Jaguar Land Rover has announced a further extension of its car production shutdown as the UK’s largest car manufacturer deals with the repercussions of a cyberattack.
On Tuesday, JLR confirmed it would halt production at least until Wednesday, September 24th, as it continues to investigate the initial breach detected earlier this month.
The company mentioned: “As the forensic investigation into the cyber incident progresses, this decision has been taken. The investigation is proving to be time-intensive, considering the various stages involved in a controlled restart of global operations.”
“We deeply regret the ongoing disruption this incident is causing. We will provide updates as the investigation unfolds.”
Owned by India’s TATA Group, JLR has halted production after learning that hackers had breached their system several weeks ago.
The company revealed that the attack has impacted “some data,” but is unable to disclose specifics about which data was compromised or whether customer or supplier information has been stolen, though they will reach out to impacted individuals.
With production paused at factories in Midland and Merseyside, JLR faces significant financial implications due to the cyberattack. Other production sites globally are also feeling the effects, raising concerns that restoring operations may take weeks.
The shutdown is affecting JLR’s suppliers and retailers, who are operating without access to the databases usually utilized for sourcing spare parts for garages and registered vehicles.
Recently, the Unite Union warned that thousands of workers within the JLR supply chain may face job losses and urged the government to implement a furlough plan to support them.
The impact of the cyberattacks may persist into October, with thousands of JLR production employees instructed to stay home, suggesting that many suppliers might also need to keep their staff off-site.
Due to the shutdown, JLR estimates it has lost the production of 1,000 cars daily, resulting in an estimated loss of £72 million each day.
A group of hackers, believed to be responsible for other serious incidents involving major retailers such as Marks & Spencer, has claimed responsibility for the attacks on JLR. A screenshot purportedly from JLR’s internal IT system was shared on a Telegram channel associated with the hacker groups known as Scattered Spiders, Lapsus$, and Shiny Hunters.
This disruption comes at a time when JLR is already experiencing a downturn in profits, exacerbated by US tariffs and declining sales. The automaker reported a 49% drop in pre-tax profits to £351 million for the three months ending in June, which included a time when they temporarily halted exports to the US.
Last year, the company faced backlash regarding the Jaguar brand, and the launch of its new electric vehicle has been pushed back to next year.
Russian ambush drone with solar panels uncovered in Ukraine
Serhii Beskrestnov
The small racing quadcopter, known as first-person view drones or FPVs, has emerged as the primary weapon in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. Some of these drones are equipped with solar cells, enabling them to lie in wait for extended periods to ambush targets and act as a new kind of land mine.
“Drones can position themselves near roads and chokepoints, and when a target appears, they can rapidly accelerate toward it,” says Robert Bunker, a consultant with the US firm C/O Futures.
Drone ambush tactics have already become standard strategy for both Russian and Ukrainian forces, with devices hidden alongside roads and buildings waiting for targets. However, even if the engine is off, the camera and radio communications drain the drone’s battery, reducing their wait time to just a few hours.
Currently, Russian FPV ambush drones have been spotted utilizing solar panels for charging. While these panels can’t power the drones during flight, they can recharge other devices. Ukrainian drone warfare expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov has shared images of this solar setup on his Telegram channel, highlighting these advancements.
Sold as camping equipment for approximately $50, these panels efficiently charge phones and other portable devices. Enthusiasts online have already posted guides on modifying drones to include solar cells.
“The initial generation of solar technology may be bulky, but it serves as a useful proof of concept,” Bunker remarks.
A 5-watt solar charger weighs several hundred grams and provides power to the drone while on the ground. Future models are expected to be sleeker and more efficient.
“The drone could feature a solar roll that unfolds after landing, creating a charging surface. You could then disconnect it when entering combat mode,” Bunker notes. “Future iterations will likely include improvements we haven’t yet considered.”
With solar assistance, drones can lie in wait for their targets as long as the sun is shining, recharging their systems at dawn for continuous operation. The solar cells can also gradually recharge the drone’s batteries for over a day, enabling a cycle of flying, landing, recharging, and flying again.
Both Russia and Ukraine have developed drones with artificial intelligence that can identify and engage targets autonomously. When combined with solar energy, these drones can saturate the battlefield with lethal units, autonomously navigating to find and track targets.
“It’s an evolution of the point land mine,” says Bunker.
Unlike traditional minefields, the network of solar-powered drones can self-repair, filling gaps where drones have been used or destroyed. Alternatively, this field might slowly advance towards enemy positions over several days through successive charging cycles.
Today’s solar drones are often experimental prototypes, with only a limited number currently deployed. However, the widespread availability of components suggests that these designs could proliferate rapidly, much like other small drones. With their affordability and ease of assembly, ambush drones may soon become commonplace.
