Did Ancient Giant Kangaroos Have the Ability to Jump Despite Their Size?

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Procoptodon Goria: The 2-Meter Tall Kangaroo

Credit: Michael Long/Science Photo Library

Procoptodon prehistoric kangaroo — Procoptodon Goria: The 2-Meter Tall Kangaroo

Credit: Michael Long/Science Photo Library

New bone analysis suggests even the colossal kangaroos of ancient Australia might have been capable of jumping.

During the Pleistocene, some kangaroos weighed over twice as much as today’s species. One subset, the Stenurines, reached such enormous sizes that their ability to jump was doubted, leading researchers to believe they primarily walked on their hind legs.

“When discussing giant kangaroos, the stenurines are a frequent topic,” says Megan Jones from the University of Manchester, UK. “These unique kangaroos feature very short, box-shaped skulls and one toe on each foot. The largest male red kangaroos today average around 90 kilograms, while the biggest stenulin weighed nearly 250 kilograms.”

Among these giants is Procoptodon Goria, the most significant kangaroo species, standing approximately 2 meters tall and going extinct around 40,000 years ago.

Debate has persisted regarding the stress on their feet, prompting Jones and her team to analyze bone measurements from 67 macropod species—encompassing modern kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, beetongs, rat kangaroos, and extinct giant kangaroos.

They measured leg bones (including the femur, tibia, and calcaneus) and gathered body weight data to estimate tendon sizes and their endurance under stress.

“The kangaroo’s Achilles tendon is on the brink of rupture but serves a vital role,” states Jones. “It enables kangaroos to store elastic energy for the next jump. Simply scaling today’s kangaroo would present challenges.”

Yet, ancient kangaroos weren’t merely massive. With shorter legs and wider calcaneus bones, their structure mitigated bending influences during hopping, allowing for larger tendons capable of withstanding the corresponding forces.

“This evidence indicates they weren’t mechanically restricted from jumping,” asserts Jones. “Whether they actually jumped, however, is a different question.”

While hopping likely wasn’t their primary locomotion mode, it might have been used sporadically for rapid movement, Jones explains.

This study reinforces the view that the iconic kangaroo hop is likely an adaptable feature within a surprisingly varied locomotor repertoire, according to Benjamin Kia from Uppsala University, Sweden. Over millions of years, this versatility has contributed to the ecological triumph of macropods.

The flexibility remains clear today; red kangaroos, often perceived as constant hoppers, can also utilize their tails as a fifth limb for walking. “Tree kangaroos exhibit diverse locomotion styles—they walk, jump, bounce, and can even move on two legs,” adds Jones.

Topics:

Evolution/
Animal Behavior

Source: www.newscientist.com

Tyrannosaurus Growth: Understanding the 40-Year Journey to Full Size

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Tyrannosaurus Rex: A Late Bloomer

Science Photo Library / Alamy

The largest analysis of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils reveals that this colossal Cretaceous predator took approximately 35 to 40 years to reach maturity, significantly longer than previously believed.

This research suggests that there may have been multiple species of Tyrannosaurus rather than just one, raising questions about whether small specimens attributed to juveniles might actually belong to a distinct species known as Nanotyrannus.

Before this study, it was assumed that Tyrannosaurus rex reached a maximum weight of 8 tons by around 20 years of age and could have a lifespan of only 30 years.

“Previous growth studies on Tyrannosaurus rex were conducted in the early 2000s and were based on a limited sample size of seven specimens,” explains Holly Ballard from Oklahoma State University. “This was not the researchers’ fault; it was the available data at the time.”

Through their recent study, Ballard and her colleagues analyzed thigh and tibia bones from 17 specimens ranging in age from juvenile to adult, making it the largest dataset for Tyrannosaurus growth ever collected.

The research team examined the microstructure of bone tissue, including growth rings formed annually, similar to tree rings. However, the earliest growth rings were often destroyed as the marrow cavity expanded, necessitating a greater number of specimens across overlapping growth stages.

“This is why our sample size and age distribution are so critical and set us apart from past studies,” Ballard emphasizes.

The analysis revealed that Tyrannosaurus rex grows more slowly than initially thought, with growth rates varying based on environmental factors.

However, determining the maximum age of Tyrannosaurus rex remains problematic, as animals cease to grow annual rings upon reaching maturity. “The most successful Tyrannosaurus likely lived to be around 40 years old, with very few individuals achieving that age,” Ballard notes. “In our sample, only two individuals reached full adult size.”

Interestingly, two other specimens exhibited slower growth, indicating they might belong to a different species, such as Nanotyrannus, or that they were possibly Tyrannosaurus rex that were sick or stunted due to environmental factors.

Lindsey Zanno from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences describes this study as one of the most comprehensive investigations of Tyrannosaurus rex growth to date, building on her recent research suggesting that a small specimen from Montana might be a fully grown Tyrannosaurus rex around 20 years old, potentially named Nanotyrannus lansensis.

“I’m thrilled to finally have a growth curve for Tyrannosaurus rex that we can assert with confidence,” Zanno comments, especially regarding Nanotyrannus.

Thomas Carr from Carthage College in Wisconsin believes that this study will likely lead to the separation of Tyrannosaurus rex into different species and expects it to influence future dinosaur research significantly.

“We anticipate that growth estimates for other dinosaurs will undergo reassessment,” Carr states. “Overall, this could transform our understanding of dinosaur growth and development across the spectrum.”

Dinosaur Hunting in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert

Join an extraordinary expedition to uncover dinosaur fossils in the expansive wilderness of the Gobi Desert, a prominent hotspot in paleontology.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Growing Size of Cars: A Challenge for Us and the Planet

Posted on November 20, 2025 by

Living in the UK, you might have observed a rise in the number of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and large vehicles on our roads. These vehicles represented 63% of new car sales in the UK last year, a stark increase from just 12% in 2010.

On a global scale, this figure hovers around 48% and shows no signs of decreasing. This trend is concerning, as larger vehicles mean greater risks. My research focuses on the intersection of transportation and health, and recently, I collaborated on a study featured in BMJ. We believe regional, national, and international strategies are essential to limit the sale of these vehicles.

The principal health hazards associated with cars include road risks, pollution, and the tendency for people to choose driving over walking or cycling, which are more beneficial for health. Heavier cars negatively impact all these factors.

Intuitively, the risk of injury from a large vehicle is more pronounced. Their front ends are tall and blunt compared to standard cars; this is problematic for cyclists and pedestrians. Last year, I was involved in a review analyzing studies on the interactions between SUVs and vulnerable road users. The findings indicated that adults struck by SUVs face a 44% higher mortality risk than those hit by standard cars. The review also estimates that in the U.S., about 10% of pedestrian and cyclist casualties could be avoided by substituting SUVs with smaller vehicles—translating to roughly 1,700 preventable deaths or serious injuries annually.

Additionally, cars are becoming wider, a phenomenon dubbed “car spreading.” European new cars now grow, on average, by 0.5 cm each year. With limited road space devoted to cars, there’s increasingly less for cyclists and pedestrians. Encouraging more people to walk or bike would offer significant health benefits. Larger cars not only diminish these advantages but also contribute to urban congestion.

The larger size of these vehicles exacerbates air pollution issues. While the shift toward electric vehicles is promising for reducing emissions, it’s crucial to note that even electric SUVs create particulate pollution from tires and brakes, a major contributor to urban air quality concerns. Heavier vehicles produce more tire and brake wear, meaning electric SUVs may not offer the same air quality benefits as smaller electric cars.

So, what can we do to mitigate the proliferation of these large, hazardous, and polluting SUVs? My colleagues and I propose several strategies. Many cities now implement clean air zones—London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone is one example. While not specifically targeting vehicle size, such zones urge people to consider pollution from older, larger cars. Recently, the Cardiff council decided to charge extra for residential parking permits for SUV owners, joining cities like Paris and several in Germany and France that have raised parking costs for larger vehicles.

