Mondo News

Event Horizon Telescope Discovers Potential Origin of Messier 87 Black Hole’s Jet

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the groundbreaking Event Horizon Telescope—a global network of eight advanced radio telescopes—have pinpointed the likely origin of a massive space jet emanating from the core of Messier 87.

This Webb/NIRCam image showcases the extraordinary space jet of Messier 87. Image credits: Jan Röder, Maciek Wielgus, Joseph B. Jensen, Gagandeep S. Anand, R. Brent Tully.

Messier 87, a colossal elliptical galaxy situated approximately 53 million light-years away in the Virgo constellation, is of great scientific interest.

Also known as M87, Virgo A, and NGC 4486, this galaxy hosts a supermassive black hole, approximately 6 billion times the mass of our Sun.

This supermassive black hole generates a striking, narrow jet of particles that extends roughly 3,000 light-years into the cosmos.

To investigate such distant regions, astronomers are combining radio telescopes from around the world to create a virtual Earth-sized observatory known as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).

Using EHT observations of M87 conducted in 2021, researchers assessed the brightness of radio emissions at various spatial scales.

They discovered that the luminous ring surrounding the black hole does not account for all radio emissions, identifying an additional compact source approximately 0.09 light-years from the black hole that aligns with the predicted location of the jet’s base.

“By pinpointing where the jet originates and how it connects to the black hole’s shadow, we are adding significant insights into this cosmic puzzle,” stated Saurabh, a student at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy and a member of the EHT Collaboration.

“The newly collected data is currently undergoing analysis with contributions from international partners and will soon incorporate additional telescopes, improving our understanding of this area,” remarked Dr. Sebastiano von Fehrenberg, an astronomer at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.

“This will provide us with a much clearer view of the jet’s launch region.”

“We’re transitioning from merely calculating the positions of these structures to aiming for direct imaging,” he added.

“The jet is postulated to be launched using the rotational energy of the black hole through electromagnetic processes, presenting a unique laboratory where general relativity and quantum electrodynamics intersect,” explained Professor Bert Lipperda, also from the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.

“Studying how jets are launched in proximity to a black hole’s event horizon is a crucial advancement in our comprehension of these cosmic titans.”

“The observational data will empower scientists to test theories regarding the interplay between gravity and magnetism in the universe’s most extreme environments, bringing us closer to understanding the ‘engines’ that shape entire galaxies.”

Find more details in the result published in the Journal on January 28, 2026, in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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Saurabh et al. 2026. Investigation of the jet-based ejection from M87* with 2021 Event Horizon Telescope observations. A&A 706, A27; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202557022

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Hominin: Potential Overlap with Sulawesi’s Homo Sapiens Revealed

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Leang Bulu Betu, a rock shelter located in the Maros Pankep karst region of Sulawesi, Indonesia, has become a pivotal site for paleoanthropological research. Scholars have uncovered one of the most thorough records of early human habitation in Wallasia, which serves as a critical junction between Asia and Australia. This groundbreaking discovery highlights the timeline of Homo sapiens, revealing their adaptation and existence tens of thousands of years ago, alongside ancient human species.

Leang Bulu Bettue in the Maros Pankep karst region of South Sulawesi. Image credit: Burhan et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0337993.

At Leang Bulu Betu, Basran Burhan and his team from Griffith University have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, stone tools, and animal remains dating back to the Pleistocene era.

Burhan stated, “The depth and continuity of cultural sequences at Leang Bulu Bettue now position this cave as a key site for exploring potential overlaps between different hominin lineages.”

The initial stages of occupation date back approximately 208,000 years and are defined by simple stone tools and evidence of animal slaughter.

Among the significant artifacts are strong stone tools referred to as picks, indicating that archaic human cultural practices predated the arrival of modern humans.

Professor Adam Blum from Griffith University remarked, “These findings suggest an archaic human cultural tradition that persisted into the late Pleistocene in Sulawesi.”

Archaeological evidence indicates a notable transformation around 40,000 years ago, showing advancements in stone technology and the emergence of symbolic behavior, which are closely associated with Homo sapiens.

Burhan noted, “This later phase was marked by a unique technological toolkit and the earliest evidence of artistic expression and symbolic behavior on the island.”

Sulawesi plays a critical role in the narrative of human evolution due to its geographic location between the continents of Asia and Sahul, which once linked Australia and New Guinea, making it a vital conduit for early human migration.

Despite this significance, the area’s dense forests and complex terrains have resulted in a surprisingly minimal archaeological record to date.

This new research raises intriguing possibilities about the coexistence of Homo sapiens with their extinct relatives on Sulawesi.

The researchers propose that Leang Bulu Bettue could provide the first tangible archaeological evidence of this chronological overlap and potential interactions.

The later layers reveal signs of symbolic and cultural behaviors, echoing discoveries at other ancient Sulawesi sites known for rock art and advanced tools.

These advancements were initially thought to be exclusive to Homo sapiens, suggesting that the arrival of modern humans brought not only technological innovations but also new cognitive and cultural practices.

Professor Blum expressed, “Archaeological research on Sulawesi is particularly compelling because, unlike Australia, which shows no evidence of human habitation prior to our species’ arrival, Sulawesi was inhabited by various hominins for a million years before our emergence.”

“If we dig deep enough, we may find evidence of interactions between these different human species.”

Burhan stated, “There may be several more meters of archaeological layers beneath the deepest level we have explored at Leang Bulu Bettue.”

“Further investigations at this site could yield groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding of early human history on Sulawesi and beyond.”

The findings were published in December 2025 in the journal PLoS ONE.

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B. Burhan et al. 2025. A near-continuous archaeological record of Pleistocene human occupation discovered at Leang Bulu Bettue, Sulawesi, Indonesia. PLoS ONE 20 (12): e0337993; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0337993

Source: www.sci.news

Moroccan Hominin Fossils: Potential Close Ancestors of Modern Humans

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Ancient Human Jawbone Discovered in Morocco’s Man Cave

Hamza Mehimdate, Casablanca Pre-History Program

Approximately 550,000-year-old fossils discovered in North Africa potentially belong to a shared ancestor of Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans, existing right before these three significant hominin lineages diverged.

Neanderthals and Denisovans, the final common ancestors of modern humans, are believed to have thrived between 765,000 and 550,000 years ago. However, key questions about their existence and habitats still challenge our understanding of human evolution.

Recent fossil discoveries suggest that researchers, including Jean-Jacques Hublin from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, are nearing the pivotal moment of divergence in ancient human lineages.

Hublin and his team examined various fossils, including two adult jawbones, one juvenile jawbone, and several vertebrae unearthed from a cave referred to as the Cave of Mankind near Casablanca, Morocco. One of the adult jawbones had been detailed in a 1969 study, while the remaining specimens are presented for the first time.

The fossilized molars share similarities with early Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, yet their jaw structures resemble ancient African Homo erectus.

Fortunately, these Moroccan hominids existed around the same period as changes in Earth’s magnetic field, recorded within the geological formations containing the fossils, allowing for precise dating to approximately 773,000 years ago.

Hublin described the find as filling a “significant gap” in the African human fossil record dating back to between one million and 600,000 years ago. Paleogenetic studies reveal that the ancestors of Neanderthals and Denisovans diverged around this time, while H. sapiens evolved independently in Africa.

The newly identified fossils are contemporaneous with a hominid population in Spain, previously hypothesized to serve as a common ancestor between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

Excavation Team at Moroccan Fossil Site

R. Gallotti, Casablanca Pre-History Program

Both Homo ancestors and Moroccan hominins exhibit “a mosaic of primitive and derived features,” Hublin notes, suggesting possible genetic exchanges across the Strait of Gibraltar. However, notable distinctions exist between the fossils from both areas, with Spanish specimens appearing more Neanderthal-like.

“The last common ancestor likely inhabited both sides of the Mediterranean during that era, indicating a deep African lineage for Homo sapiens opposed to the Eurasian origin theories proposed by some,” Hublin states.

Julian Lewis, a professor at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, expresses intrigue over the physical differences in early Pleistocene hominids closely related to our species.

“The key takeaway is that these differences have been developing for a substantial period,” Lewis concluded, alluding to the arrival of the Homo ancestor in Spain, indicating it may represent one of several species across North Africa that eventually crossed over to Europe.

Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum in London has also contributed to this discussion. His research, including findings from human fossils in China published last year, suggests that the last common ancestor of Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Denisovans could date back over a million years.

“The specific continent for that common ancestor’s existence remains unknown,” Stringer remarked. “Yet even if it lived outside Africa, our analysis indicates that the evolution of Homo sapiens predominantly took place in Africa, suggesting a potential early migration back into Africa for continued evolution.”

These newly identified Moroccan fossils may even represent early specimens of Homo sapiens, though sufficient skeletal fragments are lacking for definitive classification.

Ongoing comparisons with previously studied fossils will help ascertain their evolutionary positioning.

Topics:

Human Evolution/
Ancient Hominins

Massive Black Holes: Potential Remnants from the Early Universe Explained

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Primordial black holes likely formed shortly after the Big Bang.

Shutterstock/Mohd. Afuza

An exceptionally massive black hole from the early universe may represent a type of exotic starless black hole first theorized by Stephen Hawking.

In August, Boyuan Liu and his team from the University of Cambridge used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to uncover a peculiar galaxy named Abell 2744-QSO1. This ancient galaxy, dating back 13 billion years, harbored a black hole around 50 million times the mass of our Sun but hosted extremely few stars.

“This contradicts traditional theories which dictate that stars must form prior to or simultaneously with black holes,” Liu explained. Typically, black holes are believed to evolve when massive stars exhaust their fuel and undergo gravitational collapse.

Liu and his team conducted initial simulations suggesting that QSO1 might have originated as a primordial black hole—an exotic concept introduced by Stephen Hawking and Bernard Carr in 1974. Unlike conventional black holes, primordial black holes are thought to form from density fluctuations shortly after the Big Bang.

While most primordial black holes likely evaporated by the time of the JWST’s observations, some might have persisted, evolving into larger black holes like QSO1.

Although Liu and his team’s calculations align broadly with their observations, they remain relatively simple and do not factor in the intricate interactions among primordial black holes, gas clouds, and stars.

Now, the authors have employed advanced simulations to investigate how primordial black holes grew in the universe’s infancy. They analyzed how gas dynamics influenced the formation of early primordial black holes and how interactions with newly formed and dying stars affected them.

Their predictions about the black hole’s ultimate mass and the heavy elements present in it are congruent with the findings from QSO1.

“It’s not conclusive, but it represents a compelling possibility,” Liu stated. “These observations suggest that established black hole formation theories may not fully explain the phenomenon, making the notion of a significant primordial black hole in the early universe increasingly plausible.”

Simulations indicate that primordial black holes could be a feasible origin for QSO1, according to Roberto Maiorino, a team member involved in the discovery of black holes. “The alignment of their predicted properties with those of QSO1, in terms of black hole mass, stellar mass, and chemical composition, is both intriguing and promising.”

However, standard models of primordial black holes typically predict that their maximum mass should be around a million solar masses, while Maiorino pointed out that QSO1 is 50 times larger. “Nevertheless, it’s plausible that these primordial black holes are densely concentrated, allowing them to merge and grow rapidly,” he noted.

A further challenge arises from the requirement that for a primordial black hole to initially collapse, a burst of high-energy radiation, like that from a nearby supernova, is essential; however, no potential sources have been identified near QSO1, according to Maiorino.

Mysteries of the Universe: Cheshire, England

Experience a weekend with some of the brightest scientific minds as you delve into the universe’s mysteries, featuring an exciting itinerary that includes a tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope.

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Exploring the Potential of LSD for Treating Anxiety Disorders in 2026

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

LSD May Enhance Brain Rewiring and Alleviate Anxiety

Tumegy/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

LSD and its effects on brain rewiring — LSD May Enhance Brain Rewiring and Alleviate Anxiety

Tumegy/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Two significant trials examining the potential of the hallucinogen LSD to alleviate anxiety are set to conclude in 2026. Early-stage trials have shown promising results, potentially allowing the treatment to be available in the United States by 2027.

Generalized anxiety disorder is prevalent, causing intense anxiety about various issues. Traditional treatments often include antidepressants and talk therapy, yet approximately half of patients do not respond adequately.

Other psychedelics, like psilocybin and MDMA, are already being utilized in certain nations, including Australia and Switzerland, to treat severe depression and PTSD. LSD is gaining attention in mental health studies, primarily because it has been shown to induce deep emotional experiences and may enhance the brain’s capacity to form new neural connections.

A pivotal trial in 2025 demonstrated that a single high dose of LSD significantly reduced moderate to severe anxiety for a duration of at least three months.

Currently, two late-stage trials are ongoing, with results expected in 2026. Each trial involves about 200 participants with moderate to severe anxiety who will receive either 100 micrograms of LSD or a placebo. Their anxiety levels will be monitored over three months post-administration.

In the subsequent 10-month phase, all participants, including those initially on a placebo, will have the opportunity to take LSD if they report their anxiety reaching a predefined threshold on a standardized scale. This design aims to assess the duration of effects following a single dose. Dan Carlin, affiliated with New York biotech firm MindMed, has been involved in both the 2025 trial and the current studies.