The land on Earth is drying out quickly, contributing to sea level rise even more than melting glaciers, according to new research.
Researchers have discovered that water loss from soil, lakes, and underground aquifers accelerates the rise in sea levels. This trend of drying is spreading at an alarming rate.
Areas around the globe that are drying are merging into vast interconnected regions known as “megadry” zones. One such area now spans from the southwest coast of the US to Mexico.
Previously, dryness in certain regions was balanced by wetness in others. However, dry areas are now expanding at a faster pace than wet areas, covering an expanse that grows annually by an area twice the size of California.
At present, 101 countries are consistently losing freshwater, putting 75% of the world’s population (almost 6 billion people) at risk.
“In many locations where groundwater is being depleted, it will not be replenished within human timescales,” a recent study noted. Advances in science, “Safeguarding the global groundwater supply has become increasingly crucial in a warming world, especially in regions known to be drying.”
Utilizing satellite data gathered from 2002 to 2024, the research monitored water storage across Earth’s surface, in lakes, rivers, snow, soil, groundwater aquifers, and even plant life.
The findings indicate that human activities worsen the situation, while climate change also plays a significant role. As landscapes dry out, humans extract more water from sources such as underground aquifers.
These water reserves are not replenished at the same pace, which leads to an accelerated growth of dry areas and their eventual connection.
For instance, the study identified declining groundwater levels in California’s Central Valley and the Colorado River Basin, resulting in these arid regions merging with similar areas in Central America to create a massive dry zone.
Dryness is also encroaching upon previously wet regions like Canada and Russia. – Credit: Getty Images
“In certain areas such as California, the continuous overextraction of groundwater is threatening water and food security in ways that are not fully acknowledged globally,” the study asserts.
Moreover, they emphasize the urgent need for crucial decisions at both national and international levels to “preserve this vital resource for future generations.”
The private spacecraft is set to attempt a landing this week. Should the Japanese company ISPACE succeed on this attempt, it would mark a historic achievement as the first non-US enterprise to land on the moon, following a failed attempt in 2023.
ISPACE’s Resilience Lander embarked on its journey towards the moon on January 15th. It launched with the assistance of a SpaceX rocket and Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Lander. While Blue Ghost made a successful landing on March 2nd, Resilience traveled a longer path, traversing deeper into space before entering lunar orbit on May 6th. This intricate route was essential for landing in the hard-to-reach northern plains of Mare Frigoris, which had been uncharted by previous lunar missions.
If the probe executes its landing operations successfully, it will commence its landing sequence on June 5th at approximately 7:20 PM BST, with a landing in Mare Frigoris scheduled an hour later. The landing attempt will be broadcast live on ISPACE’s YouTube channel.
The lander is outfitted with six diverse experiments, including a device capable of splitting moisture into hydrogen and oxygen for usable resources, a module for producing food from algae, and a radiation monitor for deep space studies. Additionally, it will deploy a 5-kilogram rover named Tenalious, tasked with exploring the lunar surface and capturing images during its anticipated two-week mission.
This marks ISPACE’s second attempt at a lunar landing, following the initial Hakuto-R spacecraft, which lost communication and crash-landed on the moon. The company asserts that it has enhanced Resilience with improved sensors leveraging data gathered from the initial mission, yet challenges remain, particularly in slowing the spacecraft from several hundred kilometers per hour to a complete stop in just three minutes. Should ISPACE choose to abort the landing on June 5th, there are three alternate landing sites and dates prepared as contingencies.
When I began my career in gaming journalism three decades ago, I missed the chance to review my favorite console, the Sega Mega Drive. While a few titles were still being launched in 1995, Games Magazine World dominated the headlines, and everyone was eager to hear about the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It felt like a painful setback.
Fast forward to 2025, where there’s a renewed enthusiasm for creating new games for classic home computers and consoles, highlighted by Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit Edition, which is part of the Agricultural SIM series for Mega Drive. This passion project, developed by Renzo Thönen, the lead-level designer and co-owner of Agricultural Simulation Studio Giants Software, was made using the open-source Mega Drive Development Kit and produced in a limited run of authentic Mega Drive cartridges. When I inserted this new title into my father’s old Mega Drive II console, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Yet, I soon realized I had underestimated it.
Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit Edition features a steady cycle of sowing, harvesting, and selling within an isometric environment, populated with essential buildings like fuel depots, seed stores, and garages. You start with a basic tractor and harvester, but by diligently farming the land, you can upgrade your equipment and acquire more powerful vehicles as you cultivate and market wheat. Eventually, you’ll generate enough revenue to unlock a new farming area, although the core gameplay remains unchanged. As the seasons progress, you slowly navigate the tractor over the fields, sowing and harvesting meticulously.
