Research: Multiple Groups of Pterosaurs Became Global 160 Million Years Ago

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Pterosaurs often glide above dinosaurs, but recent examinations of fossilized footprints reveal that some of these flying reptiles were equally adept at terrestrial movement.

Terrestrial migration and tracking morphology of vegetative eye type skeletal morphology: (a) Reconstruction of the ctenochasmatoid orbit Ctenochasma elegans walking with an ipsilateral gait, where the fore and hind legs on the same side move together as a pair. (b) Manual and pedal morphology of Ctenochasma elegans; PES is plant and pentadactyl, while Manus is digital grade, functionally triductyl as the large fourth digit supporting the outer wing is folded during terrestrial movement. (c) Height map of pterosaur manus and PES footprints in the holotype of Ichnotaxon Pteraichnus stokesi, showing a form that matches Ctenochasma elegans; (d) height maps from part of the Pterosaur trackway; Pteraichnus ISP. From the Upper Jurassic Casal Formation of Claysac, France. An outline drawing of (e) interpretation of Pteraichnus ISP. Scale bar – 20 mm in (c), 200 mm in (d) and (e). Image credit: Smith et al, doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.017.

“We have been diligently working to enhance our understanding of these creatures,” stated Robert Smith, a doctoral researcher at the University of Leicester.

“These findings provide insights into their habitats, movement patterns, and daily activities in ecosystems long since vanished.”

In this research, Smith and his team identified three distinct types of pterosaur footprints, each offering insights into various lifestyles and behaviors.

By correlating footprints with specific groups, a robust new method emerges to study how these flying reptiles thrived, migrated, and adapted to diverse ecosystems over time.

“Finally, 88 years after the initial discovery of Pterosaur tracks, we have pinpointed precisely who created them and how,” remarked Dr. David Unwin, Ph.D., from Leicester.

Perhaps the most striking revelation comes from a group of pterosaurs known as Neoazdalci. Quetzalcoatlus, one of the largest flying creatures, boasts a wingspan of 10 meters.

Their footprints have been found in both coastal and inland areas worldwide, supporting the theory that these long-legged animals not only soared through the skies, but also inhabited the same environments as numerous dinosaur species.

Some of these tracks date back to an asteroid impact event 66 million years ago, coinciding with the extinction of both pterosaurs and dinosaurs.

Ctenochasmatoids, recognized for their elongated jaws and needle-like teeth, left footprints primarily found in coastal sediments.

These animals likely walked along muddy shores or shallow lagoons, employing unique feeding strategies to capture small fish and floating prey.

The prevalence of these tracks suggests that these coastal pterosaurs were far more common in these habitats than than the rare fossilized remains.

Another type of footprint was located in rock formations, where fossilized remains of the same pterosaur were also found.

The close association between footprints and skeletons offers compelling evidence for identifying the track makers.

These pterosaurs, known as Dsungaripterids, possessed robust limbs and jaws; their toothless, curved beaks were adept at securing prey, while their large, rounded teeth were ideal for crushing shellfish and other resilient foods.

“Footprints are often overlooked in Pterosaur studies, yet they yield a wealth of information about the behaviors and interactions of these creatures with their environment,” emphasized Smyth.

“A detailed analysis of these footprints allows us to uncover biological and ecological insights that other methods may not provide.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Current Biology.

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Robert S. Smith et al. Identifying Pterosaur track makers provides crucial insights into Mesozoic terrestrial invasions. Current Biology, published online on May 1, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.017

Source: www.sci.news

How Nearly a Century of Happiness Research Unveiled a Key Finding

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When Lyubomirsky joined Stanford’s Graduate School of Social Psychology in 1989, the study of happiness was just beginning to earn respectability in academia. Ed Diener, a psychologist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, would later gain recognition for his contributions to the field. Despite his long-standing interest in happiness, he chose to wait until he achieved tenure before diving into the subject. Similarly, Lyubomirsky was hesitant to specialize in happiness; as a serious scientist, she felt that topics related to “emotion” were often regarded as less rigorous. However, after an engaging discussion with her advisor on her first day at Stanford, she resolved to make happiness her primary focus.

Lyubomirsky began by exploring the fundamental question of why some individuals experience greater happiness than others. A few years prior, Diener had published a survey that examined existing research, highlighting the types of behaviors often associated with happy individuals. However, the studies often yielded conflicting results, leading to a lack of definitive answers. Lyubomirsky’s own findings indicated that mindset plays a significant role; happy individuals tended to avoid comparing themselves to others, held positive views of those around them, made fulfilling choices, and did not dwell on negativity.

Yet, Lyubomirsky recognized the complexity of cause and effect. Did a happy disposition foster a healthy mindset, or did adopting a positive outlook lead to increased happiness? Were people inherently predisposed to a certain level of happiness, much like mothers clustering together? She pondered whether it was possible to shift one’s mindset, noting that such changes often required extensive time—many people spend years in therapy attempting to achieve this, often without success. This prompted her to investigate whether simpler, quicker actions could enhance well-being.

To this end, Lyubomirsky researched various habits and practices thought to uplift mood, such as random acts of kindness and expressions of gratitude. Over six weeks, she instructed students to perform five acts of kindness each week—like donating blood or assisting peers with assignments. By the end of the study, these students reported higher levels of happiness compared to a control group. Another group reflected weekly on things they were grateful for, such as “My Mother” and “AOL Instant Messenger,” and similarly experienced an increase in happiness. Although the changes were modest, Lyubomirsky found it intriguing that small, low-cost interventions could enhance students’ quality of life. In 2005, she published a paper asserting that individuals possess significant control over their happiness.

Lyubomirsky’s research emerged during a time when psychology was reevaluating its objectives and focus. When Martin Seligman, a psychologist from the University of Pennsylvania, took leadership of the American Psychological Association in 1998, he and his colleagues noted that the field had overly concentrated on dysfunction, neglecting the promotion of life satisfaction. He urged his peers to explore themes such as “optimism, courage, work ethic, resilience, interpersonal skills, pleasure, insight, and social responsibility,” advocating a return to making life more fulfilling and productive for everyone.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Kennedy Encourages New Parents to “Conduct Your Own Research” on Vaccines

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advised new parents to “conduct their own research” prior to “conducting their own research” during a television interview regarding infant vaccinations.

In a conversation with talk show host Phil, Kennedy stated that aired on Merritt on Monday, the 100th day of the Trump administration. He reiterated his stance, saying, “To prevent the spread of measles, getting the vaccine is your best option.”

However, Kennedy maintained that the choice rests with individuals. By suggesting that the vaccine poses risks, he undermines decades of guidance from public health professionals, including officials from the CDC.

“We live in a democracy, and part of being a responsible parent is to do your own research,” he replied to questions from women in the audience regarding vaccine safety advice for new parents. “You should investigate strollers, the food they consume, and the medications they receive.”

The phrase “I did my research” has emerged as a significant cultural and political term during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pro-vaccination advocates have criticized individuals primarily from the political left who opted out of vaccination. This expression evolved into a meme and has appeared in mock gravestones at Halloween-themed cemeteries in liberal areas.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond promptly to requests for comments.

Kennedy’s remarks were made amidst the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. in nearly 25 years, which has resulted in the deaths of two young children and one adult.

Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine authority at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital, remarked that while he often disagrees with Kennedy, “it’s perfectly reasonable to be skeptical about a vaccine.” However, parents who wish to research should be mindful of their information sources.

“When you talk about doing your own research, it’s important to consult individuals with expertise in the area, or at least seek information from credible online sources. This doesn’t mean relying solely on chat rooms or social media,” said Dr. Offit. He emphasized that while good information exists, “many poor sources can mislead you about your options, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. exemplifies that.”

Another vaccine specialist, Dr. Peter Hotez from Baylor School of Medicine, contended that Kennedy was being misleading. “He claims people are doing their own research—what parents often download is a flood of misinformation, steering away from expert health advice toward dubious influences.”

Kennedy further suggested that measles vaccinations could lead to various illnesses without substantiation. “Would you like to stop measles?” he inquired. “Certainly, but does it cause other issues like seizures or autoimmune diseases? We don’t know. No one can answer that.”

In reality, studies indicate that with rare exceptions, vaccinated individuals are less likely than those infected to develop autoimmune illnesses, concluding that vaccines “not only shield patients from infections but also from complications, including autoimmune symptoms.”

Kennedy’s statements in the interview were generally flawed. He proclaimed, “New medications are approved by external panels, not by the FDA or CDC.”

This is inaccurate. While external expert panels advise the FDA on controversial drug approvals, only the FDA holds the authority to sanction or reject new medications, vaccines, and treatments; the CDC does not partake in this process.

“Kennedy must understand the role of the FDA in drug development and marketing decisions,” asserted Dr. Robert Califf, the FDA’s commissioner under President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Kennedy also erroneously asserted that vaccines were not subjected to safety evaluations prior to or following approval. “There is no initial safety research, and there’s no monitoring system afterward,” he claimed. “Vaccines are the only medical products exempt from pre-licensure safety assessments.”

In fact, the FDA licenses vaccines after an extensive year-long process involving thorough lab and animal testing, followed by human trials. Rigorous research on vaccine safety and efficacy is mandated. Typically, thousands participate in large clinical trials, as emphasized by Dr. Peter Marks, head of the vaccine division, who recently announced his resignation.

“I am uncertain about the origin of this misconception,” remarked Dr. Marks, critical of Kennedy. “Vaccines undergo extensive safety evaluations. Since they are administered to healthy individuals, safety is of utmost importance.”

Upon licensing, vaccines are monitored through various databases. Vaccine Safety Data Links employ electronic health records nationwide to detect unusual side effects, including rare myocarditis cases reported in young men post-COVID-19 vaccination.

Another system, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, established in 1990 as the “National Early Warning System,” relies on reports from both patients and healthcare providers. Many vaccine skeptics, including Kennedy, have cited Vaers data to argue that vaccines are harmful, but it is not intended to ascertain causality regarding health issues; rather, it flags potential concerns for further investigation.

The FDA operates an additional safety monitoring program known as BEST, focusing on biologics effectiveness and safety initiatives.

Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Infectious Diseases Committee, stated that it is incorrect to assert that federal officials do not surveil vaccine safety. “I am uncertain about the source of this claim,” he noted.

He added, “We recognize various rare adverse events. If it becomes evident that the risks approach or surpass the benefits, the vaccine will be withdrawn from the market.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

New Research Indicates Vesta Lacks a Metal Core

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent analysis of data from NASA’s Dawn Spacecraft indicates that Vesta, the second-largest asteroid in our solar system, has not fully differentiated into a metallic core, silicate mantle, or basaltic crust.

NASA’s Dawn Spacecraft studied Vesta from July 2011 to September 2012. The towering mountains of Antarctica, more than twice the height of Mount Everest, can be seen at the bottom of the image. A set of three craters known as ‘snowmen’ can be found in the top left. Image credits: NASA/JPL-CALTECH/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA.

First discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers on March 29, 1807, Vesta is the only significant asteroid visible to the naked eye.

It completes a rotation in 5.34 hours, orbits the Sun in 3.63 years, and has an elongated shape with dimensions of 286 x 279 x 223 km.

Due to its substantial size, Vesta is regarded as a differentiated body with a core and mantle, similar to our own planet.

“There has been significant effort put into this research,” noted Dr. Seth Jacobson, a researcher from Michigan State University, along with his colleagues.

“One possibility is that Vesta has undergone incomplete differentiation, meaning it initiated the necessary melting process to create distinct layers such as a core, mantle, and crust, but never completed it.”

“Another theory suggests that Vesta is a fragment of a larger body that contributed to the formation of planets in the solar system.”

“The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has played a crucial role in this research,” explained Dr. Ryan Park, a senior research scientist and principal engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“After nearly ten years of advancements in calibration and processing technology, we have achieved remarkable consistency between the Dawn spacecraft’s Deep Space Network data and its onboard imaging data.”

“We were eager to see the strength of the data in revealing Vesta’s deep interior.”

“Our findings suggest that Vesta’s history is far more complex than previously thought, influenced by unique processes such as interrupted planetary differentiation and late-stage collisions.”

Celestial bodies with dense cores behave differently from those without cores.

With this newfound understanding, researchers assessed Vesta’s rotation and gravitational field.

The findings indicate that Vesta’s behavior contradicts previous notions about core formation.

“To confirm whether Vesta is an ancient remnant from a planetary formation, we need to develop more models and refine our analyses,” stated Dr. Jacobson.

“Scientists can also adapt their methodologies for studying Vesta’s materials to delve deeper into both hypotheses.”

“Further research can be conducted using innovative approaches to the Dawn mission data.”

“Our publications mark the beginning of a new research direction and could fundamentally alter how scientists perceive differentiated worlds.”

Read the paper published in the journal Natural Astronomy.

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RS Park et al. Vesta’s small core is inferred from Dawn’s observations. Nature Astronomy published online on April 23, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02533-7

Source: www.sci.news

Research Indicates That the Size of Small Houses Made Ancient Giant Kangaroos Susceptible to Local Extinction

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Extinct Kangaroos from the genus Protemnodon A recent study by paleontologists from the University of Adelaide, Queensland Museum, and Monash University discovered that these creatures were not adventurous wanderers traversing the plains, but rather homebodies that remained close to their habitats throughout their lives. This finding aligns with behaviors observed in modern kangaroo species, yet it was surprising to the researchers.

Protemnodon. Image credits: Andrey Atuchin / Rochelle Lawrence / Scott Hocknull.

Among large herbivorous mammals, greater body sizes are often associated with broader foraging ranges; however, it remains uncertain if this trend applies to extinct Australian megafauna.

In this study, paleontologist Christopher Laurikainen Gaete and colleagues investigated protemnodon fossils found in the Etna Cave, located north of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, Australia.

They examined strontium isotopes from kangaroo teeth, revealing matches only with local limestone rather than distant rock formations.

“The strontium isotopes in the fossilized teeth indicate the geology of the region where food was sourced,” they noted.

The findings suggest that Protemnodon had a significantly smaller foraging range than anticipated for its size, which is estimated at up to 170 kilograms.

Prior research indicates that Protemnodon likely lacked the capacity for long-distance travel due to its large size, thereby restricting its movement.

Additionally, this new study suggests that the stable, lush rainforest habitat provided sufficient food sources, negating the need for Protemnodon to wander far.

When climate change and increasing aridity disrupted this rainforest ecosystem about 280,000 years ago, the reduced foraging area may have left Protemnodon unable to find sufficient food, ultimately leading to the local extinction of these giant kangaroos.

Further investigations are needed to ascertain whether the limited range of Australia’s gigantic marsupials is a widespread pattern attributable to habitat rather than body size.

“We utilized data from contemporary kangaroos to predict a much broader foraging range for these giant extinct kangaroos,” explained Laurikainen Gaete.

