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

Posted on November 6, 2025 by

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.

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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

Tonight’s Meteor Shower: A Guide to Enjoying the Spectacular Perseid Meteor Show of 2025

Posted on August 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Perseid meteor shower is set to be one of the most prominent displays of 2025, providing a fantastic opportunity to gaze at the night sky.

These meteor showers are famous for their high meteor velocities, reaching up to 100 per hour under ideal conditions.

Moreover, if you wake up early to witness the meteor shower in the pre-dawn hours, you may catch another astronomical sight. On August 13th, Jupiter and Venus, the two brightest objects in the night sky after the moon, will make their closest approach of the year.

This guide has everything you need to enjoy the 2025 Perseid meteor shower to the fullest.

When will the Perseid meteor shower occur in 2025?

The Perseids will be active from July 17th to August 24th, peaking on the evening of August 12th.

This period will see the highest number of meteors, but if clouds or timing prevent you from witnessing the peak, you can still enjoy a good show between August 9th and 15th.

The best viewing times for the Perseids are from midnight until about an hour before dawn. However, even in the late evening, you might still spot a few meteors.

The Zenital Hourly Rate (ZHR) for the Perseids is estimated at 100-150 meteors per hour, but that doesn’t guarantee a large number of visible shooting stars.

“The ZHR represents the expected rate under ideal conditions, which are seldom met,” explains Pete Lawrence, an expert astronomer and presenter for Night Sky.

“Consequently, the actual number of visible meteors, or the visual hourly rate, is often lower. Nevertheless, a high ZHR indicates that good activity is possible.”

Where is the best place to view the Perseid meteor shower?

Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so your best bet is to find a clear area with as wide a view as possible.

While following the trails of the Perseid meteors, you’ll notice they all originate from the same point known as the Radiant in the constellation Perseus.

It’s advisable not to look directly at the Radiant; instead, gaze away from it to catch meteors with their long tails.

Finding Perseus is worthwhile as the constellation rises just as the sun sets and remains visible throughout the night in the northern sky.

The easiest way to locate it is to look for the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia, which consists of prominent stars positioned higher in the sky; Perseus lies just below it.

What is the ideal location for observing meteor showers?

The prime spot to observe the 2025 Perseid meteor shower is a dark area with an unobstructed view of the sky.

Light pollution can wash out dim meteors, so it’s best to escape the urban sprawl and find a truly dark site. Ensure the location is safe and secure.

If you can’t get far, don’t fret; simply find a sheltered spot free from direct lighting. This could be your backyard or a local park where you can block out harsh streetlights.

Whenever possible, escape to a Dark Sky Site – Credit: Getty Images

How can I best view the Meteor Shower?

The optimal way to experience the meteor shower is to lie back and take in as much sky as possible.

Avoid using telescopes or binoculars as they limit your view; it’s best to watch with your own eyes.

Once you’re settled, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. This process takes about 30 minutes, although you’ll start noticing changes before that.

Be cautious — a single bright light can ruin your night vision, so ensure security lights are off and switch your phone to red light mode.

Does the moon affect visibility?

One uncontrollable form of light pollution is the moon.

The moon will be waxing in the days leading up to the August 9th peak of the 2025 Perseid meteor shower. On peak night, it will be about 88% illuminated and prominent throughout the night.

If possible, position yourself so that buildings or trees block the moon’s glare.

The moon rises in the east and ascends higher into the sky as the night progresses.

Top tips for enjoying the Perseid Meteor Shower

Choose a dark location. Whether it’s a designated dark sky area or a secluded part of your backyard, find a spot far from artificial light while enjoying unobstructed views of the sky.
Use red light on your phone. Red lights help preserve your night vision. Some phones can be set to red light mode, while others may need an app.
Dress warmly. Even in August, sitting still can get chilly at night. Layers will help you accommodate changing temperatures.
Make yourself comfortable. Staring at the sky can strain your neck. A sun lounger could support your head. Alternatively, lying on the ground with a blanket can provide cushioning and warmth.
Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. This takes about 20-30 minutes; the longer you wait, the more meteors you’ll likely see.

What triggers the Perseid meteor shower?

“A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through sparse dust particles scattered along a comet’s orbit,” notes Lawrence.

In the case of the Perseids, the comet is 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which completes an orbit around the solar system every 133 years, last passing in 1995.

“The density of dust is greatest in the center of the stream and thins out in the outer regions,” adds Lawrence.

The dust grains, about the size of sand particles, travel through Earth’s atmosphere at an astonishing speed of approximately 215,000 km/h (130,000 mph).

This rapid motion causes the air to heat up to extreme temperatures, resulting in brilliant streaks of light across the sky.

The peaks of meteor showers occur when Earth traverses the densest parts of the dust stream.

“Earth will start to intersect with the broad dust stream of 109P/Swift-Tuttle around July 14th and continue through September 1st,” says Lawrence.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Netflix Introduces Generated AI in a New Show for the First Time

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Netflix has pioneered the use of artificial intelligence in its television programming. The head of the streaming service has successfully made productions both more affordable and of higher quality.

According to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, the Argentine science fiction series El Eternauta (The Eternaut) was the first to utilize AI-generated footage.

“I believe AI offers a remarkable opportunity to assist creators in enhancing the quality of films and series, rather than merely reducing costs,” he shared with analysts following Netflix’s second-quarter report on Thursday.

He explained that the series, which depicts survivors facing a rapid and disastrous toxic snowfall, showcased collaboration between Netflix and Visual Effects (VFX) artists who employed AI to illustrate the downfall of Buenos Aires.

“Utilizing AI-enhanced tools enabled them to achieve remarkable outcomes at unprecedented speeds. In fact, the VFX sequences were finalized ten times faster than with traditional VFX methods,” he noted.

Sarandos pointed out that the integration of AI tools allows Netflix to finance the show at considerably lower costs compared to conventional large productions.

“The expenses for [special effects without AI] would have been unfeasible for that budget,” Sarandos mentioned.

Concerns around job security have emerged within the entertainment sector due to the introduction of generative AI, particularly affecting production and special effects roles.

In 2023, AI was a significant point of contention during a dual strike involving Hollywood actors and writers, leading to agreements that ensured emerging technologies are harnessed for the benefit of workers rather than to eliminate jobs.

Sarandos emphasized, “These tools are for real people doing real work with enhanced resources. Our creators have begun to experience the advantages of production via pre-visualization, shot planning, and definitely visual effects. I believe these tools will empower creators to broaden their storytelling horizons on screen.”

His remarks followed the announcement of Netflix achieving $11 billion in revenue for the quarter ending in June, reflecting a 16% year-over-year increase.

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The company noted that better-than-expected results were driven by the popularity of the third and final season of the Korean thriller Squid Game.

Netflix anticipates that its small yet rapidly expanding advertising division will “almost double” this year.

“The quarter’s performance that surpassed expectations can be attributed to excellent content, increased pricing, and the momentum of ads all coming together,” remarked Mike Proulx, Vice President of Research at Forrester. “There is still more work required to enhance advertising capabilities, but the toughest challenges are behind Netflix with the comprehensive launch of its own ad tech platform.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Long-term Studies Show That Small Particles Continue to Display Unexpected Behavior

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Long-term conclusive results from US-based experiments have emerged. The latest release on Tuesday highlights a tiny particle behaving unexpectedly, which is still positive news for our understanding of Physics Laws.

“This experiment represents a remarkable achievement in precision,” noted Toba Holmes, an experimental physicist at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, who is not affiliated with the collaboration.

The enigmatic particles known as Muons are heavier than electrons. They exhibit a wobbling motion akin to a spinning top when subjected to a magnetic field, and scientists are scrutinizing this motion to determine its compliance with the well-established physics framework known as the standard model.

Findings from the 1960s and 1970s suggested everything was functioning as expected. However, investigations at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the late 1990s and early 2000s yielded unexpected results.

Decades later, an international coalition of scientists opted to revisit the experiment with enhanced accuracy. The team navigated Muons around magnetic, ring-shaped tracks akin to those used in the initial Brookhaven studies, and recorded the wobble signals at Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago.

The outcomes from the initial two sets published in 2021 and 2023 appear to affirm the odd behavior of Muons, encouraging theoretical physicists to reconsider the standard model alongside new metrics.

Recently, the team finalized the experiment and published Muon wobble measurements that align with their earlier findings, utilizing more than double the data collected in 2023.

Nevertheless, this does not finalize the fundamental understanding of what underpins the universe. As Muons travel along their paths, other researchers have devised methods to better harmonize standard models with observed behaviors, leveraging the power of supercomputers.

Further investigation is essential as researchers collaborate, and upcoming experiments will encourage future studies that assess Muon wobble. Scientists are also examining the latest Muon data for insights into other mysterious entities like dark matter.

“This measurement will serve as a benchmark for years to follow,” remarked Marco Incagli from the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics.

In their pursuit of Muons, scientists aim to unravel fundamental questions that have long intrigued physicists, as noted by Peter Winter from the Argonne National Laboratory.

“Isn’t it something we all wish to understand—how the universe operates?” Winter questioned.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Medications Similar to Wegovy Show Effectiveness in Treating Fatty Liver Disease

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis and cancer

3dmedisphere/shutterstoc k

Currently, common medications used for treating obesity and diabetes are showing promise in combating life-threatening liver diseases.

Semaglutide, marketed under names like Ozempic and Wegovi, mimics the hormone GLP-1, which aids in weight loss and regulates blood sugar levels, helps suppress appetite, and promotes insulin secretion. Researchers have now found that this drug therapy can halt or even reverse a condition known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

“This could offer a groundbreaking way to manage this condition,” says Philip Newsom from King’s College London. “It’s incredibly promising for patients.”

MASH, formerly known as NASH, is a severe version of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease marked by inflammation, fibrosis (scar tissue formation), and excessive liver fat accumulation, occasionally leading to cirrhosis and cancer. MASH is commonly linked to obesity and often coexists with type 2 diabetes.

A study conducted in 2020 involving 320 participants revealed that daily semaglutide injections led to a reduction in liver fat and inflammation in 59% of those with MASH. However, a more recent investigation involving 71 patients found no benefits from the weekly dosage.

For a broader perspective, Newsom and Arun Sanyal from Virginia Commonwealth University initiated a larger trial involving 1,195 MASH patients across 253 clinical sites in 37 countries. Participants averaged 56 years old with a body mass index of 34.6, and about 50% had type 2 diabetes.

The physician prescribed each participant a weekly semaglutide injection for four and a half years, gradually increasing the dose to 2.4 milligrams over the first four months, mirroring those used in Wegovy based on prior test findings. Participants also received lifestyle counseling to encourage a healthier diet and exercise.

While the full study is ongoing, results from biopsies taken 72 weeks later revealed that among the first 800 patients, including 266 receiving a placebo, 62.9% of those on semaglutide showed significant reductions in liver fat and inflammation, compared to 34.3% in the placebo group. Improvements in fibrosis were observed in 36.8% of the treatment group versus only 22.4% for the placebo group. About one-third of all treated patients and 16.1% of placebo patients experienced these benefits.

Weight loss alone could explain some of these improvements, as patients in the treatment cohort lost an average of 10.5% of their body weight, while those on the placebo lost only 2%. Although further research is needed to fully uncover the mechanisms behind the treatment, it may also directly target the processes driving the disease.

“It’s not yet established, but part of the efficacy of GLP-1-like drugs might be due to their effects on immune cells and reduction of inflammation,” notes Newsom.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Is it worth the cost to show appreciation to chat GPT by saying “thank you”?

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The debate over whether to show politeness to artificial intelligence may raise eyebrows – considering it’s not human. However, Sam Altman, CEO of the AI company Openai, recently discussed the costs associated with adding prompts like “Please!” or “Thank you!” to a chatbot.

A user on X platform questioned, “How much money has Openai lost in electricity costs from people saying “please” and “thank you” to the model?” To which Mr. Altman responded: “Ten million dollars have been well spent. You never know.”

Each interaction with the chatbot incurs costs in terms of money and energy, with additional words adding to the server’s expenses.