The primary distinction between the two studies is that, in the second trial, an additional group will receive 50 micrograms of LSD. The 2025 trial indicated this dosage could induce hallucinations but didn’t effectively diminish anxiety compared to the placebo, thereby addressing a common challenge in psychedelic research—participants often struggle to identify if they received the active drug.

Participants in this third group will be aware they received LSD but will remain uncertain if the dosage is sufficient to alleviate anxiety, as noted by Sandeep Nayak of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, who is not part of these trials.

If the results of both trials are favorable, the FDA could approve LSD for anxiety treatment in the United States by 2027, potentially leading to approval in Europe and other regions.

“If the upcoming trial confirms results similar to the previous ones from 2025, that should satisfy the FDA,” said Boris Heifetz of Stanford University.

A meaningful impact on patients’ lives is typically defined as a 3 to 5-point difference on the anxiety scale between placebo and LSD groups, as noted by Nayak. The 2025 trial showed a difference of approximately five points, indicating a strong possibility the next trial will meet this threshold. However, any therapeutic benefits must be weighed against the duration of effects and potential side effects.

For instance, temporary psychological distress during treatment might be acceptable to the FDA, unlike long-lasting distress, Nayak stated. Notably, long-term distress was not observed in the 2025 trial.

Even with potential approval, Nayak emphasizes it may take several years for LSD to become widely accessible for anxiety disorders, and it would likely be a last-resort treatment after conventional therapies fail. This is primarily due to the logistical challenges, such as the need for clinicians to supervise patients during psychedelic experiences.

Topics:

Donald Trump and Elon Musk: A Potential Challenge for Science in 2025

Posted on December 10, 2025 by

Elon Musk assisted the U.S. government in slashing science budgets

Jason C. Andrew/Bloomberg via Getty Images

One of the most iconic images of 2025 features billionaire Elon Musk, a special adviser in President Donald Trump’s administration, brandishing a gleaming red chainsaw and proclaiming a message about reducing federal funding. This heavy-handed metaphor captured the impending cuts that would have profound impacts on scientific funding, leading to the cancellation of space missions and critical public health and climate programs.

President Trump’s rapid dismantling of decades of American leadership in science has been astonishing, with effects likely to last far longer than anticipated. It began with fervor—just a week after Trump took office in January, he signed an order that temporarily halted grants and loans from federal agencies. This led to thousands of NIH grants being suspended or terminated, which is one of the world’s leading biomedical research funders. According to Grant Witness, a platform tracking changes in federal funding during the Trump era, the contraction in funding from entities such as NIH and NSF totals nearly $3 billion.

Following that initial wave, Musk led an independent task force known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was charged with slashing government expenditures. While DOGE aimed to cut costs across the federal landscape, many of its moves directly impacted scientists and researchers. There were significant job cuts at agencies such as the CDC, NASA, the EPA, and the NOAA, among others. In October, the Trump administration announced additional cuts targeting major scientific institutions including the US Geological Survey and the National Park Service, which play crucial roles in monitoring the health of the nation’s agriculture and natural resources and protecting biodiversity.

This all reflects a sweeping policy overhaul during Trump’s presidency. Since WWII, the U.S. has championed scientific research as a pillar of progress and prosperity, a notion conceptualized in the 1940s by the architects of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, the predecessor to the NSF. This ethos, dubbed the “Endless Frontier,” was a revolutionary framework for establishing global leadership in research and technology development. Trump’s administration has systematically dismantled it.

Not only did Trump shrink federal research agencies, but his administration pressured universities to ensure their educational and research agendas reflected government interests. Moreover, he took aggressive actions against established scientific principles. Almost predictably, Trump initiated the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, the preeminent global accord on climate change, shortly after assuming office. Later that year, during a speech at the UN, he labeled climate change “the largest fraud ever perpetrated” and maligned renewable energy as “scams.”

Unsatisfied with these actions, the Trump administration also dismantled key climate data resources and reports previously generated by the government. Staff reductions in many scientific organizations led to the cancellation of essential climate teleconferences at NOAA, and crucial assessments like the U.S. National Climate Assessment were halted. Remaining personnel adhered to Trump’s narrative—for instance, NOAA scientists shocked external climate experts when they dismissed connections between global warming and climate change earlier this year.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doubts established scientific views

Thomas/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Furthermore, public health records saw significant damage. In April, key scientists running the National Survey on Drug Use and Health were dismissed. Later, layoffs occurred at the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which monitors nationwide food security to guide aid allocation. The National Center for Health Statistics also faced cuts, significantly undermining its ability to track important metrics such as births, deaths, and maternal health. The National Death Index was also minimized, eliminating a vital resource for public health studies.

Health policy has become especially murky and devoid of evidence due to President Trump’s selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, presided over more than 10,000 layoffs in government agencies and fueled conflict with public health authorities, leading to many resignations. He perpetuated the discredited notion that vaccines cause autism and even promoted the unfounded claim that Tylenol during pregnancy contributes to autism. In June, President Kennedy bypassed standard procedures to inform that the CDC would no longer endorse COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant individuals. His leadership has embedded the U.S. anti-vaccine movement within the government, damaging public trust in health institutions post-COVID-19.

Under Trump, the U.S. is also retreating from its leadership role in space exploration. Although the president’s budget request delivered in May hasn’t yet been enacted, it hints at a 47% cut to NASA that would stifle scientific progress and eliminate various missions, including ones already underway. For instance, samples collected from Mars by the Perseverance rover will not return to Earth, the Da Vinci probe intended to study Venus will not land, and the Osiris-Apex spacecraft will not gather data on an asteroid, vital for tracking potential threats to Earth. Additionally, NASA is experiencing leadership turmoil, with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation unsuccessfully attempting to manage it, compounded by President Trump’s inconsistent support for his nomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman.

The private sector is also gaining influence amid the Trump administration’s policies. Major tech companies are attempting to forge closer ties with the administration, showcasing their executives at various functions and providing lavish gifts during Trump’s inauguration. They may be looking to gain favor, as evidenced by a new $300 million ballroom in the White House. Their motives could involve seeking exemptions from antitrust regulations or simply reaping the benefits of relaxed environmental standards, while also pushing for developing major data centers for AI projects.

Nearly a year into Trump’s second term, the outlook for scientific progress remains unclear, particularly since the 2026 federal budget is still pending Congressional approval. Even if all proposed cuts do not pass, the administration’s erratic and often antagonistic stance toward science and its practitioners could result in further turmoil, prompting more scientists to exit the U.S. and diminishing critical funding for research essential for public health and ecological sustainability. The demise of the Endless Frontier will reduce America’s global influence, with consequences likely to be felt for years, if not decades.

Topic:

Potential First Signs of Dark Matter Discovered

Posted on November 26, 2025 by

Unexplained radiation surrounding the Milky Way may hint at dark matter’s composition

Trif/Shutterstock

SEI 275649097 — Unexplained radiation surrounding the Milky Way may hint at dark matter’s composition

Trif/Shutterstock

A mysterious glow detected in the outer regions of the Milky Way may provide the first clues about the nature of dark matter, yet astronomers caution that it’s premature to draw any definitive conclusions.

Dark matter is theorized to account for 85% of the universe’s total mass, but scientists have struggled to identify the particles constituting it.

Among the potential candidates for dark matter are weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). These elusive particles are notoriously hard to detect as they seldom interact with normal matter but are believed to occasionally self-annihilate, creating bursts of high-energy radiation in the form of gamma rays.

If dark matter is uniformly distributed across the galaxy as indicated by its gravitational effects, and if it consists of WIMPs, we should observe gamma rays as these particles self-annihilate. For over a decade, astronomers have been investigating whether the anomalously high gamma-ray emissions from the galactic center could signal this phenomenon, yet conclusive evidence remains elusive.

Now, Tomonori Toya, a professor at the University of Tokyo, claims he may have detected such a signal emanating from the Milky Way’s outer halo, utilizing 15 years’ worth of observations from NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.

Toya devised a model predicting the expected gamma-ray radiation in this region based on established sources like stars, cosmic rays, and vast bubbles of radiation identified above and below the Milky Way. Upon subtracting this known radiation from the total observed by Fermi, he found a residual gamma-ray glow with an energy level around 20 gigaelectronvolts.

This specific gamma-ray energy strongly aligns with the theoretically anticipated emissions from WIMPs’ self-annihilation, according to Toya. Although he admits it is too early to assert that these gamma-ray spikes are definitively due to dark matter, he describes the findings as “the most promising candidate for radiation from dark matter known to date.”

“Though the research began with the aim of identifying dark matter signals, I initially felt skeptical—like winning the lottery. When I first observed what seemed to be a signal, I approached it with caution,” says Totoni. “However, after thoroughly checking everything and confirming its accuracy, I was filled with excitement.”

“This represents a significant result worthy of further investigation, but firm conclusions cannot be drawn at this stage,” states Francesca Karoly from the French National Center for Scientific Research in Annecy. Accurately modeling all gamma-ray sources in the Milky Way, aside from dark matter, is quite complex, and Totoni has yet to deeply validate her models.

Silvia Manconi of France’s Sorbonne University asserts that the results need additional scrutiny, and more robust models are essential to establish whether the signals are genuine. Additionally, gamma-ray signals from other sources, like dwarf galaxies, are still unobserved and require thorough explanation, she mentions.

Many alternative radiation sources, including radio waves and neutrinos, will also need analysis to ensure the gamma rays aren’t being attributed to something else, says Anthony Brown from Durham University, UK. “Analyzing from just one perspective isn’t sufficient,” he states. “Dark matter necessitates an abundance of high-quality data.”

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Meta Faces Potential Multi-Million Dollar Fine for Ignoring Content Agreement in Australia

Posted on November 12, 2025 by

Meta and various tech firms that decline to enter into content agreements with Australian news organizations could face hefty multimillion-dollar penalties, as Labor’s proposed media bargaining initiative aims to link fines to the local revenues of major platforms.

New regulations will apply to large social media and search platforms generating at least $250 million in Australian revenue, regardless of whether they distribute news content, as per recent disclosures from Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino.

Labor has shown a slow response in formulating a news bargaining incentive plan due to apprehensions about potential backlash from US President Donald Trump regarding his approach to US-based platforms.

Initially announced in December 2024, the implementation date remains uncertain, pending a month-long public consultation by the government.

These new regulations are intended to compel payments from platforms which have chosen to withdraw from the news media bargaining framework established during Prime Minister Morrison’s administration, a structure that has enabled publishers like Guardian Australia to secure around 30 agreements valued at an estimated $200 million to $250 million annually.

The decline in advertising revenue has significantly affected major media operators like News Corp and Nine and Seven West Media, leading to layoffs and cost reductions, while digital giants such as Google and Facebook’s parent companies continue to enjoy substantial profits.

Meta, which owns platforms like Facebook and Instagram, has declined to enter into new contracts under the existing terms, whereas Google has willingly renewed some contracts with publishers, albeit at lower payment rates.

Tech firms can bypass existing arrangements by entirely removing news content from their platforms, a move made by Meta in Canada in 2023.

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Labor’s new incentive initiative aims to assist news publishers in obtaining funding even from platforms that have opted out of the news bargaining system and to support smaller publishers that depend heavily on digital platforms for content distribution.

A new discussion paper outlines that if a tech platform refuses to engage in a content agreement, it will be required to pay either a portion of the gross revenue produced in Australia or just the revenue stemming from digital advertising. This penalty would be enforced at the group level and would not extend to smaller subsidiary brands owned by larger corporations.

The Treasury has indicated support for a $250 million annual income threshold for this new framework and suggested that the government use the total group income generated in Australia as the primary benchmark for payments.

Preliminary analyses estimate the worth of existing agreements with publishers is approximately equivalent to 1.5% of the revenue generated by relevant platforms in Australia. The new fines could reach 2.25% of revenue to facilitate trading under existing laws. According to the proposed structure of the new incentives, a portion of eligible expenses might be utilized to decrease penalty amounts.

Companies will need to self-evaluate their liabilities under these regulations, but the legislation will depend on a broad definition of social media and search.

Despite not having a registered business account in Australia, Facebook’s Australian subsidiary announced in April that it generated $1.46 billion in revenue for the year ending December 31, an increase from $1.34 billion the previous year, despite declining advertising markets.

President Trump has previously threatened to impose significant trade tariffs on countries perceived to treat American firms unfairly. His former confidant and billionaire advisor, Elon Musk, is the owner of Platform X.

Nonetheless, Labor is proceeding with the introduction of new penalties following Anthony Albanese’s productive meeting at the White House last month.

Former chairman of the competition watchdog, Rod Sims, has expressed support for Labor’s proposed penalty system, stating that Google and Facebook are profiting from content created by Australian news organizations and that failing to bolster journalism would enable lower-quality sources to flourish.

Sims had previously estimated that commercial contracts established under these terms amounted to $1 billion over a four-year period.

The government will continue consultations regarding the incentive plan until December 19, after which it will finalize its strategy in 2026.

Toxic Algae in South Australia: A Potential Global Threat

Posted on November 5, 2025 by

Algal Bloom Devastates Fish Populations in South Australia

Australian Associated Press/Alamy

A vast and lethal algal bloom has wreaked havoc in South Australia over the past eight months, impacting over 20,000 square kilometers of marine habitat. An estimated 1 million animals from more than 550 species have perished, significantly affecting human health as well.

Researchers have recently pinpointed the species responsible for this ecological calamity, cautioning that it represents a “new international threat with unpredictable outcomes.”

