Tag Archives: season

Discover the Importance of Alone Time During the Christmas Season for Mental Well-Being

Posted on by
Reply

The holiday season is often envisioned as a time of joy, filled with family gatherings, festive lights, and cherished traditions. However, experiences during this period can vastly differ, and stepping away from the hustle and bustle may offer its own unique advantages.

In a recent survey conducted by our Solitude Lab involving over 300 UK adults, a significant number reported spending Christmas with family, whether at large gatherings or in intimate settings with immediate loved ones. Despite the positives, many found that socializing—while enjoyable—can bring its own challenges. The stress of gift shopping, traveling, and altered routines can be overwhelming. When asked about their feelings during the holiday season, participants frequently mentioned emotions like love and togetherness, but a notable amount also identified calmness and relaxation. This indicates a desire for both connection and restoration, suggesting that short moments of solitude can help create balance.

Research from our lab highlights that spending around 15 minutes in solitude can effectively reduce heightened emotions. Multiple experiments indicate that feelings of excitement and irritability tend to decrease after just 15 to 30 minutes alone. Participants commonly engaged in activities such as browsing their phones, reading, or simply reflecting. Physiological studies also provide evidence that solitude aids in quicker stress recovery, helping to balance out periods of high stimulation.

These moments need not be extravagant; simple activities like enjoying a quiet cup of tea or running errands alone during early mornings can provide essential space for relaxation and mental reset before rejoining social interactions. Here, solitude isn’t a sign of avoidance, but a valuable means of recalibrating oneself.

Notably, not everyone experiences a crowded holiday season. About 9 percent of adults surveyed anticipated spending Christmas alone. Participants who embraced a solitary Christmas often reported feelings of calm and contentment, with positivity evident in their responses. Loneliness and boredom were less frequently mentioned, particularly among older adults who faced circumstances leading to solo celebrations.

Having a choice greatly influences experiences of loneliness, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social norms have shifted, leading many to view solitude not as something to fear, but as an opportunity for introspection. Our perspectives play a crucial role in shaping our emotions during these moments.

Moreover, choosing how to spend alone time can enhance the experience. Engaging in reflective activities—such as contemplating positive memories from the past year—or enjoying leisurely walks can be fulfilling. Stepping outside alone also opens the door for brief interactions with strangers, which can uplift your spirits and foster a sense of belonging. This beneficial aspect of human interaction is often underestimated. Despite being physically alone, one can still nurture connections by reaching out to others, sending a card, or reminiscing about loved ones, which can enhance feelings of richness in our lives. Learn more.

Whether you choose to celebrate the Christmas season with others or in solitude, embracing brief moments of quiet brings its own rewards. These pauses allow for reflection, emotional calming, and overall ease in navigating the holiday season—a time that often demands much from us. It’s not about isolating oneself from connection; it’s about recognizing the value of both interactions and solitude.

Tui Vi Nguyen is a principal investigator at Solitude Lab and co-author of the book: Loneliness: The Science and Power of Solitude

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Hurricane Season Concludes in a Week: Researchers Call It Unusual.

Posted on by
Reply

This year’s hurricane season was marked by three Category 5 storms—some of the most potent hurricanes ever documented—yet there were no landfalls on U.S. soil, leading to an unusual lull during the typically active period. These elements contributed to what many are calling a “screwball” season.

Atmospheric scientist Phil Klotzbach made this observation.

“It’s been quite an unusual year,” noted Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University. “Characterizing this year’s patterns has been challenging.”

The official end of hurricane season is November 30th. Notably, the year 2025 aligns with anticipated increases in storm frequency as climate change progresses. Late-season hurricanes formed, some escalating rapidly and producing some of the most intense storms recorded.

In many respects, it was simply puzzling. Although fewer hurricanes developed than anticipated, nearly all that did reached major storm status. For the first time in a decade, the U.S. mainland avoided any landfalls, underscoring the unpredictable nature of hurricane seasons, despite improvements in forecast accuracy. This is particularly true in a warming climate.

Hurricanes will occur less frequently but with greater intensity.

In May, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters predicted a stronger-than-usual season, estimating six to ten hurricanes, including at least three major storms classified as Category 3 or higher, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

Klotzbach independently confirmed this forecast, as did other hurricane monitoring organizations. We were on the same page.

Ultimately, while the number of hurricanes was lower than expected, four out of the five that formed (Erin, Gabriel, Humberto, Imelda, and Melissa) were classified as major.

Hurricane Imelda impacted Bermuda on October 1st.NOAA

“This marks the highest rate seen in the past 50 years,” remarked Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Ocean, Atmospheric and Earth Sciences.

Additionally, three of those storms reached the Category 5 level, the pinnacle of hurricane intensity.

Despite the limited number of storms, forecasters’ predictions of an above-average season held true, as measured by a metric called accumulated cyclone energy, which gauges the total intensity and duration of tropical cyclones throughout the season.

Klotzbach estimated the stored energy would be 125% of the 30-year average; the season concluded at 108%. This indicates that, given the fewer storms, each one was particularly powerful.

“It wasn’t about quantity this season; rather, it was about intensity,” he commented.

Klotzbach noted that nine of the last ten Atlantic hurricane seasons have been warmer than average, attributing this trend to rising ocean temperatures and the La Niña cycle, which generally weakens upper-level winds that inhibit hurricane formation.

McNoldy, who meticulously tracks Atlantic Ocean temperatures, stated that 2025 is expected to be “unusually warm.”

“Regardless of the storms we experienced, there was undoubtedly a significant amount of fuel available,” McNoldy said. Heat from the ocean promotes evaporation, driving warm, moist air upward and leading to convection. For hurricanes to develop, ocean temperatures must be at least 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Simpsons Fortnite Season: A Fitting Tribute to an Iconic Show | Games

Posted on by
Reply

After years of partnering with Disney on Marvel and Star Wars, it’s finally come to fruition: The Simpsons have made their way into Fortnite. Unlike most crossovers which typically feature themed skins and emotes, this one is an all-encompassing takeover featuring a stylized map designed for players to explore Springfield. It’s a clever method to introduce younger audiences to America’s longest-running sitcom, especially with the announcement of a second movie in the works. For millennials, it serves as the peak of a year-long effort to capture our interest, particularly in light of past collaborations with Power Rangers, Scream, and Mortal Kombat.

While this might seem like an easy tactic for someone who grew up reliving episodes on repeat after school, it’s not a half-hearted cash grab. Expect to see recognizable Springfield sites: the Simpsons’ residence on Evergreen Terrace, the well-known sloping lawns of Burns Manor, and the town square featuring Moe’s Tavern and the Jebediah Springfield statue complete with its removable head. On the outskirts of the map lies a nuclear power plant, emitting cartoonish steam into the sky; players can avoid a meltdown by interacting with the control console accompanied by the tune of “Eeny, meeny, minnie, moo.” Cletus’ Farm and Slurp Factory (Duff’s take on the game—no draft beer here) sit in one corner of the island, and every match kicks off with a delightful reimagining of the show’s intro, complete with the sky parting, the title card, and the iconic theme music, before you thank Otto and jump from the battle bus onto the map.




