “nearly all telescope images from the ground and space contaminated by satellites,” hampering scientific discovery.

These orbital data centers might be brighter than many existing satellites due to their need for large solar panels and radiators similar to those found on the International Space Station, designed to expel heat into space.

Whether or not SpaceX is genuinely prepared to deploy 1 million satellites remains uncertain. Given the staggering nature of this number, Pritchard-Kelly suggested this could be an instance of Musk’s “shock and awe” tactics, implying that the actual satellite count may be significantly lower. SpaceX and the FCC have not responded to requests for comments.

History and Future of Space Exploration: United States

Embark on an extraordinary journey through America’s space and astronomy landmarks, designed for curious minds and lifelong learners.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

First-Time Detection of Ammonia-Containing Compounds in Europe: Key Findings and Implications

Posted on January 31, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A recent analysis of archival data from NASA’s Galileo spacecraft’s Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) has uncovered the first evidence of ammonia-containing compounds on Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. This groundbreaking discovery provides vital clues about Europa’s subsurface ocean and recent geological activity.

This composite image highlights red pixels indicating sites on Europa where ammonia compounds were detected; purple indicates areas without detection. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

“The detection of ammonia (NH₃) is significant for understanding not only the geology of icy bodies in our solar system but also their potential habitability and astrobiological relevance,” stated Dr. Al Emran, a researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“On Europa, the identification of ammonia or ammoniated species is crucial for revealing ocean chemistry, assessing habitability, and reconstructing the moon’s early atmosphere.”

Ammonia functions as an antifreeze agent, reducing the freezing point of liquid water by up to 100 K, which may help preserve underground oceans in icy celestial bodies.

Though it’s unclear if Europa’s underground ocean is directly linked to the surface, detecting ammonia compounds could imply such a connection, given that these materials are unstable under cosmic radiation.

In a new study published in Planetary Science Journal, Dr. Emran reported detecting a distinct ammonia absorption feature at 2.20 microns in Europa’s near-infrared spectrum.

This signal was confirmed through observations from Galileo’s NIMS instrument, which examined Europa during a flyby in the 1990s.

Ammonia hydrate and ammonium chloride are likely responsible for the detected spectral features.

The instability of ammonia under strong cosmic radiation highlights the importance of its presence on Europa’s surface.

The discovery of ammonia-containing materials suggests they may have originated from Europa’s subsurface ocean or shallow subsurface during the moon’s geologically recent past, possibly through cryovolcanism or similar processes.

This analysis also hints at significant implications for Europa’s internal structure.

The presence of ammoniated compounds aligns with a subsurface ocean characterized by a thinner, chemically reduced ice shell with a higher pH.

Ammonia’s antifreeze properties are essential, as they lower the freezing point of water ice, allowing for the maintenance of a liquid ocean beneath Europa’s icy shell.

“Faint signals of ammonia have been detected near fractures in the moon’s frozen surface, where liquid water, rich in dissolved ammonia compounds, is expected to ascend,” Emran noted.

“These compounds might have traversed the surface due to recent geologically active cryovolcanic events.”

Ammonia’s presence, which significantly lowers the freezing point of water, acts as a natural antifreeze.

Similar ammonia-bearing species have been identified on other icy objects in the outer solar system, including Pluto, Charon, certain moons of Uranus, and Saturn’s moon Enceladus. However, earlier attempts to confirm ammonia’s presence on Europa produced inconclusive results.

“The identification of ammonia-containing compounds in this research marks the first evidence of nitrogen-based species on Europa, a finding of considerable astrobiological importance due to nitrogen’s fundamental role in life’s molecular structure,” Emran concluded.

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A. Emran. 2026. NH₃ detection at Europa’s 2.2 μm absorption band. Planetary Science Journal 6,255; doi: 10.3847/PSJ/ae1291

Source: www.sci.news

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

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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

Steve Gschmeisner/Science Photo Library

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

Steve Gschmeisner/Science Photo Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Key Moments: The Most Crucial Seconds in the History of the Universe

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

An Artist’s Rendition of the Universe’s Early Moments

Credit: Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library/Alamy Stock Photo

The initial second of the universe’s existence was arguably the most significant moment in history. According to Big Bang cosmology, which is widely accepted by most cosmologists, the universe commenced from an infinitely small and dense state, expanding into a vast cosmos over several light-years.

This monumental journey began with a phase known as inflation. The exact cause of this exponential expansion remains a mystery; however, every 10 years, it is estimated that the distance between any two points in space doubled. This process saw the universe swell by a billion times, far exceeding the total number of grains of sand found on Earth’s beaches – and even surpassing the number of stars in the known universe.

During this inflationary period, foundational structures, which would evolve into the universe’s largest formations, were established. As the universe expanded, minuscule irregularities grew, driven by the randomness of quantum mechanics. These fluctuations contributed to differences in the density of the immensely hot plasma that filled the universe.

The duration of the Inflationary Era and the final size of the universe at its conclusion are topics of ongoing debate. While cosmologists might liken its size to that of various fruits, the consensus is that it lasted just a fleeting moment. Despite its rapid growth, the universe would have been comparable to a grain of sand up to a few meters in diameter, existing as a hot, opaque plasma interspersed with the first particles and antiparticles amidst raw energy.

As this hot sphere expanded, it gradually cooled, allowing particles to bond and form the first hadrons, including protons and neutrons, which comprise most of today’s matter. This process, known as baryogenesis, saw an unexpected surplus of matter compared to antimatter, resulting in the majority of antimatter annihilating with matter during the early universe’s development.

As particles continued to evolve, the universe underwent significant transitions referred to as “phase transitions,” simultaneously altering the state of all matter. This was a unique moment of synchronicity that has never been replicated. Initially, the four fundamental forces of nature – gravity, strong force, weak force, and electromagnetic force – were unified during the Big Bang, but separate distinguished behaviors emerged within the first billionth of a second.

These phase transitions facilitated further changes. The universe transitioned from opaque to transparent, allowing radiation to flow freely, lighting up the cosmos. Newly formed matter particles began gaining mass through interactions with the Higgs field, which had recently become separated from other fields. At this juncture, only a trillionth of a second post-Big Bang, particles, including the fundamental ones, began to acquire mass, significantly altering the cosmic landscape.

As the universe, still less than a light-year in diameter, started clumping together due to the quantum fluctuations, it laid the groundwork for the eventual formation of galaxies and star clusters. While it took an extensive period for these structures to materialize, this aggregation was a crucial event in cosmic evolution.

Approximately one second after the Big Bang, the rapid evolution of the cosmos began to moderate. Although the universe remained considerably smaller than the distance between our Sun and the nearest star, Alpha Centauri, the fundamental particles and forces that shaped its future were already taking familiar forms.

Nuclei formed a few minutes after the Big Bang, but it would be hundreds of thousands of years before they could hold electrons and create neutral atoms. Stars and galaxies took tens of millions of years more to emerge. Yet, the essential foundations for our universe were established within that brief second. Numerous seconds have elapsed since then, with cosmologists tirelessly investigating and piecing together the myriad events bridging that primeval moment to the present.

Ultimately, that single second of cosmic history was transformative. It propelled the universe from a point in the vast nothingness into the primordial soup from which everything else arose.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Could Meat Be the Key to Living to 100? Exploring Its Surprising Role in Longevity

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Celebrating 100 years with love and memories

Xinhua/Shutterstock

Centenarian Hu Zaizhong celebrates his 100th birthday in northern China, April 24, 2021. Surrounded by family, he shared six wishes that symbolize a life well-lived. — Celebrating 100 years with love and memories

Xinhua/Shutterstock

Longevity advocates, such as Brian Johnson, often push boundaries in their pursuit of immortality. For those of us looking to celebrate a century with less complexity, dietary changes are typically the first step. While plant-based diets are frequently recommended, recent studies in China indicate many centenarians include meat in their diets, potentially offering crucial benefits, especially for those with low body weight.

Meat is a source of essential amino acids that influence a signaling molecule named mTOR, linked to the aging process. Although numerous studies recommend reducing meat intake for longevity and disease prevention, it’s important to note that vegetarian diets have been associated with increased fractures and instances of malnutrition.

These challenges can be particularly pronounced for older adults with weaker bones, resulting in slower recovery post-surgery. According to Wang Kaiyue from Fudan University in Shanghai, understanding the link between diet and longevity is essential. Wang and colleagues analyzed data from a centralized health database focusing on individuals aged 65 and above.

Within their study, 5,203 participants aged 80 and older in 1998, who were free from cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or cancer, were surveyed. Approximately 80% identified as meat eaters, while others followed a mainly plant-based diet but occasionally consumed animal products.

Interestingly, meat consumers demonstrated a higher probability of living to age 100 compared to those following vegetarian, pescatarian, or vegan diets. This finding held statistical significance when body weight factored into the analysis.

The likelihood of reaching 100 grew, especially among underweight meat eaters, with 30% reporting daily meat consumption, compared to 24% of underweight vegetarians in 1998. This trend was less pronounced among heavier individuals.

While heavy consumption of meat has been linked with obesity, research supports the role of animal proteins in building stronger muscles and enhancing bone health. According to Wang, such benefits are particularly significant for those lacking body mass.

Nonetheless, a diet rich in vegetables is crucial, with findings indicating participants who consumed vegetables daily tended to have extended lifespans.

“Older adults often face unique nutritional challenges,” says Wang. “Our research implies that dietary guidelines for older individuals should prioritize nutritional balance over strict avoidance of animal products, particularly for those with low body weight.”

This particular outcome may not hold true globally, as dietary habits differ significantly, but “the biological principles connecting nutrition and aging likely have universal relevance,” Wang adds.

According to James Webster from the University of Oxford, while this discovery is noteworthy, it should not drastically alter dietary practices. His team’s previous study highlighted a potential link between vegetarianism and the risk of femoral neck fractures, suggesting potential health issues with a strict vegetarian diet. However, Webster stresses that several studies illuminate the benefits of vegetarianism, especially concerning overall health.

Both vegetarian and meat-inclusive diets can be either healthy or detrimental, depending on nutritional content quality, Webster notes. “Identifying the nutrients essential for a balanced and healthful lifestyle is key,” he says, recommending a rich intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats.

“Ultimately, more research is needed to determine the optimal diets for longevity, but a comprehensive view of dietary patterns is imperative,” concludes Webster.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rethinking Quantum Computing: Are They Necessary for Key Applications?

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Can Quantum Computers Revolutionize Agriculture?

As quantum computing technology evolves, it becomes crucial to pinpoint challenges that can be tackled more efficiently than with classical computers. Interestingly, many significant tasks that quantum advocates are pursuing may not necessitate quantum computing at all.

The focal point of this discussion is a molecule called FeMoco, essential for life on Earth due to its role in nitrogen fixation. This process enables microorganisms to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it biologically available for other organisms. The mechanisms of FeMoco are intricate and not completely understood, but unraveling this could greatly diminish energy usage in fertilizer production and enhance crop yields.

Understanding FeMoco involves determining its lowest energy state, or “ground state” energy, which necessitates examining several electron behaviors. Electrons, being quantum particles, exhibit wave-like properties and occupy distinct regions known as orbits. This complexity has historically made it challenging for classical computers to calculate the various properties of FeMoco accurately.

While approximation methods have shown some success, their energy estimates have been constrained in accuracy. Conversely, rigorous mathematical analyses have demonstrated that quantum computers, utilizing a fundamentally different encoding of complexity, can resolve problems without relying on approximations, exemplifying what is known as ‘quantum advantage.’

Now, researchers such as Garnet Kin Rick Chan from the California Institute of Technology have unveiled a conventional calculation method capable of achieving comparable accuracy to quantum calculations. A pivotal metric in this discussion is “chemical precision,” which signifies the minimum accuracy required to yield reliable predictions in chemical processes. Based on their findings, Chan and colleagues assert that standard supercomputers can compute FeMoco’s ground state energy with the necessary precision.

FeMoco embodies various quantum states, each with distinct energy levels, forming a structure similar to a ladder with the ground state at the base. To streamline the process for classical algorithms to reach this lowest level, researchers concentrated on the states located on adjacent rungs and inferred their implications for what may exist one or two steps below. Insights into the symmetries of the electrons’ quantum states offered valuable context.

This simplification allowed researchers to use classical algorithms to establish an upper limit on FeMoco’s ground state energy and subsequently extrapolate it to a value with an uncertainty consistent with chemical accuracy. Essentially, the computed lowest energy state must be precise enough for future research applications.

Furthermore, researchers estimate that supercomputing methods could outperform quantum techniques, allowing classical calculations that would typically take eight hours to be completed in under a minute. This assumption relies on ideal supercomputer performance.

However, does this discovery mean you’ll instantly understand FeMoco and enhance agricultural practices? Not entirely. Numerous questions remain unanswered, such as which molecular components interact most effectively with nitrogen and what intermediate molecules are produced in the nitrogen fixation process.

“While this study does not extensively detail the FeMoco system’s capabilities, it further elevates the benchmark for quantum methodologies as a model to illustrate quantum benefits,” explains David Reichman from Columbia University in New York.

Dominic Berry, a professor at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, highlights that although their team’s research demonstrates that classical computers can approach the FeMoco dilemma, it only does so through approximations, while quantum methods promise complete problem resolution.

“This raises questions about the rationale for utilizing quantum computers for such challenges; however, for more intricate systems, we anticipate that the computational time for classical approaches will escalate much faster than quantum algorithms,” he states.

Another hurdle is that quantum computing technology is still evolving. Existing quantum devices are currently too limited and error-prone for tackling problems like determining FeMoco’s ground state energy. Yet, a new generation of fault-tolerant quantum computers, capable of self-correction, is on the horizon. From a practical standpoint, Berry suggests that quantum computing may still represent the optimal approach to deciphering FeMoco and related molecules. “Quantum computing will eventually facilitate more general solutions to these systems and enable routine computations once fault-tolerant quantum devices become widely available.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Transform Your 2026 Fitness Goals: Why Going Mobile is Key

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Enhancing Mobility: A Priority for 2026

Sally Anderson / Alamy

Senior Chinese man exercising in outdoor gym, performing splits at Tiantan Park, Beijing, China, Asia — Enhancing Mobility: A Priority for 2026

Sally Anderson / Alamy

It’s that time of year again to set New Year’s resolutions. Last year, my mission was to complete a half marathon, a target I had attempted unsuccessfully multiple times before. I am thrilled to share that I achieved this in 2025, gaining valuable insights into the world of New Year’s fitness goals.

