Study Reveals Average Person Farts 32 Times Daily: Discover the Innovative Underwear Designed to Prove It!

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Personal question: Do you consider yourself a frequent farter? On average, how many times a day do you pass gas? 5 times? 20? More?

There’s no boring answer here. Recent scientific studies reveal that human flatulence is surprisingly under-explored in medical literature.

While some claim the average person experiences 5 to 15 flatulence episodes daily, this estimate is based on limited 1980s research, according to Professor Brantley Hall, a microbiome expert from the University of Maryland.

“Invasive studies involving rectal tubes have hindered our understanding,” he asserts, adding, “Our knowledge hasn’t progressed significantly since.”

But there’s good news! Hall’s team is developing a groundbreaking Human Fart Atlas to chart normal flatulence ranges across the population. A key element of this initiative is innovative smart underwear that detects human gas emissions.

A coin-sized sensor clips discreetly onto standard briefs, continuously monitoring gas releases and sending data to an app, providing valuable insights for both users and researchers.

In a study published in December 2025 in Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X, participants wore these smart pants for at least 11 hours over three days. Findings suggest that people fart far more than previously believed.

The average healthy adult expels gas about 32 times a day, but the range is diverse.

The study revealed individual differences, with participants reporting anywhere from 4 to 59 farts daily. Unpublished data indicates even higher numbers in some cases.

“Some individuals farted up to 175 times a day,” Hall noted, contrasting it with others on similar diets who only farted four times.

The human gut microbiome contains approximately **38 trillion bacterial cells** – Photo credit: Getty

Breakthrough in Gas Detection

These fascinating insights stem from a technology the research team has refined over five years.

Hall humorously describes its inception: “As a microbiologist, one day I was studying microbial metabolism in an anaerobic chamber when everything went wrong. Someone farted, and we got a groundbreaking signal.”

This incident led to placing sensors in a place no wearable has ventured before—inside your pants. The sensors detect hydrogen, a gas produced by intestinal bacteria during food metabolism.

While future versions aim to capture a broader gas spectrum, current technology mainly detects the “hydrogen bomb.”

This data allows researchers to begin monitoring flatulence frequency and proceeds to shape a comprehensive Human Flatus Atlas. Hall mentioned the oversubscription for study participation demonstrates how comfortable the device is to wear.

“The most unexpected revelation was that there was room for the sensor in that area,” he explains. “You won’t even feel it. We’ve tested various shapes and materials; ultimately, we found that a round shape works best.”

Holding up what he coined a “butt mannequin,” he elaborates on sensor placement next to the perineum. “When seated, you’re typically not in contact with it,” he adds.

“Plus, women often wear menstrual pads without issue; our device is much smaller.”

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Gastrointestinal Insights

Wearing Hall’s smart underwear provides critical insights into our daily bodily functions. For skeptics, it offers essential information about your gastrointestinal health.

Generally, farting is a normal part of digestion. In fact, individuals consuming a fiber-rich diet often pass more gas, as beans and vegetables ferment in the intestines, producing excess gas.

Bloating can indicate good gut health but might also signify irritable bowel syndrome or a food intolerance.

Changes in frequency or habits can hint at shifts in your microbiome, influenced by stress or dietary changes. Excessive or foul-smelling gas might indicate lactose or gluten intolerance.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea, pain, or bloating.

The variation in flatulence stems from multiple factors, including genetics, diet, and microbiome diversity. For instance, lactose intolerance is often hereditary.

“Those who are lactose intolerant must adjust their diets accordingly, as consuming milk can lead to increased gas production,” Hall explains.

The average person produces enough gas in a day to inflate a small balloon – Photo credit: Getty

Hall envisions that smart pants technology could revolutionize personal health tracking, providing clinicians with valuable data for better patient care.

“While we lack medical approval for this technology currently, future adaptations could empower gastroenterologists with this data, making it easier to distinguish normal from abnormal,” he explains.

His dream is to create a “fart score” akin to cholesterol levels, enabling individuals to monitor their health effectively.

Next steps involve adding methane detection, known to correlate with constipation, while exploring how farting habits across the globe compare with those in the United States.

Don’t you just love the smell of progress in the morning?

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

DNA Study Reveals Most ‘Wild Dogs’ in Australia Are Actually Dingoes

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A significant genetic study has unveiled that Australia’s so-called “wild dogs” are predominantly dingoes, redefining the discussions surrounding conservation and wildlife management in the region.

Australian dingo. Image credit: Charcolot.