Awesome…Burns Manor from the Simpsons season of Fortnite. Photo: Epic Games

Though there have been virtual adaptations of Springfield in the past (the most recent being 2012’s Tapped Out and 2015’s LEGO Dimensions), this iteration is rendered with unprecedented detail. Playing here feels like stepping directly into the animation. Springfield is smaller compared to Fortnite’s overall map, but it has some quirky elements. The Springfield Valley, where the Hollywood-style Springfield sign proudly sits in the center, is a nod to the unforgettable episode “Bart the Daredevil,” probably just a short distance from the residential area housing Homer, Marge, and Ned Flanders.

Regardless, Springfield’s layout has always been an enigma, and what truly matters is that this intricate recreation is a delight to explore. A longstanding strength of Fortnite’s map design is its ability to effectively use the spaces between prominent landmarks, and here it’s an excellent chance to embed references for dedicated Simpsons fans—whether you discover the 33-cent store or not. Expect to find a tire yard that inexplicably burns forever. Your exploration can be enhanced with optional quests featuring fun guest appearances, where you can follow Homer’s orders to use a set of car keys or pick up a ringing payphone to receive a prank call at Moe’s. You’ll even spot Nelson popping up to say, “Ha ha!” when you defeat boss characters like Krusty.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/mqQDlH9ztL4?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Welcome to Springfield – Fortnite | The Simpsons" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

The game is stuffed with content. Even after numerous iterations, there are still new findings to uncover. If there is a downside, it’s that the map must be navigated in a competitive setting, with storm rings threatening to push you along. I wish there was a way to leisurely explore without the necessity of diving into battle royale. Fortnite’s engaging pop culture collaborations are often best enjoyed as a fun playground rather than a virtual museum. However, I’d love for an exception here, particularly for new or returning players enticed by this update. If that’s you, here are some tips to help you last long enough to enjoy the experience: try the less chaotic “Zero Build” mode. If you activate “Sound Effect Visualization” in the settings, your position will be highlighted on the screen. Remember, there’s no shame in landing in a quieter part of the map and picking off opponents before they can make a move. After all, some of the greatest references are tucked away off the main paths.

The Simpsons collaboration is set to conclude on November 29th, marking a month-long break before the subsequent seasons. It would be a shame to see such an impressive tribute vanish, and while older maps have been reintroduced before (for instance, Fortnite’s first chapter returned in 2023, breaking concurrent player records), many have disappeared for good. Yet, if any series holds enduring appeal, it’s definitely The Simpsons. I’m holding out hope for a revival reminiscent of a blockbuster movie.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Bird Flu Cases Surge Rapidly Despite Summer Season

Posted on by
Reply

The summer was notably calm regarding bird flu. There was a slight decrease in egg prices, a reduction in the number of poultry flocks being culled, and authorities remained hopeful.

“It was remarkable,” mentioned Shauna Voss, the deputy director of the Minnesota Animal Health Commission.

However, this tranquility didn’t continue.

As wild waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and cranes, commenced their seasonal migration, avian influenza has begun to spread once more. The migrating birds interact in lakes and ponds, facilitating the exchange of viruses.

In the poultry sector, avian influenza cases are rising more rapidly than anticipated. In states like Minnesota and Iowa, over 4 million birds have been culled in the past month after tests confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus within their flocks. This increase coincides with a notable rise in infections observed in wild birds in northern regions.

State officials are preparing for a challenging fall, a season known for escalating case numbers.

“We confirmed our first positive case last week,” stated Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. This incident originated from a turkey farm in Calhoun County. “The real concern is how widespread this will become and what the fall season holds for us.”

Naig noted it’s still early to determine the outbreak’s impact on egg prices.

“The most honest answer is that we will have to wait and see. I wish I could provide more clarity,” Naig added.

This marks the fourth consecutive fall with rising bird flu infections, suggesting the virus is becoming endemic among wild birds and could continually threaten poultry.

“It’s not disappearing. It appears to be quite established,” Voss remarked.

The further the virus spreads, the higher the risk of it mutating to infect humans effectively. Some experts are concerned that budget cuts by the Trump administration on mRNA research could hinder scientists’ rapid development of new vaccines. Nevertheless, the current public health risk remains minimal.

As autumn progresses, authorities, wildlife specialists, and virologists are adopting a vigilant but patient stance.

“These times are intriguing,” noted Declan Schroeder, an associate professor of virology at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. “Everyone is watching closely to see the outcome.”

Avian influenza was initially spotted in U.S. commercial flocks in February 2022, following earlier outbreaks among wild birds. Nearly all infected poultry succumb, with over 175 million birds culled or killed by this summer. Two years ago, it was unexpectedly found that avian influenza had moved to dairy cows and was detected in unpasteurized raw milk, leading to significant changes in agricultural practices and milk testing.

At least 70 people have been infected, primarily farm workers who have close contact with birds and livestock. One fatality has occurred.

Researchers believe that wild birds spread the disease to poultry farms through multiple channels: direct contact, feed contamination, and workers inadvertently carrying the virus into barns. This makes the migration period a significant risk factor for outbreaks.

“If an infected bird migrates through a region and spreads the disease to others, our estimates indicate that the infection can spread rapidly,” explained Michael Ward, a professor focused on migration studies at the University of Illinois.

Ward added that the reduction of natural habitats is forcing birds to gather more closely, increasing the potential for the virus’s spread. In Illinois, wetland areas are declining due to drought conditions.

“This scenario is ideal for the virus to thrive,” Ward noted.

In response to inquiries regarding the uptick in avian influenza detections and the federal government’s course of action, the U.S. Department of Agriculture highlighted a five-pillar strategy announced in February, which allocates $100 million towards new biosecurity measures and vaccine development for poultry.

Countries like France are already vaccinating their poultry, but the Agriculture Department is still deliberating on whether the U.S. should follow suit. No vaccines have been approved yet, and their implementation could affect U.S. exports.

“While we believe an effective vaccination strategy would greatly help egg and turkey producers, we recognize the need for careful implementation to avoid negative impacts on other markets,” Naig explained. “The USDA is currently focused on this, and we are waiting to see what the vaccination strategy entails.”

Scientists have long expressed concerns that avian influenza viruses may eventually adapt to spread efficiently among humans. Although the risk remains low at present, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, specializing in infectious diseases, recommends that people take precautionary measures to prevent H5N1 and seasonal influenza infections.

“Get vaccinated against the flu. Avoid raw milk or unpasteurized cheese, especially during outbreaks. Don’t feed your cat outdoors during bird migration season,” Chin-Hong urges.