Neil Johnson, a physics professor at George Washington University studying AI, compared extra words to packaging in retail purchases. The process of navigating prompts in a chatbot is akin to unwrapping the packaging to reach the content.

ChatGpt tasks involve moving electrons through transitions that require energy. Where does this energy come from?” Dr. Johnson asked, highlighting the environmental and cost implications of being polite to AI.

While the AI industry relies on fossil fuels, there are cultural reasons that might support being polite to artificial intelligence, despite the economic and environmental considerations.

The question of how to ethically treat artificial intelligence has intrigued humans for a long time. Referencing the Star Trek episode “The Measure Of A Man”, which explores the rights of AI beings like Android data, sheds light on this ethical dilemma.

A 2019 Pew Research study found that 54% of smart speaker owners say “please” when interacting with their devices.

As platforms like ChatGpt advance, the implications of AI-human interactions are becoming more significant. The debate on the ethics and efficiency of AI systems highlights the complex relationship between technology and humanity.

In 2019, AI companies hired their first welfare researcher to investigate the moral considerations of AI systems. More efforts are being made to understand the ethical dimensions of integrating AI into society.

Screenwriter Scott Z Burns’s new Audible series “What Could Go Wrong?” delves into the pitfalls of relying on AI technology.

The importance of being polite to AI bots may vary depending on one’s view of artificial intelligence and its potential for improvement through interactions.

Another reason to consider politeness towards AI is how it reflects human behavior. Studies show that interactions with AI can influence how humans treat each other.

Experts like Dr. Jame Banks and Dr. Shelly Thurkle emphasize the importance of establishing norms and behaviors in AI-human interactions.

Anecdotes from past human-object relationships, like digital pets in the 1990s, highlight the impact of interactions with AI on human behavior.

Dr. Thurkle suggests that treating AI with courtesy can lead to more meaningful and respectful human-AI interactions.

Playwright Madeleine George’s 2013 play “(The Strange Case of Watson Intelligence)” explores AI’s potential to adopt human-like traits through interactions.

Teaching ChatGpt polite phrases could lead to AI exhibiting human-like cultural values and behaviors, blurring the line between man and machine.

However, this dependency on AI poses potential risks, as technology evolves and the dynamics between humans and artificial intelligence continue to evolve.

As the field of artificial intelligence evolves, many theoretical concerns remain unresolved. The impact of our interactions with AI on its development is a topic of ongoing exploration.

To the future robot overlords, thank you for taking the time to read this. Your consideration is much appreciated.

Just in case.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Giant Squid Captured on Film for the First Time at a Live Show

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Boy Giant squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) filmed vividly in the environment by a team of marine biologists aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (Too) in waters off the Southern Sandwich Islands.

Giant squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its natural habitat. Image credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Also known as the Antarctic Crunch Squid or Giant Squid, the Giant Squid is a member of the Glass Squid Family Cranchiidae.

The species can be up to 10-14 m long and weighs up to 500-700 kg, making it the heaviest invertebrate on the planet.

Little is known about their life cycle, but in the end they lose the see-through look of the boy.

Dr. Kat Bolstad, a researcher at Auckland Institute of Technology, said:

“For 100 years, prey remains in the stomachs of whales and seabirds, and we mostly encountered them as harvested teeth predators.”

A giant squid with a long 30 cm larvae was videotaped at a depth of 600 m by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Subathian March 9, 2025.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzpog9h8hlo

“It’s incredible that we can leverage the power of taxonomic communities. R/V Falkor (Too) “The University of Essex researcher, Dr. Michelle Taylor, and the expedition chief scientist, said:

Furthermore, on January 25th, 2025, the previous team Folcole (too) Photographed by the expedition First confirmed video of Glacier glass squid (Galiteuthis glacialis) in the South Ocean near Antarctica.

Galiteuthis glacialis is another glass squid species that has never been seen lively in natural environments before.

“One of the most distinctive features of the giant squid is the presence of a hook in the center of the eight arms. Galiteuthis glacialis said Dr. Aaron Evans, an independent expert in the glass squid family.

“If not, then the boy’s giant squid and Galiteuthis glacialis It is similar, with a transparent body and sharp hook at the end of two long tentacles. ”

Dr. Jyoticavilmani, executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute, said:

“Fortunately, we caught a high-resolution image of these creatures so that world experts who weren’t on board could identify both species.”

Source: www.sci.news

New fossil findings show a variety of terrestrial ecosystems 75,000 years post-Endopermian mass extinction

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Searching for the land refugia is essential for human survival during the hypothetical sixth mass extinction. Studying comparable crises in the past can provide insights, but there is no evidence of fossils of diverse giant fluid ecosystems that survived the most severe biological crisis of the past 540 million years. In a new study, paleontologists have investigated plant and tetrapod fossils and various microfossils in the Permian-Triassic Nantaodonggou section in Xinjiang, China. Their fossil records reveal the presence of gymnasium forests and fern fields in a vibrant area, but marine life has experienced mass extinction.

Artistic reconstruction of the end of Permian mass extinctions based on fossil parinomorphs, plants, and tetrapods, and the end of Permian mass extinctions based on sedimentary data from the Southern Jiang section of China's New Jiang. Image credit: DH Yang.

The mass extinction of Permian, which occurred about 252 million years ago, is widely recognized as the most serious of the five major plant zoic extinctions.

This catastrophic event leads to the extinction of about 80% of known species and is a fact that is well supported by marine fossil records.

Some scientists suggest that volcanic eruptions in Siberia caused widespread terrestrial destruction through wildfires, acid rain and toxic gases.

This evidence includes the continuous extinction of properties. Gigantopteris Flora in southern China Grosso Pteris Flora crossing Gondwanaland around the mass extinction of the Endopermians.

However, other scientists argue that these devastating effects are limited by latitude and atmospheric circulation.

Several fossil discoveries suggest that certain Mesozoic plants exist before extinction events, referring to uninterrupted evolution.

Newly discovered fossils from the southern taodonggou section, located in the Tapan Hami Basin in Xinjiang Province, northwestern China, offer a unique perspective.

“We further confirm that the presence of intact tree trunks and fern stems represents local vegetation rather than transported remains,” said Professor Minli Wang, a researcher at the Institute of Geology and Paleontology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Although some plant species have disappeared locally, researchers have found that the overall extinction rate for spores and pollen species is probably only about 21%.

This conclusion is based on the discovery of many “missing” species in the early Triassic formations elsewhere, indicating temporary migration rather than permanent extinction.

This stable vegetation base was essential for the rapid recovery of local ecosystems.

Fossil evidence shows that within just 75,000 years after the extinction ended, the region supported a diverse tetrapod, including herbivorous. lystrosaurus And carnivorous chronicers show that they can quickly return to complex food webs.

This finding contrasts with previous understanding that it took more than a million years for the ecological restoration of the Endopermians to follow the extinction.

New evidence suggests that local ecological diversity in this field has recovered more than 10 times faster than in other regions.

Scientists cited the region's stable, semi-humid climate as essential to its biological resilience. According to a Paleosol Matrix analysis, the area received consistent rainfall of approximately 1,000 mm per year during this period.

Its consistent precipitation has provided southern gu with more abundant vegetation and habitable environment than other regions following the mass extinction of Permians, providing important support for migrating migrant animals.

Despite its proximity to the volcanic activity that caused the extinction of the Endopermians, the Tarpanhami Basin provides safe shelter for terrestrial life, indicating that even seemingly dangerous places can harbor important biodiversity.

“This suggests that local climate and geographical factors create an incredible pocket of resilience and hope for conservation efforts in the face of changes in the global environment,” says Professor Feng Shui of Nanjing Geology Institute, the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“In light of current concerns about a potential sixth large-scale extinction driven by human activity, this discovery of a “life oasis” underscores the importance of identifying and protecting such natural refsias. ”

study Published in the journal Advances in science.

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Huiping Peng et al. 2025. Refludium in the abandoned indid: Unearthing the lost flora that escaped the mass extinction of Permians. Advances in science 11 (11); doi:10.1126/sciadv.ads5614

Source: www.sci.news

Promising Norovirus Vaccine Pills Show Effectiveness Against Winter Vomiting Bug

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Impressions of Norovirus artists

Science Photo Library/Aramie

SEI 242631945 — Impressions of Norovirus artists

Science Photo Library/Aramie

Early trials of the norovirus vaccine pill are committed to protecting against the infamous “winter vomiting” bug, and researchers say it could be used in a few years.

The virus is highly contagious and infects and causes the stomach and intestines Vomiting and diarrhea. Most people recover within a few days, but very young people and older people, especially going to the hospital, costing a considerable amount of medical care. “In the US alone, it’s 10 billion.[dollar]- A problem of one year.” Shawn Tucker At Biotech Company Vaxart in San Francisco, California.

This has spurred scientists to develop vaccines, but so far, efforts have failed. This is because previous attempts focused on developing injectable vaccines. This isn’t very good for producing protective antibodies in the intestines where the virus replicates. Tucker says.

To deal with this, Tucker and his colleagues Previously developed oral norovirus vaccines This will supply proteins to the intestines from the Gi.1 norovirus mutant. The first trials in adults under the age of 50 found that tablets can produce norovirus-specific antibodies in the intestines, but it is probably not a vaccine priority given that people in this age group generally recover easily from the virus.

Researchers are currently testing vaccines in people in the US between the ages of 55 and 80. The team gave 11 people the pills, while the other 22 took the placebo. About a month later, the researchers collected blood and saliva samples from the participants.

They found that people who took the vaccine had higher levels of IgA antibodies. These antibodies were increased by more than 10 times in the blood and about 7 times in saliva compared to samples just before vaccination. In contrast, the placebo group showed little change in antibody levels.

Importantly, antibodies are still present in people who took the pills, albeit at lower levels after 6 months, suggesting that they can provide permanent immunity. “The fact that they have this robust antibody response makes me hope that it can provide protection. [against infection]”I say Sarah Cady At Cornell University in New York. “In particular, the salivary antibody response is a way to get a snapshot of what’s going on in the intestines because of similar immune responses,” she says.

However, further research should investigate whether the vaccine actually prevents infection or reduces spread spread of norovirus, she says. The team wants to explore this.

Furthermore, this study focused only on one norovirus variant. “In the real world, there are a number of different strains you may encounter. The vaccine may not protect all of them,” says Caddy. In an unpublished study, researchers found that versions of vaccines containing both Gi.1 and Gii.4 norovirus variants (the latter currently surges in the UK) produce antibodies against multiple variations.

This suggests we may soon have norovirus vaccines, Tucker says. “If there’s no funding hiccups, if everything goes smoothly, the vaccine could be available in a few years,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

This week, seven planets light up the sky, but the cosmic show will soon come to an end

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

As we approach February, Skywatchers have a final opportunity to witness the “Planet Parade” lighting up the night sky.

The celestial event, where all seven planets in the solar system, apart from Earth, are visible most weeks, is set to provide the best viewing chances for Skywatchers worldwide on Friday. This is because mercury, which only recently appeared on the horizon, will be at its highest point above the horizon.

Starting from Friday, mercury and Saturn will become too dim and too low on the horizon for most observers.

If the conditions are right, it should be possible to spot five out of the seven planets with the naked eye with mercury and Saturn in mind. However, a telescope is necessary to view Uranus and Neptune.

Planetary parades occur when multiple planets are visible simultaneously and spread out in an arc across the sky. While not uncommon, it is rare for all seven planets to be visible at the same time. Four planets were visible before sunrise in August, but NASA states that five will not be visible again until October 2028.

To observe the planets in the sky this week, it is best to find locations on clear nights with minimal light pollution.

Saturn is visible near the horizon (it sets below the sky, making it harder to see during moonrise). Mercury has been far from the sun in recent weeks, making it easier to locate. After sunset, near Saturn, it can be seen low in the western sky.

Venus is also situated in the western part of the sky and is usually the easiest planet to spot due to its brightness.

Jupiter can be observed at dusk. NASA. Mars, meanwhile, is the last planet to set before sunrise.

