In a picturesque mountain pasture in Austria, a remarkably intelligent cow is reshaping our understanding of animal cognition.
Meet Veronica, a pet Swiss brown cow who has innovatively learned to use both ends of a stick to scratch her back. This impressive tool use is exceedingly rare in the animal kingdom and has never been documented in cattle before.
Dr. Antonio Osuna Mascaro, a professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, led the groundbreaking study published in Current Biology. The research highlights how Veronica creatively utilizes available tools to scratch herself.
Initially, researchers provided her with a broom brush, expecting her to only use the bristles. However, Veronica adapted her tool use based on the specific itch needing relief.
For larger or more intense itches on her back, she utilized the bristled end of the brush. Conversely, for lighter itches, such as on her sensitive lower abdomen, she opted for the smooth handle end.
“The only well-documented occurrence similar to this was when a chimpanzee cleverly manipulated the ends of a stick to forage for termites,” Osuna Mascaro stated, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
Researchers emphasize that domestic animals have often been overlooked by behavioral scientists, meaning their perceived lack of intelligence may stem more from insufficient observation than from the animals’ actual capabilities.
“Understanding that cows possess the ability to innovate and use tools flexibly sends a powerful message about our biases regarding cow intelligence and capabilities,” Osuna Mascaro added.
Osuna Mascaro (left) shared that Veronica (right) is affectionate and cherished by her human family. – Credit: Antonio J. Osuna Mascaró
Veronica: The Beloved Cow
The study emphasizes that while Veronica is unique, her intelligent behavior is not an isolated case.
As a cherished pet, Veronica enjoys access to open spaces, daily human engagement, and the freedom to explore her environment. At 13 years old, she is significantly older than the average domestic cow.
Her human companion, Witger Vigele, first observed Veronica using tools over a decade ago. Intrigued by her intelligence, researchers analyzed footage of her behavior and decided to meet this extraordinary cow.
Researchers urge everyone to appreciate intelligent cows like Veronica – Credit: AJ Osuna-Mascaró
The findings suggest that our perceptions of domestic animals’ intelligence may not relate to their actual abilities, but rather to the opportunities they are given to demonstrate their intelligence and whether we take the time to observe them.
“I would love to hear from anyone who has witnessed cows displaying similar behaviors firsthand,” Osuna Mascaro expressed.
“The key element is using an object dynamically to achieve goals that would be otherwise difficult or impossible,” he concluded.
This year has been exceptional for witnessing the stunning Northern Lights.
One of nature’s most enchanting yet elusive phenomena, the vibrant greens and reds of the Northern Lights offered breathtaking displays throughout 2025.
The magic behind these captivating displays originates 150 million kilometers (93 million miles) away on the sun’s surface.
Auroras result from charged particles emitted by the sun—known as solar wind—colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.
Earth’s magnetic field directs these particles into the atmosphere, resulting in collisions with nitrogen and oxygen, which causes them to emit light, leading to the spectacular phenomenon known as the Northern Lights.
The intensity of these light shows is dependent on solar activity.
Our sun operates on an approximately 11-year solar cycle, where periods of high and low activity occur.
During solar peaks, alongside the usual solar wind, massive plasma clouds, termed coronal mass ejections, frequently erupt.
The latest solar cycle peaked in October 2024, and the sun will remain active for the following year.
During solar maximums, activity is heightened, affecting the geographical visibility of the auroras.
Typically, auroras are confined to the aurora oval, a circular area around the poles at latitudes of 65 to 70 degrees.
Nevertheless, more vigorous solar storms can push the lights further south. This year, significant storms carried the Northern Lights to southern England and many parts of the U.S.
Although the Northern Lights, or Southern Lights, usually occur in remote locations or over uninhabited oceans, 2025 offered several opportunities to witness stunning displays from Australia and New Zealand.
All of this signifies that 2025 was a fantastic year not just for observing the Northern Lights but also for photographing them.
Visit Capture the Atlas for a curated selection of 25 incredible images for our annual Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition. Check them out below.