A scenario where humans contract both H5N1 and seasonal influenza simultaneously could pose challenges, as the avian influenza virus might easily mutate its genetic structure to adapt to humans.

The CDC halted H5N1 coordination meetings with healthcare providers earlier this spring. Chin-Hong is critical of this move, advocating for the agency to resume communications and opposing the administration’s decision to reduce funding for mRNA vaccine research. Biotechnology firm Moderna was in the process of creating an avian influenza vaccine utilizing an mRNA platform, but the Health and Human Services Department withdrew its grant.

The CDC has not responded to inquiries for comment.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Maryland’s Blue Crabs and Their Harvesters Face a Challenging Season

Posted on by
Reply

Annapolis, Maryland – Two species are in jeopardy within the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

This season, the surveys for legendary crustaceans reached one of the lowest levels ever recorded. This has driven up prices at restaurants as disposable income tightened and inflation increased costs for food and other consumer items.

Luke McFadden, 29, who has been crabbing since he was 18, mentioned that the season got off to a tough start.

“We’re doing our best to serve our customers at the lowest price possible to cover our expenses,” he remarked. “But I get it; it’s not easy.”

Krabal Luke McFadden.
Cesar Gonzalez / NBC News

At a family-owned crab house, Pit Boys, Seafood Manager Charlie George indicated that customer prices range from $75 to $140 based on size. This is “much higher” than previous years due to the shortage of crabs in the bay.

According to the 2025 Blue Crab Advisory Report, the overall blue crab population has declined to approximately 238 million, down from 317 million last year. This marks the second lowest level since the annual winter dredge survey commenced in 1990.

Alison Colden, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, attributes the decline to pollution, climate change, and the encroachment of invasive blue catfish throughout the Chesapeake Bay. These catfish were introduced in the 1970s and 1980s to enhance recreational fishing.

“Since then, they’ve proliferated across nearly every river and stream in the Chesapeake Bay region,” Colden remarked. “They are voracious predators.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Foundation Review: The New Season Promises Drama but Ultimately Falls Flat

Posted on by
Reply

Kassian Billton stars as Dawn, a clone of the galaxy.

Patrick Redmond/Apple TV+

Foundation
Apple TV+

Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner had a nightly movie ritual, often indulging in cheesy films where phrases like “ensure you have boundaries!” get thrown around. So, why bring this up in relation to Foundation? This adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s work started with provocative ideas but has since become a formulaic experience—something like a ticking clock.

It’s been two years since the last season of Foundation, so if you’re a bit hazy about the plot, here’s a quick recap: the empire has long been governed by genetic dynasties. Three clone emperors—representing dawn, day, and dusk—come to rule, under the watchful eye of Demerzel (Laura Birn), the last existing robot. Approximately 150 years after Season 2, the first Foundation, conceived to replace the empire, now governs the outer planets.

Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), with the ability to foresee the empire’s fall through the mathematical theory of psychohistory, has uploaded his consciousness to a secure location just before the impending “Seldon Crisis.” These crises signify pivotal moments that can plunge the galaxy into epochs of darkness. Meanwhile, the second Foundation—a secretive colony with telepathic prowess—operates covertly, aiming to prevent the third Seldon crisis, led by a version of Seldon and his protégé, Dornik (Rurbell).

Visually stunning—an array of exquisitely rendered planets render the cosmos seemingly infinite.

That’s the essential backdrop as we venture into Foundation‘s third season. There’s much to unpack, especially with new characters joining the narrative. There’s Quento (Cherry Jones), the inaugural ambassador of the Foundation, navigating a complicated rapport with the Empire; Han Pritcher (Brandon P. Bell), a spy operating between the two Foundations; and Toran Marrow (Cody Fern), a descendant of Wily Hober Marrow from Season 2.

This ensemble is designed to create a rich and intricate universe filled with well-crafted characters. The show skillfully merges drama with grand concepts, particularly involving DeMerselle, giving it a visually spectacular quality as numerous planets are rendered beautifully.

However, herein lies the paradox: while Foundation strives for intellectual stimulation through its lore and epic scope, many of its plotlines come off as ridiculous and superficial. The most captivating elements—the two Seldons, the potential alliance between the Foundation and the Empire, and the intrigues among the three emperors—remain largely unexplored. The narrative often feels intellectually shallow at times. And don’t get me started on the awkward dialogue; phrases like “we have a partnership” made me cringe, not to mention the repeated insistence to “ensure you have boundaries!”

It’s disheartening to watch a promising show decline while retaining traces of its former brilliance. After viewing nine episodes, I’m hopeful the tenth episode will tie everything together, much like Seldon’s Vault, with its buried secrets finally unearthed. Until then, whether you can overlook its shortcomings may determine your enjoyment of Foundation, which feels a step removed from the television gems it once resembled, at least offering some form of unsatisfactory entertainment.

Recommendations for Further Viewing…

Andor
Disney+
Foundation caters to historical enthusiasts intrigued by civilization’s cycles. For a similar experience, check out this Star Wars series that chronicles key figures in a very different empire’s downfall—something quite rare.

The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire
Chris Kempshall
While still rooted in Star Wars, this narrative of Emperor Palpatine’s 24-year reign, depicted from an in-universe historian’s viewpoint, makes for an engaging read.

The Art and Science of Writing Science Fiction

Engage in the craft of science fiction writing this weekend by creating new worlds and artistic creations.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Perfect Season to Admire the Milky Way

Posted on by
Reply

Milky Way over Uluru, Australia

Stefan Liebermann/Mauritius Images GmbH/Alamy

Being located in the Northern Hemisphere, my recommendations for observing the night sky are often limited by this perspective. Thus, in this edition, we shift our focus to the stunning views offered by the Southern Hemisphere, particularly the Milky Way during this time.

Every visible star belongs to our galaxy; when I gaze at the night sky, I’m encountering the Milky Way. Stargazers refer to the Milky Way as the luminous bands of stars and cosmic dust found toward the core of our spiral galaxy. This plane is tilted approximately 60 degrees relative to the solar system, enabling us to see the inner edge of the spiral arm that faces away from our location. Viewed in three dimensions, it resembles a curved arc across the sky.

This view is significantly enhanced in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Earth’s tilt. Stargazers in the southern part of the globe have the advantage of looking toward the galaxy’s center, while those in the north gaze away from it into a star-bereft region. This positioning allows for a clearer view of numerous constellations near the galactic core, including Centaurus and Sagittarius.

Regardless of your location on Earth, we share the same sunlit side, making this the optimum time for celestial observation. However, the Southern Hemisphere offers year-round visibility of the Milky Way—a perk of our planet’s tilt plus the benefits of darker nights during this season.

