Tag Archives: reverse

Mathematicians Uncover a ‘Reset Button’ to Reverse Rotation

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Can I put the top back on?

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Picture a spinning top coming to a halt. Is it possible to make it spin again and return to its original position, as if no movement had occurred? Surprisingly, mathematicians affirm that there is a universal method to revert the rotation of nearly any object.

It seems that the sole method to reverse a complicated rotation sequence is to meticulously execute the exact reverse motion, one step at a time. However, Jean Pierre Eckmann from the University of Geneva, alongside Tzvi Trusty and a research team from South Korea’s Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), discovered a concealed reset mechanism that modifies the initial rotation by a common scaling factor and applies this process twice.

For a spinning top, if it makes three-quarters of a turn during its first spin, you can apply an eighth scaling to retrace your steps back to the start and repeat that sequence again to achieve another quarter turn. Yet, Eckmann and Trusty have shown that this principle applies to much more intricate scenarios.

“Essentially, this property extends to nearly any rotating object, including spins, qubits, gyroscopes, and robotic arms,” Trusty explains. “You merely need to scale all rotation angles by the same factor and replicate this complex pathway twice, navigating through an intricate trajectory in space before returning to the origin.”

Their mathematical proof stems from a comprehensive catalog of all potential rotations in three-dimensional space, known as SO(3), which follows specific rules. This can be visualized as an abstract mathematical space resembling a ball. Transporting an object through various rotations in physical space translates to moving from one point to another within this ball, akin to a bug tunneling through an apple.

When a piece undergoes a complicated rotation, its corresponding trajectory in SO(3) may initiate at the center of the ball and terminate at different points within, depending on the intricacies of the rotation. The objective of reversing this rotation is akin to discovering a route back to the center, yet given that there is only one center within the ball, randomly accomplishing this is improbable.

Some of the many paths that can be taken through the mathematical space SO(3). Corresponds to rotation sequences in real space.

Tzvi Trusty

Eckmann and Trusty realized that due to the structure of SO(3), halting a rotation midway is analogous to finding a path that ends on any point on the ball’s surface. Because the surface comprises numerous points, Trusty notes that this approach is significantly more straightforward than directly targeting the center. This insight led to a new proof.

Eckmann mentioned that they invested considerable time unraveling mathematical tensions that yielded no results. The breakthrough came from a 19th-century formula that merged the two successive rotations, known as Rodriguez’s formula, along with an 1889 theorem in number theory. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that a scaling factor is nearly always necessary for resetting.

For Eckmann, this latest research exemplifies the richness of mathematics, even in seemingly familiar domains like rotation studies. Trusty pointed out potential practical outcomes, such as in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which underpins magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Researchers assess material and tissue properties by examining the behavior of internal quantum spins under the influence of external magnetic fields. The new proof could pave the way for strategies to negate unwanted spin rotations that disrupt the imaging process.

The findings could also spur advancements in robotics, says Josie Hughes at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland. For instance, a rolling robot may be developed to navigate a path comprising repetitive segments, featuring a reliable roll-reset-roll motion that could theoretically continue indefinitely. “Visualize a robot that could transition between any solid form and subsequently follow any desired trajectory through shape transformation,” she envisions.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Reverse Midas Touch: Starme Plan Promotes Collapse to Back Digital IDs | Labor

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Kiel Starmer is seen as a manifestation of Prime Minister’s “Reverse Midas Touch,” with overall support for digital IDs plummeting following his announcement about implementation plans.

Net support for digital ID cards has dropped from 35% in early summer to -14% over recent weekends.

These findings indicate that the proposal is significantly affected by its association with the unpopular government. In June, 53% of surveyed voters expressed support for all British digital ID cards, while 19% were opposed.

The government aims to launch a nationwide digital identity scheme, citing it as a “big opportunity” for the UK to make illegal employment more challenging.

After the cross-star announcement, only 31% of those surveyed expressed support for the scheme, while 45% opposed it, with 32% stating they strongly opposed it. Over 2.6 million people have signed the petition against the introduction of IDs.

Proponents of digital identity schemes across the nation are dissatisfied with how the policy was presented and are doubtful about its future implementation.

Analysis of the Commons vote indicates that public discontent with the government is contributing to the decline in support. While only 20% of those who believe Starmer is doing a poor job favor digital IDs, 71% of those who view Starmer positively support them, with only 14% in opposition.