Lights & Ice – Tori Harp
Tori initially aimed to photograph the night sky from an ice cave’s entrance when the aurora borealis transformed the scene. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand – Photo credit: Tori Harp
Arctic Rain – Vincent Beudez
The aurora morphs constantly; this shot captures a moment when the light transformed into a colorful mosaic. Tromsø, Norway – Photo credit: Vincent Beudez
Essence of the Arctic Night – Giulio Cobianchi
This breathtaking 360-degree panorama features the Northern Lights beneath the Milky Way arc. Hawkland Beach, Lofoten Islands – Photo credit: Giulio Cobianchi
aurora color
One remarkable aspect of the aurora borealis captured in photography is its vibrant color variety.
The colors are produced by atmospheric particles being excited by solar wind.
Green is the most prominent color commonly associated with the Northern Lights, generated by oxygen atoms at low altitudes up to about 240 km (150 miles).
At higher altitudes, oxygen behaves differently and emits red, the second most common color.
Dark purple and blue shades, derived from nitrogen molecules, are rare and observed during the most intense displays.
Are the Northern Lights dangerous?
The aurora itself is a stunning spectacle, so enjoy it worry-free!
However, the solar activity that creates the auroras can pose dangers in space.
For astronauts, radiation is a significant health hazard. If a powerful solar flare is forecasted, the crew on the International Space Station must take shelter in the most shielded part.
Satellites can also be affected by radiation, leading to hardware damage or complete operational failure.
In February 2022, 40 newly launched SpaceX Starlink satellites were lost due to increased drag on them after a solar event.
Fortunately, we are shielded from this radiation on Earth by our atmosphere and magnetic fields.
However, we should be cautious as these solar storms can disrupt communications and lead to surges in electrical grids.
Alone under a dancing sky – Nikola Vukotic
Not all participants are veteran aurora hunters; Nikola saw the aurora for the first time just the day before taking this photo. Skagsanden Beach, Lofoten Islands – Photo credit: Nikola Vukotic
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This week, two officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) involved in the infamous “Sharpiegate” investigation were placed on administrative leave.
NOAA’s assistant administrator, Stephen Volz, and Jeff Dillen, assistant hearing advisor, were confirmed to be on leave Thursday morning, as stated by Volz to NBC News.
Volz and Dillen became prominent figures during President Trump’s first term due to the “Sharpiegate” incident, where forecasters faced backlash for contradicting the president over alterations to a hurricane map.
NOAA confirmed on Friday that both individuals were on administrative leave.
“Dillen was placed on leave by a senior career lawyer in the department following recent performance reviews,” said NOAA Communications Director Kim Dester in an email. “Separately, Dr. Volz was put on leave for unrelated reasons.”
When reached by phone, Dillen opted not to comment.
This decision comes at a challenging time for NOAA, as recent staffing cuts and voluntary departures initiated by the Trump administration have affected hundreds of employees. The staffing and performance of the National Weather Service, a part of NOAA, have been under close scrutiny following severe weather events, including the devastating floods in central Texas.
Currently, NOAA lacks a permanent leader, as President Trump’s candidate, Neil Jacobs, awaits Senate confirmation. Furthermore, NOAA’s budget has faced intense examination, with the Trump administration proposing considerable cuts that Congress appears unwilling to enact.
Reports of Volz and Dillen’s administrative leave were first brought to light by CNN. The reasons behind their leave remain unclear.
In an interview, Volz mentioned he received a letter from NOAA administrator Laura Grimm on Thursday morning informing him of his leave.
“The letter provided no details on the cause, only stating I am on administrative leave due to an investigation into public conduct,” Volz quoted, adding that he is unaware of what the investigation entails.
He noted that part of his role includes public speaking and attending events, including a recent press conference for a satellite launch in Japan. With 36 years in public service, Volz stated he has not altered his media engagement strategy since the new administration took over.
“I have consistently made public comments and maintained transparency about the work we do,” he affirmed. “I’m vocal about our operations and how we handle challenging scenarios, likely more so than many others in similar roles at NOAA.”