“We were astonished to find they didn’t roam at all.”

“These innovative isotopic techniques have significantly advanced our field,” remarked Dr. Scott Hocknall, a senior scientist and curator at the Queensland Museum and paleontologist at Monash University.

“Think of it as an ancient GPS tracker. Fossils allow us to monitor individual movement, dietary habits, social interactions, and causes of death.”

“The ongoing debate regarding the extinction of Australia’s megafauna has persisted for decades, and now we can analyze it from an individual and species-specific standpoint,” stated Professor Anthony Doset, a paleontologist at the University of Wollongong.

“These precise methodologies enable us to examine each site and individual, facilitating more accurate extinction models.”

Researchers are currently planning to apply these methods to reconstruct the past behaviors and diets of MT ETNA and other extinct kangaroo species in the Capricorn Cave region.

“Many of the kangaroo species on Kangaroo Island, such as those found in Capricorn Caves, include tree kangaroos, pademelons, and rock wallabies, with descendants inhabiting the wet tropics and Papua New Guinea,” noted Professor Doset.

“We will employ these same techniques to explore how these surviving kangaroo species adapted to the environmental changes that contributed to the massive extinctions.”

The study will be published in the journal PLOS 1.

____

C. Laurikainen Gaete et al. 2025. Megafauna Mobility: An assessment of the foraging range of extinct macropodids from central Queensland, Australia. PLOS 1 20(4): E0319712; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319712

Source: www.sci.news

US Government to Reimburse Misinformation Research Efforts

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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                <img class="Image" alt="A new scientist. Science News and Long reads from expert journalists, covering science, technology, health, and environmental developments in various publications." width="1350" height="899" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=2006 2006w" loading="eager" fetchpriority="high" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2477989" data-caption="Disinformation is particularly prevalent on social media platforms." data-credit="Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images"/>
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                    <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Disinformation is particularly prevalent on social media platforms.</p>
                    <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images</p>
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    <p>The National Science Foundation (NSF) has terminated a government research grant aimed at examining misinformation and disinformation. This decision comes amid a surge of propaganda and deceit proliferated by the latest AI technologies, coinciding with tech companies scaling back their content moderation efforts and disbanding fact-checking teams.</p>
    <p>The grant was canceled on April 18, as stated by the NSF in a <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/updates-on-priorities">public announcement</a>. The statement asserts that it no longer backs research on misinformation or disinformation, citing potential conflicts with constitutionally protected free speech rights...</p>
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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tourists in Antarctica Fund Scientific Research amid Government Cuts

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

During the warm Antarctic season, a refined Norwegian passenger ship is known as Ms Fridtjof Nansen Departing regularly from Argentina, head south along the turbulent drake passageway to the Antarctic Peninsula. The cruise is home to more and more wealthy adventurers, bucket listers, and increasingly polar scientists seeking to collect data as public funds for research in Antarctica under the Trump administration.

The National Science Foundation is one of the world’s largest funders of scientific research and has an annual budget. Approximately $9 billion This supports most of the research in the United States Antarctic. Over the past few months, the Trump administration has ordered agencies to cut deeper, making scientists wonder how they will study everything, from melting glaciers and ice sheets to the effects of pollution from power plants and wildfires.

On Thursday, National Science Foundation director Seturaman Panchanashan resigned after the White House directed him to cut the agency’s budget and staff by more than half. According to an exclusive report from Science.

Panchanathan’s resignation follows Elon Musk’s previous orders from government efficiency Freeze fund All new research grants from the National Science Foundation, and the announcement that Doge will be over last week Over $200 million “Wild” research grants given by the agency.

Some experts are concerned that the Trump administration continues its National Science Foundation It may inform you of the end For research into the United States of Antarctica.

Leopard seals along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Chase Cain / NBC News

James Burns, co-founder of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, is an international alliance for environmental and non-governmental organizations focusing on Antarctic conservation and research, and says the National Science Foundation has become “wicked language” within much of the Trump administration. “For whatever reason, there’s so much to learn in Antarctica, that’s not good on many levels for us.”

President Donald Trump’s orders specifically target Antarctic research include: Staff of several National Science Foundations We are working on Antarctica projects and essential reductions Construction funds for McMurdo Stationthe largest US research foundation on the continent.

Antarctica-based research projects have already declined for several years – disrupted decades of robust fieldwork; Never recovered from Covid-19 restrictions. Currently, research on the world’s southernmost continent has been facing several years under Trump’s slash and burning policies.

However, I’m riding on Fridjov Nansen. And its sister ship, Ms. Roald Amundsen, Polar Scientist, has reliable funds for their research. HX Expeditions, which operates two Antarctic ships, hosts researchers from institutions such as West Washington University. University of California, Santa Cruz. National Snow and Ice Data Center. Their rooms and boards are covered by the purchase of tickets from tourists sailing to Antarctica for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

“If we can’t pay customers to allow our ship to go south, we can’t support the research we are helping out,” said Verena Meraldi, chief scientist on the HX Expedition. “It’s not easy [to get there]. There are not many flights coming down here, and fewer research vessels. ”

Gentleman penguins along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Chase Cain / NBC News

Tourists traveling on the HX expedition are part of the explosive ecotourism industry, focusing on experiencing nature while helping to preserve the local area. The number of visitors to Antarctica has increased from about 8,000 each year in the 1990s to over 120,000 per year. International Antarctic Tour Operators Association. By 2035, the ecotourism market will be like that projection It will grow to over $550 billion. Ms Fridtjof Nansen on a late March expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula It was home to over 400 ecotourists and several researchers, including Freia Aardred, a doctoral student at Durham University in the UK.

Alldred moved along with sterilized bags to collect samples of seaweed grown in Antarctica waters and snow algae. She has studied how climate change affects the carbon content of these Antarctic species, and Cruises has provided a unique opportunity to collect new samples.

“We’ve never been anywhere with a research foundation,” says Alldred. “Instead, if I went to a base in the Antarctic in England, I could only sample within my area. Here I have gone to five different sites throughout the peninsula that may not have been previously studied.”

The boat was housed nearby scientists and ecotourists, giving scientists the unusual opportunity to explain their work directly to non-scientists through interactive sessions in an onboard lab. For ten days, enthusiastic passengers attended lectures from resident researchers, ate with them at the ship’s restaurant, sharing their first steps in the vast polar deserts of Antarctica.

“It’s incredible to share these experiences with people, explain why we do research, what kind of questions we answer, and they see them firsthand,” said Chloe Lou, a researcher who works with the California Ocean Alliance to capture the impact of tourist boats on Antarctica whales. “It fires me for my passion for my work.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Research suggests that female bonobos band together to avoid male aggression

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

woman Bonobos New research is discovering that they team up to find strength in numbers and combine them to dodge wild men.

With ChimpanzeesBonobo is one of the closest relatives of humans. Scientists have been wondering why bonobos live in general Women dominate Men are physically bigger and stronger, so they are social.

30 Years of Observation in the Congo – The only place where endangered bonobos are seen in the wild is to support the idea of sisters who unite to assert their powers.

These groups of girls found women who ousted male bonobos out of the trees, secured food for themselves, and ranked them higher on the community’s social ladders, researchers found.

“It’s very clear not to step on as a male bonobo,” said Martin Sarbeck, Harvard research author.

The findings were published in the Journal Communications Biology on Thursday.

The combined number of female bonobos appears to change the tide to male fitness, Sarbeck said. This type of strategy allows women to get women to top the top in the Animal Kingdom. Find power in the group as well.

Female bonobos linked, even if they had no close relationships, supported each other against men, and solidified their social status. The observations show how female bonobos work together to protect themselves from male violence, bioanthropologist Laura Lewis said at the University of California, Berkeley.

The findings “support the idea that humans and our ancestors use coalitions to maintain and maintain power over millions of years,” Lewis, who was not involved in the study, said in an email.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Enhanced Research May Improve Climate Legislation by Holding Polluters Accountable

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In 2023, the Winooski River in Vermont overflowed and reached the Green Truss Bridge that crosses it. The river water even seeped into the marble floor of the state house due to 9 inches of rain falling within 48 hours, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

A year later, Vermont enacted the Climate Change Superfund Act, holding an oil and gas company financially responsible for the state’s climate damages. A similar law was passed in New York in 2024 and is pending in California, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

Understanding the law involves attribution science, a field that uses global temperature data to model numerous scenarios to determine if extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves are linked to emissions from burning oil, gas, and coal.

A new paper published in Nature Journal on Wednesday magnifies this work to connect emissions from specific entities to the economic impact of extreme events.

“The oil industry is astonished by the state’s climate superfund laws and their increasing popularity, as they are the first policies globally to hold a significant portion of the major losses responsible for the substantial damages incurred by their products.”

The response to the law was swift. In February, West Virginia and other Republican-led states sought to challenge New York’s laws, arguing that only the federal government has the authority to regulate emissions. President Trump signed an executive order this month criticizing the state law as a burden and ideological motivation, calling on Attorney General Pam Bondy to block enforcement.

Environmental attorneys have been exploring how harm can be attributed to greenhouse gas emissions for years, according to Martin Rockman, a climate law fellow at Columbia University’s Sabine Center.

“Attribution science is crucial because it establishes links between particular activities of businesses that profit from fossil fuels and specific harms to states and communities,” Rockman stated. “If you’re causing harm, you should be accountable for mitigating it, it’s that simple.”

The new study will enhance an approach known as “end-to-end” attribution, linking a specific emitter (e.g., a company) to a particular climate-related impact (e.g., extreme heat) and subsequent damage (impact on the global economy).

The study revealed that Chevron’s emissions caused heat-related losses totaling up to $3.6 trillion in the global economy. Christopher Callahan, a postdoctoral geoscientist at Stanford University and the study’s author, noted that such high costs still underestimate the global repercussions of fossil fuel combustion in less affluent tropical regions with minimal emissions responsibility.

“That astounding figure represents the detriment from just one of the climate impacts,” stated Delta Melner, associate director of the Science Hub for Climate Litigation at the Coalition of Concerned Scientists. “The overall harm caused by major emitters is undoubtedly much greater when considering the full range of climate risks.”

Theodore J. Bootras Jr., a Chevron Corporation lawyer, argued that the study “disregards the scientific impossibility of attributing a specific climate or weather phenomenon to a particular country, company, or energy consumer.” He labeled it as futile state litigation and a misleading advocacy campaign for energy penalties and regulations.

Overall, the paper estimated that the global economy would suffer $28 trillion in damages due to extreme heat caused by emissions from 111 major carbon producers between 1991 and 2020.

More than 100 climate-related lawsuits have been filed annually since 2017, as per a recent study. However, these cases scrutinize attribution studies that struggle to connect emissions to estimated economic losses.

This innovative framework can offer similar capabilities in other major damage and liability cases, analogous to those handled in tobacco-related lung cancer lawsuits and pharmaceutical claims for addiction.

Justin Mankin, a geography professor specializing in climate science at Dartmouth University and co-author of the Nature paper, remarked:

World Weather Attribution, a group based at Imperial College London, has regularly published attribution reports over the past decade.

“Unfortunately, we are still one of the few entities engaged in this work, and we are not an official institution. It’s essentially a project I undertake as a university professor in collaboration with a team of colleagues,” stated Friedrike Otto, a physicist aiding in attributing global weather.

Dr. Callahan and Dr. Mankin utilized open-source tools in their models, developing code and data resources they deployed to publish the global costs of climate change on their website.

“We advocate for transparent and open science, particularly since the research was funded by U.S. taxpayers,” Dr. Mankin emphasized, highlighting a significant portion of the research support originating from NOAA, the nation’s leading climate science agency facing funding cuts during the Trump administration.

Extreme weather events have disrupted communities and continue to exacerbate tensions. According to Vermont Senator Anne Watson, the 2023 flood cost Vermont hundreds of millions of dollars, prompting her to sponsor a bill quantifying state damages between 1995 and 2024.

Julie Moore, the secretary at the Vermont Natural Resources Agency, assisted states in organizing their inquiries for more information to better grasp the various approaches in attribution science and comprehend how to assign damages caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

“The charge against us is to establish guidelines on applying attribution science and ultimately send out a cost recovery notice,” Moore explained. According to state laws, oil and gas companies will receive this notice in early 2027.

“The expectation is that it will aid Vermont in securing a substantial amount to cover damages and adapt to a hotter, more humid climate resulting from carbon in the atmosphere,” Watson expressed. “We need a source to determine accountability for this.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Research suggests that universe may rotate every 500 billion years

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New research led by astronomers at the University of Hawaii suggests that our universe could spin.

In the formation of the universe, gravity links galaxies with clusters of galaxies to construct vast co-nes-like structures that link hundreds of millions of light years along an invisible bridge. This is known as Cosmic Web. Image credit: Springel et al. / Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics.

“To paraphrase the Greek philosopher Heracritus of Ephesus, he famously said Pantarei – he thought everything would change, perhaps Panta Kaicurtai – he thought everything would change.”

According to current models, the universe expands evenly in all directions with no signs of rotation. This idea fits most of what astronomers observe.

But that doesn’t explain the so-called Hubble tension. It is a long-standing discrepancy between two ways of measuring how quickly the universe is expanding.

One method examines distant exploding stars or supernovas to measure distances to galaxies, providing the magnification of the universe over the past billions of years.

Another method uses artefact radiation from the Big Bang, providing a very early universe expansion rate, about 13 billion years ago. Each gives a different value for the expansion rate.

Dr. Szapudi and his colleagues developed a mathematical model of the universe.

First, the model followed standard rules. They then added a small amount of rotation. Those small changes made a huge difference.

“To my surprise, we found that our model solves paradoxes without conflicting with current astronomical measurements,” Dr. Szapudi said.

“What’s even better is that it’s compatible with other models that assume rotation.”

“So perhaps everything really changes.

The team’s models suggest that the universe could turn once every 500 billion years.

“This idea does not break known laws of physics,” the astronomer said.

“And maybe it explains why measurements of space growth are completely disagreeable.”

“The next step is to turn the theory into a complete computer model and find ways to find signs of this slow, universe spin.”

Survey results It will be displayed in Monthly Notices from the Royal Astronomical Society.