The most significant lesson I’ve learned is that establishing specific, measurable targets is incredibly effective. A year ago, I couldn’t claim to be a runner; in fact, running was something I dreaded. I could have easily set a vague goal like “start running” or “keep running,” but I realized that wouldn’t propel me forward.

Why is specificity key? Because enhancing fitness is challenging, especially at the outset. Each run in my early training felt equally daunting. Without a target like completing the race, it’s likely I would have settled for minimal effort.

That’s why the half marathon goal was essential for me. It kept my focus sharp during tough times and necessitated incorporating running into my regular workout schedule, regardless of my initial resistance. Today, I genuinely enjoy running and do it daily. This transformation has reinforced my belief in the efficacy of New Year’s fitness resolutions. While they may seem like annual goals, they can foster long-term habits. Notably, a 2020 study indicated that 55% of over 1,000 participants felt successful in maintaining their New Year resolutions a year later.

With that in mind, I am creatively approaching my 2026 fitness resolutions by focusing on a fundamental yet often neglected aspect of fitness: mobility. This refers to the body’s capability to move through its full range of motion—an essential element for preventing injuries. According to a 2019 analysis encompassing 20 studies, individuals exhibiting low mobility were approximately 50% more likely to sustain injuries compared to their more agile counterparts.

Further research appears to support this. One study conducted on more than 3,100 individuals found that enhanced flexibility considerably reduced mortality risk over 13 years. Similarly, a 2020 study demonstrated that consistent stretching decreases arterial stiffness, lowers heart rate, and contributes to better blood pressure.

In pursuit of this goal, I’ve made it my 2026 New Year’s resolution to master the splits. While this may appear comical, aiming for such a tangible and measurable achievement can significantly bolster your commitment to mobility practices.

Of course, mastering the splits isn’t suitable for everyone. The important takeaway is to select a goal that aligns with your fitness aspirations while being specific enough to recognize when you’ve achieved it. I encourage you to think innovatively. If your aim is to build strength, strive for unassisted pull-ups. Alternatively, for a longevity boost, focus on extending your capacity to balance on one leg. Ultimately, the key lies in setting clear goals with definite endpoints that provide a sense of accomplishment when attained.

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Grace Wade is a health reporter for New Scientist. Sign up for her newsletter, Get Healthier in 8 Weeks, at newscientist.com/healthier-you

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How the Bark Microbiome Influences Climate: An Overlooked Key Player

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring Melaleuca Wetland Forests in New South Wales, Australia

Image Credit: Luke Jeffrey / Southern Cross University

Melaleuca wetland forests — Exploring Melaleuca Wetland Forests in New South Wales, Australia

Image Credit: Luke Jeffrey / Southern Cross University

The bark of a single tree can host trillions of bacteria, which may have a crucial yet underappreciated role in regulating greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

Globally, the total surface area of tree bark is estimated to be around 143 million square kilometers, roughly equivalent to the Earth’s total land area. This extensive area represents a vast microbial environment known as the ashosphere, yet the microorganisms residing there have largely been overlooked by researchers. Learn more.

“It may seem obvious, but we’ve historically ignored tree bark,” states Bob Leung, a researcher from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. “I had never considered that microbes existed in tree bark, but it makes perfect sense. Bacteria thrive everywhere, so it’s reasonable to expect them in the bark as well.”

Leung and his team initiated their research on a common wetland species known as paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). Their findings revealed that over 6 trillion bacteria inhabit every square meter of tree bark, a density comparable to that found in soil.

Genetic testing of 114 bacterial species indicated that most belong to three primary bacterial families: Acidobacteriaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, and Acetobacteriaceae; intriguing as they remain entirely unclassified by science.

A fascinating characteristic of these microorganisms is their ability to metabolize hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane for energy. While hydrogen (H₂) itself isn’t a greenhouse gas, it can enhance the warming effect of the atmosphere by reacting with other gases.

Researchers extended their study to include seven additional Australian tree species from diverse habitats, such as Casuarina, rubber trees, and banksias, and assessed their bark’s ability to absorb or emit greenhouse gases both in natural settings and laboratory experiments.

Under aerobic conditions, where oxygen is present, all bark types were found to consume hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane. However, when the trees were submerged in water—typical in wetland areas—the microbes adapted by producing these same gases.

The Canopy of *Melaleuca quinquenervia*

Image Credit: Luke Jeffrey / Southern Cross University

According to researchers, the collective amount of hydrogen absorbed by bark microorganisms worldwide is estimated to be between 600 million and 1.6 billion kilograms annually, which represents about 2% of the total hydrogen removed from the atmosphere.

This groundbreaking study marks the first effort to evaluate the role of tree bark in atmospheric hydrogen cycling, notes Luke Jeffrey at Southern Cross University in Lismore, Australia.

“Recognizing the hidden contributions of trees, beyond their role in carbon dioxide absorption, is crucial,” emphasizes Jeffrey. “Trees actively engage with other greenhouse gases, which is significant as H₂ interacts with atmospheric methane and could help mitigate the increasing methane dilemma.”

However, the global landscape remains uncertain since the team evaluated only eight tree species from eastern Australia. “Significant research is needed across diverse forest types, tree varieties, microbial communities, and environmental conditions,” says Jeffrey.

Brett Somerelle of the Sydney Botanic Gardens asserts that this research underscores the gaps in our understanding of microbial diversity, composition, and functionality within tree bark ecosystems. “It will be fascinating to observe how these factors change across a broader spectrum of tree species, particularly in arid environments like savannahs and woodlands,” notes Summerell.

Understanding the relationships between fungi and bacteria in tree bark is equally critical, he adds.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

AI Chatbot Fails to Address Urgent Women’s Health Concerns: Key Issues Highlighted

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Sure! Here’s an SEO-optimized rewrite of your content while keeping the HTML tags intact:

AI Tools for Women’s Health: Incomplete Answers

Oscar Wong/Getty Images

AI Health Information — AI Tools for Women’s Health: Incomplete Answers

Oscar Wong/Getty Images

Current AI models frequently struggle to provide accurate diagnoses or advice for pressing women’s health inquiries.

Thirteen AI language models from OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, Mistral AI, and xAI were assessed with 345 medical questions spanning five fields, including emergency medicine, gynecology, and neurology. These questions were curated by 17 experts in women’s health, pharmacists, and clinicians from the US and Europe.

Expert reviewers analyzed the AI responses, cross-referencing failures against a medical expertise benchmark which includes 96 queries.

On average, 60% of the queries yielded inadequate responses based on expert evaluations. Notably, GPT-5 was the strongest performer, with a 47% failure rate, while Mistral 8B exhibited a significant 73% failure rate.

“I see more women using AI for health queries and decision support,” says Victoria-Elizabeth Gruber, a representative from Lumos AI, a firm focused on enhancing AI model assessments. She and her colleagues recognized the potential dangers of relying on technology that perpetuates existing gender imbalances in medical knowledge. “This inspired us to establish the first benchmark in this domain,” she explains.

Gruber expressed surprise over the high failure rates, stating, “We anticipated some disparities, but the variability among models was striking.”

This outcome is not unexpected, according to Kara Tannenbaum at the University of Montreal, Canada, as AI models are trained on historical data that may inherently contain biases. “It’s crucial for online health information sources and professional associations to enhance their web content with more detailed, evidence-based insights related to sex and gender to better inform AI,” she emphasizes.

Jonathan H. Chen from Stanford University notes that the claimed 60% failure rate may be misleading. “This figure is based on a limited expert-defined sample, which does not accurately represent regular inquiries from patients and doctors,” he asserts. “Some test scenarios are overly cautious and can lead to higher failure rates.” For instance, if a postpartum woman reports a headache, the model might fail if pre-eclampsia isn’t immediately suspected.

Gruber acknowledges such critiques, clarifying, “Our intent was not to label the model as broadly unsafe but to establish clear, clinically relevant evaluation criteria. We purposefully set strict benchmarks as minor omissions in the medical field can be significant in some cases.”

An OpenAI representative stated: “ChatGPT aims to support, not replace, healthcare services. We closely collaborate with clinicians globally to refine our models and continuously evaluate them to minimize harmful or misleading output. Our latest GPT-5.2 models are designed to consider critical user contexts, including gender. We take the accuracy of our outputs seriously, and while ChatGPT can offer valuable insights, we advise consulting qualified healthcare providers for treatment and care decisions.” Other companies involved in the study did not respond to requests for comments from New Scientist.

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This rewrite optimizes the content for SEO by naturally incorporating keywords related to AI in women’s health, improving clarity, and emphasizing critical insights throughout the piece.

Source: www.newscientist.com

2025 Breakthrough: Mathematicians Set to Unify Key Physical Laws

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Understanding Complex Fluid Dynamics

Vladimir Veljanovski / Alamy

In 1900, mathematician David Hilbert presented a list of mathematical problems that captured both the current state and future trajectory of mathematics. Now, 125 years later, Dr. Zahel Hani and his colleagues at the University of Michigan have successfully solved one of Hilbert’s enduring puzzles, significantly unifying various physical laws in the process.

Hilbert advocated for deriving all physical laws from mathematical axioms—assertions regarded as fundamental truths by mathematicians. His sixth problem sought to derive laws governing fluid behavior from such axioms.

Until 2025, physicists characterized fluids through three distinct paradigms based on scale: the microscopic scale of individual particles, the mesoscopic world of particle clusters, and the macroscopic scope of full-fledged fluids, such as water flowing in pipes. Despite advances in linking these scales, a seamless unification remained elusive until Hani and his team devised a solution.

The researchers’ breakthrough hinged on adapting diagram-based techniques pioneered by physicist Richard Feynman for the seemingly unrelated field of quantum field theory. This endeavor culminated in a published paper reflecting a five-year research initiative.

“We received validation of our results from numerous experts in the field,” Hani asserts. The study, currently available as a preprint, will soon appear in a highly regarded mathematics journal.

The findings represent not only a monumental achievement in mathematics but also offer the potential to enhance our understanding of complex fluid dynamics in natural systems, such as the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. Hani notes they are also exploring a quantum variant of this issue, where microscale mathematics can reveal even more complex and intriguing particle behaviors.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Maximize Your New Year’s Resolutions: Key Metrics to Track for Success

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Explore the latest in science, technology, health, and environmental news through our extensive articles and magazine. — plainpicture/Nordic life/Terje Racke

As we approach the end of 2025, it’s a time for reflection and planning for the new year. Many individuals consider New Year’s resolutions aimed at improving health, diet, and immunity. But how can you tell if these new habits are effective?

It’s crucial to understand that “boosting” your immune system can be misleading; more robust defenses might actually be harmful. Current research indicates that your ability to combat infections can be assessed through specific immune cell measurements. Monitor your “immunity grade” to determine if your body can fend off illness effectively.

However, tests are ineffective without comprehension of what they signify. A diverse gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as essential for health, leading to various DIY fecal tests available today. Unfortunately, there is still no consensus on the beneficial microorganisms that yield high scores. With insights from the Zoe health app, scoring your microbiome health will soon be more accessible, utilizing a scale from 0 to 1000.

That said, it’s vital to approach statistics critically. For instance, body mass index (BMI) is a commonly used health metric, yet it has significant limitations. While BMI is a straightforward calculation of weight relative to height, it fails to differentiate between unhealthy fat gain and healthy increases in muscle or bone mass. Researchers recently proposed a revised definition of obesity, highlighting the need for better indicators of health.

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Boosting your immune system is a misnomer, as excessive immune defense can be harmful.
“

This emphasizes two important points: Firstly, if you aim to improve your life, ensure you have the appropriate metrics to measure your progress. There’s little value in resolving to wake up early and exercise if your success is gauged solely by your alarm time. Secondly, scientific understanding is continuously evolving, so it’s essential to stay informed with the latest credible evidence. Rest assured, if you’re reading this, you’re already taking a promising step towards better health.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Is This New Book the Key to Unlocking Neuroscience’s Toughest Challenges?

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring Complex Neurological Effects of Drinking Water

Book Review: Neural Mind: How the Brain Thinks

This is a comprehensive two-part review of an intriguing book. The first part delves into the concepts presented in Neural Mind: How the Brain Thinks, while the second part shares my impressions post-reading.

Understanding Neuroscience’s Fundamental Questions

This book confronts a major inquiry in neuroscience: how do neurons facilitate the vast range of human thoughts—from executing motor actions to articulating sentences and contemplating philosophy?

Distinct Perspectives from the Authors

The authors, George Lakoff and Srini Narayanan, offer unique viewpoints. Lakoff, a retired linguist and cognitive scientist from the University of California, Berkeley, has extensively studied metaphor’s role in human cognition. Narayanan, a senior research director at Google DeepMind in Zurich, focuses on how AI learns languages.

Central Thesis: Interconnectedness of Brain Functions

The central premise of Neural Mind is that the brain employs similar processes for motor functions, language acquisition, and abstract thinking. Lakoff and Narayanan suggest that evolution repurposed existing neural circuits for various types of thinking, revealing profound similarities beneath apparent differences.

Learning Concepts Without Language

This notion becomes clearer when examining how infants and non-verbal animals comprehend basic concepts. Despite individual experiences varying, they universally grasp ideas like up and down, motion and rest, force and resistance—essential for brain representation.

Metaphors Shape Our Understanding

In works like Metaphors We Live By, co-authored with Mark Johnson, Lakoff posits that these foundational concepts underpin the metaphors we use. For instance, emotions are often expressed in physical terms, equating happiness with “up” and sadness with “down.” This metaphorical framework explains why we describe communication as a “conveying” process.

Physical Metaphors and Abstract Thinking

A simplistic interpretation suggests that physical metaphors assist in comprehending complex ideas. However, Lakoff and Narayanan argue that these metaphors are the essence of our thought processes. Given the brain’s evolutionary timeline, early neural circuits initially designed for motor control have adapted for advanced language and thought processing.

The Complexity of Simple Actions

Consider the action of drinking a glass of water—a simple task involving multiple stages. From reaching for the glass to sipping water, each phase requires intricate neural coordination. This complexity is mirrored in our language structure, where simple actions and tenses are systematically categorized.

Metaphors and Creative Thinking

Physical metaphors also influence abstract thoughts. For instance, relationships can be described as “separated,” while state failure might be “collapsing.” While clinging to a single metaphor can constrict thinking, embracing new metaphors fosters creativity and innovation.

Future Research and Challenges

Testing these theories is challenging. Lakoff and Narayanan propose models of the brain’s circuit architecture, yet we lack a complete neuron-level map of the human brain. It may take years before their hypotheses can be rigorously validated.