In this simplified format, the farming simulator’s tranquil pace may seem tedious and repetitive. All that’s required is to efficiently manage tasks, with complex, detailed 3D graphics, real-time weather systems, and extra activities stripped away. Again and again. Let’s be real: modern, intricate 3D simulations were being designed for consoles released concurrently with the advent of the World Wide Web, and the initial mass-produced Nokia phone still poses a technical challenge.
Nostalgic Journey…Sega Mega Drive running an Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit version. Photo: Keith Stuart/Guardian
Yet somehow, the system still resonates. Perhaps it’s the charming chug of the tractor’s sound effect, or the slightly erratic steering that frequently leads to crashes into trees. Or maybe it’s just the pure nostalgia evoked by rugged 2D graphics. I can’t quite place it. I found myself engrossed in play. Longtime Mega Drive users might reminisce about the thrill of games set in deserts, jungles, or city environments, or the chaotic isometric strategies that defined the era. But can you imagine experiencing today’s genres on this vintage hardware, and how might they score in contemporary gaming publications like Sega Power or Mega?
Perhaps there are other Mega Drive enthusiasts out there who share a thrill for reinventing something familiar, akin to watching 4K Blu-ray movies on a Toshiba VCR. With only 1,000 units produced, safeguarding this gem may prove challenging. However, Giants Software has previously launched a Commodore 64 version of the game, Farming Simulator C64, which is now accessible on PC. Maybe this emulated edition will find a way onto modern platforms.
Nevertheless, akin to a deluxe remaster of a cherished vinyl record, the format itself carries emotional significance. This is why Giants Software isn’t the only one reviving classic cartridges for retro consoles. The fantastic puzzle platformer Tanglewood made its debut on the Mega Drive a few years back, and Limited Run Games continues to produce an extensive array of new SNES cartridges for classic titles.
I often imagine my father reviewing this recent release of the last console we enjoyed together. Given his fond memories of summer farming, I’m certain he would have relished this game. For now, I’m content to cultivate these fields, sell a bounty of wheat, and appreciate the serene cycle of nature, depicted through this outdated yet endearingly charming medium.
This discovery implies that the first animals began emerging from the oceans around 400 million years ago and adapted to terrestrial life much quicker than previously thought.
Stuart Smida, a paleontologist from California State University, remarked, “I believed the transition from fins to limbs took more time.”
Before this, the oldest known reptile footprints were found in Canada and dated to 318 million years ago.
The ancient footprints were uncovered in sandstone slabs near Melbourne, revealing reptile-like feet with elongated toes and claws.
Scientists estimate that the creature was about 2.5 feet long (80 cm) and might resemble a modern monitor lizard. These findings were published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.
Co-authors and paleontologists, including Arlberg from Uppsala University in Sweden, indicated that the evidence showcases the identification of nails surrounding the footprint.
“It’s a walking animal,” he stated.
Located near Melbourne, Australia, sandstone slabs reveal fossil footprints of reptile-like creatures that roamed approximately 350 million years ago. The footprint is highlighted in yellow (front paw) and blue (back paw), indicating the movement of three similar animals, according to the researchers. Grzegorz Niedzwiedzki / Prof. Per Per Erik Ahlberg via AP
Only animals that evolved to live entirely on land developed the claws seen in these fossils. Earlier vertebrates, such as fish and amphibians, did not have hard claws and depended on aquatic environments for laying eggs.
In contrast, branches of the evolutionary tree leading to modern reptiles, birds, and mammals, known as amniotes, developed feet equipped with claws suited for traversing dry ground.
Smida commented, “This is the earliest evidence we’ve encountered of animals with claws.”
During the time these ancient reptiles existed, the environment was warm and humid, with expansive forests beginning to take shape. Australia was then part of the supercontinent Gondwana.
The fossil footprints tell a story of a day in the life, Ahlberg explained. A reptile fled across the ground before light rain; some rain droplets lightly obscured the tracks. Subsequently, two more reptiles dashed in opposing directions before the ground hardened and became covered with sediment.
Co-author John Long, a paleontologist at Flinders University in Australia, stated:
A recent study conducted by the University of Bristol presents evidence that many mammals had already transitioned towards a more ground-based lifestyle prior to the final Cretaceous mass extinction that eradicated the non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
Dryolestes late Jurassic relatives of Cretaceous treatment mammals. Image credits: James Brown/Pamelagill/University of Bristol.
Present-day mammals thrive in a varied environment mainly dominated by angiosperms (flowering plants).
In contrast to the habitats provided by coniferous vegetation, forests and woodland environments possess intricate lower levels and towering trees, offering rich biodiversity and resources for terrestrial mammals of all sizes.
Yet, the angiosperm-dominated habitat is relatively recent in Earth’s history, primarily characteristic of the Cenozoic era (66 million years ago to the present), with initial developments towards the end of the Cretaceous period.
