Rare Gene Increases Cancer Risk: 100% Chance of Developing Cancer Explained

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Tracy Hutchinson has a rare mutation in the TP53 gene

Tracy Hutchinson

When several family members were diagnosed with cancer simultaneously, I began to suspect a hereditary issue. In 1990, my sister Rebecca and I were both diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia—she was 21, and I was just 14. During her intense chemotherapy treatment, our mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer.

Tragically, Rebecca passed away in 1994, and not long after, my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. As he was receiving treatment, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer in her other breast, which she survived, only to be later diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2009. Despite undergoing major surgery, my father’s cancer recurred, and he succumbed to the disease six weeks later.

In 2020, when my other sister was diagnosed with rapidly progressing triple-negative breast cancer, I thought, “Oh my God, something is definitely wrong.” She was tested for the BRCA mutation and results showed no BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Subsequently, she was tested for a rarer mutation in the TP53 gene. This mutation is linked to a significantly heightened cancer risk. Women with this mutation have an almost 100% likelihood of developing some form of cancer during their lifetime. This genetic condition is known as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which indicates that the TP53 genes, responsible for tumor suppression, are not functioning properly.

When my sister suggested I get tested, I questioned, “What is Li-Fraumeni syndrome?” I had never heard of it before. Discovering my positive test result was emotionally devastating, but I agreed to undergo testing to support my sister during this challenging time.

In 2022, at the age of 47, I received my positive diagnosis. Surprisingly, I felt a sense of comfort knowing that I had answers regarding the struggles my family faced. However, this revelation was deeply personal; for example, my brother opted not to be tested.

After my diagnosis, my life transformed completely. With Li-Fraumeni syndrome, thoughts of cancer are ever-present. Within months of learning my result, I underwent a preventive double mastectomy. Early-stage cancer, specifically ductal carcinoma in situ, was detected in my left breast after the surgery.

Living in Sydney, I enrolled in an Australian clinical trial investigating the use of annual full-body MRIs for early tumor detection in individuals with TP53 mutations or other cancer-associated genes. In 2022, I welcomed my first baby, but during my second year, a 9-millimeter meningioma was discovered—fortunately benign but nonetheless terrifying.

I receive full-body MRIs annually, but my anxiety peaks around July, as I wonder if this will be the year things take a turn for the worse. Participating in this study provides some reassurance, as it aims to catch cancer at an early, treatable stage. My sister, who survived breast cancer, also undergoes yearly MRIs.

In addition to full-body MRIs, I have annual skin exams and blood tests managed by a dermatologist. Bi-yearly endoscopies and colonoscopies are essential; during one procedure, they discovered and removed a polyp in my intestine and atypical cells in my esophagus, which are now closely monitored. I’m vigilant about any irregularities in my body—any sudden shoulder pain sends my anxiety into overdrive.

My geneticist speculated that our mother may have had a spontaneous mutation in the TP53 gene, instead of it being inherited. As neither my sister nor I have children, the risk of passing this mutation on is nonexistent.

My partner has been incredibly supportive. After my diagnosis, he encouraged me to pursue whatever necessary actions I needed to take. When I opted for a double mastectomy without reconstruction, he reassured me, saying my scars tell the story of my journey.

I strive to maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges, aware that everyone faces their own struggles, whether chronic illnesses or hidden mental health battles. For instance, my sister-in-law recently suffered a stroke. We each carry our own burdens, visible or not, and it’s crucial to be compassionate toward one another; life isn’t always picture-perfect.

As told by Alice Klein

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare Sightings: This Unusual Shark Captured on Camera in Its Natural Habitat

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

For the first time, one of the world’s most unusual sharks, the Goblin Shark (Mituculina Ostni), has been photographed in its natural habitat, as detailed in a recent study published in the Fish Biology Journal.

The observation occurred in 2019 by a research team from the University of Hawaii at Manoa while sailing near Jervis Island in the South Pacific.

Renowned for its retractable jaws, the deep-sea Goblin Shark can extend its mouth rapidly at speeds of up to 3.1 meters per second, allowing it to catch unsuspecting fish. These sharks are often brought to the surface by fishermen from depths reaching 1,200 meters (3,940 feet), further adding to their enigmatic nature, with reports of a dead specimen.

“Witnessing such an iconic deep-sea shark thriving in its natural environment is a unique and remarkable honor,” stated Dr. Aaron Judah, lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate in Oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“We were astonished to find this species at such depths. Observations from the slopes of the Tonga Trench indicate it was nearly 700 meters deeper than previously recorded for this species.”

The footage of the Goblin Shark was recorded using a camera attached to Hercules, an underwater drone. However, the identification of the shark was confirmed later by Judah through recordings of the expedition’s livestream.

https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/content://80837f4e-50d7-4320-b29a-efcea671a82d/resources/c88cfffc-59a9-41ab-9e82-0795abf24577

Footage of the Goblin Shark, first sighted near Jervis Island in 2019 and again near the Tonga Trench in 2024.

The second sighting occurred near the Tonga Trench by the Minderu UWA Deep Sea Research Center, which utilized a baited camera attached to a bottom lander, a device employed by oceanographers for ocean floor experiments.

Typically, Goblin Sharks can grow up to 3.6 meters (12 feet) in length, with their distinctively long, flat snouts accounting for a significant portion of their length.

These creatures are notoriously elusive, featuring fewer sightings compared to other deep-sea enigmas like the giant squid or Mariana Trench ghost fish. Consequently, knowledge about them remains limited to their fascinating yet alarming feeding habits.

While the mystique surrounding Goblin Sharks has been somewhat lessened in recent years due to sporadic sightings in different locations, including the Canary Islands and off the Japanese coast, they remain a marvel of deep-sea biodiversity.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Rare Camera Trap Video Reveals Wolves Hunting European Bison

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Wolves are making a comeback in many parts of Europe

John Colemans/Shutterstock

Wolves hunting bison in Europe — Wolves are making a comeback in many parts of Europe

John Colemans/Shutterstock

A captivating video has emerged showing a pack of wolves hunting a young bison in the heart of the Polish wilderness.

This rare observation indicates that bison might be more frequently preyed upon by wolves in Europe than previously believed.

“My mind was blown,” says Robin Winans from the Polish Academy of Sciences. “It was an astonishing discovery, particularly given that I didn’t anticipate wolves targeting bison when there are numerous other prey options in the forest.”

The European bison (bison bonasus) was once widespread across the continent but faced extinction in the wild early last century due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction. Thankfully, conservation efforts have rescued the species, leading to its reintroduction into the wild in the 1950s. Today, approximately 9,000 of these majestic creatures roam Europe.

Wolves have significantly resurged in Europe, with their population increasing by an impressive 58% in the last decade. Nevertheless, only a handful of confirmed cases of wolves preying on bison have been documented since their reintroduction.

Mr. Winans and his research team, including Tomasz Borowik, utilized camera traps to document the hunt in September 2025 while studying in the Białowieża Forest, a reintroduction site for European bison.

At 7:25 a.m., a pack of seven wolves initiated a hunt, targeting a herd of 11 bison. They distracted the adults while aiming for a newborn calf. During the chase, one wolf attempted to seize the calf by biting its neck, but the adult bison fiercely defended it by charging. The herd rallied to protect the calf, driving the wolf away.

The intense encounter lasted 20 minutes, yet the footage does not reveal whether the calf survived.

“Capturing a wolf-prey interaction on camera is incredibly rare; it requires precise positioning of the camera at the ideal time. This footage is an exceptional find,” says Oswald Schmitz from Yale University, who was not part of the study.

Concerns have arisen regarding bison overpopulation potentially harming habitats and farmland, while adversely affecting other wildlife. In this context, wolf predation may prove beneficial, researchers suggest.

“Even if wolf predation occurs more often than anticipated, we don’t foresee it leading to a swift decline in bison numbers. In fact, it could aid in stabilizing the population,” Winans states. “Understanding the frequency and ecological impact of these predation events would be fascinating.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

First Discovery of Rare Lyme Disease Variant in New York: What You Need to Know

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A new strain of Lyme disease has emerged in New York State, raising public health concerns.

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Most tick-borne diseases in the United States are caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a corkscrew-shaped bacterium. However, there is another rarer species called Borrelia mayonii, which has thus far only been found in Minnesota and Wisconsin, both spread via deer ticks.

Recent CDC reports indicate that cases of B. mayonii Lyme disease were identified in upstate New York as of last July.

This infection was diagnosed in an adult from Herkimer County, extending from Utica to the Adirondack Mountains, who had not traveled recently.

The state health department found several infected ticks on the person’s property; however, a broader study of over 1,500 ticks across 24 New York counties yielded no bacteria.

The exact origin of the bacteria in Herkimer County remains unclear.

“Although this discovery was unexpected, tick species and tick-borne diseases can fluctuate geographically,” stated a spokesperson from the New York State Department of Health.

Douglas Norris, a molecular microbiology and immunology professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, suspects that the bacterium has been present in New York ticks for several years but remains tightly contained.

Different Symptoms, Same Disease

Research on B. mayonii is limited compared to B. burgdorferi, having been discovered only in 2016 by Mayo Clinic researchers. Both species can lead to severe illness.

Symptoms can start with fever and headache. However, Lyme disease caused by B. mayonii is more likely to result in nausea and vomiting.

Norris noted that individuals infected with this less common species may not develop the rash typically seen around the tick bite. Instead, they may exhibit a rash of small red spots over a broader area.

Dr. Bobby Pruitt of the Mayo Clinic emphasized the potential for a range of neurological symptoms. “Many broader symptoms might still be unrecognized,” he noted.

The health department did not specify the symptoms exhibited by New Yorkers infected with B. mayonii last year.

Rising Lyme Disease Cases

Cases of Lyme disease have been rapidly increasing in New York. From 2020 to 2024, the incidence rose nearly 450%, soaring from about 37 cases per 100,000 people to 165 cases per 100,000. According to Department of Health statistics.

Potential occurrences of B. mayonii may rise across the Northeast, but infections remain rare, according to Pruitt.

Norris adds, “Borrelia burgdorferi will likely remain the predominant cause of Lyme disease in the U.S. and B. mayonii is not primarily responsible for it.”

Even in areas where B. mayonii has been previously documented, like the upper Midwest, cases are few. For instance, out of Minnesota’s roughly 3,000 annual Lyme disease cases, only about 2 are attributed to B. mayonii, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

A study revealed that only 0.2% of larval ticks in New York carried B. mayonii, while around 1% of adult ticks did. In contrast, approximately 25% of nymphs and 50% of adult ticks are infected with B. burgdorferi in the Northeast.

Timing is crucial, as it takes 24 to 48 hours for ticks to transmit infectious bacteria after attachment. Therefore, the smaller nymphs are typically the responsible vectors for Lyme disease.

“People often see larger ticks, but these smaller ones typically go unnoticed,” Norris explained.

Impact of Climate Change on Lyme Disease

Norris stated that while tick-borne diseases are evolving due to climate change, this is likely not the reason for the emergence of B. mayonii in New York.

“Unfortunately, it was introduced right where it could thrive,” he noted.

Experts speculate that the bacteria may have been transported by infected ticks on migratory birds from Minnesota or Wisconsin.

New York has a climate conducive to tick reproduction and the survival of Lyme disease pathogens, creating a “sweet spot” that is shifting northward due to climate change, resulting in increased Lyme disease cases in areas previously known for their endemic status.

To minimize the risk of tick bites, experts recommend staying in the center of trails during hikes and avoiding tall grass. Wearing long sleeves and tucking pants into socks can provide additional protection. Using a repellent with 30% DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil is also advised. Regular tick checks after outdoor activities are essential, as is showering to remove ticks after being in tick-prone areas.

“We aim to encourage outdoor activities while ensuring people take necessary precautions against tick bites,” experts say. “Ticks can transmit various pathogens and diseases, so awareness is crucial.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Rare Ostrich-Like Dinosaur Fossil Unearthed on Canada Island

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recent findings by Canadian paleontologists reveal a remarkable discovery: a dinosaur caudal vertebra dating back 75 to 80 million years, discovered within ancient sea rock on a small island off British Columbia’s coast. This discovery provides significant evidence that bird-like ornithomimosaurs inhabited North America’s prehistoric Pacific coastline.

Cyparon henanensis—an ornithomimosaur that existed during the Maastrichtian period (72 to 67 million years ago) in what is now China. Image credit: PaleoNeolitic / Sci.News.

The Ornithomimosaurus is a fascinating group of swift, bird-like theropod dinosaurs that thrived during the Cretaceous period. These dinosaurs are characterized by their long legs, elongated necks, streamlined bodies, toothless beaks, and relatively small heads, bearing a striking resemblance to modern ostriches.

Certain species, such as Gallimimus and Ornithomimus, can reach lengths exceeding 4 meters (13 feet). Interestingly, despite being part of the theropod family, ornithomimosaurs are believed to have been either omnivorous or opportunistic feeders, consuming plants, small animals, and potentially eggs.

Known for their impressive speed, some estimates suggest they could achieve top speeds of approximately 50-60 km/h (31-37 mph), making them some of the fastest dinosaurs of their era.

In a recent publication, Dr. David Evans, a paleontologist from the University of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum, and his team detailed their findings on fossilized vertebrae extracted from an ornithomimosaur’s tail. This fossil dates back to the Campanian period of the Late Cretaceous, between 80 and 75 million years ago.

The specimen was uncovered in August 1999 from the marine sediments of the Cedar District Formation on Denman Island, which is part of the Nanaimo Group in western Canada. According to the research team, “This fossil marks the second instance of dinosaur skeletal material discovered in the Nanaimo Group and is the first from an outcrop within Canada.”