“Dingoes fulfill a vital ecological role in the Australian ecosystem, being the only terrestrial apex predator on the mainland (and some offshore islands) since their arrival over 3,000 years ago,” stated Yassin Souilmi, a researcher at the University of Adelaide.

“They hold immense cultural significance for many Indigenous Australians, frequently appearing in ancestral songlines as essential contributors to ecological and cultural balance.”

“However, dingoes have historically clashed with livestock farmers since the colonial era (the 1800s), leading to extensive dingo management strategies implemented throughout Australia.”

In a groundbreaking new study, researchers examined over 300 free-roaming dogs across Australia and discovered that only 11.7% of their DNA originated from domestic dogs.

These domestic DNA levels were highest in southeastern Australia, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales, while being significantly lower in remote northern and western regions.

“Over the decades, various genetic tests have produced conflicting results regarding the composition of dingoes, which are descended from European dogs and free-roaming animals,” Dr. Souilmi explained.

“Our research utilized pre-colonial dingo DNA as a true benchmark to clarify this discrepancy, concluding that the majority of free-roaming dogs in Australia are indeed primarily dingoes.”

This revelation is supported by ancient DNA records and has profound implications for species classification and population management.

“The term ‘wild dog’ obscures crucial biological and cultural distinctions. Dingoes are fundamentally different from feral dogs,” Dr. Souilmi emphasized.

“Future wildlife management strategies should incorporate local insights and work closely with Australia’s Indigenous communities, who have long regarded dingoes as companions and relatives.”

This innovative testing technology maintains accuracy with a minimal number of DNA markers, paving the way for large-scale, cost-effective ancestry screening.

“Our test’s reliability with minimal markers means that ancestry screening can now be routinely employed,” explained lead author Dr. Shamsunder Ravishankar, also from the University of Adelaide.

“Wildlife organizations can now achieve dependable results without needing extensive whole-genome budgets.”

The study categorized Australian dingoes into eight genetically distinct populations, including two newly identified groups in northern and central Australia.

Considering domestic dog ancestry, the findings revealed that southeastern populations exhibit far less genetic diversity compared to those in northern and central regions.

Dingoes from the Mallee (Great Desert) in northwest Victoria stood out, showcasing even lower ancestral diversity than the small, isolated Kugari population.

“Eliminating the domestic dog component alters our understanding,” stated co-author Dr. Ní Chau Nguyen, also from the University of Adelaide.

“While the ancestors of domestic dogs increased the overall genetic variation among southeastern dingoes, they simultaneously compromised some genetic traits that distinguish these dingoes.”

“Our research also corroborated previous studies indicating that gene flow from European dogs to dingoes peaked in the mid-20th century, especially during the 1960s, coinciding with rapid post-war population growth and agricultural expansion in southeastern Australia.”

For detailed findings, see the published study in the journal Conservation Letters.

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Shamsundar Ravishankar et al. 2026. European dog admixture inference based on paleogenomics allows for scalable dingo conservation. Conservation Letters 19 (3): e70052; doi: 10.1111/con4.70052

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals Ancient Earth Experienced Repeated Melting Events During Catastrophic Ice Ages

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

During the Neoproterozoic Era (1 billion to 538.8 million years ago), Earth underwent dramatic climate fluctuations, notably the Sturtian Ice Age, where ice is believed to have enveloped the planet. Understanding the geological record and the survival of life during this pivotal event has remained a significant challenge. Geochronological studies indicate that the Sturtian Ice Age persisted for an astonishing 56 million years, far exceeding predictions made by conventional climate models. A recent study from Harvard University proposes that Earth may have experienced cycles of ice-covered and ice-free states during the Sturtian period.

Artist’s impression of ‘Snowball Earth’. Image credit: Oleg Kuznetsov, http://3depix.com/ CC BY-SA 4.0.

“The global glaciation that occurred near the advent of animal life, known as the Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth event, represents one of the most severe climate transformations in Earth’s history and likely had profound effects on biological evolution,” stated Charlotte Minsky, a Harvard graduate student, along with her research team.

“However, the causes, severity, and ecological impacts of these glaciations continue to be the subject of intense debate.”

Employing a coupled model of ancient climate systems and the global carbon cycle, researchers propose that Earth was not trapped in a singular, incessant snowball state.

Their simulations indicate that extensive weathering of basalt in the Franklin Igneous Province, a significant volcanic area in northern Canada that likely erupted prior to the Sturtian Ice Age, dramatically reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, leading to multiple global ice ages.

As volcanic activity and other processes gradually rebuilt atmospheric carbon dioxide, global temperatures rose, ice melted, and previously covered basalt regions were exposed once more.