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Balázs Endre Szigeti et al. 2025. Can rotation solve the Hubble puzzle? mnras 538(4): 3038-3041; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf446

Source: www.sci.news

New research shows that several Titan rivers do not flow into a delta

Posted on April 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Earth’s coastline is an attractive place where liquids are mixed and materials are shaped into clear terrain, such as the River Delta. Similar active coastlines exist in Titan, the moon of Saturn, where liquid hydrocarbons (methane and ethane) replace water. However, studies of Titan’s coastline, particularly the River Delta, are challenging due to the limited imaging data and the unknown nature of its materials. To overcome these challenges, Brown University planetary scientists, MIT, the MIT-Whoi joint program of oceanography, Woods Hole Marine Facilities, Cornell University, have developed a new model that simulates the Earth’s coastline as if it were found in NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. They discovered that they could detect large terrain in Titan with the correct contrast. They then returned to Titan and remap the coastline. Surprisingly, they discovered that unlike on Earth, where many large rivers house the delta of rivers, many of the Titan rivers do not end in the delta. They also discovered submerged features of Titan on the seabed, suggesting changes in sea level and active currents below sea level.

This composite image shows an infrared view of Titan. In this image, blue represents the wavelength centered at 1.3 microns, green represents 2.0 microns, and red represents 5.0 microns. Views at visible wavelengths show only the hazy atmosphere of Titan. The near-infrared wavelength of this image allows Cassini’s vision to penetrate the haze and reveal the surface of the moon. The view focuses primarily on the terrain in the hemisphere facing Saturn in Titan. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute.

“We’ve seen a lot of effort into this world,” said Dr. Sam Burch, a researcher at Brown University.

“But the absence of delta raises many new questions.”

“We take it for granted that we get a delta if we have rivers and sediments.”

“But Titan is odd. It’s a playground for studying the processes we thought we understood.”

Titan is the largest of Saturn’s 274 confirmed moons. Its thick nitrogen and methane atmosphere creates many earth-like climate and weather features.

Titan has clouds, wind, rain, rivers, lakes and oceans. However, instead of water, Titan’s liquids contain methane and ethane. Methane is a liquid at Titan’s chilly surface temperatures.

Scientists learned about Titan’s liquid body when Cassini’s spaceship flew in 2006. Peering into the thick atmosphere of Titan with Cassini’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the spacecraft revealed a large body of liquid and a large flat area with a large flat area.

However, what is largely missing from Cassini’s SAR images was the delta, even at the mouth of the large river.

However, it was not clear whether Delta was really absent or not shown in Cassini’s SAR data.

That is a question Dr. Burch and his colleagues tried to answer in their new research.

The problem with Cassini’s SAR data is that shallow liquid methane is largely transparent in every image.

Therefore, while images of the SAR allowed us to see wide ocean and river channels, it is difficult to create coastal features with confidence, as it is difficult to see where the coast ends and where the seabed begins.

For this study, the authors developed a numerical model to simulate what Cassini’s SAR sees whether they are viewing a landscape that scientists understand well: Earth.

In the model, Earth’s rivers and ocean waters were replaced by Titan methane liquids with different radar absorption properties compared to water.

“We basically created a synthetic SAR image of the Earth that assumes the properties of Titan’s liquids instead of the Earth,” Dr. Burch said.

“If you see the SAR images of the landscape, we know so well that we can go back to Titan and get a little better at what we’re looking at.”

Researchers have found that synthetic SAR images of the Earth clearly solved large deltas and many other large coastal landscapes.

“If you have the size of a delta at the mouth of the Mississippi River, you should be able to see it,” Dr. Burch said.

“If we have a big barrier island or similar coastal landscape that we see along the US Gulf Coast, we should be able to see them.”

But as scientists shook the Titan images in light of new analysis, they were almost empty.

The rest of the moon’s river was completely delta free, except for two possible deltas near Titan’s Antarctic.

They found that only about 1.3% of the large rivers of Titan that end on the coastline have the delta. In contrast, on Earth, almost every river of similar size has a delta.

“It’s not entirely clear why Titans generally lack delta,” Dr. Burch said.

“The fluid properties of the Titan river should allow sediment to be carried and deposited.”

“Because the sea level in Titan is rising so rapidly, the delta can crush the landscape faster than it accumulates in a single location.”

“The winds and currents along the Titan coast can also play a similarly large role in preventing delta formation.”

And the only delta of mystery posed by new research is not missing.

A new analysis of Cassini SAR data on the Titan coast reveals holes of unknown origin deep within the lake and ocean.

Researchers also found deep waterways on the ocean floor, which appear to have been carved by the river flow, but it is not clear how they got there.

“All of these surprises require more research to fully understand,” Dr. Burch said.

“This is not really what we expected. But Titan does this well for us, and I think it’s an attractive place to study.”

study It was published in Journal of Journal Geophysics: Planets.

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SPD Birch et al. 2025. Detectability of coastal topography on Titan using Cassini radar. jgr planet 130 (3): e2024je008737; doi: 10.1029/2024je008737

Source: www.sci.news

Research shows that elderly individuals are seeking care for cannabis use due to increased risk of dementia.

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Hospital or emergency room care for cannabis use among middle-aged and elderly individuals may lead to an increased risk of developing dementia, according to a large Canadian study published in Jama Neurology. Over a five-year period, individuals seeking care for cannabis use were almost twice as likely to develop dementia compared to the general population.

The study, which analyzed medical records of six million Ontario residents from 2008 to 2021, highlighted a 23% higher risk of dementia among cannabis users compared to those seeking care for other reasons.

While the study did not specify the amount of cannabis used by participants, it did not establish a causal relationship between regular or heavy cannabis use and dementia.

Dr. Daniel T. Myran, the study’s lead author, emphasized the need for further research to explore the potential link between cannabis use and dementia. He acknowledged the complexity of determining whether cannabis use could lead to dementia and highlighted the importance of addressing these concerns.

Previous research by Dr. Myran indicated a higher mortality rate among individuals with cannabis use disorder and noted an increase in cases of schizophrenia and psychosis related to cannabis use in Canada.

Recent studies focusing on the impact of cannabis use on cognition have provided valuable insights, highlighting potential risks associated with regular or heavy cannabis consumption.

While previous research on cannabis and dementia has been limited, the strength of the new study lies in its large sample size and long-term follow-up of patients. Dr. Madeline Meyer, an expert not involved in the study, commended the study for its ability to rule out dementia at the outset and track the temporal relationship between cannabis use and dementia.

Dr. Meyer’s own research has linked cannabis use with neuropsychological decline, challenging the perception of cannabis as a harmless substance with potential medical benefits.

She emphasized the importance of taking the association between cannabis use and dementia seriously and considering the potential risks it may pose.

The increasing use of cannabis among older adults has raised concerns about potential health risks, including the development of dementia. A new study found a significant rise in cannabis-related medical visits among adults aged 45 and older, prompting further investigation into the potential impact of cannabis on cognitive health.

Comparing individuals with cannabis-related medical visits to the general population, the study highlighted a higher incidence of dementia among cannabis users, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation of the risks associated with cannabis use.

While some factors contributing to the increased risk of dementia among cannabis users can be explained, others remain unclear, requiring further research to fully understand the potential relationship between cannabis use and cognitive decline.

Dr. Mylan and his colleagues found that individuals seeking care for alcohol use are more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those using cannabis, highlighting the complex nature of substance use and its impact on cognitive health.

Despite efforts to control for various factors, there are still uncertainties surrounding the potential link between cannabis use and dementia. It is essential to consider all possible variables that may contribute to the development of dementia in cannabis users.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Research claims that Facebook is continuing to experiment with users in a bizarre manner

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Understanding the true nature of social media reveals that platforms like Facebook and Instagram are primarily profit-driven businesses that rely on advertising revenue. While we benefit from staying connected and entertained, we must also acknowledge the underlying business model.

Most users accept targeted ads as a trade-off for accessing online content. However, the issue arises when algorithms, rather than human decision-makers, dictate the ads we see. These automated systems are designed to prioritize clicks and sales, raising concerns about transparency and ethics.

A recent study highlighted the use of A/B tests by Facebook and Google to analyze user responses to different ad versions. Such experiments play a crucial role in marketing strategies, but the way they are conducted matters.

The problem lies in the lack of random assignment in these tests, as algorithms actively select users based on predicted engagement levels. This approach hinders advertisers from gaining genuine insights into effective ad strategies, relying instead on algorithmic optimization.

As of April 2025, Facebook has approximately 3.065 billion active users each month worldwide. Photo Credit: Getty

Advertisers may inadvertently target specific demographics, leading to unintended consequences like gender bias and political polarization. The complexity and accuracy of algorithms enable microtargeting at an individual level, shaping online experiences and influencing user behavior.

Implications for Users

Being online means being subject to constant experimentation by algorithms that determine content exposure. Users are unknowingly part of these experiments, where personalized messages influence thoughts, purchases, and beliefs.

It is crucial to recognize the impact of algorithmic decision-making on online experiences and be aware of the curated messages we receive. Transparency and accountability in digital platforms remain essential for fostering an informed online environment.

Expert Insights

Jan Cornil is an associate professor at the UBC Sauder School of Business in Canada, specializing in consumer behavior and marketing research. His work has been featured in top academic journals, emphasizing the importance of ethical marketing practices.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research: Seafaring hunter-gatherers reached a remote island well before the arrival of farmers

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The discovery of stone tools, hearths and cooked food waste at a cave site in Latniya on the Mediterranean island of Malta indicates that hunter-gatherers had crossed at least 100 km of open water to arrive on the island 8,500 years ago.

Hunters and Gatherers had crossed at least 100 km of open water to arrive in Malta 8,500 years ago. Image credits: Daniel Clark/MPI GEA.

Maltese archipelago is a chain of smallest islands in the Mediterranean.

Humans were not thought to have reached and lived such a small, isolated island, about 7,500 years ago, until the Neolithic regional shift to life.

In the standard view, the limited resources and ecological vulnerability of the small island, combined with the technical challenges of long-distance sailors, meant that hunter-gatherers were unable or unfulfilled to take these journeys.

“Relying on the use of sea-level currents and wind breezes, as well as the practice of exploring landmarks, stars and other paths, there is a crossing of about 100 km per hour at a speed of about 4 km per hour.

“Even on the longest day of the year, these sailors would have been open water in the darkness of hours.”

At the site of a cave in Latniya in the northern Merry area of Malta, researchers discovered human traces in the form of stone tools, hearths and cooked food waste.

“At this location, we recovered a variety of animals, including hundreds of bodies of deer, birds, turtles and foxes,” said Dr. Matthew Stewart, a researcher at Griffith University.

“Some of these wildlife were long thought to have been extinct by this point,” added Professor Eleanor Scerri, a geographer at the Max Planck Institute and a researcher at the University of Malta.

“They were hunting and cooking red deer with turtles and birds.

In addition to this, scientists have found clear evidence regarding the exploitation of marine resources.

“We found that seals, groupers, thousands of edible marine gastropods, crabs and sea urchin debris all cooked undoubtedly,” said Dr. James Brinkhorn, a geography researcher at the University of Liverpool and the Max Planck Institute.

“The diverse range of terrestrial areas, particularly the incorporation of the ocean fauna into their diet, have enabled these hunter-gatherers to maintain themselves on an island as small as Malta,” Dr. Stewart said.

These findings raised questions about the extinction of endemic animals in Malta and other small Mediterranean islands, and whether distant Messium Age communities are linked through seafarers.

“The results add a millennium to Maltese prehistoric times and enforce a reassessment of the capabilities of Europe’s last hunter-gatherer sailors, and its connections and ecological impacts,” Professor Scerri said.

Team’s paper It was published in the journal today Nature.

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EML Scerri et al. The marine voyage of hunter-gatherers has been extended to remote Mediterranean islands. NaturePublished online on April 9, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08780-y

Source: www.sci.news

The White House’s Plan to Dismantle NOAA’s Research Program

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Internal documents obtained by the New York Times and several people with knowledge of the situation show Trump administration officials recommend elimination of the scientific research department in the National Maritime and Atmospheric Administration.

The proposal from the Office of Management and Budget would abolish NOAA’s Marine and Atmospheric Research Institute, one of the world’s premiere geoscience research centres.

The budget allocations of more than $170 million to about $485 million in 2024 have increased nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet over the past 40 years, as science is as diverse as the early warning systems for natural disasters, science education for kindergarten students, science education in high schools, and research in the Arctic.

“At this funding level, OARs will be eliminated as line offices,” the proposal states.

The funded program, which includes tornado warnings and marine acidification research, will be relocated to the National Weather Service and the National Marine Services Office.

An overview of the 2026 budget passback that needs to be approved by Congress suggests “significant reductions in education, grants, research and climate-related programs within NOAA,” following the removal of the demolition of other institutions, such as the Institute of International Health and the US Agency for International Development, and the removal of climate change from federal government websites.

Under the proposal, the Department of Commerce’s total budget will be nearly $7.7 billion, down more than $2.5 billion from the 2025 level. The budget will focus on activities that are in line with the Trump administration’s agenda, including implementing trade laws and collecting scientific observations such as ocean and weather data to support forecasts.

“This administration’s hostility to climate science research and rejection will result in contenting the weather forecasting capabilities that the plan claims to preserve,” Zoe Lofgren, a senior Democrat with the House Science Committee, said in an emailed statement.

NOAA, which accounts for more than half of the Department of Commerce budget, will receive a small $4.4 billion cut from 2025, cutting $1.6 billion.

“It’s not surprising, but it’s very disturbing,” said Rick Spinrad, who led NOAA under President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

This includes reducing the National Marine Fisheries Services budget by a third. The office will be split from NOAA and will be moved to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior. Funding for species recovery and habitat conservation is eliminated.

Funds for NOAA’s branch of National Ocean Service will be cut in half. Programs like the Coastal Marine Science Center, offices within marine services that study the effects of climate change and sea level rise on coral, pollution, and coastal communities will not be funded.

Environmental Information Centres, which archive climate data, will lose a quarter of their funds.

The proposal also changes NOAA’s satellite and space programs.

It will destroy the Department of Space and Commerce office and relocate the Space Weather Prediction Center to the Department of Homeland Security. A program called the Space Traffic Coordination System, set up to take over satellite traffic surveillance from the Department of Defense, a type of traffic police for space, will also lose funds. Passback suggests that such work will be carried out by the private sector.

The satellite programme that provides weather and modeling data will also be reduced. The long-standing relationship that will help NOAA acquire satellites through NASA will also end.

Dr. Spinlad said the budget proposed by the White House is unlikely to pass Congress. “I don’t think I’ll endure the scrutiny of Congress.”

According to the document, passbacks are part of balancing federal budgets, including “eliminating support for the federal awakening ideology.”

Project 2025 is a document that has been used as a blueprint for federal overhauls under the Trump administration, and included the goal of disbanding NOAA and reducing its research division.

“That raises doubts. Is the Trump administration intentionally breaking our weather capabilities as an excuse to implement the dangerous project 2025 proposal to privatize weather services?” Lofglen said in a statement.

Published by the conservative policy research institute, The Heritage Foundation, Project 2025, called NOAA research “many sources of NOAA climate warnings,” and said “the dominance of climate change research needs to be dissolved.”