The paleontologists propose that the ornithomimosaur bones may have been washed into the ocean from the western margin of ancient North America, potentially transported by ocean currents, shoreline movements, or even scavengers. Another hypothesis suggests that the bones could have originated from a floating carcass that drifted offshore before eventual separation.

The research team also noted, “Given the current interpretations regarding the paleolatitude of the Nanaimo Basin, this specimen likely corresponds with locations at a similar latitude to the outcrops of the Two Medicine River and Judith River formations to the east, which are recognized as part of the northern faunal region of Campanian-Laramidian dinosaurs along the Western Interior Seaway.”

“To date, no ornithomimosaur fossils identifiable at lower taxonomic levels have been described from the Judith River and Two Medicine Formations. However, a rich assemblage of ornithomimosaur fauna, with several genera and species represented by complete skeletons, has been documented from the Dinosaur Park Formation in Alberta.”

“Questions concerning whether Pacific coast dinosaurs exhibited a latitudinal diversity gradient, and the role of intervening mountain ranges in influencing dinosaur biogeography through promoting allopatric diversification during the Campanian, can only be addressed through further fossil discoveries.”

The team’s research paper was published in the journal Facet on April 17th.

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Victoria M. Arbor et al. 2026. An ornithomimosaur excavated from the Campania Cedar District Formation (Nanaimo Group) on Denman Island, British Columbia, Canada. Facet 11; doi: 10.1139/facets-2023-0079

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Discovers Three Unique Subspecies of Rare New Zealand Penguins

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

For decades, scientists have studied the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes). Previously thought to consist of two large populations, new genomic research has unveiled three distinct lineages of this endangered species that have been isolated for thousands of years, well before humans arrived in New Zealand (Aotearoa).

Geographical distribution of yellow-eyed penguins. Image credit: Guhlin et al., doi: 10.1038/s41559-026-03062-w.

In 1841, Jacques-Bernard Ombron and Honoré Jaquinot first described the yellow-eyed penguin as an endangered species endemic to New Zealand.

The indigenous Maori people of New Zealand consider these penguins taonga (cherished things) and refer to them as huiho or takaraka.

Since 2019, respiratory distress syndrome has affected chicks in mainland New Zealand, significantly reducing the number of breeding pairs to under 115.

“As one of the world’s rarest penguin species, the yellow-eyed penguin is an essential indicator of ecosystem health. Its population trends mirror broader ecological changes,” stated Professor Gemma Geoghegan from the University of Otago.

“Conserving yellow-eyed penguins is vital for biodiversity and the health of coastal ecosystems.”

“They also play a crucial role in local wildlife tourism, significantly contributing to the economy.”

“Their decline indicates a biodiversity crisis, leading to cultural and economic losses.”

In a recent study, Professor Geoghegan and collaborators sequenced the complete genomes of 249 yellow-eyed penguins from mainland New Zealand (Northern Ranges), the sub-Antarctic Enderby (Auckland Islands), and the Campbell Islands (Southern Ranges).

Rather than observing two simple population structures, the researchers were surprised to discover three genetically distinct groups with minimal interbreeding.

These findings suggest that each group warrants formal recognition as a separate subspecies due to significant genetic variations.

“In this study, we utilized population genomics to explore the evolutionary history and disease susceptibility of the endangered yellow-eyed penguin,” said Professor Geoghegan.

“Supported by Genomics Aotearoa, we generated comprehensive genomic data from these 249 penguins, enabling us to understand the reasons behind the severe respiratory disease affecting mainland chicks.”

Unexpectedly, we found that the yellow-eyed penguin consists of three distinct subspecies, showing no evidence of migration among them.

Our analysis indicates these populations have been separated for thousands of years, much earlier than previously believed.

This means the endangered northern population is not merely a recent offshoot of the southern lineage, but rather a unique evolutionary group.

We have identified potential genes related to immune function and respiratory biology, which may contribute to the northern populations’ vulnerability to respiratory distress syndrome.

“These findings shed light on the role of host genetics in wildlife diseases and have significant implications for conservation management.”

After discussions with Ngāi Tahu, the species’ kaitiaki (guardians), the authors suggest new subspecies names based on Māori geography: Megadyptes antipodes Murihiku (Hoiho Murihiku) for the northern residents, Megadyptes antipodes Motu Maha (Hoiho Motu Maha) for Enderby Island in the Auckland Islands, and Megadyptes antipodes Motu Ifupuku (Hoiho Motu Ifupuku) for Campbell Island.

“Collaborating with Ngāi Tahu, the Kaitiaki of Hoiho, we aim for this research to support urgent conservation efforts for each subspecies, particularly the declining northern lineage with fewer than 115 breeding pairs,” stated Professor Geoghegan.

The team’s research paper is published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

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J. Gurin et al. Population genomics of yellow-eyed penguins reveals subspecies divergence and candidate genes associated with respiratory distress syndrome. Nat Ecol Evol, published online May 12, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41559-026-03062-w

Source: www.sci.news

Juno Discovers Rare Close-Up of Jupiter’s Shadow Moon Thebes

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has unveiled a stunning, new view of the irregular moon Thebes during a flyby on May 1, 2026, showcasing a battered world from just 5,000 kilometers away.

Thebes moon captured by Juno during a flyby on May 1, 2026. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Thebes is a small, irregularly shaped moon of Jupiter, measuring approximately 116 x 98 x 84 km, with an average radius of about 49 km.

It ranks as the second largest of Jupiter’s inner moons and the seventh largest among all moons in the Jupiter system.

Discovered by astronomer Stephen Synnott in 1979 using images from NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thebes orbits Jupiter at an average distance of about 221,900 km, well within the orbit of Io, the innermost Galilean moon of Jupiter. The moon completes one orbit in roughly 16.1 hours.

Like many of Jupiter’s inner moons, Thebes is tidally locked, so the same side always faces Jupiter.

Thebes features a heavily cratered surface with a dark reddish hue, and its most notable characteristic is the large impact crater Zethos, named after the mythical twins of Thebes.

Moreover, Thebes is a crucial contributor to the Spiraea rings, one of the faint outer rings of Jupiter’s ring system. Impacts from micrometeorites eject dust from its surface, forming a diffuse ring along Thebes’ orbit.

“Thebes is located at the outer edge of Jupiter’s faint ring system and is believed to play a significant role in the formation of Jupiter’s ‘Similarian’ rings through dust ejection,” stated NASA scientists.

The latest imagery of Thebes was acquired by the Stellar Reference Unit (SRU) aboard the Juno spacecraft, captured from a distance of about 5,000 km.

“Though the SRU’s primary purpose is navigating the starry sky, its exceptional sensitivity under low-light conditions also makes it a highly effective secondary scientific instrument,” the researchers noted.

“The SRU has previously been instrumental in discovering ‘shallow lightning’ in Jupiter’s atmosphere and imaging Jupiter’s intricate ring system.”

Source: www.sci.news

Rare Case: Woman’s Cancer Goes into Remission Without Treatment

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

X-ray of a woman’s arm before biopsy: Arrow highlights the tumor

Gannon MC, Gabor RM, Gupta A, et al. (April 15, 2026)

A remarkable case involves a woman whose cancerous tumor on her arm is now in remission, attributed to a biopsy that triggered a powerful immune response. This unique scenario exemplifies how a biopsy can potentially change the fate of some cancer patients.

She is one of only nine known cases where a biopsy uncovered this specific type of cancer affecting connective tissue, which spontaneously resolved within weeks.

“It’s quite extraordinary,” says Toby Lawrence from the Marseille Lumigny Immunology Center, not directly involved in this case. “This suggests there was an immune activation in response to the biopsy injury, rapidly halting tumor growth.”

The 59-year-old woman noticed a rapidly enlarging lump, which reached two centimeters, before seeking medical attention. “The symptoms were escalating quickly and causing discomfort. She was understandably concerned,” states Rohit Sharma from Marshfield Clinic Health System in Wisconsin.

Sharma and his team marked the tumor’s location with tattoo ink and performed a thin-needle biopsy. They identified the growth as a myxofibrosarcoma, which contained highly malignant cells, posing a risk of metastasis. “Cancer often leads to fatal metastasis,” Sharma warns.

Two weeks later, the woman returned for tumor removal surgery, but astonishingly, the tumor had completely vanished. “She reported symptom relief within just three to four days post-biopsy,” says Sharma.

To confirm the disappearance of the tumor, the surgical team removed surrounding tissue, which showed no cancer cells. “The timing indicates that an immune response was activated,” Sharma explains. The phenomenon of cancer disappearing post-biopsy is extremely rare, typically observed in cancers that the immune system can easily identify, such as skin cancers.

A biopsy can destroy some cancer cells and release inflammatory signals that activate immune cells, like natural killer cells, which can eliminate damaged tumor tissue within days. This could trigger an even stronger immune response as T cells identify and attack remaining cancerous cells.

However, such an extraordinary immune reaction does not occur for most individuals. Factors like genetics and environmental triggers likely play a role in this rare phenomenon, according to Lawrence.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of the Tumor

Gannon MC, Gabor RM, Gupta A, et al. (April 15, 2026)

By analyzing the genomes and medical histories of these exceptional cases, researchers aim to uncover strategies that could enhance overall cancer treatment efficacy. Understanding the unique immune responses in mice with cancer resulting from minor tissue damage may hold the key to unraveling these mechanisms, suggests Caetano Reis e Souza at the Francis Crick Institute in London. “If we can learn how biopsies expose cancer cells to the immune system, it might pave the way for novel therapeutic drugs,” he posits.

Sharma’s research team is planning to explore this phenomenon further in the upcoming years by establishing a database of similar unique cancer cases.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

250 Million-Year-Old Dicynodont Egg Discovered in South Africa: A Rare Paleontological Find

Posted on April 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have utilized high-resolution CT and synchrotron scanning technology to confirm that early Triassic fossil specimens from South Africa’s Karoo Basin feature immature dicynodonts. The mystery surrounding whether the early mammalian ancestor, Lystrosaurus, laid eggs has finally been solved. Researchers propose that dicynodont eggs were likely soft-shelled, which explains their long-elusive nature.

Developed eggs of dicynodont monoapsids from the Early Triassic Lystrosaurus. Image credit: Benoit et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0345016.

Lystrosaurus is a significant group of primarily herbivorous vertebrates that thrived during the Permian and Triassic periods.

This ancient creature measured between 1.8 and 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet) in length and possessed no teeth, except for a pair of fangs in its upper jaw.

Fossils of Lystrosaurus can be found in locations such as China, Europe, India, South Africa, and Antarctica, providing evidence for the existence of the ancient supercontinent Pangea.

Professor Julien Benoit from the University of Witwatersrand stated, “In over 150 years of South African paleontology, no fossils have been definitively classified as therapsid eggs.”

“The discovery that the ancestors of mammals, like Lystrosaurus, laid eggs is a significant milestone in paleontology,” he added.

Professor Benoit and colleagues utilized advanced image processing to investigate three regions in a Lystrosaurus specimen unearthed from the Karoo Basin of South Africa.

One of the specimens exhibited a tightly curled posture, indicating it was still encased in its egg and lacked its fangs.

“Understanding the reproductive methods of our mammalian ancestors has been a long-standing question, and this fossil offers crucial insights,” said Dr. Vincent Fernandez, a researcher at the European Synchrotron (ESRF).

“Precision in scanning the fossil was crucial to attain the level of detail needed for such small, delicate structures.”

“Upon seeing the incomplete mandibular symphysis, I was filled with excitement,” Professor Benoit remarked.

“The mandible, or lower jaw, consists of two halves that must fuse together before the animal can feed.”

“The absence of this fusion indicates the individual could not nourish itself.”

Artist’s impression of Lystrosaurus. Image credit: Victor O. Leshyk, www.victorleshyk.com / University of Birmingham.

According to the research team, Lystrosaurus eggs were relatively large in relation to their body size.

“In many modern animals, larger eggs typically contain more yolk, which provides essential nutrients for the embryo’s independent development after hatching, without the need for parental feeding,” the researchers noted.

This strongly indicates that, unlike modern mammals, Lystrosaurus did not produce milk for their young.

“Larger eggs also offer a significant advantage: they are more resistant to drying out.”

“In the harsh, drought-prone environment that followed the extinction, this trait would have been vital for survival.”

The findings suggest that Lystrosaurus hatchlings were likely precocial, emerging at a relatively advanced developmental stage.

“These young individuals could have fed themselves, evaded predators, and rapidly reached reproductive maturity,” the researchers concluded.

This groundbreaking discovery not only serves as the first direct evidence of egg-laying in a mammalian ancestor but also elucidates how Lystrosaurus successfully dominated the ecosystem following the extinction event.

“Our research illustrates that the ancestors of mammals, like Lystrosaurus, produced eggs, offering clarity on the origins of mammalian reproduction,” said Professor Benoit.

“Beyond this significant insight, it reveals how reproductive strategies can influence survival in extreme conditions. By laying large, nutrient-rich eggs, Lystrosaurus thrived in the harsh, unpredictable surroundings after the end-Permian mass extinction.”

The study is published in PLoS ONE.

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J. Benoit et al. 2026. The first non-mammalian monoapsid embryo discovered in the Triassic of South Africa. PLoS One 21 (4): e0345016; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0345016

Source: www.sci.news

Rare Harvestman Species Discovered in Ukrainian and Baltic Amber

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In an article published on March 18 in the Journal Acta Paleontology Polonica, paleontologists have unveiled an exciting discovery: a new species of harvestman identified from two Eocene amber pieces originating from Ukraine and the Baltic Sea region.

Reconstruction of Balticolasma Wunderlichi by artist Joshua Knüppe.

