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Stress Management Tips

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If you’re considering running a marathon or starting an intense exercise program this January, why not opt for a simpler goal to enhance your well-being in 2026?

Setting an objective to calm your mind may not sound ambitious, but it offers significant health benefits. A growing body of research highlights the negative impact of stress on overall health, particularly on heart health. Techniques to achieve a calm state can elevate self-reported happiness, enhance emotional regulation, and improve sleep quality research suggests.

This calmness counteracts “allostatic load,” a term used by Sula Windgassen, a health psychologist and author of the upcoming book Everything is Inside Your Body. Chronic stress contributes to wear and tear on the body, overburdening key regulatory systems like metabolic, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and immune functions, which can eventually lead to disease.

When discussing stress relief, you’ve likely come across traditional advice such as exercise and deep breathing techniques. While these methods are scientifically validated, there’s emerging evidence pointing to additional calming strategies beyond a digital detox or time spent in nature.

Develop a Sense of Control

Research shows that enhancing your perception of control over stressors can aid in managing them. For example, in a study, participants who completed daily questionnaires about their stressors reported that feeling in control correlated with resolving stress more effectively.

“It’s not that the stressor goes away; rather, individuals feel empowered to address it, letting it go or resolving it,” says David M. Almeida from Pennsylvania State University, a key researcher in the study.

Achieving this sense of control involves small, manageable changes. “Feeling in control doesn’t imply you have everything figured out; it means being aware of factors you can influence during stressful situations.” This might look like deciding your response, determining when to engage, or finding a resolution path.

Interestingly, your age may influence how easily you feel in control. “Longitudinal studies indicate that while older adults may feel less control over work demands and family matters, they often maintain a strong sense of control in interpersonal conflicts,” Almeida explains. “This allows individuals to focus on what truly matters.”

Practice Self-Compassion

Research increasingly supports the idea that self-kindness can mitigate stress’s adverse effects on mental health, as indicated in a 2024 study. This research assessed self-compassion levels and participants rated statements such as, “I strive to understand and be patient with parts of my personality I dislike.” Researchers later investigated how these feelings affected coping mechanisms.

Data revealed that increased self-compassion fostered healthier coping strategies, enhancing psychological well-being while reducing anxiety, depression, and stress during a six-week study period.

Using Various Self-Care Techniques for Inner Calm

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These findings support earlier research, which suggests that self-compassion can buffer against the harsh realities of stress. Psychologist Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, emphasizes three components: self-kindness, recognizing our shared humanity, and mindfulness, which allows us to separate ourselves from painful emotions.

Self-compassion works by reducing self-criticism and rumination, according to William Van Gordon, a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor of Contemplative Psychology at the University of Derby. However, he advises moderation to avoid self-obsession, which can lead to heightened stress levels.

A balanced approach includes practicing compassion for both yourself and others. Van Gordon recommends active listening when someone shares their struggles with you, making eye contact, putting away your phone, and fully engaging with them (“That sounds really challenging, I’m sorry to hear that.”). Additionally, loving-kindness meditation can be beneficial; spend 10-15 minutes daily sending well wishes to others using phrases like “May you be happy” and “May you be peaceful.”

Revamp Your Self-Care Practices

Self-care strategies play a significant role in stress management, as extensively documented in the literature. Recent studies indicate that integrating diverse self-care methods into your routine yields the best results. For instance, a study published in August explored how individuals coped with stresses during the coronavirus pandemic, analyzing participants’ journaling about their anxiety levels and the coping techniques employed.

I’ve discovered that a blend of strategies such as journaling, exercise, social interaction, and cognitive reframing—like focusing on the positive aspects of not receiving a promotion—has proven most effective.

“Different combinations of tools worked for different individuals on different days,” explains Ethan Cross, an experimental psychologist from the University of Michigan involved in the research. “Those adept at managing emotions benefited from having a wide array of emotional regulation strategies.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Revolutionary Quantum Computing Breakthrough: Secure Methods for Backing Up Quantum Information

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Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Kyushu University have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in quantum computing by developing a novel method to create redundant, encrypted copies of qubits. This represents a pivotal step towards practical quantum cloud services and robust quantum infrastructure.

Google’s quantum computer – Image credit: Google.

In quantum mechanics, the no-cloning theorem asserts that creating an identical copy of an unknown quantum state is impossible.

Dr. Achim Kempf from the University of Waterloo and Dr. Koji Yamaguchi from Kyushu University emphasize that this fundamental rule remains intact.

However, they have demonstrated a method to generate multiple encrypted versions of a single qubit.

“This significant breakthrough facilitates quantum cloud storage solutions, such as quantum Dropbox, quantum Google Drive, and quantum STACKIT, enabling the secure storage of identical quantum information across multiple servers as redundant encrypted backups,” said Dr. Kemp.

“This development is a crucial step towards establishing a comprehensive quantum computing infrastructure.”

“Quantum computing offers immense potential, particularly for addressing complex problems, but it also introduces unique challenges.”

“One major difficulty in quantum computing is the no-duplication theorem, which dictates that quantum information cannot be directly copied.”

“This limitation arises from the delicate nature of quantum information storage.”

According to the researchers, quantum information functions analogously to splitting passwords.

“If you possess half of a password while your partner holds the other half, neither can be utilized independently. However, when both sections are combined, a valuable password emerges,” Dr. Kemp remarked.

“In a similar manner, qubits are unique in that they can share information in exponentially growing ways as they interconnect.”

“A single qubit’s information is minimal; however, linking multiple qubits allows them to collectively store substantial amounts of information that only materializes when interconnected.”

“This exceptional capability of sharing information across numerous qubits is known as quantum entanglement.”

“With 100 qubits, information can be simultaneously shared in 2^100 different ways, allowing for a level of shared entangled information far exceeding that of current classical computers.”

“Despite the vast potential of quantum computing, the no-cloning theorem restricts its applications.”

“Unlike classical computing, where duplicating information for sharing and backup is a common practice, quantum computing lacks a simple ‘copy and paste’ mechanism.”

“We have uncovered a workaround for the non-replicability theorem of quantum information,” explained Dr. Yamaguchi.

“Our findings reveal that by encrypting quantum information during duplication, we can create as many copies as desired.”

“This method circumvents the no-clonability theorem because when an encrypted copy is selected and decrypted, the decryption key is automatically rendered unusable; it functions as a one-time key.”

“Nevertheless, even one-time keys facilitate crucial applications such as redundant and encrypted quantum cloud services.”

The team’s research will be published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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Koji Yamaguchi & Achim Kempf. 2026. Encrypted qubits can be cloned. Physical Review Letters in press. arXiv: 2501.02757

Source: www.sci.news

Methods Car Thieves Employ to Steal Vehicles Without Keys (and How to Prevent It)

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Should I store my car keys in a Faraday box? Perhaps. With the advent of keyless entry, you can unlock your car just by approaching it, which is particularly handy when you’re carrying shopping and need to access the trunk.