Beyond parking fees, governments might rethink car taxes to incentivize smaller vehicle purchases. Imposing higher taxes on heavier cars would align with societal costs related to road danger and pollution.

While some individuals may have legitimate needs for larger vehicles, with SUVs representing nearly half of all new car sales, we must recognize the health risks they pose. For improved road safety and cleaner air, buyers need to weigh these factors and governments must adjust regulations to reflect the dangers and environmental impacts of these vehicles.

Anthony Laverty is a student at Imperial College London School of Public Health.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Discover Gene Linked to Bud Size in Tea Plants

Posted on November 18, 2025 by

Tea tree (Camellia sinensis) is among the most vital beverage crops globally. The size of tea buds not only impacts the yield and quality of fresh leaves but also influences the compatibility of various tea types. In a recent study, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences gathered images of apical buds at the one-bud, two-leaf stage from 280 representative tea lines. Their analysis of genetic diversity revealed that the length, width, circumference, and area of tea buds followed a normal distribution. A comparative transcriptome analysis of extreme bud sizes demonstrated a significant negative correlation between the expression levels of four substances. nox genes also showed a relationship with tea bud size, indicating that CsKNOX6 could be a key gene regulating tea bud size negatively.

Tea tree (Camellia sinensis). Image credit: Kim Young Han.

The tea plant stands out as one of the world’s leading beverage crops, cultivated in over 60 countries and consumed by more than 2 billion people globally.

In premium tea production, leaves are typically harvested based on criteria including one bud, one leaf per bud, and two leaves per bud.

Tea bud size not only significantly impacts the yield and quality of fresh leaves but is also closely linked to the processing potential of tea.

Various tea types have different shapes and specific requirements for bud and leaf size.

Research into the molecular mechanisms governing tea bud and leaf size has historically been sparse, hindering genetic improvement efforts.

Understanding the genetic regulatory frameworks of tea bud size is crucial for enhancing tea plant varieties and boosting yield.

In the study led by Dr. Jiedan Chen, the dimensions—length, width, circumference, and area—of buds were quantified across 280 diverse tea strains.

These traits exhibited continuous variation with high heritability, indicating robust genetic control.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of accessions with extreme bud sizes identified four candidate class I KNOX transcription factors that had significantly elevated expression in cultivars with smaller buds.

Among these, genome-wide association mapping is emphasizing CsKNOX6 as a likely pivotal regulatory gene.

CsKNOX6 is located on chromosome 10, with its sequence indicating nuclear localization, aligning with its role in transcription regulation.

To validate its functionality, researchers modelled CsKNOX6 in the plant Arabidopsis.

Transgenic plants exhibited abnormal shoot development, yielding significantly smaller leaves, with leaf area reduced to just 13% of wild-type levels.

This functional evidence substantiates the conclusion that CsKNOX6 serves as a negative regulator of bud and leaf size.

“Bud size is a critical attribute for both agricultural productivity and the quality of tea in the market,” scientists shared.

“Identifying CsKNOX6 creates direct genetic targets for selective breeding, including marker-driven improvements.”

“Although functional tests in Arabidopsis provide substantial support, future gene editing or transgenic validation in tea plants will be vital to confirm regulatory mechanisms in these perennial woody species.”

“This discovery paves the way for precision breeding strategies that enhance yield, consistency, and suitability of tea varieties.”

Identifying CsKNOX6 opens new possibilities for developing tea varieties with optimized bud sizes for various production goals, including premium hand-picked teas or high-yield mechanical harvesting.

This gene can be integrated into molecular breeding programs via SNP marker selection or gene editing approaches to fine-tune developmental growth.

A paper detailing this discovery was published in the journal horticultural research.

_____

Shuran Zhang et al. 2025. Integration of digital phenotyping, GWAS, and transcriptome analysis reveals key genes for tea plant bud size (Camellia sinensis). horticultural research 12(6):uhaf051; doi: 10.1093/hr/uhaf051

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Suggest a Black Hole 300 Million Times the Sun’s Size Could Be a Gateway to the Universe’s Dawn.

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Spectroscopy enables astronomers to detect traces of matter in stars, galaxies, and other cosmic entities. Black holes consume dust and encounter various phenomena around them; as material spirals into a black hole, it compresses and heats up. Stephen Finkelstein, a co-author and professor of astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, noted that all of this can be observed through spectroscopy.

“We’re searching for these signatures of extremely fast gas,” Finkelstein explained. “We’re discussing speeds of 1,000, 2,000, and at times even 3,000 kilometers per second. There’s nothing else in the universe that moves this quickly, so we can confirm it must be the gas surrounding a black hole.”

Scientists have pinpointed a potential distant black hole candidate, which stands as the oldest candidate confirmed via spectroscopy, he added.

Researchers also find galaxies containing new black holes to be intriguing discoveries. According to Taylor, these galaxies belong to a class known as “Little Red Dots.”

While not much information is available about Little Red Dots, they were first detected by the James Webb Space Telescope. Some have been found relatively close by, but Finkelstein indicated that they are likely more prevalent in the early universe.

Investigating the Capers-Lrd-Z9 Galaxy may offer insights into the rarity of red dots and what defines their unique coloration, researchers noted. It could also shed light on the growth of these ancient black holes during the universe’s formative stages.

In subsequent studies, researchers aim to locate more black holes in the distant cosmos.

“We’re just going to examine a very limited section of the sky using the James Webb Space Telescope,” Finkelstein stated. “If we discover one thing, there ought to be more.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Female Gorillas Can Outpower Men Twice Their Size, Study Reveals

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Although they are about half the size of male gorillas, female gorillas can surpass their male counterparts in competitions for status and resources. A recent study highlights this intriguing finding.

This discovery upends the long-held belief that gorilla society is primarily patriarchal, emphasizing male dominance over females, and sheds light on the origins of human gender relations.

Researchers from the German Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology and the University of Torque in Finland examined 25 years of data gathered from observations of gorilla behaviors across four distinct groups.

Wild mountain gorillas have often been viewed as a prime example of strict male dominance in primate societies, largely due to the size disparity between males and females.

It is true that gorilla society has a hierarchical structure, with one alpha male reigning at the top, while other gorillas vie for status beneath him.

However, this new research suggests that gorilla hierarchies may be much more gender-equitable than previously thought.

“Female gorillas frequently outperform males,” stated author Reed Dr. Nikos Smitt, a researcher at Max Planck and Turku, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “This is crucial for understanding power dynamics; it’s not solely about size and strength.”

Indeed, 88% of female gorillas exhibited superior performance compared to at least one adult male in groups with multiple males, particularly against those who were young or old.

Additionally, when female gorillas faced off against males other than the alpha, they won more than a quarter of the time, even when significantly outmatched in size.

According to Dr. Martha Robbins, Director of the Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Research Project, this success is likely linked to the relationships between these high-ranking females and their alpha males. BBC Science Focus reported her insights: “Gorillas are aware of their group’s social status and dynamics. Though non-alpha males are typically larger and stronger, they often choose to hold back to avoid confrontations with alpha males. It’s advantageous for them to be compliant in a group setting.”

This image illustrates the size differences between women with toddlers in the non-invasive national park of Bwindi, Uganda, and male mountain gorillas – Credit: Marthalobins

Researchers have also found that the stakes in these conflicts often involve priority access to food, another finding that challenges previous assumptions.

Earlier studies suggested that female gorillas exclusively competed for food among themselves, with males primarily competing with females. However, this research reveals that both genders vie for food resources.

These observations could reshape our understanding of gender dynamics within human societies.