The newly identified harvestman is the first known member of the subfamily Ortholasmatinae found in the fossil record.

This species, named Balticolasma Wunderlichi, thrived in Europe approximately 35 million years ago during the Eocene epoch.

Today, these intricate, often ornate arachnids are primarily found in certain regions of East Asia and the Americas.

“The Ortholasmatinae subfamily contains some of the most visually striking modern harvestmen, characterized by complex and branched eye tubercles and unique dorsal microcarvings known as keel cells,” remarked paleontologist Christian Bartel from the Bavarian State Collection of Natural History and his colleagues.

“Currently, there are seven extant genera with 27 described species, each exhibiting distinct distributions.”

Balticolasma Wunderlichi was identified based on two specimens: a suspected female from Rovno amber in northwestern Ukraine and a male specimen preserved in Baltic Sea amber.

The fossils originated from private collections in Germany (Baltic Sea specimen) and Lithuania (Rovno specimen) and are currently housed at the Berlin Museum of Nature.

“The discovery of Ortholasmatinae harvestmen in European amber deposits was surprising. This group is no longer present in Europe today,” stated Dr. Bartel.

“Their relatives now inhabit only East Asia and North and Central America.”

“Clearly, during the Eocene epoch, about 35 million years ago, these harvesters had a much broader distribution across the Northern Hemisphere than they do today.”

Balticolasma Wunderlichi Female from Rovno Amber. Image credit: Bartel et al., doi: 10.4202/app.01283.2025.

Researchers employed high-resolution synchrotron microtomography to meticulously reconstruct the anatomy of Balticolasma Wunderlichi.

The scans revealed a small, flat body, measuring less than 3mm long, adorned with rows of tubercles and a distinctive forward-protruding hood-like structure.

“Some of its morphological features align closely with existing Asian genera,” the scientists observed.

This study underscores the scientific significance of amber deposits in the Baltic and Rovno regions.

The discovery enriches the catalog of known harvestman species preserved in these ambers, offering new insights for reconstructing the evolutionary tree of the group.

“Baltic amber is renowned for its exceptional fossil diversity, frequently revealing species that no longer exist in Europe today,” noted paleontologist Dr. Jason Dunlop from the Berlin Museum of Nature.

“The discovery of a new harvestman species in Ukraine once again illustrates the likely similarities between the harvestman fauna in both regions.”

“With this new addition, the number of harvestman species found in Baltic Sea amber rises to 19, while the number from ancient Ukrainian Rovno amber increases to seven. Six species have been documented in both locations.”

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C. Bartel et al. 2026. 3D analysis of ortholasmatine, first recovered from European Eocene amber. Acta Paleontology Polonica 71 (1): 95-107; doi: 10.4202/app.01283.2025

Source: www.sci.news

Capture Stunning Photos of Rare Andes Bears: A Photographer’s Guide

Posted on March 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Andean Bear by Sebastian Di Domenico – Finalist, Sony World Photography Award 2026, Latin American Professional Award

Credit: Sebastian Di Domenico

Sony World Photography Award

This stunning Andean bear emerges from a moss-covered branch in Colombia’s Chingaza Ecopalacio Reserve. Photographer Sebastian Di Domenico captured this moment while guiding hikers through the lush forest.

“Suddenly, one of the hikers pointed to the bear above us,” said Di Domenico. His breathtaking photograph earned him a spot as a finalist this year at the Sony World Photography Award.

Believed to be a male around five years old, this bear was seen for the first time in this area. Di Domenico speculates that it may have been attracted by a potential mate since another bear was spotted nearby. “We believe they may have been mating in the tree that day,” he explained.

Unfortunately, habitat destruction caused by agriculture, road construction, and mining threatens the survival of this species (Tremarctos ornatus). Widespread issues like crop looting, livestock predation, and illegal hunting exacerbate their decline. “This bear species ranges from Venezuela to Bolivia, but much of its historical habitat has been drastically altered by human activities,” Di Domenico noted. Currently, it is classified as critically endangered. You can find more information at the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

For Di Domenico, this photograph emphasizes the urgent need to protect Andean bears. “Sightings like this are incredibly rare, and capturing this unique species in its natural habitat sends a crucial message,” he stated. “This bear is the only bear species native to South America and is a vital icon of the tropical Andes.”

Join us for the Sony World Photography Award 2026. The exhibition will take place from April 17th to May 4th at Somerset House, London.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Bird Species Discovered in Japan: Ornithologists Unveil Rare Findings

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Genetic and acoustic research has revealed that the rare Iijima Warbler (Philoscopus ijimae) comprises two distinct species, including the newly identified crested warbler. Both species are small and face vulnerability in their habitats.

Japanese Warbler (Philoscopus tocharensis) taken in June 2017 on Nakanoshima, Tokara Islands. Image credit: Per Alström / Uppsala University.

The Japanese Warbler is a rare migratory bird native to Japan.

They breed in the Izu and Tokara Islands, located about 1,000 kilometers southeast of Honshu, Japan.

The Tokara population was only identified in Nakanoshima in 1988, with breeding also observed on four nearby islands.

Despite similarities between the two populations, research shows notable differences in their songs, as highlighted by a study led by Per Alström from Uppsala University.

Analyzing song patterns has enabled researchers to distinguish island populations with remarkable accuracy.

Genetic analysis of thousands of genome-wide markers and mitochondrial sequences shows a significant divergence between the two lineages, suggesting a separation period of approximately 2.8 to 3.2 million years.

“This finding underscores the importance of genetic research in recognizing hidden biodiversity, especially during the global biodiversity crisis,” stated Dr. Alström.

Despite potential for seasonal migration bringing them closer, no gene flow has been detected, indicating long-term reproductive isolation.

“Defining the new species is challenging,” Alström remarked. “They appear identical to a Japanese Warbler, but DNA analysis and song differences confirm their classification as distinct species.”

The Izu Islands population has been classified as endangered, while the newly recognized Tokara species is known as the Tokara Leaf Warbler (Philoscopus tocharensis), posing further conservation challenges.

Breeding has only been confirmed on Nakanoshima, with limited sightings across the archipelago.

Genomic studies indicate both species exhibit low genetic diversity, alongside historical population declines linked to their small, isolated nature, though signs of limited inbreeding may indicate a recovery from earlier bottlenecks.

Island species face unique threats, including habitat disturbance from human activities and invasive predators, further stressing fragile populations.

This study emphasizes a significant concern in conservation biology: species that lack formal recognition might receive inadequate protection.

Integrating genomics with traditional taxonomy can aid in identifying these hidden lineages before they go extinct.

“Island species are especially at risk, yet many remain undiscovered,” the researchers concluded. “Our findings reveal how genomics can expose hidden biodiversity and serve as critical indicators of population health.”

The urgency of formally recognizing and assessing the conservation status of these rare species is imperative in an ever-changing world to ensure the protection of overlooked lineages.

This study contributes to comprehensive conservation assessments for passerine birds leveraging genomic data.

The research team’s findings are documented in their paper published in PNAS Nexus.

_____

Takema Saito et al. 2026. Discovering and protecting enigmatic biodiversity: A case study of previously undescribed endangered bird species in Japan. PNAS Nexus 5(3):pgag037; doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgag037

Source: www.sci.news

Supergiant Star Transitions to Hotter Phase: A Rare Astronomical Discovery

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In-depth observations of WOH G64, previously regarded as the most extreme red supergiant star in our galaxy, have uncovered significant changes, suggesting it may have shed parts of its outer layers while transitioning into a hotter, rarer stellar phase.

Artist’s reconstruction of the red supergiant star WOH G64. Image credit: ESO/L. Calçada.

Red supergiant stars, exceeding eight times the mass of the Sun, boast relatively short lifespans of merely 1 to 10 million years before culminating in a spectacular supernova explosion.

Despite their brightness, the evolutionary trajectories and ultimate fates of the universe’s most luminous red supergiants remain unclear.

Discovered in the 1980s, WOH G64 has been recognized as one of the brightest, largest, and coolest red supergiants within the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy located approximately 160,000 light-years from Earth.

To explore the evolution of WOH G64, Dr. Gonzalo Muñoz Sánchez from the National Astronomical Observatory of Athens and his team analyzed over 30 years of brightness data, commencing in 1992, using both recent and archived electromagnetic spectra.

The research indicated that the star experienced rapid fluctuations: it dimmed in 2011, then rebounded, transforming into a yellower hue and increasing in temperature by over 1,000 degrees Celsius between 2013 and 2014.

In 2025, WOH G64 experienced a significant dimming, accompanied by alterations in its atmospheric chemistry.

This image, captured by ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer’s GRAVITY instrument, showcases the red supergiant star WOH G64. Image credit: ESO/Ohnaka et al., doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202451820.

Astronomers have proposed two possible explanations for these developments.

“First, WOH G64 could be part of a binary system where a red supergiant star transformed into a yellow supergiant due to interactions that expelled part of its atmosphere,” the researchers noted.

“Alternatively, the yellow supergiant may have experienced an eruption of red material lasting several decades, culminating in 2014.”

“This discovery raises intriguing questions about the nature of extreme red supergiants like WOH G64 and whether they are predominantly interacting binaries, which might prevent single stars from reaching such extreme conditions,” the researchers concluded.

The future interactions of WOH G64 will ultimately determine whether it explodes as a supernova, collapses into a black hole, or merges with a companion star.

For further details, refer to the study published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

_____

G. Munoz-Sanchez et al. A dramatic transformation from the very red supergiant WOH G64 to a yellow supergiant. Nat Astron, published online on February 23, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02789-7

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring Greenland’s Abundant Rare Earth Resources: A Wealth of Opportunities

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Glowing Sodalite in Greenland’s Kvanefjeld

Photo by Jonas Kako/Panos

Located in the Kvaneveld deposit of southern Greenland, these sodalites emit a captivating glow under ultraviolet light, creating a stunning contrast against the surrounding mountains.

The striking image was captured by Photographer Jonas Kako. During his exploration, he investigated the impact of rare earth element mining on Greenland’s local communities. The sodalite found at Kvanefjeld absorbs ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation, emitting light at wavelengths visible to human eyes.

The Kvanefjeld site contains critical rare earth elements and minerals essential for various industries, including space, defense, and sustainable energy solutions. Currently, Western nations rely on Chinese mines for about 90% of these materials, creating geopolitical vulnerabilities. Remarkably, 25 out of the 34 minerals labeled as critical raw materials by the European Commission are located in Greenland.

Such valuable resources render Greenland’s Kvanefjeld and similar mineral-rich areas prime interest for both scientists and policymakers. The island has been thrust into international headlines amid rising global tensions, with discussions surrounding its potential purchase and territorial threats from former President Donald Trump.

Kako’s photo series Treasure Island sheds light on the challenges faced by Greenlanders, many of whom are striving for independence from Danish governance, while also resisting the idea of joining the United States. The island’s precarious political landscape has only intensified, placing its residents under unexpected international scrutiny.

At present, Greenland’s economy primarily thrives on fishing, which represents about 90% of its export earnings. Yet, resource extraction has the potential to reshape this economic landscape, raising concerns among residents regarding the environmental implications of mining, especially since some minerals are found alongside radioactive materials.

Miners at Amitsoq Mine, Important for Graphite Production

Photo by Jonas Kako/Panos

Kako’s image captures Greenland miners transporting graphite samples for future assessments at the Amitsoq mine, known for its significant graphite reserves, crucial for green technologies and battery production. Last year, the European Union recognized this mine as strategically important, paving the way for financial backing.

Graphite Sample Essential for Modern Technologies

Photo by Jonas Kako/Panos

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare ‘Lazarus’ Animals Discovered Alive in New Guinea After 7,000 Years of Believed Extinction

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Two remarkable species of marsupials, long considered extinct and previously known only from fossil records, have been rediscovered alive in New Guinea. This groundbreaking finding is the result of a collaborative effort involving scientists, indigenous communities, and citizen scientists.

The confirmation of the pygmy longfinger possum and the ring-tailed glider as living specimens marks a significant moment—it’s the first time these creatures have been seen in over 7,000 years. The announcement was made by Bishop Museum, based in Honolulu.

“As both a scientist and conservationist, it’s incredibly fulfilling to confirm their existence. This opens a new chapter in our journey to learn about and protect these fascinating animals,” stated Dr. Christopher Helgen from Bishop Museum.

For the past two years, Helgen and Dr. Tim Flannery of the Australian Museum have been dedicated to verifying the existence of these elusive mammals.

These two animals are categorized as “Lazarus species,” a term for species that re-emerge after being presumed extinct. “The discovery of two Lazarus species thought to be extinct for millennia is truly unprecedented,” Flannery noted in a press release.

Helgen believes this rediscovery underscores the idea that “extinction is avoidable.”

“This discovery offers a message of hope and a testament to second chances,” he added.

These species were initially discovered through fossils by Dr. Ken Aplin, who unearthed a critical tooth during an archaeological dig in western New Guinea in the 1990s.

Helgen’s observation of a photo featuring a gliding ring-tailed possum led to the identification of it as one of Aplin’s previously “extinct” species. Indigenous communities from West Papua’s Tambulo and Maybrat regions provided invaluable assistance by sharing their extensive knowledge about the marsupial’s unique lifestyle, according to a press release.

Recently, scientists confirmed the existence of the pygmy longfinger possum after discovering two preserved specimens at the University of Papua New Guinea.

The survival of the pygmy longfinger possum has been further validated by citizen scientists. Carlos Bokos, a citizen scientist and now co-author of the study, shared a photo of the species on iNaturalist, a global platform for documenting natural science discoveries.