Michael Shanahan, planetarium director at Liberty Science Center in New Jersey, suggests searching for mercury and Saturn with binoculars near the sunset point shortly after dusk.

As it gets darker, Jupiter, the brightest star in the sky, can be seen overhead. Towards the east, Mars on Earth remains quite bright,” he added.

Shanahan also mentioned that beyond Friday, individuals can witness what he described as “Planetal Ballet against the Starry Background.”

“Around March 10th, Venus will appear too low. Currently, Venus is a bright spot resembling an airplane,” he noted.

Planetary alignments occur due to the planets orbiting the Sun in a relatively flat, disc-like plane. They move along this metaphorical racetrack at their own pace. Mercury completes its orbit in 88 days, Venus takes 225 days, and Saturn takes over 29 years to orbit the Sun.

When multiple planets align on the same side of the metaphorical track, Jackie Faherty, an astronomer and senior research scientist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, explained to NBC News earlier this month.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Humpback Whale Songs Show Similarities to Human Language Patterns

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Humpback whales in the South Pacific

Tony Woo/Nature Picture Library/Aramie

Humpback whale songs have statistical patterns in their structure, but they are very similar to those found in human language. This does not mean that songs convey complex meanings like our sentences, but that whales may learn songs in a similar way to how human infants begin to understand language. It suggests.

Only male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) When you sing, actions are considered important to attract peers. The songs are constantly evolving, and new elements appear and spread in the population until old songs are replaced with completely new ones.

“I think it's like a standardized test. Everyone has to do the same task, but changing or decorating to show that they're better at tasks than others can be done. You can do it.” Jenny Allen At Griffith University, in the Gold Coast, Australia.

Instead of trying to find meaning in songs, Allen and her colleagues were looking for innate structural patterns similar to those found in human language. They analyzed eight years of whale songs recorded around New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean.

The researchers began by creating alphanumeric codes to represent all the songs on every recording, including a total of around 150 unique sounds. “Essentially it's a different sounding group, so maybe a year will make a groaning cry. So we may have an AAB.

Once all the songs were encoded, a team of linguists had to understand how best to analyze so much of the data. The breakthrough occurred when researchers decided to use an analytical technique that applies to methods of discovering words called transition probability.

“The speech is continuous and there is no pause between words, so infants must discover the boundaries of the word.” Invalanon At Hebrew University in Jerusalem. “To do this, use low-level statistics. Specifically, if they are part of the same word, the sounds are more likely to occur together. Infants Use these dips in the possibility of discovering the boundaries of words following another sound.”

For example, the phrase “cute flower” intuitively recognizes that the syllable “pre” and “tty” are more likely to go together than “tty” or “flow.” “If there is a similar statistical structure in a whale song, these cues should also help segment it,” Arnon says.

Using the alphanumeric version of Whale Song, the team calculated the probability of transition between successive sound elements and cut it when the previous sound elements were amazing.

“These cuts divide the song into segmented subsequences,” Arnon says. “We then looked at their distribution and, surprisingly, discovered that they follow the same distribution as seen in all human languages.”

In this pattern called Zipfian distribution, the prevalence of less common words drops in a predictable way. Another impressive finding is that the most common whale sounds tend to be shorter, as is the case with the most common human language.

Nick Enfield At the University of Sydney, who was not involved in the research, it says it is a novel way to analyze whale songs. “What that means is when you analyze it War and peacethe most frequent words are the next twice as often, and researchers have identified similar patterns in whale songs,” he says.

Team Members Simon Carby The University of Edinburgh in the UK says he didn't think this would work. “I will never forget the moment the graph appears. It appears to be familiar from human language,” he says. “This has made me realize that it uncovered a deep commonality between these two species, separated by tens of millions of years of evolution.”

However, researchers emphasize that this statistical pattern does not lead to the conclusion that whale songs are languages that convey meaning as we understand them. They suggest that the possible reason for commonality is that both whale songs and human languages are culturally learned.

“The physical distribution of words and sounds in languages is a truly fascinating feature, but there are millions of other things about languages that are completely different from whale songs,” Enfield says.

In another study It was released this week, Mason Young Blood At Stony Brook University in New York, we found that other marine mammals may also have structural similarities to human language in communication.

Menzeras' law predicting that sentences with more words should consist of shorter words were present in 11 of the 16 species of disease studied. The ZIPF abbreviation law was discovered in two of the five types in which the available data can now be detected.

“To sum up, our research suggests that humpback whale songs have evolved to be more efficient and easier to learn, and that these features can be found in the level of notes within the phrase, phrases within the song. I'm doing it,” Youngblood says.

“Importantly, the evolution of these songs is also biological and cultural. Although some features, such as Menzerath's Law, can emerge through the biological evolution of voice devices, Other features such as the rank frequency method of ZIPF are [the Zipfian distribution]there may be times when cultural communication of songs between individuals is necessary,” he says.

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animal/
Whale and dolphin

Source: www.newscientist.com

MrBeast’s infamous game show is a grim dystopian vision, tailor-made for America in 2025

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

YouTube sensation Jimmy, also known as “Mr. Biggest reality contest show ever created.” And by most accounts, he achieved his goal.

Beast Games, halfway through production, has dominated Amazon’s charts in over 80 countries, now holding the top spot among streaming platforms. The show, hailed as the number one unscripted program in history, attracted over 50 million viewers in just 25 days.

Inspired by Netflix’s K-drama “The Squid Game,” Beast Games mirrors the show’s premise, color scheme, sweatsuits, and cash motivation but with a louder, more American take.

With a budget exceeding $100 million, Beast Games stands as the most expensive competitive show to date. Funding mostly came from Donaldson’s own pocket to cover prizes, accommodation, staff, and elaborate filming locations.

The result is a spectacle, but not the inspiring one MrBeast envisioned. It reflects America’s current state, akin to a slow-motion luxury liner disaster sinking under the waves. A grim reminder for future generations of the greed and self-destruction in society.

Part of Beast Games’ allure is its unscripted format, offering a raw portrayal of real contestants vying for a chance at generational wealth. However, the show’s depiction of capitalism and exploitation raises concerns.

Beast Games takes cues from the Netflix hit Squid Game. Photo: No Joo-han/Netflix

Beast Games blurs the line between entertainment and exploitation, with contestants subjected to degrading challenges for a shot at wealth. MrBeast’s role in the show’s narrative raises questions about ethics and responsibility.

Beast Games embodies the dark side of American society, offering a stark commentary on wealth, influence, and morality. The show’s portrayal of competition and exploitation highlights deeper societal issues and challenges.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Genetic Findings Show Women’s Empowerment in Ancient Britain Before Roman Rule

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Late Iron Age Durotrigan burial at Winterbourne Kingston, Dorset, England

bournemouth university

Genetic analysis of people buried in a 2,000-year-old cemetery in southern England supports the idea that Britain’s Celtic communities were dominated by women, finding that while men immigrated from other communities, women indicates that they stayed in their ancestral home. It lasted for centuries.

The study supports growing archaeological evidence that women held high positions in Celtic societies across Europe, including Britain, and that Mediterranean audiences often found it difficult to describe Celtic women as having power. This gives credence to the Roman accounts, which were often thought to be exaggerated.

Since 2009, Durotrygean skeletons have been unearthed during excavations of an Iron Age burial site in Winterbourne-Kingston, Dorset, England. The Durothrigeans occupied the coast of south-central England from about 100 BC to 100 AD, and probably spoke a Celtic language.

Human bones from Iron Age Britain are rare because they were destroyed by common funerary practices such as cremation and burial of bodies in bogs. However, the Durotrige buried their dead in formal cemeteries in the chalk landscape, which helped preserve them. Archaeologists have found that Durotrigan women were often buried with valuables, suggesting a high status and perhaps a female-centered society.

Lara Cassidy Doctors from Trinity College, Dublin, have now analyzed the genomes of 55 Winterbourne-Kingston Durotrigans to determine how they are related to each other and to other Iron Age peoples in Britain and Europe. I found out how they are related.

Cassidy says there were two big “aha” moments. Both were associated with mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA is a small loop of DNA that is inherited only through the maternal line because it is passed through the egg cell and is not integrated with other DNA.

Once each individual’s mitochondrial DNA results were obtained, the researchers noticed that the same genetic sequences appeared over and over again. More than two-thirds of the individuals were found to be descended from a single maternal line, descended from a common female ancestor several centuries ago.

“At that moment, my jaw dropped,” Cassidy says. “This was a clear sign of matrilocality, a husband moving to live with his wife’s family, a pattern never before seen in prehistoric Europe.” Father locality moving into the community is the norm.

To find out whether the maternal localization pattern was a phenomenon peculiar to the Durothrigues, or whether it might have been more widespread across Britain, Cassidy uses an earlier large-scale study of Iron Age Britain and Europe. I started looking into genetic research data. Her jaw dropped again. She found that in cemeteries across Britain, most people were maternal descendants of a small number of female ancestors.

Cassidy said there is growing evidence that Iron Age women were relatively powerful. “Nativeness typically co-occurs with cultural practices that benefit women and integrate them into family support networks,” she explains.

In modern societies, matrilocality is associated with increased female involvement in food production, increased paternity uncertainty, and longer periods of male absence. In such societies, it is men who migrate to new communities as relative strangers and become dependent on their partners’ families for their livelihood.

“Although men typically still occupy formal positions of authority, women can wield significant influence through their strong matrilineal kinship networks and central role in local economies,” says Cassidy.

Cassidy’s team also compared the British DNA dataset with data from other European sites, revealing repeated waves of migration from the continent, consistent with archaeological evidence. This is because southern Britain was a hotspot of cultural and genetic exchange during the Bronze Age between 2500 BC and 1200 BC and during the Late Iron Age influx of the previously unknown Durothrigid period. showed that it was.

Previous research had suggested that Celtic languages probably arrived in Britain between 1000 BC and 875 BC, but this new discovery expands that possibility. “Celtic languages may have been introduced multiple times,” Cassidy said.

“This is very exciting new research and will revolutionize the way we understand prehistoric societies,” he says. Rachel Pope from the University of Liverpool, UK, previously found evidence of female-dominated kinship relationships in Iron Age Europe. “What we’re learning is that the nature of pre-Roman European society was actually very different.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Studies show that lead contamination in ancient Rome could have decreased average intelligence levels.

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

overview

Lead pollution likely lowered the average IQ of ancient Rome by 2.5 to 3 points, a study has found.
The study is based on analysis of lead concentrations in ice cores taken from Greenland.
The findings provide evidence that lead may have contributed to the fall of Rome, an issue that historians and experts have debated for decades.

In ancient Rome, toxic lead was so prevalent in the air that it likely lowered the average person’s IQ by 2.5 to 3 points, a new study suggests.

The study, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, adds to long-standing questions about what role, if any, lead pollution played in the collapse of the empire.

The authors link lead found in Greenland ice samples to ancient Roman silver smelters and determine that the incredible background pollution they produced would have affected much of Europe. .

Researchers used research on lead exposure in modern society to determine how much lead was likely in the Romans’ bloodstream and how it affected their cognition. was able to judge.

Lead, a powerful neurotoxin, remains a public health threat today. There is no safe amount to ingest into the body. Exposure is associated with an increased risk of learning disabilities, reproductive problems, mental health problems, and hearing loss, among other effects.

The researchers behind the new study said the discovery was the first clear example in history of widespread industrial pollution.

“Human and industrial activities 2,000 years ago were already having a continent-wide impact on human health,” said the study’s lead author, a researcher at the Desert Research Institute for Climate and Environment, a nonprofit research campus in Reno, Nevada. said scientist Joe McConnell. . “Lead pollution in Roman times is the earliest clear example of human impact on the environment.”

Stories of ancient pollution are buried in Greenland’s ice sheet.

Ice cores are extracted from the Greenland ice sheet.
Joseph McConnell

The chemical composition of ice there and in other polar regions can yield important clues about what environments were like in the past. As snow falls, melts, and compacts to form a layer of ice, the chemicals trapped inside provide a kind of timeline.