“Mesozoic mammals were typically small, mostly weighing under 5 kg, with few surpassing 10 kg,” noted Professor Christine Janice from the University of Bristol and a colleague.
“While it holds true that the majority of present-day mammals are small, averaging around 0.5 kg, the Cenozoic era saw the evolution of greater mammal diversity.”
“The small size of Mesozoic mammals has commonly been attributed to dinosaur predation, but recent recognition of the late Cretaceous proliferation of angiosperms and the habitats they offered may be more crucial than dinosaurs in elucidating the patterns of Mesozoic mammal evolution and diversification.”
“Did these mammals prefer trees or terrestrial substrates? And did this preference alter towards the close of the Cretaceous period with the changes in angiosperm habitats?”
In their research, the authors scrutinized tiny bone fragments of ancient mammalian taxa (marsupials and placentals) unearthed in western North America, specifically the extremity bone edges.
They identified indications that these mammals were adapting to a terrestrial lifestyle.
The analysis of extremity bone edges entailed signatures of locomotive patterns that could be statistically compared to modern mammals.
“There was a known shift in plant life towards the Cretaceous boundary, characterized by angiosperms,” stated the researchers.
“It was also acknowledged that arboreal-dwelling mammals faced challenges post-asteroid impact.”
“However, what remained undocumented was whether mammals were inclining towards a more ground-dwelling lifestyle alongside habitat transformations.”
Former studies utilized complete skeletons to study the movement patterns of ancient mammals, but this study was among the first to employ small bone elements to track alterations across the community.
“The plant habitat appears to have played a pivotal role in the trajectory of Cretaceous mammal evolution beyond dinosaur influences,” remarked Professor Janice.
Published in the March/April 2025 issue of the journal Paleontology, the study unveils intriguing insights into ancient mammal adaptations.
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Christine M. Janice et al. 2025. Paleontology 68(2): E70004; doi: 10.1111/pala.70004
Based on a highly reliable survey by YouGov in 2023, it was found that almost half of men believe they can successfully land a plane in an emergency situation. While we respect their confidence, it is crucial to acknowledge that landing an aircraft, especially a large commercial plane, is a complex task that requires experience.
There have been instances of small aircraft being guided to land by air traffic controllers and flight instructors on the ground. Nonetheless, it is essential to remember that pilots undergo extensive training before handling any type of aircraft.
Some large planes, like the Boeing 737, are equipped with an autoland feature that enables automatic landing in low visibility conditions. Although setting up this feature involves multiple steps and understanding of cockpit instruments, some experts believe that beginners can manage it with proper assistance.
In a detailed video on his YouTube channel, 737 instructor Petter Hernfeld outlines a 20-step emergency landing procedure that even non-pilots can follow. This process involves adjusting the plane’s speed, heading, altitude, and deploying flaps and landing gear. Additionally, Hernfeld emphasizes the challenge of gaining access to a locked cockpit during an emergency.
When it comes to smaller aircraft, the odds of successfully landing increase significantly. These planes have simpler controls and are easier to handle manually. In a 2022 incident, an inexperienced BBC journalist landed a two-seater plane with guidance from an instructor during a simulated emergency scenario.
Experts suggest that flight simulator games can offer a basic understanding of the skills required to safely land an aircraft in challenging situations.
This article addresses questions like: “Could you actually land a plane in an emergency?” – Jack Childs, via email
To submit your questions, please email questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out to us via our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (don’t forget to provide your name and location).
For more fascinating science content, visit our Ultimate Fun Facts page.
JAguar finally revealed its highly anticipated Type 00 electric car at its Miami Art Week launch event. The marketing campaign teaser video released on social media two weeks ago generated mixed opinions. Here, industry experts share their thoughts on the car, its launch, and marketing.
Jeff Dodds
Former Honda Marketing Manager, currentChief Executive of Formula E, where Jaguar competes
I recently owned a Jaguar iPace. It’s a nice car, but it didn’t bring a smile to my face. That’s what I look for in a car. Jag knows this too.
If Jaguar’s goal was to grab attention at the launch, they definitely achieved it. There was a lot of anticipation leading up to the release, and some guests were eager to see the beastly monster unveiled. It wasn’t terrible, but it was quite unique. It’s larger, bolder, and more disruptive than I expected. It will definitely turn heads. Not everyone will love it, but that’s a good thing. Inspector Morse may not go for it, but his grandson might if he just started a cybersecurity startup.
The event itself was completely different, industrial, and edgy. British grime MC and rapper Skepta may not be the typical Jaguar brand ambassador, but there he was, performing a DJ set surrounded by influencers and cultural tastemakers in downtown Miami. That’s a significant departure from the past. Maybe too much deviation? Possibly. Jaguar has quickly become a brand of conversation in the past tense, so I commend them. I believe you’ll find joy in riding the Type 0.