This renewed decomposition through weathering replenished carbon dioxide, triggering another snowball cycle.

The authors contend that this recurring cycle of freezing and thawing driven by carbon dioxide could sustain glacial and interglacial variations for tens of millions of years.

The mechanisms revealed in this study address several longstanding discrepancies, particularly the duration of the Sturtian Ice Age, which was previously challenging to reconcile with established climate models.

This research aligns with sedimentation patterns from that era, elucidating how atmospheric oxygen levels could remain stable amidst extreme climatic shifts.

Moreover, frequent returns to warmer, ice-free states may have been critical in preventing a total collapse of atmospheric oxygen.

“This discovery may elucidate how aerobic life continued to thrive throughout such severe intervals,” Minsky noted.

For more details, refer to the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Charlotte Minsky et al. 2026. The snowball greenhouse cycle repeats within Neoproterozoic Sturtian glaciers. PNAS 123 (19): e2525919123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2525919123

Source: www.sci.news

Europa Clipper and JUICE Team Up to Study Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In November 2025, scientists seized a historic opportunity when the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS passed between ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons probe (JUICE) and NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft. This unique alignment allowed one spacecraft to capture the comet’s dazzling dayside while the other focused on its dusty nightside.

In November 2025, 3I/ATLAS passed between ESA’s Juice spacecraft and NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft. Image credit: NASA/ESA/Southwest Research Institute.

“As the comet journeyed between Juice and Europa Clipper, we successfully coordinated informal observations between the two spacecraft,” stated Dr. Kurt Retherford, a planetary researcher at the Southwest Research Institute.

“We notably observed emissions of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon,” he added.

“These elements arise when gases leaking from a comet’s core break down into atoms upon exposure to sunlight.”

This exceptional observation leveraged the ultraviolet spectrometer (UVS) instruments aboard both the Juice and Europa Clipper spacecraft.

“Studying interstellar comets has provided exciting bonus science,” remarked Dr. Philippa Molyneux, also from the Southwest Research Institute.

“The resulting rare data set includes valuable insights into gas emissions and airborne dust.”

“This marks the first instance of directly observing the coma of a gas-emitting comet from two perspectives simultaneously.”

“While Europa Clipper captured the comet’s night side, abundant with dust, Juice documented the glowing gas of the day side.”

Early findings indicated that carbon emissions from 3I/ATLAS were unexpectedly high compared to typical solar system comets, corroborating other observations regarding the origin and composition of interstellar comets.

By examining trends in emissions over multiple days, researchers can track changes in the molecular ratio as the comet traverses the solar system.

“Studying the ratio of water ice to dry ice allows us to compare this interstellar comet’s composition with those from our solar system,” Molyneux explained.

“This analysis will illuminate whether the solar system in which 3I/ATLAS formed is similar to or different from our own.”

“I found the collaboration with Europa Clipper to be a rewarding demonstration of how both projects can synergize their observation programs,” Dr. Retherford commented.

“The SwRI team is involved in both missions, making this a special highlight in our collaborative efforts.”

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Discovers Three Unique Subspecies of Rare New Zealand Penguins

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

For decades, scientists have studied the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes). Previously thought to consist of two large populations, new genomic research has unveiled three distinct lineages of this endangered species that have been isolated for thousands of years, well before humans arrived in New Zealand (Aotearoa).

Geographical distribution of yellow-eyed penguins. Image credit: Guhlin et al., doi: 10.1038/s41559-026-03062-w.

In 1841, Jacques-Bernard Ombron and Honoré Jaquinot first described the yellow-eyed penguin as an endangered species endemic to New Zealand.

The indigenous Maori people of New Zealand consider these penguins taonga (cherished things) and refer to them as huiho or takaraka.

Since 2019, respiratory distress syndrome has affected chicks in mainland New Zealand, significantly reducing the number of breeding pairs to under 115.

“As one of the world’s rarest penguin species, the yellow-eyed penguin is an essential indicator of ecosystem health. Its population trends mirror broader ecological changes,” stated Professor Gemma Geoghegan from the University of Otago.

“Conserving yellow-eyed penguins is vital for biodiversity and the health of coastal ecosystems.”

“They also play a crucial role in local wildlife tourism, significantly contributing to the economy.”

“Their decline indicates a biodiversity crisis, leading to cultural and economic losses.”

In a recent study, Professor Geoghegan and collaborators sequenced the complete genomes of 249 yellow-eyed penguins from mainland New Zealand (Northern Ranges), the sub-Antarctic Enderby (Auckland Islands), and the Campbell Islands (Southern Ranges).