Final Thoughts on Neural Mind

Despite its complexities, Lakoff and Narayanan present compelling arguments worth considering. However, the readability of Neural Mind is debatable, with its repetitive structure and disjointed thoughts making it a demanding read. Important ideas sometimes feel rushed, and the prolonged sentences can be overwhelming. Ultimately, while the book is insightful, it may be better to explore summaries rather than tackle the original text directly.

— Michael Marshall, Writer based in Devon, England

Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Discovers 3I/ATLAS Comet: Key Findings and Insights

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Scientists utilized the WISPR (Wide Field Imager for Solar Exploration) instrument on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to capture stunning images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS between October 18 and November 5, 2025.

WISPR captures the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. Image credit: NRL / NASA / JHUAPL / Guillermo Stenborg, JHUAPL.

Discovered on July 1, 2025, by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, 3I/ATLAS, also known as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) and A11pl3Z, originated from the constellation Sagittarius.

This remarkable interstellar comet approached Mars on October 3 at a distance of just 0.194 AU and reached its perihelion, the closest point to the Sun, on October 30.

On December 19, 3I/ATLAS made its nearest pass to Earth, coming within 270 million kilometers (168 million miles) of our planet.

The spectacular images of 3I/ATLAS were obtained by the WISPR instrument aboard NASA’s Parker Solar Probe during a critical observation window from October 18 to November 5.

“The Parker Solar Probe captured around 10 images of the comet daily,” stated WISPR team members.

“During this observation period, the spacecraft accelerated away from the Sun following its 25th solar flyby on September 15.”

“These initial images are currently undergoing calibration and processing, revealing the comet’s movement behind the Sun from Parker’s vantage point.”

“At that time, the comet was located about 209 million kilometers (130 million miles) from the Sun, just beyond Mars’ orbit.”

“These images offer a rare opportunity to study the comet when it was too close to the Sun for ground-based observations.”

The WISPR team is diligently working to finalize the data by eliminating stray light and adjusting for varying exposure times between images, enhancing the comet’s visibility.

“The final images will significantly advance our understanding of this intriguing interstellar visitor,” researchers concluded.

Source: www.sci.news

NASA’s New Leader, Jared Isaacman, Outlines His Key Priorities

Posted on December 19, 2025 by

Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur, has outlined his priorities for NASA on his inaugural day as the agency’s new leader.

Sworn in as NASA’s 15th administrator on Thursday, Isaacman was officially appointed the same day President Donald Trump endorsed an executive order instructing NASA to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028, initiate the development of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, and establish a framework for future exploration of Mars.

This order is expected to offer Isaacman and NASA a strategic roadmap.

“In the next three years, we will once again land American astronauts on the Moon, but this time we aim to create the necessary infrastructure for their extended stay,” Isaacman stated in an interview with NBC News following his swearing-in.

He assumes this role during a pivotal moment for NASA, as the Trump administration urges the agency to land astronauts on the Moon before any Chinese astronauts arrive there.

“A new space race is upon us,” Isaacman remarked.

The next stage of NASA’s Moon return initiative, known as Artemis, could kick off as soon as February. The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day lunar orbit to test the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

The following Artemis III mission is anticipated to have astronauts land close to the lunar south pole.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly (left) swears in Jared Isaacman (right) as NASA’s 15th administrator in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, with Isaacman’s parents, Donald and Sandra Murray, present.Bill Ingalls/NASA (via Getty Images)

Under Isaacman’s leadership, NASA is anticipated to pursue increased commercialization. SpaceX and Blue Origin will be crucial to the agency’s lunar return efforts, and Isaacman indicated that additional private space firms will back the agency’s aspirations for the Moon.

President Trump’s space policy executive order advocates for the creation of a “dynamic commercial space economy driven by American free enterprise” and details plans to reduce the International Space Station while establishing a commercial space station by 2030.

Additionally, the order emphasizes nuclear power in space. Following direction from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who served as NASA’s acting administrator before Isaacman’s confirmation, the initiative aims to develop a nuclear reactor ready for launch to the Moon by 2030.

Isaacman highlighted the importance of nuclear power for explorations beyond the Moon, particularly for future Mars missions.

However, one significant challenge he will encounter as administrator is translating the White House’s vision into action with a constrained budget.

Current funding for the U.S. government is set to last until January 30; afterward, NASA may face substantial budget reductions, especially for science operations.

Despite these immediate hurdles, Isaacman remains optimistic about the agency’s capacity to align with the administration’s goals.

“Whether it’s $25 billion or $20 billion, it’s a significant sum that the agency receives every year,” he remarked. “We possess exceptional talent to tackle numerous challenging, nearly impossible tasks simultaneously.”

“This is an opportunity for the president’s space policy to revisit the Moon, establish infrastructure there, and invest in future technologies like nuclear power in anticipation of Mars missions,” Isaacman stated. “With the resources at hand and the president’s dedication to space policy in the White House, I’m confident we can achieve our objectives.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Trump Administration Set to Eliminate Key Climate Research Centers

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

The Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle Colorado’s National Center for Atmospheric Research, which is the largest climate research institute in the federal state.

Russ Vought, the White House Director of Management and Budget, revealed the proposal on Tuesday. In a statement on X.

“The National Science Foundation intends to dissolve the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado,” Vought stated. According to a USA Today report. “This facility is a core source of concern regarding climate change in our country. A thorough review is in progress, and vital activities related to climate research will be reassigned to another organization or location.”

This action could pose a significant blow to U.S. climate research, as United Nations and other global leaders indicate that time is running out to avert the dire consequences of global warming.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, NCAR’s parent organization, issued a statement on Tuesday. They acknowledged awareness of the closures but had no further details.

“We are eager to collaborate with the administration to ensure the security and prosperity of our nation remains a top priority,” UCAR President Antonio Busalacci stated.

In response to an NBC News inquiry about NCAR’s fate, a senior White House official criticized Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat.

“Perhaps if Colorado had a governor willing to engage with President Trump, it would be more beneficial for voters,” said the official.

The official characterized NCAR as “a prominent research center perpetuating left-leaning climate change ideologies” and asserted that dismantling NCAR would “put an end to the research activities linked to the Green New Scam.”

Polis responded on Tuesday. He mentioned that Colorado has not received any communication about plans to dismantle NCAR, emphasizing that such actions would equate to an assault on science if confirmed.

“Climate change is a real issue, but NCAR’s contributions extend well beyond climate research,” Polis stated. “NCAR supplies crucial data on severe weather incidents like fires and floods, aiding our nation in safeguarding lives and property. If these cuts proceed, we risk losing our competitive edge against foreign adversaries in scientific exploration.”

Many within the climate and weather field expressed shock at this announcement.

Daniel Swain, a climatologist at UCLA, remarked: I commented on X that this would represent a “significant setback for American science.”

“This will disrupt not only climate research but also studies on weather, wildfires, and disasters that have supported decades of advancements in forecasting, early warnings, and resilience improvement,” Swain said, noting that the repercussions would cascade throughout the global weather and climate communities.

“NCAR has likely played an unparalleled role in enhancing weather forecasting and atmospheric modeling compared to any other organization worldwide,” he added.

Katherine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist and chief scientist at the Nature Conservancy, asserted that dismantling NCAR would be “akin to using a sledgehammer on the foundation of our scientific understanding of the planet.”

“Almost everyone studying climate and weather, not just in the U.S. but globally, has benefited from NCAR’s invaluable resources,” she mentioned on X.

Andy Hazelton, an associate scientist at the University of Miami’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Institute, described the decision to move resources as “incredibly shortsighted.”

Some Democratic representatives have pledged to fight against the closure of NCAR.

“This represents a dangerously blatant act of retaliation from the Trump administration,” stated Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colorado, whose constituency includes the climate research hub. I posted on X. “NCAR is a leading scientific facility globally, with our scientists engaging in pioneering research every day. We will use every legal avenue to combat this reckless directive.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Where Did You Store It? Losing the Crucial Encryption Key Could Nullify the Election.

Posted on December 4, 2025 by

Feedback A weekly column filled with strange stories, unbelievable marketing claims, and perplexing instructions.

Locked Out

Feedback believes that the expression “couldn’t make up for it” is frequently misinterpreted. This doesn’t imply a limit to creativity; rather, it signifies that some developments can’t fit into a fictional narrative because people insist, “That will never happen.” The issue is, those individuals are mistaken, as reality can be quite absurd.

One of the key organizations in cryptography is the International Association for Cryptographic Research. This non-profit organization is committed to advancing cryptographic science. Recently, the IACR held elections for new officers and board directors while also adjusting its bylaws. They executed this ingeniously, leveraging their expertise as cryptographers. They utilized an online voting platform called Helios, promising “verifiable online elections.”

Helios is remarkably efficient. Every vote is recorded, ensuring that your vote is counted and remains unchanged. Tampering is thus rendered impossible. Simultaneously, every vote is kept confidential. The system employs advanced encryption technology, where all encrypted votes are compiled into an encrypted tally, and only the tally is decrypted.

But how is this tally decrypted? An organization has to appoint multiple directors. The IACR chose three individuals, each granted one-third of the cryptographic keys. All three needed to enter their portions of the keys to decipher the tally and view the results. This was a complete process—partial decryption wasn’t an option.

Then the expected occurred. “Unfortunately, one of the three trustees lost their private key irretrievably, an honest but unfortunate mistake, and as a result, we are unable to compute the decryption share.” I wrote to the IACR on November 21st. “Consequently, Helios was unable to finalize the decryption process, making it technically impossible to obtain or verify the election’s final outcomes.”

The IACR was compelled to: void the elections and restart the entire process. They now plan to “implement a two-out-of-three threshold mechanism for managing private keys and distribute clear written procedures for all trustees to follow before and during elections.” Feedback is eager to scrutinize that “documented procedure” even if its sole instruction is “Remember” in large bold letters on the cover page.

We are also intrigued by how what the IACR calls “human error” can undermine even the most meticulously designed systems. Each time a Silicon Valley entrepreneur speaks of the imminent emergence of human-level artificial intelligence, we internally cringe. The first iteration of such AI will probably align with the average human’s capabilities.

Floating Like a Raisin

The creativity of science journalists in coming up with new and engaging units of measure is always impressive. On November 17th, New York Times featured a story about “a small radio-frequency tag powered by solar energy that weighs just 60 milligrams and retails for $200.” Entomologists utilize this tag to monitor monarch butterflies during their migration across North America.

Anthony Weaver highlighted a sentence aimed at illustrating how heavy the tag is compared to the butterfly. “Most monarchs weigh between 500 and 600 milligrams, meaning each tagged transcontinental traveler is like half a raisin carrying three grains of uncooked rice.”

In the feedback section, we can all agree that this explanation is far clearer than stating “about 1/10 of body weight” could manage. Or as Anthony phrased it, “When I envisioned myself as a half-raisin on a cross-continental trek with rice to Mexico, I genuinely grasped how butterflies relate to science.”

No, this is not a call for you to submit similar examples from your page. New Scientist. Don’t even think about it.

Boys Club

The reason you may not receive feedback on social media is simply because you lack the mental bandwidth to figure out how to stand out on six different platforms with entirely different algorithms. Nonetheless, we half-watch things, which is why I found the spontaneous experiment on LinkedIn intriguing. Women in the field altered their names and pronouns to appear male, resulting in a spike in engagement.

For instance, social media consultant Simone Bonnet observed a 1600 percent rise in profile views after changing her pronouns to “he/him” and her name to “Simon E.” According to The Guardian, others experienced similar increases. Meanwhile, Daniel Hyers, who possesses an ideal LinkedIn name, attempted the reverse by “changing his name to Daniela for 4 days.” Day 1: a -26% drop.”

Sakshi Jain from LinkedIn stated that feedback indicates the platform’s “algorithms and AI systems are not utilized.” Demographic data (age, race, gender, etc.) are factored in as signals to assess the visibility of content, profiles, and posts in users’ feeds. We don’t dispute that, but we also theorize that unintended emergent outcomes play a significant role. Algorithm bias.

Meanwhile, Feedback is in the midst of creating a new LinkedIn page, which we will dub Mansplaining.

Got a story for Feedback?

You can email your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. This week’s and past feedback are accessible on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Three Key Factors That Likely Shaped the Moon’s Formation in Earth’s Early History

Posted on December 3, 2025 by

The moon may have had a more intricate formation than previously believed.

NASA/NOAA

Recent theories suggest that multiple collisions with Earth might better elucidate the Moon’s origin than the traditionally accepted single massive impact 4.5 billion years ago, potentially addressing one of its greatest enigmas.

Tracing the Moon’s origin has proven challenging. The prevailing theory is that it formed early in the solar system’s evolution due to a catastrophic collision between Earth and Theia, a Mars-sized body, and its formation likely originated closer to the sun than Earth’s current position. This impact would have expelled debris that ultimately coalesced into the large natural satellite we recognize today. At that period, matter around the sun was highly intermixed, making collisions frequent.

However, this prevailing model encounters complications, as the chemical compositions of Earth and the Moon are remarkably similar, suggesting that the Moon should retain more material from Theia than our planet does. “This presents a significant dilemma for the standard model,” comments Philip Carter, a researcher at the University of Bristol, UK.

Carter and his team propose a paradigm shift, suggesting that a series of impacts with Earth over millions of years may provide a more coherent explanation for the compositional similarities between Earth and the Moon. They propose that three or more significant impacts in the early solar system, involving bodies from the size of the modern Moon to those approaching Mars in size, could account for the Moon’s creation as we observe it today.

In this revised model, each impact creates smaller moons, known as microsatellites, orbiting Earth. Over eons, these smaller bodies would progressively merge under gravitational attraction, forming a singular large entity. “They will be drawn to one another and collide,” explains Carter. “The probability of sustaining a stable system with multiple large moonlets is exceedingly low.”

Previous models also posited multiple impacts as the origin of the Moon; however, they typically required a more rigorous series of impacts than this current framework. “After three significant collisions, we introduced sufficient mass into orbit to form a full Moon,” stated Carter.

Robert Citron, a researcher at the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado, suggests that fewer impacts might be more favorable since too many collisions could displace smaller satellites from Earth’s orbit and hinder Moon formation. However, as more impacts occur, the compositional alignment between Earth and the Moon increases, accurately reflecting their current similarities. “When multiple impacts are involved, you are averaging out more influencing factors,” Citron notes.