Ginny Buckley
Founder of UK EV buying website Electrifying.com
In Jaguar’s 90-year history, no event has created more global buzz than a controversial rebrand. Now that the dramatic Type 00 cover has been unveiled, the new logo and flashy advertising may fade from memory.
I first saw this car at a briefing session at Jaguar Land Rover’s Midland Design Studio. In my over 25 years as a motoring journalist, no car has impressed me as much as this £100,000+ all-electric GT.
Mr Buckley says the new Jaguar Type 00 concept car is “much bigger, bolder and more disruptive than we ever imagined”. Photo: Electricifying.com
Yes, it’s pink. Very pink. Presented in Miami Pink and London Blue, the car’s colors reflect the city it was revealed in and Jaguar’s British heritage.
The color is inevitably a point of focus for many critics. According to Jaguar’s design team, this color is “production ready” and could stir things up among traditional Jaguar fans if it becomes part of the final color palette.
Beyond the color, the Type 00’s design is striking with a long hood, massive grille, and front-hinged butterfly doors. Jaguar has also eliminated the rear window.
I find the Type 0 to be fresh and bold. My 15-year-old son described it as “the best,” and I take that as a compliment.
Buckley said the Miami pink color “could cause a stir among traditional Jaguar fans.” Photo: Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Jaguar
“It’s going to challenge people and be polarizing,” said Jerry McGovern, Jaguar’s Chief Creative Officer. And it will. If their aim was to spark discourse, they have succeeded.
The question now is whether Jaguar can evolve the brand rapidly enough to attract the new generation of young, affluent buyers they hope will purchase the car.
Manfredi Ricca
Global Chief Strategy Officer at brand consulting firm Interbrand. He has collaborated with Bugatti and was instrumental in the relaunch of Mini and BMW.
Flashback to two weeks ago. Jaguars weren’t particularly interesting to many. Then, a 30-second video was released. Millions of heads turned instantly. In just 24 hours, Jaguar became a global talking point without unveiling any products.
Consequently, anticipation for the new lineup, with leaks surfacing on the eve of the release, has reached the intensity and reach of a World Cup final.
Campaigns designed for brand activation don’t get much better than this. Many overlook the fact that Jaguar Land Rover wasn’t attempting to evolve a successful brand; instead, it was reinventing a struggling one.
The reality today is that there are more people who appreciate Jaguar’s history than those who actually desire a Jaguar car.
Museums can subsist solely on the past, but commercial entities can’t. Companies must transform their legacy into something that attracts enough customers willing to pay a premium.
Ricca says the Jaguar Type 00 will “tempt” potential customers. Photo: Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Jaguar
Once a trailblazing manufacturer of some of the world’s most innovative cars, Jaguar is once again adored by a few rather than ignored by many.
The concept introduced in Miami will captivate those few, but the true test lies in turning them into enthusiasts in 2025 when the car hits the market, and customers in 2026.
Richard Exon
Co-founder of advertising agency Joint, previously collaborated with Audi and Range Rover.
Jaguar deserves praise for its ambitious rebranding efforts. Making a clean break from the past is the best approach. The company aims to attract an entirely new customer base with its latest car range, and a more modern, inclusive, and daring brand strategy could prove successful.
However, good intentions aren’t enough when the execution is as lackluster as Jaguar’s pre-launch promotional video content.
Exxon said Jaguar’s rebranding video was “derivative and disappointing.” Photo: Jaguar/PA
Fortunately, the concept car images feature a bold new aesthetic that demands a fresh evaluation.
The critical next step is how well the innovative design of the concept translates into the final manufactured product available for purchase.
Jaguar’s troubled car brands seldom get second chances, so let’s hope Jaguar rises to the occasion, rebounds from the video mishap, and dares to be as unique as it aspires to be.
The evolution of the first animals to appear on land 500 million years ago has been revealed. The ancestors of millipedes, called euticalcinids, evolved from larval arthropods in warm tidal pools. Individuals that reached sexual maturity early and survived the harsh tidal zone passed on their genes to the next generation, evolving into arthropods that could crawl onto land when the tidal pools dried up.
Reconstruction of the first land animal to live on the ancient tidal flats of Blackberry Hill, Wisconsin (500 million years ago). A washed-up jellyfish (1 meter wide), Euticarcinoidea. Mosineia (Lower left, 15cm long), Phyllocarididae crustacean Arenosicalis (bottom right, green) and a large, slug-like mollusk (70 cm long). Some euticalcinids live in tide pools before they dry up. Image courtesy of Todd Gass.