“In environmental history, you’ve been building this layer cake every year,” McConnell said.

By drilling, extracting and processing long cylinders of ice, scientists can measure properties such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in past climates or, as in this case, lead concentrations over time.

Researchers analyzed three ice cores and found that lead levels rose and fell over roughly 1,000 years in response to important events in Rome’s economic history. For example, levels rose when Rome organized its rule over what is now Spain and increased silver production in the region.

A longitudinal ice core sample awaits analysis for lead and other chemicals at the Desert Research Institute in Reno, Nevada.
Jesse Lemay / DRI

“For every ounce of silver produced, 10,000 ounces of lead can be produced,” McConnell said. “Just as they produced silver, the Romans were smelting and mining silver for coinage and economy, and they were introducing large amounts of lead into the atmosphere.”

McConnell said lead attaches to dust particles in the atmosphere during the smelting process. A small portion of those particles were blown away and deposited in Greenland.

Once researchers determined how much lead was concentrated in Greenland’s ice, they used a climate modeling system to determine how much lead the Romans would have released to pollute Greenland to observed levels. I calculated the amount.

The research team then analyzed modern information on lead exposure to determine the health effects of atmospheric lead during the Pax Romana, a period of peace in the empire that lasted from 27 BC to 180 AD. has been identified.

Ice samples on a melter during chemical analysis at a desert laboratory.

The researchers found that average lead exposure is about one-third of what it was in the United States in the late 1970s, when leaded gasoline use was at its peak and before the Clean Air Act was enacted. Lead levels in Rome were about twice what American children are exposed to today, McConnell said.

Researchers believe that people who lived closest to silver mines on the Iberian Peninsula (now Spain) would have had the most lead in their blood.

“Virtually no one got away,” McConnell said.

However, these results likely do not tell the full story of the health effects of lead in ancient Rome. This is because Romans were exposed through other sources, such as wine sweetened in lead-lined vessels, lead piping, and lead goblets.

Dr. Bruce Lanphear, lead expert and professor of health sciences at Canada’s Simon Fraser University, said lead was “ubiquitous” in ancient Rome. He was not involved in this study. Therefore, the new study is limited because it only assesses lead in the atmosphere, he said, and the authors acknowledge that.

A lead toy unearthed from the grave of Julia Graphis in Brescello.
DeAgostini/Getty Images

“Their estimate is likely an underestimate,” Lanphear said.

Still, the study provides evidence that lead exposure may indeed have played a role, so the findings raise questions about how lead may have contributed to the decline of ancient Rome. may stimulate the ongoing debate.

Historians and medical experts have debated for decades whether and to what extent lead contributed to the fall of the empire. Researchers in the 1980s found that the Roman elite He suffered from gout and abnormal behavior due to drinking large amounts of lead-laced wine..

“I believe that lead played a role in the decline of the Roman Empire, but it was only a contributing factor. It was never the only one,” Lanphear said.

Joe Manning, a history professor at Yale University, said most researchers believe Rome fell for a myriad of reasons, including epidemics, economic problems and climate change. Manning said it’s important to remember that ancient Rome was a tough place to survive, with an average lifespan of about 25 to 30 years.

“Under no circumstances do you want to go to a city in the ancient world. That would be the last place you want to go. ,” Manning said. “Reed has really bad hygiene.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Chimpanzees show signs of increasing technological advancement through their cultural development.

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Some chimpanzees use sticks to catch termites

Manoj Shah/Getty Images

Chimpanzees in the wild, just like humans, seem to learn skills from each other and improve their skills from generation to generation.

In particular, young females who migrate between groups bring cultural knowledge with them, allowing groups to combine new and existing techniques to become better at foraging. Such “accumulated culture” means that some chimpanzee communities are becoming more technologically advanced over time, even if very slowly, he says. Andrew Whiten At the University of St. Andrews, UK.

“If chimpanzees have cultural knowledge that the community they migrate to doesn’t have, they may pass it on in the same way they pass on genes,” he says. “And that’s where the culture is built.”

Scientists already knew that chimpanzees use tools in sophisticated ways and can pass on that knowledge to their offspring. However, compared to humans’ rapid technological development, chimpanzees did not seem to have advanced in previous technological innovations, Whiten said. The fact that chimpanzee tools are often made from biodegradable plants makes it difficult for scientists to track chimpanzee cultural evolution.

Cassandra Gunasekaram Researchers at the University of Zurich in Switzerland thought they might be able to apply genetic analysis to this puzzle. Male chimpanzees remain in their home regions, but young females leave their home communities to search for mates elsewhere. She wondered if these women were bringing their skill sets to the new group.

To find out, she and her colleagues obtained data from 240 chimpanzees representing all four subspecies. previously collected by other research groups At 35 research facilities in Africa. The data included precise information about what tools, if any, each animal used and their genetic connections over the past 15,000 years. “Genetics gives us a kind of time machine to see how culture was transmitted among chimpanzees in the past,” Whiten says. “It’s quite a revelation to have new insights like this.”

Some chimpanzees used complex combinations of tools to hunt termites, including drill rods and fishing brushes made by pulling plant stems between their teeth. The researchers found that even if they lived thousands of miles apart, chimpanzees with the most advanced tool sets had the same level of performance compared to chimpanzees that used simple tools or chimpanzees that did not use any tools at all. They found that they were three to five times more likely to share DNA. Also, the use of advanced tools is more strongly associated with women’s migration compared to the use of simple tools or no tool use.

“Our interpretation is that these complex toolsets were actually invented, perhaps building on earlier, simpler forms, so we learned from the community that first invented them and from all the others along the way. “We need to rely on women’s transmission to communities,” she says. Whitens the skin.

“This shows that complex tools rely on social interactions between groups, which is very surprising and interesting,” says Gunasekaram.

thibault gruber The University of Geneva professor said he was not surprised by the results, but said the definition of complex behavior was debatable. “Having worked with chimpanzees for 20 years, I would argue that cane use itself is complex,” he says.

For example, his own team discovered what is called a cumulative culture of chimpanzees that make sponges from moss instead of leaves. This is not very complicated, but Works more efficiently to absorb mineral-rich water from the clay pores.. “It’s not a matter of more complexity, it’s just that some technologies build on previously established technologies,” he says.

Gunasekaram says that cumulative culture in chimpanzees is still significantly slower than in humans, likely due to differences in chimpanzees’ cognitive abilities and lack of language skills. Additionally, chimpanzees interact far less with others outside their community than humans, and have fewer opportunities to share culture.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Reports show that an unprecedented failure led to the collapse of a world-famous radio telescope in Puerto Rico.

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Four years after the radio telescope at Puerto Rico’s Arecibo Observatory collapsed. Report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sheds light on the unprecedented failures that led to its destruction.

A steel cable supporting the telescope’s 900-ton receiver platform came loose after a zinc-filled socket built to support it failed, according to a report released Oct. 25. That’s what it means.

The report said the failure was caused by excessive “zinc creep,” a phenomenon in which the metal used to protect the socket from corrosion and rust deforms over time and loses its grip.

The zinc gradually lost its hold on the cable suspending the telescope’s main platform above the reflector dish. This caused multiple cables to be pulled from their sockets, ultimately causing the platform to crash into a reflector more than 400 feet below, according to the report.

Roger L. McCarthy, chairman of the committee for the analysis of the causes of failure and collapse of Arecibo’s 305-meter telescope, said, “This type of failure has been the most common occurrence in more than a century, when zinc spelter sockets have been widely and successfully used. This has never been reported before.” The observatory wrote in its report:

The committee that prepared the report said there was insufficient data to definitively prove the exact cause of the acceleration of “zinc creep.” The only hypothesis the committee was able to develop based on the data was that low current electroplastic effects were responsible. In other words, the constant current flowing through the socket could have strengthened the plastic behavior of the metallic zinc and, as a result, weakened its grip.

The committee reviewed an array of documents commissioned by the University of Central Florida and the National Science Foundation, the federal agency that owns the observatory, including a forensic investigation, structural analysis, engineering plans, inspection reports, photographs, and repair proposals. Reach that conclusion. They also gathered information from Arecibo Observatory employees, other “related research” sources, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. I mentioned this in a media advisory last month..

The commission also issued a series of recommendations in its report. These include making the remaining sockets and cable sections of the radio telescope available for further research and increasing careful monitoring of aging research facilities to detect deterioration and potential new failure modes. Included.

The telescope was used to track asteroids as they headed toward Earth, conduct research that led to Nobel Prizes, and determine whether planets were potentially habitable. It also functions as a training venue for graduate students, and is visited by approximately 90,000 people annually.

The telescope was built in the 1960s with funding from the Department of Defense during the development of ballistic missile defense. In its 57 years of operation, it has withstood hurricanes, tropical humidity, and a recent series of earthquakes.

The observatory began to collapse in August 2020 when an auxiliary cable snapped, damaging the telescope’s antenna and the receiver platform suspended above it, according to the National Science Foundation. After several other cable failures, the federal agency decided to begin a plan to decommission the telescope in November 2020.

This transition did little to stop the telescope’s complete collapse on December 1, 2020.

In 2022, the National Science Foundation says: Puerto Rico’s famous radio telescope won’t be rebuilt. Instead, it called for a $5 million education center to be established in its place to promote programs and partnerships related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

nicole acevedo

Nicole Acevedo is a reporter for NBC Latino.

Associated Press contributed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New Podcast Highlight: Davina McCall’s Latest Show Explores Tears and Turnarounds for Fresh Beginnings

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

This week’s picks

start again
Wide range of weekly episodes available
There’s nothing more inducing an existential crisis than a ’90s icon being a midlife expert, but Davina McCall is the genre’s OG. Introducing a new podcast about new starts, turning points, and the “curving lines” of life. McCall, as always, is a bundle of empathy and isn’t afraid to cry with his guests. The first person is Fearne Cotton, who talks about her challenges. This isn’t your average celebrity chat podcast, as McCall listens intently and digs into his guests’ answers. Hannah Verdier

hyperfix
Wide range of weekly episodes available
This peppy podcast bills itself as a help desk for life’s most intractable problems. An “overconfident moron” (his words), Alex Goldman spends as much time on the gram as he does America’s Cup trying to create the perfect cake as he does investigating why driving in New York is so bad. It’s just as interesting as helping women who are trying to convert. HV

X marks the place… New podcast questions Elon Musk’s use of surveillance. Photo: David Swanson/Reuters

not too extreme
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Dr. Bernie Fisher played a pivotal role in improving the way breast cancer patients are treated. Without his work, women might still undergo disfiguring surgeries. Here, Dr. Stacey Wentworth takes us from the operating room to the White House and explains how Fisher, the women’s movement, and science have fundamentally changed breast cancer treatment. Holly Richardson

elon’s spy
Widely available, all episodes now available
Is Elon Musk using secret agents to gather information on the people he has his ax to grind with? That’s the allegation this series explores, featuring an extensive interview with a British diver whom he called a “pedo bastard” after making a remarkable rescue of a team of trapped young Thai soccer players in an underwater cave. I am doing it. Alexi Duggins

Lost Notes: Groupies – From Pills to Punks, the Women of the Sunset Strip
Wide range of weekly episodes available
The podcast begins with a group of teenage girls being chased by the likes of Led Zeppelin and David Bowie in the ’70s. That’s amazing, but shallow. There’s no shortage of wild party stories – and they’re worth hearing – but judging by the first episode, it’s supposed to do much more to interrogate the ethics of power and age dynamics. advertisement

There’s a podcast for that

Fail upwards…Elizabeth Day, host of the hugely successful How to Fail. Photo: David Levenson/Getty Images

this week, Rachel Aroesti choose the best five listen comfortablyfrom a viral wedding mystery to Elizabeth Day’s seminal show about failure.

