Wavy polar jet streams can lead to icy storms extending further south
Images of the history of science / Alamy Stock Photos
Recent studies indicate that the increasingly erratic winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere is not solely due to more pronounced wavy polar jet streams.
The Arctic jet stream functions as a wind current that helps to maintain the balance between temperate and cold air in the Arctic region.
For over a decade, some researchers have engaged in discussions regarding the effects of the warm Arctic on the jet stream. This warming has reportedly intensified in winter, leading to severe storms that carry snow and ice much further south than usual. However, doubts persist about this theory.
Testing this hypothesis has proven challenging due to limited satellite data and the natural fluctuations of the jet stream during winter.
Researchers like Erich Osterberg from Dartmouth University have sought to determine whether the recent behavior of the jet stream deviates from the long-term average.
Since satellite observations of the jet stream began only in 1979, researchers leveraged temperature and atmospheric pressure data extending back to 1901 to reconstruct the movement of polar jets across the United States throughout the 20th century.
They discovered that polar jets exhibited wave-like patterns during various periods, indicating that the current erratic behavior may not be unprecedented. In fact, at times, the winter jet stream was even more undulating than it is today. “What we’re observing with the jet stream now is not particularly unusual when you consider the broader context of the 20th century,” Osterberg states.
The winters in the Northern Hemisphere are becoming warmer and wetter, a trend emphasized by Osterberg even as climate change continues to provoke more severe storms and precipitation. “It’s evident that climate change is influencing extreme weather events significantly,” he remarks. “However, in the context of winter jet streams, these changes don’t appear to be a fundamental factor.”
Similarly, Tim Woolling from Oxford University highlights the importance of long-term data in identifying shifts in polar jet stream behavior, noting its significant variability in the short to medium term. “Utilizing extensive data records and diverse methodologies reveals that today’s North American winter jet patterns are not necessarily worse than in previous decades,” he explains.
Contrastingly, during the Northern Hemisphere summer, emerging evidence suggests that climate change has elevated tropical temperatures, leading to broader polar waves in warmer months. “In summer, it seems that the jet stream undergoes a fundamental shift in behavior, with larger waves leading to intense heat waves, droughts, and wildfires,” Osterberg adds. “This phenomenon appears to be linked to climate change.”
As reported by the French streaming service, nearly seven out of every ten streams of AI-generated music on the Deezer platform are deemed to be fraudulent.
The company states that AI-created music only constitutes 0.5% of total streams on music platforms, yet their analysis indicates that scammers may account for as much as 70% of those streams.
The rise of AI-generated music presents a significant issue on streaming services. Scammers typically utilize bots to “listen” to AI-generated tracks, thereby generating revenue for platforms like Deezer and subsequently receiving royalty payments.
This tactic aims to circumvent detection mechanisms by flooding the system with high listening counts for numerous low-quality fake tracks.
Thibault Roucou, director of royalties and a report regarding the Paris-based platform, mentioned that the manipulation of AI-generated music is a strategy to “extract some profit from royalties.”
“As long as I can profit, I shall,” he lamented, referring to the scenario of fraudulent streaming. “Sadly, there is a push to profit from it.”
Deezer utilizes a tool designed to identify 100% AI-generated content from the leading AI music models, including Suno and Udio.
Deezer reports that the AI-generated music being streamed by con artists ranges from fake pop and rap to artificial mood music. The platform actively prevents royalty payments for streams flagged as fraudulent.
In April, Deezer disclosed that AI-generated tracks account for 18% of all uploads to its platform, averaging around 20,000 tracks per day. The company has announced plans to exclude all AI-generated content from its algorithmic recommendations. Deezer boasts over 10 million subscribers globally, whereas leading competitor Spotify has 268 million.
Roucou noted that while the identities of those orchestrating the fraudulent streams remain unknown, the criminals seem to operate in an “organized” manner. The IFPI, a Trade Body, reported that the global streaming market was valued at $20.4 billion last year, making it a prime target for fraudsters.
In a report, the Latest Global Music Report from the IFPI indicated that fraudulent streaming diverts funds that “should go to rightful artists,” with generic AI contributing to an exacerbation of the issue.
Last year, U.S. musician Michael Smith faced charges for attempting to create AI-generated songs that were designed to be streamed billions of times, resulting in potential royalty earnings of $10 million.