However, depending on electromagnetic signals for locking and unlocking your vehicle—rather than using a traditional key—means there’s a risk. With the right technology, someone could intercept and misuse that digital communication.

In the UK, there were almost 130,000 vehicles stolen from April 2023 to March 2024. Furthermore, more than half of these incidents involved thieves manipulating the signal from the car key without ever having physical access to it.

This problem mainly affects vehicles with passive keyless entry systems, which enable you to unlock the door just by being within a certain range of the car without pressing any buttons. These systems work by emitting a signal detectable by nearby cars.

The distance at which this works varies by manufacturer, but theoretically, if your keys are inside the house and your car is in the driveway, the keys and the car are far enough apart that no signal should reach them.

Nevertheless, thieves may use devices to extend the key’s signal range, executing what’s known as a relay attack, which typically involves multiple devices.

The first thief situates themselves outside the house within range of the keys and captures the signal to relay it to a second accomplice positioned next to your vehicle.

While keyless cars offer convenience, they also present potential security vulnerabilities – Credit: Getty

They utilize their devices to capture the exact data contained within the signal, which is then relayed to their accomplice with a second device near your car. The vehicle recognizes the key-specific signals and unlocks as if the key were present.

To prevent this scenario, apart from switching to a lower-tech vehicle, ensure that your key doesn’t emit any signals when you don’t need to unlock your car.

Some manufacturers are offering “sleeping fobs” in newer models that employ motion-sensor technology to halt signal transmission when the key is not likely to be needed.

Additionally, some companies are developing keys that operate on bandwidths much more difficult to relay.

One day, we may eliminate keys entirely, replacing them with biometric technologies like fingerprint or facial recognition for car access.

For now, if your vehicle employs keyless entry and a sleep mode isn’t available, it’s advisable to find alternative ways to block the signal.

This is where a Faraday box or pouch becomes useful. These containers are lined with conductive material to prevent signals from entering or exiting.

You might also wrap the key in aluminum foil or store it in a microwave or refrigerator—just ensure the latter is turned off.

This article addresses the query (submitted by Radhika Bhatia): “Should I keep my car keys in a Faraday box?”

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

Discover our ultimate fun facts and explore more fascinating science content.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Incredible Methods to Detect Parkinson’s Disease Years Earlier

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Parkinson’s disease is currently the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the United States; currently, 90,000 individuals have been diagnosed—a staggering 50% increase since the mid-1980s. The situation mirrors global trends, with an expected 25 million diagnoses by 2050, effectively doubled compared to today’s figures.

In summary, this is a significant issue. However, these numbers aren’t entirely surprising, considering longer life spans and growing populations. What is truly alarming, and frankly, unsettling, is how unprepared we are for this impending wave.

The available treatments are limited. Diagnostic tools are inadequate. Honestly, we still don’t really understand what causes Parkinson’s disease.

Yet, before you plunge into the depths of neurodegenerative despair, there is hope. Scientists worldwide are actively working to change the narrative surrounding Parkinson’s.

In particular, researchers are revolutionizing how we can detect Parkinson’s disease. Armed with cutting-edge technologies, AI, and a fundamentally evolving understanding of disease manifestation throughout the body, they’re aiming to detect it decades before any symptoms present themselves, rather than years.

Presently, there is no single definitive test for Parkinson’s disease. Instead, doctors diagnose it based on physical symptoms like tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness, often requiring assessments of tasks such as writing and speaking.

“Today’s neurodegenerative disease is what cancer used to be 50 years ago,” states Professor Hermona Solek, a leading researcher in next-generation diagnostic tools. “We often finalize a diagnosis only when all involved nerve cells are already dead, leaving us unable to properly treat the patient.”

But what if there were a way to diagnose Parkinson’s disease before it could do any significant harm? What if it could be caught on its way, before brain cells face irreversible damage?

This is no longer just a theory. In fact, there are multiple methods emerging.

AI Desk Accessories

Not all breakthroughs in diagnostics require a blood sample; some new innovations could be found right on your desk.

At the University of California, Los Angeles, Professor Junchen‘s lab claims to have developed a diagnostic pen that detects Parkinson’s disease by analyzing your writing.

This unique pen’s soft tip is crafted from an innovative magnetoelastic material that alters the magnetic field in response to pressure or bending—a phenomenon previously known in rigid metals but now applied to soft polymers, creating a new type of highly sensitive and user-friendly sensor.

“Utilizing magnetoelastic effects with soft materials represents a new operational mechanism,” Chen explains. “It can translate small biomechanical pressures, like arterial vibrations, into high-fidelity electrical signals.”

The pen, filled with magnetized ink, captures movements occurring both on paper and in the air, subsequently sending this data to a computer. Here, AI models analyze specific patterns linked to Parkinson’s motor symptoms.

Smart pens can be especially beneficial in countries where affordable diagnostic tools are needed—UCLA Jun Chen Lab

In a pilot study, the system successfully distinguished individuals with Parkinson’s disease from healthy controls with over 96% accuracy. Even better, Chen believes this pen can be mass-produced for merely $5 (£3.70).

“We have already filed for a patent and aim to commercialize this pen,” Chen states. “Simultaneously, we are working on optimizing it to improve our diagnostics’ accuracy.”

If handwriting isn’t your preferred method, Chen’s team has you covered. They’ve also created a Smart Keyboard utilizing the same principles.

This keyboard tracks subtle changes in pressure and rhythm as users type—often imperceptible to the naked eye—and relays that information to machine learning algorithms.

Initial tests indicate that it can identify characteristic motor abnormalities in Parkinson’s disease, and the team is combining this technology with a mobile app for continuous remote monitoring.

Together, these intelligent desk tools offer a glimpse into what Chen describes as the “personalized, predictive, preventive, participatory” future of Parkinson’s healthcare; a future where diagnosis is as simple as taking notes or sending emails.

This portable, soft keyboard employs magnetic elasticity to detect Parkinson’s disease and sends results to your smartphone—UCLA Jun Chen Lab

Parkinson’s Eye Test Detects Changes Two Decades in Advance

Picture diagnosing Parkinson’s disease during a routine eye exam, potentially decades before symptoms manifest. This is the promise of new non-invasive techniques developed by Victoria Soto Linan and her colleague at Laval University in Canada, using an established eye test known as electroretinography (ERG).

According to Soto Linan, this eye test serves as a “window to the brain,” as it’s part of the central nervous system. Issues like blurred vision and diminished contrast sensitivity manifest long before the well-known symptoms of tremors and stiffness.