All life first evolved in the sea, and because carcasses decay more easily on land than in the sea, fossils of early land animals are very rare.
Arthropods — creepy-looking animals with segmented bodies, jointed limbs, and hard exoskeletons, like spiders, crabs, and insects — were the first animals to move onto land.
The oldest known fossils of land animals are those called millipedes. Pneumodesmus pneumanii It dates back to the Late Wenlockian Stage of the Silurian Period in Scotland, approximately 428 million years ago (Ma).
Millipedes, centipedes and their relatives are called myriapods, and there are about 12,000 species of them.
There's another type of fossil that can give us clues about when ancient animals first emerged from the sea: trace fossils.
They are Represent These are traces of biological activity, including animal tracks and burrows.
Trace fossils reveal a time-honoured snapshot of extinct animals' behaviours and interactions, allowing us to bring extinct animals to life.
Fossil burrows in Pennsylvania (445 million years ago) and fossil tracks in Cumbria, England (450 million years ago) suggest that myriapods lived on land 22 million years before the oldest body fossils.
The oldest known footprints on land were left in ancient coastal dunes in New York and Ontario by ancestors of myriapod animals called euticalcinids. Tidal flats (Quebec and Wisconsin) Approximately 500 million years ago.
It may have been one small step for insects, but one giant leap for life on Earth.
of Eutic carcinoid It had a body length of 4 to 15 cm (up to 30 cm, judging from fossilized footprints), and lived between 500 million and 225 million years ago. It resembled a pill bug (woodlouse), but had spines on its tail.
During the Cambrian Period, a group of marine arthropods called Fuchsianidae lived in shallow seas.
Euticarcinoids resemble larval fuchsiafiids, Precocious maturity (i.e. the retention of juvenile characteristics in descendant species) was involved in the evolution of these earliest land animals.
Euticalcinids spawned in warm tide pools, presumably to protect the eggs from marine predators and speed up larval development.
These harsh tidal conditions gradually selected for individuals in the population that reached sexual maturity earlier, survived, and were able to pass on their genes to the next generation – juvenile traits.
Cambrian euticalcinoids had barrel-shaped bodies, short legs, and six telson segments.
As they evolved, the number of tail segments gradually decreased, from six to five during the Silurian and Carboniferous periods, and in some later species to four segments. Also, the legs developed thin spines.
One group of euthycarcinoids, called the Sotticcercidae, has a long, multi-segmented body and legs of similar length, making it more myriapod-like.
Campecarids are a rare and extinct group of myriapods that may represent an evolutionary link between Sotticcercidae and myriapods, as they share a legless neck and tail segment.
The euticalcinids were soon followed by the sea scorpions (Eurypterids), the ancestors of scorpions, which led to widespread animal invasion of land.
Our own (vertebrate, i.e. backbone) ancestors, called tetrapods, first came onto land in a breathtaking adventure 130 million years after the eucaryotic vertebrates.
Walter Garstang eloquently states: “The facts are much the same: whatever the name, any yolk-bearing arthropod must have once had an aquatic ancestor that laid tiny eggs and hatched as tiny legless larvae. So the larvae that are the predecessors of our millipedes and spiders (and centipedes and insects) cannot be outsiders.”
this paper Appeared in New Jarlbuch in Geology and Palaeontology.
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Braddy, S.J. 2024. Euthycarcinoid ecology and evolution. New Jarlbuch in Geology and Palaeontology,doi:10.1127/njgpa/2024/1199
A team of paleontologists from Kasetsart University, Mahasarakham University and Sirindhorn Museum have unearthed three fossilized teeth from a previously unknown non-tyrannosaurid tyrannosauroid dinosaur in northeastern Thailand.
Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Late Jurassic Phu Kradung Formation, northeastern Thailand. Image courtesy of Chacharin Somboon.
“Tyrannosauroidea is a lineage of theropods, which includes some of the best-known carnivorous dinosaurs. Tyrannosaurus Rex “From the Late Cretaceous of North America.” Dr. Chacharam Ketwetulya Kasetsart University and colleagues.
“They lived primarily on the supercontinent of Laurasia from the Middle Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous.”
“The oldest known species of tyrannosauroids are found in the Middle Jurassic of Europe and Asia, suggesting that this group of theropods originated within Eurasia.”
“Tyrannosauroidea ranged across Asia from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous, with most Asian tyrannosaurids found in China and Mongolia.”
The three tyrannosauroid teeth examined by the research team were discovered in the Phu Noi area of Khammuang district, Kalasin province, northeastern Thailand.
The specimen dates back to the Tithonian stage of the Jurassic period, approximately 145 million years ago.
A basal tyrannosauroid tooth from the Phu Noi region of Thailand. Image courtesy of Chowchuvech others.