The researchers noted that male dominance over female counterparts is not a straightforward outcome of evolution, but rather reflects “human’s flexible social and mating frameworks.”

Furthermore, they argue that this is supported by observations among our close relatives, such as bonobos and chimpanzees, where males are larger than females, yet females hold more dominance.

As a result, scientists suggest that humans are unlikely to inherit patriarchal structures from their primate ancestors.

Read more:

About Our Experts

Dr. Nikos Smitt is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Torque in Finland and associated with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. His research delves into the evolution of social structures and mating systems, as well as the dynamics of conflict and cooperation.

Dr. Martha Robbins serves as the director of the Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Research Project and leads the Primate Behavior and Evolution group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. Her research is centered on the evolution of social behavior.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Paleontologists Reveal Significant Size Difference Between Male and Female Australopithecus

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Two extinct hominins, Australopithecus afarensis and Australopithecus africanus, exhibited much greater sexual dimorphism than chimpanzees and modern humans. According to Dr. Adam Gordon, a paleontologist at the University of Albany and Durham, Australopithecus afarensis displayed even higher levels of dimorphism.

Reconstructing the face of Australopithecus afarensis. Image credit: Cicero Moraes/CC by-sa 3.0.

The sexual size dimorphism is not just a mere physical trait; it indicates deeper behavioral and evolutionary strategies.

In line with sexual selection theory, the sexual size dimorphism seen in modern primates typically correlates with intense male-male competition and social structures, fostering a one-sided mating system where one or more large males dominate access to multiple females.

Conversely, low sexual dimorphism is characteristic of species that exhibit paired social structures with lower competition for mating opportunities.

Contemporary human populations show low to moderate sexual size dimorphism, with males generally being slightly larger than females on average, although there is considerable overlap between the sexes.

Fossil data is often incomplete, making it exceedingly difficult to ascertain the gender of ancient individuals.

To overcome this issue, Dr. Gordon utilized a geometric averaging method for estimating size from multiple skeletal elements, including the upper arm, femur, and tibia.

Resampling techniques were then employed to simulate thousands of comparisons between fossil hominins and living primates, ensuring that the statistical model accounted for the incomplete and varied nature of fossil samples.

A comparative framework was developed using data from contemporary gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans with known genders and complete skeletons.

Unlike earlier studies where ambiguous or inconclusive statistical results were interpreted as signs of similarity, Dr. Gordon’s approach unveiled clear and significant differences, even with relatively small fossil samples.

To eliminate the potential of body size changes in Australopithecus afarensis reflecting broader evolutionary trends rather than gender distinctions, Dr. Gordon also analyzed time series trends over a 300,000-year span from the Khadar Formation in Ethiopia.

His analysis indicated no significant size increase or decrease over time, suggesting that the observed variations were more likely due to differences between males and females.

“These were not minor differences,” Dr. Gordon stated.

“In the case of Australopithecus afarensis, males were significantly larger than females—possibly more so than the great living apes.”

“Both of these extinct hominin species displayed gender-specific size distinctions from modern humans, yet differed from extant ape species in this regard.”

Australopithecus africanus. Image credit: JM salas/cc by-sa 3.0.

Dr. Gordon’s previous research indicates that the elevated sexual size dimorphism seen in living primates may correlate with considerable resource stress. In situations where food is scarce, smaller, healthier females can better meet their metabolic needs and reproduce quicker than larger females, leading to offspring with smaller mothers and greater size disparities between males and females.

The pronounced sexual size dimorphism observed in both Australopithecus afarensis and Australopithecus africanus suggests a high level of male competition, akin to differences noted in chimpanzees and gorillas. However, the distinctions between the two fossil species could reflect varying intensities of sexual selection or resource stress in their environments (e.g., differences in the length of dry seasons that could affect female body size).

In any event, the high sexual size dimorphism of these fossil hominins starkly contrasts with the more balanced sizes seen in modern humans, offering insights into different models of early human existence.

The implications of these findings are significant. Australopithecus afarensis, which inhabited the Earth between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago, is often viewed as very closely related to the direct ancestors of modern humans.

However, its pronounced sexual dimorphism suggests that early human social systems may have been much more hierarchical and competitive than previously believed.

On the contrary, Australopithecus africanus—which appears slightly later in the fossil record—exhibits less dimorphism compared to Australopithecus afarensis. This could represent different evolutionary branches within the human lineage or perhaps reflect various social behavioral stages in the development of hominins.

“We often categorize these early hominins together as a single group called Gracile Australopithecines, believed to have interacted with their physical and social environments in similar ways,” Dr. Gordon explained.

“While there is some truth to this, the significant differences in dimorphism between the two species indicate that these closely related hominins were under distinct selection pressures, unlike those affecting modern human pair bonds.”

The survey findings will be published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology.

____

Adam D. Gordon. 2025. Dimorphism of sexual size in Australopithecus africanus and A. afarensis in contrast to modern humans despite low power resampling analysis. American Journal of Biological Anthropology 187(3): E70093; doi: 10.1002/ajpa.70093

Source: www.sci.news

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

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The study will be published in the journal PLOS 1.

____

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

Source: www.sci.news

Webb telescope measures size of asteroid 2024 YR4 and captures images of potential danger

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The destructive forces of shocking asteroids are estimated primarily by knowledge of their size. Near Earth Asteroid 2024 YR4 reached a peak 2032 impact probability on Earth at 3%, motivated the desire to determine its size. Due to its infrared capabilities, the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webbspace Telescope is uniquely suited to such evaluations. Johns Hopkins University astronomer Andrew Livkin and his colleagues used two Webb instruments to measure the diameter for 2024.

These web images show asteroid 2024 YR4 near Earth. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/A. RIVKIN, JHU/APL.

2024 yr4 On December 27, 2024, the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact of Río Hurtado was discovered by the Last Alert System (Atlas) station.

The asteroid took a close approach to Earth at a distance of 828,800 km (515,000 miles) two days before its discovery.

Initial observations from the 2024 YR4 showed that the diameter was 40-90 m (131-295 ft).

Dr. Eric McLennan, an astronomer at the University of Helsinki, said:

“However, thermal radiation at infrared wavelengths is a direct indicator of size.”

Dr. Livin, Dr. McLennan and his colleagues observed using the 2024 YR4 Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (nircam) Mid-infrared instrument (Milli).

Nircam data reflects light, while Miri’s observations show heat light.

“The observations were taken to study the thermal properties of the 2024 YR4, including how quickly it heats and cools at the current distance from the sun, and how hot the heat is,” the astronomer said.

“These measurements show that this asteroid does not share the properties observed on the larger asteroid.”

“This could be a combination of its fast spin and a lack of fine sand on its surface.”

“More research is needed, but this is thought to coincide with surfaces dominated by rocks that are roughly below the size of a fist.”

New Webb observations show that the asteroid measures approximately 60 m (197 feet).

“The 2024 YR4 has been the smallest object that Webb has ever targeted and is one of the smallest objects that directly measure its size,” the researchers said.

“New observations from Webb provide unique information about the size of the YR4 in 2024, as well as complement the ground-based observations of the object’s location to improve understanding of the object’s trajectory and future trajectory.”

Team’s Survey results It was published in AAS research notes.

____

As Livin et al. 2025. JWST observation of potentially dangerous asteroid 2024 YR4. res. Note AAS 9, 70; doi:10.3847/2515-5172/ADC6F0

Source: www.sci.news

The size of newborn neutron stars determined by astrophysicists

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Chinese and Australian astrophysicists have discovered that neutron stars’ birth rates can be described by a unimodal distribution that smoothly turns on at a solar mass of 1.1 and peaks before declining as a sudden power method.

Impressions of the artist of Neutron Star. Image credit: Sci.News.

Neutron stars are dense remnants of giant stars, more than eight times as huge remnants as our Sun, born at the end of life with the explosion of a brilliant supernova.