The Soto Linan team collected data on how the retina responds to light flashes from both mice engineered to develop Parkinson-like symptoms and newly diagnosed human patients.

They identified unique retinal signals demonstrating “sick signatures,” particularly in women. Crucially, this weakened signal appeared in the mice prior to any behavioral disease signs.

This leads Soto Linan to believe that this eye test could detect Parkinson’s as much as 20 years before symptoms arise.

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And unlike other early diagnostic methods, this one is already well ahead of the game.

“ERGs are now employed in clinics to diagnose eye diseases,” she explains. “They also have the major advantage of being non-invasive.”

The patient sits before a dome that flashes lights, capturing how the retina responds. This could easily be integrated into a few minutes of your annual vision test.

The team is currently focusing on enhancing the testing process, with hopes of linking it to machine learning algorithms that will accelerate results, perhaps even making them portable to smartphones.

While the research is still in its early stages, its potential ramifications are enormous. As Soto Linan states, “This tool could identify at-risk individuals up to 20 years before symptoms emerge. Imagine how much less damage could be done by then.”

“Even if there is no treatment available, early intervention can often improve the quality of life in the long run.”

Detecting Parkinson’s Through Vocal Patterns

Can your voice indicate Parkinson’s disease before your physical body does? Recently, preprint research has explored whether AI can identify Parkinson’s simply by analyzing a person’s speech.

Around 90% of individuals with Parkinson’s develop motor speech disorders known as dysarthria, which can lead to issues like irregular pitch and breath control.

Globally, over 8.5 million individuals live with Parkinson’s disease—Getty

These vocal changes often arise earlier than more noticeable motor symptoms like tremors, thus serving as promising early indicators.

The research team collected brief audio recordings from 31 to 195 individuals, which included 33 individuals with the disease. Their data served to train four different AI models to recognize disease-related vocal patterns. When tested on new recordings from the same participants, the models identified Parkinson’s with an accuracy exceeding 90%.

These changes are subtle and occur early, and researchers suggest that speech-based assessments could provide low-cost, non-invasive diagnostic options.

Blood Tests for Diagnosing Parkinson’s

In April 2025, SOREQ and her colleagues—including her son—announced a groundbreaking new study.

The findings were surprising; they revealed a simple and inexpensive blood test utilizing PCR technology (remember this from COVID-19?) that can accurately detect Parkinson’s disease a few years prior to symptom onset.

This test functions by measuring the ratio between two markers that SOREQ and her team discovered in human blood.

Specifically, individuals with Parkinson’s exhibit abnormally high levels of certain molecules known as transfer RNA (tRNA) fragments, identifiable by a specific repeating pattern called conserved sequence motifs.

A new blood test can detect early Parkinson’s by analyzing the unique imbalance of small RNA molecules in your blood—Credit: Getty

Simultaneously, the team uncovered reduced levels of tRNA associated with mitochondria (the “powerhouses” of cells, responsible for producing most of your body’s energy) in the blood of Parkinson’s patients.

“We proposed that if there’s an increase in one sequence and a decrease in another, we could calculate the ratio and identify a probable diagnosis,” says Soreq.

If this ratio exceeds a specific threshold, it strongly indicates a diagnosis.

According to SOREQ, a traditional diagnosis of Parkinson’s can cost up to $6,000 (£4,400). The two PCR tests required for their method? Only $80 (£60).

“This is monumental. It makes a substantial difference,” she states. With some luck, the team anticipates this will become widely available within the next decade, potentially providing a crucial lifeline for patients globally.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Astronomers Investigate Methods to Enhance Searches for Alien Technosignatures

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A recent study indicates that a group of astronomers in Pennsylvania, along with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, can determine when and where human deep space transmissions are most likely to be detected by extraterrestrial observers beyond our solar system. They can use observed patterns to inform searches for alien intelligence.

Analysis conducted on deep spacenetwork uplink transmission logs over the last two decades et al. It was found that these emissions mainly targeted the Sun or various planets. Image credit: Gemini AI.

“Humans primarily communicate with probes sent to explore spacecraft and other planets like Mars,” stated Pinken Hwang, a graduate student in Pennsylvania.

“Nevertheless, planets such as Mars do not obstruct entire transmissions, enabling spacecraft or celestial bodies along these interplanetary communication pathways to potentially detect signals.

“This implies that when searching for extraterrestrial communications, we need to consider planets outside our solar system that might align with our signals.”

“SETI researchers frequently scan the universe for indicators of past or current technology, referred to as Technosignatures, as potential signs of intelligent life.”

“By analyzing the direction and frequency of our most prevalent signals, we shed light on where we should enhance our chances of discovering alien technical stations.”

In this research, scientists scrutinized logs from NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), a global facility that enables two-way radio communication with human-made objects in space, serving as a relay to send commands and receive data from spacecraft.

They meticulously aligned the DSN logs with spacecraft location data to pinpoint the timing and direction of radio communications emanating from Earth.

Even though some countries have their own deep space networks, researchers argue that the NASA-operated DSN effectively represents the types of communications coming from Earth, as NASA has spearheaded the most profound space missions to date.

“The DSN establishes crucial connections between Earth and interplanetary missions, such as the NASA New Horizons spacecraft and the NASA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.”

“It emits some of humanity’s most powerful and sustained radio signals into space, and the public logs of these transmissions have enabled our team to identify temporal and spatial patterns over the past 20 years.”

This study concentrated on transmissions directed into deep space, such as signals sent to interplanetary spacecraft, rather than those intended for low-Earth orbit satellites.

The researchers found that deep-space radio signals primarily targeted spacecraft close to Mars.

Other frequent transmissions were directed at telescopes situated at the Lagrange points near Earth and various planets. These points are areas where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth keep the telescope in a relatively fixed position from the perspective of Earth.

“Based on data from the last 20 years, we found that if extraterrestrial intelligence exists where we can observe the alignment of Earth and Mars, there is a 77% chance it falls within our transmission path.

“Furthermore, if they can see consistency with another planet in a solar system, there is a 12% chance they are on that transmission path.”

“However, these opportunities are quite substantial if planetary alignment is not observed.”

The team emphasized the need for humans to search for interplanetary alignments to enhance their quest for Technosignatures.

Astronomers routinely examine exoplanets during alignments with their host stars. In fact, the majority of known exoplanets were discovered by observing a star dimming as a planet passes in front of it.

“We only recently started detecting a significant number of exoplanets in the last 10 to 20 years, so we still lack knowledge about many systems that include more than two transiting exoplanets,” Fan noted.

“With the imminent launch of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, we anticipate the detection of 100,000 previously unknown exoplanets, which should significantly expand our search area.”