These statistics reflect the Prime Minister’s uphill battle to regain public trust in his policies and leadership. His personal approval rating has fallen to an all-time low, with recent studies identifying him as the least popular prime minister in history.

Recent polling by Ipsos reveals that 13% of voters are satisfied, while 79% express dissatisfaction, leading to a net rating of -66. This marks the lowest satisfaction recorded for a prime minister since 1977, worse than previous lows set in August 1994 during John Major’s tenure.

“Digital IDs lack popularity fundamentally. Earlier this summer, we observed it as a clear indicator of governmental instability,” remarked Luke Trill, Executive Director of More Common.

“If governments are to reshape support for digital identity, they must initiate clearer use cases. The danger is that potentially beneficial policies could become additional challenges for governments amid organized opposition.”

Starmer and former adviser to Tony Blair, Peter Hyman, claimed the plan is “dead in the water” within six months, as ministers failed to present a persuasive case during an event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

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Hyman indicated that the scheme’s opposition finds itself “on the back foot,” urging Downing Street to engage social media influencers to “address objections” and counter rising conspiracy theories threatening the initiative’s viability.

The minister stated that digital ID cards would be mandatory for individuals wishing to prove their right to live and work in the UK. The government is particularly concerned about the ease of accessing illegal jobs within the UK’s shadow economy, a contributing factor encouraging perilous travel across the channel.

Photo IDs would be stored on smartphones, similar to a digital bank card, and would contain details such as the owner’s name, residency status, date of birth, and nationality. They do not grant access to healthcare or welfare benefits.

According to a senior minister, ID cards will be implemented prior to the next election, initially aimed at verifying individuals’ rights to work.

“If having an ID card helps eliminate fraudulent activities within the system, this was always a straightforward aim,” stated Interior Secretary Shabana Mahmoud at a fringe event. As conservatives deem it a “witness,” the plan continues to face resistance from British reformists.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why Do Some Gamers Reverse Their Controls? Scientists Reveal Surprising Insights | Games

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fA few years ago, just before the first Covid lockdown, I wrote an article exploring a rather niche query. Most gamers press down on the controller, gazing at the characters on their screens as they look up. However, controlling avatars like pilots represents a significant minority who handle their characters as if they were piloting, returning to control the plane and ascend. In many modern games, this necessitates diving into settings to adjust the default controls. Why has this practice persisted?

I figured some hardcore gamers might find this topic intriguing. To my surprise, the article resonated with over a million readers, drawing the attention of Dr. Jennifer Corbett (cited in the original piece) and Dr. Jap Munneke.

At that time, the two were investigating vision science and cognitive neuroscience, but the lockdown meant they could no longer conduct lab experiments with volunteers. The issue of controller inversion presented an ideal chance to analyze the neuroscience behind human-computer interactions using remote participants. They reached out to gamers who contributed insights into the motivations behind their controller preferences, garnering hundreds of responses.




Microsoft Flight Simulator… Many believed that being a pilot would affect control retention. Photo: Microsoft

Interestingly, it wasn’t just gamers who were engaged. “Machinists, equipment operators, pilots, designers, and surgeons — individuals from diverse fields reached out,” Corbett noted. “The variety of responses signaled a wealth of scientific literature to examine for structuring optimal research. The feedback from readers prompted us to refine how users customize their controllers.”

This month, the duo released their findings in a paper titled “Why Axis Inversion? Optimizing the Interaction Between Users, Interfaces and Visual Displays in a 3D Environment.” Why do some people choose to invert their controls? It’s a complex issue.

The study commenced with participants completing a survey detailing their background and gaming experiences. “Numerous individuals indicated that their preference for flipping controls stemmed from their early experiences with flight simulators or the first console games they played,” Corbett explained. “Many reported changing their preferences over time, prompting us to include an entirely new section in our research based on this input.”




Mental rotation… Subjects engaging in the controller inversion study. Photo: Jen Corbett

However, Corbett and Munneke, currently based at MIT, were convinced that critical cognitive aspects of inversion could only be assessed through behavioral reactions. They developed a sequence of four experiments, in which participants were monitored via Zoom. Corbett elaborated, “They had to mentally rotate random shapes, adopt the perspective of the ‘avatar’ in the scenario, judge the tilt of an object against a differing background, and navigate the typical ‘Simon effect’ when responding to targets while using a machine. These varied tasks clarified whether an individual tends to invert.”