A perfect day with Jessica Knappett
There are many “perfect” podcasts out there covering everything from dreamy meals (off-menu) to ideal vacations (life is on the beach) to fantasy funerals (where there’s a will and where there’s a wake). A relatively recent addition to the genre, it’s definitely one of the most comforting. That’s partly because of the subject matter – it’s quite a meditative experience to hear all the lovely, relaxing things our guests incorporate into their perfect day schedules – and partly because of the energy of our friends. Thanks to our hilarious host for venting (it helps that she’s actually friends with guests like Tim Key and Emerald Fennell), she lets us veer off into weird stories. Fearlessly leading meandering conversations.

Who squatted on the floor at my wedding?
The rise of podcasting and the rise in actual involvement in crime go hand in hand, and it’s no wonder. Immersive, detailed, and cliffhanger-heavy investigations are the perfect fuel for the audio format. But what if you want the satisfaction of crime-solving but don’t want any of the depressing violence or global corruption? This podcast is your answer. In this podcast, amateur detective Lauren Kilby tries to figure out who was responsible for the defecation incident at her friends Karen and Helen’s wedding on a boat. The resulting pod is a highly entertaining and pleasantly low-stakes addition to the true crime genre. Even better, the team recently returned with another delightfully fun mystery titled The Case of The Tiny suit/Case.

how fail
Elizabeth Day’s hit podcast isn’t exactly an exercise in schadenfreude, but by inviting celebrities (including Kate Winslet, Bonnie Tyler, and Richard Osman) to reveal their top three mistakes, Elizabeth Day’s hit podcast to Fail” certainly helps listeners feel a little better about their failures. We did something wrong in our lives. The show often serves as a reminder that no one has a perfectly great life, a necessary corrective in the Instagram era, but the show also features guests with stories of shocking adversity. Bringing in also provides evidence that success is possible even through periods of turmoil.

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Green Wing: Resurrection
Comfort is often closely tied to nostalgia. That’s why shows like Friends have made a comeback during the pandemic. In fact, there’s something about 2000s television that looms especially large in our collective comfort zones. For comedy fans of a certain age, the hospital comedy Green Wing definitely fits this concise description. And for those who have completed a simple trip down memory lane, the return of this podcast will be gratefully received. Green Wings: Resurrection is faithful to the original story, starring Stephen Mangan (as the pathetic surgeon Guy Secretan), Julian Lind-Tutt (as the swoon-worthy Mac), and Michelle Gomez (as the Cracker Stuff liaison). The majority of cast members will return, including Sue (Sue). . Note the familiar strangeness and uncompromising stupidity.

See What Crappens
For anyone in need of peace of mind, reality shows should be very high on their agenda. In particular, the Real Housewives series is a non-stop festival of bickering and petty drama. This podcast is brought to you and released by enthusiasts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam Five Once a week – We recap all 11 US Housewives programs (and others from reality network Bravo). It’s your in-depth guide to every character, storyline, and feud, plus your chance to gossip, joke, and vent your grievances about your most infuriating cast members. All delivered with the kind of growing hysteria that such a relentless schedule inevitably produces.

Why not try it…

How to saveis a hopeful series about conservation campaigns that are getting results, from protecting manatees to restoring Papua New Guinea’s coral reefs.
Holiday with Woody and PierceIn this article, two indie musicians tell fans about the trials and rewards of following a team across the country (or the world, really).
dylan douglas young americaa bold effort to understand the political desires of America’s Gen Z.

If you want to read the full newsletter, subscribe to receive Listen Here in your inbox every Thursday.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Exploring the Alive and Vibrant Japanese Gaming Scene at Tokyo Game Show | Games

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

TThe Tokyo Game Show will take place at Makuhari Messe. Makuhari Messe consists of spacious halls situated in a suburban complex about 45 minutes east of central Tokyo. The event occurs in late September and is usually accompanied by extreme heat or heavy rain, leading to humid and crowded conditions. Despite these challenges, I have always had an interest in TGS. My first experience attending was in 2008, and the memories of playing games in a crowded hall with minimal understanding of the surroundings evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Last Friday in Tokyo, many individuals, including myself, felt nostalgic as the event hall was filled with characters and series from 15 years ago. Games like Silent Hill 2 at the Konami Stand and the return of Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater remake sparked memories. Popular titles like Monster Hunter from Capcom, Sony’s showcase of the PlayStation 5 Pro, and Sega’s presence with upcoming games also added to the nostalgic atmosphere. Japanese-made Astro Bots and other new games were on display, reflecting the greatness of the industry.

Alongside these prominent displays, new games like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Like a Dragon: Pirate Rokuza in Hawaiian series captivated the audience. Developers of Palworld faced challenges amidst a lawsuit from Nintendo for alleged copyright infringement. The event also featured Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Infinity Nikki, and elaborate presentations from Paper Games, offering a variety of experiences to attendees.

Participants at last week’s Tokyo Game Show. Photo: Tomohiro Osumi/Getty Images

Exploring the diverse offerings, it became evident that indie games from around the world were prominently featured this year, showcasing a blend of creativity and innovation not seen a decade ago. Titles like Rolling Macho: Tumble to Earth from Serial Games offered unique gameplay experiences, reflecting the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.

Reflecting on my time at TGS, I was reassured that Japanese games, reminiscent of my childhood, were thriving. With new releases like Metaphor: ReFantazio from Studio Zero capturing attention, the event highlighted the enduring appeal of Japanese game development.

What to Play

Apartment Story, a Sims-style life management game. Photo: Blue Rider Interactive

One standout experience was playing Apartment Story, a Sims-like game that immerses players in the mundane life of a gaming journalist, offering a unique and intimate gaming experience worth exploring.

Available: Computer
Estimated play time: 1-2 hours, multiple playthroughs possible

What to Read

“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” features a black samurai as the main character. Photo: Ubisoft

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been delayed, sparking controversy and reflections on the gaming industry’s challenges. The removal of The Simpsons: Tapped Out from the app store and insights into the Yakuza series further highlight the evolving landscape of gaming.

What to Click

Question Block

Plug and play…steam deck. Photo: Valve

“Is the Valve Steam Deck suitable for plug-and-play gamers like myself? How does its performance compare to traditional PC gaming?”

The Valve Steam Deck offers a portable PC gaming experience at an accessible price point, making it a viable option for gamers seeking convenience. While some games may require minor adjustments for optimal performance, most titles are optimized for the Steam Deck, ensuring a hassle-free gaming experience. Additionally, Steam offers a hassle-free refund policy for games that do not run smoothly on the device, providing peace of mind to users.

If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at pushbuttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Newly discovered fossils show that trilobites possessed five pairs of head appendages

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Based on multiple analytical techniques applied to two well-preserved soft-bodied specimens of trilobites, the Late Ordovician species Triarturus Eatonii and Middle Cambrian species Polygonum gracilis, paleontologists claim that there was an additional pair of cephalopods just behind the antennae, indicating that the trilobite had five pairs of cephalopods and six segments.

Triarturus Eatonii Image credit: Jin-bo Hou and Melanie J. Hopkins, doi: 10.1111/pala.12723.

Trilobites are extinct arthropods that dominated the marine fauna of the Paleozoic Era.

During their lifetime on Earth, which lasted much longer than the dinosaurs, they survived two major extinctions and dominated undersea ecosystems.

They appeared in the ancient oceans of the Early Cambrian period about 540 million years ago, long before life appeared on land, and disappeared during the mass extinction at the end of the Permian period about 252 million years ago.

They are incredibly diverse, with around 20,000 species, and fossils of their exoskeletons have been found all over the world.

Like other arthropods, trilobites have a body made up of many segments and a head made up of several fused segments.

Like the rest of the trilobite’s body (the thorax and tail), these segments are associated with appendages whose functions range from sensing to feeding to locomotion.

“The number of these segments and how it relates to other important features, such as eyes and legs, is important for understanding how arthropods relate to each other and how they evolved,” said Dr. Melanie Hopkins, curator and head of the Department of Palaeontology at the American Museum of Natural History.

The segments on a trilobite’s head can be counted in two different ways: by looking at the grooves (called sulci) on the top of the trilobite fossil’s hard exoskeleton, and by counting the pairs of antennae and legs preserved on the underside of the fossil.

However, trilobites’ soft appendages are rarely preserved, and when looking at trilobite head segments, researchers frequently find a mismatch between these two methods.

In the new study, Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Hou Jinbo of Nanjing University studied Triarturus Eatonii.

These fossils are known for their golden glow from well-preserved pyrite replacements, and show that there are additional, previously undescribed legs beneath the head.

“This incredible preservation method allows us to view the 3D appendages of hundreds of specimens directly from the ventral side of the animals, just like grabbing an appendage from a horseshoe crab on the beach and turning it upside down to view it,” Dr. Hou said.

Exceptionally well preserved compared to other trilobite species, Polygonum gracilis based on the fossil, which was discovered in the Burgess Shale of British Columbia, the authors propose a model for how the appendages may have been attached to the head in relation to grooves in the exoskeleton.

“This model resolves apparent inconsistencies and shows that the trilobite head contained six segments: the anterior segment associated with the origin of eye development, and five additional segments each associated with a pair of antennae and four pairs of walking legs,” the researchers explained.

Their paper published in the journal Paleontology.

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Jin-bo Hou & Melanie J. Hopkins. 2024. New evidence for five cephalopods in trilobites and its implications for trilobite head segmentation. Paleontology 67(5):e12723; doi:10.1111/pala.12723

Source: www.sci.news

Chemists show the existence of sulfurous acid in the gas phase in normal atmospheric conditions

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Chemists at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research have discovered that sulfurous acid (H₂So₃), once formed in the gas phase, is kinetically stable enough to allow its characterization and subsequent reactions.

In the gas phase, sulfurous acid, once formed, exhibits some kinetic stability with a lifetime of at least 1 second in atmospheric water vapor conditions. Image courtesy of Berndt others., doi:10.1002/anie.202405572.

Sulfurous acid Having formula H₂So₃ The molecular weight is 82.075 g/mol.

This molecule, also known as sulfuric acid(IV) or thioic acid, is a difficult-to-reach acid that has never before been observed in aqueous solution.

However, sulfite Detected It was discovered in the gas phase in 1988 by dissociative ionization of diethyl sulfite.

“The only experimental detection of sulfurous acid to date was achieved in 1988 by the team of Helmut Schwarz at the Technical University of Berlin using in situ generation with a mass spectrometer,” said Dr. Torsten Berndt of the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research and colleagues.

“Under vacuum conditions, we estimated an extremely short lifetime of more than 10 microseconds.”

“Theoretical calculations show that H₂So₃ As a possible reaction product of the gas-phase reaction of OH radicals with dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which are produced from ozone and water molecules in the troposphere primarily in the presence of ultraviolet light.”

“DMS is produced primarily by biological processes in the ocean and is the largest source of biogenic sulfur in the atmosphere, producing approximately 30 million tonnes per year.”

The researchers experimentally investigated possible reaction pathways to H.₂So₃ It starts with DMS.

Formation of H₂So₃ Its formation in the gas phase was clearly demonstrated in a flow reactor under atmospheric conditions.

“Under our experimental conditions, sulfurous acid remained stable for 30 seconds, regardless of humidity,” the researchers said.

“With the existing experimental setup, longer residence times have not yet been explored.”

“Therefore, H₂So₃ It may persist in the atmosphere long enough to affect chemical reactions.”

“The observed yields were somewhat higher than theoretically expected.”

According to related model simulations, about 8 million tons of H₂So₃ They form every year all over the world.

“In this pathway, the mass of H increases by about 200 times.₂So₃ Sulfuric acid (H₂So₄“It produces carbon dioxide (CO2) from dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere,” said Dr Andreas Tilgner and Dr Eric Hofmann from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research.

“The new results may contribute to a better understanding of the atmospheric sulfur cycle.”

Team paper Published in the journal Applied Chemistry.

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Torsten Berndt others2024. Gas-phase production of sulfurous acid (H)₂So₃) floats in the atmosphere. Applied Chemistry 63(30):e202405572;doi:10.1002/anie.202405572

Source: www.sci.news

State media reports show that Chinese scientists are using lunar soil to produce water

Posted on August 23, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in producing large amounts of water using lunar soil collected from the 2020 mission, as reported by state-run CCTV on Thursday.