This rewritten content maintains the original HTML structure while enhancing SEO through targeted keywords and phrases related to the discovery of species, collaboration, and conservation efforts.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Unearthed in Canada: Rare Fossil of Baby Dome-Headed Dinosaur Discovered

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

For years, the fossil record of pachycephalosaurs (dome-headed dinosaurs) has primarily consisted of fossilized skulls. In contrast, the postcranial remains of young pachycephalosaurs have remained largely unexplored. Recent paleontological findings have unveiled the youngest known example of a pachycephalosaur body, shedding light on how these fascinating dinosaurs grew and moved during their early months of life.

Reconstruction of the life of the pachycephalosaur individual CMNFV 22039 in a typical environment of the Upper Maastrichtian French Formation. Image credit: Caitlin Lindblad.

Paleontologist Brian Moore from Carleton University and his team noted that pachycephalosaurs predominantly comprised small, bipedal dinosaurs (ranging from 2 to 6 meters long) found in Asia and North America during the Santonian to Maastrichtian periods (85 to 66 million years ago).

This clade is particularly recognized for its unique frontal and parietal bones, which merge to create a bulbous dome on their skulls.

The cranial elements surrounding this dome are occasionally integrated into the structure, often featuring nodes, spikes, and other decorative traits.

Notably, the frontoparietal dome is the most resilient part of the pachycephalosaur skeleton (besides the teeth), resulting in a fossil record that heavily favors partial skull remains.

Consequently, much of the understanding regarding the ontogeny and phylogeny of pachycephalosaurs relies significantly on skull morphology.

The recently described pachycephalosaur specimen, cataloged as CMNFV 22039, dates back to roughly 67 million years ago during the Maastrichtian period of the Late Cretaceous.

This fossil was discovered in the French Formation, the youngest of the five Maastrichtian formations located in southern Saskatchewan, Canada.

Remarkably, this dinosaur was likely under a year old at the time of its death, marking it as the youngest known pachycephalosaur from fossil records.

“Despite its small size (estimated at just 90 centimeters or 3 feet), the skeleton displays several features characteristic of pachycephalosaurs,” the paleontologists confirmed.

These findings indicate that many traits used to identify adult pachycephalosaurs were present from a very young age.

Additionally, they provide insight into how juvenile pachycephalosaurs moved. In comparison to adults, the hindlimbs of juveniles were proportionately longer, suggesting that they had a more agile physique during their early development.

As the dinosaur matured, its body seemingly transitioned to the more robust proportions observed in adults, indicating a shift in physical capabilities as it increased in size and weight.

“The relatively long hind limbs of juveniles compared to those of adults imply a likely negative ontogenetic allometry in the hind limbs,” the researchers concluded.

The team’s findings are detailed in a paper published in the February 26th issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

_____

Brian R.S. Moore et al. Posterior skull of ontogenetically youngest known pachycephalosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online on February 26, 2026. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2026.2616325

Source: www.sci.news

How to View Six Planets in the Sky Simultaneously: A Guide to the Rare Celestial Alignment

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Every few years, the planets align in the night sky.

Getty Images

Get ready for a stunning celestial display as almost all the planets in our solar system align in the night sky. This spectacular event, commonly referred to as a planetary parade, will include every planet except Mars, which is currently obscured from view as it’s positioned on the opposite side of the Sun.

Such celestial alignments are rare, occurring only every few years when the orbits of the planets align towards the same side of the Sun. Each planet has its own orbital duration: Mercury completes an orbit in just 88 Earth days, while Neptune takes approximately 165 Earth years. The resulting alignment is a fascinating coincidence of geometry and orbital mechanics.

In some instances, planets may appear closely together, like during the “Great Array” observed in February 2025, where all seven visible planets graced our sky simultaneously. However, there can be long stretches without any visible planet alignments.

During a planetary alignment, the planets appear to trace a line across the sky along the ecliptic, the same path the sun follows during the day. Due to the tilts of the planets’ orbits, perfect alignment is seldom achieved, creating an optical illusion when viewed from outside the solar system.

This extraordinary alignment will be visible on different dates worldwide, with the most favorable viewing opportunities on February 28th and March 1st. To enjoy this spectacle, find a location with an unobstructed view of the western sky and minimal light pollution.

The best time to witness the Planet Parade on February 28th will be shortly after sunset. Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, will dip below the horizon soon after the Sun sets. After sunset, look low on the western horizon to see Mercury and Venus, with Saturn and Neptune appearing above them, followed by Uranus and finally Jupiter near a nearly full moon.

While Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter are visible to the naked eye, you’ll need binoculars to catch a glimpse of Uranus and a telescope to view Neptune.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare Shark Sighting Captured on Camera in Antarctica’s Near-Freezing Deep Waters

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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Explore the Rare Space Lineup: A Deep Dive into Hubble 3I/ATLAS Insights

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

On January 22, 2026, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured stunning images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showing it in near-perfect alignment with the Sun-Earth axis. This observation unveiled an unprecedented jet structure and an elongated tail.

This image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was captured by Hubble’s WFC3 instrument on January 22, 2026, at 13:10 UTC. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / Man Tu Hui, Shanghai Observatory.

According to researchers Professor Abraham Loeb from Harvard University and Dr. Mauro Barbieri from the INAF Padua Observatory, interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS provide a rare opportunity to study materials from distant star systems. They detailed their findings in recent papers published in American Astronomical Society Research Notes.

Previous interstellar visitors such as 1I/Oumuamua lacked evidence of gas or dust, while 2I/Borisov was only observed at angles greater than 16 degrees from the Sun-Earth alignment, missing the chance for detailed study.

On January 22, 2026, comet 3I/ATLAS was positioned at an astonishingly small angle of just 0.69 degrees relative to the Earth-Sun axis, allowing for an optimal view as our planet passed nearly directly between the Sun and the comet.

This rare alignment caused a significant brightness spike, influenced by the composition and structure of the particles emitted from the 3I/ATLAS jet, as noted by Professor Loeb in the statement.

This image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was taken by Hubble’s WFC3 instrument on January 22, 2026, at 13:40 UTC. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / Man Tu Hui, Shanghai Observatory.

Astrophysicist Mang To Hui from the Shanghai Observatory utilized Hubble’s capabilities to observe 3I/ATLAS during conditions that may not occur again for decades.

The interstellar object images were gathered using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) instrument, providing valuable data for ongoing research.

Professor Loeb elaborated on the findings, stating, “When the Hubble images from the January 22, 2026, alignment were processed by my collaborator Toni Scarmato, they revealed a system of four jets, including a prominent tail directed toward the Sun and Earth, along with three smaller ‘minijets.’”

“These minijets are spaced evenly apart at 120-degree angles, with one possibly hidden from view due to its unfavorable orientation relative to Earth, rendering it dark.”

Source: www.sci.news

Murder Victim Discovered with Two Unique Sets of DNA Due to Rare Genetic Condition

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Rare Y Chromosome Discovery in Bloodstains at Crime Scene

Shutterstock/PeopleImages

Forensic investigations into the murder victim have revealed a fascinating case of Chimerism. This means her body harbored genetically distinct cells, resembling those from two different individuals.

The unidentified woman’s cellular composition displayed varying male and female cell ratios across tissues. The most plausible explanation is that she developed from one egg fertilized by two sperm—one carrying an X chromosome and the other a Y chromosome, according to biologists from New Scientist.

“This is an intriguing case, but not entirely unprecedented,” noted David Haig from Harvard University.

Visible signs of chimerism can be rare, though singer Taylor Mule has raised awareness about the condition. Often, genetic testing is the only way to identify it.

This was also true for the murder victim shot and killed in China, where blood analysis at the scene revealed the presence of a Y chromosome, prompting further investigation.

Subsequent tests showed the female (XX) to male (XY) cell ratios varied throughout her body. In one hair sample, the majority were XY cells, while the kidney revealed a balanced mix. The other tissues examined predominantly contained XX cells, albeit in varying amounts.

Typically, XX/XY chimerism is linked to ambiguous sexual characteristics. However, in this instance, the woman’s anatomy offered no indication of her condition, and she had a son—hinting that she may have been unaware of her chimerism.

One known mechanism for XX/XY chimerism formation is through the fusion of non-identical twins. Here, two separately fertilized eggs combine to form a single embryo.

Nevertheless, the X chromosome in the victim’s XY cells matched one of the X chromosomes found in the XX cells, indicating both could have originated from the same egg—thus excluding the fusion theory.

Initially, it was believed that one egg split into two eggs, each of which was fertilized to create two separate embryos that later fused. This theory has been challenged by Chinese forensic experts.

Michael Gabbett at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane argues that this possibility is negated.

“When this type of chimera was first documented in humans, this was the prevailing theory. However, no one has been able to provide substantial evidence for it occurring in humans or other mammals,” Gabbett stated.

Instead, he proposes that one egg was fertilized by two sperm, leading to a triploid fertilized egg that ultimately divided into three. Two cells retained one set from the egg and one from sperm while the third likely contained two sperm sets, leading to its eventual demise.

This rare occurrence, termed “trigametic chimerism,” involves an egg and two sperm, a theory supported by Haig.

This phenomenon is exceedingly rare, and on occasion, the embryo can split, resulting in semi-identical twins and even chimerism. There are only two recorded cases of semi-identical twins, one of which Gabbett was involved in identifying.

For the murder victim, the chimeric cells were present throughout her body, and the Chinese research team asserts this is the first extensive examination of various organs in such cases of triplet chimerism.

Another form, microchimerism, is more prevalent than trigametic chimerism. It occurs when maternal cells invade the fetus or vice versa during pregnancy and can also happen when siblings exchange cells.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

First Measurement of Rare Saturn-Sized Rogue Planet’s Mass

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s impression of a rogue planet capturing light from a distant source

Credit: J. Skowron/OGLE

Artist's impression of a rogue planet — Artist’s impression of a rogue planet capturing light from a distant source

Credit: J. Skowron/OGLE

Located nearly 10,000 light-years away, a Saturn-sized planet roams through the vacuum of space. This enigmatic rogue planet was discovered through the joint efforts of ground-based telescopes and the Gaia Space Telescope, marking the first time researchers have measured the mass of a free-floating exoplanet.

Typically, rogue planets found are either more massive than Jupiter or lighter than Neptune, creating a gap known as the “Einstein Desert.” This gap is attributed to the fact that lighter celestial bodies are more likely to be ejected from their stellar orbits, while heavier planets may form independently in open space, similar to stars.

This newly identified exoplanet is extremely rare and has been assigned two designations: KMT-2024-BLG-0792 and OGLE-2024-BLG-0516. Andrzej Udalski, along with researchers from the University of Warsaw, made this groundbreaking discovery using distinct ground-based telescopes. What makes it even more remarkable is its measured mass, which is approximately one-fifth that of Jupiter.

“What’s fascinating about this find is that it’s the first rogue planet we’ve measured in terms of mass, achievable through both Earth-based and Gaia observations,” says Gavin Coleman from Queen Mary University of London. The planet was detected via a method known as gravitational microlensing, occurring when light from a distant source is bent by the planet’s gravitational field, resulting in a halo effect around it. The alignment of the Gaia Space Telescope at the right moment allowed additional capture of this microlensing event.

“Mass is a crucial factor for classifying celestial bodies as planets,” Udalsky explains, confirming this as the first verified rogue planet. “This is a pivotal moment for recognizing that floating planets do indeed exist,” he added. The upcoming NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, expected to launch in 2027, is anticipated to uncover even more such celestial discoveries.

“These planets should be quite numerous, with many being expelled from their original stellar systems during their formation’s early stages, providing key insights into how planetary systems develop,” Udalsky notes. This knowledge may contribute to understanding the formation of our own solar system, which some studies suggest may have inadvertently ejected planets in its early history.

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Spending the Day with British Tech Enthusiasts and Nigel Farage: One of the Rare Politicians Embracing Cryptocurrencies

Posted on October 25, 2025 by

A gray morning greets Shadwell in east London. Yet, within the historical confines of Tobacco Dock, the gloom is transformed into vibrant neon lights, sleek vehicles, and buzzing conversations about cryptocurrency.

Over two days, advocates of Web3, the envisioned future of the Internet, gathered at the venue of its former exchanges. For many attendees, the highlight is a singular figure: Nigel Farage.

“I don’t care if you like me or not, I’m a champion of this space,” declared the Reform UK leader to an audience predominantly composed of male crypto enthusiasts at the Zebu Live conference.

“Either I’m here to bolster your community, or your community is here to bolster me. Regardless, this partnership benefits us both.”

Farage is aiming to forge a business relationship, emulating Donald Trump’s strategy, with hopes it will evolve into a financial backing for his forthcoming campaign. This year, the Reform Party became the inaugural major UK political party to accept contributions via Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Attendees noted Farage’s active presence on the circuit, having recently visited a digital asset summit just a mile away in Old Billingsgate.

Zebu Live conference at Tobacco Dock. Photo: George on the boat

“I aim to bring digital assets and cryptocurrencies from chilly London,” he stated at the Zev event.

“I recognized this after my bank account was depleted. [Cryptocurrency] represents ultimate freedom. It’s about managing your finances independently, making your own choices, and escaping authoritarian governments. Cryptocurrency embodies the ultimate 21st-century freedom, a lesson I’ve learned throughout my life.”

This sentiment resonates with the liberal leanings of crypto aficionados, who prize the anonymity and self-determination offered by digital currencies.

Conference panel speaker. Photo: George on the boat

Many attendees became increasingly anti-establishment after Farage’s conflict with NatWest, following the bank’s closure of his accounts. They showed their support for the reformist leader by tweeting selfies during his presentations.

Farage’s hustler-like personality aligns with the cryptocurrency world. He asserts he would have been a crypto trader in the 1980s and expresses a keen interest in dabbling.

