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2025’s Most Captivating Animal Photography Showcase

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Wenjian Sun et al. 2025

Remarkably, the rat is observed attempting to resuscitate its unconscious cage mate by pulling its tongue and clearing the airway. In studies, researchers found that certain rodents, when interacting with anesthetized mice, exhibited caring behaviors such as pawing, grooming, and biting unresponsive individuals. This discovery indicates that empathetic behavior may be more prevalent in the animal kingdom than previously thought.

How high can you shoot?

Claryana Araújo-Wang/Botos do Cerrado Research Project/CetAsia Research Group

The male Amazon river dolphin (Inia geofrensis) was caught on camera urinating while rolling onto its back. This behavior is thought to communicate with other dolphins, similar to how land mammals employ scent marking. Other males might be drawn to the urine that falls into the water, interpreting it as a message.

Stay away!

David Ongley

This beautiful wren can be seen perched cautiously on a branch (Marlus cyaneus), evading the cuckoo—a notorious brood parasite. Scientists have discovered that over 20 bird species utilize similar “call” calls to alert nearby birds, as cuckoos secretly lay their eggs in other birds’ nests to shirk their parenting responsibilities.

Ali tries origami

Dr Chris Reid, Macquarie University

The weaving ant (Oecophila smaragdina) is depicted rolling up a piece of lined paper, using teamwork to lock it together in a long chain. Each ant grasps the abdomen of the ant in front, enabling the construction of nests from rolled leaves. Studies show that individual ants can pull nearly 60 times their body weight, while teams of 15 can generate forces exceeding 100 times their combined weight.

Never seen before

ROV Subastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute

For the first time, a living giant squid (Mesonihoteutis hamiltonii) was captured on film. While these mollusks are believed to grow up to 7 meters, the squid filmed was just a baby measuring 30 centimeters. This rare footage was obtained by a vessel from the Schmidt Ocean Institute while streaming live from the depths of the Southern Ocean near the South Sandwich Islands.

That’s my arm!

Sumire Kawashima, Yuzuru Ikeda/Ryukyu University

This octopus appears fooled into believing that a fake arm made of white gel is its own. While it’s well-known that humans can be tricked in a similar manner, scientists have discovered that octopuses share this intriguing behavior as well.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Stunning New Photos Showcase Cats in All Their Splendor

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Cornish Rex cat named Stella

Tim Flach

Cats are truly distinctive creatures. Throughout history, they have held a complex place in human society, admired for their beauty and yet sometimes feared. Breeders have tailored them to align with our tastes. In his latest book, feline, celebrated animal photographer Tim Flach delves into the captivating world of felines.

“The core of this undertaking was to reveal the genuine nature of cats,” Flach explains. Featuring over 170 stunning images, feline also presents insights from neuroscientist Morten Klingelbach about why cats enchant us, alongside evolutionary biologist Jonathan Losos’s examination of felines and their development.

The image above showcases Stella, a Cornish Rex from Montreal, Canada. Her striking appearance arises from unique genetic characteristics during her embryonic development. Interestingly, cats with heterochromia often have one blue eye, a trait frequently observed in all-white breeds.

Flach further captures images of cats who have achieved online fame. Acchom (below) is a long-haired Persian cat who suffers from a rare condition known as hirsutism, leading to abnormal hair growth. Currently, Acchom boasts over 900,000 Instagram followers.

Acchom, a Persian cat with hypertrichosis

Tim Flach

In another example, the exotic shorthair named Zoo embodies cuteness in its purest form. It’s a perfectly round, fluffy bundle of joy (below).

Exotic shorthair cat “Zu”

Tim Flach

Cuteness, as Klingelbach notes, is fundamental. As outlined in feline, the traits that make young mammals and birds appealing help them gain care from their parents, compensating for their vulnerability. Features like large eyes and round faces activate the orbitofrontal cortex, the area of our brain responsible for emotional responses. Such mechanisms ensure the survival of our species. Interestingly, this pleasing response extends beyond our own kind; cats elicit the same reaction in humans.

Oriental shorthair kitten

Tim Flach

By scanning his own brain while interacting with his long-haired cat Loki, Flach illustrates the impact of cuteness, showing how the orbitofrontal cortex activates within a mere 130 milliseconds, faster than conscious thought. “In some ways, you’re observing the fundamental effects of cuteness,” he notes.

Cuteness isn’t the sole evolutionary asset for cats. Valentine, an 8-week-old Sphynx cat, demonstrates exceptional hunting agility as he leaps for an inconspicuous toy.

Sphynx cat jumping on prey (toy)

Tim Flach

Cats possess 40 times the number of scent-sensing cells in their noses compared to humans. Their uniquely designed whiskers are finely tuned to detect slight vibrations, aiding in navigation and close-range hunting in the darkness. Moreover, their tongues, featuring small papillae made of keratin, serve multiple purposes, including grooming and sensory tasks. This structure also enhances their sense of smell by transmitting pheromonal scents to the vomeronasal organ, located at the top of their mouths.

Poppy the domestic cat shows off her tongue

Tim Flach

However, one of the most striking features of cats is their mesmerizing eyes. Ancient myths claimed that a cat’s glowing gaze indicated a connection to the devil. In reality, the luminous effect seen when a light hits a cat’s eyes in the dark is caused by a special reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which bounces back unavailable light to the photoreceptors (rods and cones) in their retinas. Cats possess a far greater density of rods than humans, enabling them to see in one-sixth of the light that humans require, as Losos discusses in his book.

Russian blue cat with Smirnoff eyes

In exploring the mesmerizing quality of a cat’s gaze, Flach and his team employed specialized lenses and high-speed flashes, presenting the cats’ eyes in an unprecedented manner that evokes the imagery of shining mirrors, akin to lighthouse beams.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

30 Incredible Close-Up Shots that Showcase the Majesty of Minuscule Details

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Have you ever watched a weevil extend its wings on a grain of rice? Zhang You, a photographer from China, remarked that he managed to capture this moment with such stunning detail that his image has been awarded this year’s top prize in the Nikon Small World Contest. The photograph beautifully showcases this small agricultural pest resting on its favorite food, with its wings beautifully unfurled and perfectly symmetrical.

Insects like the rice weevil serve a significant role in ecosystems around the globe. Images displaying such intricate detail and dramatic poses are exceptionally rare, unveiling the hidden beauty of life that often goes unnoticed.

Dr. Jan Rosenboom claimed second place with his captivating picture of algae balls suspended in water droplets, while third place was awarded to John Oliver Damm for his delicate shot of pollen ensnared in a spider’s web in his garden.

Now entering its 51st year, the Nikon Small World Contest recognizes the finest examples of science viewed under a microscope and invites anyone passionate about photography and videography to participate.