The alarming agent is a type of algae known as Karenia cristata. Previously, it was documented only in two locales near South Africa, where it resulted in fish die-offs in 1989 and the mid-1990s, as well as off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

The research team has also identified a novel toxin released by K. cristata, which belongs to a group of compounds called brevetoxins. These toxins can inflict neurological harm on marine creatures, damage fish gills, and lead to fatalities in various species, including sea dragons, great white sharks, and dolphins. Brevetoxins pose a risk to humans via inhalation or ingestion.

Team member Shona Murray, a professor at the University of Technology Sydney, expressed concern among international colleagues regarding the implications of a new toxin-producing species potentially appearing in their waters.

“We are aware that this algal bloom has the capacity to proliferate in other parts of the world,” she cautions. “Previously, we underestimated its ability to create extensive and destructive blooms that could persist for eight months.

“Now we have confirmation, and it’s evident that it’s already occurring in other global regions; thus, I consider it an international threat.”

Satellite Image from August 13: High Concentrations of Yellow-Green Chlorophyll Indicate Algal Blooms Along South Australia’s Coastline

ESA

Murray and her research team noted that nearly 850 instances of harmful marine algal blooms have been documented worldwide from 1985 to 2025, with the recent South Australian event considered “one of the most severe and widespread” ever recorded globally.

The researchers have yet to determine the reason for such a vast and lethal bloom. The rising frequency of harmful blooms globally has been linked to increasing ocean temperatures, and the outbreak coincided with a significant marine heatwave, where water temperatures soared up to 3 degrees Celsius above normal. Nevertheless, the unexpected expansion of the blooms occurred after May 2025 when ocean temperatures began to decline.

K. cristata researchers emphasize the urgent need to comprehend the triggers for the bloom, noting that, given the right circumstances, it could impact numerous countries.

Christopher Keneally from the University of Adelaide points out that the dominant Karenia species previously identified, Karenia mikimotoi, is not known for producing brevetoxins. “There are numerous uncertainties regarding how the specific toxins produced by this species influence humans,” he states.

He concurs that the discovery raises concerns about potential new threats arising beyond Australia. “Given this species’ wide global distribution, it’s likely already present in small quantities in various coastal areas worldwide,” he adds. “As nutrient levels rise in many urbanized coastal regions and sea surface temperatures escalate, we can rightly predict that a variety of bloom-forming organisms will become increasingly prevalent.”

Topics:

Conservation/
Marine Biology

Potential Super Earth Found in the Habitable Zone of Gliese 251

Posted on October 24, 2025 by

Gliese 251 is an early red dwarf star, ranking as the 74th closest star system to our Sun.

An artistic interpretation of the Gliese 251 system. Featuring Gliese 251c (left), its host star (right), and the already discovered planet Gliese 251b (center). Image credit: Michael Marcheschi / m2design.

You can find Gliese 251 as a bright M dwarf star, located at a distance of 5.58 parsecs (18 light years) in the constellation of Gemini.

Also known as GJ 251, HD 265866, or Wolf 294, this star is believed to host at least two super-Earths, Gliese 251b and Gliese 251c.

Initially discovered in 2020, Gliese 251b has a mass of 3.85 Earth masses and completes an orbit in 14.2 days.

The newly identified exoplanet, Gliese 251c, boasts a mass of 3.84 times that of Earth and has an orbital period of 53.6 days.

“With so many exoplanets now known, discovering new ones may not seem significant,” remarked Paul Robertson, an astronomer at the University of California, Irvine.

“The exceptional aspect is that its host star is nearby, roughly 18 light-years distant. From a cosmic perspective, it’s essentially in our neighborhood.”

Gliese 251c was detected using the Habitable Zone Planet Finder (HPF), a state-of-the-art near-infrared spectrometer mounted on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at McDonald Observatory in Texas.

This planetary signal was subsequently validated using the NEID spectrometer at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.

Corey Beard, Data Scientist at Design West Technologies, states:

“While the discovery is statistically significant, we are still assessing the state of the planet due to instrument and methodological uncertainties.”

“Direct imaging of this candidate will rely on the next generation of telescopes and community investment.”

Given Gliese 251c’s closeness to Earth, it stands out as a prime candidate for future direct imaging studies utilizing the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).

The TMT, with its large mirror, could potentially directly image dim exoplanets like Gliese 251c and verify the presence of water.

“TMT is anticipated to be the only telescope capable of capturing such details. These images will pertain to exoplanets,” Dr. Beard added.

“Such imaging isn’t feasible with smaller telescopes.”

The results from the research team were published in Astronomy Magazine.

_____

Corey Beard et al. 2025. Discovery of a nearby super-Earth candidate located in the habitable zone, suitable for direct imaging. A.J. 170, 279; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ae0e20

Source: www.sci.news

‘Enhanced’ CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Potential in Treating Solid Tumors

Posted on October 23, 2025 by

Illustration of CAR T cell therapy targeting tumor cells

Brainlight/Alamy

Illustration of CAR T cell therapy targeting tumor cells

Brainlight/Alamy

CAR T cells, which are immune cells modified to attack cancer, have transformed blood cancer treatments, particularly for leukemia. However, they have struggled against solid tumors. Recently, “weaponized” CAR T cells have successfully eliminated large prostate tumors in mice, providing optimism for similar therapies in humans.

“The tumor is completely gone,” states Jun Ishihara from Imperial College London, marking a unique achievement in animal research.

Our immune system typically identifies and destroys many cancers early on. Cancer cells often display mutated proteins recognized by T cells, which seek to eliminate these threats using surface receptor proteins, functioning similarly to antibodies.

However, not every cancer incites an immune response. In the 1980s, scientists found a way to engineer T cells to target cancer more effectively by incorporating genes for chimeric antigen receptors, hence the term CAR T.

While CAR T cells have shown remarkable success in treating some blood cancers, they also carry significant risks. They are effective for some but not all patients, and ongoing enhancements are needed. The development of CRISPR gene editing facilitates further improvements to these therapies.

Despite advancements, CAR T therapies remain ineffective for most solid tumors due to two primary challenges: the vast heterogeneity of solid tumors—where not all cells present the same mutated proteins—and the tumors’ ability to evade immune responses by emitting “do not attack” signals.

Researchers have attempted to enhance CAR T cells by incorporating immune-boosting proteins like interleukin-12, but this has sometimes resulted in overwhelming immune responses that damage healthy tissues.

Ishihara and colleagues have pioneered a method to localize interleukin-12 specifically to tumors. By fusing interleukin-12 to a protein that binds collagen, which is prevalent in tumors, they engineered it to target the exposed collagen found in both wounds and tumors. “Tumors are rich in collagen and are dense because of it,” Ishihara noted.

The modified CAR T cells produce this fusion protein when they bind to the mutated proteins present in certain prostate cancers. Once released, the fusion protein attaches to the tumor’s collagen, effectively signaling the immune system to launch an attack.

Trial results were promising, as the treatment eradicated 80% of large prostate tumors in the test mice. Additionally, when exposed to cancer cells afterward, no new tumors formed, indicating a robust immune response from the CAR T cells.

Remarkably, this approach did not necessitate preconditioning. Usually, chemotherapy is given to create space for new CAR T cells by depleting existing immune cells, risking side effects such as infertility. “We were surprised that no chemotherapy was required,” says Ishihara. His team aspires to commence human clinical trials within the next two years.

“This is a promising avenue that warrants clinical testing,” stated Stephen Albelda from the University of Pennsylvania. He noted that numerous research groups are also exploring similar methods for tumor-targeted localization of interleukin-12, with encouraging results being reported.

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Gene-Edited Pigs Resistant to Swine Fever: A Potential Advancement for Animal Welfare

Posted on October 22, 2025 by

Gene-edited pigs exhibit resistance to swine fever

Simon Lillico

By making a few genetic modifications, pigs can be rendered entirely resistant to swine fever, a significant issue for farmers globally. This gene editing could also confer resistance to related viruses in cattle and sheep.

The widespread adoption of gene-edited pigs resistant to swine fever is expected to enhance animal welfare, boost productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower retail prices. “This will foster sustainable livestock production and promote the well-being of pigs,” asserts Helen Crook from the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Swine fever is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to symptoms ranging from fever to diarrhea and miscarriage, often resulting in significant pig mortality.

While the disease has been eliminated in many regions, it can resurface. For instance, in 1997, the Netherlands culled 6 million pigs to contain an outbreak, and Japan has faced ongoing challenges since 2018.

Typically, when outbreaks occur, livestock are protected using vaccines containing live, weakened virus strains, which is a complex and costly process. “Vaccination demands extensive coordination and oversight,” mentions Christine Tate-Burkard from the University of Edinburgh, UK.

Countries utilizing vaccinations face restrictions when exporting to disease-free areas. Interruptions in vaccination programs can also lead to outbreaks, as seen recently in the Philippines, explains Tate-Burkard.

Nevertheless, the classic swine fever virus has a vulnerability. The viral protein bundles formed from long chains of amino acids must be cleaved into functional pieces, relying on specific pig proteins for this process.

By altering a single amino acid in this pig protein, referred to as DNAJC14, it may be possible to obstruct this cleavage. Tait-Burkard and colleagues employed CRISPR gene editing to create pigs with this minor modification.

Subsequently, the team sent some of these pigs to a secure facility, where Crook’s group introduced the live swine virus intranasally. All typical pigs fell ill, while the gene-edited pigs showed no signs of infection. There were no symptoms, antibodies, nor detectable virus.

“These pigs demonstrated complete resistance to viral replication and remained healthy and content throughout the experiment,” states Crook.

This research was partially sponsored by Genus, a major international breeding company currently evaluating the commercialization of these pigs.

Genus has previously developed gene-edited pigs resistant to another significant disease, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, which are already approved in the United States, Brazil, and other nations. The company awaits approvals in Mexico, Canada, and Japan—key export markets for the U.S.—before it can start selling semen to farmers.

When used to implement small changes that can naturally occur, gene editing often faces less stringent regulations compared to traditional genetic engineering. Japan has already sanctioned three types of gene-edited fish.

The UK is anticipated to begin approving gene-edited plants soon, although regulations for livestock are yet to be finalized. It is expected that these regulations will prioritize animal welfare.

The research team observed no adverse effects in the swine fever-resistant pigs, according to Simon Lillico and colleagues from the University of Edinburgh, although further research is necessary to confirm these findings.

He emphasizes that traditional breeding lacks such welfare considerations. “It would be beneficial to ensure a level playing field,” he remarks. “We are aware that some conventionally reared animals experience low welfare standards.”

A virus closely related to classical swine fever is responsible for causing bovine viral diarrhea in cattle and borderline disease in sheep. While these diseases are not lethal, they still impact welfare and productivity. The Edinburgh research team is presently examining whether modifications made to pigs will also benefit cattle and sheep.

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Significant Find: Potential Space Debris Unearthed in the Australian Desert

Posted on October 21, 2025 by

A significant piece of what seems to be space debris has been found in a secluded area of the Australian desert, as confirmed by the nation’s space agency on Monday.

The burnt, smoldering object was located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, according to the Australian Space Agency. While its exact nature and origin remain unclear, officials suspect it is likely a decommissioned rocket component.

The Australian Space Agency stated, “The debris is probably a propellant tank or pressure vessel from a launch vehicle.” This was mentioned in a post on X.

Details regarding the size or weight of the object were not disclosed, but the agency is collaborating with local authorities and other space organizations to investigate and ascertain “the precise nature of the debris and its origin.”

NBC News reached out for additional information, but the agency did not respond immediately.

Workers from a nearby mine stumbled upon the object on Saturday along a remote access road. As reported by Sky News, local officials do not believe the debris poses any risk to public safety. NBC News has yet to verify these details independently. (Sky News is a division of Comcast, the parent organization of NBC News.)

Various government space agencies and private companies frequently incinerate malfunctioning rocket parts or satellites in the atmosphere as a method of disposal. However, some debris can withstand the intense conditions of reentry. Despite this, it’s relatively uncommon for space debris to land on land, and even rarer for it to fall in populated regions, given that much of Earth is ocean.

Recently, however, experts have voiced concerns regarding the escalating issue of space debris, particularly with the increase in orbital launches.

Last summer, a 90-pound piece of space debris was found on a hiking trail in North Carolina and was later identified as part of the service module of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which returned four astronauts to Earth from the International Space Station earlier that year.

In March 2024, a 1.6-pound metal fragment crashed through a home in Naples, Florida. Follow-up investigations determined that the debris originated from a cargo pallet that was released from the International Space Station to burn up in the atmosphere.

There are tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of smaller fragments, cluttering Earth’s low orbit, the critical area where many telecommunications and GPS satellites operate. These objects can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour, jeopardizing spacecraft functionality and endangering astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Due to these concerns, experts have long cautioned against the overcrowding of space. NASA and other space agencies are investing in research and technology demonstrations aimed at cleaning up substantial amounts of debris in orbit.

The Australian Space Agency reiterated its commitment in a statement to the long-term sustainability of space activities, which includes debris mitigation, and continues to advocate for this issue on the international stage.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

British MPs Warn of Potential Violence in 2024 Due to Unchecked Online Misinformation

Posted on October 18, 2025 by

Members of Parliament have cautioned that if online misinformation is not effectively tackled, it is “just a matter of time” before viral content leads to a resurgence of violence in the summer of 2024.

Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons science and technology select committee, expressed concern that ministers seem complacent regarding the threat, placing public safety in jeopardy.

The committee voiced its disappointment with the government’s reaction to a recent report indicating that the business models of social media companies are contributing to unrest following the Southport murders.

In response to the committee’s findings, the government dismissed proposals for legislation aimed at generative artificial intelligence platforms, maintaining that it would refrain from direct intervention in the online advertising sector, which MPs argued has fostered the creation of harmful content post-attack.

Onwurah noted that while the government concurs with most conclusions, it fell short of endorsing specific action recommendations.

Onwurah accused ministers of compromising public safety, stating: “The government must urgently address the gaps in the Online Safety Act (OSA); instead, it seems satisfied with the harm caused by the viral proliferation of legal but detrimental misinformation. Public safety is at stake, and it’s only a matter of time before we witness a repeat of the misinformation-driven riots of summer 2024.”

In their report titled ‘Social Media, Misinformation and Harmful Algorithms’, MPs indicated that inflammatory AI-generated images were shared on social media following the stabbing that resulted in the deaths of three children, warning that AI tools make it increasingly easier to produce hateful, harmful, or misleading content.

In a statement released by the commission on Friday, the government stated that no new legislation is necessary, insisting that AI-generated content already falls under the OSA, which regulates social media content. They argued that new legislation would hinder its implementation.

However, the committee highlighted Ofcom’s evidence, where officials from the communications regulator admitted that AI chatbots are not fully covered by the current legislation and that further consultation with the tech industry is essential.

The government also declined to take prompt action regarding the committee’s recommendation to establish a new entity aimed at addressing social media advertising systems that allow for the “monetization of harmful and misleading content,” such as misinformation surrounding the Southport murders.

In response, the government acknowledged concerns regarding the lack of transparency in the online advertising market and committed to ongoing reviews of industry regulations. They added that stakeholders in online advertising seek greater transparency and accountability, especially in safeguarding children from illegal ads and harmful products and services.

Addressing the commission’s request for additional research into how social media algorithms amplify harmful content, the government stated that Ofcom is “best positioned” to determine if an investigation should be conducted.

In correspondence with the committee, Ofcom indicated that it has begun working on a recommendation algorithm but acknowledged the necessity for further exploration across a broader spectrum of academic and research fields.

The government also dismissed the commission’s call for an annual report to Parliament concerning the current state of online misinformation, arguing that it could hinder efforts to curtail the spread of harmful online information.

The British government defines misinformation as the careless dissemination of false information, while disinformation refers to the intentional creation and distribution of false information intended to cause harm or disruption.

Onwurah highlighted concerns regarding AI and digital advertising as particularly troubling. “Specifically, the inaction on AI regulation and digital advertising is disappointing,” she stated.

“The committee remains unconvinced by the government’s assertion that the OSA adequately addresses generative AI, and this technology evolves so swiftly that additional efforts are critically needed to manage its impact on online misinformation.

“And how can we combat that without confronting the advertising-driven business models that incentivize social media companies to algorithmically amplify misinformation?”

The Potential Dangers of Digital ID Cards in the UK and Beyond

Posted on October 17, 2025 by

“Governments might resort to utilizing digital identities in more intrusive manners than initially assured…”

Dakuku/Getty Images

My first ID card was a flimsy laminated driver’s license. In the U.S., it includes a photo, biometric data (like eye color and height), and date of birth. This spurred its increased use beyond just driving; bars began issuing “cards” to minors attempting to purchase alcohol, interpreting the data as proof of being 21, the legal drinking age. I must admit, it wasn’t until I turned 18 that I learned to use a pencil to edit my birth date to enjoy some cheap cocktails.

This tale may seem like a dull 20th-century anecdote, yet it holds significant relevance in today’s ongoing discussion about the implementation of digital identity cards in the UK and elsewhere. While the cards themselves may differ vastly, the core issue remains the same. Firstly, the use of ID cards tends to escalate over time, and secondly, they are exceedingly easy to compromise.

The British government isn’t the first to suggest that citizens should carry a compact ID application on their smartphones for accessing government and public services. Countries such as China, Singapore, India, and Estonia already mandate digital IDs. Advocates argue that digital IDs help reduce fraud, simplify travel and purchases, and verify identity without the need to carry multiple physical documents.

“This digital ID will enhance your security,” the government might claim. “You can use it for shopping, obtaining medical care, and better yet, it will prevent any confusion about your immigration status, sparing you from unjust detention.” Apologies for the specificity, but the point is clear: these cards are touted as solutions to non-issues (like carrying a health insurance card) or problems that can’t be resolved by merely having an ID (immigration is complex and multifaceted).

Returning to the topic of usage expansion. What transpires when authorities implement digital IDs on mobile devices to authenticate citizenship during job applications or for social services? Fundamentally, they reside alongside other apps which, in certain instances, can share data with them. Some of these applications access sensitive data, including bank information, medical schedules, personal messages, and photos.

As journalist Byron Tau observes in his brilliant book: control means. Many applications gather information about you, often without your awareness, such as your location, purchasing behaviors, and even details from other apps on your device. There are businesses focused on extracting this data from applications like dating services and selling it to third parties, including government entities.

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Governments may begin using digital IDs in far more intrusive ways than originally intended.
“

This practice is largely permissible in the U.S., albeit unsettling. The UK and Europe have regulations that curb rampant data sharing, yet the technology exists. The only shield you have against government ID applications monitoring your location via unrelated apps is the government itself—and that, too, may evolve. Regulations can shift. However, once you start using that digital ID for employment, entering bars, tipping, or taking public transport, it’s unlikely you would discard it.

Consider the potential of this creepiness: Governments may resort to using digital identities in much more invasive manners than initially promised. Conversely, the public might find it beneficial for so many tasks that they deem the trade-off worthwhile. If buying a candy bar is effortless without a credit card, who cares if the government tracks your daily whereabouts? That perspective holds until the government decides you’re the enemy.

And let’s not overlook the hacking angle. Even if governments refrain from spying using your digital ID, malicious actors might not. A hacker could exploit vulnerabilities to access your identity or harvest personal information through a compromised app. Security experts have warned the UK government regarding the threats posed by digital IDs, and even the notorious U.S. surveillance firm Palantir has backed away from support for digital IDs. As one of their executives recently put it, digital identity is:very controversial.

It’s crucial to recognize that concern shouldn’t center merely around identity theft. One must also consider the potential for location tracking, message monitoring, unauthorized bank access, and even phone tapping. Comparatively, a traditional ID card, while it can be lost or altered, only results in the loss of that card—not a comprehensive loss of other personal data.

Annalee’s Week

What I’ve Been Hearing

Our Ancestors were Messy, is a podcast exploring African American celebrity scandals from a century ago, drawn from the pages of black newspapers.

What I’m Reading

Thief’s Philosophy Written by Fran Wilde, this futuristic narrative involves a wealthy individual hiring a thief for entertainment at a party.

What I’m Working On

I’m delving into the history of “review bombing,” a phenomenon where media and products are inundated with one-star reviews driven by political motives.

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Rising Atmospheric Hydrogen: A Potential Climate Concern

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Hydrogen can indirectly warm the atmosphere

axa/esa

Hydrogen levels in the atmosphere have surged by 60% since the pre-industrial era, underscoring the significant influence of fossil fuel use on the Earth’s atmospheric makeup. While hydrogen itself isn’t a greenhouse gas, it contributes to warming indirectly through its interactions with other substances.

The research findings stem from the first comprehensive long-term observations of atmospheric hydrogen, which are derived from ice core data collected in Greenland in 2024. “Ice core records are incredible,” notes Alex Archibald from Cambridge University.

Being a small and lightweight molecule, hydrogen tends to escape into the atmosphere easily, often leaking from the ice core before it is analyzed in the lab.

To tackle this issue, John Patterson from the University of California, Irvine, and his team examined the ice core samples right after extraction. “We took our equipment out onto the ice. As soon as we extracted the samples, we cleaned and sealed them in a melted chamber for analysis,” he explains.

This approach enabled the researchers to establish a long-term record of atmospheric hydrogen stretching back 1,100 years, marking a significant improvement over previous records that reached only 100 years, largely based on observational data and snowfall analyses. “It’s quite an impressive feat logistically. We’re excited to share these findings,” remarks David Stevenson from the University of Edinburgh, UK.

The study discovered that hydrogen concentrations have risen from roughly 280 parts per billion in the early 19th century to around 530 parts per billion today. According to Patterson, this is not surprising given the rapid increase in fossil fuel usage since the pre-industrial period—when fossil fuels or biomass burn, hydrogen is released as a by-product.

Patterson and his team merged data from ice core records with modeling efforts to illustrate the fluctuations in hydrogen levels over the millennium. “Our data reveals changes in atmospheric composition, but the reasons behind these changes remain unclear,” says Patterson. “We aim to utilize biogeochemical models to investigate these variations.”

Ice cores can reveal historical hydrogen levels in the atmosphere

John Patterson

For instance, evidence from ice cores indicates that atmospheric hydrogen levels dipped by 16% during the so-called Little Ice Age, a cold period from the 16th to the 19th century. The decrease in wildfire emissions during this time does not completely account for the notable drop in hydrogen concentrations, according to Patterson. “This suggests that natural hydrogen biogeochemistry is adapting to climate change in ways we still don’t fully comprehend. This unexpected finding could be significant for future scenarios, indicating that atmospheric hydrogen levels might be more sensitive to climate fluctuations than previously believed,” Patterson cautions.

In the atmosphere, hydrogen competes with methane and engages with hydroxyl radicals, which play a crucial role in eliminating methane from the atmosphere, a potent greenhouse gas. “As hydrogen levels rise, the amount of hydroxyl available to react with methane decreases,” explains Patterson, potentially enhancing methane’s warming effect. “Currently, hydrogen constitutes about half of the total in the atmosphere, contributing approximately 2% to the overall anthropogenic warming effect according to our best estimates.”

Gaining a deeper understanding of the hydrogen cycle is essential to assess whether the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuels, as a transition away from fossil fuels, might lead to unanticipated consequences. For instance, a sudden spike in atmospheric hydrogen could magnify the warming impact of methane. Methane emissions have consistently risen since 2007, influenced by fossil fuel production, agriculture, and warming that releases stored methane from wetlands and permafrost.

“Methane is a significant factor causing us to hesitate in endorsing a hydrogen economy, as it inevitably leads to hydrogen leaks into the atmosphere,” emphasizes Archibald. “If hydrogen escapes into the atmosphere, it worsens the methane issue.”

It might spark discussion over the cautious use of hydrogen, especially if renewable energy cannot sufficiently replace fossil fuels, according to Archibald. Nonetheless, Patterson and other experts highlight that the warming effects from increased hydrogen use are expected to be minimal compared to the considerable warming impact of fossil fuels. “We don’t want to discourage people from pursuing hydrogen energy, as it’s a much cleaner option than its fossil fuel counterparts,” emphasizes Patterson.

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Patience Reveals Potential Chemical Signatures of Ancient Martian Microbes

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

NASA’s diligent rover has been investigating and sampling igneous fields and sedimentary rocks within the Ezero Crater, providing insights into the geological processes and intriguing characteristics of early Mars, while also searching for potential biological signatures. Upon entering Neretvavalis, on the western edge of Jezero Crater, the rover examined the distinct mudstone and con rock outcrops of the Bright Angel formation. A new paper published in the journal Nature details extensive geological, petrological, and geochemical studies of these rocks.

The impression of this artist shows how Mars looked about 4 billion years ago. Image credit: M. Kornmesser/ESO.

“Upon the rover’s arrival at the Bright Angel formation and while analyzing the local rocks’ composition, our team was notably surprised by their distinctiveness compared to previous findings,” stated Dr. Michael Tice, a geoscientist and astrobiologist at Texas A&M University.

“These findings offer evidence of chemical cycling that organisms on Earth can utilize to harness energy.”

“As we delved deeper, we observed phenomena that could easily be attributed to early Martian life, yet remain challenging to rationalize purely through geological processes.”

“Living organisms conduct chemistry that is naturally prevalent, provided there’s sufficient time and suitable conditions.”

“To optimize our understanding, the chemistry leading to these rocks necessitates either elevated temperatures or biological involvement, and we find no signs of high temperatures here.”

“Nonetheless, these results warrant experimentation and eventually lab studies of the samples collected to completely rule out non-biological explanations.”

The Bright Angel layer comprises mudstone (fine-grained sedimentary rocks composed of silt and clay) and water-laid sedimentary rocks featuring layered beds indicative of a lively environment with flowing rivers and stagnant water.

Employing various instruments from Perseverance, such as Sherloc and PIXL spectrometers, scientists identified organic molecules and small mineral arrangements likely formed through chemical processes related to redox reactions and electron transfers. On Earth, these processes are frequently driven by biological activities.

The most notable characteristics include small nodules and “reaction fronts” – referred to as “poppy seeds” and “leopard spots” by the rover team – consisting of iron phosphate (likely vivianite) and iron sulfide (probably greygeite).

These minerals typically arise in cold, water-laden settings and are frequently associated with microbial metabolism.

“The structural arrangement suggests that they formed through the redox cycling of iron and sulfur along with associated minerals,” Dr. Tice commented.

“On Earth, such formations often occur in sediments where microorganisms consume organic material and ‘breathe’ rust and sulfate. “

“Their existence on Mars provokes an intriguing question: Could a similar process have occurred there?”