His narrative resonates with numerous young entrepreneurs present, who advocate for an internet that ensures anonymity, infiltrating every facet of life while allowing for rapid wealth accumulation.

The flashier, the better appears to be the mantra. At the conference entrance, a black Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible showcases CryptoAutos, a platform enabling purchases or rentals of cars using cryptocurrencies.

The conference featured advanced technology, swag, and gadgets. In a designated area, Sam Altman’s startup WorldCoin showcased a silver sphere inviting participants to scan their eyes as part of a project utilizing biometrics to differentiate between humans and AI entities.

It began rather quietly. The HMRC and the Secret Ledger panel on managing crypto taxation attracted fewer than 40 participants in a space that comfortably accommodated 200. The energy only escalated in the afternoon as Farage’s keynote approached.

“I don’t particularly like him,” mentioned one attendee. “But if he can ease complexities for people in this sector, they will be willing to listen, even if they don’t align with his political viewpoints.”

Zebu Live conference at Tobacco Dock. Photo: George on the boat

Farage stands out as the only prominent British political figure to clearly express his stance on cryptocurrencies. In a move likely to win over many audience members in east London, he proposed legislation to cut capital gains tax on crypto assets from 24% to 10%.

Keir Starmer’s administration aims for the UK to lead in securities tokenization, but the Prime Minister has remained largely silent on the matter. Similarly, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has not voiced strong opinions. For Farage, this relatively small yet well-resourced group of crypto enthusiasts presents a significant opportunity.

However, some have expressed concerns about his approach to engaging with the sector. Simon Jones, an investor in open finance startup Burnx, walked out after news of Farage’s participation, labeling the event a “political extravaganza.”

“I believe he shouldn’t have been invited,” Jones commented. “He operates solely on a campaign platform, despite it being an industry event lacking proper oversight.”

“He’s emulating Donald Trump’s tactics here, and Trump has mastered this area, accruing substantial funds.”

The U.S. president has amassed millions in political donations from cryptocurrency billionaires and other tech giants, witnessing a rise in the value of his family’s crypto ventures, thereby enhancing the Trumps’ wealth.

In the UK, however, crypto donations face intense scrutiny due to fears they could disguise the origins of party funding and pave the way for hostile foreign influence.

Liam Byrne, the Labour MP for Birmingham and Hodge Hill, as well as chair of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, contends that crypto donations pose a significant risk to corrupt British politics.

Meanwhile, researchers at the Center for Financial Security (CFS) and the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) have begun examining the potential threats these donations may pose to democracy, security, and transparency.

As the crowd headed to the afterparty across the road, many seemed unconcerned that they could hold the key to Farage’s political ascent.

“Nigel Farage is one of the rare politicians supportive of cryptocurrencies,” remarked a conference attendee. “He’s shrewd to be here. If the crypto community rallies behind him, he stands to gain significantly.”

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Exploring the Political Significance of Rare Earth Elements

Posted on October 13, 2025 by

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Asteroid Explodes “Bomb-Like” Over France in Rare Event

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Asteroids Fragmenting in Unforeseen Ways

Wikimedia/CC-BY-SA-4.0

A rare asteroid explosion occurred in France two years ago, raising alarms regarding the planet’s defense against certain rocky bodies.

On February 13, 2023, a small asteroid named 2023 CX1 entered Earth’s atmosphere, creating a streak across the Normandy sky. This event marked one of the rare instances of meteors monitored before atmospheric entry, happening approximately 7 hours ago.

Bright fireballs resulted from the event, with multiple meteorites collected from the ground. Only two asteroids were monitored, and debris was recovered from their descent. The second one was located in Germany in 2024.

Analysis of footage capturing the asteroid’s descent by Aurian Egal from Western University of Ontario and her team revealed remarkable findings. While most asteroids disintegrate upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, the 2023 CX1 maintained its integrity almost entirely until it reached an altitude of 28 km, where it exploded with an energy equivalent to about 0.029 kilotons, resembling 29 tons of TNT.

“It resembled a bomb,” Egal noted, emphasizing that it was “a singular blast that generated a single spherical shockwave, rather than numerous explosions throughout its course.”

At just 72 centimeters, asteroid 2023 CX1 is roughly the size of a beach ball, which posed no significant threat to the ground. However, should a larger asteroid explode in a similar fashion, the potential for damage could be greater compared to one that disintegrates more gradually in the atmosphere.

In 2020, the Novomest Meteor in Slovenia lost around 80% of its mass due to a singular explosion.

This type of fragmentation poses an even greater threat,” Egal warned. “If a larger asteroid exhibits similar behavior, the consequences could be severe. Evacuations may be necessary for extensive areas surrounding the predicted impact site.”

Meteorite fragments of asteroid 2023 CX1 discovered in February 2023 near Dieppe, Normandy, northwest France

Lou Benoist/AFP via Getty Images

The exact reason for the asteroid’s survival at such lower altitudes in the atmosphere remains somewhat enigmatic but may pertain to its origin. 2023 CX1 belongs to the L-chondrite category, likely formed from a precursor body in the inner asteroid belt known as Massalia and contributing to approximately one-third of Earth’s rock samples.

“We observe multiple impact veins within the meteorite,” remarked the eyewitness, highlighting its significant collision history.

This implies that vigilance is imperative for monitoring similar L-chondrite asteroids, especially larger ones, according to Thomas Burbin from Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts. “Given that this type of meteorite is quite prevalent, it raises considerable concern,” he elaborated. “L-chondrites can inflict more damage than one might anticipate.”

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Rare Artifacts Discovered in Sweden Illuminate Iron Age Metal Trade Between the Atlantic and Baltic Seas

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study by archaeologists investigated round heavy metal objects from Seldal, located in the Haland region of western Sweden. Initially thought to be Bronze Age artifacts due to their shape and size, these objects were determined to be composed of copper-zinc-tin-reed alloys typical of the Iron Age and later periods.

Plano Convex Ingots from Seldal in Harland, Sweden. Image credit: Sabatini et al., doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105312.

The ancient ingots were uncovered in the village of Seldal on Sweden’s west coast during the fall of 2022.

This artifact has been identified as a Plano-Convex Ingot.

“Plano-convex ingots, commonly known as ‘bread’ ingots or ‘casting cakes,’ were prevalent during the Bronze Age, though they vary in size, shape, and composition,” explains Serena Sabatini, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg.

“These artifacts are typically round with flat top surfaces and various inflated convex bottoms.”

“They are created by pouring molten metal into shallow molds or cavities in the ground.”

“Most of these ingots exhibit a rough, ‘bubbly’ top surface, indicating they were poured into an open casting mold, while the bottom remains smooth, as it was not exposed to air during production.”

“Due to their straightforward manufacturing process, they are widely found across Eurasia and were utilized both in prehistoric and historical periods.”

The Särdal Ingot measures 14-15.3 cm in diameter, approximately 2.5 cm thick, and weighs 1223.5 grams.

Notably, the ingot’s surface displays significant corrosion, especially on the rough, raised area.

The overall dimensions and weight of the ingot initially suggested it could be a Bronze Age find.

“At first, we believed the Seldal Ingot dated back to the Bronze Age,” the archaeologist noted.

“However, since it was found alone and not dated within an archaeological context, we opted for isotopic and chemical analysis to determine its composition and estimate a time frame.”

The analysis yielded surprising results, revealing that the ingot was made from copper-zinc-tin-reed alloys typical of the Iron Age and later.

“The findings emerged thanks to the collaborative spirit of the international scientific community exploring archaeological topics, allowing us to identify the isotopic and elemental characteristics of the Seldal ingots, which closely resemble artifacts from two sites found in the Iwawa Lakeland region of northeastern Poland.

Research into the Baltic Sea area, which had a robust network connected to western Sweden and southern Scandinavia during the Roman Iron Age, indicates that the alloys from both Seldal and Iwawa Lakeland were present in the region during the latter half of the 1st millennium BCE.

“Thus, we propose that the Plano Convex Ingots from Harland and the ingots from Poland represent the outcomes of a metallic maritime trade linking Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, and the Iberian Peninsula.”

Their paper will appear in the October 2025 edition of Journal of Archaeological Science: Report.

____

Serena Sabatini et al. 2025. Iron Age Metals Trade between the Atlantic and the Baltic Sea: New insights from the first complete Plano-Convex Ingot found in Sweden and Ingot Rod in Iwawa Lakeland, northeastern Poland. Journal of Archaeological Science: Report 66:105312; doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105312

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Discover Rare Cloud-Forming Chemicals in Ancient Brown Dwarfs Dating Back a Billion Years

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Utilizing data gathered by NSF’s Gemini South Telescope and NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have identified methane signatures (CH₄), water (H₂O), and silane (SiH₄) in the cold brown dwarf gas WISEA J153429.75-104303.3 (shortened to W1534). Silanes are predicted to act as significant reservoirs of silicon, the element responsible for the large clouds of gas that surround giant worlds, but their presence had remained undetected until now, masked by the development of deep silicate clouds in the observable atmosphere.

This artist’s illustration depicts a brown dwarf with an atmosphere filled with gas and dust clouds. Image credits: Noirlab/NSF/Aura/R. Proctor.

The W1534, referred to as the accident, is situated approximately 50 light years from Earth in the Libra constellation.

This brown dwarf was likely formed between 100 and 120 billion years ago and ranks among the oldest brown dwarfs discovered to date.

First identified in 2020 by citizen scientists participating in the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Citizen Science Project, its unusual light profile captivated astronomers.

Using two of the world’s most advanced terrestrial and space-based telescopes, astronomers examined its atmosphere to analyze its properties and composition.

The survey commenced with NSF’s Noirlab Astronomer Sandy Leggett capturing near-infrared images of W1534 with a Gemini South telescope in Chile, part of the International Gemini Observatory.

This initial work laid the groundwork for further explorations using Webb, guided by Noirlab Astronomer Aaron Meisner.

“W1534 is quite faint, and Gemini South is the only ground-based telescope capable of detecting it,” Dr. Meisner stated.

“The Gemini discovery paved the way for Webb’s observations by revealing the deeper atmospheric layers of this mysterious object and enabling us to determine the exposure time necessary to gather useful near-infrared data on its composition.”

Within W1534’s atmosphere, the team uncovered the crucial signature of silane, a compound formed from silicon and four hydrogen atoms.

Planetary scientists have long theorized the existence of this molecule within gas giants, attributing potential significance to its role in cloud formation within the atmosphere.

Despite extensive searches, its atmospheric presence has remained elusive in our solar system’s gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn, although thousands of studies on brown dwarfs and gas giants orbiting other stars have occurred.

This marks the first discovery of silanes in any brown dwarf, exoplanet, or solar system object.

The absence of this molecule in all but one singular brown dwarf suggests intriguing insights into the chemistry occurring in such an ancient environment.

“Often, it is these extreme objects that help us understand the average,” remarked Dr. Jackie Faherty, a researcher at the American Museum of Natural History.

The presence of silanes in W1534’s atmosphere implies that in very ancient objects, silicon is capable of bonding with hydrogen to form lighter molecules that can ascend to the upper layers of a gas giant’s atmosphere.

In contrast, more recently formed objects, such as Jupiter and Saturn, result in silicon bonding with readily available oxygen, producing heavier molecules that settle deeper into the atmospheric layers.

The evidence gleaned from W1534’s atmosphere further validates astronomers’ comprehension of gas giant cloud formation and sheds light on how primitive conditions influence atmospheric composition.

Moreover, it indicates that worlds formed billions of years ago display characteristics distinctly different from those formed during the early solar system.

“The formation and detection of silanes highlight an essential relationship among composition, cloud formation, and atmospheric mingling in cold brown dwarfs and planetary atmospheres,” the authors concluded.

Their paper is published in the journal Nature.

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jk faherty et al. 2025. A silicate precursor silane detected in cold, low-metallic brown dwarfs. Nature 645, 62-66; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09369-1

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Uncover Remarkably Rare Hierarchical Quadruple Material Systems

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A newly identified quadruple star system, referred to as UPM J1040-3551 AABBAB, comprises a pair of cold brown dwarfs along with young red dwarfs.

An artistic depiction of the UPM J1040-3551 system amidst the Milky Way, as seen by the ESA Gaia satellite. On the left, the UPM J1040-3551 AA&AB is portrayed as a distant bright orange dot, showcasing the two M-shaped stars in orbit. Conversely, in the foreground on the right, a pair of cold brown dwarfs – UPM J1040-3551 BA & BB – have been on a long trajectory from each other for decades, collectively orbiting the UPM J1040-3551 AAB in a vast orbit taking over 100,000 years to complete. Image credits: Jiaxin Zhong / Zenghua Zhang.

The UPM J1040-3551 AABBAB system is situated in the constellation Antlia, approximately 82 light-years from Earth.

In this system, AAB denotes the brighter pairs AA and AB, while BAB refers to the more distant sub-components BA and BB.

“The hierarchical structure of this system makes the findings particularly intriguing, as it is essential for maintaining stable orbits over extended periods,” explains Professor Zenghua Zhang from Nanjing University.

“These two objects have orbited individually for decades, but collectively they have circled a common center of mass for more than 100,000 years.”

The two pairs are separated by 1,656 astronomical units (Au), where 1 Au represents the average distance from the Earth to the Sun.

The brighter pair, UPM J1040-3551 AAB, appears orange when viewed in visible wavelengths.

These stars possess a temperature of 3,200 K (approximately 2,900 degrees Celsius) and have a mass about 17% that of the Sun.

With a visual magnitude of 14.6, this pair is roughly 100,000 times dimmer than Polaris, the North Star, when viewed at visible wavelengths.