Both Volz and Dillen were pivotal in the aftermath of the 2019 “Sharpiegate” incident, where Trump mistakenly asserted that Hurricane Dorian could strike Alabama. Local forecasters quickly refuted the claim, leading to Trump showcasing a hurricane map altered with a black Sharpie. Top NOAA officials then publicly criticized local forecasters, allegedly under political pressure.
Following the incident, NOAA enlisted the National Academy of Public Administration to conduct an independent evaluation of claims related to scientific misconduct during that time. The findings indicated that Jacobs violated NOAA’s ethical policies.
Volz authored the final decision regarding NOAA’s assessment aligning with the NAPA results, stating that Dillen also contributed to the document. Volz mentioned they both received notice of their leave on the same day but couldn’t confirm if it coincided with the “Sharpiegate” report.
“Jeff served as legal counsel while I was a senior employee reviewing the NAPA report, identifying negligence involving two staff members within NOAA,” Volz explained. “We both received administrative leave simultaneously, and Neil Jacobs is currently undergoing a hearing while awaiting Senate action.”
NOAA has not directly addressed whether the “Sharpiegate” investigation influenced their decision.
Volz mentioned he found himself locked out of his email and federal facilities.
He expressed uncertainty about his next steps.
“I am passionate about my work at NOAA,” Volz stated. “I’m not prepared to quietly step back from my duties. That is certainly the case.”
Forecasters are about to lose a vital source of satellite data just months ahead of the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, as the Department of Defense prepares to shut down a more critical data stream than cybersecurity issues.
The data is generated by microwave sensors on three aging polar orbit satellites that serve both military and civilian functions. These sensors are crucial for hurricane forecasting, as they can analyze cloud layers and the storm’s core, providing insights even at night without relying on visible light.
Experts are concerned that this loss of data will hinder forecasters during a period when the National Weather Service is deploying fewer weather balloons due to budget cuts and insufficient meteorological staff. The absence of this data affects meteorologists’ ability to assess storm threats effectively and prepare emergency managers accordingly. Microwave data offers some of the earliest signs that wind speeds are intensifying in storms.
“It’s a tool that enables deeper insight. Losing it will significantly impair hurricane forecasts. It can detect the formation of eye walls in tropical storms, indicating whether these storms are intensifying,” an expert commented.
Researchers suggest that as ocean temperatures rise due to human-induced climate change, rapid intensification in tropical storms may become more common.
The three satellites operate through a collaborative initiative involving the Defense Weather Satellite Program, NOAA, and the Department of Defense.
While hurricane experts expressed concern about the loss of this tool, NOAA’s communications director, Kim Doster, minimized the potential impact of the National Weather Service’s decision on hurricane forecasting.
In a message, Doster described the military’s microwave data as “one dataset in a robust suite of hurricane prediction and modeling tools” within the NWS.
According to Doster, these forecasting models integrate data from various satellites located around 22,300 miles away from Earth, providing a synchronized view that follows the planet’s rotation.
They also incorporate measurements from Hurricane Hunter planes, buoys, weather balloons, land radars, and additional polar orbit satellites, including NOAA’s joint polar satellite system.
A U.S. Space Force representative confirmed that the satellites and their equipment are operational, and data will continue to be sent directly to satellite readout terminals across the DOD. However, the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Weather and Oceanography Center has opted to cease public data processing and sharing, officials reported.
The visible and infrared images show Hurricane Eric, which has intensified since the June 18th Category 2 storm.CIMSS
The Navy did not respond promptly to requests for comments.
Earlier this week, a Navy division informed researchers that it would halt data processing and sharing by June 30. Some researchers received notifications from the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Weather and Oceanography Center regarding their reliance on outdated and insecure operating systems.
“We cannot upgrade our systems; it raises cybersecurity risks and jeopardizes our DOD network,” stated an email reviewed by NBC News.
This decision could lead to forecasters losing up to half of the available microwave data, according to McNoldy.