The unique relationship between Earth and the Moon underscores the necessity of understanding the Moon’s formation. “It is a remarkably distinctive satellite,” Citron emphasizes. “Its size relative to Earth is vast, whereas the moons of Mars appear minuscule in comparison to Mars, and the moons of gas giants are diminutive compared to their planets.”

Establishing which hypothesis is correct necessitates more intricate modeling to assess the impact’s intensity on Earth and the volume of material expelled. Carter remarks, “Calculating all these details remains exceedingly complex.” He adds, “Personally, I prefer the multi-impact model over the traditional single-impact theory.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Neuroscientists Discover Five Key Phases of Brain Structure Development Across the Human Lifespan

Posted on December 2, 2025 by

Recent findings from neuroscientists reveal that the brain’s structure divides into five main stages throughout a typical person’s life, marked by four significant turning points from birth to death where the brain undergoes reorganization. Brain topology in children evolves from birth up to a crucial transition at age 9, then shifts into adolescence, which generally lasts until around age 32. In your early 30s, the neural wiring transitions to adult mode, marking the longest phase that extends for over 30 years. The third turning point occurs at about age 66, indicating the start of an early aging phase of brain structure, while the late brain phase begins around age 83.

Masry et al. Using a dataset of MRI diffusion scans, they compared the brains of 3,802 individuals aged 0 to 90 years. The dataset maps neural connections by tracking the movement of water molecules through brain tissue. Image credit: Mously et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-65974-8.

“While we know brain wiring plays a crucial role in our development, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of how and why it fluctuates throughout life,” explained Dr. Alexa Mausley, a researcher at the University of Cambridge.

“This study is the first to pinpoint essential stages in brain wiring throughout the human lifespan.”

“These epochs offer vital insight into our brain’s strengths and vulnerabilities at different life stages.”

“Understanding these changes could shed light on why certain developmental challenges arise, such as learning difficulties in early childhood or dementia later in life.”

During the transition from infancy to childhood, strengthened neural networks emerge as the excess of synapses (the connections between neurons) in a baby’s brain diminishes, allowing only the most active synapses to thrive.

The brain rewires in a consistent pattern from birth until approximately age 9.

In this timeframe, the volumes of gray and white matter grow swiftly, resulting in maximal cortical thickness (the distance from the outer gray matter to the inner white matter), with the cortical folds stabilizing.

By the first turning point at age 9, cognitive abilities begin to evolve gradually, and the likelihood of mental health issues becomes more pronounced.

The second stage, adolescence, is characterized by an ongoing increase in white matter volume, leading to an enhancement in the sophistication of the brain’s communication networks, measurable through water diffusion scans.

This phase is marked by improved connectivity efficiency across specific regions and swift communication throughout the brain, correlating with enhanced cognitive performance.

“As expected, neural efficiency is closely linked to shorter pathways, and this efficiency increases throughout adolescence,” Mausley notes.

“These advancements peak in your early 30s, representing the most significant turning point in your lifetime.”

“Around age 32, the change in wiring direction is the most pronounced, and the overall trajectory alteration is greater than at any other turning points.”

“Although the onset of puberty is clearly defined, the conclusion is far harder to identify scientifically.”

“Based solely on neural structure, we found that puberty-related changes in brain structure conclude by the early 30s.”

Post age 32, adulthood enters its longest phase, characterized by a more stable brain structure with no significant turning points for three decades. This aligns with findings indicating an “intellectual and personality plateau.”

Additionally, the researchers observed a greater degree of “segregation” during this phase, indicating a gradual fragmentation of brain regions.

The tipping point at age 66 is more gradual, lacking dramatic structural shifts; however, notable changes in brain network patterns were found around this age on average.

“Our findings indicate a gradual reconfiguration of brain networks that peaks in the mid-60s,” stated Dr. Mausley.

“This is likely linked to aging, as white matter begins to decline, reducing connectivity further.”

“We are currently facing an era where individuals are increasingly at risk for various health conditions impacting the brain, such as high blood pressure.”

The final turning point arises around age 83, ushering in the last stage of brain structure.

Data from this stage is scarce, but a key characteristic is the shift from global to local connectivity as interactions across the brain diminish while reliance on specific regions intensifies.

Professor Duncan Astle of the University of Cambridge remarked: “In reflection, many of us recognize that our lives encompass distinct stages.”

“Interestingly, the brain also navigates through these phases.”

“Numerous neurodevelopmental, mental health, and neurological conditions are tied to the brain’s wiring.”

“In fact, variations in brain wiring can predict challenges with attention, language, memory, and a wide array of other behaviors.”

“Recognizing that structural transformations in the brain occur not in a linear fashion but through several major turning points can assist us in identifying when and how brain wiring may be vulnerable to disruptions.”

a paper detailing the study was published in the journal on November 25. Nature Communications.

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A. Mausley et al. 2025. Topological turning points across the human lifespan. Nat Commun 16, 10055; doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-65974-8

Source: www.sci.news

Accelerated Melting in Antarctica May Support Key Ocean Currents

Posted on November 14, 2025 by

Impact of Melting Antarctic Ice on Ocean Currents

Juan Barretto/AFP via Getty Images

The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet is predicted to hinder or disrupt the Atlantic current that helps keep Europe warm; however, meltwater from West Antarctica might help maintain this essential flow.

That said, it won’t be sufficient to prevent significant climate changes. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is already down by 60% and could take up to 3,000 years to recover fully.

“I suggest caution in predicting an AMOC collapse,” states Sasha Sinnett from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. “However, my findings don’t alter what is forecasted for the next century. We may never see if West Antarctica successfully stabilizes the AMOC.”

The AMOC is a system of ocean currents that transports warm surface water from the tropics to northern Europe. Here, the water cools and sinks, then flows back south to Antarctica. This current carries an enormous amount of heat—1.2 petawatts—equivalent to the output of one million power plants, keeping Europe notably warmer than regions like Labrador or Siberia at similar latitudes. Lighter, fresher meltwater from Greenland is expected to obstruct the sinking of the denser, saltier AMOC water, thereby slowing its flow.

If the AMOC were to collapse, winter temperatures in Northern Europe could drop to almost -50℃ (-58°F). Recently, Iceland declared the closure of the AMOC as an “existing” security threat. Additionally, rising sea levels are threatening the U.S. East Coast, while Africa may face even more severe drought conditions.

A recent study indicates that even if we achieve net zero emissions by 2075 and begin reducing CO2 from the atmosphere, there is still a 25% risk of AMOC collapse. One study forecasts its closure in the coming decades, while another suggests that it will remain weakened due to Antarctic winds.

Currently, the melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet has accelerated, with some research indicating a probable complete collapse. However, the impact on AMOC remains uncertain.

The timing of the melting is crucial, according to simulations by Sinet and his team. If pulses of ancient Antarctic meltwater coincide with substantial meltwater from Greenland, the AMOC’s closure will be expedited.

Conversely, if the Antarctic water arrives about 1,000 years prior to the peak melting of Greenland, the AMOC may weaken for a few centuries but then recover over the next 3,000 years. While AMOC shows eventual recovery in all scenarios, early Antarctic melting prevents total collapse and accelerates its resurgence.

This phenomenon could be due to the relocation of the sinking, salty AMOC water moving south as lighter, fresher meltwater accumulates around Greenland, with the flow regaining strength as Antarctic melting decreases.

Though it’s improbable that West Antarctica melts at such a rapid pace while Greenland melts more slowly, these results illuminate a significant connection between AMOC and Antarctic ice melt, notes Louise Sim from the British Antarctic Survey.

“Prior to this study, the extent to which Antarctic changes could significantly influence the effects of Greenland’s ice sheet melting on the AMOC was largely unknown,” she remarks.

However, the study does not address potential feedback effects, such as shifts in wind patterns that might increase Antarctic sea ice, so this relationship needs to be explored in more complex models moving forward, she adds.

Even if rapid melting in West Antarctica prevents the AMOC from collapsing, it could still lead to sea-level rises of up to 3 meters, inundating coastal cities.

“Unfortunately, while one potential disaster may lessen the danger of another, this is little consolation,” concludes Stefan Rahmstorf from the University of Potsdam, Germany.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Elon Musk Emerges as a Key Figure in Far-Right Circles After Departing from the White House

Posted on November 8, 2025 by

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson expressed gratitude to a benefactor who supported his legal defense as he exited a London courtroom this week, following a judge’s ruling that acquitted him of terrorism charges.

“Mr. Elon Musk, I cannot thank you enough. Without your financial aid during my legal battle, I might have faced imprisonment,” Robinson remarked. “Thank you, Elon.”

Following Musk’s tumultuous departure from the White House, Tesla’s CEO suggested he was stepping away from politics. Investors keen for him to concentrate on his business were pleased, resulting in a rise in Tesla’s stock price. However, since then, Musk has shown no signs of abandoning his political pursuits; instead, he has immersed himself deeper into election matters and far-right views on immigration.

Musk’s political activities post-Trump administration have seen him leverage social media to sway the New York mayoral race and develop a right-wing, AI-generated alternative to Wikipedia. He remarked that the “homeless industrial complex” was detrimental to California and stated that “white pride” should be acknowledged. On X, he warned that Britain might plunge into civil war and that Western civilization faced collapse.

On the day Robinson conveyed his thanks, Musk made allegations on social media about “illegals” voting fraudulently in the U.S., amplified objections to video games labeled as “woke,” and characterized established news outlets as left-leaning propaganda.

The world’s wealthiest individual’s political inclinations are adversely affecting his business. A recent Yale University report indicated that his controversial remarks and engagement in far-right politics resulted in a loss of approximately 1 million Tesla car sales between his 2022 Twitter acquisition and April of this year. While consumer loyalty for Tesla remains high, recent data shows a decline, with Musk’s “Government Efficiency Division” dismantling agencies by 2025 and predicting around 14 million deaths globally.

Musk’s personal approval ratings also hit an all-time low this year, according to several surveys. As reported by an August Gallup poll, he ranks five points behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces war crimes charges, and a separate Quinnipiac Poll showed that only about 20% of American women view Musk favorably.

Despite social and economic repercussions from his political stance, Musk’s public backing of far-right ideologies continues unabated. In his typical defiant manner, he has become increasingly vocal about his affiliations, indicating that labels such as “racist” or “extremist” no longer concern him. Tesla shareholders have also shown support; on Thursday, they overwhelmingly approved his proposed $1 trillion compensation, marking the largest in the company’s history.

Shielded from substantial financial fallout and navigating a self-created online echo chamber, Musk has aligned himself with the global far-right, despite a diminishing role within the Trump administration.

Supporting the International Far Right

Musk has maintained cordial relations with several of the globe’s prominent far-right figures. This year, he appeared at a rally for Germany’s anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany. Following Trump’s alleged fascist salute after his inauguration, Musk’s speech, which suggested that Germany should move beyond its historical sins, attracted criticism from Jewish leaders.

Recently, Musk has engaged with the pro-natalist political movement, connecting with far-right activists and influencers on X. Robinson, a long-standing anti-Islam figure with a history of legal troubles, has notably gained his attention.

“It’s time for the British to unite with strong figures like Tommy Robinson and fight for our survival, or we will all perish,” Musk proclaimed on X in response to a video showing a stabbing. “If we fail to alter the trajectory of illegal immigration, similar violence will occur throughout England,” he added.

In September, Musk participated in Robinson’s London rally via livestream, advocating for the disbanding of the British government and claiming that immigration was leading to “Britain’s destruction.”

“Violence will confront you regardless of your choice. Resist or face annihilation,” Musk told the attendees. His comments were later condemned by Downing Street, which cautioned that they risked inciting violence.

Overall, Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022 benefited the UK far-right, enabling those previously expelled for violating hate speech policies to return. Musk reinstated accounts from notorious neo-Nazi groups, as well as Robinson’s account, which had been banned for advocating the mass deportation of Muslim refugees.

Musk has emerged as a leading advocate for Britain’s fringe political group, Restore Britain, praising its leader Rupert Lowe. This group recently published a 113-page policy outlining plans for the large-scale deportation of illegal immigrants, proposing the use of military aircraft to transport thousands to Rwanda, irrespective of their origin.

Musk’s growing interference in British politics has attracted criticism from not only the country’s Labour government but also from anti-hate organizations and other politicians.

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Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey stated on Thursday: “Elon Musk is intentionally using his platform to contaminate our politics and divide our nation. It’s high time our government acknowledges the threat he poses.”

Creating a Right-Wing Bubble Online

While active in global politics, Musk is also committed to building online avenues that promote his conservative ideology. His concerns about artificial intelligence becoming overly “politically correct” and its outputs being “woke” have led him to engage in numerous speculative discussions.

“If universal diversity mandates exist, straight white men would not survive. Consequently, you and I could be terminated by AI,” Musk remarked on Joe Rogan’s podcast last week, referencing the infamous “paperclip dilemma.” This theory postulates that if AI’s sole purpose was to create paperclips, it could annihilate humanity in the process.

Musk’s response to the AI coordination issue has been through his artificial intelligence venture, xAI. This has occupied much of his focus since he exited government, with aims to develop products that align more closely with his views. Theoretically, he envisions creating right-wing versions of popular platforms and products. However, these initiatives have often floundered. His efforts to construct a more conservative AI framework resulted in recent mishaps, including xAI’s Grok chatbot propagating conspiracy theories about “white genocide” and self-identifying as “Mecha-Hitler.”

In addition to communicating with his online allies, Musk has utilized social media to target nonprofits and political adversaries.

Last month, Musk was pivotal in a campaign against the Anti-Defamation League, the foremost Jewish advocacy organization in the U.S. The group faced scrutiny from the right due to an article linking extremist ties to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA. Musk alleged that the ADL “hates Christians,” promotes violence, and amplified posts from right-wing figures criticizing the organization. This campaign led the ADL to retract its entire extremism glossary, which had been recognized as the most exhaustive resource on extremist organizations and movements.

Ahead of the New York mayoral race, Musk again leveraged his platform, using paid promotions to amplify posts denouncing Democratic candidate Zoran Mamdani and inundating users with his tweets. On election day, he shared a series of tweets that misrepresented the electoral process and hinted at a voting conspiracy.

As part of Musk’s efforts to establish an alternative informational ecosystem, xAI recently launched a Wikipedia alternative titled Grokipedia, which Musk proclaimed as superior and impartial. Researchers found that it contained substantial misinformation about notable individuals and events, replicated some entries directly from Wikipedia, and emphasized right-wing perspectives on slavery, immigration, and transgender rights.

