When an unavoidable tragedy occurs and astronauts lose their lives in space, the astroforensics team is summoned to identify the perpetrator. But how does one investigate a murder in an environment devoid of gravity?
The Yo-yo Diet Phenomenon
Our fat cells possess memories, which may explain why so many diets fail. If the weight you shed continues to resurface, you may find yourself caught in a “yo-yo diet” cycle. Here are effective strategies to maintain your weight.
The Mysterious Galaxy
Six red dots identified by the James Webb Space Telescope are causing significant challenges for astrophysicists. These elusive points are so uncommon that they jeopardize our understanding of the universe.
The Intelligence of Fungi
New findings suggest that fungi may exhibit signs of intelligence… but does this imply they possess consciousness? While some experts believe they do, others remain skeptical. Here’s what we know.
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“Natural” Cosmetics: Why the once praised “natural” cosmetics could be more harmful to the planet than their lab-engineered counterparts.
Dark Oxygen: Researchers in the deep sea hypothesize that “dark oxygen” is generated on the ocean floor. Meanwhile, deep-sea miners dispute this notion, sparking a heated debate.
Q&A: Your queries answered! This month: Is suspended animation a reality? Does the deep sea have seasons? Why does Mars seem so peculiar? Is AI producing false memories? Can tumors cultivate their own organs? Is it possible to avoid “Ozempic Face”? Have you ever intercepted messages from aliens? And more…
13,000 years ago, humans had to come up with creative ways to survive in icy environments. Recent studies suggest that their solutions were more inventive and brutal than previously thought: Ice Age hunters likely used weapons to impale prey such as mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers.
This discovery could potentially resolve a long-standing debate regarding the purpose of ancient tools known as Clovis points. These sharp rocks, made of materials like chert and flint, have been found throughout the United States in various sizes. While it was initially believed that Clovis points were used as spear tips by skilled hunters for hunting large animals like mammoths and bison, a new study suggests a different perspective.
Published in the journal PLoS One, the study conducted by archaeologists from the University of California, Berkeley proposes that these weapons were used to ensnare and wound charging animals, and possibly even defend against sabre-toothed cats.
So how did this hunting method work? Hunters likely positioned the sharpened spear in the ground at an angle, allowing the animal’s momentum to drive the spear deep into its body upon impact. This innovative technique provided a strategic advantage in hunting large animals, making it more effective than traditional spear-throwing.
“This ancient Native American design represents a significant advancement in hunting strategies,” stated Scott Byrum, a contributing researcher. John Myers, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding ancient survival techniques that have been utilized worldwide for millennia.
To validate their findings, the researchers conducted experimental simulations of the hunting technique in addition to analyzing historical records and literature. This process led to a better understanding of how Clovis points were used to hunt mammoths during the Ice Age.
A replica of an ancient Clovis point shows distinctive flutes near its base. These may have been the weapons used to kill the mammoth. – Photo by Scott Byrum
Recreating this ancient hunting technique through experimental models enabled researchers to gain insight into the effectiveness and practicality of pike hunting. Byrum and his team aim to further test their theory by creating a simulated mammoth to assess the durability and impact of the Clovis point.
This method of impaling prey, known as pike hunting, has historical precedence in warfare and hunting practices. During the Ice Age, this technology was crucial for survival as it allowed hunters to reuse their weapons and avoid the challenge of finding suitable materials for crafting new spears in harsh winter conditions.
By discovering how Clovis points were utilized in hunting, researchers have shed light on the coexistence of early humans with large extinct animals. This new perspective highlights the innovative strategies employed by ancient hunters and deepens our understanding of human history.
A surprising study finds that people with dark personality traits can also be highly empathetic – but does this make them more dangerous? that's right What goes on in the mind of a dark empath?
Lionsman Mushroom
Lion's Man is making waves right now. This hairy mushroom's health-boosting and disease-preventing properties are being lauded across the internet and it's widely available as a supplement, taking the health food world by storm. But is all the hype real? Food and nutritionist Dr Emma Beckett delves into the science behind Lion's Man's claims for immunity, inflammation, gastrointestinal health, mental health, cognition, heart health, diabetes and cancer – and of course the side effects.