These incredibly dense objects have a mass of one to twice the mass of the sun, compressed into a ball of the size of a city with a radius of just 10 km.

Astronomers usually only weigh the neutron stars (which measure how big they are) and are found in binary star systems with different objects, such as white d stars or other neutron stars.

However, in these systems, the first born neutron stars acquire extra mass from their peers through a process called attachment, making it difficult to determine the original birth amount.

“Understanding the birth mass of neutron stars is key to unlocking the history of their formation,” says Dr. Simon Stevenson, an Ozgrav researcher at Swinburne University.

“This work provides an important basis for interpreting gravitational wave detection in neutron star mergers.”

Dr. Stevenson and his colleagues analyzed samples of 90 neutron stars in the binary star system and considered the masses obtained from the birth of each neutron star to measure the distribution of neutron star masses at birth.

They discovered that neutron stars are usually born with a mass of about 1.3 solar masses, with heavier neutron stars being more rare.

“Our approach allows us to finally understand the mass of neutron stars at birth. This has been a long-standing question in astrophysics,” said Professor Xingjiang Zhu of Beijing Normal University.

“This discovery is important for interpreting new observations of neutron star masses from observations of gravitational waves.”

study It will be displayed in the journal Natural Astronomy.

____

ZQ. you et al. Determination of the birth mass function of neutron stars from observations. Nut AthlonPublished online on February 26th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02487-w

Source: www.sci.news

The Connection Between Waist Size and Future Brain Health

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Have you ever measured your hip to hip ratio? Chances are, you probably haven’t. However, there is an important reason why you should start.

Recent research published in Nutrition, obesity, exercise suggests that these measurements may be linked to cognitive decline. The study found that individuals with smaller hips have a significantly lower risk compared to those with larger hips.

Feeling concerned about your numbers? Don’t worry too much just yet – researchers emphasize that your risk is not set in stone. Making healthier dietary choices can actively reduce the risk of cognitive decline and support long-term brain health.

BMI and Waist-to-Hip Ratio

While most scientists use Body Mass Index (BMI) to measure body size by comparing weight to height, this system has faced criticism for its inaccuracies. For instance, muscular individuals may be categorized as overweight even if they are not at risk for diseases like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

Therefore, researchers are increasingly turning to alternative measurements such as waist-to-hip ratios as a more accurate indicator of health risks related to size than BMI. According to the authors of the study, this measurement is more reliable.

“We found a connection between healthier waist-to-hip ratios and better cognitive function scores,” stated Dr. Dahlia Y Jensen in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

The study, which was published recently, examined the relationship between diet, body size, and brain health over several decades. 664 British civil servants had their waists and hips measured multiple times between the 1950s and 1960s over approximately 21 years.

Comparing waist and hip sizes indicates the amount of central fat accumulation, which is associated with a higher risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. – Credit: FluxFactory via Getty

Diet Evaluation and Brain Health Measurement

A group of 512 civil servants completed three dietary surveys between the ages of 48 and 60. Scientists assessed dietary quality based on various components including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fats, sugary drinks, meat, salt, and alcohol.

When participants reached about 70 years of age, brain scans were conducted to measure cognitive performance. The findings revealed that middle-aged individuals with healthier diets and slimmer hips had better brain health later in life.

Brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used to analyze the brain structure of the participants, with a particular focus on the hippocampus.

“The hippocampus is crucial in dementia research, and numerous studies have highlighted its importance in memory and learning,” explained Jensen. While previous studies emphasized the significance of hippocampal volume, this study explored its associations with other brain regions.

“We observed a strong link between better diet, functional connectivity of the hippocampus with other brain regions, and waist-to-hip ratio,” Jensen added. Improved white matter connections associated with a slim waist indicated better communication between brain regions.

This suggests that individuals who follow healthier diets and maintain slimmer waists in middle age are at a reduced risk of cognitive decline and diseases like dementia later in life.

“If you’re looking to improve your brain health, it’s never too late to start, but the earlier, the better,” Jensen advised.

The study had some limitations, with only 20% of female participants as they were civil servants recruited in the 1980s. However, Jensen deemed the study “exciting” and believes it will aid in understanding the link between mid-age dietary health and future brain health.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association estimates that 982,000 people in the UK currently live with dementia. Jensen hopes the study will encourage a shift towards preventive healthcare.

About our experts:

Dr. Dahlia Y Jensen is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Cognitive Neuropathy Clinic, University Medical Center Leipzig, and the Department of Neurology at Max Planck Human Brain Science Institute in Germany. She also serves as a visiting researcher at the Oxford University School of Psychiatry and is a corresponding author of the study.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Review of Samsung Galaxy S25: The Last Remaining Top Tier Android in a Compact Size from Samsung

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

tHe could be the smallest and cheapest line of Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 line to buy, offering it to lessen top performance and latest AI features, and mini Android is still great It’s proof.

Unlike the previous generation of Samsung’s smaller models sold in the UK and Europe, the regular S25 has the same top-flight chip as the huge and expensive ultra models.

The rest of the S25 has not changed significantly since last year. It still has a great 6.2-inch screen, three cameras on the back, flat aluminum sides, and front and rear glass. This makes it the most compact of high-end Android phones that compete with Apple’s iPhones at a size that others, including Google’s Pixel 9, are steadily growing.

The regular S25 is significantly smaller and lighter than the S25 Ultra’s Superphone siblings. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Samsung is good for squeezing solids for 37 hours from the S25, but the smaller battery is most modern Android. It was generally used with a mixture of 5G and WiFi, and actively using the screen for more than six hours to charge the phone every other day. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip makes the S25 one of the fastest mobile phones, perfect for gaming, but also densely packs battery life.

AI Upgrade

All major changes to the S25 are software and AI-based. Runs one UI 7 (Android 15) with the same latest version as the S25 Ultra. This includes a variety of new AI tools that extend the writing, summarization, and drawing tools introduced last year.

Most of the new tools are designed to find the information you need in advance and predict what you want to do to perform multiple complex tasks on your phone via text or voice commands.

Gemini replaces Bixby and Google Assistant on the S25, and is far more capable. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Google’s Next Generation Gemini Assistant It’s the biggest upgrade, allowing you to interact with information from the mobile phone’s web and apps without having to manually tap on a button. Ask you to date your calendar from the party invitation flyer that you have been texted and it can do so. Find restaurant recommendations and send them to friends as dinner suggestions with simple voice commands. You can also understand what’s on the screen from text, photos, and videos to answer questions, find more information, and take actions.

When it works, it can almost become magical. But you can’t rely on getting things right every time. It can lead to trivial things like spelling different names. It also allows you to confidently hallucinate information that is clearly visible at first glance, but is actually completely wrong. Neither Google nor Samsung have solved these basic issues that plague all AI bots at this time.

Samsung’s New “now” bar at the bottom of the lock screen It’s more successful as a useful place to see timely information widgets, timers, media play controls, and other useful bits. You can swipe through those stacks to see what’s going on and quickly change tracks.

Samsung supports S25 with software and security updates Seven years since releasematches the best from Google and Apple.

specification

Main screen: 6.2in FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Galaxy Elite
Ram: 12GB
Storage: 128, 256, or 512GB
operating system: 1 UI 7 (Android 15)
camera: 50mp + 12mp 0.6x + 10mp 3x; 12MP front
Connectivity: 5G, USB-C, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, GNSS
water resistance: IP68 (1.5m in 30 minutes)
size: 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm
Weight: 162g

Sustainability

The S25 has wireless and USB-C charging, reaching 50% full power in 25 minutes for over an hour (power adapter not included). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Samsung doesn’t provide the battery with the expected lifespan, but it should last more than 500 full charge cycles at least 80% of its original capacity.