The artist’s concept depicts the perseverance of NASA’s Mars Rover on the surface of the red planet. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

The Sherloc instrument identified a Raman spectral feature known as the G-band, indicating the presence of organic carbon, in certain Bright Angel rocks.

The most substantial signal originated from a location called Apollo Temple, which exhibited high concentrations of both Vivianite and Greygeite.

“The concurrent presence of this organic matter and redox-sensitive minerals is quite compelling,” Dr. Tice noted.

“This implies that organic molecules might have facilitated the chemical reactions responsible for forming these minerals.”

“It’s crucial to recognize that ‘organic’ doesn’t invariably imply life creation.”

“This suggests the presence of numerous carbon-carbon bonds.”

“Alternative processes can yield organic compounds without biological involvement. The organic compounds identified here could have been synthesized either by or as a result of biological activity.”

“If they originated from an organism, decomposition through chemical reactions, radiation, or heat would have been required to yield the G-band we observe today.”

This research outlines two potential scenarios: Firstly, these reactions might be abiotic (driven by geochemical mechanisms) while microorganisms, similar to those on Earth, could have influenced these reactions.

Interestingly, although some features of the nodules and reaction fronts can be produced by non-biological reactions between organic matter and iron, established geochemical processes that can generate sulfur-related features tend to require relatively high temperatures.

“Every observation we’ve made regarding these rocks indicates that they haven’t been subjected to heat capable of producing leopard spots and poppy seeds,” Dr. Tice remarked.

“If that’s accurate, we must genuinely contemplate the possibility that such formations were created by bacteria-like life forms existing in the Martian lake sediments over 300 million years ago.”

Views of Perseverance path through Neretva Vallis and the formation of Bright Angels. Image credit: Hurowitz et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09413-0.

The research team underscores that while the evidence is not definitive proof of past life, the findings align with NASA’s criteria for potential biosignatures. This characteristic paves the way for further inquiries to ascertain the biological or non-biological origins.

Perseverance has collected core samples from a Bright Angel layer named Sapphire Canyon, which are currently housed in sealed tubes onboard the rover.

This sample is prioritized for future return to Earth in a prospective mission.

“Once we return this sample to Earth, we can investigate it using far more sensitive instruments than those we can deploy on Mars,” Dr. Tice explained.

“We could analyze the isotopic composition of organic materials, fine mineralogy, and conduct searches for microfossils if they exist.”

“More tests can also help determine the maximum temperatures these rocks were subjected to, and whether high-temperature geochemical processes are the most plausible explanations for any potential biological signatures.”

“The similarities between processes on Mars and Earth are indeed remarkable. However, there’s one crucial distinction.”

“It’s fascinating to note that life employs some of the same processes on both planets around the same epochs.”

“We observe signs of microorganisms in Earth’s rocks of similar ages where iron and sulfur interact with organic matter in comparable ways, but we don’t encounter the exact features seen in Mars’ ancient stones.”

Due to tectonic activities, the majority of Earth’s rocks have been altered significantly, making it unique and spectacular to witness this phenomenon on another planet.”

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Ja Hurowitz et al. 2025. Redox-driven minerals and organic associations at Jezero Crater, Mars. Nature 645, 332-340; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09413-0

This article is based on a press release provided by Texas A&M University.

Source: www.sci.news

A Potential New Mega-Earthquake Hotspot Could Emerge Under the Atlantic Ocean

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New structural faults have been discovered beneath the Atlantic Ocean, potentially heightening the risk of significant earthquakes and tsunamis that could impact the region. This finding is based on a recent study published this week in Natural Earth Science.

For centuries, the reason behind Portugal’s susceptibility to major earthquakes, despite its distance from prominent fault lines, has puzzled scientists.

On November 1, 1755, Lisbon was struck by a catastrophic earthquake registering 8.7 on the Richter scale, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and triggering a tsunami that reached the Caribbean. In 1969, a magnitude 7.8 tremor off the Portuguese coast killed 25 individuals.

“One of the challenges is that these earthquakes occur on completely flat plains and are distant from fault lines,” stated Professor Joan Duarte, a geologist at the University of Lisbon and the study’s lead author, as reported in BBC Science Focus.

“Following the 1969 earthquake, it became clear that there were signs of a subduction belt, indicating something unusual in that region.”

The subduction zone, where one tectonic plate moves under another, is responsible for some of the planet’s most destructive “megathrust” earthquakes, including the catastrophic events in the Indian Ocean in 2004 and Tohoku in 2011. However, the Atlantic Ocean has traditionally been viewed as relatively stable, with its plates slowly drifting along the mid-Atlantic ridge.

Duarte’s team compiled earthquake records and utilized computer models from the Horseshoe Abyss Monkey Plain, a deep seabed located southwest of Portugal. They uncovered evidence that the mantle—a hot, dense layer beneath the Earth’s crust—is undergoing a process known as peeling.

“The base of the plate is separating as if peeling off, like the sole of a shoe,” Duarte explained. “The first moment of realization came when I thought, ‘Oh, there’s something out there.’ The second was when our computer models confirmed this peeling process.”

This artwork illustrates the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. A combination of earthquakes, tsunamis, and subsequent fires nearly obliterated the Portuguese capital – Credit: Getty

This phenomenon is unusual in oceanic crust, which typically behaves like a “crème brûlée,” resting on a more pliable layer below due to its rigid buoyancy.

In this instance, it appears that water has been infiltrating the rock for millions of years, chemically weakening it and enabling the mantle mass to descend toward the Earth’s depths.

The research suggests that we might be witnessing the emergence of a new subduction zone in the Atlantic Ocean, which could ultimately reunite Africa, Europe, and the Americas into future supercontinents.

For now, however, the immediate concern is the potential for earthquakes.

“A significant earthquake will occur again,” Duarte emphasized.

“If there’s a forecast for rain tomorrow, you’d take an umbrella,” he added. “We don’t need to know the exact time of the rain, just that we must be prepared.”

“The same goes for earthquakes. While we can’t predict when major ones will strike, we understand the likelihood, so we need to be ready.”

Read more:

About our experts

Joan Duarte is an assistant professor of tectonics at the University of Lisbon and serves as the president of the Department of Tectonics and Structural Geology within the European Union of Geosciences. His research has been featured in journals such as Geophysical Research Letters, Nature Communications, and Geology.

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

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

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

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

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

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

How Cats Develop Dementia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Significance of Cats in Research

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

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

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

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

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

Future Directions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Our Experts

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

Potential Discovery of ‘Planet Y’ in the Outer Solar System

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Could there be hidden planets in our solar system?

Peter Jurik/Alamy

At the far reaches of our solar system, there could be a new Earth-sized planet, referred to as Planet Y.

Astronomers have speculated for a long time about the existence of concealed planets past the Kuiper Belt, which is populated with frozen bodies, including UTO. Notable theories have included Planet X, a compelling candidate believed to be approximately seven times the mass of Earth and orbiting about 50 times the distance from the Sun, alongside at least 300 other solar masses.

Amir Shiraj from Princeton University and his team suggest the existence of Planet Y, distinct from other candidates, based on the warping observed in the orbits of some Kuiper Belt objects. “If that warp is confirmed, the simplest explanation is an undiscovered planet with a tilt,” Shiraj explains.

This hypothetical planet could have a mass comparable to that of Mercury or Earth and might orbit roughly 100-200 times the distance of genomic syndrome. The gravitational influence of this planet could cause certain Kuiper Belt objects to have orbits that are slightly inclined, mimicking the rippling effect in a body of water.

“The signals we’re detecting are subtle but trustworthy,” Shiraj remarks. “Previous hints of Planet Nine shared similar statistical probabilities.”

The orbital distortion conjectured for Planet Y differs from the rationale behind the potential existence of Planet Nine, which is thought to attract objects with its gravity. “The signatures indicate a different source,” Shiraj adds.

Johnty Horner at the University of South Queensland believes it is “plausible” that an unseen realm, like Planet Y, exists in the outer solar system. “It’s a reminder that we are still exploring what lies beyond Neptune; our understanding is still in its infancy,” he states.

Such a planet might have been ejected from the inner solar system to the outer reaches. “Scattering appears more likely,” Horner suggests.

With the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s decade-long survey of the skies, our perception of the outer solar system is expected to transform significantly in the coming years. Should Planet Y, Planet Nine, or other candidates exist, Rubin may directly observe them.

“Rubin is rapidly expanding our catalog of well-studied trans-Neptunian objects,” remarks Shiraj. If Planet Y is indeed lurking out there, Rubin might identify it “within the initial years of the survey,” Shiraj adds, or at least provide further evidence of the observed warping effect.

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AI Discovers Novel Molecules with Potential Antibacterial Properties in Archaea

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge to humanity, emphasizing the urgent need for new antibiotics. While the majority of antibiotics are derived from fungi and bacteria, Archaea presents largely untapped sources for discovering new antibiotics. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania employed deep learning techniques to investigate paleozoans. By analyzing the proteomes of 233 archaeal species, we discovered 12,623 potential antibacterial compounds.

Torres et al. Synthesized 80 alkierins, 93% of which showed antibacterial activity in vitro against Acinetobacter baumannii, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp. Image credits: Torres et al, doi: 10.1038/s41564-025-02061-0.

“Previous attempts to discover new antibiotics have mainly focused on fungi, bacteria, and animals,” stated Dr. Cesar de la Fuente, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Historically, we have leveraged AI models to identify antibiotic candidates across various sources, from the DNA of extinct organisms to the compounds found in animal venom.”

“We are now applying these methodologies to a new dataset: hundreds of proteins from ancient microorganisms.”

“There are undoubtedly other life forms waiting to be investigated.”

In contrast to bacteria and eukaryotes (which include plants, animals, and fungi), Archaea represents a distinct branch on the evolutionary tree.

While they may resemble bacteria under a microscope, archaeal organisms differ fundamentally in their genetics, cell membranes, and biochemistry.

These unique features enable them to thrive in some of Earth’s most extreme environments, such as heated seabed vents and scalding hot springs like Yellowstone National Park.

Archaea typically flourish in isolation from other organisms, and their biology has evolved in unprecedented ways, with limited evolutionary pressure, exposure to toxic substances, and extreme temperatures.

This presents a promising, yet largely uncharted, source for novel molecular tools, including compounds that may act like antibiotics but function differently than existing treatments.

“Our interest in archaeal organisms stems from their biochemical adaptations to extreme environments,” remarked Dr. Marcelo Torres from the University of Pennsylvania.

“We hypothesized that having survived billions of years under such conditions, they might possess unique strategies to fend off microbial rivals.”

To uncover antibiotic compounds within Archaea, the researchers utilized artificial intelligence.

They adapted an upgraded version of APEX, an AI tool initially designed to identify antibiotic candidates from ancient biological sources, including proteins from long-extinct animals like woolly mammoths.

With thousands of peptides (short amino acid chains) known for their antimicrobial properties, the AI can predict the likelihood that a given amino acid sequence will exhibit similar effects.

By re-calibrating APEX 1.1 to incorporate data from thousands of additional peptides and pathogenic bacteria, the scientists established tools to forecast which peptides in Archaea might inhibit bacterial proliferation.

Upon scanning 233 archaeal species, over 12,000 potential antibiotic candidates were identified.

The authors labeled these molecular compounds, and chemical analysis indicated they differ from known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), notably in their charge distribution.

The team subsequently selected 80 archaeal compounds for further testing against live bacteria.

“Finding new antibiotic molecules individually feels like searching for needles in a haystack,” commented Famping Wang, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania.

“AI accelerates the search by pinpointing the location of the needle.”

Antibiotics can function through various mechanisms. Some disrupt bacterial membranes, while others inhibit protein synthesis within the organism.

Notably, the researchers found that unlike many known AMPs that target the outer defenses of bacteria, Alcaeasen operates by disrupting internal electrical signals that are vital for cell survival.

Tests on drug-resistant bacteria revealed that 93% of the 80 alkadeins exhibited antibacterial activity against at least one bacterial strain.

The team chose three alkaiersins to evaluate in animal models.

Four days following a single dose, all three alkaiersins halted the spread of drug-resistant bacteria commonly acquired in hospitals.

One of these compounds exhibited activity on par with polymyxin B, an antibiotic often used as a last resort against drug-resistant infections.

“This study underscores the vast potential for discovering new antibiotics within Archaea,” stated Dr. De La Fuente.

“As the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria rises, exploring unconventional sources for new antibiotics is essential.”

A paper detailing the results was published today in Nature Microbiology.

____

MDT Torres et al. Deep learning reveals antibiotics in the archaeal proteome. Nat Microbiol. Published online on August 12, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41564-025-02061-0

Source: www.sci.news

The Vanishing Y Chromosome: A Potential Contributor to Heart Disease in Men

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Human Y (right) and X chromosomes observed with scanning electron microscopy

Power and Syred/Science Photo Library

Human Y (right) and X chromosomes observed via scanning electron microscopy — Human Y (right) and X chromosomes observed with scanning electron microscopy

Power and Syred/Science Photo Library

A recent study involving over 30,000 individuals has revealed that men who experience a loss of Y chromosomes in a substantial number of immune cells are at a higher risk for narrower blood vessels, a significant factor in the development of heart disease.