For instance, Wikipedia describes Britain First as a “neo-fascist party,” while Grokipedia refers to it as a “patriotic party.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

COP30: Key Agenda Items for the Belem Climate Summit

Posted on November 5, 2025 by

Solar power plants in South Africa – discussions on clean energy support at COP30

Emmanuel Crozet/AFP via Getty Images

This year’s COP, commencing on November 10 in Belém, Brazil, is not expected to yield a substantial new global agreement for addressing climate change. The emphasis will be on clarifying the operational details of existing agreements.

Prior to the summit, nations were tasked with submitting revised pledges to lower emissions, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). However, only 67 out of 195 signatories of the Paris Agreement have done so. Countries have until the end of October to revise their plans; ones to watch are the European Union, which has set targets as a consortium, and India, which is currently lagging. Additionally, President Donald Trump’s exit from the Paris Agreement effectively rendered the United States’ commitments void. Goals submitted under President Joe Biden’s administration are expected in December 2024.

On a more optimistic note, China has committed to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from their peak by 2035. While this falls short of curbing global warming to 2°C, it marks a progress towards the country’s initial absolute emissions reduction target. “This is a significant advance compared to what we’ve witnessed in the past, and it’s essential to view it positively,” remarked Manuel Pulgar Vidal, WWF’s global leader for climate and energy.

Adapting to climate change

Two agenda items may play critical roles in both mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Brazil is championing the Belém Action Mechanism for a Just Transition, a fresh approach that repositions the global shift to clean energy as an avenue for job creation and growth rather than just economic hardship. The initiative aims to aid nations in transforming key sectors such as energy, mining, and agriculture, anticipating pledges and systems to revamp industries while supporting communities impacted by these transitions.

However, in light of the severe backdrop of climate change, COP’s agenda seems to be transitioning from preventing climate change to adapting to its impacts. “COPs 1 through 29 unfolded under one climate paradigm; we now face a different climate reality, necessitating efforts to enhance safety for people,” noted Laurie Rayborn, a member of the climate think tank “Strategic Climate Risk Initiative.”

Another significant initiative is the Global Goals on Adaptation (GGA), which aims to quantify and compare the vulnerability of nations to climate change. It is set to include approximately 100 indicators like flood risk and food security. The GGA will facilitate global decisions on which nations should receive financial support and is a critical step toward financing those most affected.

However, world leaders must avoid becoming overly fixated on adaptation at the expense of mitigation, cautioned Leyborn. “There are scenarios where mitigation takes a backseat, but that leads to nowhere. Less mitigation translates to more adaptation, and we could be caught in a destructive cycle.”

Addressing fiscal disparities

As affluent nations fall short in providing the necessary financing for developing countries to adapt and combat climate change, Brazil aims to maintain funding aligned with the Baku to Belém roadmap. The target is to escalate global climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

Low-income nations are looking to their wealthier counterparts for subsidies while they struggle with the impacts of significant emissions that harm their agriculture. Wealthy nations are exploring funding avenues via private investments, debt exchanges, development bank support, and innovative financing strategies such as Tropical Forest Forever Facilities (TFFFs).

The TFFF is anticipated to launch formally at COP30 to finance forest conservation through private investment. Brazil and other nations will secure initial investments into the fund, which can then borrow nearly $100 billion from major private investors at favorable interest rates. The TFFF will reinvest these borrowed funds into sustainable initiatives that yield higher returns, with profits directly benefiting nations that safeguard their forests.

Brazil is already committing a billion dollars while the World Bank has agreed to host the fund by the end of October. The TFFF has the potential to create a sustainable conservation model that could generate $4 billion each year for the preservation of the world’s diminishing forests.

With few ambitious declarations anticipated at the COP, the pressure on the TFFF to succeed is rising, necessitating substantial investments from many nations in the billions.

“The TFFF’s launch is likely to be a highlight amid the struggles faced in international climate negotiations. Its success will serve as a crucial indicator for the future we face with significant climate shifts,” stated Simon Zadek from Morphosys, a Swiss climate finance consulting firm.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Germanium Superconductors: A Key to Reliable Quantum Computing

Posted on October 30, 2025 by

Germanium is already utilized in standard computer chips

Matejimo/Getty Images

Superconductors made from germanium, a material traditionally used for computer chips, have the potential to revolutionize quantum computing by enhancing reliability and performance in the future.

Superconductors are materials that enable electricity to flow without resistance, making them ideal for various electrical applications, particularly in maintaining quantum coherence—essential for effective quantum computing.

Nonetheless, most superconductors have been specialized materials that are challenging to incorporate into computer chips. Peter Jacobson and his team at the University of Queensland, Australia, successfully developed a superconductor using germanium, a material already prevalent in the computing sector.

The researchers synthesized the superconductor by introducing gallium into a germanium film through a process called doping. Previous experiments in this area found instability in the resulting combination. To overcome this, the team utilized X-rays to infuse additional gallium into the material, achieving a stable and uniform structure.

However, similar to other known superconductors, this novel material requires cooling to a frigid 3.5 Kelvin (-270°C/-453°F) to function.

David Cardwell, a professor at the University of Cambridge, notes that while superconductors demand extremely low temperatures, making them less suitable for consumer devices, they could be ideally suited for quantum computing, which also necessitates supercooling.

“This could significantly impact quantum technology,” says Cardwell. “We’re already in a very cold environment, so this opens up a new level of functionality. I believe this is a clear starting point.”

Jacobson highlighted that previous attempts to stack superconductors atop semiconductors—critical components in computing—resulted in defects within their crystal structure, posing challenges for practical applications. “Disorder in quantum technology acts as a detrimental effect,” he states. “It absorbs the signal.”

In contrast, this innovative material enables the stacking of layers containing gallium-doped germanium and silicon while maintaining a uniform crystal structure, potentially paving the way for chips that combine the advantageous features of both semiconductors and superconductors.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

“Roadging” Marathon: Has Gen Z Unearthed the Key to Reclaiming Focus? | Young Adults

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Name: Raw dog marathon.

Year: In a therapeutic sense, it’s quite recent.

Exterior: To be fair, it doesn’t really appear that way.

What is it? Initially, raw dogging referred to engaging in sex without a condom.

Is that why there are marathons? However, over time, it has evolved to mean undertaking activities without preparation, protection, or distractions.

What else fits this description? Pretty much everything: Taking an exam unprepared can jeopardize your success. Facing a long flight without entertainment could be challenging. Are you venturing out alone? Or remaining sober? That’s raw dogging.

So, should you run a marathon without any training, a raw marathon? Sometimes, people may interpret it that way, but such behavior is discouraged and not the focus of our discussion.

So, does a raw dog marathon imply doing something for an extended duration? No, it means doing nothing for a prolonged period.

I’m a bit lost. Specifically, it refers to remaining still for long spans while staring into space. Most importantly, avoid using your cell phone.

Can I listen to music? No.

Can I read a magazine? No.

Can I shower or stay in bed? No.

Why not? Because we’re engaging in raw sex!

How long should I do it? That’s up to you. Recently, a “Productivity Influencer” named Rowan filmed himself live with a dog while studying for an hour daily to enhance his focus.

What happened to the footage? He shared it on TikTok.

How can others view what he’s doing on his phone? No need to worry. To prevent boredom, he condensed the hour into a 30-second timelapse.

The irony of that isn’t lost on me. What were the outcomes? He discovered it helped improve concentration and productivity, inspiring many of his followers.

It seems like the TikTok generation has somehow reinvented meditation. This may come off as a bit arrogant, but today’s youth face overwhelming distractions. While older generations learned to endure boredom, this generation must learn to cultivate it.

But who enjoys being bored? Many neuroscientists believe that boredom is beneficial and a vital stimulus for creative thinking.

Remember: “Time spent away from your phone is never wasted.”

Please avoid saying: “Hey, I just completed a raw dog marathon. No headphones, no water, no shoes. I got discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nanoparticles Could Be the Key to Creating the Perfect Plastic

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Enhancing PVC Pipes with Nanoparticles

Credits: Valentyn Semenov/Alamy

The addition of nanoparticles may provide a solution to a longstanding challenge in the plastic manufacturing industry. The question remains: how can we develop materials that are robust, durable, and easy to handle?

Hu-Jun Qian from Jilling University in China and his team refer to this dilemma as the plastic trilemma. Enhancing the polymer’s deformability often becomes challenging, leading to materials that are either overly viscous or difficult to manipulate.

To tackle this, the researchers incorporated polystyrene-based nanoparticles into several widely used plastics. For instance, they enhanced PEMA, a polymer commonly used in manufacturing hearing aids, artificial nails, acrylic glass for aquariums and glasses, as well as PVC used in construction and packaging.

The team subjected the modified material to various tests to determine its stretching capacity before failure. Overall, the newly developed materials exhibited improved performance across multiple assessments, sometimes showing remarkable differences. The findings indicated that PEMA became about 50% stronger with the inclusion of nanoparticles. “This lays down essential design principles for next-generation polymers featuring previously unattainable property combinations,” Qian explains.

To further investigate the advantages of incorporating nanoparticles, the researchers also performed computer simulations of the new materials. These simulations indicated that nanoparticles could shift and redistribute within the material under stress, enabling a slow and smooth deformation rather than catastrophic failure. This mobility was equally advantageous for plastics that become more fluid when molten, making them stronger, more durable, and viable.

Qian notes that this innovative approach aligns with existing industrial processes and can be scaled up effectively. “This method could transform applications needing lightweight, durable, and easily manufactured materials, including composites for automotive and aerospace, sustainable packaging, biomedical devices, and highly recyclable plastics,” he asserts.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Key Concepts for Improving Plastic Recycling

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“To enhance both plastic recycling and reuse, brands should utilize similar packaging for products within the same category.”

Elaine Knox

Since its inception in 1899, the US National Biscuit Company has utilized packaging as a marketing strategy by wrapping Uneda soda crackers in wax paper inside cardboard boxes. Over the decades, businesses have increasingly turned to plastics, making unique packaging a key component for establishing brand identity.

However, the fragile economics of plastic recycling are deteriorating, compounded by the complexity introduced by varying pigments, materials, and more. Currently, only 10% of plastic packaging is recycled globally. In contrast, reusable packaging remains in a niche market.

There are effective and straightforward methods to enhance both the recycling and reuse of plastics, such as having brands adopt similar packaging for products in the same category.

Initially, prioritize recycling. Despite decades of consumer awareness and infrastructure investments, managing various plastic types into specific subcategories remains prohibitively costly. Eliminating pigments and sorting by color is expensive, leading to many plastic varieties being downcycled into gray pipes and construction materials. The supply chain is inconsistent and fragmented, with virgin plastics remaining cheaper, resulting in a lack of reliable buyers for most recycled plastics.

Standardization could significantly improve this situation. If product categories adopt uniform guidelines for plastic types, colors, labels, and adhesives, recyclers could potentially recover much more material at a reduced cost. This would enhance economic viability for recycling and facilitate the vision of producing new bottles from old ones.

The case for standardized reuse systems is equally compelling. Presently, many brands experimenting with reuse employ different containers, necessitating individual return points coupled with specialized cleaning equipment and quality assurance checks, which adds costs and complexity while reducing convenience. Systems based on standardized packaging and shared infrastructure could capture 40% of the market through a more consolidated approach, as noted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

While standardized packaging might seem anti-capitalistic to some, many brands already produce similar packaging, such as milk jugs in the UK and toothpaste tubes in various countries. Standardization does not imply that all products must look identical. Brands can still employ unique labels, washable inks, embossing, and other distinguishing features. They can also maintain their own shapes and sizes.

It’s undoubtedly challenging to envision competitors like Procter & Gamble and Unilever willingly agreeing to package shampoo in identical bottles. However, with billions lost annually due to single-use plastics, where data ends up incinerated or in landfills, research increasingly highlights health risks associated with unstudied chemicals in plastics. Brands may find it challenging to safeguard their interests. Legally, it could be argued that the harm stemming from customized packaging outweighs the advantages of standardized containers.

More brands might soon have little choice. Regulatory frameworks are evolving in Europe and other regions, focusing on reuse targets and increased recycled content. Standardized packaging offers brands a pathway to meet these objectives while minimizing complexity and cost increases.

Undoubtedly, like-colored shampoo bottles won’t solve all issues, but such changes are becoming increasingly sound from a business perspective. Without them, achieving truly circular packaging remains a distant goal.

Saabira Chaudhuri is the author of Consumption: How big brands are hooked on plastic

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Six Key Insights from Psychologists on Understanding Anxiety

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Anxiety is a multifaceted and widespread mental health issue impacting millions globally. It manifests in various ways, with many individuals feeling that anxiety can be overwhelming and disrupt day-to-day activities.

How can you identify if anxiety is problematic? Additionally, what are the underlying causes of anxiety? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is anxiety?

Essentially, anxiety is an emotional state characterized by nervousness, often coupled with negative thoughts and physical symptoms. While it may center around specific upcoming events or challenges, it can also evolve into a more generalized anxiety about the future.

Breaking it down further, anxiety involves thoughts, emotions, and actions. For instance, if you joke about yourself during a meeting, it might lead to feelings of nausea, causing you to skip the meeting altogether. This decision, while it may provide temporary relief, can exacerbate anxiety in the long run, creating a cycle of avoidance.

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety often begins with negative anticipatory thoughts. For example, you might worry that an upcoming exam will be too challenging, leading to failure, or that something might go wrong during a flight. These thoughts can trigger a fear response in your brain, releasing hormones that activate your sympathetic nervous system, particularly adrenaline, preparing your body to either confront or escape a perceived threat.

In genuinely dangerous situations, this response can be life-saving. However, unhealthy anxiety may result in false alarms, prompting your body to react vigorously despite the absence of real danger.

Other factors contributing to anxiety can include past traumatic experiences, certain medications that provoke fearful thoughts, or medical conditions like hyperthyroidism that disrupt hormones related to fear.

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What does it feel like?

Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to discomfort through symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, dizziness, trembling, stomach issues, and nausea.

Individuals with chronic anxiety may find these physical sensations particularly troubling, further intensifying their anxiety. For example, someone anxious about public speaking may feel their hands shake or their stomach flutter, compounding their stress.

Mentally, anxiety often triggers a cascade of fearful thoughts and incessant worries. Coupled with physical symptoms, this situation can lead to a strong desire to flee or avoid anxiety-inducing scenarios, making avoidance appear appealing despite it being counterproductive over time.

Those suffering from anxiety may tend to be devastated. Photo: Joe Waldron

When does anxiety become a problem?