A decade-old study indicates that one-third of the global population is unable to see the Milky Way, a figure likely increasing due to growing light pollution. I encourage you to seek a remote location on a moonlit night; a new moon, around June 25th, would be ideal. It typically takes your eyes about 40 minutes to adjust to darkness, so if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, you might need to wait until after midnight for optimal conditions.

Some of my most unforgettable nights under the stars occurred in the Southern Hemisphere. The first was at Mount Cook, New Zealand, in early June, and the second was at Warrumbungle National Park, Australia, in April. On both occasions, I was utterly amazed by the sight of the Milky Way, as captured in the image of Uluru, Australia.

If you’re stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere, make sure to look for the Milky Way. You might even spot two of our neighboring galaxies: the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Neither of these is visible from the Northern Hemisphere but can be located near the southern celestial pole.

Abigail Beall is the editor of New Scientist and author of Art of Urban Astronomy. Follow her @abbybeall

For additional projects, visit newscientist.com/maker

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Early Season Heat Waves Record High Temperatures in the Southwest and Texas

Posted on by
Reply

This week, the country is bracing for early seasonal heat waves, with record or near-record high temperatures anticipated across the Northern and Southern Plains, Southwest, and vast regions of central and southern Texas.

On Monday, temperatures climbed into the 90s in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, with some areas likely reaching triple-digit highs.

Beginning Tuesday, Texas will experience its hottest conditions, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit becoming commonplace throughout the state, according to the agency.

“We are expecting record-breaking heat by mid-week across much of central and southern Texas,” the Weather Service noted. I mentioned this in a short-distance forecast on Monday.

In a series of posts on X, the San Antonio Weather Service office cautioned that many people may struggle to adapt to such extreme temperatures, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

“Temperatures are slated to soar above 100 on Tuesday, with some locations potentially hitting 110 mid-week. Ensure you have access to cooling and ample hydration before the heat arrives,” the office advised. I shared this on X.

As the week continues, the heat will intensify in the central and southern plains, eventually spreading to the southeastern U.S. and Florida.

Cities likely to set new daily temperature records this week include Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston in Texas, as well as Oklahoma City; Shreveport, Louisiana; Charleston, South Carolina; and Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando in Florida.

The unseasonably high temperatures are attributed to strong high-pressure ridges situated over much of the country, particularly in Texas. These “thermal domes” effectively trap heat in the region, leading to elevated temperatures for several days.

Southern California recorded historic highs over the weekend, peaking at 103 in downtown Los Angeles, surpassing the previous record of 99 set in 1988. According to reports, this significant increase has raised concerns.

During the Los Angeles heat wave, individuals took a moment to hydrate on Sunday.
Carlin Steele/Los Angeles Times Getty Images

Research indicates that climate change is intensifying the frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves globally. Scientists predict yet another hot summer following two consecutive years of record-breaking global temperatures (2023 and 2024).

These ongoing record temperatures are part of alarming warming trends long anticipated by climate change models. The hottest years on record since 1850 have all occurred within the last decade. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Impact of the Season on Your Metabolism: How Your Thinking Can Make a Difference

Posted on by
Reply

Ah, the circle of life! Your parents engage in intimate activities, and nine months later, you make your grand entrance into the world (apologies for that mental image).

However, did you know that the temperature during your parents’ romantic encounters could impact your metabolism for the long haul?

According to recent research conducted by a researcher at the University of Tokyo in Japan, this might be the case.

The study analyzed the season when 642 Japanese adults were conceived and discovered that individuals conceived during colder months tend to have lower body mass index (BMI), less visceral (abdominal) fat, and a faster metabolism compared to those conceived in warmer months.

This correlation is linked to brown fat, a type of fat that burns energy even at rest, helps keep the body warm, and assists in regulating blood sugar levels.

“People conceived during colder seasons tend to have more active brown fat as adults,” explained Takeshi Yoneshiro, an associate professor at Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

Having more active brown fat means the body burns more energy while resting, potentially resulting in a faster metabolism compared to individuals with lower levels of brown fat.

Our bodies utilize white fat for calorie storage, but brown fat is essential for maintaining warmth. – Credit: nopparit via Getty

Professor Jaswinder Sethi, an expert in immuno-metabolism at the University of Southampton who was not involved in the research, stated to BBC Science Focus: “Brown fat’s primary role is to produce heat and maintain body temperature.

“Moreover, brown fat activity significantly contributes to energy expenditure, aiding in reducing the need for storage and potentially preventing the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders.”

Yoneshiro suggested that parental exposure to cold temperatures could lead to epigenetic modifications, influencing how our genes are expressed.

“In modern times, this metabolic system may help regulate energy balance and protect against metabolic diseases by acting as a heater and air conditioner,” Yoneshiro explained.

However, Sethi cautioned: “It’s crucial to note that, similar to many known genetic variations associated with obesity, these changes are not the sole contributors to future health issues, as individuals may have genetic predispositions affecting their metabolism.”

Additionally, Dr. Adam Collins, an Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey not involved in the study, stated to BBC Science Focus that the significance of brown fat in metabolic regulation may be overemphasized.

“Having abundant brown fat might not necessarily equate to a higher metabolic rate,” Collins noted. “The benefit of brown fat lies in its ability to generate heat, particularly in cold conditions, rather than simply burning calories.”

Since this study is observational, it cannot definitively prove that the season of conception impacts a child’s metabolism in the long term.

Nonetheless, Yoneshiro expressed hope: “If other factors can reproduce this effect, targeted interventions may be developed to enhance metabolic resilience in future generations.”

Read more:

About our experts:

Dr. Takeshi Yoneshiro is an associate professor of biomedical sciences specializing in molecular physiology and metabolism at Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Medicine. Prior to joining Tohoku University in 2023, he served as an associate professor at the Center for Advanced Science and Technology Research at the University of Tokyo.

Jaswinder Sethi is a professor of immunotherapy at the University of Southampton. She is also an Honorary NHS Foundation Trust Research Fellow and a member of the Life Sciences Institute. Her research focuses on immune metabolism, obesity, metabolic diseases, and tissue remodeling.

Dr. Adam Collins is an Associate Professor of Nutrition at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Surrey. With over 20 years of experience as a qualified nutritionist, he leads BSc and MSc nutrition programs at the university. His research includes studying exercise intensity and energy balance, intermittent fasting, dietary composition and timing, and carbohydrate manipulation for metabolic health.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

As hurricane season wraps up, scientists explore surprising trends

Posted on by
Reply

overview

  • The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends Saturday.
  • The pattern of activity surprised forecasters. The season was busy early on, with strong storms occurring later in the season, but quiet during what is normally considered the peak period.
  • Climate change has most likely caused the observed storms to become more intense.

A bizarre and devastating hurricane season officially came to an end Saturday, and forecasters are looking into its many surprises.

Philip Klotzbach, a Colorado State University meteorologist who specializes in Atlantic hurricane forecasting, said, “Every year there are one or two things that bother me, but this year there were more than usual.” he said.