“The Phu Noi area is known to be one of the richest sources of Mesozoic vertebrate fossils in Southeast Asia,” the paleontologists said.
“Many species have been unearthed from the site, including freshwater sharks, ray-finned fish, lungfish, amphibians, turtles, crocodylomorphs, pterosaurs and dinosaurs.”
“Three species of dinosaurs have been identified in the Phu Noi area: a metriacanthosaurid theropod, a mamenchisaurid sauropod and a basal neoornithischian. Minimo Cursor.”
“Three of the theropod teeth from the Phu Noi area display unique dental features that distinguish them from previously discovered metriacanthosaurid theropods, including lateral teeth with twisted mesial ridges on the proximal lingual side that extend above the cervical line and interwoven enamel surface textures,” the researchers added.
“Morphological examination and systematic and morphometric analyses reveal that these isolated teeth indicate basal tyrannosauroid relationships, Five colors of the dragon and Proceratosaurus bradleyi From the Jurassic Period.”
“This discovery marks the first report of a tyrannosauroid from the Jurassic of Southeast Asia and contributes to our knowledge of the paleoecology of the lower continent.” Phu Kradung Formation“Our results shed light on the morphological and morphological distribution of tyrannosauroids during the Late Jurassic, and on the paleobiogeographic distribution of tyrannosauroids during the Late Jurassic,” the researchers concluded.
“Furthermore, this study sheds light on the possibility that future excavations and research may uncover new species of dinosaurs in Thailand.”
of study Published in the journal Tropical Natural History.
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W. Chochubek others2024. First discovery of a basal tyrannosauroid in Southeast Asia: dental evidence from the Late Jurassic of northeastern Thailand. Tropical Natural History 24（1） : 84-95
Pachystropheus reticulum One of the last thalattosaurs, it was a large marine lizard with otter-like behaviour that could move on land, but was likely a primarily marine predator with a different ecological niche from contemporary marine reptiles (placodonts, ichthyosaurs) and carnivorous fishes (hybodont sharks, actinopterygii).
Restoration of Life Thalattosaurus alexandraePhoto courtesy of: Nobu Tamura, translation:.
Pachystropheus reticulum It is a type of thalattosaur that lived in the Late Triassic deposits of Britain and continental Europe.
Although known for a long time, this ancient reptile still remains shrouded in mystery.
For many years, is assumedPachystropheus reticulum the first chorusAnother group of marine reptiles similar to crocodiles.
In the new study, paleontologist Jacob Quinn of the University of Bristol and his colleagues Pachystropheus reticulum Since 1935.
They called this PachistropheusKnown as Annie, the cave contains hundreds of bones from several different humans.
“Thalattosaurs existed throughout the Triassic Period, some of which reached lengths of up to four metres (13 feet) and would have been terrors of the seas,” Quinn said.
“But our Pachystropheus reticulum Its body was just over a metre (3.3 feet) long, half of which was its long tail.”
“It had a long neck, a tiny head the size of a matchbox (which has yet to be found) and four paddles.”
“If it was like its relatives, it would have had lots of sharp little teeth that were ideal for catching fish and other small, mobile prey.”
“Before Pachystropheus reticulum “This dinosaur was the first to be identified as a member of the Choristoderes, another group of crocodile-like marine reptiles, and was held in great importance because it was the oldest,” said Professor Mike Benton, from the University of Bristol.
“Jacob said some of the bones were from fish and others were actually Pachystropheus reticulum “That indicates that it was in fact a small thalattosaur.”
“So what was thought to be the first of the choristoderes has now been identified as the last of the thalattosaurs.”
“Pachystropheus reticulum “It probably lived a similar lifestyle to modern otters, feeding on small fish, shrimp and other invertebrates,” said Dr David Whiteside.
“This slender reptile had a long neck, a flattened tail for swimming, and surprisingly strong forelimbs for a marine animal. Pachystropheus reticulum They may have come onto land to feed or to avoid predators.”
“At the time, the Bristol area, and much of Europe, was covered by shallow waters and these animals likely lived in large populations in the warm, shallow waters around the islands.”
of result Appears in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Jacob G. Quinn othersRelationships and paleoecology Pachystropheus reticuluman enigmatic marine reptile (diapsid: Thalattosaurinae) from the Late Triassic period. Journal of Vertebrate PaleontologyPublished online June 4, 2024; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2350408
Aboriginal people use fire to manage the landscape
Penny Tweedy/Getty Images
Analysis of sediment cores taken from ancient lakes shows that Australia's indigenous peoples have been using fire to manage their environment for at least 11,000 years.
michael bird Researchers at James Cook University in Cairns, Australia, say their findings suggest that returning to indigenous regimes of more frequent but smaller fires could reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. This suggests that environmental management could be improved.