“The loss of Y chromosomes greatly impacts men,” states Kenneth Walsh from the University of Virginia, who was not involved in the research. “Men’s lifespan averages six years shorter than women’s, primarily due to the instability of sex chromosomes.”

Loss of the Y chromosome is one of the most prevalent mutations following conception in men. This phenomenon typically occurs in leukocytes, the immune cells responsible for attacking and eliminating pathogens, as the rapidly multiplying stem cells that generate white blood cells undergo division. The cells without Y chromosomes accumulate and become more frequent as individuals age; approximately 40% of 70-year-old men show detectable losses.

This issue gained traction in 2014 when Lars Forsberg from Uppsala University in Sweden and his colleagues noted that elderly men with significant Y chromosome loss in their blood typically had a lifespan that was five years shorter than those without it. Walsh later linked this loss to heart disease.

Forsberg and his research team have now uncovered further connections between Y chromosome loss and specific cardiovascular issues. They analyzed data from Swedish cardiopulmonary bioimaging studies, which provided detailed vascular scans of 30,150 volunteers aged between 65 and 64. None of the participants exhibited symptoms of cardiovascular disease; however, they were assessed for vascular stenosis or atherosclerosis.

Among the male participants, 12,400 possessed the necessary genetic information to evaluate their Y chromosome loss. They were categorized into three groups: those with no detectable Y loss in leukocytes, those with less than 10% loss, and those with over 10% loss. Atherosclerosis scores for these groups were then compared with each other and with a female cohort in the study.

The researchers discovered that approximately 75% of men who had the highest Y chromosome loss exhibited narrowed blood vessels, while around 60% of those with less than 10% loss showed similar findings.

Despite some atherosclerosis being observed even in those with undetectable Y loss, about 55% of men and roughly 30% of women in this category had been affected. “Clearly,” Forsberg noted, “[loss of Y] involves other factors.”

In the coming months, Thimoteus Speer and colleagues from the University of Goethe in Frankfurt studied men undergoing angiography, an X-ray technique for examining blood vessels due to suspected cardiovascular disease. They found that over the next decade, individuals who lost Y chromosomes in more than 17% of their immune cells were more than twice as likely to die from a heart attack compared to those with less affected cells.

“The findings of Lars Forsberg and our study are quite consistent,” Speer remarked. “He observes increased coronary atherosclerosis, correlating it with a higher risk of mortality from myocardial infarction [heart attack], emphasizing the relationship with coronary atherosclerosis.”

Walsh acknowledges that neither study definitively proves that Y chromosome loss directly causes these outcomes. However, statistical analyses suggest its independent effect aside from smoking or aging— the primary risk factors for mutations.

The pressing question remains: how does Y chromosome loss impact health? Previous research by Walsh indicated that removing chromosomes from mouse immune cells adversely affects the cardiovascular system by driving fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue. However, heart attacks and atherosclerosis are typically more associated with inflammation and lipid metabolism defects than fibrosis. Both Speer and Walsh assert that more research is essential to unravel this relationship.

With a deeper understanding of the underlying processes, Speer hopes that future blood tests for Y chromosome loss will guide proactive interventions. “[These tests] may help in identifying patients who could particularly benefit from specific treatments,” he concludes.

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Trump Sparks Concerns Over Nvidia’s Potential Sale of Advanced AI Chips in China

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Donald Trump has indicated that Nvidia can sell more advanced chips in China than is currently allowed.

During a Monday briefing, Trump addressed the recent development, revealing his groundbreaking agreements with NVIDIA and AMD. He has authorized an export license allowing the sale of previously restricted chips to China, with the US government receiving 15% of the sales revenue. The US president defended the deal after analysts labeled it as potentially resembling “shakedown” payments or unconstitutional export taxes. He expressed hope for further negotiations regarding a more advanced Nvidia chip.

Trump mentioned that Nvidia’s latest chip, Blackwell, would not be available for trade, but he is considering trading “a slightly negatively impacted version of Blackwell,” which could see a downgrade of 30-50%.

“I believe he’ll be back to discuss it, but it will be a significant yet unenhanced version,” he remarked, referring to Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang, who has had multiple discussions with Trump about China’s export limits.

Huang has yet to comment on the revenue-sharing agreement pertaining to the sales of Nvidia’s H20 chips and AMD’s Mi308 chips in China.

The H20 and Mi308 chips were prohibited from being sold to China in April, even though the low-power H20 was specially designed to meet the restrictions set by the Biden administration. Nvidia previously stated last month that they hoped to receive clearance to resume shipments soon.

Nvidia’s impact is a major driver of the AI boom, garnering significant interest from both China and the US, which has led to heightened scrutiny among analysts in Washington and concerns from Chinese officials.

“I’m worried about reports indicating the US government might take revenue from sales of chips akin to advanced H20 sales,” he told the Financial Times.

Trump justified the agreement on Monday: “I stated, ‘Listen, I want 20% if I approve this for you,'” emphasizing that he hasn’t received any personal money from the deal. He suggested that Huang provided 15% as part of the agreement.

“I permitted him only for the H20,” Trump clarified.

He referred to the H20 as an “outdated” chip that is “already in a different form for China.”

However, Harry Cleja, research director at the Washington office of the Carnegie Mellon Institute of Strategic Technology, labeled the H20 as a “second tier” AI chip.

“The H20 is not the premier training chip available, but the type of computing dominating AI tasks today—particularly the ‘inference’ model and ‘agent’ products—are what the field is focused on,” Kresja told the Guardian, referring to systems employing advanced inference to autonomously resolve complex issues.

“Lifting H20 export restrictions undoubtedly provides Beijing with the necessary tools to compete in the AI realm.”

The US government has been attempting for several years to defend national security, especially concerning artificial intelligence development and the provision of technology that could be weaponized.

China’s Foreign Ministry remarked on Monday that the country has consistently articulated its stance on US chip exports, accusing Washington of utilizing technology and trade measures to “maliciously suppress and hinder China.”

Revenue-sharing contracts are quite rare in the US, reflecting Trump’s latest interference in corporate decisions after pressuring executives to reinvest in American manufacturing. He has requested the resignation of Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, regarding its connections with Chinese companies.

Trump has also suggested imposing 100% tariffs on the global semiconductor market, exempting businesses that commit to investing in the US.

Taiwan’s TSMC, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, announced plans in April to expand its US operations through a $100 million investment. However, foreign investments of this magnitude require government approval from Taiwan.

The Guardian confirmed that TSMC has yet to apply for this approval. The company has not responded to requests for comment.

Potential for Major Earthquakes Beneath North America, Study Indicates

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent research suggests that the concealed structural weaknesses in the Yukon, Canada, may be primed to trigger a significant earthquake of at least magnitude 7.5, as outlined in the latest study.

The Tintina Fault, stretching from northeastern British Columbia to central Alaska, has been silently accumulating tension for over 12,000 years. A new investigation previously deemed relatively harmless indicates that it remains very active.

Regrettably, scientists are unable to predict when the next major quake will strike.

“Our findings indicate that the fault is active and continues to build strain,” said Dr. Theron Finley, the lead author of the study published in Geophysical Research Letters, in a statement to BBC Science Focus. “I expect it will eventually rupture again.”

The Tintina Fault is classified as a “right-lateral strike-slip fault,” where two blocks of the Earth’s crust slide horizontally past each other. If one side moves to the right during an earthquake, it’s identified as right-lateral.

Over the ages, one side of the fault has shifted approximately 430 km (270 mi), during a geological period that spanned roughly 560 to 33.9 million years ago, predominantly in the Eocene epoch.

The Tintina Fault extends 1,000 km (600 mi) from northeastern British Columbia to Alaska. – Credit: National Park Bureau

While minor earthquakes occasionally occur in the region, the Tintina Fault has generally been considered dormant.

“There have been small earthquakes in the 3-4 magnitude range detected along or near the Tintina Fault,” Finley noted. “However, nothing has strongly indicated that a larger outbreak is likely.”

This perspective changed when Finley and his team revisited the fault with advanced technology. By integrating satellite surface models with drone-mounted Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, researchers uncovered hidden seismic activity within the dense Yukon forests.

The landscape revealed cliffs associated with the fault, forming long, narrow terrains created when a quake pushed material to the surface, often collapsing in the process. These features can span dozens or even hundreds of kilometers, but are typically only a few meters tall and wide.

“In the case of the Tintina fault, these features appear as a series of intriguing mounds,” Finley stated.

By dating these surface formations, researchers determined that the fault has ruptured multiple times over the last 2.6 million years, though no significant earthquakes have occurred in the past 12,000 years.

Fortunately, the region is sparsely populated. However, if the fault does rupture, Finley cautioned that major landslides, infrastructure damage, and impacts on nearby communities would be highly probable.

“We want to emphasize that we don’t have a precise sense of how imminent an earthquake is,” he noted. “Our observations indicate it has been a long time since the last significant quake, but there’s no way to know if one is more likely in the near or distant future.”

Finley remarks that the fault has been confirmed as active, and the next step is to better estimate the frequency of large earthquakes in the area. This could help provide a more reliable timeline, even though scientists cannot accurately forecast when the next rupture may happen. Stay tuned.

“Earthquakes don’t necessarily occur on a regular basis, but they can give us a clearer understanding of how often we can expect significant events,” Finley explained. “Regardless, when the Tintina fault finally releases, it won’t be inconsequential.”

Read more:

About our experts

Theron Finley is a geologist at the Yukon Geological Survey. He recently obtained a doctorate from the University of Victoria in Canada and has conducted research on active faults in Western Canada, utilizing remote sensing, structural geology, and paleoseismology.

Exploring the Potential of Testing Ozempic in Healthy Individuals

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Essential Credit: Photo by Photo Elliott/Abaca/Shutterstock (15320742p) This image, captured on May 26, 2025, displays the production line of medicines (including injection solutions and pens for Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.) during a ministerial tour of the Novonordisk Factory in Chartor, France. Illustration - Novo Nordisk Factory - France, Chartre - May 26, 2025 — Blondet Eliot/Abaca/Shutterstock

Mark Twain famously remarked, “If you were born at the age of 80 and gradually refined down to 18, life would be perpetually joyous.” The quest for youth has captivated stories and myths throughout the ages; what if we could finally achieve it?

Recent research indicates that the GLP-1 medication Ozempic, containing semaglutide, might effectively reverse biological aging by around three years. This effect is notably observed in the brain, suggesting that medications like Ozempic could help mitigate conditions such as dementia. Additionally, it seems to reduce inflammation tied to various health concerns, including heart disease, chronic pain, and depression.

Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has changed the landscape of obesity treatment. It’s important to highlight that its anti-aging effects are particularly noted in individuals with HIV-related fat hypertrophy, though researchers believe its benefits may extend to a broader population.

Ozempic seems to have eradicated the inflammatory system associated with numerous health conditions.

It’s intriguing to consider whether we should all be using these drugs to reverse aging and reap the rewards of better health. However, we cannot assume this is wise without substantial evidence from large placebo-controlled trials involving healthy individuals. Conducting such studies may be contentious, as there are potential side effects to monitor. Moreover, when supplies are limited, it’s crucial to prioritize those in dire need.

Nevertheless, it appears that a number of healthy individuals are already utilizing these medications—largely “off-label”—without clarity on their safety. Future research should unveil a clearer understanding of these risks and provide insights into how weight loss affects muscle mass retention.

As the array of health advantages associated with these drugs continues to expand, it may be time to investigate their efficacy in healthy individuals, aiming to determine if they genuinely have the capacity to slow aging rather than speculating about youthful elixirs.

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Tesla Shareholders Accused of Overstating Robotaxi Potential

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tesla investors have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and the company for allegedly hiding significant risks associated with the firm’s self-driving vehicles.

The class action lawsuit, which alleges securities fraud on behalf of Musk and Tesla, was submitted on Monday evening. Tesla launched its first public trial of its self-driving taxis in late June close to its Austin, Texas, headquarters. Observations from the test included instances of the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, rapid braking, mounting the curb, driving against traffic, and dropping off passengers in the center of a busy road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the main regulatory body for U.S. transportation, is probing the pilot testing of Robotaxi.

Investors claimed that Musk and Tesla systematically overstated the effectiveness and potential of autonomous driving technology, which artificially inflated Tesla’s financial forecasts and stock prices. Following the commencement of testing, Tesla’s stock plummeted by 6.1%, erasing about $68 billion in market capitalization.

Shareholders pointed to Musk’s assurances during the April 22 conference call, where he stated that Tesla was “laser-focused” on launching Robotaxi in Austin that June and claimed that their approach to autonomous driving would enable a “scalable and safe deployment across varied terrains and scenarios.”

Tesla has not responded to requests for comments as of Tuesday. The company’s CFO, Vaibhav Taneja, and his predecessor, Zachary Kirkhorn, are also named in the lawsuit.

The growth of Robotaxis is critical for Tesla as it contends with diminishing demand for aging electric vehicles and resistance to Musk’s political views.

Musk, known as the world’s richest individual, claims that the service will reach half the U.S. population by the year’s end, but he first needs to persuade regulators and the public of the safety of his technology. He asserts that Robotaxi services have expanded into the San Francisco Bay Area, where it was previously based; however, regulations have hindered Tesla from offering paid autonomous rides without a new permit, as reported by the Ministry of Automobile.