The phone is Generally repairable. Screen repair Costs £149 by an authorized service center Includes battery replacement. Samsung also offers a Self-healing program.

Mobile phones contain multiple recycled materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, and steel. Samsung offers trade-in Recycling scheme For old devices. The company is open to Annual Sustainability Report and affects impact assessments Some individual products.

Skip past newsletter promotions

camera

Three cameras on the back, including a 3x telephoto camera, will boost Apple and Google’s dual camera rivals to the S25. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The S25 has a triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel main, 12MP Ultra Wade, and 10MP 3X telephoto. This hasn’t really changed since the 2022 S22 and is the exact same combination as last year’s model.

That is, you generally take very good photos with three cameras. The main is the best and can produce some great shots, but it tends to over-brighten some scenes, and highlights are blown away, such as bright direct light washing people’s shots. Masu. The S24 has improved the zoom by 2x and is slightly more detailed, but the 3x zoom is solid, but out of reach compared to the average 5x camera, a slightly more expensive rival there is. The Ultrawide is equally solid, closing off a great but less groundbreaking package.

The S25 also shoots excellent videos, excellent portraits, and features many modes with one exception. There is no macro photography mode. This is a shame. Overall, the S25 has a great camera system. It’s not a problem with the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro, but it’s perfect for size and money.

price

Samsung Galaxy S25 Cost £799 (€919/$799.99/$1,399).
Source: www.theguardian.com

Vietnamese delicacy dubbed Darth Vader Isopod due to its size

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Head of Batinomus Vaderi, Newly named marine isopod

Nguyen Thanh Son

A new species of large crustacean found off the coast of Vietnam has been named after Darth Vader.

Batinomus Vaderi It is a type of isopod, a group that also includes woodlice. The body length can be 30 centimeters and the weight can exceed 1 kilogram.

So far, the new species has only been discovered by fishermen trawling near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Peter Ng Professors from the National University of Singapore analyzed four specimens obtained from a fish store in Quy Nhon, in south-central Vietnam. Locals call them “sea worms”.

Researcher Peter Ng investigates giant isopods at a seafood market in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Nguyen Thanh Son

Ng said the researchers chose this name for the species not only because of its resemblance to Darth Vader’s mask, but also because the creature lives in constant darkness at depths of 800 to 1,200 meters. This is also because it is believed that

“I’m the biggest star wars It’s my vintage so I’m a fan of the team. The first movie was in 1977, during my youth, and it was really cool,” Ng says. “But we all know that face batinomus He looks so much like Darth Vader that they had to name him after the Sith Lord. ”

The isopod has been a popular seafood delicacy in Vietnamese restaurants since 2017, and is said to be as delicious as lobster.

However, little is known about their ecology and how trawling affects their populations, team members say. Koni Sidaba Rock At the National Research and Innovation Agency in Cibinong, Indonesia.

“The size of the harvest is a concern. This is a challenge for all the deep-sea fish we fish,” she says. “Little is known about their ecology, so further research is needed to assess how best to conserve and manage this resource.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Discovering the origins of your brain’s enlarged size

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Recent research has uncovered the reason behind the evolution of our brains, pointing to the influence of gut microbes. Specifically, the study suggests that the intestines may have played a key role in boosting energy production over time, leading to the growth of crucial organs.

The study reveals that organisms with larger brains relative to body size, like humans and squirrel monkeys, have higher energy levels compared to those with smaller brains, thanks to their digestive microbes. These microbes help in breaking down food and producing energy efficiently.

This groundbreaking research is the first to demonstrate how the gut microbiome can drive biological differences between animal species.

“The connection between the gut and brain has always been acknowledged on some level. We often refer to ‘gut feelings,’ and it’s known that stress and anxiety can manifest as gut symptoms,” said lead author of the study, Katherine Amato, Associate Professor at Northwestern University, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

Amato further elaborated, stating, “This study goes beyond that and proposes that the activities in the gut may have laid the groundwork for the evolution of our brains.”

The intestines harbor over 100 trillion microorganisms, a count that surpasses the number of cells in the body. These intestinal microbes collectively weigh around 2 kg (4.4 pounds) – equivalent to the weight of a large pineapple.

Researchers were particularly intrigued by how these tiny gut microbes influence brain size in relation to body size. While humans may not have the largest brains in the animal kingdom, they have a significantly higher brain-to-body ratio compared to other species.

The experiment, detailed in the journal microbial genomics, involved transferring gut microbes from three primate species to mice – two with large brains (humans and squirrel monkeys) and one with a small brain (macaque). The results showed that mice receiving gut bacteria from larger-brained species produced more energy to support brain function, while those with gut flora from smaller-brained primates stored more energy as fat.

Amato explained, “Our findings suggest that as humans and squirrel monkeys independently evolved larger brains, their microbial communities also adapted in similar ways to meet the energy demands.” The study also found that the outcomes of feeding human microbes to mice were more akin to other large-brained species than previously thought.

Researchers are now extending their studies to other primate species to further explore the impact of gut microbes on brain evolution.

About our experts:

Dr. Katherine Amato is an Associate Professor of Biological Anthropology at Northwestern University in Illinois, USA. Her research interests include the gut microbiome, human evolution, and primate ecology.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New study reveals that one human lineage experienced an increase in brain size

Posted on November 30, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Reading and the University of Durham has revealed that the increase in relative brain size, known as encephalization, during the seven million years of human evolution was a result of incremental changes within individual species.

Modern humans, Neanderthals, and other recent relatives on the human family tree evolved large brains much more rapidly than earlier species. Image credit: SINC / Jose Antonio Peñas.

“One of the most striking evolutionary changes in human evolution, closely linked to the unique cognitive and behavioral characteristics of humans, is the increase in brain size,” explained lead author Thomas Puschel and his colleagues.

“The question of encephalization in human evolution has been a topic of debate, with various studies comparing the brain capacities of different hominin species and exploring adaptive mechanisms that might have influenced differences in brain size among hominins. Our research proposes

“Some argue for a gradual growth pattern over time, while others suggest a pattern of rapid increases followed by periods of stagnation.”

“Certain studies support a combination of both models, while others claim that they are indistinguishable.”

In their recent study, the authors compiled the largest dataset of ancient human fossils spanning seven million years and utilized advanced computational and statistical methods to identify gaps in the fossil record.

These innovative approaches have provided the most comprehensive understanding to date of the evolution of brain size over time.

“This study has completely altered our perception of how the human brain evolved,” noted study co-author Professor Chris Venditti.

“Previously, it was believed that brain size varied significantly between species, like upgrading to newer computer models.”

“However, our study reveals a pattern of steady, incremental ‘software updates’ occurring within each species over millions of years.”

This study challenges the traditional notion that certain species, such as Neanderthals, remained unchanged and were unable to adapt, suggesting instead that the increase in brain size was a gradual and continuous driving force in evolution. It underscores the significance of changes.

“Major evolutionary shifts do not always require dramatic events,” Pushel stated.

“They can result from making small incremental improvements over time, akin to the learning and adaptation processes observed today.”

The researchers also identified a notable pattern: larger-bodied species tend to have larger brains, but the variation observed within individual species does not consistently correlate with body size.

Hence, the evolution of brain size over long evolutionary timescales spanning millions of years has been influenced by factors distinct from those observed within individual species, underscoring the complexities of evolutionary pressures on brain size. It’s remarkable.

“The reasons behind the evolution of large brains in humans are a key aspect of human evolution,” added study co-author Dr. Joanna Baker.