“This will bring the United States back to the 1950s with technical and scientific skills,” said Craig McLean, NOAA’s chief scientist under both the first President Trump and Biden in the budget proposal.

Agents must appeal the proposal until noon on April 15th. And until April 24th, many plans for the overhaul suggested by Passback will need to be submitted, even before the proposal is addressed by Congress.

On Thursday, probation officials who were fired in February and later resurrected by judges received an email from the Department of Commerce, who fired them again after the decision was overturned by a superior court. The so-called Force Plan cuts could further reduce 20% of the workforce in the coming weeks.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Latest Genomic Research Provides Deeper Insight into the Evolutionary Past of Mammoths

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Scientists extracted and analyzed 34 new mammoths (Mamutus spp. ) mitochondrial genomes containing two early Pleistocene and nine mid Pleistocene giant specimens in Siberia and North America. They identified the oldest known mammoth DNA in North America from 200,000-year-old specimens found on the Old Crow River in the Yukon Territory of Canada. The results support previous research and show that mammoths from around 1 million years ago do not resemble the later mammoths.

Reconstruction of the life of the grassland mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii). Image credit: Beth Zaiken/Center for Palaeogenetics.

Ancient DNA was recovered from specimens dated in the early Pleistocene (2.6 million to 780,000 years ago), and the stages in the Middle Pleistocene (780,000 to 126,000 years ago) could allow for the direct study of deep temporal evolutionary events that are key to understanding species formation.

Unfortunately, access to such deep-time DNA is limited, and so far only a handful of studies have been able to obtain either genome-wide data or the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) from deep specimens.

“Our analysis offers an unprecedented glimpse into how major deep-time demographic events have shaped mammoth genetic diversity over time.”

By analyzing 34 new mammothmite genomes along with more than 200 previously published mammothmite genomes, the researchers found that diversification events across the mammoth lineage appeared to be consistent with well-explained demographic changes during the early and mid-Pleistocene.

Their findings support the ancient Siberian origins of the major mammoth lineage and reveal how changes in individual dynamics contributed to the expansion and contraction of different genetic clades.

“The constant cost of sequencing technology has left mitogenomes somewhat forgotten. However, our study shows that they are more abundant than nuclear DNA and are therefore important for evolutionary biology.

The current research not only advances understanding of mammoth evolution, but also contributes to a wider field of ancient DNA research.

Scientists have developed and applied an improved molecular clock dating framework and improved methods of estimating sample age beyond radiocarbon dating limits using genetic data.

This methodological advancement provides a powerful tool for future research into extinct and endangered species.

Professor Love Darren, a researcher at Stockholm University, said:

“We are extremely excited to see genetic data from more mammoth specimens sampled over the past million years.

Team’s result Published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution.

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J. Camilo Chacón-Duque et al. 2025. The evolution of the mammoth genome for a million years. Molecular Biology and Evolution 42(4): MSAF065; doi: 10.1093/molbev/msaf065

Source: www.sci.news

New research on cholesterol levels and dementia risk

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Having low levels of “bad” cholesterol in your blood can decrease the risk of developing dementia, according to recent Korean studies published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. While the connection between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and heart health is well-known, its impact on brain health and dementia is still being studied.

Scientists analyzed data from 11 university hospitals in Korea, studying 571,000 adults without dementia. Participants were divided into two groups based on their cholesterol levels, with one group having high LDL-C levels above 3.4 mmol/L or 130 mg/dL, and the other group having low LDL-C levels below 1.8 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL.

The study found that individuals with low LDL-C were at a lower risk of developing dementia, with a 26% lower likelihood of being diagnosed with any type of dementia and a 28% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to the high LDL-C group. However, extremely low LDL-C levels below 1.4 mmol/L or 55 mg/dL did not show a significant decrease in dementia risk.

Additionally, the study observed that individuals in the low LDL-C group who took statins to lower their cholesterol levels had a 13% lower risk of dementia and a 12% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those not taking statins.

While the study found a significant association between low LDL-C levels and reduced dementia risk, it had some limitations, such as being a retrospective study that did not consider other influencing factors like age, gender, genetic risk, and lifestyle. The study did not establish a causal link between LDL-C and dementia risk, emphasizing the need for further research.

Dr. Petra Proitsi, a genetic epidemiologist at Queen Mary University, London, acknowledged the complexity of the relationship between cholesterol and dementia, calling for more comprehensive studies involving diverse ethnic groups to explore this association further.

read more:

About our experts:

Dr. Petra Proitsi is a genetic epidemiology specialist at the Preventive Neurology Centre at Queen Mary University, London. She leads themes of digital and health data science at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health and holds a PhD in Neuroscience from King’s College London.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research shows that New World Monkeys are superior yodelers

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Apes and monkeys have special anatomy in their throats Voice membraneit disappeared from humans through evolution, allowing for more stable speech. However, the exact benefits these offer to non-human primates were previously unknown. New research provides important new insights Various vocal sounds It reveals for the first time how nonhuman primates and certain calls are generated.

The range from Mexico to Argentina has been found to have evolved the largest vocal membranes of all primates, suggesting that these thin tissue ribbons play a particularly important role in the repertoire of vocal production and calling. This image shows the black and gold Howler monkeys (Alouatta Caraya). Image credit: Jacob Dunn of Anglia Ruskin University.

Humans have evolved their ability to speak, but apes and monkeys, closest relatives in the animal kingdom, lack this skill.

However, they have a special anatomy in the larynx that humans have lost during their evolution: a thin, lightweight tissue membrane at the top of the crease of the voice.

Previous studies have suggested that these structures contribute to the complexity of animal vocalization, but their precise roles remain largely unclear to date.

The new study, led by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Vienna, shows that these membranes promote rapid frequency transitions and significantly expand the range and complexity of monkey vocalization.

Scientists documented and studied the appeals of various primate species at the La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia.Alouatta Caraya), tufted cappuchin (Sapaju Appella), black capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis), and Peruvian spider monkeys (Atheres Chamek).

A combination of methods was used to identify two different modes of vocal fold vibration.

The first mode, which involves only the folding of the voice, produces a low-frequency sound similar to human ponation.

The second mode, which also involves the vocal membrane, results in much higher frequency oscillations, and, like human yodel, produces dramatic “mutation.”

In some cases, these shifts span octaves over 3 octaves. This goes far beyond the human ability of voice breaks, usually limited to a single octave.

“This is an attractive example of how nature offers a means to enrich animal vocalization despite the lack of language,” says Dr. Christian Herbst, a researcher at the University of Vienna.

“The production of these complex vocal patterns is almost possible by the way the animal’s larynx is anatomically shaped, and does not require the complex neural control produced by the brain.”

“These results show how monkeys can exploit new evolutionary features that can generate a wider range of calls, including these ultra-yodel,” says Jacob Dunn, a researcher at Anglia Ruskin University.

“This may be especially important for primates who have complex social lives and need to communicate in a variety of ways.”

This study further suggests that the vocal membrane also introduces vocal instability while enhancing the pitch range.

“Our research shows that the vocal membrane extends the pitch range of monkeys, but it also makes the voice unstable,” says Dr. Tecumse Fitch, a researcher at the University of Vienna.

“They may have been lost during human evolution to promote stability in the pitch of songs and speech.”

study Published in the journal Philosophical trade of the Royal Society b.

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Christian T. Herbst et al. 2025. “Monkey Yodel” – The new world’s frequency jumps far outweigh the human vocal register transition. fill. transformer. R. Soc. b 380 (1923): 20240005; doi: 10.1098/rstb.2024.0005

Source: www.sci.news

Research shows that the shingles vaccine can lower the chances of developing dementia

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Getting vaccinated from shingles reduces the risk of developing dementia. Large-scale new research I’ll find it.

This result provides some of the most powerful evidence that several viral infections can affect brain function in a few years and can interfere with them.

The study, published in Nature on Wednesday, found that those who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia seven years later than those who were not vaccinated.

“If you are reducing your risk of dementia by 20%, that’s very important in the public health context. Given that there aren’t too many at this point in slowing the onset of dementia,” Dr. Harrison was not involved in the new study. Other studies The shingles vaccine indicates a lower risk of dementia.

Whether protection can exceed seven years can only be determined by further research. However, with few effective treatments or prevention currently available, Dr. Harrison said the shingles vaccine appears to have “some of the most potent potential protective effects against dementia that we know are actually potentially potentially available.”

The case of shingles comes from a virus that causes water cell-zoster, a childhood chicken pox. As the age and the immune system weakens, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles, with symptoms such as burning, tingling, painful blisters and numbness. Nerve pain can be chronic and ineffective.

In the US, 1 in 3 Develop a lifetime centre for disease control and prevention of at least one case of shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster. Approximately one-third of eligible adults have received the vaccine in recent years. According to the CDC

While several previous studies suggest that shingles vaccinations may reduce the risk of dementia, most people were unable to rule out the possibility that vaccinated individuals may have other dementia protective properties, such as a healthier lifestyle, better diet, or more education.

New research ruled out many of these factors.

“That’s very strong evidence,” said Dr. Anupam Jena, a health economist and physician at Harvard Medical School.

This study emerged from an unusual aspect of the development of the shingles vaccine in Wales on September 1, 2013. Welsh officials have established strict age requirements. That date, 79 people were eligible for the vaccine for a year, but those over 80 were ineligible. When the young people turned 79, they qualified for the vaccine for a year.

Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, an assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University and senior author of the study, said the age cutoff was imposed because of limited supply and the vaccine was deemed ineffective to people over 80 years of age.

Scientists were able to compare relatively equal groups. I’m with people who qualify for the vaccine and people who couldn’t get it. “If you hire 1,000 people born a week and 1,000 people born a week later, there shouldn’t be any difference between them, except for the big differences in vaccinations,” Dr. Geldsetzer said.

Researchers tracked health records of around 280,000 people, ages 71-88, without dementia when the development began. Over seven years, almost half of those eligible for the vaccine received it, but only a small number of ineligible groups received it, providing a clear front-and-after distinction.

To limit the likelihood of differences between groups, researchers used statistical analysis to measure data from people who only had one week on either side of the cutoff.

They also looked at medical records for possible differences between vaccinated and non-vaccinated. They evaluated whether unvaccinated people received more dementia diagnoses and took more medications that could increase their risk of dementia simply because they visited their doctors more frequently.

“They do a pretty good job with that,” Dr. Jena said. I wrote an explanation about nature research. “They are seeing nearly 200 drugs that have been shown to be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease at least.”

He said, “They are making a lot of effort to understand whether there may be other things to suit that age cutoff, other health policy changes, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

The study included Zostavax, an older form of shingles vaccine. This includes a fixed version of the live virus. It was then discontinued in the US and several other countries as protection against shingles declined over time. Singlix, a new vaccine containing the inactive portion of the virus, is more effective and permanent, research shows.

Last year’s research Dr. Harrison and his colleagues suggested that Singlix may be more protective against dementia than the older vaccine. Based on another “natural experiment,” the shift from Zostavax to Shingrix in the US in 2017 found that people who received the new vaccine for more than six years had fewer dementia diagnoses than those who received the old vaccine. Of those diagnosed with dementia, those who received the new vaccine were nearly six months longer than those who received the old vaccine, and nearly six months before they developed the condition.

There are various theories as to why the shingles vaccine protects against dementia. One possibility is that by preventing shingles, the vaccine reduces neuroinflammation caused by virus reactivation, Dr. Geldsetzer said. “Inflammation is a bad thing for many chronic diseases, including dementia,” he said.

Both new and Singlics research support that theory.

Another possibility is that vaccines will make the immune system more broad. New research also provides some evidence of that theory. Dr. Geldsetzer found that women with a more reactive immune system and greater antibody response to vaccination than men experience greater protection against dementia than men. The vaccine also provided a greater protective effect against dementia among people with autoimmune conditions and allergies.

Dr. Maria Nagel, a professor of neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, was not involved in the study, but said both theories were true. “There is evidence of direct and indirect effects,” said Dr. Nagel, who consulted the manufacturer of GSK’s Shingrix.

She said that while other vaccines, including those against the flu, produce common neuroprotective effects, there are several studies that have found that it makes sense that the shingles vaccine is especially protected against cognitive impairment, as the shingles virus is hidden in the nerves.

Although this study did not distinguish between types of dementia, other studies suggest that “the effect of the shingles vaccine against Alzheimer’s disease is much more pronounced than that of another dementia.” Recent research Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia and vaccines. She said that some cases of Alzheimer’s are linked to immunity compromise.

The Welsh population in the study was mostly white, Dr. Geldsetzer said, but the report suggested similar protective effects by analyzing UK death certificates for deaths caused by dementia. His team also replicated the results in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Dr. Jena said there is a need to further study the connection, noting that reducing the risk of dementia is not the same as preventing all cases. Still, he suggests that the evidence “something about exposure or access to the vaccine will have this effect on the risk of dementia in a few years.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Research reveals that a multitude of plants, fungi, protists, bacteria, and viruses possess toxin delivery mechanisms.

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

These toxin delivery systems are completely similar and often rival the complexity of the venom delivery systems found in animals such as venom snakes, scorpions, and spiders.

Four representative plant species introducing the poison delivery system: (a) Many ant plants share ants that provide homes and food. (b) Horstria, a parasitic plant that attacks other plants. (c) Stingy trichomes of stinging plants. (d) Raffide penetrates the oral membrane of an animal browsing a plant. Image credit: Hayes et al. , doi: 10.3390/toxin 17030099.

Toxologists and other biologists have studied toxic organisms and their secretions for centuries.

Their interest is largely due to the frequently and severe consequences of human exposure.

Humans also take advantage of the potential of toxins to explore the treatment of human illnesses and illnesses.

In doing so, scientists have leveraged countless natural experiments involving interactions between toxins and target cells and tissues.

The classification of biological toxins, in particular the distinction between venom and venom, is characterized by a colorful and sometimes controversial history.

Nevertheless, with the views of consensus and the introduction of the third phase, toxic biological secretions can be divided into three groups based on their mode of delivery to other organisms.

These include poisons that are transmitted passively without a delivery mechanism (intake, inhalation, or absorption of the entire surface). Toxicity was fed to the body surface without any associated wounds (e.g., spitting, spraying, or smearing). Poison (e.g., sting, biting) carried to internal tissues through the formation of wounds.

The organisms that possess these toxins are called toxic, toxins, and/or toxic, respectively.

These distinctions provide a meaningful framework for studying the evolution of these toxins, including biochemical structures. Related structures for synthesis, storage and application. And their functional role.

Discourses on poison and poisonous animals focus exclusively on animals.

The use of venom has evolved independently in at least 104 strains within at least eight animal phylums, which emphasizes the pronounced adaptability of the trait.

But do poison distribution systems exist in other entities?

“Our findings show that we rely on poisons to solve problems such as predation, defense, and competition.