Here are this year’s top photographs from the contest.

Honorable Mention

A fusion of crystallized soy sauce and aluminum as seen through a 10x magnification. Photo courtesy of Mishal Abdulaziz Allihan/Nikon Small World
Frost on wooden railing viewed at 5x magnification. Photo by Gregory B. Murray/Nikon Small World

Image of Distinction

The fascinating parasitic fly (Crataerina hirundinis) as seen under 10x magnification. Photo courtesy of Bernard Allard/Nikon Small World
3D brain organoids in custom organ-on-a-chip devices photographed at 20x magnification. Photo courtesy of Dr. Arthur Chen and Dr. Ann Na Cho/Nikon Small World
True insect (Hemiptera) eggs on a leaf viewed at 5x magnification. Photo courtesy of Dr. Walter Ferrari/Nikon Small World
Adult zebrafish displaying brain blood vessels, photographed at 4x magnification. Photo courtesy of Hannah Summers/Nikon Small World
The androconial (pheromone-producing) region of a butterfly (Colias) wing viewed at 10x magnification. Photo courtesy of Daniel Evrard/Nikon Small World
Crystals from a mixed solution of alanine and glutamine under polarized light as viewed at 20x magnification. Photo courtesy of Doong Yien/Nikon Small World
Autofluorescence of barnacle cirri exoskeleton, with bright red diatoms. Photographed at 5x magnification. Photo credit: Charles Krebs/Nikon Small World
Vascular bundle of bamboo leaves (Phyllostachys sp.) viewed at 20x magnification. Photo by David Maitland/Nikon Small World

Top 20

Marine copepods observable under a microscope at 60x magnification. Photo courtesy of Zachary Sanchez/Nikon Small World
Parasitic fungi (Cordycipitaceae) affecting flies (Calliphoridae), photographed at 2x magnification. Photo by Eduardo Agustin Carrasco/Nikon Small World
Fluorescently labeled mouse colon under 20x magnification. Photos by Marius Mehlen, Cohen Oost, Prisca Liberali, Laurent Germain/Nikon Small World
Daphnia and algae viewed at 5x magnification. Photo courtesy of Hong Guo/Nikon Small World
A fern sporangium photographed at 40x magnification. Photo courtesy of Rogelio Moreno/Nikon Small World
Geometry moth (Typertidae) laying eggs, captured at 5x resolution. Photo courtesy of Zhang You/Nikon Small World
Quartz crystal featuring filaments of biogenic goethite. Photo courtesy of Manfred Heising/Nikon Small World
Slime mold Arcyria major, also known as Arcyria insignis, releasing spores at 10x magnification. Photo courtesy of Henri Koskinen/Nikon Small World
Actin cytoskeleton (cyan) and endoplasmic reticulum (red) in mouse brain tumor cells, displayed at 100x magnification. Photo courtesy of Halli Lindamood & Eric Vitriol/Nikon Small World
Sunflower trichomes generated by stacking 112 images, displayed at 10x magnification. Photo courtesy of Marek Miś/Nikon Small World

Top 10

Metaphase in human cardiomyocytes showing condensed chromosomes during the second stage of cell division. Displayed at 60x magnification. Photo courtesy of Dr. Dylan Barnett and Dr. James Hayes/Nikon Small World
Fungi (Talaromyces purpureogenus) with red diffuse pigment, shown at 10x magnification. Photo by Wim van Egmond/Nikon Small World
Malvaceae pollen germinating on the stigma, while being parasitized by filamentous fungi. Displayed at 40x magnification. Photo courtesy of Dr. Igor Siwanowicz/Nikon Small World
Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons showing tubulin and actin proteins at 10x magnification. Photo by Stella Whittaker/Nikon Small World
Rat hepatocytes observed under a microscope at 63x magnification. Photo provided by: Dr. Francisco Lazaro-Dieguez/Nikon Small World
Small tropical fern (Ceratopteris richardii) spores depicted as blue/purple structures. Displayed at 25x magnification. Photo courtesy of Dr. Igor Siwanowicz/Nikon Small World
Cardiomyocytes with condensed chromosomes post-cell division at 100x magnification. Photo courtesy of Dr. James Hayes/Nikon Small World

3rd Place

Pollen resting on a spider web in the garden, displayed at 20x magnification. Photo courtesy of John Oliver Damm/Nikon Small World

2nd Place

Colonial algae (Volvox) forming spherical structures within water droplets, viewed at 5x magnification. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jan Rosenboom/Nikon Small World

Overall Winner

A rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) perching on a grain of rice, photographed at 5x magnification. Photo courtesy of Zhang You/Nikon Small World

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Breathtaking Images Showcase the Battle to Safeguard Earth’s Diverse Biodiversity

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Malaysian tropical longhorn beetle

Kim Hee Yu

“It had an unusual expression, reminiscent of an alien, but it wasn’t hostile. It remained motionless on the branch throughout,” said Kim Hui Yu, the photographer of the long-eared longhorn beetle during a family visit to Gunung Jerai on Malaysia’s west coast.

A light bulb inside the mosquito net drew invertebrates during the night. In the morning, she selected the most vibrant ones for photographs. “I want to raise awareness that every creature, even the tiniest, has its place. So we must protect our forests.”

The image titled alien is one of eight featured in the Natural History Museum’s 2025 Biodiversity Exhibit. Visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, opening in London on October 17th. The collection includes images from past contests.

The exhibit also showcases a large map illustrating biodiversity levels based on the Biodiversity Intact Index developed by museum researchers.

4 month old black rhino calf

Hilary O’Leary

Hannah McCartney, who oversees the contest, emphasizes the significant influence of images. The aim is to motivate viewers to notice and act. A prime example includes Innocent Betrayed by Hilary O’Leary, showcasing a four-month-old black rhino calf interacting with an anti-poaching scout, captured while the calf was lost in the brush.

Berchtesgaden National Park in the German Alps

marc graff

high and wild, captured by Mark Graf, presents a different perspective on the potential losses of nature. This shot shows trees and rocks emerging from sunlit clouds within Berchtesgaden’s national park.

Intimate moments between harlequin toads

Jaime Culeblas

Jaime Culebras’ happy couple captures mating harlequin toads in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park, home to numerous endangered species.

Caitlin Woods, marine ranger off Lord Howe Island

Justin Gilligan

rich reflections by Justin Gilligan captures marine ranger Caitlin Woods snorkeling among the vibrant seaweed off Lord Howe Island, located between Australia and New Zealand.

Interspecies showdown

Morgan Heim

A close encounter between a pygmy rabbit and a stink bug, both found in rabbit burrows, was captured in burrow mate by Morgan Heim in the Columbia Basin, Washington.