Most forecasters are predicting a very active hurricane season as early as April, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its best forecast ever.

In the end, there were 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes. Although this was at the low end of the range most forecasters expected, it was still above normal and a “very active” season.

What surprised researchers was how strange the season unfolded. It got off to a roaring start in June when Hurricane Beryl became the first Category 5 storm to be observed in the Atlantic Ocean. But from mid-August to early September, everything went quiet. The season typically reaches its peak around September 10th. But it was the first time since 1968 that no named storm formed during those weeks.

Just when researchers thought their predictions were wrong, storm activity picked up again and Hurricanes Helen and Milton struck, causing billions of dollars in damage.

Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico on October 8th.
NOAA/NESDIS/Star

“The normal seasonal cycle has been reversed,” Klotzbach said. “What was striking to me was that it was like a switch was flipped, completely off, then completely on. For Helen, nothing happened, and for East Atlantic and Milton, The storm continued.”

Researchers are studying what causes this strange pattern to better understand the factors that cause hurricanes and improve future predictions.

Researchers predicted this spring's hurricane season would be busy and dangerous because of record-high ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the possibility that La Niña, a pattern of natural fluctuations, could take hold. Ta. Ocean heat provides fuel for hurricanes and can intensify them faster. La Niña is associated with hurricanes because it often reduces atmospheric stability.

“Early on, we thought it was going to be our busiest season on record,” Klotzbach said.

Although ocean temperatures remained at or near record highs in the North Atlantic, La Niña events did not develop as strongly, said Matthew Rosen, chief hurricane forecaster at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. Krans said.

A combination of other factors most likely contributed to the alarming stagnation in activity.

Approximately 60% of hurricanes occur as a result of Africa's tropical monsoon season. draws moisture into an area called the Sahel. However, this year's monsoon developed elsewhere.

“The monsoon reached so far north and was so strong that it reached areas that hadn't had rain in 45 years,” Rosencrans said, adding that this change had weakened the development of tropical cyclones. Ta.

Rosencrans said another climate pattern, called the Madden-Julian Oscillation, a group of storms that pass near the equator, also likely contributed, with storm development slowing in early September and then later in the month. It is said that hurricanes are starting to occur.

Researchers will spend the winter examining which factors had the most influence through climate and weather models.

“This is an opportunity to learn, to observe systems and let the Earth teach us something new,” he said.

Despite a mid-season interruption due to a tropical storm, 2024 set several records. According to a review published by Klotzbach, five hurricanes have made landfall in the continental United States, tied for the second-highest number in history.

Destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen's flooding in Batcave, North Carolina, on October 8.
Tama Mario/Getty Images File
On September 28, heavy rains from Hurricane Helen caused record flooding and damage in Asheville, North Carolina.
Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images File

Helen was the most powerful hurricane to hit Big Bend, Florida. Since September 25th, seven hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic Ocean, the most on record.

Hurricane Milton set a record for tornado warnings in Florida, spawning dozens of tornadoes.

Research suggests climate change has worsened Helen and Milton's symptoms. Both hurricanes underwent a rapid intensification process, with their sustained wind speeds increasing by at least 35 miles per hour over a 24-hour period. This trend is becoming more common as global temperatures rise.

Additionally, scientists studying the effects of climate change on weather have discovered that: Rainfall amounts for single-day events like Milton are currently about 20% to 30% higher due to climate change.. Researchers, in collaboration with the World Weather Attribution project, determined that Milton's wind speeds were likely 10% stronger due to the effects of climate change. The group had similar results during Hurricane Helen.

A destroyed home in Lakewood Park, Florida, on October 10th.
Giorgio Vieira/AFP – Getty Images File

According to a report published by Climate Central, a nonprofit organization that tracks climate change, all 11 of this year's Atlantic hurricanes An additional 9 to 28 miles per hour due to human-induced global warmingmainly due to the record-breaking warmth of the ocean.

Rosenkrans said research generally does not suggest that the number of named storms (winds of 39 miles per hour or more) will change with climate change. However, a larger proportion of named storms are expected to become hurricanes, with the majority of those hurricanes reaching Category 4 or 5. That was the case this year as well.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Hot Gulf of Mexico experiences unusually calm hurricane season

Posted on by
Reply

summary

  • Despite warm ocean temperatures, hurricane season is on a lull.
  • This season is expected to be much more active than usual and is off to a record-breaking start.
  • Still, the unofficial peak of hurricane season is on September 10, so scientists wouldn’t be surprised if cyclonic activity picks up again soon.

The Gulf of Mexico is scorching hot, but hurricane season is on a lull (at least temporarily) — a surprise to researchers who say there’s a lot brewing in the Atlantic, but no storms are showing up on radar.

The National Hurricane Center said on Friday No tropical cyclone activity expected for at least a week.

“Nothing is happening, which is extremely quiet and odd given the warm temperatures in the Atlantic and the La Niña climate pattern,” said Philip Klotzbach, a meteorologist at Colorado State University who specializes in seasonal hurricane forecasting in the Atlantic basin. “It’s a head-scratching situation right now.”

The La Niña weather phenomenon that scientists are predicting will develop this fall is closely linked to hurricanes, as is warming water in the Atlantic Ocean, with ocean heat content in the Gulf of Mexico at its highest since 2013, according to data from the University of Miami.

Sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic are trending about 1.8 degrees above normal. According to the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalysis InstrumentThis trend is especially evident in the Gulf of Mexico.

Warmer oceans increase hurricane energy through heat, increasing the risk of storms intensifying rapidly.

“We have plenty of fuel. It’s not going to hinder our season,” Klotzbach said.

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. Hurricane scientists had predicted this year’s hurricane season would be record-breaking, but it got off to a record-breaking start in June with Hurricane Beryl being the first Category 4 storm to form in the Atlantic. Then, the slow-moving Hurricane Debbie dumped incredible rain on several southeastern states in early August. But since then, it’s been relatively quiet.

Steve Bowen, chief scientific officer at global reinsurance broker Gallagher Re, said weather trends off the coast of West Africa, including a strengthening monsoon, may have prevented tropical storms from developing in the Atlantic basin.

But that may not last long: The unofficial peak of hurricane season is September 10.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we get what’s called a backloading season with pretty good activity through September, October, and possibly November,” Bowen said.

Although things have calmed down recently, scientists believe this season has been quite active so far.

“We’ve already had two landfalls in the United States,” Bowen said. “Typically, the first major hurricane doesn’t form until August 31st. … Just looking at the statistics, we’re well ahead of normal.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Forecasts Predict a High Number of Storms for Hurricane Season

Posted on by
Reply

Initial predictions for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season indicate that it could be particularly severe and potentially break records.

Colorado State University, a renowned center for hurricane and tropical weather forecasting, has released forecasts stating that there could be 11 hurricanes, with five of them potentially reaching Category 3, 4, or 5 status, which means wind speeds of at least 111 mph. In total, researchers anticipate 23 named storms for this season.