On August 1, Florida deputies discovered that 33% of a driver’s liability in connection with a 2019 crash involving the self-driving software resulted in the death of a 22-year-old woman, injuring her boyfriend and incurring damages amounting to roughly $243 million. Tesla plans to contest the driver’s liability and will appeal the decision.

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The Lethal Fungus Linked to Tutankhamun’s “Curse” May Now Hold Life-Saving Potential

Posted on August 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The fungus that has long been linked to the death of the archaeologist who uncovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb may now have a role in saving lives. Researchers have utilized the toxic bacteria Aspergillus flavus—often associated with the so-called “Pharaoh’s Curse”—to develop a potent new compound capable of killing cancer cells.

A study published in Natural Chemistry Biology revealed that the fungus produced previously unknown molecules, which the research team subsequently corrected and tested against human leukemia cells.

Two compounds known as asperigycin exhibited strong anti-cancer activity. After correction, one variant, along with two FDA-approved drugs, was effective in eliminating cancer cells.

“We know that fungi have significant potential to generate bioactive molecules,” stated senior author Professor Sherry Gao in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “However, only a small fraction of these possible molecules has been discovered.”

A. flavus carries a grim legacy. Following the opening of King Tut’s tomb in the 1920s, a wave of fatalities fueled the myth of the Pharaoh’s curse. Subsequent investigations indicated that spores of A. flavus, sealed within the tomb for millennia, could have triggered deadly pulmonary infections.

A similar incident occurred in the 1970s, where 10 out of 12 scientists who entered the tomb of a Polish king died shortly after exposure to the fungus.

Samples of Aspergillus flavus cultured in GAO labs. – Credit: Veracielbo

Now, the same lethal fungus may catalyze a medical advancement. The research team discovered that A. flavus produces a type of molecule called RIPP, short for ribosome-synthesized post-translationally modified peptides.

These molecules are known for their intricate structure and significant biological effects, yet few have been identified from fungi.

The team isolated four peptides featuring a distinctive ring-shaped structure. When tested on cancer cells, two were particularly effective against leukemia. The third, artificially modified with a fatty molecule known as a “lipid chain,” exhibited effects similar to conventional chemotherapeutics like cytarabine and donorubicin.

“After modification, the compounds were better at entering the cell,” Gao explained. “I believe that once inside, there is a mechanism to inhibit cell division.”

GAO noted that further research is essential to understand how RIPPS target cancer cells and why they are effective against leukemia but not other tested cancer types.

According to GAO, the team aims to develop a platform to identify more potentially beneficial products derived from fungi.

“Nature has gifted us this incredible pharmacy,” Gao remarked in a statement. “It is up to us to uncover that secret.”

Read more:

About our experts

Xue (Sherry) Gao serves as an Associate Professor of President Pen Compact at the University of Pennsylvania. Her laboratory is focused on developing highly specific and effective genome editing tools for diverse applications in disease treatment, diagnosis, and the exploration of new small molecule drugs.

Ozempic: A Potential Key to Reversing Your Biological Age

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Growing evidence of Ozempic’s extensive health benefits

David J. Phillip / Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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AI Uncovers 386 Potential Antibiotics in Animal Venom

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

University of Pennsylvania researchers used a deep learning tool named Apex to explore a worldwide venom dataset in search of new antibiotic candidates.

Guan et al. Vococcus is a rich source of previously hidden antibiotic scaffolds, showing that merging experimental validation with extensive computational mining can enhance the search for urgently needed antibiotics. Image credits: Guan et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-60051-6.

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, especially Gram-negative bacteria, underscores the critical demand for new treatments.

Venococcus represents a vast, largely untapped source of bioactive molecules with potential antibacterial properties.

In their recent study, researcher César de La Fuente and his team analyzed a comprehensive database containing 16,123 poison proteins and over 40 million poison-encoded peptides via a vertex deep learning model.

The algorithm successfully pinpointed 386 candidate peptides that differ in structure and function from known antimicrobial peptides.

“These poisons are evolutionary wonders, yet their antibacterial capabilities have not been thoroughly examined,” said Dr. de la Fuente.

“Apex can rapidly explore extensive chemical landscapes, identifying exceptional peptides that combat some of the most stubborn pathogens worldwide.”

From the potential candidates selected by AI, scientists synthesized 58 peptide variants for laboratory assessment.

Remarkably, 53 of these demonstrated efficacy against drug-resistant bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, at doses safe for human red blood cells.

“By combining computational analysis with traditional laboratory techniques, we achieved one of the most thorough antibiotic studies to date,” noted Dr. Marcelo Torres, co-author of the research.

“The platform has mapped over 2,000 novel antibacterial motifs, enhancing its capacity to eliminate or suppress bacterial growth through short, specific amino acid sequences within proteins or peptides.”

“Our team is now advancing the top peptide candidates towards the development of new antibiotics, optimizing them through medicinal chemistry modulation.”

results will be published in the journal Nature Communications.

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C. Guan et al. 2025. A global assessment of venom data for antibacterial discovery using artificial intelligence techniques. Nat Commun 16, 6446; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-60051-6

Source: www.sci.news

Tesla Shares Plummet Amid Investor Concerns Over Potential Brand Damage from Elon Musk’s New Party

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tesla stocks are poised for a significant decline in the US, as investors worry that Elon Musk might introduce more challenges for electric vehicle manufacturers by potentially launching a new political party.

On Monday, Tesla shares dropped over 7% in pre-market trading, which could erase approximately $70 billion (£51 billion) from the company’s market capitalization at the Wall Street opening.

Should the stocks decrease significantly, Musk’s net worth could fall by more than $9 billion, bringing it down to around $120 billion. According to Forbes, Musk, along with the head of SpaceX, ranks among the wealthiest individuals globally, with a combined fortune of about $400 million.

Tesla’s stock, currently valued at just under $10, is experiencing downward pressure largely due to Musk’s relationships with both the company and former President Donald Trump.

Musk’s staunch support for Trump has sparked consumer backlash, and the unpredictable nature of his relationship with the former president raises concerns about Musk getting sidetracked from his responsibilities, potentially leading to repercussions for the company.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives pointed out that Musk’s financial involvement in US political parties could deter investors.

“Musk diving deep into politics and now attempting to establish a Beltway is the opposite direction Tesla investors and stakeholders hope he would take at this critical juncture for the company,” Ives noted, adding that there is a palpable “broader fatigue” regarding Musk’s political endeavors.

On Sunday, Trump criticized Musk’s ambitions, labeling the American Party as a “silly” initiative.

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Trump took to Truth Social to express his disappointment over Musk’s new direction, stating: “I’m sad to see Elon Musk go to Rails completely.”

Over the weekend, Musk revealed the formation of the American Party on his X platform, declaring: “We live in a one-party system, not a democracy, which is bankrupting our country with waste and graft. Today, the American Party is formed to restore your freedom.”

Researchers Explore the Potential of Ambroxol in Slowing Parkinson’s-Related Dementia

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Ambroxol, a cough medication, is authorized in Europe for treating respiratory issues and boasts a long history of safety, including its use in high doses and during pregnancy, but it has not been approved in the US or Canada.

Ball and stick model of ambroxol molecules. Image credit: Marina Vladivostok/Chemspider.

Dementia in individuals with Parkinson’s disease can lead to memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, and mood changes.

About half of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease will develop dementia within a decade, significantly affecting patients, families, and healthcare systems.

“Our objective was to alter the trajectory of Parkinson’s dementia,” stated Dr. Steven Pasternack, a cognitive neurologist at the Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Healthcare London, and the Robert Institute.

“This preliminary trial offers hope and establishes a robust basis for further research.”

The 12-month clinical trial involved 55 participants suffering from dementia related to Parkinson’s disease.

One group received daily ambroxol, while the other was administered a placebo.

They assessed memory, psychiatric symptoms, and GFAP, markers linked to brain damage in the blood.

The research team noted that ambroxol is safe, well-tolerated, and effectively penetrated the brain.

The placebo group exhibited worsening psychiatric symptoms, while those taking ambroxol remained stable.

Participants with GBA1 genetic mutations showed enhanced cognitive performance with ambroxol treatment.

GFAP levels rose in the placebo group but stayed stable in those using ambroxol, indicating potential brain protection.

“Existing treatments for Parkinson’s disease and dementia focus on symptoms without addressing the root cause,” Dr. Pasternack explained.

“These findings imply that brain function at genetic risk may be preserved, marking a promising new treatment avenue that is currently limited.”

Ambroxol aids an essential enzyme known as Glucocerebrosidase (GCase) linked to the GBA1 gene.

In patients with Parkinson’s disease, GCase levels are frequently reduced. If this enzyme malfunctions, waste builds up in brain cells, resulting in damage.

“This research is crucial as dementia in Parkinson’s disease significantly impacts patients and their families,” remarked Dr. Pasternack.

“If a medication like ambroxol proves beneficial, it can offer true hope and enhance quality of life.”

The results will be published in the journal Jama Neurology.

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Carolina La Silveilla et al. Ambroxol as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease dementia: a randomized clinical trial. Jama Neurology Published online on June 30th, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.1687

Source: www.sci.news

Trump’s Tax Bill Aims to Thwart AI Regulation, Experts Warn of Potential Global Consequences

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

US Republicans are advocating for the approval of significant spending legislation that contains measures to thwart states from implementing regulations on artificial intelligence. Experts caution that the unchecked expansion of AI could exacerbate the planet’s already perilous, overheating climates.

Research from Harvard University indicates that the industry’s massive energy consumption is finite, and carbon dioxide—amounting to around 1 billion tonnes according to the Guardian—is projected to be emitted in the US by AI over the next decade.

During this ten-year span, when Republicans aim to “suspend” state-level regulations on AI, there will be a substantial amount of electricity consumed in data centers for AI applications, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions in the US that surpass those of Japan. Every year, the emissions will be three times higher than those of the UK.

The actual emissions will rely on the efficiency of power plants and the degree of clean energy utilization in the coming years; however, the obstruction of regulations will also play a part, noted Genruka Guidi, a visiting scholar at Harvard’s School of Public Health.

“Restricting surveillance will hinder the shift away from fossil fuels and diminish incentives for more energy-efficient AI technologies,” Guidi stated.

“We often discuss what AI can do for us, but we rarely consider its impact on our planet. If we genuinely aim to leverage AI to enhance human welfare, we mustn’t overlook the detrimental effects on climate stability and public health.”

Donald Trump has declared that the United States will become the “world capital of artificial intelligence and crypto,” planning to eliminate safeguards surrounding AI development while dismantling regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

The “Big Beautiful” spending bill approved by Republicans in the House of Representatives would prevent states from adopting their own AI regulations, with the GOP-controlled Senate also likely to pass a similar version.

However, the unrestricted usage of AI may significantly undermine efforts to combat the climate crisis while increasing power usage from the US grid. The dependence on fossil fuels like gas and coal continues to grow. AI is particularly energy-intensive, with a single query on ChatGPT consuming about ten times more power than a Google search.

The carbon emissions from US data centers have increased threefold since 2018, with recent Harvard research indicating that the largest “hyperscale” centers constitute 2% of the nation’s electricity usage.

“AI is poised to transform our world,” states Manu Asthana, CEO of PJM Interconnection, the largest grid in the US. Predictions suggest that nearly all increases in future electricity demand will arise from data centers. Asthana asserts this will equate to adding a new home’s worth of electricity to the grid every five years.

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Meanwhile, the rapid escalation of AI is intensifying the recent rollback of climate pledges made by major tech companies. Last year, Google acknowledged that greenhouse gas emissions from AI have surged by 48% since 2019 due to its advances. In effect, the deeper AI penetrates, “reducing emissions may prove challenging.”

Supporters of AI, along with some researchers, contend that advancements in AI could aid the fight against climate change by enhancing the efficiency of grid management and other improvements. Others, however, remain skeptical. “It’s merely an operation for greenwashing, and it’s clear as day,” critiques Alex Hanna, research director at the Institute of Decentralized AI. “Much of what we’ve heard is absolutely ridiculous. Big tech is mortgaging the present for a future that may never materialize.”

So far, no states have definitive regulations regarding AI, but state lawmakers may be aiming to establish such rules, especially in light of diminished federal environmental regulations. This could prompt Congress to reevaluate the ban. “If you were anticipating federal regulations around data centers, that’s definitely off the table right now,” Hanna observed. “It’s rather surprising to observe everything.”

But Republican lawmakers are undeterred. The proposed moratorium on local regulations for states and AI recently cleared a significant hurdle in the Senate over the weekend, as I’ve determined that this ban will allow Trump taxes and megavilles to proceed. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, chairing the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, has prohibited modifications to the language which would prevent spending bills from addressing “foreign issues.”

This clause entails a “temporary suspension” on regulations, substituting a moratorium. It additionally includes an extra $500 million to grant programs aimed at expanding nationwide broadband internet access, stipulating that states will not receive these funds should they attempt to regulate AI.

The suggestion to suspend AI regulations has raised significant alarm among Democrats. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, known for his climate advocacy, has indicated his readiness to propose amendments that would strip the bill of its “dangerous” provisions.

“The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is already impacting our environment—raising energy prices for consumers, straining the grid’s capacity to maintain lighting, depleting local water resources, releasing toxic pollutants into our communities, and amplifying climate emissions,” Markey shared with the Guardian.

“But Republicans want to prohibit AI regulations for ten years, rather than enabling the nation to safeguard its citizenry and our planet. This is shortsighted and irresponsible.”