“The venomous animals have long been trying to understand the fatal secretions and the properties associated with their use, but have long fascinated biologists who have also contributed to many life-saving treatments.”

“To date, our understanding of venoms, poison delivery systems, and poisonous organisms is entirely based on animals. This represents only a small fraction of organisms that can search for meaningful tools and treatments.”

According to the study, plants inject toxins into animals through spines, thorns and stinging hairs, some of which exist with stinging ants by providing living space and food in exchange for protection.

Even bacteria and viruses have evolved mechanisms such as secretory and contractile injection systems to introduce toxins to the target through host cells and wounds.

“I have a long history of studying venom in rattlesnakes, and I began exploring the broader definition of venom over a decade ago, teaching special courses on the biology of venom,” Professor Hayes said.

“My team and I were working on a paper to define what Venom really is, so we came across non-animal examples and decided to dig deeper to identify many of the possible overlooked examples.”

This research paves the way for new discoveries, and the authors hope that experts and scientists will encourage collaboration across disciplines and explore further how Venom has evolved across diverse organisms.

“We only hurt the surface in understanding evolutionary pathways of venom dissemination, including gene duplication, co-configuration of existing genes, and natural selection,” concluded Professor Hayes.

study Published in the journal toxin.

____

William K. Hayes et al. 2025. After all, it’s a small world. It is a prominent yet overlooked diversity of poisonous organisms with candidates for plants, fungi, protists, bacteria and viruses. toxin 17(3):99; doi:10.3390/toxin 17030099

Source: www.sci.news

New research suggests large lakes played crucial role in origin of life

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The origin of life on Earth required the supply of phosphorus for the synthesis of universal biomolecules. The closed lake may have accumulated high concentrations of this element on the early Earth. However, it is not clear whether prebiotic sink in such settings was sustainable. New research by scientists from Eth Zurich, Cambridge University and the University of Science and Technology in China shows that high concentrations of phosphorus can be combined in steady states in large closed basin lakes.

Aerial view of Lake Mono. Image credit: Dick Lyon / CC by 4.0.

Phosphorus is an important component of all known forms of biochemistry and plays an important role in such polymers that encode metabolism, cell structure, and information.

However, the environmental conditions that provided sufficient phosphorus available in aqueous solutions to promote the chemical origin of life are uncertain.

“Large soda lakes with no natural runoff can maintain phosphorus concentrations for a long enough long, even if life begins to exist at some point, and could continually consume phosphorus.”

“Such lakes lose water only by evaporation. This means that phosphorus is left in the water, not washed away through rivers or streams.”

“As a result, very high concentrations of phosphorus can accumulate in these soda lakes.”

Not all soda lakes are suitable. Researchers rule out small ones.

“As soon as life develops within them, the supply of phosphorus will deplete faster than it is replenished. This will snag both chemical reactions and developing life,” Dr. Walton said.

“On the other hand, in large soda lakes, phosphorus concentrations are high enough to maintain both basic chemical reactions and life over the long term.”

“These high concentrations are achieved by the large amounts of influential river water, including phosphorus, but the water only leaves the lake by evaporation.”

“Phosphorus doesn’t evaporate easily, so it accumulates in the lake and accumulates.”

In their study, Dr. Walton and colleagues focus on Lake Mono in California, with high phosphorus concentrations at steady state despite extremely high biological productivity.

“This is important because in small lakes, phosphorus is exhausted before new quantities form,” they said.

They consider the large soda lake, which had a constant high phosphorus supply in the early history of the Earth, to be an ideal environment for the origin of life.

They assume that life is more likely to have been born in such a larger body of water than in a small pool, as Charles Darwin suspected.

Therefore, the origin of life may be closely related to the special environment of large soda lakes, which provide ideal conditions for prebiotic chemistry due to the balance of geological environment and phosphorus.

“This new theory will help us solve another part of the puzzle of the origins of life on Earth,” Dr. Walton said.

a paper A description of the findings was published in the journal Advances in science.

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Craig R. Walton et al. 2025. Large, closed basin lakes provided sustained phosphates during the origin of life. Advances in science 11(8); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adq0027

Source: www.sci.news

HHS discontinues research on vaccines and treatments for potential pandemics

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Trump administration has cancelled funds for dozens of research seeking new vaccines and treatments for Covid-19 and other pathogens that could cause a future pandemic.

The government’s rationale is that, according to internal NIH documents viewed by the New York Times, the community’s pandemic has ended and “provides a cause for the end of COVID-related grants.”

However, the research was not merely about Covid. 9 finished Award-funded center We will conduct research on antiviral drugs to combat so-called priority pathogens that could create an entirely new pandemic.

“This includes anti-viral projects designed to cover a wide range of families that could cause outbreaks or pandemics,” said a senior NIH official who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Vaccine research also didn’t focus on Covid, but on other coronaviruses that would one day jump from animals to humans.

Describing all studies as COVID-related is “completely inaccurate and merely a way to reduce infectious disease research,” officials said. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the NIH is focusing too much on infections, officials noted.

The funding suspension was first reported Science and Nature. The cancellation surprised scientists who relied on government support.

“The idea that there’s no need for further research to learn how to treat health issues caused by the coronavirus and prevent future pandemics is because “Covid-19 is over” is ridiculous,” says Pamela Bjorkman, a structural biologist at Caltech, who was studying the new vaccine.

The goal of the project was to prepare vaccines and drugs if a new pandemic hits it, rather than developing valuable months from scratch.

“In the last pandemic, we were really knocking down our pants,” said Paul Vienias, a virologist at Rockefeller University, working with Dr. Bjorkman.

“And unless you learn that lesson and prepare better for the next pandemic, you’ll rarely do better than last time.”

Dr. Beanius, Dr. Bjorkman and his colleagues were developing a vaccine that could protect them from a wide range of coronavirus species.

Researchers have discovered new strategies for caxing the immune system and learned how to recognize molecular features common to one or more viruses. The results of animal experiments were promising.

But now, their funds have been cut suddenly, and scientists say they doubted they could build on those outcomes. Dr. Vienias said the fire made him “angry, disappointed and frustrated.”

Other scientists were working on antiviral therapy, part of a program launched in 2021.

$577 million With support from the NIH, the lab’s nationwide network was studying how the virus was replicated and searching for drugs that could block them.

The researchers focused on the Viridae family, which contains the most worrying known pathogens, such as Ebola and Nipah virus. Scientists discovered many promising molecules and were moving forward towards clinical trials.

Reuben Harris, a molecular virologist at UT Health San Antonio, said the promising compounds revealed by the program include antiviral drugs that stop Ebola-related viruses from entering cells.

“We can deploy to help a lot of people quickly,” Dr. Harris said.

Several compounds appeared to work against many viral families. “We’ve seen a lot of experience in the world,” said Nevan Krogan, a systems biologist at the University of California, San Francisco.

On Wednesday morning, Dr. Krogan and dozens of colleagues gathered in the campus meeting room to confirm their results. And they also discussed what they could now, if any.

“One student asked me, ‘Well, I booked an experiment with this microscope tomorrow – can I do that?” “And I’m like, ‘Well, I don’t know.’ ”

Dr. Harris said that without ongoing support, the promising drugs he and others have discovered will not move into clinical trials. “It’s tragic – I don’t have too many words to explain it now,” he said.

In 2023, Kennedy said he wanted to take it. “break” From infectious disease research, instead focuses on chronic diseases.

Jason McClellan, a virologist at the University of Texas at Austin, was working on an antiviral drug program, but saw cancellations of pandemic research follow that promise.

Dr. McClellan, whose previous research was based on the creation of the 2020 Covid vaccine, said this week’s cuts made him wonder whether he could continue to study the pandemic in the United States.

“We’re starting to have conversations and plan to gather more information,” he said, noting the possibility of moving abroad.

“My lab is a structural virology lab focused on structural-based vaccine design,” he added. “If the focus is on chronic diseases, it doesn’t leave us much of a funding.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

New research reveals ancient evolutionary origins of appetite-controlled neurohormones

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New research shows that satiety-inducing molecules called bombesins are present not only in humans and other vertebrates, but also invertebrates such as starfish and their marine relatives.

Common starfish (Rubens of Asteria) Brofjorden is located in Govik, the Lysekil municipality in Sweden. Image credit: W. Carter.

Bombesin, a small peptide, plays an important role in regulating hunger by signaling when it is sufficient for us to eat.

That name is from Toad lit (Bombina Bombina) from its skin, the peptide was first isolated in 1971.

When injected into mammals, bombesin was found to reduce the size of the meal and increase the time between meals.

This has led scientists to believe that bombesin-like neurohormones produced in the brain and intestines are part of the body’s natural system to control food intake.

Furthermore, along with weight loss inducers such as Ozempic, compounds that mimic the action of bombesin are occurring for the treatment of obesity.

In a new study, Professor Maurice Elphick and colleagues at Queen Mary University in London explored the evolutionary history of bombesin.

By analyzing the genome of invertebrates, they discovered a gene encoding a bombesin-like neurohormone. Common starfish (Rubens of Asteria) other cerebral dermatosis, such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers.

“It was like searching for needles in a haystack, but eventually we discovered a gene encoding a bombesin-like neurohormones in the genome of a starfish and its parent,” Professor Elphick said.

Researchers then turned their attention to the function of the bombesin in this starfish, named Arbn.

Mass spectrometry was used to determine the molecular structure of ARBNs and to be chemically synthesized and tested.

They investigated how ARBN affects starfish feeding behavior. Starfish have a unique way of eating. The stomach is stretched out from the mouth to digest prey such as mussels and oysters.

“When I tested Arbn, I found that it caused a starfish stomach contraction,” said Dr. Weiling Huang, a researcher at Queen Mary University in London.

“This suggested that ARBN may be involved in stimulating stomach contractions when starfish stop feeding.”

“And this is exactly what I found. When I injected Albun into the starfish while pounding my stomach, it caused my stomach and returned it to my mouth.”

“In addition, it took longer to surround the mussels compared to those injected with ARBN, which also delayed the onset of feeding.”

The discovery of the ancient role of bombesin in appetite regulation sheds light on the evolutionary origins of animal feeding behavior.

“We can estimate that this function dates back 5 billion years to the common ancestors of starfish, humans and other vertebrates,” Professor Elphick said.

a paper Regarding the survey results, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Heiling Han et al. 2025. Discovery and functional characterization of bombesin-type neuropeptide signaling systems in invertebrates. pnasin press; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2420966122

Source: www.sci.news

The Best Foods for a Longer, Healthier Life: Anti-Aging Diet Research Unveiled

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Studies spanning three decades on eight popular diets have pinpointed the ones most likely to promote long-term health since the 1970s.

The Alternative Healthy Diet Index (AHEI) diets have shown slightly superior health benefits compared to the planetary health food index, Mediterranean diet, and healthy plant-based diets.

The AHEI diet focuses on increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts while limiting other foods like sugary drinks, red and processed meat, salt, and trans fats. Some meat, fish, and dairy products are allowed in moderation.

Other diets studied had similar characteristics but varied in terms of the amount of permissible meat intake for foods like olive oil, fish, and berries.

“This diet provides all the essential nutrients and food varieties necessary for maintaining a healthy life,” stated corresponding author Dr. Marta Guash Fere, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “It is a widely recognized dietary pattern focused on disease prevention.”

The study’s healthy diet emphasizes plant foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts – Credit: Marcos Elif Castillo Ramirez via Getty

The study conducted by Harvard University’s Chan School of Public Health, Copenhagen University, and the University of Montreal analyzed data from over 105,000 middle-aged nurses and healthcare professionals.

Participants completed meal surveys over 30 years which were scored based on their adherence to eight different dietary patterns.

While only 9.3% of participants were categorized as healthy agers, those closest to the AHEI diet were found to be 86% more likely to reach 70 years of age in good health.

These individuals were also over twice as likely to reach 75 years of age in good health compared to those following diets less similar to the AHEI diet.

Healthy aging was defined as reaching 70 years of age with good cognitive, physical, and mental health without major chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

“This research focuses on healthy aging, aiming not just for longevity but for quality of life as well,” explained Guash Ferre. “We are concerned with maintaining overall health in various aspects – physical, cognitive, emotional, and mental.”

The second most effective diet was the Planetary Health Diet Index, promoting both human and environmental health by favoring plant-based diets.

Adherence to any of the eight diets was associated with improved aging, all emphasizing high plant food intake over meat, including vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Though they shared similarities, some diets were variations of the Mediterranean diet focused on longevity, while others were more plant-based or designed for specific purposes like reducing inflammation or safeguarding against cognitive decline.

Guash Ferre noted the intriguing aspect that the diet most conducive to healthy aging includes moderate incorporation of healthy animal-based foods.

She suggested that these proteins might benefit middle-aged and older populations by protecting against conditions like osteoporosis but may not be ideal for younger adults not addressed in the study.

Reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to improved aging, a finding detailed in Natural Medicine.

Read more:

About our experts:

Dr. Marta Guash Fere is an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and at the Department of Nutrition in Harvard Chan School of Public Health. She holds a PhD in nutritional epidemiology.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Big mistake found in large-scale insect research

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

French scientist Lawrence Gorm and Marion Deskill bet initially expressed concerns about the new international insect decline database. The database indicated an increase in some insect species, contrary to previous research findings that showed a decrease in insect biodiversity.

Upon further investigation, they discovered errors in the database that highlighted the challenges in measuring biodiversity accurately. This led to discussions on the validity of scientific discoveries and the importance of ongoing debate in the scientific community.

Over 1 million insects discovered by scientists – Photo credit: Getty

The database, called Insects, merged various datasets and was analyzed by scientists from Germany, Russia, and America. The analysis revealed that while land insects were declining, freshwater insects were thriving, indicating a more nuanced understanding of insect population trends compared to prior research.

However, some scholars raised concerns about the accuracy of the database, with more than 60 scientists publishing a letter expressing their reservations about the findings.

The team behind the database acknowledged the issues and began working on corrections to improve the accuracy of the data. Although Gaume and Desquilbet were invited to collaborate on the project, they declined, emphasizing the importance of addressing methodological and statistical errors in scientific research.

Hopping to conclusions

One of the main concerns raised by Gaume and Desquilbet was the inclusion of different types of data units and the manipulation of natural habitats in the dataset. These factors contributed to inaccuracies in measuring insect population trends.

The Insectchange team, led by Roel Van Klink, recognized the need for improvements and committed to releasing an updated version of the database with the necessary corrections.

While controversies around the database continue, scientists like Manu Sanders emphasize the importance of ongoing debate and scrutiny in scientific research. Science is a process of continuous refinement and correction, where discussion and collaboration are essential for producing reliable results.