“This is the most accurate forecast we’ve made for April,” stated Colorado meteorologist and Atlantic hurricane forecaster Philip Klotzbach during a video news conference.

On average, an Atlantic hurricane season typically sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher), according to the National Hurricane Center.

The primary reasons for the above-average expectations for the upcoming season (June 1 to November 30) are the unprecedented levels of warmth in the Atlantic Ocean and the natural fluctuations caused by La Niña. Ocean temperatures have hit record highs in the past year, enhancing the probability of potent storms and potentially intensifying them at a faster rate.

According to Colorado’s forecast, there is a 62% likelihood of a major hurricane striking the U.S. coastline, an increase of about 19% from the norm. However, this projection was disclosed earlier this year and will be updated as the season progresses. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has yet to release its forecast.

Other hurricane experts also express concerns about the combination of unnatural ocean warming and La Niña’s natural impacts.

“All signs point towards what could potentially be a highly active hurricane season in 2024, with very powerful hurricanes. That’s definitely something to be worried about,” remarked meteorologist and hurricane expert John Morales from NBC 6 South Florida.

Sea surface temperatures are climbing globally, setting new daily records for over a year. This trend has baffled marine scientists and is likely influenced by climate change. Some of the most significant temperature anomalies have been observed in the waters off the west coast of Africa, where many Atlantic hurricanes that hit the U.S. East Coast originate.

“The ocean heat content in the tropical eastern Atlantic is currently *3 months* ahead of the norm,” noted Brian McNoldy, a senior research scientist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Ocean, Atmospheric, and Earth Sciences, in a tweet. In simpler terms, the ocean’s current heat levels resemble those of a typical July.

Ocean heat serves as fuel for extreme storms. If a hurricane’s winds intensify suddenly as it nears the coast, there is a heightened risk of rapid intensification. In recent years, there has been an observed uptick in such intensification. Last year, Hurricane Idalia rapidly strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 4 storm within 24 hours.

Morales expressed that this swift intensification is “one of the greatest concerns I’ve had to keep to myself over the past 15, 20 years as a hurricane forecaster.”

“Eventually, we’ll witness a mundane tropical storm transform into a Category 4 hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Miami 36 hours later,” he warned. “And individuals may not have made the essential preparations.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Wildfire season starting earlier and extending further

Posted on by
Reply

The fire season in Alberta, Canada typically starts on March 1st. The season was officially declared open on February 20th, more than a week ago.

Over 150 wildfires are currently burning in parts of Western Canada. Meanwhile, firefighters in the Texas Panhandle have been battling the largest wildfire in the state’s history for over a week. This fire is part of a trend of recent wildfires starting earlier than expected.

Although winter fires are not uncommon in these regions, scientists believe that global warming is worsening the conditions that lead to these winter wildfires.

According to wildfire expert Mike Flannigan from Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, Canada, “As temperatures rise, we are seeing conditions that are more conducive to fires. A longer burn period means more chances for fires to occur.”

The ongoing drought in Western Canada is fueling numerous fires in British Columbia and Alberta. Even in areas where drought is not a major issue, the impacts of climate change are being felt.

In Texas, authorities are investigating whether a utility company was responsible for the recent historic fires, which burned over a million acres. Extreme temperatures, dry grass, and high winds created ideal conditions for the fires to spread rapidly.

While global warming may contribute to the conditions favoring wildfires, it is challenging to directly attribute individual events to climate change. Weather, landscapes, and ecosystems all interact in complex ways to influence fire behavior in different locations.

Climate change is leading to warmer environments that make plants drier, increasing the risk of fires. Scientist Nathan Gill from Texas Tech University explained, “While we can’t point to any specific event as caused by climate change, conditions are changing, making similar events more likely in the future.”

This trend is expected to result in longer fire seasons and more winter fires in the years to come, as we continue to live in a more fire-prone world.

“As we face a more flammable world, we should anticipate more occurrences like this,” Flannigan concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Holiday Season Brings Increased Risk of Penile Fractures, Doctors Warn

Posted on by
Reply

Christmas is a joyful time for many, but doctors have cautioned that there is a significant rise in embarrassing bedroom injuries during this festive season.

Warning: This story contains references to sexual assault.

Urologists at the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, Germany, have stated that a penile fracture is considered a medical emergency and is typically accompanied by an audible cracking sound and intense pain.

They caution that such injuries are the result of “strong flexing of the erect penis during aggressive sexual intercourse characterized by unusual sexual positions (e.g. ‘reverse cowgirl’)”.

In addition to the “audible cracking” and “severe pain,” doctors added that there is also rapid loss of erection, swelling, and bruising afterwards.

A study using German hospital data on 3,421 men who sustained penile fractures between 2005 and 2021 found that penile fractures increased during the festive period. The study, published in the British Journal of Urology International, also found that penile fractures increased on weekends and during the summer, but not on New Year’s Eve.

The researchers added that hospitalizations due to injuries were not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or lockdown. The average age of penile fracture in men was 42 years.

Read more from Sky News:
Christmas vegetables that may help fight cancer
AI experts sound the alarm ahead of big election year

“Our findings ring an alarm (not jingle bells).”

The study also found that penile fractures are “most likely to occur during sex in unconventional scenarios,” such as extramarital sex or in “unusual locations.”

“Our analysis shows that penile fractures occur during times when couples are enjoying relaxing time, such as Christmas, weekends, and summer,” the authors write.

“Of course, we cannot recommend not having sex during such a period, but our findings ring alarm bells (rather than jingle bells).”

The authors, who clearly enjoy writing about their findings with festive puns, concluded: “Thus, in this case, playing ‘Home Alone’ during Christmas and the holidays seems like a good idea.” ing.

Source: news.sky.com

Avoid These Tech Gifts for Family and Friends This Holiday Season

Posted on by
Reply

It’s the season Going a little overboard with gift-giving. But this year, give yourself the gift of great security (and privacy) and avoid technologies that may introduce unwanted risks or consequences. We are not talking about things that explode in the night or suddenly break, but rather gifts that can have irrevocable or lasting consequences in the future. This year has seen several major hacks involving healthcare and genetic data, and consumer surveillance technology is becoming more commonplace to spy on unsuspecting people. everyone, an ongoing unscrupulous data operation that sells personal information to those who want to buy it. The best solution to this problem is to not get involved in the first place. We have many gift ideas for you to consider.