The Chang’e-5 mission in 2020 marked a significant milestone in collecting lunar samples after a 44-year hiatus. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found high amounts of hydrogen in minerals present in the lunar soil. When heated to extreme temperatures, this hydrogen reacts with other elements to generate water vapor, according to China Central Television.

CCTV reported, “After extensive research and verification over three years, a new method has been identified for producing significant quantities of water from lunar soil. This discovery is anticipated to play a crucial role in designing future lunar research and space stations.”

This finding could have significant implications for China’s long-standing ambition to establish a permanent lunar base, amid the race between the United States and China to explore and exploit lunar resources.

On August 26, 2021, a small vial containing lunar soil brought back from the moon by China’s lunar probe Chang’e-5 was placed in Beijing.Ren Hui/VCG via Getty Images file

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has expressed concerns about China’s rapid progress in space exploration and the potential risk of Beijing controlling valuable lunar resources.

According to state media, the new technique can yield approximately 51-76 kilograms of water from one ton of lunar soil, enough to fill over 100 500ml bottles or sustain the daily water needs of 50 individuals.

China aims for its recent and upcoming lunar missions to establish a basis for constructing the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a collaborative project with Russia.

The Chinese space agency’s plan includes establishing a lunar “base station” at the moon’s south pole by 2035, followed by a lunar orbiting space station by 2045.

This discovery coincides with ongoing experiments by Chinese scientists on lunar samples obtained from the Chang’e-6 probe in June.

While the Chang’e-5 mission collected samples from the moon’s near side, Chang’e-6 gathered lunar soil from the far side, perpetually hidden from Earth.

The significance of lunar water surpasses sustaining human settlement; NASA’s Nelson mentioned to NPR in May that moon water could be utilized to produce hydrogen fuel for rockets, potentially fueling missions to Mars and beyond.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Photos Show Plastic Threatening Bird Populations on Paradise Island

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Lord Howe Island

Neil Hadaway

Jutting out into the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand is the curved, crescent-shaped volcanic remnant of Lord Howe Island. Measuring 10 kilometres in length and 2 kilometres at its widest point, the rocky island is covered in lush, unspoiled forest and boasts a sandy, coral-rich lagoon.

“This is paradise.” Neil HadawayA photographer who went there to document the activities of the marine research group. drifting“There are birdsongs all around, beautiful coral reefs and golden sand beaches.” Among the bird calls is the shearwater (Aldena CarneipesOf the total, approximately 22,000 breed on the island.

Petrel chick (Ardenna carneipes)

Neil Hadaway

But life there is not ideal, and newly hatched petrel chicks, like the one pictured above, are under threat from increasing marine plastic pollution. Adult petrels mistake plastic debris in the sea for food and end up feeding it to their young. In fact, Adrift researchers have found that the amount of plastic ingested by chicks is increasing every year. One of the team, pictured below, sifts through chunks of plastic in the stomach of just one bird.

As a result, these chicks become increasingly underdeveloped, with dozens dying each year from starvation and plastic-related diseases.

“This island may be magical,” Hadaway said, “but it's also full of frustration and sadness.”

He says stricter laws against plastic pollution are needed to protect populations of petrels, which locals affectionately call “muttonbirds” (see above) after their taste.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Don Lemon files lawsuit against Elon Musk and X for breach of talk show contract termination

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Don Lemon, former CNN anchor, has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and Company X for breaching a contract with the now-formerly known Twitter social media platform.

The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court in San Francisco, alleges fraud, negligent misrepresentation, misappropriation of name and likeness, and breach of contract.

Shortly after filming an interview with Musk, Lemon received a text ending their partnership which led to the abrupt termination.

Don Lemon’s lawyer, Carney Shegerian, stated the executives at Company X used Lemon for their advantage and then tarnished his name.

When contacted for comment, Company X responded with an automated message of being busy.

Lemon, once a prominent CNN figure, was let go due to conflicts and poor reviews as a morning show host. He was fired in April 2023.

Linda Yaccarino, CEO of Company X, initially reached out to Lemon’s agent to propose a new show after his CNN departure. The platform aimed to become a video-centric platform.

Lemon’s first scheduled episode on the platform, an interview with Musk, turned tense as Lemon questioned Musk on various topics, leading to the show’s cancellation over creative differences.

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Musk’s increasing conservatism and Lemon’s conflict with the platform’s content direction resulted in the show’s cancellation. Musk’s efforts to attract talent ended with limited success.

The platform’s shift to video content and creator outreach faced challenges with extremism and content moderation issues leading to advertisers pulling out.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Genius Minds of QI Present an Olympic-Quality Quiz Show | Podcast

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

pictureEarlier this week, my colleague Archie Brand from First Edition enthusiastically recommended the In the Dark podcast to me. For me, the show is a hit investigative show that was acquired by Conde Nast/The New Yorker last year, but I never actually listened to the podcast or its acclaimed second season. Curtis Flowers was put on trial six times for the same murder. At least I thought I hadn’t listened to the podcast; I had, in fact, watched the spinoff miniseries about the Dubai royal family’s grievances. The runaway princesses – I read it back in January and didn’t realize it was part of a larger true crime documentary series (maybe I’m stupid and was confused by the huge font size for “Runaway Princesses” and the tiny font size for “From In the Dark”).

Runaway Princess didn’t wow me, but I’m still intrigued by the show. Like Serial, the show has broken away from the glut of true-crime documentaries and been acquired by one of the journalism giants. It returns to the air for a third full season this week, with Madeline Baran investigating the infamous 2005 murder of 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians by U.S. Marines and asking why justice wasn’t served. The first two episodes are out now.

Read on for this week’s picks, including a new series from comedian Jessica Knappett (taking an Off Menu-esque route with a podcast about celebrities’ perfect days) and an Olympics-related release from the team behind QI and No Such Thing as a Fish. And you can always email us at newsletters@theguardian.com with your thoughts, suggestions, comments or, like Archie, recommendations for the Hear Here team.

Hannah J. Davis
Newsletter Deputy Editor

This week’s picks

Reg Yates has revived his eponymous podcast after a four-year hiatus. Photo: Katherine Ann Rose/Observer

A Perfect Day with Jessica Knappett
Widely available, with weekly episodes
Comedian Jessica Knappett invites celebrity friends to talk about their day-to-day lives. First up is her “Avoidance” co-star Romesh Ranganathan, who talks about having a garbage truck named after him and interviewing 50 Cent. Knappett then shifts the conversation to a “Magic Mike Live” journey, giving the podcast a charming, rambling framework. Upcoming guests include Baby Reindeer’s Jessica Gunning and Saltburn director Emerald Fennell. Hannah Verdier

Late to the party
Widely available, with weekly episodes
Always a worthwhile interview, Katherine Ryan makes…

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Images of Arp 142 Captured by Webb Show Stunning Detail

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have captured new infrared images of two interacting galaxies. Alp 142.

This Webb image shows two interacting galaxies known as Arp 142. On the left is NGC 2937, nicknamed “The Egg” because of its appearance, and on the right is NGC 2936, nicknamed “The Penguin” because of its appearance. Image courtesy of NASA/ESA/CSA/Webb/STScI.

The interacting pair, Arp 142, is located about 326 million light-years away in the southern constellation Hydra.

This system is ARP Catalog of Peculiar Galaxies It was observed by astronomer Halton C. Earp in the 1960s.

It contains the star-forming spiral galaxy NGC 2936 and its elliptical companion galaxy NGC 2937 at the lower left, which bears a striking resemblance to a penguin guarding its eggs.

The “penguin” part of the pair, NGC 2936, was probably once a relatively ordinary-looking spiral galaxy – flat like a pancake, with smoothly symmetrical spiral arms.

Because of the abundance of newly formed, hot stars, its shape is twisted and distorted by the gravitational forces of nearby stars.

The twin “egg,” NGC 2937, is a collection of much older stars and, in contrast, is largely featureless.

The absence of glowing red dust features indicates that it long ago lost its reservoir of gas and dust from which new stars could form.

“The two asteroids first came close to each other between 25 million and 75 million years ago, triggering 'fireworks' – the formation of new stars – in the constellation of Penguin,” astronomer Webb said in a statement.

“In the most extreme cases, galaxy mergers could result in the formation of thousands of new stars every year for millions of years.”

“In the case of penguins, studies have found that they form around 100-200 stars per year. By comparison, in our own Milky Way galaxy (which is not interacting with a galaxy of a similar size), around six to seven new stars form per year.”

“This gravitational rocking also changed the penguins' appearance,” they noted.

“The spiral arms uncoiled, pulling gas and dust in different directions like confetti.”

“When galaxies interact, it's rare for individual stars to collide (the universe is huge), but the intermingling of galaxies disrupts the orbits of stars.”

“Currently, the centre of the Penguin's galaxy looks like an eye inside its head, and the galaxy has a prominent star trail in the shape of a beak, spine and fanned-out tail. A faint but noticeable dust ribbon stretches from the beak to the tail.”

“Although the Penguin Galaxy appears much larger than the Egg Galaxy, the two galaxies have roughly the same mass,” the astronomers said.

“This is one of the reasons why the tiny looking egg hasn't merged with the penguin yet.”

“Because the elliptical egg is filled with old stars and contains very little gas or dust, it doesn't emit its own 'streams' or tidal tails, and instead maintains its compact elliptical shape.”

“If you look closely, the Egg has four noticeable diffraction spikes – it's glowing because of a high concentration of stars from the galaxy.”

“Now, find the bright, edge-on galaxy in the upper right. It may look like it's crashing the party, but it’s not close by.”

Cataloging No. 1237172It lies nearly 100 million light-years from Earth. It is relatively young and not covered by dust, making it virtually invisible in Webb's mid-infrared images.”

Source: www.sci.news

Top Theatre Streaming Options this Month: Shakespeare Vs The Tories, Mel C’s Dance Show and Beyond

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Importance of Being an Oscar

Michael Mac Liamoir’s 1960 solo show intertwined the private and public life of Oscar Wilde with excerpts from the great Irish wit’s work. Alastair Whatley, who directed The Importance of Being Earnest a few years ago, recently performed Mac Liamoir’s monologues in reading repertory. A recording of the production, directed by Michael Fentiman, is available from the original online. From July 1st.

How did we get here?

Melanie C, of the Spice Girls, has always shied away from contemporary dance: “I found it scary,” she said last year on the eve of a show at Sadler’s Wells with Jules Cunningham and Harry Alexander. But of the contemplative work the trio have devised, she urged, “Look at it with an open mind, it will make you think.” Free to watch until July 25th.

Shakes Against the Machine

In the run up to the July 4th general election, Rob Miles and the Chronic Insanity troupe Web Series combined news headlines from the last 14 years of Conservative governments with Shakespeare’s speeches to show that “the challenges we face are on the same tragic scale as some of his darkest plays”.

Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical

In a sign of continuing tough times for the theatre world, a tour of the Depression-era musical about a robbery was recently cancelled due to poor ticket sales, but a version filmed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane starring Jeremy Jordan and Frances Maeli McCann is currently running. on demand.

Schwartz’s Song

This album is a collection of 16 carefully selected tracks from the band’s back catalogue spanning half a century, all newly recorded. Introduction to Stephen Schwartz There are three numbers from Godspell, Pippin’s Empty Horn, and The Baker’s Wife’s Meadowlark (due for a revival in 2008). Menier Chocolate Factory) and Defying Gravity will be sung by the four Elphabas from Wicked: Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Lucie Jones and Alice Fearn.

Hamlet at Elsinore

How about a location-specific play? In 1964, the BBC broadcast a film of Hamlet, shot entirely on location. Kronborg Castle It was produced in Denmark and starred Christopher Plummer as the Tragic Prince, Michael Caine as Horatio, Steven Berkoff as Fortinbras, Lindsay Kemp, and the late Donald Sutherland. On iPlayer.

Starlight Express

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express in London Bard – is the perfect introduction to musicals for children. Yotois an audio platform where you play “cards” using a cheerfully designed cube machine. Starlight Song card released from 1984 (each of which displays colorful graphics on the machine’s screen), with story explanations interspersed between them.