“Through analyzing the brain and body sizes of various species over millions of years, we have demonstrated that the characteristic large brains of humans primarily emerged through gradual changes within individual species. This became evident.”of study On November 26, 2024, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

_____

Thomas A. Puschel others. 2024. The increase in human brain size was revealed by intraspecific encephalization. PNAS 121 (49): e2409542121;doi: 10.1073/pnas.2409542121

Source: www.sci.news

Baby bats are increasing in size due to a specific cause

Posted on November 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Bats may not have the best reputation, with myths about them being vampires and getting tangled in hair. The coronavirus pandemic also added to their negative image, with beliefs that they played a role in spreading the virus.

However, according to Rodrigo Medellin, a bat ecologist at the Institute of Ecology at the University of Mexico, bats are actually incredibly important to ecosystems. They are often misunderstood and mistreated, but they play a vital role in maintaining the health of various environments.

Despite facing extinction due to climate change, bats are unique creatures with fascinating abilities. They sleep upside down, have evolved wings from their hands, and can fly with incredible speed and agility, reaching up to 160 miles per hour in some species.

These remarkable mammals have the longest lifespan relative to their body size and remain healthy throughout their lives with low rates of cancer and the ability to resist deadly viruses. They also possess intricate biosonar capabilities, using ultrasonic chirps to navigate their surroundings.

Bats have diverse diets and play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersion. They are essential for forest regeneration, helping to maintain ecosystems and biodiversity around the world.

Additionally, bats are powerful pest predators, providing natural pest control in agriculture. They can consume large numbers of pests, helping to reduce the need for pesticides and saving billions of dollars annually in agricultural costs.

Unfortunately, bats are facing challenges due to climate change, with rising temperatures affecting their habitats and populations. It is crucial to protect and conserve bats to ensure their continued contribution to ecosystems and human well-being.

About our experts

Rodrigo A. Medellin: A senior professor of ecology at the Institute of Ecology of the University of Mexico, known as Mexico’s “Batman” for his advocacy and conservation efforts for bats.

Danilo Russo: A bat ecologist, animal behaviorist, and conservation biologist at the Second University of Naples Federico in Italy. He is actively involved in assessing the benefits of bats in agriculture and promoting bat conservation in response to climate change.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hubble observations reveal Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is wobbling and changing in size

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope detected Jupiter’s most distinctive feature, the Great Red Spot, on eight dates over a single 90-day oscillation period from December 2023 to March 2024. I observed it.

simon others. measured the size, shape, brightness, color, and vorticity of the Great Red Spot over one complete oscillation cycle. Image credit: NASA/ESA/Amy Simon, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Joseph DePasquale, STScI.

“We knew its motion varied slightly with longitude, but we didn’t expect it to oscillate in magnitude,” said Dr. Amy Simon, an astronomer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

“As far as we know, it has never been identified before.”

“This is really the first time we’ve had a proper imaging rhythm for the Great Red Spot.”

“Using Hubble’s high resolution, we can say that the Great Red Spot is steadily moving in and out at the same time as it moves faster and slower.”

“This was very unexpected. There is no hydrodynamic explanation at this time.”

Dr. Simon and colleagues used Hubble to zoom in on the Great Red Spot and closely observe its size, shape, and subtle color changes.

“If you look closely, you can see that many things are changing every day,” Dr. Simon said.

“This includes ultraviolet observations showing that the clear center of the storm is brightest when the Great Red Spot is at its maximum magnitude during its oscillation period.”

“This indicates less absorption of haze in the upper atmosphere.”

“As the Great Red Spot accelerates and decelerates, it’s working against the jet stream, which has strong north and south winds,” said Dr. Mike Wong, an astronomer at the University of California, Berkeley.

“It’s similar to how having too many ingredients in the middle of a sandwich forces a slice of bread to expand.”

The authors contrasted this with Neptune. On Neptune, dark spots can drift violently within their latitudes without a strong jet stream to hold them in place.

The Great Red Spot is held at southern latitudes trapped between the jet stream, with limited telescopic observations of Earth.

Astronomers predict that the star will continue to shrink and then assume a stable, less elongated shape.

“Currently, we’re overfilling that latitudinal band compared to wind fields,” Dr. Simon said.

“Once it contracts within that band, the wind actually holds it in place.”

“We predict that the size of the Great Red Spot will probably stabilize, but so far Hubble has only observed it for one oscillation period.”

team’s result Published in Planetary Science Journal.

_____

Amy A. Simon others. 2024. A detailed study of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot over a 90-day oscillation period. planet. Science. J 5,223;doi: 10.3847/PSJ/ad71d1

Source: www.sci.news

Fish use mirrors to assess their size and determine their likelihood of winning a confrontation

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Bluestreak Cleaner checking himself out in the mirror

Osaka Metropolitan University

Before deciding whether to fight another fish, wrasse look at their own reflection in the mirror to gauge their size.

Blue Streak Cleaner Lass (Loveroid) are astonishingly bright. This finger-sized coral reef fish is the first to pass the mirror test, a common assessment of whether an animal can recognize its own body and not another animal in a mirror. Researchers discovered that these wrasses use their own reflection to build an image of their own body size and compare it to others.

beginning, Taiga Kobayashi Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan conducted an experiment to see if fish were willing to attack. They held up images of different wrasses, each 10 percent larger or smaller than the real fish, against the glass wall of an aquarium. Regardless of the size of the model fish in the photo, the territorial wrasses put up a fight.

The researchers then repeated the test with additional mirrors, and the fish saw their own reflection in the mirror, but when the researchers held up pictures of larger or smaller wrasses on the glass plate, the fish chose to fight only the smaller rivals.

“This was unexpected, as this fish has always been known to be aggressive towards rivals, regardless of its size,” Kobayashi says.

Because the tanks are partitioned, the wrasses can't see both themselves and pictures of rival fish at the same time, so the scientists think the fish must be comparing the pictures to a mental approximation of their own size.

How did wrasses develop this ability, given that they evolved in an environment without mirrors? In both the lab and in the wild, it's advantageous for fish to know the size of their opponent before fighting, Kobayashi says. In other words, the fish were smart enough to use the mirror as a decision-making tool.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Increased hail size and insurance costs may result from climate change

Posted on September 2, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

summary

So far this year, hail — not hurricanes, floods or tornadoes — has caused the most costly weather damage in the United States.
Research suggests that large hailstorms will become more frequent due to climate change.
Next year, scientists are planning the first field study of hail in the United States since the 1970s, and will track hailstorms in the same way they track tornadoes.

Barb Berlin was standing in the garage of her farmhouse near Inman, Nebraska, when she heard a sudden crackling noise.

“I thought it was a gun,” she said.

Then a streak of white appeared, and she realized the sound wasn't a gunshot, but hail.

Fist-sized hailstones pounded on the tin roof of Berlin's garage, and soon others began punching softball-shaped holes in the hood of her Ford Mustang parked outside.

“It was very loud and scary. I prayed a lot,” Berlin said, adding that she was worried about her livestock. “I've never seen hail like that before.”

Hail is a hidden danger: Despite the extreme weather this spring and summer, hail — not hurricanes, floods or tornadoes — caused the most losses in the U.S., according to Gallagher Re, a global reinsurance firm that tracks such data.

And as the planet warms, research suggests large hailstorms like the one observed in Berlin on Monday will become more frequent. A study published last monthThis suggests that the chances of smaller, less damaging hail will decrease.

A study by researchers at Northern Illinois University projects that the frequency of hailstones larger than about 1.5 inches could increase by 15% to 75%, depending on the amount of greenhouse gas pollution humans emit.

Hail occurs when thunderstorms circulate raindrops in the upper layers of the atmosphere, and typically occurs where temperatures are between -22°F and 14°F. Climate change affects hail because warmer temperatures create more energy to push air upwards. In a thunderstorm.

“We expect to see stronger updrafts in the future as the atmosphere becomes more unstable,” said Victor Gensini, a professor of meteorology at Northern Illinois University and lead author of the study.