The outcomes of the cognitive evaluations revealed that many assumptions surrounding controller preferences were indeed incorrect. “There was no discernible reason provided by participants [for inverting controls],” Corbett stated. “It was linked to their actual inversion habits. The quicker participants were, the less inclined they were to invert. Conversely, those who identified as occasional invertors were significantly slower in these tasks.” Does this imply that non-inverters excel at gaming?

In essence, gamers believe they are inverters or non-inverters based on their initial exposure to game controls. Many flight simulators from the 1980s may have conditioned players to instinctively turn themselves around. Conversely, gamers raised in the 2000s might assume they are inherently non-inverted, given that non-reverse controls became the norm. Yet cognitive testing suggests otherwise. Depending on how your brain perceives 3D objects, you may be predisposed to either invert or not.

Consequently, Corbett suggests that trying out a controller configuration you’re not accustomed to might enhance your gaming skills. “Non-inverters should experiment with inverting. Inverters should consider giving non-inversion a fair shot,” she suggests. “You might want to commit to it for a few hours. People have learned one way, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t excel with the alternative. A parallel can be drawn with left-handed children who are compelled to write with their right hand, potentially leading to long-term handwriting difficulties and learning challenges.”

Through their research, Corbett and Munneke established that complex, often subconscious cognitive processes govern how individuals utilize controllers, affecting not just gaming hardware but also human-computer interfaces across various fields, from aviation to surgical technology. They crafted a framework for assessing how to optimally tailor controls for individuals, now detailed in their published research.




Learning curves… Corbett and Munneke’s research can also influence surgical practices. Photo: Oksana Krasiuk/Alamy

“This research has significant potential for optimizing inverted settings to enhance human-machine collaboration,” Corbett stated. “Many technologies blend human capabilities with AI and various machines to amplify performance. It allows individuals to tailor a specific configuration for tasks—whether aiming for a target or avoiding a mistake—such as in laparoscopic surgery.”

What began as a casual, almost nerdy inquiry has evolved into a published cognitive research document. One scientific publication has already referenced it, and interview requests have surged from podcasts and YouTube channels. What’s my takeaway? “The most remarkable discoveries for gamers [who don’t invert],” Corbett remarked:

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists Say Learning Music Can Reverse Brain Aging, Even in Older Adults

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Recent research indicates that older adults who play musical instruments tend to have healthier brains.

One investigation examined the impacts of decades of music practice, while another focused on learning new instruments later in life.

In both studies, engaging in music was linked to better brain health and a decrease in age-related cognitive decline.

The first study was published in PLOS Biology and involved collaboration between Canadian and Chinese researchers. They recruited 50 adults with an average age of 65, half of whom had been playing instruments for at least 32 years, while the others had no musical experience.

Additionally, they included 24 young adults with an average age of 23 who had no musical training.

The researchers utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess blood flow in the brains of the participants.

During the scans, participants listened to a recording of speakers amid background noise, where 50 other voices were present, and were tasked with identifying what the main speaker was saying.

The scans revealed that older musicians’ brains responded to challenges similarly to those of the younger participants.

Nonetheless, older adults showed signs of cognitive decline. Specifically, musicians exhibited strong neural connections on the right side of the brain that non-musicians lacked, which could place additional strain on their brain.

“The brains of older musicians remain finely tuned due to years of training, so they don’t need to play well-tuned instruments at high volumes,” stated co-author Dr. Yi from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“Our findings suggest that musical experience helps mitigate the additional cognitive strain typically associated with age-related challenges, particularly in noisy environments.”

A 2025 YouGov poll revealed that 25% of UK adults can play at least one instrument, with the guitar being the second most favored instrument after the piano.

As individuals age, cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and perception often deteriorate, eventually contributing to dementia.

However, researchers posit that cognitive reserve—the brain’s capability to manage damage and decline—can enhance resilience against this deterioration.

The precise mechanisms remain unclear, as noted by Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, Associate Professor of Aging at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

Some studies suggest that “exercising” the brain through activities like playing instruments, learning new languages, and solving puzzles can improve brain health, but results from other research have been inconsistent.

“Overall, we advocate for brain training, but the evidence is not conclusive,” Scheibye-Knudsen remarked.