Red kite takes off in the UK

owen hearn

flight path: Owen Hearn’s image juxtaposes the close-up of a red kite with a distant airplane silhouette. This pivotal photo was taken at a Bedfordshire site once selected as London’s third major airport, a project halted due to public opposition. Currently, this location offers a unique vantage point for wildlife photography. While the red kite population has dramatically recovered following its near extinction due to historical persecution, Britain remains one of the most depleted nations in terms of wildlife.

Life beneath the ice off the coast of Antarctica

Laurent Ballesta

Laurent Ballesta’s pyramid of life illustrates the biodiversity thriving beneath East Antarctica’s ice, featuring giant ribbon worms and starfish.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is celebrating its 61st year, with judges evaluating a record 60,000 entries, compared to just 341 in 1965. Winners will be revealed on October 14th.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Mother Teresa at Australia’s Supermarket: Women Showcase Grocery Deals on TikTok

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mAya Angelou once remarked, “Heroes are individuals who genuinely strive to make the world a better place for everyone.” In her thoughts, I can only imagine she had Aussie TikToker and micro-influencer Tenil_deals in mind.

So, who is Tennilles_deals exactly? Firstly, she is Teresa, a devoted mother and a savvy queen who represents the Australian supermarket scene. Secondly, I must admit I don’t know much about her since she doesn’t market herself like the typical influencer; instead, she allows her work to shine.

What does she do? Tenil meticulously navigates major supermarkets and shares weekly POV-style videos highlighting the week’s special offerings. Her calming voice and steady hand bring you through the sea of yellow price tags. Her work is detailed, thoughtful, and essential.

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I once felt deep shame for eagerly awaiting the Coles and Woolworths catalogs to drop every Monday at 5 PM. Wednesdays held a special thrill as it signaled ALDI Catalog Day—nothing felt quite like discovering a niche European snack or a new cleaning gadget with a staggering 75% discount.

Flipping through the supermarket catalog evokes the same excitement I felt as a kid rifling through the Royal Easter Show showbag booklet in the early 2000s. I vividly remember the thrill of touching each item listed in the $15 (somewhat offensively named) Megasmo bag. The anxious choice between Wonka or With Fizz, knowing my mom wouldn’t buy both. The supermarket catalog brings that same pulse-racing experience—may it soon be yours too.


However, the era of flipping through paper catalogs has truly ended. Thus, Tennilles_Deals plays a crucial role, offering concise 3-minute videos that provide 360-degree views of every item. We find ourselves in a battleground with her, Woolworths and Coles, where she serves as our protector, skillfully guiding us through each aisle. She is our mother, and we are her children.

I’m not alone in my praise for this incredible woman. It’s evident why Tennilles_deals has garnered nearly 100,000 followers—she provides what giant supermarkets often lack: a space for cash-strapped Australians to voice their frustrations over price changes.




Commentary on TikToks by Tennilles_deals creates a space for both admiration and solidarity. Photo: TikTok

In one of her videos discussing the price of extra virgin olive oil, the comments section ignites debate. Kelly from Tamworth recalls when it was only $7, and we love how Kerry’s reactions foster a sense of unity. We’re not alone in this. Barry from Wagga Wagga expresses his frustration over Cadbury Chocolate Block pricing. He commiserates that two for $10 seems absurd, bringing back memories of simpler days when it was just $3. Despite his subsequent comment on something unrelated, we appreciate that he stands with us in solidarity over the chocolate prices.

The stress of supermarket shopping instills a common Australian anxiety. Gone are the days of wandering the aisles without a clear plan. Now, I’m armed with the knowledge to snag 5 Chobani pots for $10, just like Carol’s encouraging voice from Broken Hill reminds us: “Don’t let go of that Chobani deal.” This mantra helps ease my budgetary worries while keeping my gut microbiota happy.

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What Tennilles_deals is doing is fostering community. “Australia of the Year,” remarked one TikTok user, noting a half-price Woolworths item spotted last week.

Sadly, the nominations for the 2026 Australia of the Year have closed, so the only way I can show my appreciation is through this heartfelt essay. Keep up the amazing work, Tennille—people love you, and they need you. You truly are the real deal.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Oldest Ankylosaurus Showcase: Unique and Elaborate Skin Armor

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Armored Ankylosaurus Dinosaur While primarily recognized in late Cretaceous ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere, the early evolution of ankylosaurs during the medium Jurassic era remains largely enigmatic due to sparse fossil evidence. Spicomellus Afer has been proposed as the oldest known ankylosaurus and the first discovered in Africa, though this was based on only partial ribs from the Jurassic deposits of central Morocco. Currently, paleontologists are working on a new, better-preserved specimen that affirms the relationship of this ankylosaurus with its relatives and reveals that, unlike contemporary or extinct vertebrates, it features uniquely sophisticated dermal armor.

Reconstructing the life of Spicomellus Afer. Image credit: Matthew Dempsey.

Spicomellus Afer inhabited Morocco during the mid-Jurassic period, approximately 168 million years ago.

The species was first described in 2021 based on a single fossilized rib.

“In studying spicomellus,” said Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham:

“We were astonished by its uniqueness and how it differed from other dinosaurs and surviving or extinct life forms.”

“This finding challenges our previous understanding of ankylosaurs, indicating how much more we have yet to discover about dinosaur evolution.”

Professor Butler and his team identified that Spicomellus Afer had fused bone spikes that extended over all the ribs—a feature not seen in either living or extinct vertebrates.

These ancient spikes measured up to 87 cm, and it is believed they could grow longer throughout the animal’s life, emerging from a bony collar around its neck.

“The presence of such advanced armor in early ankylosaurs alters our perceptions of their evolutionary trajectory,” remarked Professor Susanna Maidment, a paleontologist at the Museum of Natural History in London and the University of Birmingham.

“This underscores the significance of African dinosaurs and highlights the necessity to further explore them.”

“spiccomellus showcased various plates and spikes extending from its entire body, including meter-long neck spikes, large protruding spikes at the waist, elongated blade-like spikes, paired long spikes for armor, and plates situated beneath the shoulders.”

“We have never encountered anything quite like this in the fossil record.”

“This is particularly intriguing considering that it is the earliest known ankylosaurus. Although later species might have inherited similar characteristics, we should not assume this was the case.”

Researchers speculate that these spikes may have served as displays to attract mates and deter rivals.

Interestingly, no comparable display armor has been identified in other ankylosaurs; the armor in later species likely evolved to be more functional for defense.

One reason for this may be the evolution of larger predatory dinosaurs during the Cretaceous, alongside the emergence of carnivorous mammals, crocodiles, and snakes, leading to a greater need for defensive adaptations among ankylosaurs.