Deep Sea Creatures
Discover some weird and wonderful creatures that live in the darkest depths of the ocean and the extraordinary vision they've evolved. To find prey or avoid predators, these incredible eyes can detect bioluminescence, or the last vestiges of the sun's light dripping into the pitch black ocean.
Black hole collision
Just as runners “hit the wall” at the end of a race, supermassive black holes come to a near-complete halt as they hurtle towards each other. Is it dark matter that gets them over this final hurdle and allows them to collide?
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Questions and Answers: Expand your science knowledge bit by bit. This time we will be covering topics like: What is the most secret weapon we know? How to overcome the fear of rejection? What is the strongest substance in the universe? Do we all have lizard brains? Can we really absorb microplastics through our skin? And many more!
Polluted Rivers: This year's men's triathlon was postponed due to concerns about the quality of the Seine's water. Meanwhile, in Britain, seas and rivers are being used as dumping grounds for untreated sewage. terrible it is?
Scientific Hacks for Better Sleep: Did you know the secret to better sleep is to fall asleep faster? Here are 8 science-backed tips to help you fall asleep quickly and restfully every night.
Issue 409 will be released on Tuesday, August 20, 2024
When you search the hashtag “mental health” on TikTok, you’ll come across a plethora of videos discussing “shadow work.” These videos have collectively amassed over a billion views and contributed to the success of The Shadow Work Journal, written by former TikTok employee Kayla Shaheen.
Despite its peculiar nature, the shadow work trend is actually a modern interpretation of a concept introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in the mid-20th century.
Jung, a colleague of Sigmund Freud, shared Freud’s belief in the significance of the unconscious mind in human psychology. One of Jung’s theories about the unconscious posits that everyone has a “shadow” self – a part of us comprised of characteristics we fear or dislike. He referred to it as the “shadow” to signify its dark and undesirable nature that we can’t escape.
Jung suggested that our shadow self is revealed when we speak or act thoughtlessly, and it can also manifest in our dreams.
The purpose of shadow work is to delve deeper into understanding your shadow self, learn from it, and integrate it into your being. By doing so, you can feel more authentic and whole as your shadow is a genuine part of who you are. Jung argued that the shadow possesses valuable attributes like raw power and insight, which can enhance creativity, personal understanding, and resilience when expressed.
Shadow work involves introspective exercises to connect with your shadow. For instance, Shaheen recommends spending time in a quiet, dimly lit space, listening to your inner voice, and reflecting on the words that come to mind.
Visualization exercises are also common in shadow work, such as imagining two doors leading to your ideal self and your shadow self, and envisioning the experience of walking through each door.
While some therapists appreciate the increased interest in self-reflection, others are concerned that the portrayal of shadow work on social media lacks depth and may not fully capture Jungian psychology. Additionally, for individuals with traumatic backgrounds, reflective practices may trigger distressing emotions best addressed in a therapeutic setting.
For skeptics, Jung’s theory, like Freud’s, lacks empirical evidence and may potentially harm individuals by attributing distressing thoughts to a supposed part of themselves.
This article explores the question “What is shadow work, and can embracing your shadow self enhance mental health?” posed by Lina McBride from Norwich.
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Ultimate Fun Facts:Explore more fascinating science on this page.
This avant-garde science communicator is a colleague BBC Science Focus Contributor, Professor Giles Yeo.
Cosmic String
Cosmic strings would be the Holy Grail of physics: if discovered, they would unify our theories and even make time travel possible. Now, astronomers may have found the first evidence that cosmic strings exist.
Back pain
Most common treatments for back pain don’t stand up to scientific scrutiny. Experts dispel myths about back pain, including common causes and treatments. Learn the best ways to reduce strain and relieve back pain.
Hedonic happiness
The everyday actions you take can make or break your happiness. Here are some less-talked-about lifestyle choices you can make to improve your baseline happiness and stop chasing elusive feelings.
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Creatine: Every supplement claims to have positive effects on the body and brain. But research shows that these claims are false. actually When it comes to creatine, we’ll explore whether these claims are true and cover the potential side effects of the supplement.
Question-and-answer session: Answers to all the questions you didn’t know you needed answers to.