Our solar system is relatively flat, with most planets orbiting in the same plane, consequently, most DSN transmissions occurred within 5 degrees of Earth’s orbital plane.

If the solar system were metaphorically likened to a dinner plate with planets and objects lying on its surface, human transmissions would predominantly travel along the surface instead of leaping out into space at steep angles.

The authors also calculated that average DSN transmissions can be detected approximately 23 light-years away using telescopes similar to ours.

“Focusing on solar systems within 23 light-years, particularly those aligned in the plane towards Earth, could enhance our search for extraterrestrial intelligence,” they concluded.

The team is currently strategizing on identifying these systems and estimating how often they receive signals from Earth.

“Humanity is still in the early stages of our space exploration journey, and as we extend our missions into the solar system, transmissions to other planets will only increase,” remarked Professor Jason Wright of Penn.

“We have quantified ways to improve future searches for extraterrestrial intelligence by using our deep space communications as a benchmark to target systems with specific orientations and planetary alignments.”

The team’s paper was published online today in the Astrophysics Journal Letters.

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Ping Chen Fan et al. 2025. Detection of extraterrestrial civilizations employing a global-level deep space network. apjl 990, L1; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf6b0

Source: www.sci.news

Innovative Methods for Extracting Uranium from Water Could Boost Nuclear Power in China

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SEI 250610463

Tianwan Nuclear Power Station on the Yellow Sea coast of China

Xinhua Newsletter/Alamie

Researchers in China have created a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for extracting uranium from seawater. As the global leader in nuclear power plant construction, China’s advances will bolster its uranium supply.

The oceans are estimated to contain around 4.5 billion tonnes of uranium, significantly more than is available through traditional mining methods. However, these resources are challenging to extract. Previous methods have involved immersing materials in artificial sponges or polymers inspired by natural structures, or utilizing a more costly electrochemical approach to capture uranium atoms via an electric field.

A team led by Shuangyin Wang from Hunan University has developed an enhanced electrochemical technology that is not only cheaper but also requires less energy than existing methods. Unlike conventional systems that draw only uranium atoms towards a positive electrode, this new device utilizes two copper electrodes.

This innovative method managed to extract 100% of uranium from a brine solution within 40 minutes, whereas physical adsorption techniques typically yield less than 10% of the available uranium.

When tested with small amounts of natural seawater, the system processed about 1 liter at a time, achieving 100% extraction from East China Sea water and 85% from South China Sea water. In the latter scenario, larger electrodes allowed for complete extraction.

The energy cost of this method is over 1000 times lower than that of traditional electrochemical procedures, with extraction costing approximately $83 per kilogram of uranium—four times cheaper than earlier methods and significantly less than the $360 per kilogram average.

By scaling up production and device size, researchers believe this technique could lead to the “industrialization of uranium extraction from seawater” in the future. During a 58-hour test in 100 liters of seawater, the largest experimental setup managed to extract over 90% of the available uranium.

A notable earlier success in uranium extraction from seawater occurred during the 1990s, when the Japanese Atomic Energy Agency used physical adsorption methods to recover kilograms of uranium, setting a significant benchmark for subsequent research in China.

In 2019, China’s state-run nuclear power company partnered with research institutes to form the Innovation Alliance for Seawater Uranium Extraction Technology. The goal is to establish a demonstration plant by 2035 and achieve continuous industrial production by 2050. South China Morning Post.

Half of the reactor projects currently in development are located in China. The country is positioned to significantly increase its nuclear capacity by 2030, potentially surpassing both the US and the EU. International Energy Agency.

Nonetheless, China still imports the majority of the uranium it requires, making any economical extraction from seawater highly valuable.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Numerous methods Kennedy is currently undermining vaccines

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At a Senate confirmation hearing to become Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presented himself as a vaccine advocate. But he, and the agency he leads, have taken widespread, sometimes subtle steps to undermine confidence in the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine.

National Institutes of Health I stopped the funds For researchers who wanted to study vaccine hesitancy and find ways to overcome it. They also cancelled a program aimed at discovering new vaccines to prevent future pandemics.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shelved an advertising campaign for influenza shots. Kennedy inaccurately says that scientists advising the CDC on vaccines have it “Serious, serious conflict of interest” Advertising your product means you can’t trust it.

Ministry of Health and Welfare It cuts billions of dollars to state health agencies, including the funds needed to modernize state programs for childhood immunization. Kennedy said in a televised interview Wednesday that he was unaware of the widely reported development.

The Food and Drug Administration canceled a public meeting with its scientific advisor on the flu vaccine and later kept it behind closed doors. a Top Official Pause Agency Reviews Novavax Covid Vaccine. In a TV interview last week, Kennedy mistakenly stated that a similarly created vaccine would not work against the respiratory virus.

Some scientists say they saw the pattern: efforts to erode support for everyday vaccination, and scientists who have long maintained it as a public health goal.

“It’s a simultaneous process that increases the likelihood of hearing him and reducing the likelihood of hearing other voices,” said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, of Kennedy.

He “recognizes the voices of other authorities,” she said.

The HHS opposed Mr Kennedy’s opposition to the vaccine.

“Secretary Kennedy is not an anti-vaccine, he’s safe,” department spokesman Andrew Nixon said in a statement. “His focus has always been to ensure that the vaccines were rigorously tested for efficacy and safety.”


Source: www.nytimes.com

Physicists discover innovative methods for producing Livermorium-116

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Using the 88-inch cyclotron from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, an international team of physicists successfully created two atoms Rivermorium (Atomic Symbol LV) A breakthrough in which the lab tries to create a new element 120, using titanium beams for the first time.

Rivermorium, make a gate et al. A fusion isotopes of titanium and plutonium. Image credits: Jennius, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Currently there are 118 known elements, 90 of which occur naturally on Earth.

Heavy elements than fermium (with 100 protons) must be created by combining the nuclei of two lighter elements, but not all combinations work.

The heaviest, currently known element was created by fusing a specific isotope of calcium, calcium-48 (containing 20 protons and 28 neutrons), with a heavier element, but this method works only up to element 118 (Oganesson).

The number of special (so-called magic) protons and neutrons makes it more possible to fusion of calcium and the survival of the nucleus of the resulting compounds.

But to go further, scientists need new techniques.

In the new experiment, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and her colleague Dr. Jacklyn Gates made a major breakthrough by accelerating a beam of titanium-50 (containing 22 protons and 28 neutrons) with an 88-inch cyclotron, dissolving it with the nucleus of plutonium-244 (containing 94 protons and 150 diseases) and titanium nucleus.

Over 22 days, physicists successfully produced two atoms of rivermorium, the chemical element with symbol LV and atomic number 116.

This experiment shows that new elements other than Oganesson can be created in the Berkeley Lab.