However, one trait that early ankylosaurs might retain is their tail weaponry.

Though the tail of spiccomellus was not recovered, existing bone fragments suggest the presence of club-like structures. Part of the tail vertebrae is fused, forming what is known as a “handle,” a feature only seen in ankylosaurs with tail clubs.

Nevertheless, these latter animals thrived millions of years later in the Cretaceous.

The combination of tail weapons and armored shields indicates that key adaptations seen in ankylosaurs were already present in spicomellus.

This discovery highlights the importance of fossil records in unraveling evolutionary mysteries and enhancing our understanding of dinosaur distribution.

It also ignites the imagination surrounding the dinosaurs like spicomellus.

“This research has significantly advanced Moroccan paleontology,” remarked Professor Doris Oahatch, a paleontologist at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdela University.

“I have never encountered a dinosaur quite like this. There is still so much to uncover in this field.”

A study detailing this discovery was published in the journal Nature today.

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Scr Maidment et al. The world’s oldest Ankylosaurus armor. Nature Published online on August 27th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09453-6

Source: www.sci.news

Cockatoos Showcase an Impressive Variety of Dance Moves

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White Cockatoos Display a Natural Inclination to Dance

Andrew Angelov/Alamy

The head nods, side-to-side movements, and body rolls are just a few of the over 30 dance moves showcased by these remarkable cockatoos.

Since gaining online fame in 2009, the sulfur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) has become an Internet dance sensation. In 2019, Aniruddh Patel from Tufts University and his team revealed that Snowball, a well-known dancing cockatoo, created 14 unique dance moves and even mixed some of them together.

To explore how prevalent this behavior is, Natasha Love and her research team from Charles Sturt University in Australia examined 45 videos of dancing cockatoos shared on social media. They discovered five different species: the sulfur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua alba), the umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis), Tanimbar cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana), and a lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sanguinea).

The researchers identified 30 distinct dance moves, each performed by at least two birds. Of these, 17 had not been previously documented in scientific literature. Interestingly, closely related species exhibited varying styles in their dance.

Love and her team also conducted experiments on two pink cockatoos (Lophochroa leadbeateri) and two galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla) at the Wagga Wagga Zoo and Aviary in Australia.


They played various music tracks for the birds—such as “Wake Me Up” by Avicii, a financial podcast “She’s On The Money”, and white noise—and observed that the birds engaged in their dance moves regardless of the type of audio played.

This suggests that cockatoos are not merely mimicking human actions. “It’s uncertain why they dance, but it’s plausible they are expressing themselves in playful ways,” says Love.

Many of the observed dance moves correspond to displays seen during wild parrot courtship, indicating that the ability to dance may have roots in mating behavior, according to Love.

Video evidence leads her and her colleagues to conclude that dancing behavior can be found in at least 10 of the 21 known cockatoo species.

“Snowball developed his dance moves without formal instruction, yet it remains unclear how much of these behaviors are influenced by genetic factors. Recent research indicates that the similarity of movements among different parrots’ dances may not be as predictable,” Patel remarks. “These findings are exhilarating as they show that the capacity for flexible and creative dancing to music is not a trait exclusive to humans.”

So, which cockatoo species stands out as the best dancer? “From our zoo observations, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos seemed to display more enthusiasm and energy in their dances compared to other species,” Love notes.

She emphasizes that further studies are necessary to discern whether birds actually enjoy dancing and if encouraging this behavior can enhance the well-being of domesticated parrots.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare Photos Showcase Snow Leopard Cubs in Their Den

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Two of the five snow leopard cubs recently photographed in Mongolia

SLCF-Mongolia/Snow Leopard Trust

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

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

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

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

SLCF-Mongolia_snow Leopard Trust

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

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

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

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

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Colossal’s Ambitious Plan to Showcase the Massive MOA Remains Unachievable

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Artistic impressions of the moa, one of the largest extinct birds

Christopher Cree/Colossal Biosciences

Colossal Biosciences has unveiled its ambitious project to “bring back” the New Zealand MOA, one of the most remarkable extinct birds in history, although critics claim the objectives may be scientifically unfeasible.

The MOA was the only fully known flightless bird, with no close relatives like emus. Nine species once inhabited New Zealand, including the turkey-sized bush moa (Anomalopteryx didiformis). The two largest varieties, the South Island Giant MOA (Dinornis robustus) and the North Island Giant MOA (Dinornis novaezealandiae), both stood at an imposing 3.6 meters tall and weighed around 230 kilograms.

By the mid-15th century, all MOA species were believed extinct, following the arrival of the Polynesian people, now known as Māori, in New Zealand around 1300.

Colossal has partnered with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, an indigenous institution affiliated with the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, along with filmmakers such as Peter Jackson and the Canterbury Museum. These collaborations are vital as Colossal aims to extract DNA and reconstruct the genomes of all nine species of MOA.

Similar to Colossal’s other “de-extinction” initiatives, this project involves modifying the DNA of currently existing species. Andrew Pask, a scientific advisor at the University of Melbourne, notes that the MOA’s closest living relative is the South American Tinamou, although it is considerably smaller.

This suggests the project may need to utilize the Australian EMU (Dromaius novaehollandiae) instead. As Pask explains, “Emus have large embryos and eggs, which are crucial for recreating the MOA.”

Previously, Colossal announced its so-called “de-extinction” of the thylacine. This endeavor has faced skepticism from external experts who argue that the animal is essentially a modified gray wolf. Pask insists that the MOA project involves greater genetic manipulation.

“With the MOA, we are making a concerted effort to accurately reassemble the species,” he states. “When this animal walks the Earth again, we will have no doubt it is a true MOA. It will be an engineered version of the original.”

The specific habitat for these reintroduced animals is still unclear. Mike Stevens from the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre emphasizes that both his organization and the local Māori community must fully grasp the “feasibility and ethical implications” of Colossal’s efforts. “Only after this discussion can we consider how and where the ‘giant MOA’ will fit into our world,” he mentions, raising numerous profound ethical and practical questions that need careful consideration before proceeding. Technology must prove its worth.

Conversely, Philip Seddon from the University of Otago believes that whatever Colossal creates won’t truly be a MOA and may exhibit distinctly different traits. He highlights that while Tinamous are the closest relative of the MOA, their evolutionary paths diverged over 60 million years ago.

“Ultimately, Colossal’s approach utilizes genetic engineering to produce GMOs that resemble an extinct species without genuinely solving contemporary global issues,” he asserts.

Pask vigorously challenges this viewpoint, arguing that insights gained from this de-extinction endeavor are crucial for the preservation of current endangered species.