Things to avoid…

  • Genetic testing kits like 23andMe can have permanent and unexpected results
  • Video door phone to see and hear all
  • VPNs do not maintain your anonymity but may expose your web data
  • Tracking your kids with dangerous location tracking apps is a terrible idea
  • Cheap knock-off Android tablets can hide malware
  • For practical safety, avoid sex toys connected to the internet

Genetic testing is forever. Once you spit it into the tube and send it on its way, there’s no way to get it back. And it’s not just genes that are being digitized. You will also be sharing your genes with your immediate family and relatives. What could go wrong? This year, the profiles and genetic information of millions of 23andMe customers were removed from the company’s systems in what is believed to be the largest genetic data breach in recent years. But 23andMe is not the first victim of a data breach, nor will it be the last. Even if security isn’t a concern, the fact that these companies store large amounts of highly sensitive information to begin with makes them attractive targets for law enforcement trying to solve crimes. It becomes. And while companies like 23andMe and Ancestry have – in the past emphatically – resisted law enforcement efforts to access DNA data pursuant to transparency reports, other companies have Principle of laissez faire Approaches to accessing genetic data held by police. Jason Koebler of 404 Media I couldn’t have said it any better.: “Doing 23andMe is an irreversible act that can have unintended consequences not only for yourself, but also for your family and future descendants.”

Video door phone to see and hear all

While there may be some benefit to seeing who’s at your front door before they get there, the long-term effects of installing a video camera on your front door open up a world of surveillance to your neighborhood. You or your neighbors may be watching. Not comfortable. doorbell video recording all They use cameras and microphones to see and listen, and send the recorded footage to the cloud for later viewing. However, as a result, that footage is often also available to law enforcement and can be highly intrusive, especially if: Police obtained footage from inside the home without the owner’s permission. End-to-end encrypted (E2EE) cameras offer maximum privacy (assuming that’s the company you bought the camera from). Not lying about encryption claims) to ensure that no one other than the owner (including the company itself) can access their footage. This is a good thing, especially since companies like Ring have been fined in the past for letting their employees snoop on customers’ unencrypted videos. After resolving the charges with federal regulators, Ring now says: Staff will only access customer footage in “very limited circumstances.” Of course, Ring hasn’t said what those situations will be.

VPNs do not maintain your anonymity but may expose your web data

If you think a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will keep you anonymous on the Internet, think again. Consumer-grade VPNs hide your IP address (a series of numbers that identify you to other devices on the Internet) and make it appear as if you’re in the area, typically You can claim to allow access to blocked streaming shows. In reality, VPN providers have a negative impact on your privacy and should be avoided like the plague. A VPN allows you to divert all your internet traffic away from your internet provider and instead route it through a VPN provider that ostensibly hides your privacy. Internet traffic may include information about which websites you visit and when, and may include highly sensitive information such as passwords and other credentials. However, some VPN providers don’t even encrypt the user’s data flowing over their network, despite claiming to do so. VPN providers need to make money just like any other provider. Free her VPN providers are by far the worst offenders, as they make money by selling or sharing your internet traffic to advertisers (or other unscrupulous buyers). Even for premium or paid services, anonymity cannot be guaranteed if you are paying with a traceable method such as a credit card. If you want anonymity online, you may want to use the Tor browser. It’s slower than the typical public internet and not ideal for streaming video, but it’s a compromise you have to make to ensure maximum privacy. Otherwise, you run the risk of your VPN selling or exfiltrating your sensitive internet traffic. Also, if a VPN is right for your use case, at least consider setting up a VPN to run yourself.

Tracking your kids with dangerous location tracking apps is a terrible idea

We can all understand the stress and fear of having children in an age of stranger danger and online harm. No wonder many parents want to track the location of their children’s phones. But child tracking apps are a thorny security and privacy issue, and the data they collect rarely remains on the device. Location data is some of the most sensitive data belonging to individuals. Location information can determine where someone was at a particular time, which can be highly revealing and invasive. But for years, we’ve reported on leaked location-sharing apps that expose people’s real-time location data, as well as nefarious and buggy “stalkerware” apps that leak information to everyone on the internet. Even one of his well-known family tracking apps, Life360, was busted Sell ​​your precise location data to a data broker. There’s no reason not to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of tracking children. and your children. The key is trust, not stealth tracking. If your child consents to sharing their location, consider using the Family app or parental control apps built into most modern cell phones. Google also has Family Link, which allows Apple devices to share their end-to-end encrypted location with other Apple users, making it inaccessible to others.

Cheap knock-off Android tablets can hide malware

Cheaper isn’t always better, and Android devices are no exception. Case in point: earlier this year, EFF’s girlfriend Alexis Hancock discovered that her low-cost Android tablet given to her daughter had been shipped preloaded with software that appeared to be malware. This tablet also ran her Android software, which was released five years ago, but the app store designed for kids was also outdated. Hancock contacted the tablet manufacturer, but received no response. It’s tempting to buy a cheap device, but it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to include software for financial rebates to offset the price of the device itself. In some cases, preloaded software can send back data about the device or its user, or worse, have security bugs that can put the device’s data at risk. You may be able to recover your counterfeit tablet before you throw it away. Hancock has A great guide on how to protect your child’s Android device.

For practical safety, avoid sex toys connected to the internet

Last but certainly not least. There is a general belief in cybersecurity that any device or gadget that adds an internet connection is significantly more likely to be hacked, compromised, or tampered with remotely. One device that should not be connected to the internet is one inside your body. We’ve seen our fair share of horror stories about internet-connected sex toys. In 2020, we reported on smart chastity locks with security bugs that risked permanent lock-in. And this year, another smart sex toy maker exposed its customers’ user and location data due to a leaked server, but the company has yet to fix the issue. If your sex toy includes a phone app, there’s a good chance that the toy (or the app itself) could leak personal data, either by mistake or by sharing data with advertisers. It’s okay to be a pervert, no criticism here! However, if you absolutely must use a remote-controlled sex toy, consider a device that only has a

Source: techcrunch.com

The holiday season sees ongoing cryptocurrency hacks and chaos

Posted on by
Reply

Welcome to Chain Reactions.

Get a roundup of TechCrunch’s biggest and most important crypto articles delivered to your inbox every Thursday at 12pm PT. Subscribe here.

If you’re feeling the holiday spirit this month, you’re probably aligning yourself with the millions of people who are spreading joy, love, warmth, and even generosity.

But if you’re feeling like the Grinch, you’re probably joining a smaller group of individuals, one that may (in this analogy) include crypto hackers. there is.

Even though it’s a fun season, hackers haven’t stopped. But hey, playing devil’s advocate, the attackers may be overjoyed every time someone falls for their scam. Two sides of the coin.

Earlier Thursday, hackers breached the code behind the cryptographic protocols used by multiple Web3 applications and services, crypto software and hardware wallet maker Ledger announced Thursday.

It was not immediately clear how many people were victims of the hack. ZachXBT, a well-known independent crypto researcher, wrote to X that one of the victims had over $600,000 in crypto assets leaked from his account.