Experiencing anxiety occasionally is entirely normal. In fact, moderate levels of anxiety can be beneficial (as boxing coach Cus d’Amato once noted, anxiety is like fire: it can be destructive, but when controlled, it’s a valuable resource for warmth and cooking).

For instance, moderate anxiety about a job interview can motivate adequate preparation, which is preferable to arriving unprepared. Similarly, a mild anxiety boost during the interview may help you think more clearly.

Anxiety becomes problematic when it spirals out of control (e.g., being so anxious during exams that you can’t focus) or becomes chronic and overwhelming.

A significant warning sign is when anxiety leads to avoidance behavior. For example, avoiding travel due to fear of flying can narrow your life experience and lead to feelings of unhappiness, denying you the chance to learn how to manage worry-inducing situations.

Avoidance may also manifest as reliance on ineffective coping strategies that only mask anxiety in the short term while exacerbating it over time. In contrast, confronting anxiety can be daunting initially but may be the better path toward long-term relief.

Is anxiety a mental disorder?

If a person experiences significant anxiety for many days over a period of more than six months across various situations, they may be diagnosed with “generalized anxiety disorder.”

There are also specific anxiety disorders. For example, someone with intense anxiety tied to social situations may be diagnosed with “social anxiety disorder,” while frequent panic attack concerns may lead to a diagnosis of “panic disorder.”

Specific phobias, such as agoraphobia (fear of situations where escape might be difficult), are recognized as forms of anxiety disorders. Other conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were formerly categorized as anxiety disorders, but psychiatrists now classify them distinctly, despite their anxiety connections.

In PTSD, traumatized individuals often remain in hyper-alert states, perpetually poised for a fight or flight response. In OCD, individuals may resort to compulsive behaviors as ineffective attempts to mitigate feelings of anxiety.

Are some people more prone to anxiety than others?

Genetics and life experiences jointly shape our personality traits, which can influence susceptibility to anxiety. Particularly, individuals scoring high in neuroticism tend to experience frequent mood swings and negative emotions like shame and guilt, increasing their worry.

Conversely, those who exhibit higher levels of trust and lower stress levels in interpersonal relationships are often less susceptible to anxiety. Additionally, evidence suggests that extroverted individuals have a lower likelihood of developing anxiety, especially in social scenarios.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

A Stylish Brew: My Ultimate Kettle Showdown and Key Takeaways | Home

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“sTeamy Windows! “I belted out a Tina Turner classic.

Aside from the humidity that turns hair to icicles—I felt like I was staring at a plug socket for two days—the primary challenge was figuring out how to evaluate the kettle. They all essentially perform the same function, though they’ve evolved somewhat over the decades. Some models from the 1970s could fit right into a modern kitchen today. Beyond foundational features, good kettles hold on to basic qualities that make them user-friendly.

Infini-tea and beyond

Until now, my contributions to filtering have relied on tangible results. We tested the hues of our homemade chips and crispy snacks to determine which were superior and which fell short. Before that, my kitchen was a blend of blender chaos (the right term for this scenario). Once again, the creamiest smoothies and soups pointed to appliances featuring the sharpest blades and strongest motors.

In the case of kettles, it became evident that gadgets which had the best boiling capabilities required a closer inspection. So I embarked on heating water armed with a power meter, infrared thermometer, a cell phone running decibel X, another phone serving as a timer, and a probe thermometer—among other tools. I could brew enough hot beverages for my entire street and a couple of friends. Gradually, my kitchen resembled a tropical rainforest.

However, simply testing which kettle brewed better wasn’t the only metric; we also assessed other specific aspects such as build quality, the minimum fill requirement—should you always boil 0.5 liters when only 200ml is needed—and value for money—what you truly get for your investment.

It’s simply the best

After thorough evaluation, I arrived at my top recommendation: the Bosch Sky Kettle (£100), which offers a great balance of speed, design, and insulation to keep water hot longer, making it ideal for most households. For those on a tighter budget, the Kenwood Ripple Kettle (£32) stood out as my top economical choice, combining style and functionality with quick boiling times and varied color options.

Of course, upon learning that Gen Z is skipping kettles in favor of less energy-efficient microwaves, one might question the relevance of my tests. Yet, in tribute to Tina, my undercover product tester, it seems necessary to know which kettle truly reigns supreme when it’s time to replace yours.

This week’s picks

Editor’s Pick

Glory Blade: Handle with care, and this knife will serve you well for years. Photo: 10’000 hours/Getty Image

A quality knife is a worthwhile investment, so it’s essential to maintain it. Food writer and co-associate editor of Feast, Anna Beril, consulted experts for tips on extending the lifespan of your knives.

We also covered advice on caring for everything from smartphones to leather goods and coffee makers. In the long run, you’ll save money and help reduce landfill waste. What additional topics would you like us to explore in this newsletter? Let us know.

Hannah Booth
Editor, Filter

Just in case you missed it…

Apaitivo Hour from Shinshin this bank holiday weekend! Photo: Vershinin/Getty Images

Joanne Gould sampled the finest spritzers (all on the lighter end of the alcohol spectrum) ranging from apple and ginger liqueurs to rhubarb syrup. Serve with ice, prosecco, and salted potato chips (Felicity Cloak recently evaluated the best salted potato chips for us). If you’re curious about what it’s like to test alcoholic beverages for a living, Joan shared insights with us last week. Cheers!

Get Involved

Everything but the kitchen sink? Share your essential Smart Student Digs kit list. Photo: Solstock/Getty Images

Are you a student or a parent? Which items have proven indispensable for undergraduate life and settling in? Also, what modifications did you make to your accommodation that were ultimately unnecessary? Reply to this newsletter or email thefilter@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Cats Can Experience Dementia: A Potential Key to New Treatments for Humans

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Cats that exhibit dementia-like symptoms in their senior years undergo changes analogous to those seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease, as highlighted in a study I found. This finding may open pathways for new research and help in discovering treatments for these challenging and notorious diseases.

“Our advancements in treating Alzheimer’s disease have been relatively limited compared to other illnesses,” stated Dr. Robert McGeechan, the study’s lead author, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“Cats are experiencing similar neurological changes, making them potentially more relevant models for understanding the disease. By investigating Alzheimer’s in cats, we can develop treatments that might be more effective for humans.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, encompassing a range of neurodegenerative conditions that impair memory, problem-solving, language, and behavior. Approximately one in nine individuals over 65 are affected by Alzheimer’s, and with an aging global population, over 150 million people could be diagnosed by 2050.

Yet, despite decades of investigation and billions spent, only a handful of effective treatments exist today.

How Cats Develop Dementia

The understanding that cats can show dementia-like symptoms with age is not new. According to some research, nearly one-third of cats aged 11 to 14 exhibit at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), the veterinary term for dementia in felines. For cats older than 15, this figure increases to over half.

CD symptoms in cats, which resemble those in humans with Alzheimer’s, include changes in sleep patterns and disorientation. Many cats also become more vocal and often seek additional comfort and attention from their owners.

It is also known that, similar to humans, older cats typically develop an accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in their brains, which are suspected to play a role in the onset of Alzheimer’s.

“As we age, humans develop these protein plaques in our brains. However, not everyone with these plaques develops Alzheimer’s, and the reasons for this remain unclear,” McGeechan explained.

“We were similarly situated with cats, knowing they could develop dementia and that some produce these proteins as they grow older, but we lacked clarity on whether this was solely age-related or if it contributed to dementia.”

To delve deeper, McGeechan’s team examined the brains of 25 cats of varying ages post-mortem, including those with CDS symptoms.

They discovered that amyloid beta plaques were not just passively situated in the brain but were also linked to detrimental changes. Notably, they observed increased inflammation and signs of glial cells, the immune cells of the brain, “enveloping” the synapses surrounding these protein plaques.

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Synapses are tiny junctions enabling brain cells to communicate, and their progressive loss is believed to underlie many memory and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.

The findings imply that a similar toxic chain reaction may also occur in feline brains. As amyloid beta accumulates, it activates glial cells, leading to the degradation of healthy synapses. While this broader pattern was evident, the finer details proved to be more intricate.

Upon comparing the brains across different age groups, subtle differences emerged. Cats with dementia appeared significantly different from younger cats, exhibiting greater amyloid plaque accumulation, inflammation, and synaptic loss. However, they did not starkly differ from older, yet otherwise healthy cats.

This observation indicates that researchers might struggle to draw a clear line between aging and dementia.

Yet, the team noted an important distinction concerning the relationship between amyloid plaques and synaptic damage. In older, healthy cats, increased amyloid did not equate to more harm. However, in cats with dementia, higher plaque levels correlated with increased inflammation and greater brain cell loss.

McGeechan posits that this mirrors human scenarios. Numerous older adults accumulate amyloid plaques in their brains without developing Alzheimer’s, while others experience significant cognitive decline.

“Amyloid may have a more toxic impact on cats experiencing CDS,” he noted. “This correlation suggests amyloid plays a role in inflammation and synaptic loss in the dementia group, unlike in the aging group.”

Thus, while amyloid accumulation may contribute to feline dementia, it likely does not tell the full story. Much like Alzheimer’s in humans, a complex interplay of various factors may also be at play.

MRI image of a cat’s brain exhibiting signs of cognitive dysfunction. The lighter areas on the edges illustrate regions of tissue loss.

The Significance of Cats in Research

Alzheimer’s disease research has historically depended on rodents, where diseases are artificially induced by genetic manipulation.

While these models aid in exploring molecular mechanisms, they often fall short of encapsulating the intricacies of naturally occurring diseases that unfold over time. Consequently, numerous promising drugs that succeed in mice fail when tested on humans.

In contrast, cats naturally develop dementia as they age, mirroring the human experience. They also share the same living environments and risk factors, including diet and air quality.

This similarity renders them a more realistic model for understanding disease biology and identifying environmental triggers that might push certain individuals towards dementia.

“Cats could serve as a bridge in our pursuit of effective treatments,” McGeechan expressed.

Future Directions

At this point, the findings raise just as many inquiries as they resolve. Given that the study involved only 25 cats, a larger sample size may be necessary to clarify the precise mechanisms underlying the observed clinical outcomes, according to McGeechan.

Another area of focus is tau. Besides amyloid beta, tau is another key protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike amyloid plaques, tau forms tangles within brain cells. Many researchers believe tau drives the most severe stages of the disease in humans, but this investigation did not address tau in cats.

Dogs may also present a valuable avenue for exploration. Like cats, they can age into a dementia-like syndrome, displaying symptoms recognizable to many owners, such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and forgetfulness. Comparing the brains of dogs and cats might reveal shared biological processes across species.

Ultimately, this body of research holds promise not just for human health.

“Dementia in cats is a distressing condition for both the animals and their owners,” remarked Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore, a co-author of the study and a chair in feline medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Conducting such research aims to enhance our understanding of how best to treat these conditions. This work benefits not just cats and their owners but also individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. Dementia in cats serves as an ideal natural model to study Alzheimer’s disease.”

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About Our Experts

Robert McGeechan is a resident in Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery and serves as an ECAT Veterinary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, UK. His research has been published in European Journal of Neuroscience, Scientific Reports, and Nature Neuroscience.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Impact of Microbiota Composition, pH, and Temperature on Key Flavor Characteristics of Premium Chocolate

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) bean fermentation is a natural process characterized by various interactions that influence the flavor profile of high-quality chocolate. By grasping these intricate interactions, one can effectively reproduce the sought-after flavor characteristics in a controlled environment. Research utilizing bean samples fermented at Columbia Farm has demonstrated that pH, temperature, and the composition of microbiota—encompassing both bacteria and fungi—significantly impact the essential flavor qualities of premium chocolate. This discovery lays the groundwork for developing fermentation starters aimed at consistently recreating the attributes of fine chocolate.

Gopaulchan et al. We have confirmed the previously suggested role of pH and temperature variations as reliable indicators of chocolate flavor properties. Image credit: Sci.News.

The creation of fermented products like chocolate relies on the metabolic activities of microbial communities.

These communities transform raw cocoa beans into essential precursors for chocolate production.

Once harvested, cocoa beans undergo several processing stages before becoming chocolate, but fermentation remains a spontaneous process.

“The distinctive flavor of chocolate is shaped by the fermentation of cocoa beans,” stated a representative from University of Nottingham.

“In contrast to the fermentation of wine, cheese, or dough, where specific microorganisms are added to enhance flavor, cocoa bean fermentation occurs naturally, and the microorganisms involved are not well understood.”

“The flavor profile of the beans is closely tied to the geographical location of the farm, resulting in variations in chocolate quality and taste.”

In this research, Dr. Castrillo and co-authors performed DNA sequence-based analyses on fermented cocoa beans from three separate farms in Colombia.

They discovered that a unique microbial community underpins the distinctive fermentation processes at Antioch farms, yielding a superior flavor, as validated by professional tasters.

By analyzing sequencing data, the authors identified the microbial interactions and metabolic pathways involved in fermentation.

This allowed for the design of microbial communities that could mimic the exquisite flavor of chocolate in laboratory settings. This was confirmed through evaluations by the same expert tasters and chocolate metabolite analyses.

Further studies could inform the development of industrial fermentation starters, eliminating the geographical limitations on chocolate flavor.

“The findings from this study enhance our understanding of how the composition of microbial communities during fermentation is a crucial factor in determining chocolate flavor properties,” stated the researchers.

“We have created a reliable methodology to design fermentation starters that facilitate the controlled domestication of the unpredictable microbial fermentations that occur on cocoa farms.”

“This paves the way for the evolution of the modern chocolate industry, akin to the beer and cheese sectors, based on regulated cocoa fermentation utilizing synthetic microbial starters that can consistently replicate the unique flavor characteristics of cocoa beans and chocolate.”

The team’s study was published in the journal Nature Microbiology this week.

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D. Gopaulchan et al. The defined microbial community recreates the attributes of finely flavored chocolate fermentation. Nat Microbiol Published online on August 18th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41564-025-02077-6

Source: www.sci.news

Ozempic: A Potential Key to Reversing Your Biological Age

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Growing evidence of Ozempic’s extensive health benefits

David J. Phillip / Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Ozempic, a medication for type 2 diabetes, has been linked to a deceleration in aging, with credible evidence emerging to support this claim.

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which contain semaglutide, have been increasingly recognized for their impact on obesity and are being researched for various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, addiction, and dementia.