Jamie Wood from the University of Adelaide believes this project may yield “valuable new perspectives on MOA biology and evolution.” However, he cautions that if Colossal employs similar methodologies to those used in the dire wolf project, they could struggle to persuade the public that the resultant creature can be regarded as a true MOA.

“While they may possess certain MOA-like characteristics, they are unlikely to behave as the originals did or occupy the same ecological roles.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Stunning Photos Showcase Nature’s Unforgettable Resilience

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Suspended Blessing: Sleeping Sperm Whale and Her Calf

Paul Nicklen

A full belly—if you look closely, you can see the tentacles of the deep-sea squid she recently devoured hanging from her mouth.

This photo, titled The Interrupted Bounty, is one of many captured by photographer Paul Nicklen and showcased at the Photo Fair. It exudes a sense of peace, yet Nicklen experienced a whirlwind of emotions while filming it in Dominica in 2019.

“Even while my lungs ached and my mind screamed to surface just 5 meters away, I had to calm myself,” he reflects. “In that moment, my focus shifted to breathing, framing, and floating. The fear was present, but I remained centered.”

As he grounded himself, a feeling of “quiet adoration” washed over him. “It brought a certain joy, aligned with their rhythm for a while,” Nicklen recalls. “Over time, that joy has shifted into a heavier contemplation. I’m reflecting on the risks that whales now face—ocean pollution, ship strikes, entrapment in nets, and rising sea temperatures. Looking back at these images reveals lines that may not endure unless changes occur. Still, I feel fortunate. I’m honored to share their stories.”

Photo London will take place at Somerset House from May 15th to 18th. Nicklen’s work is presented by Hilton Contemporary, which also features a photograph by marine biologist Christina Mittermeyer, showcasing her striking image from Madagascar in 2008: Mandare’s Washing. It depicts brightly colored clothing drying on cracked earth, with two emaciated cows nearby on a dry stretch of the Mandare River.

Mandare Washing: Dried Beds on the Mandare River in Madagascar

Christina Mittermeier

Seventeen years later, Mittermeier reflects on the tumultuous feelings she experienced while taking those shots. “It wasn’t just the illness, but also the tropical fever, combined with a sense of guilt. Not guilt for being there, but for leaving,” she recounts. “The village families had no escape from the drought; they lacked alternatives, no backup resources, no taps to turn on.

Today, that guilt has evolved into a profound respect for the resilience of the locals.

“I think of the elasticity of that fabric, the dust, and how survival here is stitched together with each piece of clothing, meal, and glass of water,” Mittermeier shares. “It’s a testament to drought, but also to the overarching decisions that determine who suffers and who survives.”

Below is another stunning photograph by Nicklen titled Ephemeral Palace. Captured in 2012 on the Antarctic Peninsula, it depicts a vast iceberg adrift, destined to melt as it approaches the sea.

Ephemeral Palace: Iceberg on the Antarctic Peninsula in 2012

Paul Nicklen

The final shot from Nicklen, titled Meet Face to Face, features an unexpected visitor, photographed in Svalbard, Norway in 2008. He labels the encounter with “the bear in question” as a significant highlight of his career, noting he has rarely encountered the approximately 2,000 polar bears he has documented, yet he has never succumbed to panic.

Face to Face: A Close Encounter with a Norwegian Polar Bear

Paul Nicklen

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Baftas showcase the creativity of games, from Neva to Highland Song

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IT is easy to be a little troubled by his recent fate. Last week I saw a video of Trump Gaza generated by a vicious AI, and was so appalled that I made the kayak guide book an impulse. It felt like the only sane response was to bring it into the water and let go of the paddle.

While video games are a reliable antidote to existential fate, layoffs, corporate homogenization, and AI slops all have invaded my safe haven, making it even more difficult to get a simple reprieve from what's happening in the outside world. And I would like to thank you for your nominations for the BAFTA Games Awards.

2025 picks have been announced Last week (as many readers know, there is a tradition now). In my opinion, BAFTA events are the most exclusive and most commercial shows of the Game Awards show, and its judging panels are a mix of video game industry experts and post-BAFTA membership experts, typically with the widest range of picks. I've always seen a lot of what I personally like about video games with these nominations: their pure creative variations and vitality. (Disclosure: Over the years I have been involved with these screening panels in a variety of abilities, but not 2025.)

There will be no appointments for SuperB Indiana Jones and The Gread Circle, as the eligibility period runs from November 2023 to November 2024. (I feel very sorry for the amazing game that came out in December.) One of my favorites I played was making the cut. A magical, authentic game about ramming through the Scottish mountains, Highland Song appears in Best British games along with another Scottish set game that wakes deep, a space horror thriller set on North Sea oil rig. Yorkshire-ish comedy is grateful you're here! It also won this award, as did LEGO Horizon Adventure, Paper Trail and Hellblade II.

Hellblade II is actually the most nominated entire game and appears in 11 categories. Meanwhile, I awaken deep things and thank you for appearing at the age of 8 and being here at the age of 7. If I could be forgiven for a very gentle patriotism, the UK gaming industry should be very proud of last year's production. This was generally scary for people working in the play business.

Personal favourites… The game about Neva, Warrior and Her Wolf is nominated for the Artistic Achievement Award. Photo: Neva

The fun is appreciated that you are here! Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong, Balatro, Helldivers 2, and Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, have become the best game category, the game I liked more than most others. There are a lot of big games here in different categories, but what I like about BAFTAS is that indie games aren't relegated to their own specific categories. Anywherebringing you a fun, unpredictable slate. Stop motion submarine puppet adventure game Harold Halibrib and Warrior and Wolf environmentalist action game Neva (My Personal Favorite) has been awarded the Artistic Achievement Award, adjacent to large titles such as Astro Bot and Wukong.

The vague “Games Beyond Entertainment” category has always been my favorite due to its vague definition. These are all games with a broader meaning than what is meant to be. We have kind words. There, you can send a wonderful message to strangers or send your worries to the world. There is a botanical mansion about exploring the Victorian botanist's home. The Story of Kenzera: Zau is informed by the director's grief after his father's death. Tetris Forever is a fascinating interactive documentary about block-drawing games and insight into the wild times of video games history. Perhaps because of the portrayal of life with mental illness, Hellblade is there as well. And then there is a vampire therapist. You are a cowboy who speaks immortal undead through their emotional baggage. I've never heard of this game so I'll download it right away.

Last year's awards were so comprehensively dominated by Baldur's Gate 3, the show usually lacked a surprising trend, but many categories this year are far more demanding. The show will be held on April 8th at 7pm on BST at 7pm, with comedian Philwan re-running, making almost all of this nomination list worthwhile winners. That being said, if Lipentagio doesn't get the best story, I'm a fummie if it's a brilliantly smart and greatest roleplay game metaphor: Lipentagio doesn't get the best story.