Please see below for details.

what is happening in web3

  1. Users hacked in supply chain attack targeting Ledger cryptocurrency wallets
  2. Bitcoin ATM company Coin Cloud has been hacked. Even the new owners don’t know how.
  3. Worldcoin adds integration with Minecraft, Reddit, Telegram, Shopify, Mercado Libre
  4. Korus, a startup founded by Deadmau5, uses AI to create music

latest pod



this week's episode, Jacqueline We interviewed Johan Kerblatt, General Manager of Cryptocurrency at Robinhood.


Johan is leading applications efforts to grow the cryptocurrency exchange business and make digital assets more accessible to retail investors.


Before joining Robinhood, Johan was an engineer at Airbnb, served as Head of Engineering at Uber and VP of Engineering at privacy-focused crypto startup Iron Fish.


We discussed Robinhood's expansion outside the US, how the platform restricted holdings and trading of certain crypto assets in June, and the current situation.


We also discussed:


    

  • appeal to mainstream audiences
    • 

  • Grow your cryptocurrencies on the platform
    • 

  • Regulatory concerns
    • 

  • Robinhood’s 2024 Goals
    • 



apply Chain reaction upon    apple podcast, spotify    Or catch up on the latest episodes using your favorite pod platform. If you like what you hear, please leave a review.


follow the money


    

  1. Line Next secures $140 million in funding for its Web3 platform
    2. 

  2. Lolli raises $8M in Series B to expand Bitcoin and cashback benefits to businesses
    3. 

  3. Andalusia Labs raises $48 million in Series A to improve risk infrastructure for digital assets
    4. 

  4. Dynamic raises $13.5 million from a16z cryptocurrency and Founders Fund for easy access to Web3 and cryptocurrency wallets
    5. 

  5. Avalanche-based Nodekit raises $1.2M in pre-seed round to build rollup-focused network
    6. 



This list was compiled using information from Messari and TechCrunch's own reporting.


what else are you writing? 


Ready to step outside the world of Web3? Here are some TechCrunch articles that caught our attention this week.


    

  1. Mr. Tem’s latest lawsuit against Shane is wild (TC+)
    2. 

  2. OpenAI believes superhuman AI is coming and wants to build tools to control it.
    3. 

  3. AI is not evil and will not get smarter any time soon, but it is also irreversibly pervasive.
    4. 

  4. Here's where founders mess up their pitch decks most often (TC+)
    5. 

  5. Possible regulations surrounding generative AI (TC+) are on the horizon
    6. 



Follow us on Twitter @Jacqmelinek Get the latest cryptocurrency news, memes, and more.





Source: techcrunch.com

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Study Shows Abdominal Circumference Grows During the Holiday Season

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
						

				Reply			

					


				

			





            
        

    


increase in perimeter


Some people get bigger during the holidays than they were before the holidays. A team from the University of Castilla-La Mancha and the University of Valladolid in Spain surveyed several first-year undergraduate nursing students and found that Preliminary study on the increase in BMI of health science students during Christmas vacation”.


Researchers assessed changes in weight and waist circumference in 67 students over the Christmas break. They asked students to take measurements on December 23, the day before the holidays officially began, and again at two designated locations during the holidays, and finally when the university’s general activities officially resumed on December 23. Measured on the 13th of the month.


(Presumably the students were honest and accurate. However, the study did not include the following: “This was an exploratory pilot study of self-reports. It is known that these reports tend to underestimate weight. ) The self-reported numbers show that: On average, students gained about 0.5 kg during their vacation and gained it back by the time they returned to campus.


The study states, “Overall, for both men and women, students who weighed more tended to gain more weight.” Research suggests that what students ate (not just the amount) may have played a significant role.  “Students who were on a high-fat diet showed more significant weight changes.”


    


What kind of new hill of beans does this amount of pounds above and below equate to? The study found that “weight gain is not surprising, but it does show that young people may gain weight during the holiday period.” ” concludes.


What about the size of the student’s waistline (referred to in research as “abdominal circumference”)? It increased by about 1 centimeter on average and stayed that way. In other words, people tended to gain just a little bit more weight after the holidays.


A little moment on holiday


The little things that happen during the holidays are especially memorable because of their timing.


The same is true of a snake that bites a man’s genitals while defecating. GH Dijkema and his colleagues from Rhine State Hospital in the Netherlands reveal the details in a report called “.Scrotal necrosis after cobra (Naja annulifera) poisoning”.


At its core, this is a simple story. The research team condenses the basic facts into one sentence.  “A 47-year-old otherwise healthy man was vacationing in a nature reserve in South Africa when a snake jumped out of the toilet and bit him on the genitals while he was using the toilet.”


Enough detail has been added to fill two and a half pages, punctuated by three photos of injured body parts. The authors also add some kind thoughts: In countries known for snakes, always flush the toilet before sitting down.  ”


new holiday traditions


Some families like to get together to read aloud holiday stories, especially the Christmas stories written by Charles Dickens. But for families who are tired of hearing the same old words year after year, there is an alternative. Perhaps most beneficial is to take a business-like approach.


Yukyung Kim has identified a number of stories that you and your family can read aloud to each other as you look forward to the arrival of the new year, because no one will stop you.


Kim compiled this material as the main part of his master’s thesis at the University of Liberal Arts and Convergence Sciences in South Korea, which he titled “.Research on CEO New Year’s greetings: Research using text mining method”. As most holidaymakers know, “CEO” is an acronym for the phrase “Chief Executive Officer.”


Kim’s summaries of these New Year’s stories are more businesslike than those of Dickens’ Christmas stories. Mr. Kim said:  “This study analyzed the New Year speeches of his CEOs of major Korean companies… [I] We analyzed 545 New Year’s speeches announced by the top 66 Korean companies by market capitalization from 2012 to 2021.  ”


Many Korean CEO New Year’s greetings can be found on the Internet or by sending a request in a complimentary tone to the company headquarters. After a night of listening to families loudly proclaim these CEO stories, no matter what happens in the next few days, it will feel like the start of a vibrant year.


Muddy white christmas


Calcium carbonate (CaCO) is the reason we have a white Christmas in warm places, as opposed to snow covering the ground in colder climates.3) precipitates in calm water.  CaCO3 It falls to the ocean floor and is covered with thick white lime mud.


Sam Purkiss and his team at the University of Miami, Florida, published a study on this titled “.It’s always a white Christmas in the Bahamas: Temperature and hydrodynamics localize winter mud production on the Great Bahama Bank.”.


As a Christmas Eve reading, the writing isn’t as good as Dickens (or Korean CEO), but you can have your relatives enjoy the lyrical parts. For example, “spatial heterogeneity in aragonite saturation is high in winter, and zones of peak bleaching are located in areas of locally increased saturation.”


Set to festive music and a cheerful atmosphere, a dramatic reading of Calcium Carbonate’s White Christmas will change everyone’s thoughts for the better.


Mark Abrahams hosted the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founded the magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Previously, he was working on unusual uses of computers.his website is impossible.com


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