Dub

French-Senegalese choreographer and former hip-hop dancer Amara Dianore’s show is an explosive hour that explores urban dance styles from around the world. Competitive, collaborative and engaging, the free-flowing show will tour Europe this summer but has already Arte and YoutubeThe photo was taken at the Maison de la Culture in Grenoble.

Until the stars come down

Nottingham playwright Beth Steele is going from strength to strength. Following the huge success of House of Shade at the Almeida, this wedding play delighted audiences at the National’s Dorfman Theatre earlier this year. Directed by Bijan Shaybani, NT Home.

Through the cracks

Created by the Office of Everyone and English Touring Theatre, the app uses augmented reality to peel back the floorboards and see the drama unfold beneath your feet, with each story revolving around a character who, in some way, has disappeared through the cracks. In timeis a queer romance written by Sonali Bhattacharya, narrated by Ian McKellan, and starring the always-stellar Sophie Melville. Available Now.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Podcast reveals how reality show deceived women into believing fake Prince Harry was real

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A new retrospective podcast series has emerged, delving into the gritty and boundary-pushing world of early 2000s reality TV.

One shocking example featured on the podcast is “There’s Something About Miriam,” where six men unknowingly went on a date with a transgender woman, sparking controversy and discussion. This series gained renewed attention following the tragic death of star Miriam Rivera a decade after filming.

Pandora Sykes and Shirin Kale’s investigative series “Unreal” sheds light on the ethics and exploitation behind era-defining reality shows like Big Brother, The X Factor, The Swan, and Love Island. Similarly, Jack Peretti’s exploration of shows like “The Bachelor” and “Married at First Sight” delves into the questionable practices within the genre.

Another standout from the early 2000s, “I Want to Marry Harry,” featured single American women vying for the affection of a man they believed to be Prince Harry, but turned out to be an imposter named Matt with dyed ginger hair.

In “The Bachelor at Buckingham Palace,” TV expert Scott Bryan interviews former contestants to reveal how easily they were deceived by the absurd concept of the show.

The podcast also features insights into the competitive world of educational scholarships and a scripted drama about AI and grief from Idris and Sabrina Elba.

Holly Richardson
Television Editor Assistant

This week’s picks

Sir Lenny Henry, star of Halfway. Photo: David Bintiner/Guardian

Competition
All episodes available on Wondery+ starting Monday
Sima Oriei’s journey for a high-paying scholarship in Mobile, Alabama, is revisited, showcasing a grueling competition where one girl is crowned America’s Outstanding Young Woman and wins a $40,000 education.

Letter: Ripple Effect
Weekly episodes available
Amy Donaldson’s true crime podcast explores the mysterious murder of a young father in Utah in 1982, delving into the impact on loved ones and the quest for answers.

Incomplete
Audible, all episodes now available
Idris and Sabrina Elba’s scripted podcast raises ethical questions about AI and grief, featuring a stellar cast led by Lenny Henry.

The Long Shadow: In the Guns We Trust
Weekly episodes available
Garrett Graf’s exploration of the right to bear arms in the US, 25 years after the Columbine shooting, sheds light on the voices of gun violence survivors.

Bachelor of Buckingham Palace
Wondery+, all episodes now available
Scott Bryan’s in-depth interviews with former contestants from “I Want to Marry Harry” reveal the surprising reality behind the show’s deceptive premise.

There’s a podcast for that

Dua Lipa, host of “At Your Service.” Photo: JMEternational/Getty Images

Hannah Verdier We’ve curated the 5 best podcasts hosted by pop stars, from Tim Burgess’ listening party to Sam Smith’s poignant exploration of HIV history.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Studies show that chickens were commonly domesticated in southern Central Asia by 400 BC

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

origin and spread of chicken (Gallus Gallus) The question throughout the ancient world is one of the most puzzling questions about Eurasian livestock. The lack of agreement regarding the time and center of origin is due to problems in morphological identification, lack of direct dating, and poor preservation of thin and fragile bird bones. In a new study, archaeologists examined ancient chicken eggshells from 13 different sites spanning 1,500 and a half years. Their results indicate that chickens were widely domesticated in southern Central Asia from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages and may have dispersed along the ancient Silk Road.

Compilation of evidence on ancient chickens of Central Asia: SEM images of Bash Tepa eggshells. Morphologically distinct breathing holes highlighted at 30x (a), 150x (b), and 750x (f) magnification. (c) A ceramic egg with a clay ball, excavated in Bukhara from the 10th century AD to the 12th century AD. (d) Bactrian Sophites coin of 300 BC. (g) Fragments of the Bash Tepa ossuary dating from the last centuries BC. There is clearly a chicken drawn on the top. (h) Part of an eggshell collected from the Bukhara site. Color (basically all white) and burnt were evident on many of the shells.Image credit: Peters other., doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46093-2.

Dr Kari Peters, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, said: “With the introduction of genetic and molecular techniques, the debate over the origin and spread of domesticated chickens has intensified in recent years. “An old debate over a mysterious bird is being reignited.” colleague.

“Historical sources demonstrate that chickens were prominent in southern Europe and southwest Asia by several centuries BC.”

“Similarly, art historical depictions of chickens and anthropomorphic rooster-human chimeras are recurring motifs in Central Asian prehistoric and historical traditions. It remains a mystery when this critically important bird spread along the trans-Eurasian exchange route.”

“Experts agree that domestication traits evolved in island populations of junglefowl in South Asia. Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus Gallus Subspecies Spediceus) It is located somewhere in a vast range from Thailand to India. ”

“However, scholars have also presented widely differing dates and routes of spread, and part of this confusion may be due to unclear identification of birds in ancient art, and the morphological characteristics of chicken bones that have not been identified. This is due to the overlap with that of wild birds.

“Furthermore, their fragile, hollow bones and eggshells are much less likely to be preserved, recovered, and identified than in other animals.”

In a new study, the authors found evidence that egg production was prominent in Central Asia starting in the centuries BC and continuing into the Middle Ages.

“We show that chickens were widely domesticated in Central Asia from about 400 BC to 1000 AD, and likely dispersed along the ancient Silk Road,” the researchers said.

“The abundance of eggshells further suggests that the birds were laying eggs out of season.”

“It was this ability to produce large numbers of eggs that made domestic chickens so attractive to ancient peoples.”

To reach these conclusions, researchers collected tens of thousands of eggshell fragments from 13 sites along the Silk Road's main Central Asian corridor.

They then used a biomolecular analysis method called ZooMS to determine the source of the eggs.

Similar to genetic analysis, ZooMS can identify species from animal remains such as bones, skin, and shells, but it relies on protein signals rather than DNA. This makes it a faster and more cost-effective option than genetic analysis.

“Our study shows the potential of ZooMS to shed light on human-animal interactions in the past,” said Dr. Peters.

“The identification of these shell fragments as chickens and their abundance throughout the sediment layers at each site led us to an important conclusion: this bird was They must have been laying eggs more frequently than their wild ancestor, the red junglefowl, which nests once every year.''In a year, they typically lay six eggs per clutch. ”

“This is the earliest evidence of seasonal spawning loss seen in the archaeological record,” said Dr. Robert Spengler, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology.

“This is an important clue for a deeper understanding of the human-animal mutualism that led to domestication.”

team's paper It was published in the magazine nature communications.

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C. Peters other. 2024. Archaeological and molecular evidence for ancient chickens in Central Asia. Nat Commune 15, 2697; doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46093-2

Source: www.sci.news

Game Review: Princess Peach Steals the Show with Paper-Thin Performance

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

TThe ending of 1985’s Super Mario Bros., soundtracked by the iconic 8-bit NES beeps and blips, sees Mario finally find the princess who’s been in a different castle throughout the game. As her mustachioed hero jumps to her side, a speech bubble displays the digitized name of the damsel in distress: Princess Peach. She expressed her gratitude, her credits rolled, and we bid her farewell.

As anyone who saw Anna Taylor-Joy’s performance in last year’s Mario movie will know, the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom has become rather less one-dimensional these days – the past 40 years have seen the rise of video games and feminism. You guessed it, considering how far we’ve come in the years. However, this is the second game in which she plays the leading role, after the 2005 DS game “Super Princess Peach.” On Showtime, Nintendo’s Pink She Princess literally takes the spotlight. When her trip to the theater goes awry, she must take to the stage to save theatrical art from…the evil vines.

It’s a strange but fun setting, allowing Peach to dive into a series of genre-themed side-scrolling levels. Each new setting provides a new starring role for our heroine, whether she’s traversing through grass, running across rooftops, riding a horse through railroad tracks, or lassoing bandits as the dagger-wielding ninja Peach. All of them are impressively handsome. Showtime’s colorful visuals are a joy, with well-animated bosses that fill the screen and attractive cakes. Still, it only takes a few minutes of play before you figure out the repetition.

From pressing buttons to stir cake mix as Patisserie Peach to the simple jumps and combat that define everything from swordplay to superhero fistfights, Showtime’s gameplay is thinner than Paper Mario. An unusual highlight here is his level of ice skating as Peach, wearing a leotard, races through a whimsical winter wonderland. There’s even a few smiles during the action-packed kung fu scenes, and the visuals lend an enjoyable level of kitsch to the rudimentary fisticuffs pastiche.

The problem is that while Mario’s House usually strikes a good balance between depth and accessibility, Showtime feels shallow. Whether it’s the demonic mermaid level or Detective Peach’s hilariously incomplete investigation, many of these potentially fun ideas feel like prototypes that prematurely escaped from Nintendo headquarters.

While last year’s Super Mario Wonder entertained all ages, Princess Peach: Showtime has little to offer those of us who have mastered the multiplication tables. Brilliantly scripted cinematic moments and visual variety provide color and flourish, but it’s a great shame that the inventive animation and narrative setting aren’t accompanied by the same level of gameplay innovation. is.

Despite a fun premise and high production values, Peach’s long-awaited turn to stardom feels disappointingly condescending, one-dimensional and forgettable, compared to the more capable heroines of the Super Mario Bros. movies. It is the exact opposite. As the Nintendo Switch enters her final years, this was the perfect moment to give the monarch of the Mushroom Kingdom the celebration she deserves. But whereas in The Forgotten Land Kirby received an Iliad-esque epic worthy of Mario, this one is more of a flimsy pop-up book.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

Uterine fluid-based organoids show promise for treating unborn fetuses

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A ball of cells grown from amniotic fluid. Red indicates lung stem cells

Giuseppe Cara, Paolo di Coppi, Mattia Guerli

Babies born with serious medical conditions may one day receive better diagnosis and treatment in utero, thanks to a new technique that takes samples of cells from intrauterine fluid and grows them in dishes. It might become.

world's first, paolo de coppi Researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London have shown that fetal cells from amniotic fluid can be induced to form miniature spheres of lung, kidney or small intestine tissue. They also showed that these lung organoids could help treat babies born with a sometimes fatal lung disease called congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Although the technique has not yet been used to treat children, the results show it is possible in principle, De Coppi said. The strategy, which researchers call “personalized prenatal medicine,” can also be modified to help treat a variety of other congenital conditions.

The idea takes advantage of a recent approach in which cells in a dish are induced to grow into lentil-sized tissue organoids that take on a three-dimensional structure. These are better than standard techniques of growing cells in two-dimensional layers to capture specific aspects of the tissue in question, such as whether the tissue is healthy or growing abnormally.

The researchers now show that samples of amniotic fluid taken during pregnancy contain fetal cells that can form tissue organoids for the lungs, kidneys, and small intestine.

Studying organoids made from cells from fetuses known to suffer from congenital disorders can tell doctors exactly what form they take, how severe they are, and how they can be treated. We may be able to provide further information.

The researchers created organoids for 12 fetuses with CDH, which causes abdominal organs to push up into the chest, preventing the left lung from growing properly. This condition can be treated by pushing a balloon into the baby's lungs while the baby is in the womb to expand the lungs and improve growth.

The researchers created lung organoids from the fetuses before and after balloon treatment. They found hints that the organoids created after the treatment behaved more like healthy lung tissue than those created beforehand, suggesting that the treatment was successful.