What to do

Wonderstop. Photo: Ivy Road/Anapurna

Wonderstop The game is a formerly terrifying warrior and forced to run a whimsical tea shop in the fantasy forest, and she is not happy about it. It's also a game about burnout. Co-authored by Davey Wreden (The Stanley Paraable, The Beginners Guide) and Karla Zimonja (Hone Home) discover that he had invested too much in his work and was suddenly taken away from meaning when he couldn't function like he used to. (I don't know what you're talking about.)

Available at:PS5,Xbox,PC
Estimated playtime: 10 hours

What to read

Landmarks in the world of explorable 3D games… The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina Era from 1998. Photo: Nintendo

  • Inspired by the BAFTA investigation, I asked a lot of interesting and prominent people for them The most influential video game ever. No two chose the same game. Most of their choices were very beautifully esoteric and I found it obviously boring to choose something relatively predictable.

  • Sony is experimenting AI-driven game characters: That's what the AI ​​version of Aloy on Horizon was It leaked to the bargespeak to the player in a synthesized voice. Important Reminder: Horizon is the story of how greedy technocrats destroyed the Earth with the help of AI.

  • there is New “official” trailer for Our Last In season 2, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsay returned as Heroes Joel and Ellie. Those of us who have played the game will know there are plenty of trailers it's not Show it…

  • Speaking of trailers, there is a 10 minute (yes, 10) trailer Death Scheme 2It will be released on June 26th. As it's a game of Kojima Hideo, it looks like equal parts are creative and confusing And it's totally weird.

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Question block

Trigger warning for vegetarians…Monster Hunter: The World. Photo: Capcom

leader Robin We provide questions for this week:

“Here's the question I can't get out of my head: How can I play Monster Hunter! ? I'm not creaking at all, but I was able to barely pass a training session that involved in hurting harmless creatures trapped in the arena. I was tired and my son was scared. Then some innocent creatures were about to die, and I was pulling on my stupid face and taking pictures of the poor the last time it breathed. And what prompted you to leave the game if Monster Hunter didn't do that for you? ”

This is such a valid question! I was a vegetarian for 12 years, but throughout, I was willing to cut off the majestic creatures. Monster Hunter And I was proud of my achievements. I'm so fascinated by this dichotomy that I wrote an entire article about it when Monster Hunter: World came out in 2018. Quote yourself.

Whether it's Monster Hunter or Game of Thrones, one of the features of fantasy violence is to reflect the role that violence plays in the real world and in the human nature. Monster Hunter may involve murder, but it also restores humans to the hierarchy of nature… pretending to fight hunters in my spare time is probably the outlet for slave carnivorous animals.

I'm no longer a vegetarian, but I fully acknowledge the dissonance between respecting and admiring these incredible virtual creatures and killing them to make flashy helmets. The latest game has many cognitive somersaults in its story, as killing these dangerous beasts does it to protect people and ecosystems. But at the base level, it's fun so I'm doing it, and that teeth It's quite gloss on one level. Another thing: it's fantasy. I personally feel more comfortable killing virtual dragons than killing virtual people, as I have no judgment for first-person shooters at all.

To Part 2 of Your Question: One Instant Grand Theft Auto v It made me uncomfortable and I had to take my partner to play through the scene for me. A scene from the story involving a hillbilly psycho capturing and torture a Middle Eastern man. You have no choice but to be active and it made me feel nauseous. It is clearly intended to be a satirical commentary on the immediate torture of the US government after 9/11,

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists showcase innovative self-assembling electronics technology

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New proof of concept workpublished in a magazine materials horizonpaving the way for self-assembly of more complex electronic devices without relying on existing computer chip manufacturing techniques.

Bottom-up nano-to-microfabrication is of critical importance in modern electronics and optics. However, conventional multiscale array manufacturing techniques face the challenge of reconciling the conflict between the pursuit of better device performance and lower manufacturing costs and/or energy consumption. Chan others. We introduce a facile method for fabricating mixed-metal arrays based on directed self-assembly in which organometallic adducts derived from passivating oxides of ternary liquid metals are polymerized to fabricate mixed-metal wires. Image credit: Julia Chan.

“Existing chip manufacturing techniques involve many steps and rely on highly complex technology, making the process costly and time-consuming,” said Martin Tuo, a professor at North Carolina State University.

“Our self-assembly approach is significantly faster and cheaper.”

“We also demonstrated that this process can be used to tune the bandgap of semiconductor materials and make the materials responsive to light. This means this technique can be used to create optoelectronic devices. ”

“Furthermore, current manufacturing techniques have low yields, resulting in a relatively large number of unusable and defective chips being produced.”

“Our approach is high-yielding, meaning we produce arrays more consistently and with less waste.”

“We call this new self-assembly technique the directed metal-ligand (D-Met) reaction. Here's how it works,” he added.

“We start with liquid metal particles. In our proof-of-concept work, we used field metals, which are alloys of indium, bismuth, and tin.”

“Liquid metal particles are placed next to a mold and can be made into any size or pattern. A solution is then poured into the liquid metal.”

“The solution contains molecules called ligands, which are made up of carbon and oxygen.”

“These ligands collect ions from the surface of the liquid metal and hold them in a specific geometric pattern.”

“The solution flows across the liquid metal particles and is drawn into the mold.”

As the solution flows into the mold, the ion-containing ligands begin to assemble, forming more complex 3D structures.

Meanwhile, the liquid part of the solution begins to evaporate, which causes the complex structures to become more and more tightly packed into the array.

“Without a type, these structures can form somewhat chaotic patterns,” Professor Tusiad says.

“But because solutions are constrained by type, structures form in predictable, symmetrical arrangements.”

“Once the structure reaches the desired size, we remove the mold and heat the array.”

“This heat causes the ligand to decompose, liberating carbon and oxygen atoms.”

“Metal ions interact with oxygen to form semiconducting metal oxides, and carbon atoms form graphene sheets.”

“These components form an ordered structure consisting of semiconducting metal oxide molecules wrapped in graphene sheets.”

Professor Thuo and his colleagues used this technique to create nanoscale and microscale transistors and diodes.

“Graphene sheets can be used to tune the bandgap of a semiconductor, making the semiconductor more or less responsive depending on the quality of the graphene,” said Dr. Julia Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University. Ta.

Additionally, the researchers used bismuth in their proof-of-concept work, which allowed them to create photoresponsive structures.

This allows the authors to use light to manipulate the properties of semiconductors.

“The nature of D-Met technology means that these materials can be manufactured on a large scale, limited only by the size of the molds used,” Professor Thuo said.