Rather than observing two simple population structures, the researchers were surprised to discover three genetically distinct groups with minimal interbreeding.

These findings suggest that each group warrants formal recognition as a separate subspecies due to significant genetic variations.

“In this study, we utilized population genomics to explore the evolutionary history and disease susceptibility of the endangered yellow-eyed penguin,” said Professor Geoghegan.

“Supported by Genomics Aotearoa, we generated comprehensive genomic data from these 249 penguins, enabling us to understand the reasons behind the severe respiratory disease affecting mainland chicks.”

Unexpectedly, we found that the yellow-eyed penguin consists of three distinct subspecies, showing no evidence of migration among them.

Our analysis indicates these populations have been separated for thousands of years, much earlier than previously believed.

This means the endangered northern population is not merely a recent offshoot of the southern lineage, but rather a unique evolutionary group.

We have identified potential genes related to immune function and respiratory biology, which may contribute to the northern populations’ vulnerability to respiratory distress syndrome.

“These findings shed light on the role of host genetics in wildlife diseases and have significant implications for conservation management.”

After discussions with Ngāi Tahu, the species’ kaitiaki (guardians), the authors suggest new subspecies names based on Māori geography: Megadyptes antipodes Murihiku (Hoiho Murihiku) for the northern residents, Megadyptes antipodes Motu Maha (Hoiho Motu Maha) for Enderby Island in the Auckland Islands, and Megadyptes antipodes Motu Ifupuku (Hoiho Motu Ifupuku) for Campbell Island.

“Collaborating with Ngāi Tahu, the Kaitiaki of Hoiho, we aim for this research to support urgent conservation efforts for each subspecies, particularly the declining northern lineage with fewer than 115 breeding pairs,” stated Professor Geoghegan.

The team’s research paper is published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

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J. Gurin et al. Population genomics of yellow-eyed penguins reveals subspecies divergence and candidate genes associated with respiratory distress syndrome. Nat Ecol Evol, published online May 12, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41559-026-03062-w

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals U.S. Coastlines Facing Accelerated Marine Disaster Risk

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A significant ocean current system that plays a crucial role in regulating the climate across the Northern Hemisphere is projected to weaken more dramatically by the end of this century than previously anticipated, according to a new study published in Scientific Progress.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an extensive ocean current system transporting warm water north from the tropics, releasing heat into the atmosphere before descending and returning south.

“This system essentially forms a loop that transports heat from the equator to the North Atlantic,” stated Dr. Valentin Portman, the lead author of the study from France’s Bordeaux Southwest Research Center, during an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“Warm, salty water flows north, releasing heat, thickening, sinking, and then traveling south through deep ocean currents.”

Research indicates a projected 51% slowdown by 2100, a figure approximately 60% higher than average projections derived from conventional climate models, with significantly lower uncertainty.

The weakening of AMOC could lead to severe consequences. Sea levels along the northeastern U.S. coast are already rising faster than the global average, partially due to a weakening AMOC.

Globally, the tropical rain belt is expected to weaken and shift southward, jeopardizing the monsoons on which millions in West Africa and South Asia depend for agriculture.

In Europe, these changes could result in harsher, colder winters as the conveyor belt of warm water to the continent decelerates.

Worryingly, each additional weakening increases the system’s proximity to a tipping point where complete collapse becomes more probable, posing potentially catastrophic risks.

The AMOC extends across the Atlantic Ocean, forming a part of a vast network of ocean currents – Photo credit: Getty

Understanding a Complex System

Predicting the future of AMOC as the Earth warms is notoriously challenging due to the system’s vast complexity and influence from both local and global factors.

Previous forecasts about AMOC’s future varied significantly based on the employed climate prediction models. While most agree the system is weakening, the degree of potential collapse ranges from minimal to complete failure.

The new study identified two systematic errors prevalent in much of the prevailing modeling: underestimating salinity in the South Atlantic and overestimating coldness in the North Atlantic.

These biases cause models to underestimate how dense, saline water sinks and maintains current flow across the system.

By correcting these variables using a statistical approach called ridge-normalized linear regression, seldom applied in climate research, the expected weakening escalated to 51%, significantly lowering uncertainty surrounding the results.

“Typically, only one variable is used in studies, such as a singular observation of AMOC’s strength in the past,” Portman explained.

“This study aimed to incorporate more information by leveraging multiple variables simultaneously, which is vital due to AMOC’s complexity and dependence on various processes.”