However, creating element 120 is expected to be 10-20 times more difficult than Livermorium.

If successful, element 120 is the heaviest known element, offering a new opportunity to explore the outermost limits of atomic structures and further test theories of nuclear physics.

“This response has never been demonstrated before, and it was essential to prove that it was possible before embarking on an attempt to make a 120,” Dr. Gates said.

“Creating new elements is a very rare feat. It’s part of the process and it’s exciting to have a promising path forward.”

“This was an important first step in trying to make something a little easier than the new ones to see how the movement from the calcium beam to the titanium beam changes the rate at which these elements are produced,” said Dr. Jennifer Pore of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

“When we are trying to create these incredibly rare elements, we are at the absolute edge of human knowledge and understanding. There is no guarantee that physics will work as expected.”

“Using titanium to create element 116, we now have the ability to verify that this production method works and plan the hunt for element 120.”

Team’s paper Published in the journal Physical Review Letter.

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JM Gate et al. 2025. Towards discovering new elements: production of rivermorium (z = 116) 50Ti. Phys. Pastor Rett 133, 172502; doi: 10.1103/physrevlett.133.172502

Source: www.sci.news

The introduction of AI to young children by parents and teachers: methods and rationale

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sWith the introduction of ChatGpt in late 2022, generative artificial intelligence moved from adult users in office settings to college students in campus libraries and even teenagers in high school hallways. As the youngest among us start exploring AI technologies, parents and teachers are grappling with the responsibility of introducing children under 13 to these transformative tools. Though tools like Google’s Gemini and other AI models set age restrictions, many parents and teachers are taking it upon themselves to educate children about AI.

Inspired by stories of parents teaching their children AI skills to prepare them for success in school and beyond, we reached out to Guardian readers to learn how and why others are doing the same. While our original stories focused on parents, we also included responses from teachers, recognizing their role in preparing children for the future.

Some parents and teachers have embraced AI fully, integrating ChatGpt into everyday interactions with children, using it to explain concepts, answer questions, and share imaginative stories. Others approach AI cautiously, limiting its use to controlled settings due to the potential risks it may pose to young users.

On the other hand, some parents and teachers choose not to expose their children to AI at all, expressing concerns about potential harm and ethical implications that remain unresolved. While differing in their approaches, each perspective contributes valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue about AI education.

The responses below have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Parents Explain the World with AI’s Help

I’ve discovered that introducing AI to my children has been an unexpected joy of parenting. Instead of saying “Let’s google,” my 9 year old now asks, “Daddy, can you chat?” when he needs help with homework. He’s learning to seek guidance rather than just answers.

My 6 year old’s endless questions often test my patience. In those moments, AI comes to the rescue, keeping him engaged and imaginative with topics like dinosaurs and space. It’s a mental recharge for me.

With three daughters, we’ve moved from reading princess stories to creating our own imaginative adventures, thanks to AI.

– Matt, Consultant, 44, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

I use AI as an intellectual backup when I can’t answer my kids’ questions. We have AI voice assistants at home and in the car, helping us with random queries and homework tasks. It streamlines our discussions and keeps learning active. However, I caution my kids about the accuracy of AI responses, as they can sometimes be misleading.

– Graham, Writer, Lumberhurst Quarter

I incorporate AI tools into my daily interactions with my 3 year old, using them to explore nature and answer his questions about the world. I encourage his curiosity and engagement while limiting screen time and passive activities.

While AI is a part of our routine, it’s not the sole focus.

– Nate, Data Scientist, East Bay, California.

I’m introducing my eldest to Openai’s ChatGpt, portraying it as a creative assistant for generating ideas and resources. I teach her to approach AI skeptically and not to rely solely on its responses.

– Ben, 47, Entrepreneur, Germany

To showcase AI to my children, I use ChatGPT to generate stories and engage them in critical thinking by analyzing the authenticity of AI-generated content.

I also encourage them to question misleading information and develop a healthy skepticism towards online content.

– David, Software Developer, Ireland

For students struggling with writing, I recommend using AI for sentence-level feedback and grammar explanations, but caution against relying on AI to create complete essays.

– Jenny, English and Drama Teacher, Valencia, Spain

In my household, AI is used sparingly, with the children understanding it as a tool to enhance their learning and curiosity. We emphasize the importance of personal effort and creativity in achieving success.

– Anton, Fintech Director, Geneva

Rather than introducing AI directly, I stimulate my students’ imagination by using AI tools like Adobe Firefly to inspire descriptive writing and Character.ai to bring historical figures to life. I emphasize the creative potential of AI while also highlighting its limitations.

– Angie, Primary Teacher, Tunbridge Wells

I approach AI education as a generative tool, emphasizing its role as an aid rather than a replacement for imagination. By demonstrating AI’s creative capabilities, students learn to use it responsibly while appreciating its limitations.

– Adam, 28, High School Teacher, Christchurch, New Zealand

How NOAA’s reduction in cutting methods impacts weather forecasting reliability

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A devastating tornado near Minden, Iowa in April 2024

Jonah Lange/Getty Images

Wide range of firing and staffing changes at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) could reduce the reliability of the country's weather forecasts, according to several researchers and the American Meteorological Association.

“The consequences for Americans will be vastly broad, including increasing vulnerability to dangerous weather,” the organization states: statement.

More than 880 NOAA employees have been fired under President Donald Trump's control. statement From US Senator Maria Cantwell. This includes researchers working to improve hurricane predictions and build next-generation weather models, as well as more than 200 people within the National Weather Service, part of NOAA. According to two former NOAA employees, another 500 people accepted an offer to resign from their previous “Folk in the Road” offer, and shouted more for the agency.

A NOAA spokesman declined to discuss shootings and staffing changes. They said the agency will “continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings based on our public safety mission.” However, external researchers and former NOAA employees say the cuts could reduce the quality of the agency's weather forecasts.

The change states, “it has a clear cascade effect that affects predictions, even what people are watching on the phone via third parties.” Kari Bowen University of Colorado at Boulder University.

Cuts can quickly affect alerts about extreme weather like tornadoes and hurricanes, and in the long run, even commercial weather apps rely on modeling from NOAA, allowing general weather reports to be more accurate. Below are four ways experts can predict a shooting storm, and four ways that resignation can affect weather forecasts.

Delayed Tornado Warning

National Weather Service operates a network of 122 weather forecasting offices nationwide. At least 16 offices in the central part of the country's prone to tornadoes are currently understaffed. William Galls At Iowa State University. A former NOAA employee said that over 12 offices in the central region have resigned from head meteorologists. And then the harsh weather season begins in the region.

Nearby offices may be able to help understaffed sites track and alert tornadoes, but confusion can lead to delays. “There's a good chance there's a lot of mistakes,” Gallus says.