Massachusetts Assemblyman Jake Ochincross also labeled the proposal as “terrible and unpopular ideas.”

“I believe we must recognize that it is profoundly reckless to allow AI to swiftly and seamlessly fill various sectors such as healthcare, media, entertainment, and education while simultaneously imposing a ban on AI regulations for a decade,” he commented.

Some Republicans also oppose these provisions, including Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn and Missouri Senator Josh Hawley. The amendment to eliminate the suspension from the bill requires the backing of at least four Republican senators.

Hawley is reportedly ready to propose amendments to remove this provision later in the week if they are not ruled out beforehand.

Earlier this month, Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene admitted that she overlooked the provisions in the House’s bill, stating she would not support the legislation if she had been aware. Greene’s group, the Far-Right House Freedom Caucus, stands against the suspension of AI regulations.

Webb Identifies Potential Saturn-Mass Candidates Around Young Star Twa 7

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilize the exceptional sensitivity of the Mid-infrared instrument (Miri) on the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to investigate exoplanets within the three-ring debris disks surrounding the 6.4 million-year-old star TWA 7.

This Webb/Miri image shows the exoplanet TWA 7b, comparable in mass to Saturn. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/WEBB/AM LAGRANGE/M. ZAMANI, ESA & WEBB.

Debris disks, comprised of dust and rocky materials, can exist around both young and evolved stars, but they are more luminous and detectable around younger celestial bodies.

These disks are often identified by their visible rings and gaps, which are believed to be shaped by planets that form within them.

The star TWA 7 is a low-mass (0.46 solar mass) M-type star situated approximately 111 light-years away in the constellation of Antlia.

Also referred to as Ce Antilae or Tyc 7190-2111-1, it is part of the TW Hydra Association.

The nearly edge-on three-ring fragmented disks make TWA 7 an optimal target for Webb’s highly sensitive mid-infrared observations.

“Our observations indicate a strong candidate for the planet that influences the structure of the TWA 7 debris disk, located precisely where we anticipated finding a planet of this mass,” states Dr. En Marie Lagrange, an astronomer at the Observatoire de Paris-PSL.

On June 21, 2024, Dr. Lagrange and colleagues employed a coronagraph with Webb’s Miri instrument to effectively suppress the bright glare of the host star, uncovering faint nearby objects.

This method, known as high contrast imaging, enables astronomers to directly observe planets that would otherwise be obscured by the overwhelming light of their host stars.

After eliminating residual starlight through advanced image processing, a faint infrared source was detected near TWA 7, distinguishable from background galaxies or other solar system objects.

This source is located within one of the three dust rings previously identified around TWA 7 by earlier ground-based investigations.

Its brightness, color, distance from the star, and position within the ring align with theoretical expectations for a young, cold Saturn-mass planet that shapes the surrounding debris disks.

“They are also the most popular and highly skilled professionals,” remarked Dr. Matilde Marin, an astronomer at Johns Hopkins University and the Institute for Space Telescope Science.

The team’s preliminary analysis suggests that the object known as TWA 7B has a mass approximately 0.3 times that of Jupiter (about 100 times that of Earth) and may be a young, cold exoplanet with a temperature of 320 K (around 47°C).

Its positioning (approximately 52 AU from the star) corresponds with a gap in the disk, indicating a dynamic interaction between the planet and its surroundings.

Once corroborated, this discovery marks the first direct link between a planet and the structure of debris, offering initial observational insights into the Trojan disk.

“These findings underscore Webb’s capability to probe previously unobservable low-mass planets orbiting nearby stars,” the astronomer commented.

“Ongoing and future observations will seek to more accurately characterize candidates, investigate the state of their atmospheres, and enhance our understanding of planet formation in young systems and the evolution of disks.”

“This preliminary result represents an exciting new frontier where Webb sheds light on the discovery and characterization of exoplanets.”

These findings are detailed in a publication in the journal Nature.

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Lagrange et al. Evidence of sub-Jovian planets within the young TWA 7 disk. Nature Published online on June 25th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09150-4

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals Potential Weight Gain from Certain ‘Healthy Fats’

Posted on June 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent studies indicate that the fats found in olive oil may contribute to weight gain more significantly than fats from other sources.

A recent report revealed that oleic acid, the primary fatty component in olive oil, can stimulate the formation of new fat cells.

Oleic acid is a type of monosaturated fat, often referred to as omega-9. While olive oil is the main source of oleic acid, this fatty acid is also present in other oils, such as canola and sunflower oil.

“You can think of fat cells as the army,” stated the study’s co-author, Dr. Michael Rudolph, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Physiology at the University of Oklahoma. “Dried oleic acid initially boosts the number of ‘fat cell soldiers’ in the army, enhancing the capacity to store surplus dietary nutrients.”

“If excess nutrients surpass the number of fat cells over time, it can lead to obesity, and if left unaddressed, may result in cardiovascular disease or diabetes.”

Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and is renowned for promoting longevity, healthy aging, as well as optimal brain, heart, and metabolic health – Credit: Elena Noviero via Getty

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma, Yale University, and New York conducted a study where mice were fed a variety of high-fat diets that included coconut oil, peanut oil, milk, lard, and soy oils.

They found that elevated levels of oleic acid influenced the activity of two proteins, AKT2 and LXR, leading to an accelerated growth of progenitor cells that develop into new adipocytes. This effect was not observed with other types of fats.

Nevertheless, Dr. Rudolph emphasized that completely eliminating olive oil is not the answer.

“The key takeaway is moderation and diversifying fat sources,” he advised. “While a balanced intake of oleic acid can be beneficial, excessive and prolonged consumption may pose risks. For individuals at risk for heart disease, high oleic acid levels could be unfavorable.”

In moderation, oleic acid is linked with numerous health benefits. Previous studies have shown that olive oil consumption is associated with longer lifespans, healthy aging, reduced inflammation, and a decreased risk of obesity and heart disease.

It’s important to note that since this study was conducted exclusively on mice, its findings may not directly apply to humans.

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Fusion Potential Won’t Be Realized Without Resolving the Lithium Bottleneck

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The ITER project is an experimental fusion power reactor

iter

Nuclear fusion holds the promise of nearly limitless energy, but achieving this goal requires the world to produce a significant amount of concentrated lithium fuel from the ground up.

“A major challenge is the concentration phase, where specific lithium types are concentrated,” explains Samuel Ward from Woodruff Scientific Ltd, a British firm dedicated to nuclear fusion. “There is currently no scalable solution capable of providing the fuel required for future fusion reactors.”

Lithium is essential for the most prevalent fusion technology being developed, which combines two forms of hydrogen to generate energy. Moreover, the rare lithium-6 isotope, constituting only 7.5% of naturally occurring lithium, is the most effective for sustaining the fusion process. Consequently, many fusion power projects depend on “enriched” lithium, increasing the lithium-6 content to over 50%, and occasionally as high as 90%.

Only one demonstration fusion plant is set to outpace experimental reactors by delivering net electricity to the grid. Ward and his team require between 10 to 100 tons of concentrated lithium to initiate and sustain operations. The emergence of a new demonstration plant is expected to heighten this demand.

The initial such plants are projected to be operational by around 2040, allowing time for the enhancement of lithium supplies. However, the enrichment strategy must accelerate—one report indicates that the current lithium-6 supply is nearly non-existent. The U.S. amassed stockpiles during the Cold War, producing approximately 442 tons of enriched lithium from 1952 to 1963 to support nuclear weapon fabrication. This process utilized toxic mercury, leading to environmental pollution that needed remediation for decades.

At present, low-purity lithium for fusion is transitioning from the scarce amounts of highly enriched lithium required for nuclear armaments, according to EGEMEN KOLEMEN at Princeton Plasma Physics Institute, part of the U.S. Department of Energy.

For early integration of power, researchers are advocating for a modernized, eco-friendly version of the enrichment process—yet it still relies on mercury. Last year, the German government allocated funds for a project aimed at advancing this form of lithium enrichment while improving cost-effectiveness. “We plan to launch the first concentration facility in Karlsruhe by 2028,” says Michael Frank, who is participating in this initiative at Argentum Vivum Solutions, a German consultancy.

“The only viable approach for supplying adequate lithium concentrate [in the] short and medium term relies on mercury-based methods,” asserts Thomas Giegalich from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, also a collaborator on the project. However, this type of method will not suffice for the extensive requirements of hundreds or thousands of commercial fusion reactors.

“There is broad recognition that mercury-dependent processes cannot sustainably support the widespread deployment of fusion energy,” states Adam Stein from the Breakthrough Research Institute, a research center based in California.

Various mercury-free concentration techniques are under exploration, but they are not yet suitable for immediate application. This is also the case with the UK’s Atomic Energy Agency, which is funding the development of a clean lithium enrichment process, including efficient lithium-6 separation through microorganisms.

“Given the current lack of demand and the need for further innovation, other techniques have yet to be demonstrated at a commercial level but must succeed,” says Stein.

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“Invasive Termites from Florida Have the Potential to Spread Globally”

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Egg mass containing invasive adult termites Coptotermes gestroi

T Chouvenc, UF/IFAS

Florida’s latest termites offer a unique two-for-one deal, but there’s no celebration for them. Two species of invasive wood-eating insects have interbred, resulting in hybrid colonies that can produce extraordinarily resilient termites, posing a threat to both buildings and forests.

The results are “intriguing and unexpected,” notes Edouard Duquesne, a researcher at the Free University of Brussels, who was not part of the study. “The viable hybrids of these species could have a significantly broad geographic range, leading to highly invasive termites capable of causing severe damage.”

Since 2010, termite infestations have resulted in $40 billion in annual losses, with around 80% attributed to the Coptotermes genus. The Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) have invaded many warm temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, while their Asian counterpart, Coptotermes gestroi, has expanded from Southeast Asia to tropical areas worldwide. Since the late 1990s, both species have overlapped in southern Florida, according to Thomas Chouvenc at the University of Florida.

In 2015, Chouvenc and his team demonstrated that these two species could produce hybrid offspring in controlled environments. By 2021, Chouvenc discovered alates—winged termites that establish new colonies—with characteristics merging those of the Formosan and the smaller, darker Asian species. These hybrids were identified in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and were confirmed through genetic testing. A hybrid nest was also found in a local park adjacent to the marina.

In 2024, the existence of wild hybrids was validated by Taiwanese researchers, confirming that these species have coexisted for a century in southern Florida.

“It’s only a matter of time before we see hybridization and the establishment of hybrid populations wherever these two species coexist,” warns Chouvenc.

Researchers have also observed that first-generation hybrid females can mate with males from either parent species. Chouvenc expresses concern that gene flow between the species could lead to the emergence of a termite population that thrives in a wider range of environmental conditions, including temperature variations. The proximity of these termites to a busy port heightens the risk that such hybrids could be transported globally.

“We [humans] didn’t pay enough attention, and as a result, we’ve allowed these termites to spread,” Chouvenc added.

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A Potential Breakthrough in Quantum Computing Design

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Could a new approach lead to error-free quantum computers?

Nord’s numbers

Canadian startups in quantum computing assert that the new Qubit technology will enable the development of smaller, more affordable, and error-free quantum computers. However, reaching that goal presents a significant challenge.

Traditional computers mitigate errors by storing redundant copies of information across multiple locations. This method, known as redundancy, requires quantum computers to utilize many additional qubits, potentially hundreds of thousands, to replicate this redundancy.

Julianne Camiland Lemire and her team at Nord’s numbers have engineered a qubit that promises to reduce this requirement to just a few hundred. “The fundamental principle of our hardware is to utilize qubits with inherent redundancy,” she notes.

Competing qubit technologies include small superconducting circuits and ultra-cold atoms. The Nord Quartique qubit employs a superconducting cavity filled with microwave radiation. Inside this cavity, photons are trapped and bounce back and forth, allowing information to be encoded within quantum states.

This design is not entirely new; however, it’s the first instance of employing “multimode encoding.” Researchers utilize multiple properties of photons simultaneously to store information, thereby enhancing resilience against common quantum computing errors.

Victor Albert from the University of Maryland mentions that effective quantum error correction necessitates more qubits, meaning information is stored in interconnected groups rather than isolated qubits, safeguarding the system from individual failures.

The innovative Qubit incorporates a second technique that enables the effective storage of information in a four-dimensional mathematical framework.

This is why NORD’s quantitative project anticipates that their error-resistant quantum computers will be up to 50 times smaller than those utilizing superconducting circuit qubits, the most advanced yet. Moreover, the company estimates that machines built with their Qubits will consume as much power as those using conventional methods.

Despite these advancements, Nord has not yet released data on multiple kits. Furthermore, ensuring the multimode encoding functions correctly is still pending, indicating that the new Qubit has yet to be applied in computational tasks. Significant technical hurdles remain before these teams can achieve scalable quantum computing.

“It’s too early to conclude whether this fault-resistant approach will inherently outperform other methods,” remarks Barbara Telhal at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Michel Devoret from Yale University observes that while the new development is “not groundbreaking,” it enhances the science of quantum error correction and reflects the company’s grasp of technical difficulties.

Lemire expresses that the team is actively working on building additional Qubits and refining existing designs. They aim to implement a “perfect mechanism” for manipulating information stored within the Qubit, essential during quantum computational processes. The goal is to create a practical quantum computer featuring over 100 error-resilient qubits by 2029.

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