Doomsday Glacier: Thwaites Glacier is the world’s largest glacier, covering an area larger than Florida, but it may be on the verge of collapse… and that’s a big problem.
From the moment you begin as an immature egg in your grandmother’s womb, your fertility journey is limited. However, scientists at Cambridge University may soon change that reality in their bright labs.
Dr. Staša Stankovic is one of these scientists. Her research at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge has uncovered valuable data in the field. Now, Stankovic is focused on unraveling the mysteries surrounding fertility and menopause.
Women’s ovaries hold a finite supply of eggs that represent their fertility. Stankovic compares this concept to an hourglass, where the sand (eggs) can only flow in one direction until it runs out, signaling the onset of menopause.
“In science, we aim to control the hourglass’s middle part,” she explains. “Our goal is to limit the eggs’ loss over time, preserving the highest quality eggs for as long as possible.”
Working with a team for five years, Stankovic is developing a method to predict the natural fertile period and age of menopause with 65% accuracy, aiming for 80% accuracy in clinical practice.
Additionally, the team is exploring potential drug solutions to address infertility and potentially delay menopause. The onset of menopause is influenced by the ovarian reserve and the rate at which eggs deplete over a woman’s lifetime, typically occurring around age 50 with fewer than 1,000 eggs left.
For women experiencing early menopause or premature menopause, these drug treatments could be life-changing.
Your Menopausal Age
Researchers are studying genetic factors using a blood sample rather than physical examinations to understand how genes impact fertility and menopause.
The research team analyzed data from over 200,000 women in the UK Biobank, which provided insights into menopause, fertility, and overall health metrics. This data will help researchers make connections with other health outcomes like dementia and diabetes.
By identifying over 300 genetic variations linked to menopause, researchers foresee potential solutions for ovarian diseases and early menopause using drug interventions.
Stankovic cautions against relying solely on IVF and egg freezing as magical solutions, emphasizing the need for more effective treatments with higher success rates.
Effects of Delaying Menopause
The research team is hopeful about developing infertility drugs that not only address symptoms but also regulate ovarian function. While the drug’s availability is estimated within the next decade, rigorous testing and validation are still required.
The team’s focus is on identifying crucial genes, conducting testing in ovarian models, and formulating drugs that maintain egg quality and quantity as women age.
Ultimately, the goal is to delay menopause and extend reproductive lifespan. Preliminary studies on mice have shown promising results, but further research is needed before human trials can begin.
Aside from fertility benefits, delaying menopause could also impact women’s overall health, offering insights into various diseases associated with menopause.
About Our Experts
Dr. Staša Stanković is an ovarian genomicist with a PhD in reproductive genomics from the University of Cambridge. Her groundbreaking research has been published in top scientific journals, shedding light on the biological mechanisms behind ovarian aging and menopause.
We explore some of the strangest places in the universe, where “normal” rules don’t apply. From places where you blow bubbles over time, to mysterious spaces, and places where glass falls horizontally.
Digital healthcare: Are those most in need excluded?
Advances in technology, such as the proliferation of smartphone apps, should make it easier for people to access medical services. But what if you don’t have a smartphone? Or do you want to talk to a real person? It’s clear that this technology doesn’t work for everyone.
belly fat
There’s a lot of advice out there on what exactly to do to move your spare tire around your waist. But do any of them actually add up? What does the science say?
three body problem
A new film adaptation of the biggest science fiction book of the century is coming to Netflix. This is a thrilling story powered by ideas and breakthroughs from cutting-edge science and technology. We dive deeper into the science behind fiction.
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Google Gemini: Google is working on a model to compete with Open AI. But is giving ChaGPT enough? Our tech expert Alex Hughes takes a closer look at the latest in AI.
Quantum field theory: Quantum field theory is a symphony of vibrations that orchestrates everything from the motion of particles to the birth of stars and even dark matter. This is one of the most elegant and precise concepts in all of science. Professor Stephon Alexander explains the basics and why they’re important to understanding the universe.
Resurrection of infectious diseases: With measles, plague and cholera rearing their heads again, are we seeing a resurgence of disease at unprecedented levels? And what would it take to cause a new pandemic?