Conversely, another recent study, published in Imaging Neuroscience, indicated that musical practice can enhance brain health, even when individuals start playing in later life.

According to a 2024 poll from the University of Michigan, 17% of US adults aged 50-80 engage in playing instruments at least several times a year – Credit: DMP via Getty

Researchers at Kyoto University in Japan continued previous studies that included 53 elderly individuals (average age 73) who took music lessons for four months. Initial findings indicated no significant differences in brain health among participants.

Four years later, the same participants underwent MRI scans (13 of whom had maintained their music practice).

Those who ceased playing their newly learned instruments showed declines in memory performance, with a noticeable reduction in the volume of the putamen—a brain region associated with motor function, learning, and memory.

However, those who continued playing music over the four years exhibited no cognitive decline.

Scheibye-Knudsen noted that the study demonstrates that “playing an instrument not only helps preserve cognitive function as we age, but it may also directly contribute to maintaining the structural integrity of the brain.”

He added, “Engaging in music beyond what this study covered offers additional advantages, such as enhanced social interaction.”

“I encourage people to start making music; it’s never too late to learn.”

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About Our Experts

Morten Scheibye-Knudsen is an associate professor of aging at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and leads the Scheibye-Knudsen Research Group. He also serves as the president of the Nordic Aging Association.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Can a $125 Billion Investment Fund Reverse Global Deforestation?

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Brazil Takes the Lead in Funding Forest Conservation

Luiz Claudio Marigo/Nature Picture Library/Alamy

During the COP30 Climate Summit in November, a coalition of countries led by Brazil introduces a groundbreaking initiative aimed at compensating tropical nations for sustaining their forest ecosystems.

The Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) secures funding through investments rather than relying solely on donations or the sale of carbon credits.

“We need to explore new fundraising avenues for tropical forests. This innovative fund has the potential to play a vital role in complementing traditional grant-based funding and, more importantly, reducing our dependency on carbon trading,” states Kate Dooley, from the University of Melbourne, Australia.

The fund is positioned as a substitute for the carbon market, offering businesses a means to offset their emissions by financing forest protection. While it was once seen as a promising strategy for generating funds from the private sector, it has faced significant backlash for favoring corporate profits over environmental benefits.

A major benefit of TFFF is its straightforward approach. Rather than estimating how much carbon is stored in forests or assessing their vulnerability, the initiative compensates for the intact forest canopy each year, monitored through satellite technology.

“Our team approached the Brazilian government in 2023,” explains Pedro Moura Costa, an expert in environmental finance.

Unlike government donations that can be inconsistent and withdrawable at any moment, this fund is designed for sustainability.

The project’s planners aim to secure a $25 billion sovereignty loan from the government along with an additional $100 billion from private investors. These funds will be directed towards corporate bonds and green energy initiatives, particularly avoiding industries tied to deforestation.

After ensuring a fixed return for investors, any profits generated will flow directly to tropical nations for forest conservation efforts. This includes expanding conservation agencies. Crucially, 20% of the resources must be allocated to Indigenous communities, with TFFF collaborating closely with the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities, advocating for Indigenous rights.

The funds projected can generate $4 billion annually, which is sufficient to offer $4 every year per hectare of tropical forest preserved. Conversely, for every hectare lost, $100 will be deducted from government payments. Moura states it takes 100 years for primary tropical forests to regenerate, demanding a high level of responsibility.

However, the current proposal defines an undisturbed forest as having only 20% canopy cover, raising concerns of potential overexploitation. Dooley warns that “fires often indicate degradation rather than being its cause,” pointing out flaws in using fire metrics for monitoring.

Several environmental organizations and climate finance analysts have expressed strong disapproval of this concept. They argue that wealthier nations should provide direct financial support to poorer countries rather than investing in uncertain ventures. Frederick Hash from the Green Finance Observatory, which evaluates private investments in green opportunities, states, “Conservation funds are vulnerable to future economic shifts, interest rates, and fund management capabilities. This differs markedly from grants, and may not meet the expectations of a fund aimed at addressing our critical ecological challenges.” He adds that the promised 20% for Indigenous peoples “seems insufficient and fails to acknowledge their valuable contributions.”

Despite insufficient donor funding for conservation and the looming threat of surpassing the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit, advocates argue there is an urgent need for practical alternatives to grant-based support.