In 2012, retired consultant Dianne Hoffman began observing Tom. For five hours each day, she tuned in to Harriet and Ozzy’s behaviors, a pair residing at Dunrobin Ranch in Montana.
The couple was broadcast live as they nested Ospreys and tended to their eggs. Although the eggs never hatched, the Ospreys occupied the nest for a few months before finally leaving.
“I believe they’ve gone through grief,” says Hoffman, now 81.
The webcam at Dunrovin Ranch provides an intimate view of Ospreys nesting and raising chicks during the summer. Photo: Dunrovin Ranch
Hoffman was coping with her grief from losing her husband, brother, and father, and watching the live stream allowed her to “reconnect with the world.”
“It was a very dark time,” she shares. Ozzy passed away in 2014, but she continues to monitor the nest and its current inhabitants for an hour each day. “I can’t think of anything that has positively impacted my life from the Internet more than these cameras.”
Over the past 20 years, nature-centered live streams situated near nests, watering holes, burrows, and landscapes have proliferated, made possible by affordable cameras and remote internet connections that deliver resilient natural feeds. The allure of nature’s drama, or occasionally the lack thereof, captivates viewers.
Sweden’s live annual footage of the Moose relocation has garnered attention. Photo: SVT/AP
The seventh season of the television series, Great Moose’s transition from the Swedish broadcaster SVT, featured 20 days of continuous live footage, drawing millions of viewers. Norwegian NRK broadcasted 18 hours of salmon swimming upstream and 12 hours of fire dancing.
In an increasingly urbanized world, where many are glued to screens, the disconnect from nature is palpable. “We’ve found that while technology can distance us from nature, it can also uniquely connect us to it,” a researcher articulated in a recent publication.
Later, another study revealed that nature live streams “enhance the lives of those unable to leave their homes and those distanced from natural environments.”
Researchers at the University of Montana first deployed a camera in 2012, focusing on Harriet and Ozzy’s nest. At the end of the breeding season, owner Suzanne Miller turned it off, but numerous viewers urged her to keep it running. “[They said] Please, don’t switch it off. We want to see your ranch,” Miller explains, as people became invested in the happenings beyond the nest.
Hoffman stated that the livestream has provided solace during her tough times, and she still observes it daily for an hour. Photo: Rachel Wisniewski/The Guardian
Initially, Miller found it bizarre that someone would dedicate time to mundane tasks like cleaning the paddock. “I felt really odd at first,” she recalls. However, she later added three more live streams of the river, paddock, and bird feeders. Only after she fell ill and was confined to home for six months did she grasp the worth of these streams and became just as captivated by the farm’s live content.
If someone leaves the gate open, viewers promptly notify the ranch. Members once witnessed a horse’s tragic demise after a vet fell on ice and broke its neck, the horse’s head resting peacefully on Miller’s lap as it passed. “Many viewers are elderly and are dealing with death in their own lives,” she notes. “It opened dialogues about mortality.”
The stream has attracted 275 paid subscribers, many of whom have never visited the farm. It costs $8 a month to subscribe, with a bulk of the audience being seniors or those with mobility challenges. Some members have even had their ashes scattered on the property without ever having set foot on the farm.
Numerous platforms enable viewers to communicate and exchange messages through discussion boards. Established in 1994, Fog Cam claims to be the oldest continuously operating webcam worldwide. This webcam shares images every 20 seconds and showcases the fog enveloping San Francisco.
South Africa’s Lion pride is a crowd favorite, with millions tuning in to their live streams. Photo: African
“If you can dream it, there’s likely a live stream for it,” states Rebecca Mauldin, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. “Although this is a new area of research, it’s not a new phenomenon. Millions of people are captivated by nature live streams.”
However, these streams offer more than mere entertainment. Research indicates they have health benefits as well. A forthcoming study reveals that nature-centric live streams lead to increased happiness among some elderly residents in care homes, enhancing mood, relaxation, and sleep. A previous study involving Dunrovin’s webcams suggested they brought about “significant positive changes” for nursing home inhabitants and could serve as an “innovative and effective method” for improving their overall health.
“I’ve realized that this isn’t exclusively for the elderly. There are many reasons nature may not be easily accessible,” Mauldin adds.