About our experts

Lawrence Gorm: Insect ecologist at the University of Montpellier, focusing on insect-plant interactions and biodiversity conservation.

Marion Deskill bet: Environmental economist at the Toulouse School of Economics, specializing in ecological economics and biodiversity policies.

Roel Van Klink: Ecologist at the German Center for Integrated Biodiversity Research, with expertise in insect population trends and biodiversity datasets.

Manu Sanders: Ecologist at the University of New England in Australia, researching insect conservation, ecosystem services, and scientific communication.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research suggests that Australian government agencies may consider using Israeli spyware technology

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a new report, Australian government agencies could potentially be customers of military-grade spyware from Israeli company Paragon Solutions.

Earlier this year, Meta disclosed that over 90 individuals, including journalists, were targeted on WhatsApp using this software, although it remains uncertain if Australians were among the targets.

In reports released by Citizen Lab on Wednesday, two Australian IP addresses were identified as potential users of Paragon’s spyware tools. Citizen Lab managed to map out Paragon’s server infrastructure based on tips they received.

The spyware allows access to messaging apps on users’ devices and is exclusively sold to governments worldwide, not to private entities.

The Australian domains mentioned in the report do not have a history of previous ownership according to WHOIS domain searches. These domains could potentially be utilized by federal or state agencies, although sources indicate that Paragon Solutions is not linked to the Ministry of Interior or Australia’s Signals Bureau.

When questioned about Australian customers or the targeting of Australians, Paragon did not provide direct answers to these queries.

John Fleming, the executive chairman of the company, stated, “Paragon’s ultimate goal is to aid national security and law enforcement in combating serious crimes and terrorism within the boundaries of the law, while also considering privacy implications. They ensure that customers operate within legal frameworks and enforce strict rules against misuse.”

A recent report from Citizen Lab followed Meta’s announcement in January that journalists and civil society members were targeted on WhatsApp using spyware owned by Paragon Solutions.

Meta sent a cease and desist letter to Paragon and explored legal actions against them after the incident.

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Meta declined to comment further when asked if Australians were among the targets.

Italian investigative journalist Francesco Cancerato uncovered a young fascist within the far-right party of Italian Prime Minister Giogia Meloni after receiving alerts from WhatsApp regarding the attack.

Following this revelation, Paragon Solutions terminated its contract with Italy. Meloni’s office denied any involvement by the national intelligence agency or government in alleged violations against journalists and activists.

Citizen Lab, headquartered at the University of Toronto, specializes in research on cyber and surveillance technologies.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Research lab identifies meteorites linked to specific asteroid with 75 main belts.

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers from SETI Institute, NASA’s Ames Research Center, and Curtin University have tracked the impact orbits of 75 observed metstone waterfalls to previously unidentified source regions of several of the main asteroid belt.

Impressions of an artist on a rocky asteroid. Image credits: Mark A. Garlick, Space-Art.co.uk / Warwick University / Cambridge University.

“This is a 10-year detective story, with each recorded metstone waterfall providing new clues,” said Dr. Peter Jenniskens, an astronomer at Seti Institute and NASA’s Ames Research Center.

“We currently have the first overview of the asteroid belt geological map.”

Ten years ago, Dr. Jenniskens and his colleagues were aiming to build a network of all ski cameras in California and Nevada.

“Others built similar networks that spanned the world, and together formed a fireball observatory around the world,” said Hadrian Devillepova, an astronomer at Curtin University.

“For many years, we have tracked the routes of 17 recovered metstone waterfalls.”

“More fireballs have been tracked by doorbells and dashcam video cameras from citizen scientists and other dedicated networks around the world.”

“Overall, this quest produced 75 laboratory classified metstones with impact trajectories tracked by video cameras and photo cameras,” Dr. Jennis Kens said.

“It has proven sufficient to start seeing some patterns in the direction of metstones approaching the Earth.”

Most metstones come from the asteroid belt, the region between Mars and Jupiter.

These rocks come from a few larger asteroids that have been broken in the collision.

Even today, asteroids collide and create remnant fields within these asteroid families known as clusters.

“We can see that the 12 metstones (h-cartilage) of ordinary chondrites, which are now rich in iron, come from a debris field called low colonies on the pristine main belt,” Dr. Jennis Kens said.

“These metstones arrived from low-coupled orbital periods that match this debris field.”

“By measuring the age of cosmic ray exposure in metstones, we can determine that three of these 12 metstones originate from kalin clasters of dynamic ages of 5.8 million years, and two come from Koronis2 clusters of dynamic ages of 100-15 million years.”

“Another metstone can measure the age of Koronis3 clusters, about 83 million years.”

The authors also discovered a group of H-chondrites on steep orbits that appear to originate from the Nere Asteroididae in the central main belt, with a dynamic age of approximately 6 million years.

The mean motion resonance with nearby 3:1 Jupiter can raise the slope to the observed people.

A third group of H cartilage with an exposure age of approximately 35 million years of age emerged from the medial main belt.

“In our opinion, these H-cartilages came from the low masalia asteroids on the inner main belt, as their families have clusters of that same dynamic era,” Dr. Jennis Kens said.

“Asteroid (20) Masalia, the asteroid that created the cluster, is a parent body of the H-chondrite type.”

Researchers have discovered that low iron (l cartilage) and very low iron (LL chondrite) metstones mainly come from the inner main belt.

“I propose that L cartilage comes from the Hertha Asteroid family, just above the Masalia family,” Dr. Jennis Kens said.

“The asteroid Elsa doesn’t look like its fragments. Hertha is covered in dark rocks of shock black, which exhibits unusually violent collisions. The L-chondrites experienced a very violent origin 468 million years ago, when these metstones bombarded the Earth with numbers found in geological records.”

Knowing from the remains of the asteroid belt, the birth of our metstones is important for our planetary defense efforts against asteroids on the near Earth.

The orbits of approaching asteroids can provide clues to the origin of the asteroid belt, just like the metstone orbit.

“Asteroids near Earth do not arrive in the same orbit as Metstones because it takes time for them to evolve into Earth,” Dr. Jennis Kens said.

“But they come from some of the same Astide family.”

Team’s paper Published in the journal Weather and Planetary Science.

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Peter Jenniskens & Hadrien ar Devillepoix. Asteroids, meteors, and meteor-shaped link reviews. Weather and Planetary SciencePublished online on March 17th, 2025. doi:10.1111/maps.14321

Source: www.sci.news

Research on Dark Energy Supports the Evolving Theory

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Lambda-CDM (λCDM) model has been the basis of modern cosmology for some time, and it successfully explains the large-scale structure of the universe. It proposes that 95% of cosmos consists of dark matter (25%) and dark energy (70%). Dark energy, represented by the cosmic constant (λ), is thought to promote accelerated expansion of the universe, and maintains a constant energy density over time. However, new results from the dark energy research suggest a departure from this assumption, suggesting that dark energy may evolve over time.

This artist's impression shows the evolution of the universe, beginning with the Big Bang on the left. After that, you will see the microwave background of the universe. The formation of the first stars ends the dark ages of the universe, followed by the formation of galaxies. Image credit: M. Weiss/Harvard – Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

The Dark Energy Survey (DES) was carried out using a 570 megapixel energy-enhanced dark energy camera (decam) mounted on the NSF Víctor M. Blanco 4-M telescope from the NSF Neuroab program, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory.

By obtaining data of 758 nights over six years, DES scientists mapped almost one-eighth area of the sky.

The project employs multiple observation techniques, including supernova measurement, galaxy clustering analysis, and weak gravity lenses, to study dark energy.

Two important DES measurements, baryon acoustic vibration (BAO) and explosive star distance measurements (type IA supernova) track the enlarged history of the universe.

Bao refers to a standard cosmic ruler formed by early universe sound waves, with peaks spanning approximately 500 million light years.

Astronomers can measure these peaks over several periods of universe history to see how dark energy has expanded the scale over time.

“By analyzing 16 million galaxies, DES discovered that the measured BAO scale is actually 4% smaller than predicted by λCDM,” says Dr. Santiago Avila, an astronomer at the Center for Energy and Environmental Technology Research (CIEMAT).

Type IA supernova acts as a standard candle. In other words, the essential brightness is known.

Therefore, its apparent brightness is combined with information about the host's galaxy to allow scientists to perform accurate distance calculations.

In 2024, the DES team released the most extensive and detailed supernova dataset to date, providing highly accurate measurements of space distance.

New discoveries from the combined supernova data and BAO data independently confirm the anomalies seen in the 2024 supernova data.

By integrating DES measurements with cosmic microwave background data, researchers infer the properties of dark energy, and the results suggest that they evolve time.

When verified, this implies a dynamic phenomenon in which the cosmological constant, dark energy, is not ultimately constant and requires a new theoretical framework.

“The results are interesting as they suggest physics beyond the standard models of cosmology,” says Dr. Juan Mena Fernandez, a researcher at the Institute of Subatomic Physics and Cosmology.

“If more data supports these findings, we may be on the brink of a scientific revolution.”

Although current results are still inconclusive, future analyses incorporating additional DES probes such as Galaxy Clustering and weak lenses could enhance the evidence.

Similar trends have emerged from other major cosmological projects, such as Dark Energy Spectroscopy (DESI).

“We've seen a lot of experience in our research,” said Jesse Muir, a researcher at the University of Cincinnati.

“There's still a lot to learn and it's exciting to see how understanding evolves as new measurements become available.”

Team's paper It will be published in journal Physical Review d.

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TMC Abbott et al. (DES collaboration). 2025. Dark Energy Survey: Final Devalion Acoustic Vibrations and Impact on Cosmological Expansion Models from Supernova Data. Physical Review din press; Arxiv: 2503.06712

Source: www.sci.news

New research suggests that modern humans are descended from two ancestor groups

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Over the past 20 years, a general view of human evolutionary genetics is Homo sapiens It first appeared in Africa about 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, and descended from a single lineage. However, a new study from the University of Cambridge shows that modern humans are the result of two groups (potentially HOMO HEIDELBERGENSIS and Homo Erectus) It branched out 1.5 million years ago and gathered at a mixed event 300,000 years ago at an 80:20% ratio.

a HOMO HEIDELBERGENSISNeanderthals and Cromagnone. Image credit: Sinc/José Antonio Peñas.

“The question of where we came from has been something that has captivated people for centuries,” said Dr. Trevor Cousins of Cambridge University.

“For a long time, it has been assumed that we evolved from a single, consecutive ancestor lineage, but the exact details of our origins are uncertain.”

“Our research shows clear indications of the origins of our evolutionary being more complex, including various groups that have developed individually over a million years, and have since returned to form modern human species,” added Richard Durbin, a professor at Cambridge University.

Previous studies have already shown that Neanderthals and Denisovans are mated, but Homo sapiens About 50,000 years ago, new research suggests that a much more important genetic mixing occurred long before these interactions were about 300,000 years ago.

Unlike Neanderthal DNA, which makes up about 2% of the genome of non-African modern humans, this ancient mixed event contributes ten times its amount and is found in all modern humans.

The team's methods rely on analysis of modern human DNA rather than extracting genetic material from ancient bones, allowing us to infer the existence of ancestral populations that otherwise left no physical traces.

The authors developed a computational algorithm called Cobraa, which models the methods that ancient populations fell apart and later integrated.

They tested the algorithm using simulated data and applied it to real human genetic data from the 1000 Genomes project, a global initiative that sequences DNA from populations in Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

Researchers were able to identify these two ancestral populations, but also identified some impressive changes that occurred after the two populations were initially decomposed.

“At the moment the two ancestral populations split, we see a serious bottleneck in one of them, suggesting that it had been reduced to a very small size before slowly growing over a million years,” said Professor Aylwyn of Cambridge University.

“This group later contributed to about 80% of modern human genetic material and also appeared to be a population of ancestors that diverged the Neanderthals and Denisovans.”

“However, some of the population genes that contributed to our small numbers of genetic material, especially those associated with brain function and neural processing, may play an important role in human evolution,” Dr. Cousins said.

This is a reconstruction of the artist Homo Erectus. Image credit: Yale University.

Scientists also found that genes inherited from the second population are often separated from the genome regions associated with gene function, suggesting that they may be less compatible with numerous genetic backgrounds.

This suggests a process known as the cleansing of selection, in which natural selection removes harmful mutations over time.

So who was our mystical human ancestors? Fossil evidence suggests species such as Homo Erectus and HOMO HEIDELBERGENSIS Although he lived in both Africa and other regions during this period, becoming a potential candidate for these ancestral populations, more research (probably more evidence) is needed to identify which genetic ancestors correspond to which fossil groups.

The authors hope to refine the model to explain more progressive genetic exchanges between populations rather than sharp divisions or reunions.

They also plan to explore how their findings relate to other anthropology discoveries, such as fossil evidence from Africa, suggesting that early humans may have been much more diverse than previously thought.

“It's amazing to see today's DNA and reconstruct events that were hundreds of thousands or millions of years ago,” Professor Scally said.

“And we can tell you that our history is much richer and more complicated than we imagined.”

study It was published in the journal today Natural Genetics.

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T. Cousins et al. The structured coalescence model reveals the deep ancestral structure shared by all modern humans. Nat GenetPublished online on March 18th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41588-025-02117-1

Source: www.sci.news

New research suggests that protein may have a significant impact on treating Parkinson’s disease

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Parkinson’s disease is rapidly becoming one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative conditions globally, impacting over 10 million individuals worldwide. It ranks as the second most common neurodegenerative ailment following Alzheimer’s disease. As of now, there is no known cure. However, recent advancements have raised hopes for the development of new treatments in the near future.

The disease is closely associated with a protein known as Pink1, which carries a mutation in the Park6 gene responsible for encoding this protein.

Malfunctions in Pink1’s functioning are directly linked to Parkinson’s disease, especially in individuals with early onset, affecting 1.2% of Parkinson’s patients in the UK.

Recent scientific progress has shed light on the interaction between Pink1 and mitochondria. Mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of cells, produce energy within the cells of all organisms.

From left, Professor David Commander, Dr. Nicholas Kirk, Dr. Sylvie Karegari and Dr. Alisa Grukova stand before the discovery of Pink 1. – Wehe

The link between Pink1 and Parkinson’s disease has long been recognized, but its potential as a cure for Parkinson’s disease has only recently been explored.

When mitochondria are damaged, Pink1 signals the need for their removal. However, in Parkinson’s patients, mitochondrial defects accumulate unnoticed, releasing toxins that eventually lead to cell death.

Currently, researchers at the Parkinson’s Center for Research in Walter and Eliza Hall (WEHI) in Australia have elucidated the structure and activation process of Pink1. Their findings on how Pink1 interacts with dysfunctional mitochondria are published in Science today.

“This is a significant milestone in Parkinson’s disease research,” stated corresponding author Professor David Commander, head of WEHI’s ubiquitin signaling division. “Understanding Pink1’s binding to mitochondria is truly groundbreaking.”