It has long been known that Australia's first people, who are thought to have lived on the continent for 65,000 years, carefully managed the landscape, using fire to make it easier to move around and hunt prey. . They also realized that this benefits some of the plants and animals they like and reduces the risk of more dangerous fires.
But how long this has been going on is difficult to establish, Bird said. That's because most waterways dry up completely during the annual dry season, destroying carbon in the sediment.
Girraween Lagoon, near Darwin in the Northern Territory, is a huge sinkhole that covers an area of about 1 hectare and has remained permanently wet for at least 150,000 years. As the climate changed over the millennia, so did the vegetation around the sinkhole. “Girraween Lagoon has 150,000 years worth of sediment that has never dried out,” says Bird.
Bird and his colleagues were able to study three important indicators by analyzing sediment cores from the lagoon floor. It is a measure of the accumulation of fine charcoal particles, the proportion of burnt material in charred vegetation material, and the amount of different types of charcoal. Carbon that remains after combustion.
The first two indicators allow researchers to estimate the intensity of the fire, and the third indicates whether the fire was cold enough to leave traces of grass.
Before the arrival of humans, natural fires in the savanna of northern Australia were ignited by lightning strikes at the end of the dry season, when the vegetation and landscape were almost completely dry. This type of more intense fire burns biomass more completely, especially fine fuels such as grass and trash, leaving less grass uncharted.
Indigenous fires, on the other hand, burn more frequently, but with much lower heat, and their impact is confined to smaller areas and to the ground layer, promoting a mosaic of vegetation and helping to protect biodiversity.
Byrd said recent layers of the core show more frequent fires and clear evidence of grass that hasn't completely burned, indicating the fires are cooler. . This type of fire is very different from traditional natural fire patterns and is evidence of indigenous fire management, he says.
Researchers collect sediment cores in Girraween Lagoon, Northern Territory, Australia
michael bird
This signal can be seen in sediments that are at least 11,000 years old, but the study found that metrics for the proportion of grass and tree debris before that point have become difficult to study. Bird said there are signs of human fire starting 40,000 years ago, but the evidence is less clear.
“This means that savannahs have been growing alongside humans for at least 11,000 years,” he says. “Biodiversity has grown with that fire policy. When you remove this kind of burnout, you start to see serious problems with biodiversity.”
david bowman Researchers from Australia's University of Tasmania say the paper highlights the twin importance of climate and humans in shaping fire regimes.
“Decoupling climate from anthropogenic and, importantly, indigenous fire management is a very important topic,” he says. “As we fight to combat climate-induced wildfires around the world, a long-term perspective like this will be an invaluable addition to current research and development in sustainable fire management. .”
Photo taken by the Odysseus spacecraft in lunar orbit
intuitive machine
Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lander has landed on the moon. This is the first time a private company has landed a spacecraft on the moon, a welcome success after a string of recent high-profile landing failures by other companies.
The Odysseus spacecraft launched on a Falcon 9 rocket on February 14 for the flight, called the IM-1 mission. It entered lunar orbit on February 21st and landed near the moon's south pole on February 22nd.
Live footage from air traffic controllers became tense as the scheduled landing time passed without any contact from the lander. Finally, minutes after Odysseus was scheduled to land, Tim Crane, mission director in Intuitive Machines' mission control room, said, “We're receiving a signal. It's faint, but it's definitely there.'' “I'm doing it.”
The signal indicated that the spacecraft had landed on the moon, but the state of the spacecraft is still unknown. However, the landing was successful. “We know this has been a pain, but we're on the surface,” said Stephen Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines. “Welcome to the moon”
Before this landing, three other companies attempted to send landers to the moon. SpaceIL's Beresheet spacecraft was launched in 2019, and ispace's Hakuto-R mission was launched in 2022, but both crash-landed and were destroyed.
Astrobotic's Peregrine lander didn't even get very far after launching in January. A fuel leak forced the operators to return to Earth to burn up in the atmosphere. The success of the IM-1 has brought Intuitive Machines into an elite club. To date, only the national space agencies of the Soviet Union, the United States, China, India, and Japan have successfully landed on the moon.
Now that we have landed safely, we can begin the second part of the IM-1 mission. Odysseus carried six NASA payloads and six commercial payloads to the Moon. Some of these already serve that purpose, such as landing aids and cameras to take pictures of the landing. Some people have succeeded simply by reaching the moon. Perhaps most notable is artist Jeff Koons' collection of his 125 small sculptures. Other instruments are also now beginning their missions, including instruments that will measure how the moon's surrounding environment affects its surface.
The IM-1 mission is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, through which government contracts are awarded to private companies to build spaceflight capabilities through public-private partnerships. Three more moon landings are planned through CLPS in 2024, including an Intuitive Machines mission to harvest water ice from the moon's south pole.
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