According to the study, these strong updrafts allow hail to remain in the right places in the storm longer, allowing more ice to accumulate before the hail becomes too heavy and falls to the ground.

“Imagine trying to balance a ping pong ball on an upside-down hair dryer pointing up into the sky,” Gensini said, explaining how updrafts lift hailstones. “Now try balancing a baseball or a grapefruit. You'll need a stronger updraft to…
…..

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The size of early galaxies has been overestimated

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

in paper Announced today Astronomical JournalThe astronomers analysed the evolution of giant galaxies at redshifts 4 to 8 selected from the JWST Cosmic Evolution Early Emission Survey (CEERS).

A composite color image of the very red quasar-like object A2744-QSO1. Image courtesy of Furtak. others., doi:10.1038/s41586-024-07184-8.

“We still see more galaxies than expected, but none of them are massive enough to 'break' the universe,” said Katherine Kworowski, a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin.

Galaxies that appear excessively massive are likely to harbor black holes that are rapidly eating away at gas, according to a new study.

Friction between the fast-moving gas releases heat and light, making these galaxies much brighter than they would be if light were emitted only by stars.

This extra light can make galaxies appear to contain more stars, and therefore more massive, than we would normally assume.

When scientists remove these galaxies, which they call “little red dots,” from their analysis, the remaining early galaxies are not so massive that they fit the predictions of the Standard Model.

“This means there is no crisis with regard to the standard model of cosmology,” Professor Steven Finkelstein said.

“When you have a theory that has stood the test of time for a long time, you need overwhelming evidence to really disprove it, and that's simply not the case.”

They've solved the main dilemma, but a less troubling one remains: there are still about twice as many massive galaxies in the Webb data from the early universe than would be expected from the standard model.

One possible explanation may be that stars formed more quickly in the early universe than they do today.

“Maybe early in the universe, galaxies were better at turning gas into stars,” Kurowski said.

Star formation occurs when hot gas cools enough to succumb to gravity and condense into one or more stars.

But as the gas contracts, it heats up and creates outward pressure.

In our region of the universe, the balance of these opposing forces tends to make the process of star formation very slow.

But some theories suggest that the early universe was denser than it is today, which could have made it harder for gas to escape during star formation, speeding up the process.

At the same time, astronomers are analyzing spectra of the tiny red dots that Webb has spotted, and the CEERS team and others are finding evidence of fast-moving hydrogen gas that is characteristic of black hole accretion disks.

This supports the idea that at least some of the light from these compact red objects comes from gas swirling around black holes rather than from stars, strengthening Kurowski and his colleagues' conclusion that black holes are probably not as massive as astronomers originally thought.

However, further observations of these intriguing objects are underway, which should help solve the mystery of how much light is coming from the star and how much is coming from the gas around the black hole.

In science, answering one question often gives rise to a new one.

Although the authors show that the Standard Model of cosmology is likely not broken down, their work points out the need for new ways of thinking about star formation.

“So there's still curiosity. Not everything is fully understood, which is why this kind of science is fun to do, because if one paper explained everything or there were no more questions to answer, it would be a very boring field,” Kurowski says.

_____

Katherine Choworowski others2024. Evidence for shallow evolution of bulk density in massive galaxies at z = 4-8 from CEERS. AJ 168, 113;doi:10.3847/1538-3881/ad57c1

Source: www.sci.news

The universe’s size and shape as revealed by space-time

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI

In a sense, we are at the center of the universe. But that’s because we see the same distance in every direction, and the observable universe is perfectly spherical. Due to the limitations of the speed of light and the inexorable expansion of the universe, we can see about 46 billion light years away in every direction. What is beyond this horizon? That is a mystery that will never be solved.

But there are clues. The overall size of the universe is governed by two competing effects: gravity and dark energy. All matter has mass, which causes gravity, pulling everything to everything else. But to their surprise, early 20th-century cosmologists discovered that distant galaxies appear to be moving away from us at incredible speeds. The mysterious force that causes this strange expansion of space is called dark energy, and its nature remains a mystery to this day.

“Before we discovered dark energy and accelerating expansion, the universe was much simpler,” the cosmologist says. Wendy Friedman Researchers at the University of Chicago say that without dark energy, the universe would be much smaller, making its size easier to predict.

Even with dark energy, the universe may only be slightly larger than we can see. Jean-Luc LehnersHe then worked at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Germany. Jerome Quintin University of Waterloo, Canada The model was published It suggests that the period of rapid expansion just after the Big Bang, the so-called inflation, may have been even shorter than we thought, making the universe smaller…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Could the massive fish lizard be the largest marine reptile ever found, surpassing the megalodon in size?

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Forget about megalodons being scary, there’s a new prehistoric creature in town with jaws that may rival Meg’s in power, making it the largest marine reptile ever identified on Earth.

The giant jawbone of this beast measures over 2 meters (6.6 feet), allowing for a bite force strong enough to crush bones. In comparison, the jawbone of a megalodon, which was about the same size, measured only 0.5 meters (1.6 feet).

Experts believe that this massive new ichthyosaur species was a staggering 25 meters (82 feet) long, similar in size to a modern blue whale. (Megalodon was about 15-20 meters, or 65 feet in length).

The fossilized remains of this creature were found on the Somerset coast.

The research team named this new species Ichthyotitan severnensis, meaning “Giant Fish Lizard of the Severn.” These bones date back to around 202 million years ago, towards the end of the Triassic period, just before the dinosaur extinction event.

The first jawbone of this mysterious species was discovered in 2016, with this recent find confirming its existence.

Dr. Dean Lomax, a paleontologist at the University of Manchester, expressed excitement about the discovery, hoping that more complete specimens may be found in the future.

Lomax and his team compared the two jawbones and found shared unique features, indicating they were from the same geological period.

Ruby Reynolds, an 11-year-old girl, discovered a new salangular on the beach in 2020, leading to further discoveries by her and her team, including the final piece of the jawbone in 2022.

Now 15, Ruby Reynolds has contributed to naming the new species and is already a published scientist, listed as a contributor to research in the journal PLoS ONE.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

How to Witness the Spectacular ‘Devil’s Comet’ Event of 2024 Tonight, Comparable to Mount Everest in Size

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Currently in orbit within the inner regions of the solar system is comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as Pons-Brooks, which is making its first appearance in over 70 years and is expected to be visible without the aid of telescopes soon. This massive ice chunk, roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) in diameter, is comparable in size to Mount Everest and is considered one of the brightest known periodic comets by astrophysicists. Pons-Brooks, classified as a Halley-type comet, has an orbit around the Sun of 71.3 years and was last observed in the sky in 1954. Discovered in 1812 by Jean-Louis Pons and later confirmed in 1883 by William Robert Brooks, this is the first recorded sighting of the comet dating back to 1385.

When is Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks Visible?

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is currently visible and will remain so until April 21, 2024, with optimal viewing conditions expected towards the end of March. With binoculars or a small telescope, the comet is already observable in the sky, particularly when the Moon is located in the west below the Andromeda Galaxy moving through Pisces. By the end of the month, the comet will pass near the brighter stars in Aries, moving in the direction of Jupiter. As its brightness increases towards the end of the month, it may become visible to the naked eye under clear, dark skies. On March 31st, Pons-Brooks will be just 0.5 degrees away from a bright star named Hamal, which is equivalent to the diameter of the full moon, according to Strom. Those having trouble locating these constellations can benefit from downloading a stargazing app. For residents of the United States, the comet may also be visible in the sky during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Following its closest approach to the Sun on April 21, Pons-Brooks will fade and become visible only to observers in the southern hemisphere.

Why the Name “Devil’s” Comet?