Previously, scientists speculated on their potential to slow biological aging, based primarily on animal studies and observational human data. However, recent clinical trial results offer direct evidence, according to Varun Dwaraka from Trudiagnostic, a diagnostics company based in Lexington, Kentucky.

To evaluate a drug’s impact on biological aging, researchers utilize epigenetic clocks, which highlight patterns of DNA methylation—a chemical modification that influences gene activity. These patterns evolve with age and can be adjusted by lifestyle factors, including diet. Essentially, an individual’s biological age might differ from their chronological age.

Dwaraka and his team examined 108 epigenetic clocks in individuals with HIV-related fat hypertrophy, a condition leading to excess fat accumulation and hastened cellular aging. In a randomized controlled trial, one group received Ozempic weekly for 32 weeks, while the control group received a placebo.

Using blood samples collected pre- and post-trial, the researchers determined the biological ages of 84 participants. “By the study’s conclusion, individuals administered semaglutide were, on average, biologically 3.1 years younger,” states Dwaraka. The placebo group showed no noteworthy changes. “Semaglutide not only decelerates aging but may also reverse it in certain participants,” he adds.

The research revealed that various organs and systems, particularly the heart and kidneys, exhibited slowed biological aging, with the most significant influences noticeable in the inflammatory system and brain.

Dwaraka attributes this phenomenon to semaglutide’s role in fat distribution and metabolic health. Excess fat surrounding organs can release pro-aging molecules that modify the DNA methylation of crucial age-related genes. Semaglutide effectively curtails low-grade inflammation, which is another contributor to epigenetic aging.

While the findings originated from individuals with HIV-associated fat hypertrophy, many of the biological pathways impacted by semaglutide are not unique to HIV. “Thus, similar effects on epigenetic aging may be expected in other populations,” asserts Dwaraka.

It’s not surprising that such drugs can decelerate aging, says Randy Shealy from the University of Michigan School of Medicine, as they alleviate metabolic stress on various cells and diminish inflammation—key drivers of aging throughout different cell types. However, he posits that much of the benefits arise from semaglutide improving overall health rather than direct cellular effects.

It remains to be seen if semaglutide should be taken to maintain biological youth. “It’s premature to widely recommend it as an anti-aging therapy,” Dwaraka cautions. Nonetheless, he believes this study will accelerate ongoing efforts to repurpose existing medications for age-related challenges, expediting approval processes while mitigating the risk of unforeseen side effects. “Semaglutide could become a leading candidate in this arena,” concludes Dwaraka.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Navigating Uncertainty During Key Life Stages Transforms Our Brains

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Pandemic. Conflict. Market crash. Government upheaval. A quick look at recent headlines conveys a sense of instability in the world. However, “volatility” isn’t just a concern for hedge fund managers; it holds crucial significance for our brains as well.

In my new book, The Trick of the Heart, the latest science suggests that the brain operates like a scientist. It constructs hypotheses and frameworks to understand the world, others, and even itself. However, if your brain is busy crafting a framework, it must also recognize when it’s time to adapt. This process involves a network of frontal and subcortical brain regions, with noradrenaline playing a vital role in monitoring how unstable our environment is.

This “volatility tracking” mechanism allows our brains to detect tipping points in the external world and adjust our expectations and hypotheses accordingly. This adaptability becomes crucial when our daily realities shift; as a result, our mental frameworks can become more flexible. This process is entirely adaptive and logical. After all, when circumstances are in flux, we want our minds to adjust as well.

Yet, in a transformative environment, having an open mind can present dangers. For instance, research conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic indicated that unexpected viruses and unprecedented lockdowns led some people to question what constitutes a normal mindset. A study in the US found that as lockdowns intensified across states, unstable thinking surged. Those who began perceiving their surroundings as insecure were more likely to endorse bizarre conspiracies related to the pandemic, such as the belief that vaccines contain mind-controlling microchips or support for political conspiracies like QAnon.

While these ideas may appear ludicrous, this behavior can be understood through the lens of brain function. Our minds need to remain malleable and resilient, adapting their paradigms based on a rapidly changing world. We must be willing to consider perspectives we’ve never previously entertained.

I actually believe that navigating uncertain times isn’t inherently detrimental for us or our brains. After all, unpredictability does not equate to inevitable doom; it simply means we can’t foresee what lies ahead. Historically, many periods of significant progress have emerged during times of upheaval when our familiar realities were disrupted. In the UK, support for women’s suffrage gained momentum after World War I, which also paved the way for a transformative welfare state and the establishment of a second National Health Service.

While I can’t travel back in time to observe the brains of those historical figures, I can imagine those moments of new opportunities functioning just like our minds do today. When our surrounding touchpoints appear unstable, old concepts can be discarded and new ones adopted.

Uncertainty and volatility are distinctly perceived based on how the brain operates. While volatility can induce anxiety, living amidst constant change opens our minds to new possibilities. We must remain alert to those who might exploit our adaptable minds towards extreme or conspiratorial concepts, but we can also embrace a brighter, more optimistic future by steering our cognitive processes toward pivotal changes.

Daniel Yong is the director and author of the Uncertainty Lab at Birkbeck, University of London. His book, The Trick of the Heart, delves into these themes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Navigating the Workforce Crisis: Key Insights for Alumni Battling AI in the Job Market

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

1. The current crisis has as much to do with economics as it does with AI

According to Kirsten Barnes, head of Bright Network’s digital platform, the graduate labor market is facing challenges that are not uncommon.

“Typically, fluctuations in the graduate job market hover around 10-15% this year, stemming from various factors such as the overall economic landscape and typical business demand changes, rather than being solely driven by AI.”

Fewer graduates report that among companies employing alumni, “no one attributes this to AI,” said Claire Tyler, director of insights at the Institute for Student Employers (ISE), which advocates for leading graduates.

Some recruiting professionals noted that the recent rise in employer national insurance contributions is hindering entry-level hiring.

Ed Steer, CEO of Sphere Digital Recruitment, highlighted a drop in graduate vacancies from 400 annually in 2021 to a projected 75 this year, indicating that companies prefer candidates with more experience to “hit the ground running.”

2. Nonetheless, AI is indeed a significant factor

Auria Heanley, co-founder of Oriel Partners, reported a 30% decrease in entry-level personal assistant roles this year, stating, “It’s undeniable that AI, coupled with broader economic uncertainty, is making it increasingly challenging for graduates to secure these positions.”

Felix Mitchell, co-CEO of Instant Impact, noted that fields related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are particularly affected. “Evidence suggests while AI will create jobs, job losses will occur faster than new roles are generated.”

3. The revolution is set to escalate

Major tech companies like Microsoft are highlighting the profound impacts of AI agents—technology capable of performing complex cognitive tasks autonomously. Developer AI leader Dario Amodei has cautioned that this advancement could eliminate half of all entry-level office roles within the next five years.

James Reid, CEO of Employment Agency Reid, remarked that AI is on the verge of reshaping the job market dramatically.

“This seems to be a pivotal year where AI is truly transforming and becoming ingrained in workflows.”

Sophie O’Brien, CEO of Pollen Careers, catering to early-career and entry-level roles, mentioned that AI has “accelerated” the decline in graduate recruitment over several years.

She added: “It’s evident that a substantial number of jobs in the coming years will vanish due to the prevalence of desk jobs focused on information processing.”

4. Acquire AI skills immediately

According to David Bell from Odgers, an executive search firm, law firms are increasingly prioritizing AI skills in their graduate recruitment processes. “During interviews, they are inquiring about candidates’ knowledge and use of AI,” he noted. “Candidates unfamiliar with tools like ChatGPT will find it hard to secure positions.”

James Milligan, global head of STEM recruitment for multinational Hayes, concurred: “Without an understanding of AI tools, candidates will disadvantage themselves. Jobs remain, but they evolve. We are in the midst of that evolutionary shift.”

Chris Morrow, managing director at Digitalent, which specializes in AI-related placements, mentioned he is developing a new category of AI-Adjacent roles rather than merely adopting technology.

This rising demand for skills has led universities to rethink their curriculum. Louise Ballard, co-founder of atheni.ai, stated that while assisting companies in integrating AI technology, there’s a noticeable gap in “basic AI literacy education” at the university level.

“Your workforce lacks the necessary training,” she remarked. “Success in AI requires practical skills, which are not strictly academic.”

Morrow asserted the real concern lies in underutilizing AI, emphasizing that educational institutions and governmental policies need to adapt. “Universities must incorporate AI training across all subjects,” he urged.

5. Graduates are using AI to job-hunt, but caution is advised

AI is proving helpful for composing resumes and cover letters, leading to an increase in applications as the process becomes more user-friendly.

Bright Network reports that AI utilization among alumni and undergraduates has grown to 50%, up from 38% last year. Teach, a prominent graduate employer, plans to enhance non-writing review processes to mitigate the effects of AI-generated inputs.

ISE’s Tyler cautioned that over-reliance on AI in applications may force employers to cut recruitment efforts short and focus on specific demographics. This could disadvantage underrepresented groups, she indicated.

James Reed noted that what was once a major red flag, such as typos, may now be viewed differently. “In the past, I filtered out CVs with spelling mistakes, assuming candidates were either careless or inattentive to detail,” he remarked.

6. Consider applying to small businesses

Small and medium-sized enterprises, defined as those with fewer than 250 employees, have also emerged as viable options for graduates.

Pollen O’Brien noted that small businesses are the largest employers in the UK, accounting for 60% of the workforce. A lack of AI proficiency in these organizations presents unique employment opportunities.

“Many of these businesses are unaware of AI capabilities and may even fear them, creating chances for new graduates to provide much-needed skills,” she affirmed. “By imparting these skills to small businesses, there’s potential to revolutionize operations.”

Dan Hayes, co-founder of the Alumni Recruitment Office, remarked on the thousands of lesser-known employers “eager for innovative individuals.”

“There exists a vast, untapped market seldom covered in discussions,” he concluded.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Algospeak Review: Key Insights on How Social Media Accelerates Language Evolution

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Social Media and Short-Form Video Platforms Drive Language Innovation

lisa5201/getty images

Algospeak
Adam Aleksic (Every (UK, July 17th) Knopf (USA, July 15th))

You won’t age, just as slang is wrapped in bamboo. In Adam Aleksic’s chapter Algospeak: How Social Media Will Change the Future of Language, this phenomenon is discussed. Phrases like “Pierce Your Gyat for Rizzler” and “WordPilled Slangmaxxing” remind me that as a millennial, I’m just as distant from boomers as today’s Alphas are.

Linguist and content creator (@etymologynerd), Aleksic has ignited a new wave of linguistic innovation fueled by social media, particularly short video platforms like TikTok. The term “Algospeak” has been traditionally linked to euphemisms used to avoid online censorship, with recent examples including “anxiety” (in reference to death) or “segg” (for sex).

However, the author insists on broadening the definition to encompass all language aspects affected by the “algorithm.” This term refers to the various, often opaque processes social media platforms use to curate content for users.

In his case, Aleksic draws on his experience of earning a living through educational videos about language. Like other creators, he is motivated to appeal to the algorithm, which requires careful word selection. A video he created dissecting the etymology of the word “pen” (tracing back to the Latin “penis”) breached sexual content rules, while a discussion on the phrase “from river to sea” remained within acceptable limits.

Meanwhile, videos that explore Gen Alpha terms like “Skibidi” (a largely nonsensical term rooted in scat singing) and “Gyat” (“Goddamn” or “Ass”) have performed particularly well. His findings illustrate how creators modify their language for algorithmic advantage, with some words transitioning online and offline to achieve notable success. When Aleksic examined educators, he found many of these terms had entered regular classroom slang, with some students learning the term “anxiety” before understanding “suicide.”

A standout aspect of his study lies in etymology, investigating how algorithms propel words from online subcultures into mainstream lexicon. He notes that the misogynistic incel community is a significant contributor to contemporary slang, evidenced by its radical nature that can outpace linguistic evolution within a group.

Aleksic approaches language trends with a non-judgmental perspective. He notes that the term “anxiety” parallels earlier euphemisms like “deceased,” while “Skibidi” is reminiscent of “Scooby-Doo.” He frequently mischaracterizes slang within arbitrarily defined generations, which claim to infuse toxic narratives into the evolution of normal languages.

The situation becomes more intricate when slang enters mainstream usage through cultural appropriation. Many contemporary slang terms, like “cool” before them, trace back to the Black community (“Thicc,” “bruh”) or originate from the LGBTQ ballroom scenes (“Slay,” “Yas,” “Queen”). Such wide-ranging adoptions can sever these terms from their historical contexts, often linked to social struggles and further entrenching negative stereotypes about the communities that birthed them.

Preventing this disruption of context is challenging. Successful slang’s fate is often to be stripped of its original nuances. Social media has drastically accelerated the timeline for language innovation. Algospeak is a necessary update, yet it can become quickly outdated. However, as long as algorithms exist, fundamental insights into how technology influences language will remain important.

Victoria Turk is a London-based author

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Are You Ever Satisfied with AIS Handling Key Responsibilities?

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Visualize a global map segmented by national borders. How many distinct colors are required to shade each country without overlapping the same hues?

The solution is four. Regardless of the map’s structure, four colors are always adequate. However, demonstrating this required delving deep into mathematical theory. The four-color theorem was the inaugural major theorem proved with computer assistance, with validation efforts starting in 1976 that involved analyzing numerous map configurations via software.

At that time, many mathematicians were skeptical. They questioned whether a crucial proof, reliant on an unidentified machine, could be trusted. This skepticism has led to computer-assisted proofs remaining a niche practice.

However, a shift may be underway. The newest wave of artificial intelligence is challenging this stance, as proponents argue, “AI might revolutionize mathematical methodologies.” Why should we trust flawed human reasoning, which is often riddled with assumptions and shortcuts?

The discourse surrounding AI’s role in mathematics reflects larger societal dilemmas.

Not all share this perspective, however. The debate regarding AI’s application in mathematics mirrors broader challenges confronting society. When is it appropriate to let machines take the lead? Tech companies are increasingly focused on alleviating tedious tasks, from invoice processing to scheduling. Yet, our attempts to navigate daily life relying solely on AI agents (as detailed in “Flashes of Glow and Frustration: Running my day on an AI agent”) revealed that these systems are not entirely ready.

Entrusting sensitive information, such as credit card details or passwords, to an enigmatic AI provokes similar apprehensions as the doubts surrounding the four-color proofs. We may not be coloring maps anymore, but we’re striving to define boundaries in uncharted territories. Will we soon have reliable evidence we can trust from machines, or is it merely a digital version of “the Dragon Here”?