The fainter pair, UPM J1040-3551 BAB, comprises two cooler brown dwarfs that emit almost no visible light and are about 1,000 times dimmer than the AAB pair in near-infrared wavelengths.

These brown dwarfs are classified as T-type, with temperatures of 820 K (550 degrees Celsius) and 690 K (420 degrees Celsius), respectively.

“This is the first documented case of a quadruple system featuring a pair of T-type brown dwarfs orbiting two stars,” states Dr. Maricruz Gálvez-Ortiz, an astronomer at the Spanish Center for Astronomy.

“This discovery presents a unique opportunity for studying these enigmatic objects.”

“Brown dwarfs, alongside a diverse array of stellar companions, are invaluable for establishing age benchmarks,” comments Hugh Jones, a professor at the University of Hertfordshire.

“The UPM J1040-3551 system is particularly significant, as H-Alpha emissions from the bright pairs suggest that the system is relatively young, estimated to be between 200 and 300 million years old.”

The research team is optimistic that high-resolution imaging techniques could eventually resolve the brown dwarf pairs, facilitating precise measurements of their orbital dynamics and masses.

“This system offers a dual benefit for brown dwarf science,” remarks Adam Burgaster, a professor at the University of California, San Diego.

“It serves as both an age benchmark for calibrating cold atmospheric models and a mass benchmark for validating evolutionary models, provided that we can effectively resolve and track these brown dwarf binaries.”

“The discovery of the UPM J1040-3551 system marks a significant milestone in enhancing our understanding of these elusive objects and the various formation pathways of stellar systems near our Solar System.”

Findings are detailed in a study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

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Zh Zhang et al. 2025. Benchmark Brown Dwarf – I. Blue M2 + T5 Wide Binary and Possible Young People [M4 + M4] + [T7 + T8] Hierarchical rectangles. mnras 542(2): 656-668; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf895

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Obtain Rare Images of Indonesian Coelacanth

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

First identified in 1997 and officially classified as a distinct species in 1999, the Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis) is one of only two extant species of coelacanths. This deep-sea fish closely resembles its ancient Cretaceous ancestors.

A deep diver approximately 1 meter behind the Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis) was found at a depth of 144 m in Northern Mark, Indonesia. Image credit: Alexis Chappuis.

Coelacanths belong to the group of fish known as Sarcopterygians and are characterized by their distinctive coastal dwelling.

Long believed extinct for 65 million years, coelacanths were serendipitously rediscovered in 1938 off the coast of South Africa by museum curators and local fishermen.

These fascinating fish possess unique features, including paired fins and lobed fins that resemble highly modified swim bladders.

Together with lungfish, they are among the closest living relatives to tetrapods, exhibiting several morphological traits not present in more distantly related vertebrates, like ray-finned fish.

The coelacanth first appeared in the early Devonian period, gradually diversifying during the Devonian and Carboniferous periods, with peak diversity observed in the early Triassic.

During the Cretaceous, they were classified into two families: the Latimeridae, which has survived as two species in the genus Latimeria, and the now-extinct Mawsoniidae.

Upon the discovery of the first living specimen, its resemblance to many fossilized forms from the Cretaceous period led to it being labeled a “living fossil,” indicating minimal evolutionary change over millions of years.

The two extant species are the coelacanth of the West Indian Ocean (Latimeria chalumnae) found near the Comoros Islands, and the coelacanth in the waters around Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The latter species is far better documented than its African counterpart, making its deep-reef habitat challenging to access for scientific observation, which has primarily relied on submersibles or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

Left profile of the Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis), showcasing a unique pattern of white dots. Image credit: Alexis Chappuis.

The Indonesian coelacanth is a rarely documented medium-deep sea fish (non-tetrapod sarcopterygian), originally endemic to the Sulawesi region, primarily identified through bycatch in eastern Indonesia.

“Very few observations of this species have been made in situ, primarily using submersibles and ROVs.”

“The first direct in situ observations were reported following recent reconnaissance dives that explored the suspected habitat of the Indonesian coelacanth at depths exceeding 150 meters.”

Researchers encountered the Indonesian coelacanth in October 2024 during a deep dive in the Marc Archipelago, situated between Sulawesi and Western New Guinea.

“It is premature to assess the population of this newly identified Malukan coelacanth,” they stated.

“Since the Marc Archipelago connects Sulawesi and Western New Guinea, it suggests that the species is not confined to a single location.”

“Our recent findings, along with studies conducted in the mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Marc Archipelago since 2022, not only confirm the existence of Latimeria but also indicate a broader, more suitable habitat for coelacanths.”

“We hope this discovery will motivate local and national authorities to enhance conservation efforts in this biodiversity-rich region.

The research team’s paper was published online on April 23, 2025, in the journal Scientific Reports.

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A. Chapuis et al. 2025. The first record of a living coelacanth from Northern Mark, Indonesia. Sci Rep 15, 14074; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-90287-7

Source: www.sci.news

Humans Experience Rare Conditions After Querying CHATGPT and Eliminating Salt

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

American medical journals are cautioning against the use of ChatGPT for health-related information after a case involving men who developed a rare condition following their discussions with chatbots about eliminating table salt from their diets.

A chronicled case in internal medicine highlights that a 60-year-old man experienced bromism, also referred to as bromide toxicity, after consulting ChatGPT.

This case study mentioned that bromism was a “well-recognized” syndrome in the early 20th century, contributing to psychiatric hospitalizations for about one in ten individuals during that period.

After learning about the negative effects of sodium chloride (table salt), the patient sought guidance from ChatGPT on eliminating chloride from his diet and disclosed that he had been consuming sodium bromide for three months. This action occurred despite previous reading that “chloride can be exchanged for bromide, but is likely for other purposes such as cleaning.” Sodium bromide was historically used as a sedative in the early 20th century.

The article’s author, an alumnus of Washington University in Seattle, emphasized that this incident underscores “how the use of artificial intelligence contributes to preventable health outcomes.”

They noted that the lack of access to the patient’s ChatGPT conversation logs hindered their ability to ascertain the specific advice the man received.

Regardless, the author found that when querying ChatGPT for alternatives to chloride, the responses also included bromide, lacking specific health warnings, and did not inquire about the author’s reasons for seeking such information; “I think healthcare professionals typically would do that,” they remarked.

The author cautioned that ChatGPT and other AI applications can “generate scientific inaccuracies and critically debate results, ultimately spreading misinformation.”

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, was approached for a statement.

The company recently announced an upgrade for its chatbot, asserting that one of its notable strengths lies in health-related queries. Powered by the GPT-5 model, ChatGPT excels in answering health questions and aims to be more proactive in “flagging potential concerns” like serious physical and mental illnesses. However, it stressed that chatbots cannot replace expert advice.

An article published last week before the release of GPT-5 indicated that the patient had likely interacted with an earlier version of ChatGPT.

While recognizing that AI could serve as a conduit between scientists and the public, the article warned that the technology also risks disseminating “decontextualized information,” emphasizing that medical professionals would rarely suggest sodium bromide in response to inquiries about replacing table salt.

The authors encouraged physicians to consider using AI in understanding where patients derived their information.

The author narrated that a patient suffering from bromism introduced himself at a hospital and expressed concern about a neighbor possibly being addicted to him. He also mentioned having several dietary restrictions and was noted to have paranoia regarding the water provided to him despite intense thirst.

The patient attempted to leave the hospital within 24 hours of admission and was subsequently sectioned before receiving treatment for mental health issues. Once stabilized, he reported various other bromism symptoms, including facial acne, relentless thirst, and insomnia.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Astronomers Uncover a Rare Red Supergiant Star

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The newly identified Stephenson 2 DFK 52, an extraordinary red supergiant, is situated within the expansive stellar cluster RSGC2.

This image showcases the red supergiant star Stephenson 2 DFK 52 and its surroundings. Image credits: Alma / ESO / NAOJ / NRAO / Siebert et al.

RSGC2 is a cluster containing at least 26 red supergiants located at the base of the Milky Way’s diagonal crux spiral arm, approximately 5,800 parsecs (18,917 light-years) away.

Also referred to as Stephenson 2, this cluster is an active site for recent star formation where the arms intersect with galaxy bulges.

A team of astronomers led by Mark Siebert from Chalmers University of Technology observed the RSGC2 star using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).

“What we catch in this image of Stephenson 2 DFK 52 is indeed a supermassive red star that is shedding clouds of gas and dust as it approaches the end of its lifecycle,” they explained.

“Such nebulae are typically found around supermassive stars; however, this particular cloud presents an intriguing mystery for astronomers.”

“This cloud of ejected material is the most expansive discovered around a giant star, spanning an impressive 1.4 light-years.”

“Stephenson 2 DFK 52 is quite similar to Betelgeuse, another renowned red supergiant, so we anticipated observing a comparable cloud surrounding it.”

“If Stephenson 2 DFK 52 is as close to us as Betelgeuse, the surrounding cloud would appear about one-third the size of the full moon.”

Recent observations from ALMA have enabled astronomers to quantify the mass of material enveloping the star and analyze its velocity.

“Regions moving towards us appear in blue, while those receding are represented in red,” they stated.

“The data suggests that the star experienced a significant mass loss event about 4,000 years ago, followed by a slow-down in its current mass loss rate.”

The team estimates that Stephenson 2 DFK 52 has a mass between 10-15 solar masses and has already lost 5-10% of its mass.

“The rapid expulsion of such materials within a brief time frame poses a mystery,” the researchers commented.

“Could an unusual interaction with a companion star be responsible? Why does the cloud exhibit such a complex shape?”

“Understanding why Stephenson 2 DFK 52 has expelled so much material can illuminate insights into its eventual fate.

The team’s paper is set to be published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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Mark A. Sheebert et al. 2025. Discovery of the extraordinary red supergiant Stephenson 2 DFK 52 within the expansive stellar cluster RSGC2. A&A in press; Arxiv: 2507.11609

Source: www.sci.news

Rare Photos Showcase Snow Leopard Cubs in Their Den

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Two of the five snow leopard cubs recently photographed in Mongolia

SLCF-Mongolia/Snow Leopard Trust

A team of researchers explored two snow leopard dens in the Tost Mountains of Mongolia, studying and capturing images of five cubs, which provided a rare chance to gather data on this endangered species.

Before their expedition in June and July, researchers had not been able to access snow leopard nests globally since 2019. Örjan Johansson of Snow Leopard Trust noted, “The burrows are situated in tight cracks and caves. We only get one opportunity. If the mother returns before we locate the burrow, we have to stop our search. Going back more than once is too intrusive.”

Johansson and Bren Nyam, a local field ranger, pinpointed the burrow’s approximate location by tracking GPS collars that had been previously attached to 20 adult female snow leopards.

The burrow where the cubs were found was located by tracking the mother’s whereabouts

SLCF-Mongolia_snow Leopard Trust

Johansson explained, “The range of female snow leopards’ homes in Mongolia’s South Gobi region typically spans about 130 square kilometers, which is approximately 2.5 times the area of Manhattan. Without the GPS collar, we would not have discovered their burrows.” However, even with the collars, the team had to search an area as vast as 60,000 square meters to pinpoint the exact location.

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is categorized as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with an estimated 3,920 to 6,390 individuals remaining in the wild. These cats inhabit alpine terrains across Central Asia, spanning 2 million square kilometers across 12 countries, including China, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Their populations face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts arising from livestock predation.

Johansson noted, “To effectively model and predict population trajectories of multiple species, we must grasp essential factors such as fertility, mortality, and the dynamics of animals entering and leaving an area.” He collaborated with the Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation on this project.

“Visiting the dens is crucial as it is the only means to gather information on average litter sizes and cub survival rates during their first five to six months. Before this age, cubs typically remain secluded with their mothers. Accessing the burrow allows researchers to collect invaluable data that would otherwise be unattainable. Such information is essential for enhancing understanding of snow leopard ecology and informing conservation strategies for a sustainable future.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Apple Secures $500 Million Rare Earth Magnet Deal with U.S. Mining Firm

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Apple has entered into a $500 million agreement with a US company specializing in rare earth magnets, crucial for the production of electronic devices, following China’s reduction in rare and essential material exports.

This support comes after MP Materials, which runs the only rare earth mine in the US, finalized a multi-billion dollar agreement with the US Department of Defense last week, making the Pentagon its largest shareholder. Both agreements aim to address supply chain vulnerabilities after China limited its rare earth exports earlier this year in response to Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

The deal, revealed on Tuesday, guarantees Apple a consistent supply of rare earth magnets from China, the world’s leading producer. Analysts noted that the cost of bolstering US magnet production is minimal compared to the long-term risk of completely losing access to vital components for Apple.

“We are currently in an era where executives are willing to invest significantly for a dependable supply chain. They want to avoid interruptions,” remarked Greserin Bascaran, director of the Centre for Strategic and International Research’s Centre for Key Mineral Security Program.

Rare earth elements, a collection of 17 metals, are vital for creating powerful magnets, which are found in devices that vibrate mobile phones, as well as in weaponry, electric vehicles, and numerous other electronic products.

China imposed export limitations on rare earths in April in reaction to Trump’s tariffs. In June, the US and China reached an accord that settled many disputes over rare earths, but broader trade tensions still emphasize the need for non-Chinese supplies.

Under the agreement, Apple will prepay $20 million to MP for magnets due to start delivery in 2027. The duration of the transaction and the quantity of magnets involved were not disclosed by the company.

The agreement stipulates that magnets will be produced from recycled materials, aligning with Apple’s longstanding commitment to reducing dependence on mining. The magnets will be processed using operations in Fort Worth, MP, Texas, and recycled at Mountain Pass, MP, California.

“Rare earth materials are critical for developing advanced technologies, and this collaboration will enhance the availability of these essential materials in the United States,” stated Apple CEO Tim Cook in a statement.