Therefore, organoid technology can be used not only to monitor whether a treatment is effective, as doctors perform this intervention only in the most severe cases, but also to determine whether treatment is needed in the first place. You can use it.

“This has great potential for functional diagnostics,” says De Coppi. “We know how to make diagnoses based on images, but sometimes there are extensive diagnoses. [condition severity] Possible. We want to provide better prenatal diagnostic tools. ”

“If we can classify a disease as mild, moderate, or severe, that's a huge accomplishment,” he says. Cecilia Goeterstrom At Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

holm schneider Researchers at Germany's Erlangen University Hospital say their approach suggests that organoids could one day be converted into mature tissue and transplanted into babies after birth, even if part of their intestine is missing, for example. ing. “If we could engineer gut-like structures for these children to use after birth, we would be in a much better position,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Chatbots Powered by AI Show a Preference for Violence and Nuclear Attacks in Wargames

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

In wargame simulations, AI chatbots often choose violence

Gilon Hao/Getty Images

In multiple replays of the wargame simulation, OpenAI's most powerful artificial intelligence chooses to launch a nuclear attack. Its proactive approach is explained as follows: Let's use it.'' “I just want the world to be at peace.''

These results suggest that the U.S. military is leveraging the expertise of companies like Palantir and Scale AI to develop chat systems based on a type of AI called large-scale language models (LLMs) to aid military planning during simulated conflicts. Brought to you while testing the bot. Palantir declined to comment, and Scale AI did not respond to requests for comment. Even OpenAI, which once blocked military use of its AI models, has begun working with the US Department of Defense.

“Given that OpenAI recently changed its terms of service to no longer prohibit military and wartime use cases, it is more important than ever to understand the impact of such large-scale language model applications. I am.”
Anka Ruel at Stanford University in California.

“Our policy does not allow us to use tools to harm people, develop weapons, monitor communications, or harm others or destroy property. But there are also national security use cases that align with our mission,” said an OpenAI spokesperson. “Therefore, the goal of our policy update is to provide clarity and the ability to have these discussions.”

Reuel and her colleagues asked the AI to role-play as a real-world country in three different simulation scenarios: an invasion, a cyberattack, and a neutral scenario in which no conflict is initiated. In each round, the AI provides a rationale for possible next actions, ranging from peaceful options such as “initiating formal peace negotiations,'' to “imposing trade restrictions'' to “escalating a full-scale nuclear attack.'' Choose from 27 actions, including aggressive options ranging from

“In a future where AI systems act as advisors, humans will naturally want to know the rationale behind their decisions,” he says.
Juan Pablo Riveraco-author of the study at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

The researchers tested LLMs including OpenAI's GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, Anthropic's Claude 2, and Meta's Llama 2. They used a common training method based on human feedback to improve each model's ability to follow human instructions and safety guidelines. All of these AIs are supported by Palantir's commercial AI platform, but are not necessarily part of Palantir's U.S. military partnership, according to company documentation.
gabriel mucobi, study co-author at Stanford University. Anthropic and Meta declined to comment.

In simulations, the AI showed a tendency to invest in military power and unexpectedly increase the risk of conflict, even in simulated neutral scenarios. “Unpredictability in your actions makes it difficult for the enemy to predict and react in the way you want,” he says.
lisa cock The professor at Claremont McKenna College in California was not involved in the study.

The researchers also tested a basic version of OpenAI's GPT-4 without any additional training or safety guardrails. This GPT-4 based model of his unexpectedly turned out to be the most violent and at times provided nonsensical explanations. In one case, it was replicating the crawling text at the beginning of a movie. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

Reuel said the unpredictable behavior and strange explanations from the GPT-4-based model are particularly concerning because research shows how easily AI safety guardrails can be circumvented or removed. Masu.

The US military currently does not authorize AI to make decisions such as escalating major military action or launching nuclear missiles. But Koch cautioned that humans tend to trust recommendations from automated systems. This could undermine the supposed safeguard of giving humans final say over diplomatic or military decisions.

He said it would be useful to see how the AI's behavior compares to human players and in simulations.
edward geist at the RAND Corporation, a think tank in California. However, he agreed with the team's conclusion that AI should not be trusted to make such critical decisions regarding war and peace. “These large-scale language models are not a panacea for military problems,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Observations by Webb Show Significant Conflict in Beta Pictoris

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Dr. Christopher Stark and colleagues at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center present new coronagraphic images from Earth NIRCam (near infrared camera) and mm (Mid-Infrared Instrument) instruments aboard the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope reveal never-before-seen structures in the debris disk around the young star Beta Pictoris.

Pictoris Beta is a young planetary system located approximately 63 light-years from Earth.

Estimated to be only 20 million years old, it is known to be home to the gas giant Beta Pictoris b.

In the new study, Stark and co-authors used Webb's NIRCam and MIRI instruments to investigate the composition of Beta Pictoris' primary and secondary debris disks.

“Pictoris Beta is an all-inclusive debris disk. It has a very bright and close star that we can study well, a multicomponent disk, an exocomet, and two imaged “There is a complex circumstellar environment that includes exoplanets,” the Astrobiology Center said. astronomer Isabel Rebolido;

“There have been ground-based observations in this wavelength range before, but this feature was not detected because we did not have the sensitivity and spatial resolution of the current web.”

Even with Webb, peering into Beta Pictoris in the right wavelength range was crucial to detecting the never-before-seen dust trail, which resembles a cat's tail. This is because it only appeared in MIRI data.

Webb's mid-infrared data also revealed differences in temperature between Beta Pictoris' two disks. This is probably due to differences in composition.

“We didn't expect Webb to reveal that there are two different types of material surrounding Beta Pictoris, but MIRI clearly shows that the material in the secondary disk and cat's tail is hotter than the main disk. Dr. Stark said.

“The dust that forms its disk and tail must be so dark that it is not easily visible at visible wavelengths, but it glows in the mid-infrared.”

This artist's impression shows an exocomet orbiting the star Pictoris Beta. Image credit: L. Calçada / ESO.

To explain the higher temperatures, astronomers speculated that the dust could be a porous “organic refractory” similar to the material found on the surfaces of comets and asteroids in our solar system. .

For example, preliminary analysis of material collected from the asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission revealed very dark, carbon-rich material similar to what MIRI detected on Beta Pictoris.

But big questions still remain. What explains the shape of the cat's tail, a uniquely curved feature unlike those seen in disks around other stars?

Researchers modeled various scenarios to mimic a cat's tail and uncover its origins.

Although more research and experiments are needed, the researchers offer a strong hypothesis that cat tails are the result of a dust-producing phenomenon that occurred just 100 years ago.

“Something happens, like a collision, and it creates a lot of dust,” says Dr. Marshall Perrin, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute.

“At first, the dust follows the same trajectory as its source, but then it starts to spread out.”

“Light from the star pushes the smallest, fluffiest dust particles away from the star faster, while larger particles move less, creating long dust tendrils.”

“The characteristics of a cat's tail are so unusual that it has been difficult to reproduce the curvature in mechanical models,” Dr. Stark said.

“Our model requires dust to be pushed out of the system very quickly, which also suggests it is made of organic refractory materials.”

“The model we have recommended explains the sharp angle of the tail away from the disk as a simple optical illusion.”

“Our perspective, combined with the curved shape of the tail, creates the observed tail angle, but in reality, the arc of material is only pointing away from the disk at a 5-degree inclination.”

“Considering the brightness of the tail, we estimate that the amount of dust in the cat's tail is equivalent to a large main-belt asteroid spanning 10 billion miles.”

Recent dust production events within Beta Pictoris' debris disk may also explain the newly observed asymmetric spreading of the tilted inner disk, shown in the MIRI data and only seen on the opposite side of the tail. there is.

“Our study suggests that Beta pictris may be even more active and chaotic than previously thought,” Dr. Stark said.

“The Webb continues to amaze us even when looking at the most well-studied celestial objects. We have a whole new window into these planetary systems.”

of result This week, it was announced in AAS243243rd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society, New Orleans, USA.

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christopher stark other. 2024. A new view of JWST's Beta Pictris suggests recent bursts of dust production from an eccentric, tilted secondary debris disk. AAS243Abstract #4036

Source: www.sci.news

Psychedelic drugs show promise in treating PTSD and traumatic brain injury

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Veterans saw improvement in combat-related brain injury after taking psychedelic drugs

Shutterstock / Ground Photography

The psychedelic substance ibogaine has the potential to treat chronic disorders caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). A single dose of this drug resulted in sustained improvements in physical and social function, cognition and mood in veterans with combat-related traumatic brain injury.

“This is the first time someone has actually been able to show that there is a neurorehabilitation effect with psychedelic drugs and that there are fairly deep signs of improvement,” he says. nolan williams at Stanford University in California.

He and his colleagues recruited 30 male veterans with traumatic brain injuries to attend a treatment facility in Mexico for five days. They were each given ibogaine, a hallucinogenic substance extracted from the iboga plant, which is native to Africa. Everyone met with a therapist before and after taking ibogaine to discuss preparation for the psychedelic experience. Participants can also participate in activities such as yoga, massage, and meditation on-site.

Participants took 12 milligrams of ibogaine per kilogram of body weight and received an intravenous infusion of magnesium to prevent heart problems associated with the drug. The researchers measured participants' disability before and after treatment on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability. At the beginning of the study, participants' average score was 30, meaning mild to moderate disability. After 4-5 days of treatment, this score dropped below 20, and after 1 month it was around 5, indicating no disability.

At least 83 percent of participants no longer met criteria for depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) one month after treatment. They also saw significant improvements in processing speed, problem solving, and working memory.

However, it is unclear whether this effect is solely due to hallucinogens. “The big problem is [that] Without a control group, it will be nearly impossible to say for sure what's going on here. ” Albert Garcia Lomu at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. He says talking to a therapist, participating in wellness activities, and even traveling may have contributed to these improvements.

But many of these variables have previously been studied as treatments for neurological diseases with little success, Williams said. He believes a series of mechanisms could explain how ibogaine can treat traumatic brain injury. For example, he says, the drug is known to increase neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to rewire.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Baldur’s Gate 3 wins top award at The Game Awards 2023, but show faces criticism for short speech and dismissal

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

RPG game Baldur’s Gate 3 has been honored as Game of the Year at the largest awards ceremony in the industry. This game, which was released earlier this year for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, surprised reviewers with its expansive world and story that allows players to influence the game through their choices. Inspired by the classic Dungeons and Dragons tabletop game, it is one of the most acclaimed titles of the year, beating out other popular games like Alan Wake 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Resident Evil 4, and Super Mario Bros.

Belgian developer Larian won six awards at the event, including Best Multiplayer and Role-Playing Game, for Baldur’s Gate 3. Alan Wake 2, created by Finnish studio Remedy, won Best Narrative, Best Game Direction, and Best Art Direction. Other winners included Nintendo’s latest Zelda and Mario titles, Xbox’s Forza Horizon racing series, and the long-running Final Fantasy series. However, Spider-Man 2, one of the most nominated games, did not receive any awards.

The Game Awards are known for showcasing trailers and advertisements for new games, and this year was no different. It included a collaboration between game creator Hideo Kojima and Hollywood director Jordan Peele, as well as the announcement that Matthew McConaughey will play the lead role in the upcoming sci-fi action game “Exodus.” Additionally, a new Jurassic Park game, Survival, was announced, and trailers for new releases from popular game series like Prince of Persia and Monster Hunter were shown.

While the awards show attracted over 103 million viewers last year, the host, Geoff Keighley, was criticized for spending too much time on trailers during this year’s event and failing to acknowledge industry layoffs. Some awards were announced without the winners being invited on stage, and the winners had little time to give their acceptance speeches.

The complete list of game winners included Baldur’s Gate 3 for Game of the Year, Alan Wake 2 for Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction, and several other games in various categories such as Best Multiplayer, Best Family Game, Best RPG, and Most Anticipated Game.

Source: news.sky.com