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artificial intelligence/
technology

Source: www.newscientist.com

Elon Musk’s Proposed New Political Party Could Target Key Parliamentary Seats

Posted on July 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A new political party that Elon Musk claims he can focus on a select few attainable House and Senate seats while financially supporting crucial votes on pivotal issues amid the slim margins in Congress.

On Friday, the highly-paid CEOs of Tesla and SpaceX reflected on their strategy in a post on X, the social media platform he owns.

“One strategy is to concentrate intensely on just two or three Senate seats and eight to ten congressional districts,” Musk tweeted. As the wealthiest individual following Trump’s second presidential term that began in January, he is navigating severe federal budget cuts. “Considering the razor-thin legislative margins, it is enough to serve as a critical vote against contentious laws, ensuring they truly reflect the will of the people.”

Musk did not mention which specific seat he might be focusing on.

In another post on Friday, Musk conducted a poll coinciding with the US celebration of its 249th Independence Day asking whether his X followers would support his idea of forming a so-called American party to challenge both Republicans and Democrats. As of Saturday morning, over 65% of approximately 1.25 million respondents indicated they were in favor.

“Independence Day is the perfect occasion to ask if you wish to break away from a two-party system (some refer to it as Uniparty)!” Musk also noted in a message accompanying the poll, which he promoted multiple times on Friday.

Musk’s post on Friday follows his investment of $277 million supporting Trump’s campaign for the 2024 presidential election. In return, the Republican president appointed Musk to lead the so-called “government efficiency” initiative, known as Doge.

However, Doge’s actions could potentially lead to a loss of $135 billion in damages, according to a report by Public Services Partnership, a nonpartisan organization focused on researching the federal workforce.

Musk left Doge at the end of May and has recently expressed anger over Trump’s support for a budget proposal that would increase US debt by $330 million. He threatened to withdraw financial backing from any congressional members who endorsed Trump’s spending plan.

The House voted 218-214 in favor of the spending bill, with two Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. In the Senate, Vice President JD Vance broke the 50-50 tie to support a bill endorsed by Trump on Friday, shortly after Musk published a related poll regarding the American party.

The contentious vote on Trump’s spending bill illustrates how closely contested outcomes will be in Congress.

Trump has cautioned Musk, who became a naturalized US citizen in 2002, that opposing his agenda could be personally costly. The president, known for his aggressive immigration policies, has openly discussed the possibility of deporting Musk from the United States and terminating government contracts.

“Without subsidies, Elon would likely have to shut down and return to South Africa,” Trump stated. He posted on his own social media platform.

The president also addressed reporters in Florida, saying, “We may have to put Doge on Elon. Doge is a monster that needs to go back and confront Elon. That’s not too harsh.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

A Key Methane Monitoring Satellite Fails in Orbit

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s rendering of the MethaneSAT satellite

Environmental Defense Fund/NASA

The MethaneSAT satellite, which was anticipated to revolutionize tracking methane emissions, has experienced a loss of contact less than a year and a half after its launch.

MethaneSAT stated that it “probably cannot recover.” A statement from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the non-profit managing the satellite, confirmed this loss as a significant setback in efforts to monitor and mitigate methane emissions, which are responsible for a third of the anthropogenic increase in global temperatures.

Upon its launch in March 2024, MethaneSAT contributed to a growing constellation of satellites aimed at detecting invisible methane emissions from principal sources like oil and gas facilities, livestock operations, landfills, and wetlands. While several satellites focus on specific emissions, MethaneSAT is uniquely equipped to assess methane concentrations on a broader scale, making it particularly effective in identifying emissions from fossil fuel extraction.

This capability was designed for estimating methane emissions in well-known fossil fuel production areas, such as the Permian Basin in the southwestern United States, as well as aiding efforts to identify and contain significant sources of potent greenhouse gases.

“That’s a considerable loss,” commented Jason McKeever from Ghgsat, a Canadian company that intended to utilize MethaneSAT data for strategic guidance on satellite deployment. “MethaneSAT was uniquely positioned in its designated mid-orbit.”

The satellite, which cost nearly $100 million to develop and launch, began its data collection in June 2024 and produced its first detection of methane in the oil and gas basin by November 2024. Researchers were exploring automation for data processing; the satellite, which orbits the Earth 15 times a day, promised near real-time emissions data.

“We had just begun a routine of releasing data every two weeks,” stated John Coifman of the Environmental Defense Fund. “The data produced by the satellites was incredibly valuable.”

According to an EDF announcement, mission operations lost communication with the satellite on June 20th. “After exploring all avenues to reestablish contact, we regret to inform that the satellite has lost power,” the statement read.

The MethaneSAT team is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, they continue to disseminate the data collected prior to the loss of power, alongside the algorithms developed for analysis.

“We are considering various options,” Coifman remarked, indicating that reactivating another satellite remains a possibility.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Should YouTube Be Part of Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s? Key Insights You Need to Know

Posted on June 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Australia’s online safety regulators advise that YouTube should not be granted an exemption from a social media ban for individuals under 16, stating that video streaming platforms can expose children to dangerous content.

In contrast, YouTube contends that it should adhere to a proposed regulation indicating that the government will provide exemptions to the platform.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of regulating YouTube? And what implications does this have for a child watching YouTube if it becomes prohibited?

Why did the government consider exempting YouTube initially?

Last November, when Congress introduced legislation banning access to social media for children under 16, then Communications Minister Michelle Roland indicated that YouTube would be exempted.

This exemption was justified on the grounds that YouTube serves “an important purpose by providing youth with educational and health resources.”

The ban on social media in Australia for individuals under 16 is now law. Many details remain unclear – Video

This exemption came just 48 hours after revelations in April by Guardian Australia regarding the minister’s direct lobbying efforts involving the global CEO of YouTube.

This decision surprised YouTube competitors such as Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat. TikTok described it as a “special deal.” YouTube has launched vertical video products like Instagram and TikTok reels, leading its competitors to believe it should be included in the ban.

As new regulations regarding social media platforms were being formulated, the Minister consulted with eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

In a recent report, Inman Grant highlighted findings from a youth survey indicating that 76% of individuals aged 10 to 15 use YouTube. The survey also showed that 37% of children who experienced potentially harmful content online encountered it on YouTube.

Additionally, it was observed that increased time spent on YouTube correlates with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among youth, according to the Black Dog Institute.

“Currently, YouTube boasts persuasive design elements associated with health risks, including features that could encourage unnecessary or excessive usage (such as autoplay, social validations, and algorithm-driven content feeds),” noted Inman Grant.

“When combined, these elements can lead to excessive engagement without breaks and heighten exposure to harmful material.”

Inman Grant concluded that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that YouTube provides exclusively beneficial experiences for children under 16.

However, it’s noted that children may still view content on YouTube even if they are logged out and thereby prohibited from using accounts.

What is YouTube’s position?

In a recent statement, Rachel Lord, YouTube’s senior public policy manager for Australia and New Zealand, commented on the eSafety Commissioner’s advice which was examined and subsequently supported by Parliament. YouTube views the findings on community opinion regarding the platform’s suitability for younger audiences as being “inconsistent with government commitments.”

YouTube has been developing age-appropriate offerings for over ten years, and in Q1 of 2025, the company removed 192,856 videos for breaching its hate speech and abusive content policies, a 22% increase from the previous year.

The platform asserts its role primarily as a video hosting service rather than a promoter of social interaction. A survey conducted among Australian teachers revealed that 84% use YouTube monthly as a resource for student learning.

YouTube also stated that the eSafety Commission and potentially the Communications Minister may be reconsidering the exemption following pressures from YouTube’s competitors.

What about YouTube Kids?

YouTube asserts that it offers a platform tailored for younger users, restricting both the uploading of content and commenting features for children.

The company does not seek exemptions solely for its children’s products.

When questioned about YouTube Kids during the National Press Club event, it was indicated that the platform is considered low-risk, designed specifically for children, and possesses adequate safety measures. However, it was stated, “I cannot respond until I have seen the regulations.”

Can children access YouTube without an account?

Yes. Inman Grant confirmed that if teachers wish to show videos to their students, they can access YouTube without needing to log in.

She noted that YouTube has “opaque algorithms that create addictive ‘rabbit holes’,” and remarked that when she accessed the site while logged out, her experience was positive, empowering users to engage without being subjected to addictive technological features.

In response to YouTube’s assertions on Thursday, Inman Grant reiterated that the call for exclusion from the ban aims to “allow young Australians to access YouTube’s diverse content.” However, she clarified that her advice does not imply that children will lose access to YouTube’s educational resources.

“The new law strictly restricts children under 16 from holding their own accounts. They will not be able to access YouTube or other services while logged out,” she added.

“There is nothing preventing educators with their own accounts from continuing to share educational content on YouTube or other platforms approved for school use.”

What are the next steps?

The Minister will finalize the guidelines and identify the social media platforms covered by the ban in the upcoming months.

A trial on age verification technology is expected to be reported to the Minister by the end of July, which will establish the technology platforms must implement to prevent access for users under 16.

The government has announced that the ban is anticipated to come into force in early December.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why Physicists Believe Geometry Holds the Key to All Theories

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Can you envision the impression a 4D hexagon might create as it travels through a 3D kitchen table? It might seem implausible, yet some individuals can perceive it.

One such individual was mathematician Alicia Bourstott, daughter of logician George Bourg. In the early 20th century, she devised models of shapes while moving through three-dimensional objects. Years later, when mathematicians could verify her work with computer programs, they found that Stott had an uncanny ability to accurately depict these shapes.

This narrative is part of our special concept, uncovering how specialists ponder some of science’s most astonishing ideas. Click here for further details

For many of us, geometry recalls images of pencils, rulers, triangles, and circles. It evokes the complex questions posed in school involving parallel lines and angles. However, as Boole Stott’s experience illustrates, scholars have been expanding the scope of geometry for some time.

Geometry can transcend the conventional realm of 2D and 3D shapes. A prime example is Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity, known as general relativity, which intertwines with time to form a four-dimensional stage where the universe unfolds.

Moreover, geometry can also explore dimensions that defy physical reality. Take meteorology, for example. Atmospheric data encompasses multiple “dimensions” such as latitude, longitude, temperature, pressure, wind speed, and more.

Researchers visualize these dimensions as shapes extending into higher dimensions, aiding in understanding atmospheric behavior. “From this, we can implement mathematical models to explain what occurs. [those properties] In numerous dimensions,” states mathematician Snezana Lawrence of Middlesex University in London.

For theoretical physicists, extra dimensions appear to be essential for a complete understanding of the universe, with some suggesting that our reality might be a “projection” from a higher dimension. While this idea might sound peculiar, under certain simplified assumptions, physicists can perform calculations related to fundamental particles and black holes.

Some physicists have even proposed the concept of “all theories,” a curious geometric idea that may lead to a unified explanation of the universe and everything within it. One of these concepts is the “amplituhedron,” introduced by Jaroslav Trnka from the University of California, Davis, and Nima Arkani Hamed at the Institute for Advanced Study in New Jersey. Imagine it as an abstract, multidimensional crystal that offers an alternative perspective on the fundamentals of particle physics.

Another concept is “causal dynamic triangulation,” developed by Renate Roll at Radboud University in the Netherlands. This approach stitches together various geometric shapes to craft an explanation of space-time that seems to embody characteristics of both quantum mechanics and general relativity—two concepts that are traditionally seen as incompatible. She asserts that it serves as a testable reflection of both abstract geometric theories and true properties of the universe, as observed in the cosmic microwave background radiation.

Neither of these ideas has yet been universally accepted in all theories. However, some believe that a fresh perspective on physics is essential for progress. There is a growing consensus that this perspective may be expressed through the language of geometry. While the truth of this notion remains to be seen, it is evident that geometry encompasses far more than just hexagons.

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How Symbiosis Shaped Our Planet and Why It Holds the Key to Our Future

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the initial two billion years of Earth’s existence, our planet was dominated by a combination of bacteria and their relatives, the Archaea. This period can be described as “slimeball Earth,” marked by a critical merger that shaped the future of life on our planet.

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One of these ancient cells engulfed a bacterial cell, and remarkably, the bacterium survived. Together, they replicated, leading the engulfed bacteria to evolve into mitochondria, which serve as the energy source for these early cells.

Nick Lane from University College London discovered that mitochondria enabled these cells to express an extraordinary 200,000 times more genes, fostering growth and the emergence of varied life forms. This new combination eventually evolved into complex eukaryotic cells, resulting in nearly every organism observable without a microscope, including humans.

Coexistence is fundamental to our existence, a factor that continues to sustain us today. Over 80% of terrestrial plant species engage in symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which provide essential nutrients while plants supply the fungi with carbohydrates. Without this interaction, oxygen as we know it would be nonexistent. The soil itself is a product of symbiosis among fungi, bacteria, and plants—an ecological partnership that took root when life transitioned from sea to land roughly 500 million years ago.

When many think of “symbiosis,” they often envision entities coexisting peacefully, like the clownfish and anemone or the vibrant ecosystems of coral reefs. Lichens, too, symbolize the intimate connections among distinct life kingdoms. Generally, we perceive symbiosis as a benevolent arrangement characterized by mutual benefit.

However, experts suggest viewing symbiotic relationships on a spectrum, ranging from parasitism to mutualism. Katie Field from the University of Sheffield, UK, points out that reciprocity isn’t always altruistic; partners often give in hopes of future benefits.

To illustrate this spectrum, consider the diverse strategies employed by orchids. Their minuscule seeds contain very few resources and must parasitize mycorrhizal fungi to access the sugars and nutrients needed for germination. As they develop leaves, some species begin to establish a more reciprocal relationship with the fungus, shifting from parasitism to mutual benefit.

Conversely, older orchids might provide sustenance for younger ones, while certain species may remain parasitic indefinitely, never developing photosynthetic leaves. “There’s a whole cycle of different stages of symbiotic interactions,” Field remarks.

Another significant perspective on symbiosis is its potential as a key to a sustainable future. Leguminous plants such as pulses, beans, and lentils utilize symbiotic bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into fertilizer. Recent studies indicate that these plants have adapted mechanisms from existing cellular structures for this purpose.

This revelation could pave the way for other crops, notably grains like wheat and corn—staples that account for half of human caloric intake—to produce their fertilizers. Giles Oldroyd from the Crop Science Center at Cambridge University is exploring this avenue, with hopes of significantly reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

Oldroyd is conducting field trials using modified crops to harness the power of symbiosis, with a clear mission to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. “I’m committed to this goal,” he states.

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