The Africam Live Stream features cameras stationed across the continent, capturing footage of animals such as this herd of giraffes from Namibia. Photo: African
Numerous webcams are operational across 35 national parks in the U.S. The Giant Panda Cam showcases animal activity at the Smithsonian National Zoo, while you can observe wildlife through Africam. In the UK, wildlife trusts operate 25 live webcams, with the Peregrine Falcon Cam on Leamington Spa’s City Hall gaining 160,000 views in 2024.
In isolated areas, webcams provide alternatives for those unable to visit in person. Scomer Island, off the Welsh coast, streamed live footage of its 42,000 terns, receiving 120,000 views in 2024.
The Channel Islands Research Colony hosts around 5,800 pairs of North Gannets from February to October each year. Photo: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
They also serve as a means to gain insights into animal behavior. Conservationists rely on a Live Cam designed for areas that are inaccessible to the public, thus preventing human disturbance. “One of our trainees spotted the first seal pup born at the sanctuary via the camera: a tiny, fluffy white pup surrounded by adults,” recounts Georgia de John Clendart, Marine Officer of the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust.
For certain birds, like the Osprey, permanent cameras also function as CCTV. “Osprey cams primarily serve security purposes and act as deterrents for those who seek to protect these endangered birds and their nests,” explains Paul Waterhouse, Reservation Officer at the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust.
The Osprey Nest Cam at Rutland Water Nature Reserve has shown 33 females and 33 males caring for 27 chicks together since 2015. Photo: Rutland Osprey Nest Cam Live Stream
Mauldin’s research indicates that nature live streams aid in relaxation and help place people’s concerns into perspective.
“It sheds light on human curiosity. We have a desire to learn; we cherish unpredictability—sometimes it’s mundane, sometimes it’s extraordinary. It’s a yearning to connect with the world surrounding us,” she states.
What to Watch
Ready to dive into the world of online nature viewing? Here are six of the most popular live streams to get started:
Bears Going Fishing: From late June to July, bears gather at Brooks Falls, Alaska, to catch migrating salmon. Up to 25 bears can sometimes be seen on screen simultaneously (if you’re eager for a preview, check out this two-hour video as a teaser).
Bats on the Move: During the day, Bracken Caves, Texas, USA, is tranquil, but as evening descends, you can witness the mass exit of 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats from the cave in search of food.
Baby Storks: The Knepp Estate in Sussex, UK, is nurturing a population of white storks that began breeding in 2020 after being absent for centuries. The live stream captures the four fledglings, Isla, Ivy, Issy, and Ivan, with current footage of them sharing a small dead rabbit.
Osprey Love Island: This resembles a popular reality show, featuring four Osprey couples vying for space within a single nest at Lowes Wildlife Reserve in Scotland. After weeks of rivalry and scheming, two birds secure the prime spot and appear ready to lay eggs.
Elephant Watering Hole: This live stream captures the bustling environment at the watering holes in Tembe Elephant Park along the South Africa-Mozambique border, where elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffalos frequently pause for a drink. As darkness falls, the camera’s night vision reveals a serene world filled with moths and fireflies.
Live Jelly Cam: The Jellyfish Cams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium provide a mesmerizing experience as you immerse yourself in the tranquil realm of Eastern Pacific sea nettles. Witness the jellyfish drifting gracefully as their tentacles rhythmically pulse.
And if you’re already a passionate viewer, feel free to share your favorite live stream in the comments below.
Explore more on extinction here, and follow Guardian App biodiversity journalists Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield.
Three young children huddle in front of the camera, nibbling and fidgeting. “Support us. We are extremely poor,” the boy says, gazing into the lens.
They appear to be in a mud brick hut in Afghanistan, experiencing severe poverty. Despite this, their live broadcasts have reached audiences in the UK and worldwide through Tiktok Live.
They spend hours soliciting virtual “gifts” that can later be exchanged for money. When they receive a gift, they politely applaud. In one live stream, a girl jumps up and exclaims, “Thank you, we love you!” After receiving a digital rose from a woman in the US, which costs approximately 1p on Tiktok, when converted to cash, it’s worth less than a third of a penny.
Tiktok claims to prohibit child begging and other forms of exploitation, deeming it exploitative, and states that there is a strict policy for users participating in live shows.
However, research by Observer has revealed widespread practices of begging on live streams, actively promoted by algorithms and benefiting Tiktok, which takes up to 70% of fees and charges.