Issue 403 Released on March 19, 2024
don’t forget that BBC Science Focus Also available on all major digital platforms.There are versions of android, Kindle Fire and Kindle e-readers,but also, iOS app For iPad and iPhone.
You’ve probably seen the five love languages before, whether it’s on an online dating profile, a glossy magazine, or a viral TikTok video.
The theory behind it, created by American couples counselor Gary Chapman, claims that there are five “languages” that romantic partners use to communicate their love. It’s words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. According to Chapman, problems in relationships can be caused by not communicating in the same “love language.”
But is there any science behind this theory? Do couples need to have compatible love languages to be happy?
“There’s no psychological evidence to suggest they actually exist,” he says Dr. Martin Graf, an academic psychologist who studies the psychology of romantic relationships. “If you look at it, [the theory] Intuitively it seems very plausible, and there are one or two studies that might support this whole concept a little bit, but there isn’t much scientific support for this idea. “
read more:
Although there is no evidence to fully support Chapman’s five languages, various theories of relationship behavior suggest that the following may be the case. three, Six or Seven One of them. It is also unlikely that there is only one preference. Sometimes they want physical touch, but in other situations they want to spend quality time with their partner.
Moreover, we are not always good at knowing which language we want. In one 2013 study, participants selected the love language they felt most applicable to themselves and answered a series of questions designed to elicit their language preferences. of language. However, the relationship between People said what their preferred language was, but the answer didn’t matter: For example, someone might say that their love language is “physical touch,” but say they feel more loved when their partner gives them a gift.
This same study also found no significant results when researchers compared language-matched and language-matched couples and their relationship satisfaction. Sharing a love language doesn’t necessarily make you happy (Another study in 2017 came to the same conclusion.).
However, similar relationships yield better results. If you have a conflict over values or handle the conflict in completely different ways; less likely to report relationship satisfaction.
“We’ve found that romantic couples who share similar core values, such as ethical views, political views, and the way they raise their children, tend to be more compatible,” Graf says.
So “birds of a feather flock together” is a better expression of what we look for in a long-term partner than “opposites attract.” But when we asked a sample of more than 1,600 couples about their personalities, we found that No association was found between similarity and overall life satisfaction. Given that our romantic relationships are influenced by other things that affect our life satisfaction and happiness, it’s clear that similarity alone is not enough to guarantee a happy relationship (or life). Of course.
Despite the lack of evidence to support or disprove Chapman’s theory, it’s still helpful to think about your own wants and needs in a relationship and talk about it with your partner. We often fall prey to cognitive biases known as “cognitive biases.” false consensus effectwhere we assume that others act and want the same things as we do.
Our preferences can change over time. What you consider important in a relationship today may seem superficial in 20 years. In the past, marrying for love may not have been as important as marrying for financial security; Love is now at the top of the list for most people.
About our experts
Dr Martin Graf is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of South Wales, UK. His main research interests are the psychology of romantic relationships, online dating, and social media. His research has been published in the following journals: technology, mind, behavior, nova science and Cyberpsychology, behavior, and social networking.
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If 2023 is any indication, 2024 is poised to be a year of breakthroughs across all areas of science. From cutting-edge advances in artificial intelligence to revolutionary discoveries in health and space exploration, here’s a look at what to expect in science in 2024.
Things are looking up: Space in 2024
If all goes well, humans will return to the moon for the first time in 50 years in 2024. NASA’s Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in late 2024 and will carry a crew of four, including the first woman and person of color to participate in a moon mission.
Additionally, NASA’s Plankton, Aerosols, Clouds, and Ocean Ecosystems (PACE) satellite mission is scheduled to launch early this year. It aims to collect data that will help scientists measure the health of Earth’s oceans.
The long-delayed debut of ESA’s Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket is scheduled for mid-2024. And in October, NASA’s Europa Clipper will begin a journey to one of Jupiter’s icy moons to investigate the possibility of life.
Prior to that, the Jupiter Ice Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft, launched by ESA in 2023 on a similar mission, is scheduled to perform its first Moon-Earth flyby a few months earlier, in August of this year.