Such delays were evident last year when a tornado evacuated local forecast offices in Iowa, Galls said. An adjacent station intervened to track the storm. But amidst the chaos, some residents received five minutes of warning that the tornado was heading their path, rather than the minimum 15 minutes that the forecaster aims to provide. In an emergency, these lost times can make a difference whether they can reach safely.

I don't know when a hurricane suddenly becomes stronger

Some employees fired from NOAA were working to improve hurricane forecasts. In particular, we estimate the time when the situation will rapidly intensify. Rapid strengthening can make hurricanes even more dangerous by reducing the time people prepare. However, these events are well known for predicting.

Hurricane modelers at NOAA and other agencies have made great strides in predicting rapid strengthening in recent years, says Brian Tan At Albany University in New York. This is due to improved modeling, data collection and data integration efforts by NOAA researchers. Currently, personnel delivery “destabilizes the entire process of improving hurricane track and intensity prediction,” he says.

“It will be slower to promote the improvements we have been expecting to improve hurricane forecasts over the past 30 years.” Andy Hazeltonworking on improving NOAA's hurricane forecasts before being fired from its position at the agency's environmental modelling centre last week. He says several people have been fired from a group of “Hurricane Hunters” that fly planes into the storm to collect data, including two flight supervisors.

Unreliable weather data

Accurate weather forecasts rely on a continuous stream of information about real-time conditions around the world, collected from marine buoys, satellites, radars and other sensors. Data will then be fed into global weather models that underlie both public and private forecasts. Much of the world's data and modeling is provided by NOAA.

Staff reductions could impact these critical data collection efforts and would reduce the quality of forecasts. In fact, some locals Weather Forecast Center Due to a lack of staff, regular balloon launches have already been suspended.

“All of these observation networks are maintained and run by people.” Emily Becker At the University of Miami in Florida. “And we've already lost a lot of people from those teams. That's going to be an aggregate effect.”

Improvements to future weather forecasts have stopped

At least eight people, a quarter of the staff, were fired from the Environmental Modeling Center. This is responsible for verifying weather data and integrating it into a model that is more or less underlying all predictions, says Hazelton. “What is the temperature this weekend?” and everything is “Are there any tornadoes?”

Personnel delivery at the Environmental Modeling Center will slow research to improve current global weather models, he says. Additionally, 10 people have been fired from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, which researchers were building. Next Generation Global weather and climate models.

Such reductions are “very harmful” to efforts to make forecasts more reliable, Gallus says. He says that almost every improvement in forecasts over the past decades depends on improvements in modeling. “If we're losing a ton of researchers working on them, you're basically saying my predictions will never get better.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Four proven methods for creating habits that endure

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Embarking on a new routine can feel intimidating, but it’s actually simpler than we often perceive. Here are some expert tips for ensuring that new habits stick.

How to establish improved study habits

One effective method for developing a habit is to attach a desired new behavior to an existing habit.

For instance, let’s say you want to incorporate a daily 10-minute German vocabulary study session into your routine. Identify habits you already have and integrate your vocabulary learning into them.

For example, if you already have tea every day at 3pm, try studying German vocabulary for 10 minutes while enjoying your tea.

Credit: Kyle Smart

How to cultivate healthier social media habits

There is often criticism surrounding our device and social media usage, but ultimately, only you can determine if your phone is interfering with more important priorities.

If you feel this is the case, one effective way to regain control is by reducing your device usage habits, starting with disabling notifications.

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Notifications can act as triggers for habitual behavior, leading you to mindlessly check emails and social media messages without conscious intent.

Scheduling specific times for using email, social media, or news websites can help break habitual behaviors and allow for more intentional device usage. It’s a proven strategy.

How to develop a consistent exercise routine

If you’re currently not exercising at all and the thought of starting a new exercise habit seems overwhelming, try the 2-minute rule.

This rule, popularized by James Clear in his book Atomic Habits, recommends starting with just two minutes of a new activity to ease its incorporation into your daily life. Once it becomes a habit, you can gradually increase the duration.

Credit: Kyle Smart

Start with 2 minutes of exercise at 8 a.m. daily, whether it’s a brief walk, stair climbing, or some jumping jacks. Gradually increase the duration as it becomes routine. Remember, consistency is key.

Strategies for adopting sustainable habits

The psychology of habits sheds light on why behavior change can be slow, even when attitudes towards the environment evolve. Despite acknowledging the importance of eco-friendly practices, many individuals still engage in harmful behaviors out of habit.

To promote positive change, psychologists recommend habit-based approaches that reduce friction between cues and desirable behaviors.

For example, placing recycling bins near individual desks led to a significant increase in office paper recycling rates, while slowing down elevator doors reduced elevator usage. Small adjustments can lead to significant changes in behavior.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Neglecting easy methods to promote physical activity in our kids

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As you prepare to settle in to watch the latest generation of Olympians and Paralympians display their incredible athletic abilities, the irony is unlikely to escape many, especially if you're watching with your kids.

In May, the World Health Organisation reaffirmed that the majority of young people around the world do not get enough exercise, with children in England and Wales being the most physically inactive in the world. As with so many other issues, screens are often the ones to blame here, but as some of our special issue on physical activity highlights (see 'How much exercise do kids really need, and what kind?'), the reality is more complex.

It's true that time spent in front of TVs, iPads, and other devices competes with opportunities for physical activity, and we know that spending time outdoors, in nature, and interacting with others has many benefits that kids who are glued to their screens miss out on. But there are plenty of other reasons why kids are inactive, and often these are easy problems to fix.

Earlier this year we reported that school uniforms may be contributing to the problem by being too restrictive, but this could be easily fixed by simply changing uniform policies. Meanwhile, the emphasis on competitive and elite sport in schools takes the fun out of physical activity and causes many children to lose interest.

This is especially true for girls, whose gender gap in physical activity emerges early in life and widens dramatically in the later grades. The fun gap These include issues with periods, embarrassment about performing in front of boys, etc. Providing separate sports sessions for boys and girls, with an emphasis on activity and play rather than competition, can be a big help.

So while events like the Olympics and Paralympics are inspiring, our conversation should focus less on competitive sport and exercise and more on fun, accessible activities that are easy to incorporate into everyday life for everyone.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Experimenting with Neanderthal cooking methods using birds and stone tools

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A researcher plucks the feathers of a bird as part of an experiment to investigate Neanderthal cooking techniques.

Mariana Navaiz

To learn more about Neanderthal culinary talents, archaeologists cooked five wild birds using only fire, their hands, and stone tools. The experiment shows that our ancient relatives needed significant manual skill to use a flint blade to butcher an animal without injuring themselves.