“By manipulating the type of liquid used in the solution, the dimensions of the mold, and the rate of evaporation of the solution, we can also control the semiconductor structure.”

“In short, we have shown that highly structured and highly tunable electronic materials can be self-assembled for use in functional electronic devices.”

“This research demonstrated the creation of transistors and diodes.”

“The next step is to use this technology to create more complex devices, such as 3D chips.”

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Julia J. Chan others. guided infinitely Assemble mixed metal oxide arrays from liquid metals. materials horizonpublished online on November 25, 2024. doi: 10.1039/D4MH01177E

This article is a version of a press release provided by North Carolina State University.

Source: www.sci.news

League of Legends finals: A showcase of unmatched talent and pure joy captured in a button push

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GGiven the influx of bad news from the gaming industry over the past 10 months, it’s no surprise that this weekend, sitting in a crowd of 20,000 happy and passionate fans, the biggest event on the esports calendar, The League Being able to watch the Of Legends World Championship was somewhat reassuring. Finals. The event, held at London’s O2 Arena, was the culmination of a five-week global competition to discover the world’s best teams. Having never been to one before, I had no idea what to expect, mainly because the finals are usually held in Asia, where the best players usually gather. Can we track what’s going on? Would you care? The answers to these questions were “fairly well” and “well, yeah.”


For the uninitiated, League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena game (Moba for short) in which two teams of five players choose a warrior from a pool of 170 warriors to destroy their opponent’s home base. Fight to control the fantasy-themed map. . The arena is divided into three lanes, with an area known as the jungle in the middle, and similar to traditional team sports, each team member patrols their own specific section. Adding to the complexity is the fact that every champion character has unique skills, weapons, and magical attacks, and throughout the game you must defeat monsters and dragons to earn experience points that make you more powerful. Masu. It’s both a deep strategy game and a tremendous riot of stomping warriors, galloping horsemen, and hovering wizards.

This year’s final was between experienced Korean team T1 and Chinese newcomer team Bilibili Gaming (abbreviated as BLG). The latter had gained momentum by defeating local rival Weibo Gaming in the semi-finals, but T1 was the firm favorite to win the tournament having already won four times. They were almost eliminated from the competition early on, but they seem to have a habit of getting back into it the moment everyone quits. At the arena, I managed to get a seat next to James Lynch of the esports news site dexerto volunteer to tell me about the action. He describes T1 as the League of Legends equivalent of the 1974 Netherlands World Cup team. Free-spirited, unconventional, and full of neurotic genius. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyuk is widely considered to be the greatest player in league history, and at the center of it all is the master Johan Cruyff. “His movements are very strange and unpredictable,” Lynch says. “It’s very difficult to kill him.”




South Korea’s T1 team celebrates their victory over China’s Bilibili Gaming in the League of Legends world finals. Photo: Benjamin Kremer/AFP/Getty Images

Before the finals begin, there will be a 10-minute mini-concert featuring American rappers Ashnikko and Linkin Park, complete with fireworks, giant LED displays and incredible art direction from dozens of dancers. The whole thing has the feel of a major sporting event mixed with live K-Pop, a riot of color, passion, and performing arts. In the hours leading up to the finals, fans flocked to the venue to purchase original merchandise, meet friends from the community and, of course, dress up as their favorite League of Legends characters.

It turns out I was extremely lucky that this was my debut watching League of Legends. It’s an exciting encounter. Once the showdown begins, the best-of-five format is pushed to its limits, with the two teams taking turns killing each other for the first four games. Throughout the finals, Faker is a formidable playmaker, continually jumping into skirmishes, taking out opponents, and managing to escape with only a millimeter of health left. In the arena, 10 young players can be seen competing on a giant screen suspended above the stage. These displays draw us in rather than taking us out of the game. The crowd of mostly 20 fans loudly applauds the smart move and chants as their team gains the upper hand.

The showdown was a deliberate affair, with warriors gingerly roaming the map, poking and prodding at each other. Eventually, the whole thing explodes into a massive clash, making the battle between the Bastards look like a mini-brawl outside a kebab shop.




During the battle between Bilibili Gaming and T1. Photo: Benjamin Kremer/AFP/Getty Images

T1 was victorious, but it was also a victory for the entire concept of esports. The scene has struggled to live up to its 2010s hype, at least financially. At the time, the team’s overestimated global value attracted large investors and sponsors, which led to a bloated team organization and soaring salaries for star players. Last year saw many organizations, events, and tournaments shut down, including Activision Blizzard’s much-hyped Overwatch League. But this weekend’s event drew a peak audience of 6.94 million viewers, most of whom watched from home on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, setting a new record for esports.

It’s easy to think of video games as an industry rather than a culture that brings joy to people. Sometimes it’s more than just sales or viewership, it’s about sitting in an arena with 20,000 adoring fans. Outside the O2 Megaplex, I spoke to Morgan, an attendee perfectly dressed as Aphelios (or, more accurately, in his Heartsteel costume). He explained the appeal as follows: But he’s very friendly. Also, there are so many different communities in the league, and it’s great to see them come together and bond over something they have in common and one thing they’re really passionate about. That’s what’s really beautiful about this work.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Xbox Games Showcase: Perfect Dark, Indiana Jones, and the Latest Gears of War Games

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Xbox has faced some challenges this year. Leaked announcements in January and February about games previously exclusive to Xbox coming to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch caused uproar among fans, leading to concerns about Microsoft’s commitment to Xbox exclusivity. However, only four games remained exclusive, as clarified by Xbox executives. In May, Xbox closed two popular studios, Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin. Meanwhile, sales of Xbox Series X/S consoles have been slow, with analysts noting a significant increase in PlayStation 5 sales.

The Xbox Games Showcase aimed to turn the tide for Microsoft, featuring big-budget games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, a new Indiana Jones game, and the return of Gears of War. Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which offers a monthly library of games, received a $1 billion investment. Following the merger with Activision Blizzard, Microsoft now boasts a vast number of game studios.

Exclusive Xbox games showcased included Perfect Dark and State of Decay 3, among others. The event also featured trailers for upcoming games like Fable, STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl, and Flight Simulator. The show ended with a reveal of Gears of War: E-Day, set against an alien invasion.

The showcase also featured independent games like Mixtape and FragPunk, offering a diverse range of gameplay experiences. Overall, the event was well-received by Xbox fans and provided a positive outlook for the company after a challenging year. Compared to PlayStation’s game lineup, Xbox’s offerings for 2024 and 2025 appear more robust.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

Paris Olympics to showcase city’s shift towards reducing air pollution by limiting car usage.