Additionally, this microwave data is crucial for snow and ice researchers tracking polar sea ice levels, which helps understand long-term climate patterns. Sea ice, formed from frozen seawater, expands in winter and melts in summer. Tracking sea ice is essential as it reflects sunlight back into space, cooling the planet. This metric is vital to monitor over time, especially since summer Arctic sea ice levels are showing declining trends due to global warming.
Walt Meier, a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, mentioned that his program learned about the Navy’s decision earlier this week.
Meier noted the satellites and sensors have been operational for approximately 16 years. While researchers anticipated their eventual failure, they did not expect the military to abruptly discontinue data sharing with little notice.
Meier stated that the National Snow and Ice Data Center has depended on military satellites for sea ice coverage data since 1987 but will adapt by utilizing similar microwave data from Japanese satellites known as AMSR-2.
“Integrating that data into our system could take several weeks,” said Meier. “While it may not undermine the integrity of sea ice climate records, it will pose additional challenges.”
Polar orbit satellites, part of the Defense Weather Satellite Program, offer intermittent coverage of regions prone to hurricanes.
These satellites generally circle the Earth in a north-south path every 90 to 100 minutes at relatively low altitudes, according to Meier. The microwave sensors scan narrow bands of the Earth, estimated to be around 1,500 miles wide.
As the Earth rotates, these polar orbit satellites capture images that can help researchers analyze storm structure and potential strength when they are within range.
“Often, great passes provide extensive data beyond just the hurricane,” said McNoldy, who added that the loss will decrease the frequency of scans for areas covered by microwave scans and specific storms.
Hurricane modeler Andy Hazelton, an associate scientist at the University of Miami Ocean and Atmospheric Research Institute, mentioned that microwave data is still utilized in some hurricane models and by forecasters with access to real-time visualizations.
Hazelton highlighted that forecasters always look for visual cues from microwave data, which typically provides early indications of rapidly strengthening storms.
The National Hurricane Center defines rapid intensification as a 35 mph or greater increase in sustained winds in tropical storms within a 24-hour period. The loss of microwave data is particularly concerning as scientists have observed a rise in rapid intensification linked to climate change due to warmer seawater.
A 2023 scientific report indicated that tropical cyclones in the Atlantic have about a 29% higher likelihood of rapid intensification from 2001 to 2020 compared to the period from 1971 to 1990. For instance, Hurricane Milton was strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane just 36 hours after being classified as a tropical storm, with part of this intensification occurring overnight when other satellite equipment offered less information.
From the International Space Station, Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, was captured on October 8th in the Gulf of Mexico off the Yucatan Peninsula.NASA/Getty Images
This trend poses significant risks, particularly when storms like Hurricane Idria intensify just before approaching the coast.
“We’ve definitely observed numerous instances of rapid intensification right before landfall recently, something we cannot afford to overlook,” McNoldy remarked.
Brian Lamare, a dedicated forecaster at the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, noted that this data is crucial for predicting flood impacts when hurricanes make landfall.
“These scans are key for predicting the areas of heaviest rainfall and the rates of rainfall,” said Lamarre. “This data is vital for public safety.”
Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, peaking at the end of summer and early fall. NOAA forecasters anticipate a busier hurricane season in 2025, with expectations of 6-10 hurricanes.
tWith a wide range of boating hours from Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas province, Deodato Alves Da Silva is hoping for enough power to keep his Tucumã and Cupuaçu Fruits fresh. These highly nutritious Amazon superfoods are rich in antioxidants and vitamins and serve as the main source of income for farmers in the Silva region. However, there is a lack of electricity to refrigerate the fruit, making it difficult to sell produce.
Silva's fruit cultivation work is located in the village of Boa Frente in Novo Alipuana, one of the most energy-poor regions in Brazil, with only one diesel-powered generator working several hours a day.
Seventeen families in the community pay for diesel, but due to the high prices, everyone agrees to use the generator between 6pm and 10pm. This is also the only time they can communicate with the outside world. There is no mobile phone connection in this area, only satellite internet.