Lead author and Senior Researcher at WEHI, Sylvie Callegari, explained that Pink1 functions in four distinct steps, with the first two being newly discovered in this study.

Furthermore, Pink1’s role in detecting mitochondrial damage and initiating the process of mitophagy, the recycling of damaged mitochondria, is crucial for addressing Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is associated with physical tremors, as well as other symptoms like language and vision impairments – Credit: Witthaya Prasongsin

In conclusion, understanding the Pink1-mitochondrial relationship is crucial for developing therapies for Parkinson’s disease, a condition characterized by the decline of brain cells.

Given the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease over the past 25 years, the need for effective treatments is more urgent than ever. The researchers behind this study aim to accelerate drug development and halt the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Read More:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New research suggests early mammals possessed dark, dim greyish brown fur

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fur colours, which serve many functions, are essential for the evolution of mammal behavior, physiology and habitat preferences. However, little is known about the colour of Mesozoic mammals that co-evolved with dinosaurs. In a new study, scientists from China, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK and the US used the dataset Melanosome (Melanin-Containing Organelle) We quantitatively measured the morphology and quantitatively measured hair colours of 116 live mammals to reconstruct the colours of six Mesozoic mammals, including the species Yuhalamiidan mammals that were not previously described.

Reconstructing the life of Shenshou Luian extinct squirrel-like euhalamidian species from the Jurassic region of central China. Image credit: Tamuranobu, http://spinops.blogspot.com.

From communication to camouflage, animal colour plays an important role in many behavioral ecological functions.

Some animals exhibit distinct and vivid arrangements like birds, but mammalian fur is generally limited to muted tones due to their dependence on the single pigment melanin.

Mammals lack palettes, but have evolved a diverse and distinctive coat pattern.

However, due to lack of data on pigmentation in extinct mammals, the evolutionary history of hairy colour is not well understood.

Recent studies have shown that melanosomes, which cause pigmentation, can be preserved in fossilized specimens.

A similar technique has successfully reconstructed the colours of dinosaurs, but despite well-preserved fur specimens, it has not been widely applied to fossil mammals.

In the new study, Dr. Ruoshuang Li, a colleague of the Chinese University of Earth Sciences and colleague, analyzed melanosomes in 116 living mammals and created a predictive model to reconstruct the hairy colour based on melanosome morphology.

The authors applied the model to six Mesozoic mammalian forms of fossilized melanosomes, including the newly described euhalamyidan species that lived 158.5 million years ago (Late Jurassic Epoch).

The authors found that the fur of these early mammals was primarily and uniformly dark in colour, with no stripes and spots that adorn many modern mammals.

This suggests that despite evolutionary differences in phylogenetics and ecology, the early mammalian melanin colored systems remained little different.

This is in stark contrast to the diverse melanosome structures found in feathered dinosaurs, early birds and pterosaurs, indicating a distinct evolutionary pattern of mammalian colour.

“The typical modern nocturne mammals, such as the dark, uniformly dull fur found in these species – moles, mice, rats and nocturne bats, support the previous hypothesis that early mammals are also largely nocturne and colored for camouflage,” the researchers said.

“In addition, the high melanin content of the fur may have been beneficial in providing mechanical strength for thermoregulation and protection.”

“Following the Cretaceous – Fat extinction event, mammals rapidly diversified into niches previously occupied by dinosaurs, leading to more diverse melanosome structures and new perage colour strategies that are more suited to a more diverse environment.”

Survey results It was published in the journal today Science.

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rushuang li et al. 2025. Mesozoic mammalian forms illuminate the origin of the colour of the hair. Science 387 (6739): 1193-1198; doi: 10.1126/science.ads9734

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring the Potential for a Black Hole’s Singularity to Herald a Fresh Start: Research

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a new study by a physicist at the University of Sheffield and a certified officer at the University of Madrid, black holes can migrate into white holes, eject matter, and even return to space.

Steffen Gielen & Lucía Menéndez-Pidal Research Quantum dynamics of planar black holes require the unification of conjugation of natural time coordinates. Image credit: Sci.News.

According to Einstein's general theory of relativity, anyone trapped within a black hole falls towards the center and is destroyed by immeasurable gravity.

Known as a singularity, the center is a point where the problem of the giant star, thought to have collapsed to form a black hole, is crushed by an infinitely small point.

This singularity breaks down understanding of physics and time.

New research, a fundamental theory that uses the laws of quantum mechanics to explain the nature of the universe at the level of atoms and even smaller particles, proposes a fundamentally different theoretical perspective that may represent a new beginning, rather than a singularity that means an end.

“It is said that black holes often suck everything including time, but new papers theorize that white holes act inversely, bringing energy and time back into space,” said Dr. Stephen Gillen of the University of Sheffield and Dr. Lucia Menendez Pidal of Madrid's compliant university.

In their work, the authors use a simplified theoretical model of black holes known as planar black holes.

Unlike typical spherical black holes, the boundaries of planar black holes are flat, two-dimensional surfaces.

Researchers' research suggests that the same mechanism may also apply to typical black holes.

“It has long been a question of whether quantum mechanics can change the understanding of black holes and provide insight into their essence,” Dr. Gielen said.

“In quantum mechanics, it's the time when we understand that systems can't end because they change and evolve permanently.”

The scientists' findings use the laws of quantum mechanics to show how the singularities of black holes can be replaced by a large area of quantum fluctuation that does not end space and time – a region of small temporary changes in spatial energy. Instead, space and time move into a new phase called the Whitehall. So the white holes may start to take time.

“It is generally thought to be related to observers, but in our research it comes from the mysterious dark energy that permeates the entire universe,” Dr. Gielen said.

“We propose that time is all over the universe and is measured by dark energy responsible for its current expansion.”

“This is an important new idea that will allow you to understand what happens within a black hole.”

In this study, physicists use dark energy almost as a reference point, and as a complementary idea that allows energy and time to be measured from one another.

In appetite, the theory that what we perceive as a singularity is actually beginning suggests the existence of something even more enigmatic on the other side of the white hole.

“Hypossibly, an observer (a hypothetical entity) can pass through a black hole, through what we consider singularity, and appear on the other side of the white hole. It's a very abstract concept of an observer, but in theory it can happen,” Dr. Gielen said.

Team's paper It was published in the journal this week Physical Review Letter.

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Steffen Gielen & Lucía Menéndez-Pidal. 2025. Black hole singularity resolution in monopolar gravity from uniformity. Phys. Pastor Rett 134, 101501; doi: 10.1103/physrevlett.134.101501

Source: www.sci.news

New research sheds light on the biological characteristics of megalodon

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Megatooth shark, Otodus Megalodonthe iconic shark is primarily represented by the enormous teeth of the Neogene fossil record, but the lack of well-preserved skeletal hampers an understanding of various aspects of its biology. In the new study, paleontologists reassessed some of their biological properties using a new approach, based on known vertebral specimens. Otodus Megalodon 165 species of extinction and 10 orders of living sharks. Their results show that Otodus Megalodon Their bodies were thin and could have reached about 24.3 m in length.

Otodus Megalodon It was extinct 3.6 million years ago. Image credit: Alex Boersma/PNAS.

Otodus MegalodonIt is also called Carcharocles MegalodonThis is a giant megatooth shark that lived in the oceans of the world from 23 to 3.6 million years ago.

This creature is usually portrayed as a super-sized monster in popular culture, with a recent example of science fiction films.

“Otodus Megalodon A professor, colleagues and colleagues at DePaul University said:

“Several vertebrae, pracoid scales, and tessellated cartilage fragments have also been reported to date.”

“However, the lack of a complete fossil specimen has led to uncertainty regarding the true size of this prehistoric shark.”

In their study, the authors examined incomplete vertebral specimens of Otodus MegalodonIt is composed primarily of trunk vertebrae, 11.1 m from the Miocene of Belgium. It was also a specimen of 165 species of extinction and living Neotheratia sharks.

“Assuming that Otodus Megalodon If there was a body plan that matched the majority of sharks, we determined that their head length and tail length accounted for about 16.6% and 32.6% of the total length, respectively,” they said.

“Because the Belgian specimen is 11.1 m, its head and tail were calculated to be about 1.8 m and 3.6 m in length, respectively, which specifically results in an estimated total length of 16.4 m. Otodus Megalodon Individual. “

“The largest vertebrae in a Belgian specimen is 15.5 cm in diameter, but estimated Otodus Megalodon Vertebrae with a diameter of 23 cm have been reported from Denmark. ”

“If a Danish vertebra represents the largest vertebra in the body, that individual could have measured approximately 24.3 m in length.”

Based on a comparison of their body proportions, they have a body shape Otodus Megalodon It probably looked like a modern lemon shark on the surface (Negaprion Brevillo Stris), has a slender body than the great white sharks of modern times.

They also have huge modern sharks, such as whale sharks.Rhincodon Types) And the shark was exposed (Cetorhinus Maximus), like many other giant aquatic vertebrates like whales, they have slender bodies, as their large stubborn bodies are hydrodynamically inefficient for swimming.

In contrast, dark white sharks that become even more severe as they grow can grow larger, but are not huge (below 7 m) due to hydrodynamic constraints.

“Our new research solidified that idea. Otodus Megalodon “We've been working hard to get the better of our team,” said Phillip Sternes, educator at SeaWorld San Diego.

“What distinguishes our research from all previous papers on body size and shape estimation Otodus Megalodon Jakewood, a doctoral student at Florida Atlantic University, added:

According to the team, it is 24.3 m long. Otodus Megalodon It weighs approximately 94 tons and estimates of cruising speeds of 2.1-3.5 km/h.

“The growth patterns recorded in Belgian vertebral specimens are Otodus Megalodon A newborn about 3.6-3.9 m long was given birth to a newborn, and the embryos were nourished through egg-eating behavior,” the author said.

“A known fossil record with newly inferred additional growth patterns Otodus Megalodon And the white shark lineage supports the idea that the rise of the great white shark likely played a role in the ultimate end mise about five million years ago. Otodus Megalodon For competition. ”

“Many interpretations we have made are still tentative, but they are data-driven and serve as a reasonable reference point for future research into the biology of Otodus MegalodonProfessor Shimada said.

study Published online in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica.

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Shimada Mana et al. 2025. Reassessment of the size, shape, weight, cruising speed and growth parameters of extinct megatooth sharks; Otodus Megalodon (Lamniformes: Otodontidae), and new evolutionary insights into its giants, life history strategies, ecology, and extinction. Palaeontologia Electronica 28(1): A12; doi: 10.26879/1502

Source: www.sci.news

Research on the various cloud layers, temperature hot spots, and shifting chemistry found in the extraterrestrial realm

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New observations from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope support the presence of three specific functions in the atmosphere (clouds, hot spots, and changes in carbon chemistry) of the rapidly rotating and free floating planetary mass object SIMP J013656.5+093347.

Impressions of the artist of SIMP 0136. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/J. Olmsted, Stsci.

SIMP J013656.5+093347 (SIMP 0136 for short) is a rapidly rotating, free-floating object located just 20 light years from Earth.

It may have a mass of 13 Jupiter masses, does not orbit the star, and instead may be a brown dwarf.

Because it is separated, SIMP 0136 can be directly observed and is not afraid of mild contamination or variability caused by the host star.

The short rotation period, only 2.4 hours, allows for very efficient investigation.

“We've been working hard to get into the world,” said Allison McCarthy, a doctoral student at Boston University.

“We also thought that it might have an effect on temperature fluctuations, chemical reactions, and perhaps the activity of the aurora affecting brightness, but we weren't sure.”

Webb's NirSpec Instruments We captured thousands to 5.3 micron spectra of SIMP 0136. The object completed one full rotation, so I captured it one at a time, one at a time, one at a time, one at a time, over 3 hours.

This led to immediate observation Webb's Milli Musical Instrumentshundreds of measurements of light between 5 and 14 microns were collected. One is one every 19.2 seconds, one in another rotation.

The results were hundreds of detailed rays, each showing a very accurate wavelength (color) brightness change, with different sides of the object rotating into view.

“It was incredible to see the entire range of this object change over a few minutes,” said Dr. Joanna Foss, an astronomer at Trinity College Dublin.

“Until now, we only had a small near-infrared spectrum from Hubble, but we had some brightness measurements from Spitzer.”

Astronomers almost immediately noticed that there were several distinct ray shapes.

At any time, some wavelengths were growing brightly, while others were either dimmed or not changing at all.

Many different factors must affect brightness variation.

“Imagine looking at the Earth from afar,” said Dr. Philip Muirhead, a former member of Boston University.

“Looking each color individually gives you a variety of patterns that tell you something about the surface and the atmosphere, even if you don't understand the individual features.”

“As the ocean rotates towards vision, blue increases. The brown and green changes tell us something about the soil and vegetation.”

To understand what could cause variability in SIMP 0136, the team used an atmospheric model to show where each wavelength of light is occurring in the atmosphere.

“The different wavelengths provide information about the different depths in the atmosphere,” McCarthy said.

“We began to realize that the wavelengths that had the most similar ray shapes also investigated the same depth and reinforced this idea that they must be caused by the same mechanism.”

For example, one group of wavelengths occurs deeply in the atmosphere where there may be patchy clouds made of iron particles.

The second group comes from high clouds, which are thought to be made from small grains of silicate minerals.

Both of these light curve variations are related to the patchiness of the cloud layers.

The third group of wavelengths appears to be occurring at very high altitudes far above the clouds and tracking temperatures.

Bright hotspots may be associated with previously detected auroras at radio wavelengths, or hot gas upwelling from deeper in the atmosphere.

Some light curves cannot be explained by clouds or temperature, but instead show variations related to atmospheric carbon chemistry.

There may be chemical reactions in which carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide pockets rotate within and outside of view, or alter the atmosphere.

“We still don't understand the chemical part of the puzzle yet,” Dr. Vos said.

“But these results are really exciting because they show that the richness of molecules like methane and carbon dioxide can change over time from location.”

“If you're looking at a deplanet and only have one measurement, you should assume that it may not be representative of the entire planet.”

Survey results It will be displayed in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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Allison M. McCarthy et al. 2025. JWST weather report from isolated exoplanet analog SIMP 0136+0933: pressure-dependent variability driven by multiple mechanisms. apjl 981, L22; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/AD9EAF

Source: www.sci.news

New research uncovers Asian Hornets preying on nearly 1,500 invertebrate species

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Biologist of University of Exeter We conducted the first large-scale study on Asian Hornet diets (Vespa Velutina), exploiting deep sequences to characterize the intestinal content of larvae in Jersey, France, Spain and the UK. European honeybees were the most common species found in the Hornets, but their diet is much broader. The analysis detected 1,449 invertebrate species, increasing the prey abundance of samples from south latitude.