Neanderthals lived in Europe and Asia until about 40,000 years ago. Hearths have been found at many of their sites, and there is evidence that they hunted large animals such as elephants and cave lions.

Mariana Navaiz Researchers at the Catalan Institute of Human Palaeoecology and Social Evolution in Tarragona, Spain, say that by recreating ancient activities such as cooking and butchering using tools available at the time, scientists can gain insight into how prehistoric humans lived.

She and her colleagues wanted to better understand archaeological bird remains associated with Neanderthals that date back about 90,000 years ago and were found in deposits in Portugal.

The team selected five birds that had died at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Portugal and were similar in size and species to those found at the archaeological site.Crow), Turtledove(Columba Palumbus) and two European collared doves (Streptopelia decaoctoThe tools used in the experiment were pieces of flint prepared by students of stone tool technology.

All five birds were plucked by hand. The crow and pigeon were butchered raw, while the remaining three were roasted over charcoal. The cooked birds were easily butchered without stone tools, but the raw birds required considerable effort using a flint blade.

“Paleolithic knives were certainly very sharp and required careful handling,” Navais says. “The precision and effort required to use these tools without injuring oneself highlights the practical challenges Neanderthals would have faced in their everyday food processing activities.”

Once the dissection was complete, the researchers prepared the bones and analyzed them for distinctive marks caused by stone tools and fire, as well as identifying wear marks from flint tools.

The burn marks and tool marks were then compared to Neanderthal food remains found at the archaeological sites of Fighiera Brava and Oliveira in Portugal, where bird bones with burn marks and cut marks matched the team’s reconstruction, Navaís said.

“Our experimental studies demonstrate that flaked raw birds display characteristic cut marks, especially around tendons and joints, while roasted birds display burn marks and increased brittleness leading to fractures,” she says. “These findings help distinguish between human-induced modifications and those caused by natural processes or other animals, such as trampling or the activity of rodents, raptors and carnivores.”

Neanderthals were skilled enough to capture and prepare small, fast-moving animals like birds, Navais said. “This study highlights the cognitive capabilities of Neanderthals and demonstrates their ability to capture and prepare small, fast-moving prey like birds, challenging previous ideas that they were incapable of such complex tasks.”

Sam Lin Researchers at the University of Wollongong in Australia say experimental archaeology is like reverse engineering, comparing what happens in modern samples with archaeological material to try to interpret what happened in the past.

In this case, one of the main findings is that cooked birds don’t require tools to prepare them for eating, which means some bones may not necessarily bear tool marks. “They learned that you just need to tear apart a cooked wild bird, just like we do when we eat barbecued chicken,” Lin said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Michael Mosley’s innovative methods in science have improved lives and promoted health

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My first encounter with Michael Mosley was at the BBC Summer Party. A recent documentary I had presented had just aired on horizon, making me eligible to attend the event. Feeling overwhelmed amongst the many celebrities present, I found solace at the bar, quietly observing the crowd, until Michael approached me.

“Hello, I’m Michael Mosley,” he introduced himself. I was well aware of who he was, and we ended up spending the evening conversing. Although I first worked with Michael at an event, that initial meeting at the party left a lasting impression on me. Despite not knowing me, he warmly welcomed me as a newcomer.

Michael’s extensive career as a producer, presenter, and writer at the BBC spanned over 40 years, establishing a unique style of ‘self-experimenting presenter’ in science presentations. He famously delved into self-experimentation, including infesting himself with tapeworms and popularizing the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet to manage his type 2 diabetes.

While Michael faced criticism for his methods, he aimed to communicate science rather than conduct formal experiments. His talent for simplifying complex concepts and making science accessible led to widespread education among audiences.

Personally, Michael served as a valuable mentor, offering practical advice and sharing techniques for effective communication in broadcasting. His influence extended to shaping my approach to interviews and on-camera presentations, guiding my work in academia and beyond.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of clear science communication has been highlighted, emphasizing the impact of effectively disseminating information on health issues. Michael’s contributions in this realm have greatly improved public health outcomes and potentially saved lives.

As a close colleague, respected mentor, and cherished friend, Michael Mosley will be deeply missed.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

4 proven methods to enhance your communication skills

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Observing how people effectively communicate during office meetings or social events can be truly enlightening. Have you ever encountered a super communicator who effortlessly engages in conversations while listening attentively?

Fortunately, effective communication skills can be developed with practice. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Charles Duhigg, author of Super Communicator: How to unlock the secret language of connection, shares valuable insights on enhancing conversation skills for everyone.

Ask Deep Questions

Intriguingly, super communicators tend to ask significantly more questions than average individuals. They often pose deep questions that encourage meaningful discussions about values, beliefs, and experiences. Asking someone about their profession can lead to profound insights about their motivations and perspectives.

Listening Actively

Active listening is crucial in effective communication. When engaging in deep conversations, it is essential to not only listen but also demonstrate understanding through follow-up questions. This technique, known as looping for understanding, shows the other person that their words are valued and respected.

Be Authentic

Genuineness is essential in communication. Authenticity fosters mutual trust and vulnerability in conversations. By asking deep questions, actively listening, and sharing personal experiences, individuals can establish authentic connections that transcend superficial interactions.

Establish a Connection

At its core, conversation is about connecting with others. When engaged in dialogue, the neural activity of individuals becomes synchronized, reflecting a deep sense of connection. Communication allows individuals to share thoughts and emotions, fostering understanding and empathy.

About Our Expert Charles Duhigg

Charles Duhigg is a renowned journalist and author of several best-selling books, including The Power of Habit and Smarter, Faster, Better. In his book Super Communicator, he delves into the art of effective communication and building meaningful connections.

He has also made notable contributions to various media outlets, such as This American Life and NPR, showcasing his expertise in communication and storytelling.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unique feeding methods of Oligocene dolphins

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Aureia lelehua It has unique teeth and is thought to have formed a cage around small fish. These teeth, weak apex, flexible neck, and smallest size among its relatives allow it to be an effective hunter in shallow water, according to a team of paleontologists from the University of Otago.

skull of Aureia lelehua; Notice the spread of the teeth and the unevenness of the face. Image credit: Meakin other., doi: 10.1080/03036758.2024.2314505.

The newly described dolphin species lived in the Oligocene oceans about 22 million years ago.

dubbing Aureia lelehua this species was approximately 2 meters (6.6 ft) long and was very likely echolocated.

It has a weak skull, flexible neck, and unique lateral tooth orientation, suggesting that it scanned shallow waters and captured small prey by placing them in cages in its teeth.

University of Otago palaeontologist Shane Meakin said: “This dolphin had widely spread teeth, which are thought to have hugged fish like a wide cage. Other ancient dolphins in the region typically “This is unusual because it used its teeth to attack its prey.”