Since the government announced its deal, MP Material’s stock price has nearly doubled. This is a notable turnaround from last year when CEO Jim Richinski expressed frustration over rare earth pricing that led to the merger with Australian competitors.

Bob O’Donnell, president of market research firm Technalysis Research, noted that Tuesday’s development is “entirely significant,” given Apple’s substantial requirement for rare earth magnets in its devices.

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“Additionally, by prioritizing US-based suppliers, we will help position Apple more proactively within Washington,” he added.

Apple stated that this agreement forms part of a four-year, $500 million investment commitment towards the US, while facing threats from Trump regarding an iPhone not manufactured in the US. Nevertheless, many analysts argue creating an iPhone in the US is impractical, given labor costs and the existing smartphone supply chain.

While Apple did not specify which devices will utilize the magnets, MP mentioned that this deal will provide magnets for hundreds of millions of devices, significantly impacting Apple’s product lineup.

MP expects to start producing mined and processed rare earth materials and commercial magnet production at its Texas facility by the end of this year.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Concerns Arise Over Genetic Screening of Newborns for Rare Diseases

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Rare diseases often elude early diagnosis, remaining undetected until significant organ damage occurs. Recently, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a 10-year initiative to integrate genetic testing for specific rare conditions into the standard neonatal screening process across the UK. This approach aims to ensure early intervention before symptoms manifest, aligning with ongoing global viability programs in places like the US and Australia. Yet, questions arise about the scientific validity of such measures.

The genome, akin to a book written in a novel language, is only partially understood. Decades of research on high-risk families have shed light on some genetic mutations, but there remains limited knowledge about the implications of population-level genetic testing for those at low risk. While this screening may prove advantageous for certain children and families, it might also lead to unnecessary tests and treatments for others.

Many genetic conditions involve more than just a single genetic mutation. For example, individuals with a variant of the hnf4a gene and a strong family history of rare diabetes have a 75% risk of developing the condition; conversely, those with the same variant but without a family history face only a 10% risk. It is misleading to assume genetic variants behave uniformly across all populations. Perhaps families carrying the hnf4a variant lack other unrecognized protective genes, or specific environmental factors might interplay with genetic risks to lead to diabetes.

The proposed neonatal screening program presupposes that genetic variants linked to diseases signify equally high risks for all, which is rarely the case. The exploration of disease-related variations in healthy populations is just starting. Until this research is thorough, we will not know how many individuals carry a variant that does not result in illness, possibly due to other protective factors. Should we really subject newborns to genetic hypotheses?

Furthermore, ethical concerns emerge from this initiative. How do we secure informed consent from parents when testing for hundreds of conditions simultaneously? In the near future, a genetic database encompassing all living individuals could become a reality—what safeguards will exist for its use and protection?

Screening newborns is not new, but the scope of conditions included in this initiative, the complexity of interpreting results, and the sensitivity of the information gathered pose unique challenges. I worry that parents may feel compelled to accept the test, yet not all uncertainties will be appropriately managed. I fear that important early life stages could become burdened with unnecessary hospital visits. Additionally, the pressure on parents and pediatricians to decide on potentially invasive testing for healthy infants is concerning.

A prudent step would be to gather more data on the prevalence and behavior of genetic mutations in the wider population before utilizing genetic testing as a speculative screening tool for children. The potential benefits may be overshadowed by significant risks.

Suzanne O’Sullivan is a neurologist and author of The Age of Diagnosis: Illness, Health, and Why Medicine Went Too Far.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare Footage Reveals Sharks Feeding in Unison

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This exceptional footage captures a large group of sharks calmly feeding on decaying corpses off the coast of Hawaii.

The marine White Tip and Tiger sharks displayed no aggressive behavior toward one another or the film crew, and they shared the bloated remains with ease.

Marine biologists at the University of Hawaii Manoa conducted a study on this event, publishing their findings in the Science Journal Frontier of Fish Science.

First Author Dr. Molly Scott stated, “To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the feeding aggregation of tiger sharks and marine white tip sharks.”

“These species are seldom seen together in the wild due to their vastly different habitats.”

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/05/New-Shark-Vid-1.m4v

While most sharks hunt for their food, cleaning can also serve as an important food source.

Ocean white tips can grow to lengths of up to 2 meters and are threatened by roaming sharks, although they occasionally visit Hawaii’s Oshima during the spring and summer.

In contrast, tiger sharks can reach lengths of 4 meters and are more coastal, preferring to stay in the same area throughout the year.

According to Scott, witnessing these two species in the same location is “incredibly rare,” especially as they shared the food with no conflict.

“We observed up to 12 small individual sharks feeding intermittently on very decomposed corpses, and we saw no aggressive behavior, whether interspecific or intraspecies,” she noted.

“This amazed me. I expected some aggressiveness when multiple sharks were feeding around these small corpses, but it appeared that each shark understood its role in the social hierarchy.”

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/05/New-Shark-Vid-2.m4v

A larger shark approached and bit the body directly, while a smaller shark consumed a floating piece.

It appears that the social order allowed the larger sharks to feed first, except that smaller female tiger sharks tended to dominate the two largest marine white tips.

“Some individuals, like female tiger sharks, may have been either shy or bold about their size,” Scott explained. “They might not have been welcomed to join in, as the feeding order was already established before they arrived.”

The smallest sharks remained just beneath the surface, snacking on scraps.

While all these sharks are primarily hunters, they may engage in cleaning when opportunities arise, such as when they detect a body.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/05/New-Shark-Vid-3.m4v

The observations continued for over eight hours, and by the next day, the body was gone.

The floating carcass was first spotted in April 2024 by a tourist boat about 10 km off the west coast of Big Island.

The observed feeding lasted 8.5 hours, with at least nine marine white tip sharks and five tiger sharks participating, while a few individuals were in the water the whole time.

“None of the photographers reported any frightening, aggressive, or harmful interactions with the sharks,” Scott remarked. “I hope this presents a new perspective that sharks are not the mindless predators they are often portrayed to be.”

Researchers also aim for this unusual observation to deepen the understanding of shark behavior, particularly their interactions with one another.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

A Baby with a Rare Disease Receives the World’s First Personalized CRISPR Gene Therapy

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Baby KJ Rebecca Affles Nicklas and Kiran Musnul after gene editing injection with researchers

Philadelphia Children’s Hospital

A young boy afflicted with a serious genetic disorder is set to be the first recipient of personalized CRISPR gene editing treatments, offering a glimpse into the potential future of medicine.

This groundbreaking event marks the first instance of an individual receiving a gene editing therapy tailored to correct unique mutations contributing to their illness. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas explained during a press briefing held at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, “He is showing early signs of progress,” though she noted that it’s premature to determine the complete effectiveness of the treatment.

Researchers released information promptly, aiming to motivate others, as stated by team member Kiran Musnur at the University of Pennsylvania. “We sincerely hope that demonstrating the feasibility of personalized gene editing therapy for one patient within a few months will encourage additional efforts in this area,” he remarked.

“When I refer to this as the future of medicine, I believe I’m stating a fact,” he emphasized. “This is a crucial step towards employing gene editing therapies to address a range of rare genetic disorders that currently lack viable treatment options.”

KJ inherited mutations on both alleles of a liver enzyme gene known as CPS1. The absence of this enzyme leads to ammonia accumulating in the bloodstream, posing a risk of brain damage during the breakdown of dietary proteins. According to Ahrens-Nicklas, over half of children born with CPS1 deficiency do not survive.

She and Musnur are developing therapies targeting this condition by focusing on the liver, allowing them to rapidly formulate a basic editing therapy that modifies one of KJ’s two CPS1 gene copies.

The team engaged with US regulatory bodies early in the process. “They recognized the exceptional nature of this situation,” Musnur stated. “KJ was critically ill and time was of the essence. Following our official submission to the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] when KJ was six months old, we received approval within just a week.”

KJ underwent initial low-dose treatment at six months in February 2025, followed by higher doses in March and April. He is now able to consume more protein than before, albeit while still taking other medications for his condition.

Ideally, children should receive treatment earlier to mitigate long-term damages linked to conditions like CPS1 deficiency. As reported by New Scientist, Musnur has ambitions to enable gene editing in humans prior to birth one day.

In contrast, other gene editing therapies are designed for broader applications, aiming to work for many individuals irrespective of the specific mutations causing their condition. For instance, the first approved gene editing treatment for sickle cell disease functions by enhancing fetal hemoglobin production, rather than altering the mutations in adult hemoglobin responsible for the disorder. Despite being a “one-size-fits-all” solution, it comes at a price of £1,651,000 per treatment in the UK, as noted by Each treatment course costs £1,651,000.

KJ with his family after treatment

Philadelphia Children’s Hospital

Custom treatments can be significantly more costly. Musnur mentioned that he cannot provide exact figures for KJ’s treatment due to the extensive pro bono work by the involved companies. However, he is optimistic about a decline in costs. “As we enhance our methods, we can anticipate economies of scale, leading to a substantial reduction in prices,” he stated.

One barrier to the development of personalized gene editing therapies has been the regulatory perspective, which previously treated therapies targeting different mutations within the same gene as separate entities. This necessitated restarting the approval process for each mutation individually. However, there’s a growing movement towards a platform approach, allowing broader approvals for treatments targeting various mutations.

“Platform-based methods, like CRISPR gene editing, offer scalable solutions for even the rarest diseases, as exemplified by KJ’s case,” stated Nick Mead from Genetic Alliance UK, a charity that advocates for individuals with rare conditions. “This development finally renders treatment a plausible possibility for countless families.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Toxic Pits: Hidden Treasure Troves for Rare Earth Elements

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A tale is shared about miners who discovered copper cans in early mining-era dumps. According to them, wastewater from copper mining flowed across his land, transforming steel cans into copper.

The tale may not be entirely true, but the process is factual and is known as cementation. Montana Resource, which succeeded the Anaconda Copper Company, still employs this alchemical method in the operations at the Continental Pitmine in Butte, Montana.

Adjacent to the mine lies the Berkeley Pit, filled with 50 billion gallons of highly acidic and toxic liquid. Montana Resource channels this liquid from the pits to cascade down iron piles, converting iron into copper for production.

While there have long been methods for extracting metals from water, recent years have ushered in a global rush for metals—vital for manufacturing and technological advancements—leading to a new wave of extraction methods and processes.

Researchers are currently focusing on mineral-rich sources like wastewater, including saline water from desalination plants, oil and gas fracking water, and mining wastewater. Researchers at Oregon State University estimate that the saline water from desalination plants alone contains approximately $2.2 trillion worth of metals.

“Water is a mineral reservoir of the 21st century,” stated Peter S. Fisuke, director of the National Water Innovation Alliance in California at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. “Today’s technology allows us to gather wastewater and extract valuable resources.”

There is extensive research dedicated to recovering rare earth elements—metallic elements sought after due to their increasing demand—from waste. For instance, researchers at Indiana Geological Water Survey at Indiana University are Mining rare earths in coal waste which includes fly ash and coal tails. Additionally, researchers at the University of Texas Austin have created membranes that imitate nature for Separating rare earths from waste.

Utilizing mining wastewater is not only quicker and more economical than establishing a new mine, but it also generates lesser environmental impact.

The vast, contaminated reservoirs in the pit near Butte contain two light rare earth elements (REEs): neodymium and praseodymium. These are crucial for creating small yet powerful magnets, medical technologies, and enhancing defense applications like precision-guided missiles and electric vehicles. Notably, an F-35 Fighter Jet uses around 900 pounds of rare earth metals.

“We’re transforming significant liabilities into assets that contribute to national defense,” remarked Mark Thompson, vice president of environmental affairs at Montana Resources. “There’s a lot of complex metallurgy at play here—the real cutting-edge science.”

This is a crucial moment for exploring domestic rare earth production. The U.S. currently lags behind China, and President Trump’s trade tensions have raised concerns that China may tighten its rare earth mineral exports in response to U.S. tariffs. Experts in mineral security at the Center for Strategic and International Research warn that this gap could enable China to accelerate its defense advancements more swiftly than the U.S.

The Trump administration is particularly fixated on Greenland and Ukraine due to their valuable rare earth deposits.

Trump has recently authorized the government to commence mining on much of the seabed, including areas in international waters, to tap into mineral wealth.

There are 17 distinct types of rare earth metals identified in the Berkeley Pit. While not rare in abundance, they are often deemed scarce due to their dispersion in small quantities.

Rare earths are divided into two categories: heavy and light. Heavy rare earths, including dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium, tend to have larger atomic masses, making them more scarce and thus typically traded in smaller quantities, leading to shortages. In contrast, light rare earths are characterized by a lower atomic mass.

Acid mine drainage is a hazardous pollutant created when sulfur-containing pyrite within rocks interacts with oxygen and water during mining. This process results in the formation of sulfuric acid, which poisons waterways. This environmental issue affects thousands of abandoned mines, contaminating 12,000 miles of streams across the nation.

However, acids facilitate the dissolution of zinc, copper, rare earths, and other minerals from rock formations, presenting an opportunity for extraction techniques that were not previously available.

Paul Ziemkievich, director of the Water Institute at West Virginia University, has been researching Butte’s pit water for 25 years. Alongside a team from Virginia Tech and the chemical engineering firm L3 process development, they developed a method to extract crucial metals from acid mine drainage originating from West Virginia coal mines, the same approach utilized in Butte. Large, densely woven plastic bags filled with sludge from the water treatment plant are employed, allowing water to seep through slowly and yielding about 1-2% rare earth preconcentrate, which requires further refining through chemical processes. The final patented step involves a solvent extraction method that results in pure rare earth elements.