Signatories of the 2002 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework committed to providing $20 billion annually for biodiversity conservation in low-income nations by 2025, increasing to $30 billion by 2030. However, the average cost stands at $8.2 billion a year.

“To initiate substantial change, we must devise new, innovative strategies where environmental protection becomes self-funding and is no longer dependent on grants or handouts. Without this, we may face failure,” remarks Moura.

“There must be a mechanism to compensate those safeguarding nature and preserving forests.” Simon Zadeck, a climate adaptation consultant and investment platform expert, adds, “Funding sources might include domestic finances and philanthropy, alongside income from natural products like nuts and timber, but these are insufficient alone. Thus, we need to promote creative funding solutions.”

If TFFF can achieve its $125 billion goal, it will represent the most significant single funding source in history for forest conservation. It may even surpass Brazil’s current environmental budget.

However, the success of this initiative hinges on attracting enough capital during what international experts identify as a particularly challenging economic landscape.

“This geoeconomic environment presents significant obstacles for such an ambitious project,” says Zadek. “Public finances are strained, and private investment is currently focused on short- to medium-term returns.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Trump seeks to reverse the prolonged decline of the coal industry- a challenging task.

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Last week, President Trump issued an executive order designed to revive the use of coal at power plants. This is a practice that has been steadily decreasing over more than a decade.

But as fossil fuels face several important hurdles, energy experts said. The power produced by coal plants cannot usually compete with cheaper and cleaner alternatives. And many coal-burning plants are simply too old and require extensive and expensive upgrades to continue running.

“It’s extremely difficult to reverse this trend,” said Dan Reicher, deputy energy secretary for the Clinton administration and Google’s Ease of Life and Energy Director. “There are a variety of forces at work that don’t portray a very bright future for coal.”

Coal plants, the US’s leading source of electricity, currently produce just 17% of the country’s electricity. The main reason is that another fossil fuel, natural gas, has become abundant and inexpensive due to the shale fracking boom that began in the early 2000s. The use of renewable energy sources like the wind and the sun is also growing significantly.

Natural gas currently provides around 38% of the US electricity, according to the Energy Information Agency. Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power generation produce about 25%, while nuclear energy produces about 20%.

Some areas, like New England, will soon close their last coal power plants. California, the country’s most populous state, effectively uses no coal to generate electricity.

Coal is also under pressure because burning it will release greenhouse gases that can cause climate change and pollutants that harm people and nature. To avoid those concerns, Trump said, He waives certain air pollution restrictions For many coal plants.

In the Southeast and Midwest, many utilities continue to generate electricity from coal plants. Companies such as Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Duke Energy and the Tennessee Valley Department (the country’s largest government-run power provider) are one of the largest users of coal.

The state, which has a long history of coal mines, is still highly dependent on fuel. It includes West Virginia and Kentucky, which earned 85% of electricity from coal last year, according to the Energy Information Agency.

Trump oversaw the energy division Use emergency situations To operate unprofitable coal plants. The president said this is necessary to prevent blackouts. He tried a similar strategy in his first semester.

He also issued an order that eliminates regulations that “discriminate” coal production, opens new federal land for coal mining, and investigates whether coal combustion power plants can provide services to data centers used for artificial intelligence services such as chatbots.

Peabody, the largest coal producer in the United States, said in 2024 that the world used more coal than any other year in history.

“We believe that in order to support our country’s growing need for affordable and reliable energy, the US should stop resigning coal plants, use existing plants with higher utilization and reopen shuttered coal plants.”

Federal policies can play a role, but utilities, state legislators and regulators ultimately determine how much coal will burn at the power plant.

The Utility Trade Association’s Edison Electrical Institute, or EEI, said in a statement that the US needs more power sources but refused to support or oppose the use of coal.

“Electric demand is growing at the fastest pace in decades, and EEI member electric companies are using a diverse, domestic and balanced energy mix to meet this demand while keeping customer invoices as low as possible,” the Institute said.

Several large utilities, like Xcel Energy, are converting coal plants into solar farms to take advantage of the federal incentives created during the Biden administration. In Becker, Minnesota, for example, Xcel is building a large solar and battery installation to replace the Shelco coal power plant. The company is converting something else Coal plants in Colorado For natural gas.

Xcel spokesman Theo Keith said the utility is considering “understanding whether Trump’s orders could affect our business,” but in the meantime it will work to provide consumers with clean energy at a low cost.