Meanwhile, for those of us stuck on Earth, a total solar eclipse will hit Mexico, Canada, and the United States on April 8th, making it the last one to hit the continental United States until 2044.
This year also marks the bisection of Halley’s Comet’s 76-year orbit. This means that Halley’s Comet will reach its furthest point from Earth before beginning its return journey.
Artemis II (LR) Crew member and pilot of American astronaut Victor Glover. Reed Wiseman, Commander. Christina Hammock Koch, Mission Specialist. Canadian astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen (rear) poses with the Artemis II crew module. – Photo credit: Getty
New frontiers in health and medicine
Following the attention given to the weight-loss drug semaglutide in 2023, a phase 3 trial of a similar anti-diabetic drug, tirzepatide (Mounjaro), is expected to yield results towards the end of 2024.
Advances in CRISPR therapy are also expected after the gene editing tool was approved in the UK in November 2023 for the treatment of sickle cell disease and the blood disease beta-thalassemia. It is then expected to be approved in the United States by March 2024.
Transplant medicine also appears to be reaching new heights. In fact, biotech company EGenesis suggested earlier this year that gene-edited pig organs could be donated to human babies in need of transplants.
We also need to see how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve cancer diagnosis, test the effectiveness of new cancer treatments and drug combinations, and see the results of clinical trials of vaccines against HIV and malaria. be.
technology outlook
There has been a lot of speculation about OpenAI’s next project, and although nothing has been officially announced, an update to its Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) model is expected.
Generative AI will continue to find new applications in research and everyday life. The future technology for VR and gaming is shaping up to be interesting as tech giants pour resources into mixed reality.
This year, advances in fundamental areas of human life, from medicine to infrastructure, will be matched and enhanced by breakthroughs in robotics, smart materials, and eco-materials.
We expect more advanced robots that can perform microscopic operations inside the body, buildings that react to changing weather conditions, improved solar cells, and more. Some of these may be created with his 4D printer, which uses smart materials to create objects that can change shape.
Science in 2024: Culture
science fiction glasses
Movies in 2024 will be dominated by book adaptations, reboots, and sequels. alien to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. But what really caught our eye is the sequel.
inside out 2 We are committed to tackling the mental health of teenagers, and our first work explored the minds of children. We also return to your question about extraterrestrial terraforming. Dune: Part 2.
Inside Head 2: Fear, Sadness, Anger, Joy, Disgust, Anxiety take on new challenges. – Photo credit: Alamy
game changer
AI will greatly enhance camera operations at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Facial recognition is prohibited, but AI surveillance can help detect abandoned items and suspicious activity in large groups.
artificial politics
In 2023, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned the U.S. Congress about the risks AI poses to politics, but amid a rise in political deepfakes, there are growing concerns about generative AI’s ability to mislead. Concerns are growing. Still, several important elections are scheduled to take place in 2024, including the US presidential election.
Experts answer the biggest questions facing humanity. For example, “Could we live on Mars?” Do pills really help you lose weight? Can technology save us from climate change? Will we ever cure cancer? Is it possible to stop the decline in cognitive function?
How to master your metabolism
Are you ready for a slimmer, healthier you? It's time for a metabolic transformation. By making a few simple, research-backed changes, you can significantly increase your body's calorie burn.
The best science images of 2023
A piece of rock shattered from an asteroid hurtling through space, the first human footprint in North America, and a giant meatball made from a woolly mammoth. These are just some of the images that caught our attention BBC Science Focus This year's editor, no, the last one was not a mistake. Enjoy our selection of incredible images as we rub our eyes in 2023.
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The best technology innovations of 2023: The desire to improve things drives innovation. We highlight some of the ground-breaking innovations announced last year that caught our attention as they took improvement to a whole new level.
Pain gap between men and women: The health care system is flawed and has dire consequences for women. Dr. Michelle Griffin looks at why women's pain is undertreated.
How modeling comet impacts can help find extraterrestrial life: A cosmic snowball in space may have delivered life-giving molecules to Earth.
Issue 400 will be released on December 29, 2023
don't forget that BBC Science Focus Also available on all major digital platforms. There is a version of android, Kindle Fire and Kindle e-readers, but also, iOS app For iPad and iPhone.
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