“The power is supplied for four hours per night. The motor is off and the switch is turned back the next night,” says Silva, 72, a rural health worker and fruit grower who has lived in the area since birth.
“If we have the power to preserve Cupuaçupulp, we will have much higher incomes. Our community is a massive producer of Tucumã, but lack of power prevents conservation.”
Crystals within a Martian meteorite suggest Mars may have had abundant hydrothermal water when the rock formed 4.45 billion years ago.
The rock, called Black Beauty, was blown into space by an impact on Mars' surface and eventually crashed into the Sahara desert.
We already know a lot about Mars from the study of a meteorite discovered in Morocco in 2011, officially known as Northwest Africa 7034.
aaron cabosy Researchers at Curtin University in Perth, Australia, have been studying the tiny fragments, which contain zircon crystals 50 micrometers in diameter, for years.
Kavosie describes Black Beauty as “a rock that looks like a trash can.” Because it was formed by hundreds of pieces smashed together. “This is a great buffet of Martian history, with a mix of very old and very young rocks,” he says. “But much of the debris it contains belongs to some of the oldest rocks on Mars.”
The fragments studied by Kavosy and his team had crystallized in magma beneath Mars' surface. When they tested the zircons, they also found, unusually, that the elements iron, aluminum, and sodium were arranged in thin, onion-like layers.
“We wondered where else could we find elements like this in zircon crystals,” Kabosie says. The answer, he says, lies in South Australia's gold ore deposits. The zircon crystals there were nearly identical to those from Mars, including the same unusual combination of additional elements.
“This type of zircon is known to form only in places where hydrothermal processes or hydrothermal systems are active during igneous activity,” Kabosie says. “The hot water facilitates the transport of iron, aluminum, and sodium into the crystals as they grow layer by layer.”
Zircon has been exposed to multiple large-scale traumas, including the impact of an ancient collision and then another meteorite that hit the surface of Mars 5 to 10 million years ago and blasted Black Beauty into space have experienced. Despite these violent events, the rock's crystal structure is still intact at the atomic scale.
The lack of radiation damage means the extra elements were part of the crystal from the beginning, rather than being contaminated later, Kavosy said.
Eva Scherer Researchers at Stanford University in California believe that if this rock really formed in the presence of hydrothermal fluid and magma beneath the surface of Mars, water vapor entered the Martian atmosphere before rivers and lakes formed. This suggests that it may have been released.
“We're at a very old time, 4.5 billion years, when Mars was formed,” Scherrer said. “So this would be the earliest evidence of water behavior on Mars.”
Bluesky, a social media platform, saw a surge of over 700,000 new users in the week following the US election, as users sought refuge from misinformation and offensive content on another platform, X.
The company reported reaching 14.5 million users globally, up from 9 million in September, with significant growth from North America and the United Kingdom.
According to social media researcher Axel Brands, Bluesky provides an alternative to X (formerly Twitter) with better mechanisms for blocking problematic accounts and addressing harmful behavior.
Brands mentioned, “Twitter users are turning to Bluesky for a more pure social media experience, free from far-right activity, misinformation, hate speech, and bots.”
CEO Jay Graeber stated that Bluesky, initially a project within Twitter, became an independent entity in 2022.
The platform’s growth is attributed to dissatisfaction with X and its owner, Elon Musk, leading to a significant user exodus from X following their rebranding.
Bluesky reported acquiring 3 million new users after X was suspended in Brazil and another 1.2 million after a policy change by Company X.
The platform’s user base is expanding rapidly, with notable figures such as historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat finding appeal in Bluesky’s community and features.
Bluesky is currently the second-largest social networking app in Apple’s US App Store, with a recent increase in monthly active users.
Recent updates to Bluesky, including direct messaging and video features, aim to differentiate it from meta-owned competitors and offer a user-friendly experience.
Overall, the platform is experiencing a resurgence reminiscent of the early days of social media, attracting users with its vibrant and active community.
Prominent figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have found a home on Bluesky, highlighting the platform’s appeal as a space for real connection.
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