Conservative lawmakers in some states, like Texas, have proposed legislation that requires more use of fossil fuels to ensure adequate power and meet the increased demand from data centers, electric vehicles and heat pumps. However, energy analysts expect that such measures will benefit natural gas, not coal, if they pass.

Environmental activists said efforts to revive coal were misguided. They point out that using more coal means that the use of more coal will result in higher electricity bills due to aging devices, increasing health problems and higher risk of power plant breakdowns.

“We’re turning decades of work here,” says Holly Bender, the Sierra Club’s Chief Program Officer, running a campaign called beyond coal to end its use of its fuel. “It’s clear that Trump is trying to put his fingers on the scale to keep coal open, but these are fragments of the infrastructure that are at the end of its useful life.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Nomination for the 2025 Award for Reverse Nomination Determinism

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An intelligent approach?

Feedback always falls on deaf ears when I see publications with self-aggrandizing titles. So we noticed one social media post with interest. rebecca shearDemographers at Brunel University in London, publisher Elsevier, said: “The new editor was chosen by intelligence”.

intelligenceAs you know, this isconsiderable contribution It leads to an understanding of the nature and function of intelligence. ” Feedback cannot confirm that the editor has changed.About” page was not updated, but it has been updated. advertise There have been reports that most of the editorial board has resigned in protest against the appointment of a new editor-in-chief, but since the report was published on a far-right website, the feedback is unwilling to be believed without further evidence.

Wait a minute, you might be thinking that. How did a scientific journal change editors and transition into a far-right website?The question is, especially in the eugenics movement of the early 20th century, intelligence research justified claims of racial superiority. It is said that it was sometimes exploited for this purpose. and intelligence You published a study that your racist uncle might cite favorably.

Looks like someone at Elsevier has noticed. guardian Reported Publisher I was considering a paper by the late Richard Linn who claimed to have discovered differences in IQ between countries. Including papers on intelligence.

Now that things are getting a little dark, let's move on to another issue quickly. intelligence: Defining characteristics are clearly missing. Shear highlighted a paper with an innocuous-looking title.Temperature and evolutionary novelty as forces supporting the evolution of general intelligence”.

The driving force is when homo sapiens The first people to migrate outside Africa encountered all sorts of new conditions, including different climates. This allowed them to evolve higher levels of intelligence. What this means for the people of Africa is left to the reader's guess.

If this all sounds like something from the good old days of Victorian science, Feedback regrets to inform you that this paper was actually first published online in 2007. But when you swallow your nausea and take a closer look, the real joy appears.

The first problem is that the authors are calculating the distance that the population has traveled “as if by flying.” Even as a first approximation to the history of great human migrations, straight-line distances cannot be used. The history of the Great Human Migration involves people traveling to the far northeast of Asia, into North America, and on to the southern tip of South America.

But it gets better. In the same sentence, the paper's authors say they calculated the distance “using the Pythagorean theorem.” The reader will be reminded that the Pythagorean theorem only applies to planes and not to curved surfaces. Yes, this study of the racial origins of intelligence is built on the premise that the Earth is flat.

While there are many restrictions placed on academics, 2009 rebuttal He suggested the study may be “questionable.” Other psychologists also brought this issue to the attention of the magazine, only to be told that their criticisms were as follows:completely negative and noisy”.Paper remains alive.

Therefore, feedback would like to recommend the journal intelligence Winner of the 2025 Reverse Nomination Determinism Award.

40 eyelashes

new scientist Reporter Carmela Padavich Callahan emphasizes that: paper They describe the reason for their curly eyelashes as “ridiculous enough to warrant feedback.” Excuse me: This is a very serious column about serious things.

The research is mainly about the physics of eyelashes, explaining how they move water away from our eyes and allow us to see even when it's raining. The process relies on “hydrophobic curved flexible fiber arrays with surface microratchets and macrocurvature.” Much has been written about the importance of eyelash curvature for adhesion and water drainage.

Then proceed to the discussion section. There, as Carmela coolly notes, “authors delve into aesthetic advice.” Modern beauty standards encourage women to use mascara “to lengthen and condition eyelashes,” which “compromises the eyelash's protective function.” But don't worry. The solution is just around the corner. “As a hint, for those with sparse eyelashes, hydrophobic curved false eyelashes may be a practical solution to enhance your appearance while maintaining eye protection.” Probably patent pending Shall we?