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Paris, the host city for the 2024 Summer Olympics, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The city has made efforts to become greener by reducing its reliance on cars, setting an example for cities around the world.

Under the leadership of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris has enacted several changes to promote sustainability. Over 100 roads have been closed to automobiles, parking fees have tripled, SUVs have been restricted, around 50,000 parking spaces have been removed, and over 1,300 kilometers of bike lanes have been built.

These efforts have resulted in a 40% reduction in air pollution, according to city officials. Hidalgo expressed that Paris would end its dependency on cars through disruptive changes.

Although European cities like Paris have been leading the way in reducing car use, similar reforms in the U.S. have been slow to materialize. The American infrastructure has historically been built around cars, making it challenging to transition to alternative modes of transportation.

The environmental reforms in Paris have garnered support from residents like Louise Kraustl, who believes that fewer cars and more walking and cycling make the city safer and less polluted. Inspired by the concept of the “15-minute city,” Paris aims to create pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhoods where daily necessities are within easy reach.

While some cities in the U.S. have made progress in promoting biking and public transport, car dependency remains prevalent. Despite the challenges, experts emphasize the importance of reducing transportation emissions to combat climate change and improve air quality.

Paris’ efforts to prioritize sustainable urban planning serve as a model for other cities to follow. As cities worldwide grapple with the effects of climate change, the need for transportation reform becomes increasingly urgent.

The upcoming elections in Paris will be crucial in determining the city’s continued commitment to reducing car use and combating climate change.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The wildflowers and lakes of Death Valley showcase a dramatic contrast in climate

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According to climate scientists, the impact of global warming on California’s interior is becoming more evident as desert droughts worsen and rainfall intensifies. Residents of Death Valley are witnessing these changes firsthand. The future of this resilient symbol lies in the ability of the desert’s plants, animals, and local economies to adapt to the evolving conditions in one of the Earth’s harshest environments.

“It’s fascinating to witness these changes up close,” remarked Donnelly. “It’s a clear indication of climate disruption.”

Two Unprecedented Storms

Susan Sorrels, who owns an ecotourism town near Death Valley National Park called Shoshone, described the weather in the area as always erratic. However, recent years have shown a distinct pattern. In early 2022, Death Valley, along with the rest of the American Southwest, experienced a historical drought lasting 22 years, leading to record-low soil moisture levels and the gradual demise of plants such as creosote bushes. The severity of these conditions was a testament to the extreme weather in the region.

“Desert shrubs are incredibly resilient but eventually succumb,” explained Lynn Sweet, a research ecologist at the University of California, Riverside.

In August of the same year, the region was struck by an unprecedented flood, receiving 1.7 inches of rain within a few hours. This storm caused significant damage to park infrastructure and left a lasting impact on the area.

About a year later, the remnants of Hurricane Hillary caused another extraordinary event, dumping 2.2 inches of rain in a day, exceeding the typical annual rainfall. This extreme shift from drought to heavy rainfall exemplifies the unpredictability of the changing climate.

Road workers work along Highway 190, where much of the road was washed away by Tropical Storm Hillary the week before, in Death Valley, Aug. 31, 2023.
Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images File

The aftermath of these storms led to challenges for Sorrels and her ecotourism business in Shoshone, with highway closures impacting accessibility during the peak tourist season.

Sorrels mentioned the local struggle to navigate through the economic impact of these weather fluctuations. She highlighted community efforts to expedite road repairs, ultimately reopening the park and highway for visitors.

In a surprising turn of events, Donnelly observed the growth of wildflowers in the region despite adverse conditions. The flowers, thriving in unusual ways, showcased a resilience that defied expectations.

Additionally, the presence of enough water led to the revival of Lake Manly, previously a dry lake bed filled with dust. This resurgence prompted the National Park Service to allow kayaking on the lake, a rare occurrence that highlighted the dramatic changes taking place in the region.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Physicists showcase novel technique for pinpointing 3D location of individual atoms

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Developed by a team of physicists from the University of Bonn and the University of Bristol, this new method makes it possible to precisely determine the position of atoms in 3D in a single image and is based on an original physical principle.

The different directions of rotation of the various “dumbbells” indicate that the atoms are in different planes. Image credit: Institute of Applied Physics, University of Bonn.

“If you have ever used a microscope to study plant cells in your biology class, you can probably recall a similar situation,” said Tanguy Legrand and colleagues at the University of Bonn.

“It's easy to see that a particular chloroplast is located above and to the right of the nucleus. But are they both on the same plane?”

“However, when we adjust the focus of the microscope, we find that the images of the nuclei become clearer, while the images of the chloroplasts become blurred.”

“One of them has to be a little higher than the other, and the other a little lower than the other. However, this method doesn't give you exact details about the vertical position.”

“The principle is very similar if you want to observe individual atoms rather than cells. So-called quantum gas microscopes can be used for this purpose.”

“This allows us to directly determine the x and y coordinates of atoms.”

“However, it is much more difficult to measure its z-coordinate, and thus its distance to the objective lens. To find out in which plane an atom lies, we need to take multiple images by moving the focus to various different planes. I need to take a picture of a plane. This is a complex and time-consuming process. ”

“We have developed a method that completes this process in one step,” Dr. Legrand said.

“To achieve this, we use an effect that was already known in theory since the 1990s but had not yet been used in quantum gas microscopy.”

To experiment with atoms, you must first cool them down significantly until they barely move.

It is then possible to confine them to a standing wave of laser light, for example.

The egg then slides into the trough of the waves so that it fits inside the egg box.

After being captured, it is exposed to an additional laser beam and stimulated to emit light to reveal its location.

The resulting fluorescence appears as slightly blurred round spots in quantum gas microscopy.

“We have now developed a special method to transform the wavefront of light emitted by atoms,” said Dr. Andrea Alberti, also from the University of Bonn.

“Instead of a typical round spot, the deformed wavefront produces a dumbbell shape on the camera, which rotates itself.”

“The direction this dumbbell points is determined by the distance light travels from the atom to the camera.”

Professor Dieter Meschede from the University of Bonn said: “The dumbbell acts like a compass needle, and depending on its direction we can read the Z coordinate.”

This new method could be used to develop new quantum materials with special properties.

“For example, we can find out what quantum mechanical effects occur when atoms are arranged in a particular order,” said physicist Dr Carrie Widener from the University of Bristol.

“This allows us to simulate the properties of three-dimensional materials to some extent without having to synthesize them.”

team's work It was published in the magazine Physical review A.

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Tanguy Legrand other. 2024. His three-dimensional imaging of single atoms in optical lattices by helical point spread function engineering. Physics. Rev.A 109 (3): 033304; doi: 10.1103/PhysRevA.109.033304

Source: www.sci.news