Asian Hornet (Vespa Velutina). Image credit: Gilles San Martin/CC BY-SA 2.0.

The invasive species of Asian hornets are now found in much of Western Europe.

The nests are destroyed every year in mainland Britain as authorities try to lock out the seeds.

“The University of Exeter has been working hard to understand,” said Dr. Sifreya Pedersen, a researcher at the University of Exeter.

“Diets vary strongly across seasons and regions, indicating that they are highly flexible predators.”

“Most insect populations are reduced due to factors such as habitat destruction and chemical contamination.”

“The expanded areas where the Hornets live in Asia pose an extra threat.”

In this study, Dr. Pedersen and colleagues used a method called deep sequencing to identify the visceral prey species of over 1,500 Asian hornet larvae eating foods offered by adult hornets.

Of the top 50 invertebrate prey species identified, 43 are known to visit flowers. Among these were pollinators of three major European crops.

“Insects play an important role in enabling ecosystems to function, including pollination, decomposition and pest control,” Dr. Pedersen said.

“Our research provides important additional evidence of the threat posed as the Asian Hornets spread across Europe,” said Dr. Peter Kennedy of the University of Exeter.

The researchers identified 1,449 operational taxonomic units in the internal organs of hornet larvae.

More than half could be identified as a specific species, but the rest could not. Therefore, the exact number of species contained in the sample is not certain.

“We have provided the most comprehensive view of the European Asian Hornet diet to date, highlighting the highly broad and flexible potential prey,” the scientist said.

“The dietary composition shows that it differs across geographical regions and throughout the Hornets' active season, indicating high adaptability to new ecosystems. It drives both the invasive success of Asian hornets and the risks they pose to a wide range of native invertebrate fauna.”

“The growing prevalence of dietary bees in Europe has agreed to previous research and reports from beekeepers, supporting concerns about the risks of aquaculture.”

“Our results found that Asian hornets exhibit high predation frequencies on wild pollinators and recyclers, revealing further potential ecosystem-level pressures, implying a threat to the diversity of pollinators and recyclers and the resulting ecosystem services.”

study Published in the journal The science of the total environment.

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Siffreya Pedersen et al. The broad ecological threat of invasive hornets has been revealed through a deep sequencing approach. The science of the total environmentPublished online on March 4th, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178978

Source: www.sci.news

New research suggests that gravitational waves are responsible for the mid-ambient atmosphere on Mars

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a new study by planetary researchers at Tokyo Planet University, atmospheric gravity waves play an important role in driving airflows, particularly at altitudes, at latitudes.

This image from the Emirates Mars Mission shows Mars and its thin atmosphere. Image credit: UAESA/MBRSC/HOPE MARS MISSION/EXI/ANDREALUCK.

“On Earth, the large atmospheric waves caused by the rotation of a planet known as the Rossby waves are the main effect on the way stratospheric air circulates, or the lower part of the medium atmosphere.”

“However, our research shows that on Mars, gravitational waves have the dominant effect in the mid-atmosphere and at high latitudes.”

“Rossby's waves are large atmospheric or resolved waves, while gravitational waves are unresolved waves, meaning that they must be estimated using finer, more indirect means to be measured or modeled.”

“Don't confuse it with gravitational waves from the body of a large star. Gravitational waves are atmospheric phenomena when packets of air rise and fall due to buoyancy fluctuations. Their oscillating movements cause gravitational waves.”

Due to their small-scale nature and limitations of observational data, planetary researchers previously discovered that it is difficult to quantify their importance in the Martian atmosphere.

Therefore, Professor Sato and her colleagues turned to the Ensemble Mars Atmosphere Reanalysis System (EMARS) dataset generated by various space-based observations over the years to analyze seasonal variation.

“We found something interesting. Gravitational waves promote the rapid vertical movement of angular momentum, which has a major impact on the meridian or north-north in the mid-atmospheric circulation on Mars,” said Anzu Asumi, a graduate student at Tokyo University.

“It's interesting because it's more like the behavior seen in the Earth's mesosphere, not in our stratosphere.”

“This suggests that the effects of these waves may need to be better incorporated to improve existing Mars atmospheric circulation models, and could improve future climate and weather simulations.”

The team is currently planning to investigate the effects of Mars sandstorms on atmospheric circulation.

“So far, our analysis has focused on a year without large sandstorms,” Professor Sato said.

“However, I think these storms could dramatically change the state of the atmosphere and strengthen the role of gravitational waves in circulation.”

“In our research, there is a basis for predicting Mars weather, which is essential to guarantee the success of future Mars missions.”

study It will be displayed in Journal of Journal Geophysics: Planets.

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Anzu Asumi et al. Climatology of the residual average circulation of the Martian atmosphere and the contribution of solutions and unresolved waves based on reanalysis datasets. Journal of Journal Geophysics: PlanetsPublished online on March 6th, 2025. doi:10.1029/2023je008137

Source: www.sci.news

Advancements in Dementia Research: Science can now accurately assess the “biological age” of your brain

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

If you’re like Khloe Kardashian, who recently turned 40, you may have considered testing your biological age to see if you feel younger than your actual age. But while these tests can tell you a lot about your body’s aging, they often overlook the aging of your brain. Researchers have now developed a new method to determine how quickly your brain is aging, which could help in predicting and preventing dementia. Learn more here.

Unlike your chronological age, which is based on the number of years since you were born, your biological age is determined by how well your body functions and how your cells age. This new method uses MRI scans and artificial intelligence to estimate the biological age of your brain, providing valuable insights for brain health tracking in research labs and clinics.

Traditional methods of measuring biological age, such as DNA methylation, do not work well for the brain due to the blood-brain barrier, which prevents blood cells from crossing into the brain. The new non-invasive method developed at the University of Southern California combines MRI scans and AI to accurately assess brain aging.

Using AI to analyze MRI brain scans, researchers can now predict how quickly the brain is aging and identify areas of the brain that are aging faster. This new model, known as a 3D Convolutional Neural Network, has shown promising results in predicting cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease risk based on brain aging rates.

Researchers believe that this innovative approach can revolutionize the field of brain health and provide valuable insights into the impact of genetics, environment, and lifestyle on brain aging. By accurately estimating the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, this method could potentially lead to the development of new prevention strategies and treatments.

Overall, this new method offers a powerful tool for tracking brain aging and predicting cognitive decline, bringing us closer to a future where personalized brain health assessments can help prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases.

For more information, visit Professor Andrei Ilimia’s profile here.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/02/MRI-scan.mp4

Using AI to analyze MRI brain scans, you can see how quickly your brain is aging.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New research reveals the impact of global warming on the pace of the next ice age

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Glacier Age Earth

Zoonar/Alexander Savchuk/Alamy

Without human-induced climate change, the Earth could have been on track to enter another ice age within 11,000 years. This long-term prediction of the planet's “natural” climate is based on a new analysis of how orbital shapes and the tilt of their axis combine to change the amount of solar energy reaching Earth.

For millions of years, these orbital oscillations (known as the Milankovich cycle) entered and left the planet during the Ice Age about every 41,000 years. However, over the past 800,000 years, these ice ages, also known as ice age, have only occurred every 100,000 years. The term Ice Age, as it is currently, can be used to refer to whenever there is ice on Earth's poles, but generally refers to a wide range of ice Age periods.

The ambiguity of the record as the ice sheets were willingly retreated meant that it was not possible to explain how trajectory changes were involved in driving this long cycle.

If previous research attempted to link orbital changes to a specific period, such as onset of an ice age, Stephen Barker Cardiff University in England and his colleagues took a new tack. They came back fading during the “glacial age” where they saw the overall pattern of the ice age, also known as ice age. This allowed us to link changes in trajectories with changes in ice, despite the ambiguity of ice records over the past million years.

They discovered that these 100,000-year cycles appear to follow simple rules. For the last 900,000 years, following the most circular phase of the orbit, the planets also tilted towards the Sun, thus causing all interglacial periods after the Earth's axis wobbled at the farthest from the Sun.

This suggests that all three of these aspects of Earth's orbit (known as precession, oblique and eccentricity) are combined to create a 100,000-year glacial cycle, Barker says. “Since 900,000 years ago, this simple rule has predicted all of these major glacial end events, which says it's really very easy to predict,” he says.

Under that rule, the next ice age where you currently live is expected to begin approximately 66,000 years from the year, as there is no impact on greenhouse gas emissions. But that could only be started if there was an ice age before that,” says Barker.

The diagonal and gradual stages of precession that preceded the Holocene suggest that the glaciers are likely to be on track between 4300 and 11 and 100 years from now. We may now live in what would have been the beginning of this next ice age. “Of course, it's just a natural scenario,” says Barker.

More than 1.5 trillion tons of carbon dioxide have been released into the atmosphere as the Industrial Revolution is expected to cause sufficient warming to disrupt this long-term glacial cycle.

“The amount we've already put into the atmosphere is so big that it takes hundreds to thousands of years to pull it out through natural processes,” Barker says. However, he says more research is needed to define the planet's future natural climate in a more detailed way.

It states that this is consistent with previous modeling suggesting that anthropogenic emissions can prevent the onset of the next ice age, from dozens to hundreds of thousands of years. Andrei Ganopolsky At the Potsdam Climate Impact Research Institute in Germany.

But he says even at pre-industrial levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, it was high enough to delay the ice sheet advancement by 50,000 years. This is due to the unusually small orbital changes expected in thousands of years and the unpredictable way that Earth responds to those changes.

topic:

Climate change/
global warming

Source: www.newscientist.com

Research suggests we have found a quick solution to eliminate wrinkles and grey hair forever.

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study has discovered several potential anti-aging treatments that could help prevent wrinkles and gray hair development.

Published in the journal Endocrine review, this research suggests that certain naturally occurring hormones might be able to slow down the aging process in the body.

“Our study sheds light on key hormones that play a role in regulating pathways associated with skin aging, including connective tissue degradation (which leads to wrinkles), stem cell survival, and pigment loss (which causes graying of hair),” explained Professor Markus Böhm from the University of Munster, Germany.

“Some of these hormones have shown anti-aging properties and could potentially be used as treatments to prevent skin aging in the future.”

The primary focus of this research was to examine the connection between hormones and aging, with a particular emphasis on hormones like estrogen, growth hormone, and melatonin, all of which can impact skin aging.

One hormone that stood out in the study was melatonin. While commonly known for its role in regulating sleep, melatonin was found to also play a role in maintaining youthful skin. Its powerful antioxidant effects help protect skin cells and slow the aging process.

Other hormones, such as melanocyte-stimulating hormone and oxytocin, were also identified as potential contributors to maintaining youthful skin and hair and protecting against UV damage.

The skin, being the body’s largest organ, is prone to damage from environmental factors, especially UV rays from the sun.

“The skin not only responds to various hormones that impact skin aging pathways, but it is also a significant site for hormone production, aside from the traditional endocrine glands like the pituitary gland,” added Böhm.

Researchers are hopeful that these findings will lead to the development of a new anti-aging therapy known as Senotherapeutics, which targets and eliminates senescent cells. By doing so, these drugs may help slow down or even reverse the signs of aging that result from the accumulation of these cells in the body over time.

“Further research on these hormones could pave the way for the development of new treatments to address and prevent skin aging,” concluded Böhm.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research shows that consuming citrus fruit can help protect against depression by influencing the gut microbiome

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New research reveals a potential protective role for citrus fruits in preventing depression. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a type of bacteria found in the human intestine, and its metabolic activity, may influence the impact of citrus fruits and their flavonoids on mood.

Samuthpontorn et al. We report that citrus intake and its ingredients are positively associated with changes in abundance of 15 intestinal microbial species, including reduced risk of depression and enrichment Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Image credit: Hans.

Depression is a widespread and debilitating condition that affects more than 280 million individuals around the world.

The exact cause of depression is unknown, and treatment is often ineffective.

70% of patients with depression are unable to respond to initial antidepressant treatment and experience unbearable side effects of the drug.

Diet may be a promising tool for preventing and managing depression.

Mediterranean diets are associated with a nearly 35% reduction in the risk of depression, and similar diets show a reduction in mood symptoms.

While the specific food groups underlying these findings remain unknown, recent studies have linked citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, with a reduced risk of depression.

However, the mechanisms explaining the relationship between diet and depression prevention remain unclear.

In a recent study, Dr. Raaj Mehta, a medical instructor at Harvard Medical School and a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, along with colleagues, analyzed the interactions between citrus consumption, gut microbiome, and risk of depression in over 32,427 participants.

They prospectively examined the long-term effects of citrus intake on depression, the abundance of gut microbial species, and the potential metabolic pathways related to depression.

“I was collaborating with a talented postdoc named Chatpol Samuthpontorn. He came across a paper from 2016 suggesting that citrus fruits could reduce the risk of depression,” explained Dr. Mehta.

“This finding intrigued us, as we had access to extensive datasets that could help us investigate further.”

“One of these datasets was the Nurse Health Study II (NHS2), which began in 1989 to identify risk factors for major chronic diseases in women.”

“We found evidence in this dataset that nurses who consumed higher amounts of citrus fruits had a lower incidence of depression in the future.”

The authors found that consuming one medium orange per day could reduce the risk of developing depression by about 20%.

“When examining total fruit and vegetable consumption, or other individual fruits like apples and bananas, we did not observe a significant relationship with depression risk,” Dr. Mehta noted.

A unique aspect of this study was that a subset of NHS2 participants provided stool samples over a year for researchers to analyze.

“We used DNA sequencing results from these stool samples to identify links between citrus intake and specific bacterial species in the gut microbiota,” said Dr. Mehta.

“One bacterial species, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, stood out.”

“People who were not depressed had higher levels of this bacterium, and consuming more citrus was also linked to increased levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.”

“This bacterium may play a key role in connecting citrus consumption with good mental health.”

“We also investigated similar studies involving men, as NHS2 only included women, and found an inverse correlation between Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and depression risk scores in this group,” Dr. Mehta added.

“This raises the question: Does Faecalibacterium prausnitzii contribute to positive mood?”

“One possible explanation is that these bacteria use metabolic pathways, such as the S-adenosyl-L-methionine cycle I pathway, to influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the intestine,” Dr. Mehta explained.

“These neurotransmitters not only influence digestion but can also travel to the brain, where they affect mood.”

“We hope our findings encourage further research into the link between diet and mental health,” Dr. Mehta stated.

“People generally understand that food can impact mood, but researchers are just starting to unravel the specifics.”

A paper detailing these findings was published in the journal Microbiome.

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C. Samuthpontorn et al. 2024. F. Prausnitzii Potentially modulates the association between citrus intake and depression. Microbiome 12, 237; doi:10.1186/s40168-024-01961-3

Source: www.sci.news