The recent sighting of Pons-Brooks is not its first appearance in recent times. Referred to as the “Devil’s Comet,” due to a peculiar outburst in July 2023 that led to a temporary brightening resembling devil horns, Pons-Brooks is classified as a cryovolcanic comet that sporadically erupts, expelling dust, gas, and ice into space. These eruptions are triggered by the comet warming up as it nears the Sun, resulting in increased pressure causing the release of icy material from beneath the surface of the comet. The gas forms a bright coma, a halo of evaporated material surrounding the solid core of the comet. Comets appear brightest when closest to the Sun due to sunlight reflecting off the evaporated material, with the tails formed by interaction with charged particles from the solar wind. Pons-Brooks experienced similar but less intense outbursts on various dates in recent months, contributing to its brightness when close to the Sun.

What Does “12P” Mean?

The designation “12P” in the comet’s name indicates that it is the 12th comet discovered within a set period. Baskill explains that long-period comets, originating from the edge of the solar system, may have orbits lasting thousands or even tens of thousands of years, while short-period comets like Pons-Brooks return to the inner solar system in less than 200 years. Notable short-period comets include Comet Halley, with a period close to that of Pons-Brooks, expected to return in 2061. Current estimations suggest there are around 3,910 known comets in total, but astronomers believe there could be up to 1 trillion comets within our solar system.

Upcoming Comets

Expect to observe Comet 13P/Olbers in June and July, with observers in the Northern Hemisphere likely to spot it using binoculars. This comet, also known as a Halley’s Comet, orbits the Sun every 69 years. In late 2024, Comet C/2023 A3 is predicted to enter the inner solar system, potentially showcasing exceptional brightness in September and October, comparable to the brightest stars and potentially earning the title of “Great Comet.”

About Our Experts:

Dr. Paul Strom serves as an Assistant Professor within the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at the University of Warwick, focusing on the PLATO space mission and various astrophysical topics, particularly far-ultraviolet observations to understand the environments where young planets form. His research paper titled “Exo-solar Comets from a Solar System Perspective” was published in the journal Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

Dr. Darren Baskill is an outreach officer and lecturer at the University of Sussex’s School of Physics and Astronomy. Previously involved with the Royal Observatory Greenwich, he organized the annual Astronomical Photographer of the Year competition.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research Shows That the Medium Size of a Cheetah Contributes to its Unmatched Speed

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The fastest animals are neither large elephants nor small ants, but intermediate sizes such as: Cheetah(Acinonychus jubatus). Why does running speed deviate from the regular patterns that govern an animal's anatomy and most other aspects of performance? A new study shows that, as previously thought, maximum running speed This suggests that there is not one limit to speed, but two: the speed and distance at which the muscle contracts. The maximum speed an animal can reach is determined by which limit is reached first, and that limit is determined by the size of the animal.

Cheetah (Acinonychus jubatus).

University of the Sunshine Coast researcher Professor Christopher Clemente said: “The key to our model is understanding that maximum running speed is limited by how fast the muscles contract and how much they can shorten during contraction. ” he said. University of Queensland.

“Animals as big as cheetahs exist in a physical sweet spot of about 50 kg where these two limits meet. Therefore, these animals are the fastest, with speeds of up to 105 km/h (65 mph). will reach.”

The first limit is called the “kinetic energy capacity limit'' and suggests that muscles in small animals are limited by how fast they can contract.

Because small animals generate large forces relative to their body weight, running for them is similar to trying to accelerate in a low gear when riding a bicycle downhill.

The second limitation is called the “work capacity limitation” and suggests that muscles in large animals are limited by the range over which they can contract.

Large animals are heavy, so their muscles produce less force relative to their body weight, and running is similar to trying to accelerate up a hill in a high gear on a bicycle.

“For large animals like rhinos and elephants, running can feel like lifting huge weights because their muscles are relatively weak and gravity takes a big toll on them,” says Harvard University. says researcher Dr. Peter Bishop.

“As a result of both, animals eventually have to slow down as they grow.”

To test the model's accuracy, the authors compared its predictions to land animal speed and size data from more than 400 species, ranging from large mammals, birds, and lizards to small spiders and insects.

The model accurately predicted how maximum running speed varied with body size for animals whose weights varied by more than 10 orders of magnitude, from a tiny 0.1 milligram tick to a 6-ton elephant.

Their findings shed light on the physical principles behind how muscles evolved and could inform future designs of robots that can match the athletic performance of the best animal runners.

The new model may not only explain how fast animals can run, but also provide important clues for understanding differences between groups of animals.

Large reptiles, such as lizards and crocodiles, are generally smaller and slower than large mammals.

“One possible explanation for this may be that reptiles' limb muscles make up a small proportion of their body mass, meaning that reptiles reach their work limits quickly when they are light. It needs to stay small in order to move,” he said. Taylor Dick is a researcher at the University of Queensland.

The researchers' model, combined with data from living species, also predicted that land animals weighing more than 40 tonnes would be unable to move.

The heaviest land mammal living today is the African elephant, which weighs approximately 6.6 tons, but there are also land dinosaurs such as: Patagotitanit probably weighed well over 40 tons.

“This indicates that caution is needed in extrapolating the muscle anatomy of extinct animals from data from non-extinct animals,” the researchers said.

“Rather, the data indicate that extinct giants may have evolved unique muscle anatomy, which warrants further study.”

Dr David Labonte, a researcher at Imperial College London, said: “Our study raises many interesting questions about muscle physiology in both extinct animals and living animals, including human athletes.” said.

“Physical constraints affect animals that swim and fly just as they do animals that run, and lifting these constraints is our next challenge.”

a paper The survey results were published in a magazine nature communications.

_____

D. Labonte other. 2024. Dynamic similarity and unique allometry of maximum running speed. Nat Commune 15, 2181; doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46269-w

Source: www.sci.news

Exoplanet similar in size to Earth found orbiting around star HD 63433

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized planet passing by the young Sun-like star HD 63433.

HD 63433d is located close to its parent star HD 63433, with two neighboring mini-Neptune-sized planets HD 63433b and HD 63433c orbiting further out. Image credit: Alyssa Jankowski.

HD 63433 is a G5V star located approximately 73 light years away in the constellation Gemini.

The star, also known as TOI-1726, is a member of the 414-million-year-old Moving Star Group in the Ursa Major constellation.

The newly discovered exoplanet HD 63433d is the third planet detected in this multi-planet system.

The discovery of two other planets — HD 63433b and HD 63433c (both mini-Neptunes) report By Astronomer in 2020.

The HD 63433d is tidally locked, meaning it has a day side that is always facing the stars and a side that is always in the dark.

The planet has an orbital period of 4.2 days and is very hot on its dayside (1,257 degrees Celsius, or 2,294 degrees Fahrenheit).

“These scorching temperatures are comparable to the lava world of: Corot-7b and Kepler-10bAnd we think the dayside of this planet may be a 'lava hemisphere,''' said the University of Florida astronomer. benjamin capistrant and his colleagues.

HD 63433d is the smallest known exoplanet less than 500 million years old.

The planet is also the closest Earth-sized exoplanet to be discovered at such a young age.

“HD 63433d is the closest planet to our solar system, orbiting a young star with a radius similar to Earth,” the astronomers said.

“This is therefore an attractive target for follow-up observations and provides an opportunity to uncover insights into the physics of atmospheric mass loss in exoplanets.”

“Between HD 63433d and the two larger planets known to date, the HD 63433 system is poised to play a key role in understanding the evolution of planetary systems during the first billion years after their formation. I am.”

The discovery of HD 63433d is paper inside astronomy magazine.

_____

Benjamin K. Capistrant other. 2024. TESS Search for Young and Mature Exoplanets (THYME). 11. An Earth-sized planet orbiting a nearby Sun-like host in the 400 million Ursa Majoris migration group. A.J. 167, 54; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ad1039

Source: www.sci.news

Exit mobile version