“When you look at a dolphin's teeth, it's natural to think that the large teeth at the front and center of the mouth are its main tools for catching prey and stabbing or cutting down unfortunate fish.”

“This looked like how closely related dolphins hunt; Aureia lelehua They seem to be taking a completely different approach, using these teeth in a more delicate way. “

fossil of Aureia lelehua The skull, teeth, ear bones, lower jaw, vertebrae and ribs were discovered in a quarry in New Zealand's Hakataramea Valley.

“Between 22 million and 27 million years ago, New Zealand sank and went from 1% above sea level to completely submerged, during which time marine life flourished,” the paleontologists said.

“The contemporary deposits are representative of many of the cetacean species present in the collections of the University of Otago Museum of Geology.”

“One of them is Aureia lelehua It was taken from a limestone quarry in South Canterbury's Hataramea Valley, known as 'Howe's Quarry'. ”

discovery of Aureia lelehua This indicates that there were many dolphin fossils in one small area, and their shapes varied widely.

“This shows that seemingly similar animals can coexist if they explore different ecological niches,” Meakin said.

“We also show that early prehistoric dolphins used different foraging strategies to explore different niches, which is why fossil localities such as the Hataramea Valley yielded so many species. Extinct dolphins have been recovered.

of findings On February 21, 2024, Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

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Shane Meakin other. Aureia lelehuaa new platanistoid dolphin born in the Oligocene of New Zealand with a unique feeding method. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, published online on February 21, 2024. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2024.2314505

Source: www.sci.news

Breaking the Morning Procrastination Cycle: Tried and True Methods

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If you frequently visit the “How to Be Productive” section of TikTok, you’ve probably encountered the latest strategies to maintain focus and avoid procrastination. The key is to start your day with a low dopamine routine.

According to the low dopamine trend in the morning, the activities you engage in during the first 90 minutes after waking up determine your brain’s cravings for the rest of the day.

If your first interaction after turning off your alarm is to open Facebook or Instagram, you’ll get your initial dopamine fix from your smartphone. As a result, when you’re working at your desk and find your focus slipping, you’ll find it difficult to resist reaching for your phone for another dopamine hit, as warned by TikTok.

Instead of engaging activities, low dopamine mornings focus on calming or mundane tasks. This approach prevents your brain from feeling a lack of dopamine when you start working.

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For instance, you can swap reading the morning news for a light chore, or replace a high-intensity workout with a leisurely walk, yoga session, or meditation.

However, the concept of low dopamine mornings is more complex than popular trends suggest. While dopamine is often dubbed the “reward chemical,” its functionality is multifaceted.

Neurotransmitters play a role in various bodily processes, including movement, attention regulation, milk production, and forming associations between activities and pleasure.

These associations are not limited to joyous experiences. Unpleasant stimuli can also trigger a dopamine release, reinforcing aversion to those activities.

Therefore, if you receive a morning dopamine rush from viewing a distressing news story, you might want to limit your phone scrolling rather than increase it.

Mornings with low dopamine often involve low-intensity exercises like walking or yoga. However, these activities can elevate dopamine levels. Conversely, exercises like running or weight training do not necessarily result in a dopamine release.

Research indicates that running on a treadmill for 30 minutes has no impact on dopamine levels in the brain.

Choosing to spend a morning without social media browsing or opting for time outdoors can still have benefits for cognitive function and overall well-being. However, the effect an activity has on dopamine does not determine its worthiness.

To enhance productivity and combat procrastination, it’s essential to assess your actions individually. If you find distractions from phone notifications or office noise, consider implementing strategies to safeguard your focus.

Shut off your phone or keep it out of sight. Use earplugs or listen to soothing sounds like rain or cafe ambiance to create a conducive work environment.

If smartphone usage concerns you, adopting some aspects of the low-dopamine morning trend, like setting rules for phone usage, could prove beneficial. By consciously scheduling phone time, you can enjoy activities guilt-free and take control of your habits.

This article responds to the question “Is there a science to achieving low-dopamine mornings?” posed by Carla Saunders via email.

For inquiries, please email us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor reach out to us on Facebook, Twitteror Instagram (please include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Preventing Sharks from entering the beach through Catch and Release methods.

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Scarred great white shark sails through Australian waters

Philip Thurston/Getty Images

Great white sharks avoid areas where they are captured, so this could be a way to deter them from hunting near swimmers.

They say it's a flight response. paul butcher In the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Australia. “It's the same with almost any animal, and it's the same with sharks.” The animals then “resume normal locomotor behavior as if nothing happened,” he says.

Butcher and his colleagues use smart (Real Time Shark Management Alerts) Drumlines: Baited hooks attached to buoys 500 meters off the coast in approximately 20 popular areas of New South Wales. Each of the 305 drumlines in total is equipped with a system to notify local response teams, which she aims to reach by boat within 30 minutes of a hooked shark feeding. Lines are set up fresh each morning and collected the same day, so they are never left overnight.

The team records the shark's size and health and tags it. Sharks considered to be more of a threat to swimmers, such as great whites, tiger sharks and bull sharks, are then moved 500 meters offshore and released. Other species, such as hammerhead sharks and gray nurse sharks, are released where they are captured.

Butcher and his colleagues monitored 36 great white sharks (carcharodon carcharius) had a satellite-linked radio-transmitting tag attached to its dorsal fin after being captured in five locations in 2016. During the first 3 days after release, all sharks moved away from the shoreline where they were captured and mostly stayed there. offshore.

“Ten days after release, sharks gradually moved closer to shore, but 77% of sharks remained more than 1.9 kilometers from shore, with an average of 5 kilometers from their tagged location,” the study said. they wrote in their paper.

Additionally, sharks are still being detected by tracking devices an average of nearly 600 days after release, indicating that the program is not increasing the risk of shark mortality.

Since 2015, more than 1,100 great white sharks, with an average length of about 7 feet, have been captured on SMART drumlines and more than 400 capture events have taken place, Butcher said.

The drumline is part of a larger effort in New South Wales to find non-lethal ways to keep great white, tiger and bull sharks away from people in the water. Drones are currently flying over up to 50 beaches to monitor for sharks and other potential threats during the school holidays, with the department using tagged sharks to detect when they pass nearby. It operates 37 listening station buoys. This information is transmitted to the public via: SharkSmart app.

This suite of tools could mean one day the controversial beach nets that captured 228 animals in New South Wales alone during the 2022/23 reporting period can be removed. Of these 228 animals, only 85 were released alive, and more than 200 were non-target species such as turtles, dolphins and seals.

david booth Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney say the findings are very good news. “And being able to see the captured and released animals again after so many years is very moving and certainly better than slaughtering them,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com