Feedback wonders if the author has any advice for middle-aged writers whose eyebrows grow so long that they end up looking like macaroni penguins if they aren't trimmed regularly. For a friend.

Worst reading material ever

Some form of feedback has reached the mailing list of Spines, a technology company aiming to revolutionize the publishing industry through the power of artificial intelligence.

by Utilizing AI To do editing and other work done previously by a skilled and paid person, thorn aims to publish 8000 books in 2025. The feedback says “Yes, please.” When we look at the publishing industry's structural problems, such as its abysmal fact-checking standards for non-fiction works, we conclude that what we really need is an even larger volume of even lower-quality books. There is nothing else.

Have a story for feedback?

You can email your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please enter your home address. This week's and past feedback can be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

How We Believe We Can Slow or Reverse the Myopia Epidemic

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I vividly remember buying my first pair of glasses as a child. My mother is extremely nearsighted and takes me to the optician every year. My older sister was diagnosed when she was about 8 years old, and I prayed that she wouldn't copy me because she was afraid of being made fun of, but by the time I was her age, the world had become a blur. A visit to the optician that year confirmed it, and I've been wearing glasses or contact lenses ever since.

In the late 1970s, it was extremely unusual for someone to need glasses at such a young age. No more. Over the past 30 years, myopia has increased rapidly, especially among children. Approximately one-third of 5- to 19-year-olds are now nearsighted, up from one-quarter in 1990. If this trend continues, the proportion will be approximately 40% by 2050 – or 740 million myopic young people.

It's more than an inconvenience. “Myopia is a disease,” they say. K. Davina Flick Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Maryland, where he recently served as co-chair. National Academy of Sciences Committee on Conditions. “It is widespread Quality of life and economic impactThere is a risk of blindness, especially in severe cases,” she says. But researchers are increasingly thinking that the epidemic can be slowed or even reversed.

Most cases of myopia are axial. This means that the axis of the eyeball, the distance between the cornea at the front and the light-sensing retina at the back, becomes too long. This means that the light that enters your eyes is focused right in front of your eyes.

Source: www.newscientist.com

New study claims that this diet can reverse biological age in just eight weeks

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Increasing plant-based food consumption is known to benefit both health and the environment, yet only a few individuals fully commit to a vegan diet.

However, a recent study suggests that following a vegan diet for just eight weeks could potentially reverse one’s biological age. Researchers discovered that participants who adhered to a vegan diet showed a reduction in their estimated biological age, as indicated by DNA methylation, an epigenetic marker.

Dr. Lucia Aronica, along with other co-authors from BBC Science Focus, explains, “DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications regulate gene activity and expression.” These modifications change in specific ways as we age, allowing scientists to track and understand the aging process.

The study, as detailed in BMC Medicine, involved 21 adult identical twin pairs, where one twin followed a vegan diet while the other maintained an omnivorous diet for eight weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after the study to measure DNA methylation levels and assess the effects of each diet.

Results demonstrated that only the vegan group showed a slowing of the epigenetic aging clock, with some participants appearing almost one year younger by certain measures. A vegan diet was associated with reduced estimated ages of various organ systems, such as the heart, hormones, liver, and inflammatory and metabolic systems.

The average reduction in biological age for the vegan group was a remarkable 0.63 years. However, researchers caution that these findings should be interpreted carefully due to other factors like weight loss, as participants in the vegan group lost an average of 2 kilograms more than those in the omnivorous group.

Despite the promising outcomes, further research is necessary to understand the long-term effects of a vegan diet on aging and to differentiate between the effects of dietary composition and weight loss.

Experts like Dr. Hou Lifang suggest that additional studies are needed to validate these results, emphasizing the need for caution when drawing broad conclusions. While the study provides valuable insights, more research is required to fully comprehend the impact of a vegan diet on aging.

About our experts

Lucia Aronica focuses on epigenetics and gene-environment interactions in health outcomes. She is currently leading epigenetic analysis in the largest low-carb vs. low-fat diet study for weight loss. Aronica teaches nutritional genomics at Stanford University.

Varun Dwaraka is a bioinformatics researcher specializing in aging, epigenetics, and genetics. He has co-authored various publications on DNA methylation, tissue regeneration, and the epigenetic clock.