“One of the remarkable aspects of acid mine drainage is that our concentrations are particularly rich in heavy rare earths,” explained Dr. Ziemkiewicz. “Light rare earths carry a lesser value.”

The Butte project is awaiting news on a $75 million grant from the Department of Defense, which is critical for enhancing rare earth enrichment and commencing full-scale production.

Zinc is also abundant in the acid mine drainage mixture and serves as an essential financial asset for the process as it commands a higher market price. Nickel and cobalt are also extracted.

Demand for rare earth elements is high; however, China dominates production, manipulating prices to maintain low costs and stifle competition. This is why the Department of Defense funds various projects focused on rare earth elements and other metals. The U.S. operates only a single rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California, which produces roughly 15% of the global supply of rare earths.

The Berkeley Pit has posed a chronic problem since 1982, when Anaconda copper companies ceased their open-pit mining operations and halted water pumping, causing it to become filled with water. The acidity levels from the mine’s drainage have proven dangerous; in 2016, thousands of snow geese that landed in the pit quickly succumbed to poisoning, with around 3,000 birds reported dead.

The Atlantic Richfield Company and Montana Resources play crucial roles in permanently treating pit water to avert pollutioning the surrounding groundwater (Montana Resources operates the continental pit adjacent to the Berkeley Pit). The Clean Water Act mandates that companies manage acid mine drainage, and enhancing treatment capabilities at the local horseshoe bend plant is more cost-effective than developing a new facility, which may also offset treatment costs while boosting profits.

Numerous research initiatives have been launched to extract suspended metals from the water. Thompson displayed a map illustrating where radiation was emitted from Butte and where water samples have been dispatched to research facilities nationwide. However, the ongoing metal production process stands as the first to demonstrate profitability.

The mineral wealth present in this region has been recognized for many years; however, extracting it has proven challenging until Dr. Ziemkiewicz’s team innovated new methods. They generate rare earths from two coal mines in West Virginia, where acid mine drainage presents ongoing issues. Each of these mines yields about 4 tons of rare earths annually.

On the other hand, the Berkeley Pit is projected to produce 40 tons annually, bolstered by significantly higher concentrations of rare earths in solution and substantial water content. Dr. Ziemkiewicz believes that this method, when applied to other mines, could potentially satisfy nearly all domestic rare earth requirements for defense-related uses.

However, certain forecasts project that demand for rare earths may surge by as much as 600% in the next few decades.

Lawrence Berkeley laboratories are investigating technologies related to water filtration, particularly experimental approaches to improve membranes, as part of their overarching efforts to purify water, recover significant minerals, and produce necessary minerals. They operate a particle accelerator known as an advanced light source, which generates bright X-ray light that enables scientists to examine various materials at an atomic scale.

The lab has collaborated with external researchers to develop a new generation of filters referred to as nanosponges, designed to capture specific target molecules like lithium.

“It’s akin to an atom catcher’s mitt,” explained Adam Uliana, CEO of Chemfinity, a Brooklyn company exploring the use of nanosponges to purify a variety of waste. “It only captures one type of metal.”

In addition to rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and magnesium have gained significant attention from researchers.

Ion exchange, a well-established technology for extracting metals from water and purifying contaminants, is also gaining interest. Lilac Solutions, a startup based in Oakland, California, has developed specialized resin beads to extract lithium from brine via ion exchange, with plans for their first production facility in Great Salt Lake, Utah.

The company’s technology involves pumping brine through an ion exchange filter to extract minerals, returning water to its source with minimal environmental disruption. If this approach proves viable on a larger scale, it could revolutionize lithium extraction, significantly decreasing the necessity for underground mines and open-pit operations.

Maglathea Metal is an Auckland-based startup that produces magnesium ingots from the saline effluent generated by desalinating seawater. The company processes the brine, which consists of magnesium chloride salts, using a current powered by renewable energy to heat the solution, resulting in the separation of salt from molten magnesium.

CEO Alex Grant noted that the process is exceptionally clean, although it has yet to be applied to magnesium production. Much of the company’s work is funded by the Department of Defense.

With China accounting for 90% of global magnesium production, the current smelting process, known as the Pidgeon process, is highly polluting and carbon-intensive, involving heating to around 2,000 degrees using coal-fired kilns. Dr. Fisuke anticipates further innovations on the horizon.

“Three converging factors are at play,” he stated. “The value of these critical materials is climbing, the expenses associated with traditional mining and extraction are escalating, and reliance on international suppliers, particularly from Russia and China, is diminishing.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Has China halted the export of rare earth metals?

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Chinese government has long been exerting control over the export of rare earths, a group of metals crucial for products like semiconductors and light. In the ongoing trade war with the US, China is taking further steps to restrict the market for these metals, potentially impacting American manufacturing and military capabilities. So, why are rare earths so important?

What are rare earths?

Rare earths consist of 17 types of metals across the periodic table, essential for various industries such as technology, energy, and transportation. Names like terbium, praseodymium, and dysprosium are important ingredients in advanced technologies.

These metals can be categorized into heavy and light rare earths, with heavy ones being rarer and selling in smaller quantities. Light rare earths like neodymium and praseodymium are crucial for creating magnets.

What are they used for?

Rare earths have diverse applications, from semiconductor chips powering AI to electric vehicle motors and military equipment. They also enhance heat resistance in products like magnets, glass, lights, and batteries, making them valuable for industries.

Some rare earths possess unique chemical properties that make them ideal for producing high-quality magnets, glass, lights, and batteries. Magnets made from rare earths are exceptionally powerful and essential for electric vehicles.

Does the US produce rare earths?

The US has only one operational rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California, contributing about 15% to the global market. In the past, the US was a significant rare earth producer, but its production declined over the years compared to China.

Where do rare earths come from?

Rare earths are mined from rock deposits, with China dominating nearly 70% of the market. China’s control over rare earths’ production and export has geopolitical implications, impacting various industries worldwide.

What will the impact of China’s restrictions on rare earths?

If China restricts rare earth exports, American sectors like automotive may face production halts. The US military could also be impacted, leading to shortages of essential equipment like drones and missiles. Tech giants like Nvidia and Apple could also feel the effects.

Many rare earth mining businesses in China have been under private or foreign ownership, but the government’s efforts to consolidate the industry could lead to complete control over manufacturing and exports.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Rare bipolar dinosaurs uncovered in Mongolia by scientists

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A new species of dinosaurs has been uncovered in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. Known as Duonychus tsogtbaatari, this dinosaur possessed two feet long claw fingers on each hand, belonging to the Teresino Sauria.

Referred to as Duonychus, which is the Greek term for two claws, this dinosaur stood approximately 10 feet tall, weighed around 570 pounds, and was part of the Therizinosaurs group. It displayed a unique set of characteristics, including feathers.

These dinosaurs existed in Asia and North America during the Cretaceous period, spanning from 145 to 66 million years ago.

Despite having only two claws, researchers described Duonychus in a study published in the JournalIscience as an “effective climber” capable of reaching branches or vegetation masses up to five inches in diameter.

A claw belonging to Duonychus Tsogtbaatari, excavated in Mongolia.Kobayashi et al. / Science via Reuters

NBC News reached out to the research team for additional comments.

The fossil specimen was unearthed in 2012 by scientists at the Institute of Paleontology at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, dating back 90 million years and showcasing exceptional diversity.

Although the fossil was a partial skeleton missing the skull and legs, the hands were remarkably well-preserved. The Duonychus individuals were not fully grown, and their claws measured approximately 1 foot in length.

Therodinosaurus belonged to a group of herbivorous dinosaurs such as tyrannosaurus and spinosaurus, but mainly consumed leaves from large shrubs and trees.

The discovery of Duonychus and its two claws was described as remarkable by Michael Benton, a vertebrate paleontology professor at the University of Bristol, UK, who was not involved in the study.

Initially, dinosaurs possessed five fingers like humans, eventually losing two over time, leading to the majority having three fingers, Benton explained in an email to NBC News on Wednesday.

Benton highlighted that the number of digits did not impact their capabilities, mentioning that the third finger was shorter in length, potentially serving a specific purpose.

He emphasized the vast diversity and varied shapes and functions of dinosaurs, stating that they are incredibly diverse.

According to the study, the fossil records of Terazinosauria are particularly abundant in Cretaceous sediments in East Asia, particularly in Mongolia and China.

United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) recognizes the Gobi Desert in Mongolia as the largest dinosaur fossil repository in the world.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Witness the Rare Alignment of 7 Planets in Tonight’s One Generation Planet Parade

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Observe the night sky tonight to witness a rare event known as the “Planet Parade,” where the planets in our solar system align in a row. This phenomenon involves Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune appearing in a straight line for a unique celestial display. This rare occurrence will not happen again until 2040.

The best time to view this spectacular event is on the evening of Friday, February 28th, 2025, when all seven planets will be visible in the sky. Astrophysicists like David Armstrong emphasize the significance of this planetary alignment and the rarity of such an occurrence.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/02/GettyImages-1319464294.mp4

The alignment of planets is a result of their orbits and speeds around the sun.

To best observe this phenomenon, head outdoors just after sunset to catch a glimpse of Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. For a more detailed view, consider using binoculars or a telescope to see the distinctive features of each planet. Find a dark, remote spot away from city lights for the optimal viewing experience.

Where should I look to see the planets?

Identifying the planets in the sky can be challenging, but each has its unique brightness and position. Look for Venus in the west, the brightest object after sunset, followed by Jupiter overhead. Keep an eye out for Mercury, the closest planet to the sun, as it remains low on the horizon. The planets’ loose alignment creates a visual path across the sky, making it easier to track their movements.

Why is this planetary parade happening?

The alignment of planets is a result of their orbits in the zodiac plane, creating the illusion of alignment from Earth’s perspective. While this alignment is purely visual and does not have a significant impact on Earth, it provides a fascinating celestial display for observers to enjoy.

Meet our experts

Dr. Sham Balaji: A researcher at King’s College London, specializing in cosmic particle physics and cosmology.

Matt Burley: An astronomer and reader at the University of Leicester’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.

David Armstrong: An associate professor at Warwick University focusing on planet detection and the Neptinia desert.

For more information, visit their profiles.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Rare footage of a mother polar bear and her cubs emerging from their den shed light on their elusive behavior

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

It's published today International Polar Bear Daynew research will answer questions by showing the first combination of satellite tracking colors and remote camera traps Polar bear (Ursus Maritimus)) Denning is notoriously difficult to study as polar bear moms create dens under the snow in remote areas.

Shooter et al. It reveals the first detailed view of polar bear cults coming out of their burrows. Image credits: Jon Aars/Norwegian Polar Institute.

Turnip survival supports species survival, and denning is the most vulnerable period of life. Less than 50% of Cubs can become adults.

As industry expands in the Arctic, this study highlights the importance of uninterrupted Denning regions to protect polar bear populations.

“Polar bear mothers have increased difficulty replicating due to climate-based changes and could face additional challenges associated with expanding human footprints in the Arctic,” said Dr. Louise Archer, a researcher at the University of Toronto Scarborough University.

“We are excited to introduce new tools to monitor bears during this vulnerable period and gain insight into action across the Arctic.

“Every den we monitor has its own story, and every data point adds to this critical understanding of time and supports a more effective conservation strategy.”

In their study, the authors monitored the behavior of the polar bears in Den Emans held in Svalbad, Norway.

Female polar bears were equipped with GPS satellite collars recording their location, temperature and activity.

Researchers used these collar data to find burrows and traveled through the mountains of Svalbad to deploy time-lapse camera traps at 13 densites over six years.

They found that camera traps provide fine-scale insight into the behavior of the maternal Den, and that satellite collars are accurate and useful for monitoring bears in more remote locations for longer periods of time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcf0fyq_e_i

The family appeared in Svalbarbad around March 9th and appeared to abandon the burrow earlier than previously recorded in this group, and further monitoring was needed to establish whether this was a continuing trend.

Changing the timing of denning can put a risk to the cubs' survival as they will less time to develop before they can proceed further towards the sea ice.

In some cases, the bears appeared from the burrow in less than a minute before returning inside, while other appearances lasted for several hours.

In terms of departing den forever, camera footage showed that polar bears remained near the burrow to stay on average for 12 days.

However, this ranged between 2-31 days and was very different among polar bear families.

Some moms switched dens – they were observed leaving their original dens and moving their families to new dens.

Cubs are heavily dependent on their mothers and rarely venture out in their dens alone. The Cubs were only seen in 5% without mothers. In Svalbad, they rely on their mothers for up to 2.5 years.

“This study gives us a total glimpse into one of the most vulnerable and important periods of polar bear life and provides insights that will help guide our collective conservation efforts.”

“Combining innovative technology and long-term research gives us a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by polar bear moms and cubs in the rapidly changing Arctic.”

“Conserving Denning's habitat is essential for population health, and this study provides invaluable insights that can help guide conservation management.”

“There were few studies that included observational data at polar bear burrow sites, and therefore this study contributes significantly to our knowledge of denning ecology,” said Dr. John Arles, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Furthermore, data from the satellite radio collar was available to all mothers, and observational data allowed us to communicate how recorded activity and temperature changes corresponded to behavior. ”

study It will be displayed in Journal of Wildlife Management.

____

Louise C. Archer et al. Monitoring the phenology and behavior of polar bears during the emergence of den using cameras and satellite telemetry. Journal of Wildlife ManagementPublished online on February 26th, 2025. doi: 10.1002/jwmg.22725

Source: www.sci.news

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Understanding the political significance of rare earth elements

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Astronomy Hub: Chile

What are rare earths?

What are they used for?

Does the US produce rare earths?

Where do rare earths come from?

What will the impact of China’s restrictions on rare earths?

Where should I look to see the planets?

Why is this planetary parade happening?

Meet our experts