Olivier de Schutter, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, has criticized this trend as “a shocking development,” accusing Tiktok and its intermediaries of profiting from people’s misery. He urges Tiktok to take immediate action, implement stringent policies against exploitative begging, and scrutinize the individuals profiting from the world’s most vulnerable.
“We have put a lot of effort into saving you,” said Jeffrey Demarco, a Digital Rights expert at Save the Children. “Documented practices reveal serious abuses that require immediate action to ensure the platform no longer allows or benefits from such content.”
An analysis conducted between January and April 2025 found evidence of live begging and related behaviors in countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Egypt, and Kenya.
Many live streams show families begging in domestic settings, while some streams seem to involve organized begging activities.
A self-collapsing, self-interacting dark matter subhalo is a unique spur observed in GD-1, a stellar stream within the Milky Way’s galactic halo, according to a new study led by astronomers at the University of California, Riverside, and is responsible for the gap characteristics.
GD-1 exhibits spur and gap structures that may be attributed to its proximity with a dense substructure. Image credit: University of California, Riverside.
A stellar stream is a group of stars that collectively move along a shared orbit.
A gap refers to a local under-density of stars along the stream, whereas a spur refers to an excess of star density extending outward from the main body of the stream.
Because dark matter governs the movement of star streams, astronomers can use it to track the invisible dark matter in galaxies.
The Milky Way’s halo is a roughly spherical region surrounding our galaxy that contains dark matter and extends beyond the visible edge of our galaxy.
Astronomers discovered that the fulcrum and gap features of the GD-1 star stream cannot easily be attributed to the gravitational influence of the Milky Way’s known globular clusters or satellite galaxies.
However, these features may be explained by unknown perturbing objects such as subhalos.
But the object’s density would need to be significantly higher than that predicted by conventional cold dark matter (CDM) subhalos.
“CDM subhalos typically lack the density necessary to produce the unique features observed in GD-1 streams,” said Haibo Yu, a professor at the University of California, Riverside.
“However, our study shows that a subhalo of collapsing self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) can achieve the required density.”
“Such a compact subhalo would be dense enough to exert the gravitational effects necessary to explain the observed perturbations in the GD-1 flow.”
The currently popular dark matter theory, CDM, assumes that dark matter particles have no collisions.
SIDM, a theoretical form of dark matter, proposes that dark matter particles self-interact through new dark forces.
In the study, Professor Yu and his colleagues used a numerical simulation called N-body simulation to model the behavior of a collapsing SIDM subhalo.
“Our team’s findings provide a new explanation for the lobes and gap features observed on GD-1, long thought to indicate close encounters with dense objects. ” said Professor Yu.
“In our scenario, the perturbation source is the SIDM subhalo, which perturbs the spatial and velocity distribution of stars within the star stream, producing the unique features seen in the GD-1 star stream.”
The discovery also provides insight into the nature of dark matter itself.
“This study opens a promising new avenue to study the self-interaction properties of dark matter through stellar streams,” Professor Yu said.
“This represents an exciting step forward in our understanding of dark matter and the dynamics of the Milky Way.”
The full study will appear in Astrophysics Journal Letter.
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Zhang Xingyu others. 2025. GD-1 Stellar Stream Parter Bar as a self-interacting dark matter halo with a collapsed core. APJL 978, L23; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ada02b
Ubiquity, a maker of networking and video surveillance cameras, has fixed a bug that it claims allowed users to accidentally grant access to other customers’ accounts and private live video streams.
One person on the Ubiquiti subreddit said, “When I log in, I feel like a different person.” Another user said he had “full access” to dozens of consoles that did not belong to him.
Ubiquiti is a cloud and technology company that manufactures routers, network switches, security and video surveillance equipment that can be controlled and operated remotely through a centralized cloud product.
in Subsequent posts to community forumsUbiquiti said it had “identified and addressed the cause of this issue,” and the company attributed the issue to an upgrade to its cloud infrastructure.
“We have observed a small number of instances where users received push notifications on their mobile devices that appeared to come from an unknown console, or where such users were able to access a console that was not theirs,” Ubiquiti said. Unnamed employee.
The company announced that 1,216 accounts from one group were improperly associated with 1,177 accounts from another group, and the mixed access lasted approximately nine hours on December 13th.
Although this appears to be a misconfiguration rather than a criminal case, mistakes happen, and this is a reminder that Ubiquiti still retains broad access and control over its customers’ devices and data.
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