Hou Li-Fan, MD, MS, PhD, is a Professor of Preventive Medicine, integrating epidemiology with molecular technologies in disease studies focused on molecular markers and disease prevention.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The groundbreaking project aiming to decipher and potentially reverse menopausal age

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From the moment you begin as an immature egg in your grandmother’s womb, your fertility journey is limited. However, scientists at Cambridge University may soon change that reality in their bright labs.

Dr. Staša Stankovic is one of these scientists. Her research at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge has uncovered valuable data in the field. Now, Stankovic is focused on unraveling the mysteries surrounding fertility and menopause.

Women’s ovaries hold a finite supply of eggs that represent their fertility. Stankovic compares this concept to an hourglass, where the sand (eggs) can only flow in one direction until it runs out, signaling the onset of menopause.

“In science, we aim to control the hourglass’s middle part,” she explains. “Our goal is to limit the eggs’ loss over time, preserving the highest quality eggs for as long as possible.”

Working with a team for five years, Stankovic is developing a method to predict the natural fertile period and age of menopause with 65% accuracy, aiming for 80% accuracy in clinical practice.

Additionally, the team is exploring potential drug solutions to address infertility and potentially delay menopause. The onset of menopause is influenced by the ovarian reserve and the rate at which eggs deplete over a woman’s lifetime, typically occurring around age 50 with fewer than 1,000 eggs left.

For women experiencing early menopause or premature menopause, these drug treatments could be life-changing.

Your Menopausal Age

Researchers are studying genetic factors using a blood sample rather than physical examinations to understand how genes impact fertility and menopause.

The research team analyzed data from over 200,000 women in the UK Biobank, which provided insights into menopause, fertility, and overall health metrics. This data will help researchers make connections with other health outcomes like dementia and diabetes.

By identifying over 300 genetic variations linked to menopause, researchers foresee potential solutions for ovarian diseases and early menopause using drug interventions.

Stankovic cautions against relying solely on IVF and egg freezing as magical solutions, emphasizing the need for more effective treatments with higher success rates.

Effects of Delaying Menopause

The research team is hopeful about developing infertility drugs that not only address symptoms but also regulate ovarian function. While the drug’s availability is estimated within the next decade, rigorous testing and validation are still required.

The team’s focus is on identifying crucial genes, conducting testing in ovarian models, and formulating drugs that maintain egg quality and quantity as women age.

Ultimately, the goal is to delay menopause and extend reproductive lifespan. Preliminary studies on mice have shown promising results, but further research is needed before human trials can begin.

Aside from fertility benefits, delaying menopause could also impact women’s overall health, offering insights into various diseases associated with menopause.

About Our Experts

Dr. Staša Stanković is an ovarian genomicist with a PhD in reproductive genomics from the University of Cambridge. Her groundbreaking research has been published in top scientific journals, shedding light on the biological mechanisms behind ovarian aging and menopause.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Study claims new diet that mimics fasting could reverse biological age

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A new study led by the University of South Carolina Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggests that fasting-mimetic dieting (FMD) cycles can significantly reduce disease risk factors and decrease human biological age. FMD was developed by Professor Walter Longo and his team, involving a five-day diet high in unsaturated fats and low in overall calories, protein, and carbohydrates. The diet mimics the effects of water-only fasting while providing necessary nutrients and making fasting more manageable for individuals.

During the five-day fasting period, participants were allowed to consume specified amounts of plant-based soups, energy bars, energy drinks, chip snacks, and tea and given supplements to ensure they didn’t miss out on important vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Previous studies have shown the various health benefits of FMD, including promoting stem cell regeneration, reducing chemotherapy side effects, and decreasing signs of dementia in mice. The recent study focuses on the effects of FMD on human immune system aging, insulin resistance, liver fat, and biological age.

The research team analyzed two groups of men and women aged 18-70 who received three to four cycles of FMD per month. The results showed reductions in diabetes risk factors, reduced fat in the abdomen and liver, and rejuvenation of the immune system. Data analysis also demonstrated that FMD participants lost an average of 2.5 years in biological age.

Professor Longo hopes these findings will encourage more doctors to recommend FMD cycles to patients with elevated risk factors for disease and to the general public interested in improving their health and vitality. He suggested that healthy people between the ages of 20 and 70 should consider trying FMD two or three times a year, cautioning that there may be concerns when used in combination with certain diabetes medications.

About our experts:

Walter Longo is the Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences and Director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology in Los Angeles.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com