The current strength of AMOC is already notably weak. Recent observations suggest a decline of 10% to 20% since the mid-2000s, equating to hundreds of millions of gallons of water no longer flowing north each second.

A 2025 study disclosed that the recent weakening of currents has contributed to nearly 50% of flooding along the northeastern U.S. coast since 2005.

However, attributing this decline to human-induced climate change rather than natural fluctuations remains a challenge. Experts state that it may take until 2033 (with 29 years of data) to confidently distinguish between the two.

Not a Complete Collapse—But It’s Worrisome

Results from this recent study are concerning, but researchers emphasize clarity regarding what they do and do not illustrate. In the 6th assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expressed confidence that AMOC would diminish throughout this century, albeit with “moderate confidence” that it would not collapse by 2100.

Yet, such assurances may offer little comfort given the extensive changes that collapse could entail, whether prior to or following this century’s conclusion.

For instance, a 2025 study in Geophysical Research Letters predicted that under such circumstances, temperatures in London could plummet to -20°C (-4°F) and -48°C (-54°F) in Oslo, despite global warming driven by greenhouse gases.

As human-driven climate change causes polar ice melting, ocean salinity decreases, disrupting AMOC processes.

Moreover, a weakening AMOC risks crossing an unknown tipping point threshold. A study suggests that the AMOC may hold two stable “on” or “off” states, with reversals potentially taking thousands of years to rectify.

The exact location of this threshold remains uncertain. Extending existing models beyond the typical 2100 cutoff, a 2025 study in Environmental Research Letters indicated AMOC shutdowns could occur in 67% of high-emission scenarios and 30% under moderate conditions.

“We don’t definitively know where the threshold lies or if this situation truly applies,” Portman noted. “We can speculate that this decline, even more significant than predicted, may be approaching a tipping point.”

Critical Action Window

Portman’s team tested four distinct emissions scenarios. Three (ranging from moderate to very high) consistently yielded results of approximately 50% weakening, suggesting that many impacts of human-induced climate change could become irreversible beyond a certain threshold.

“We are introducing considerable heat into the ocean, which will persist for centuries,” Portman stated.

However, the most optimistic scenario, marked by robust and sustained emissions reductions, resulted in only about a 20% decline.

“There are two perspectives here. One is that it may be a bit too late, given significant CO2 emissions leading to long-term effects,” Portman explained.

“Conversely, if we dramatically lower CO2 emissions prior to hitting the tipping point, we can avert a serious decline.”

While Portman expresses confidence in his research’s projections for this important ocean system, he acknowledges that other significant processes may still need to be considered.

“This necessitates prudence regarding the findings,” he emphasized. “Substantial uncertainty remains in climate models concerning AMOC’s future. Addressing this issue is vital.”

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unveiling Britain’s Past: Study Shows Minimal Roman Influence in Ancient DNA Analysis

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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This Victorian-era chromolithograph illustrates Boudica’s revolt against the Romans around 60 AD.

Credit: Popper Photo (Getty Images)

Boudica's Rebellion Against the Romans — This Victorian-era chromolithograph illustrates Boudica’s revolt against the Romans around 60 AD.

Credit: Popper Photo (Getty Images)

Recent studies highlight the limited genetic influence of Roman occupation on modern British populations, revealing surprising insights into Britain’s genetic history.

“The Roman conquest’s genetic impact seems to be far less significant than previously thought,” says Rachel Pope, a PhD candidate at the University of Liverpool, who wasn’t involved in the research.

<p><a href="https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/find-a-researcher/marina-soares-da-silva">Marina Soares da Silva</a> and her team at the Francis Crick Institute analyzed the genomes of 1,039 ancient Britons, dating from the Bronze Age (2550 BC - 1150 AD) following the Norman Conquest. Roman rule in Britain lasted from 43 AD to 410 AD.</p>

<p>The findings indicated that nearly 100% of individuals living during the Roman period shared ancestry solely with Iron Age Britons, with only 20% exhibiting genetic contributions from outside Britain.</p>

<p>"Given the extensive lifestyle changes during Roman times, the mere 20% genetic influence is astonishing," notes <a href="https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/academics/duncan-sayer">Duncan Thayer</a> from the University of Lancashire, who wasn't part of the study. "I anticipated a more diverse genetic mix."</p>

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<p>"This implies that the Roman conquest was less about altering genetics and more about transforming lifestyles," Thayer explains. "Their focus was on converting Britain into a series of exploitable economies, driven by a select few."</p>

<p>This aligns with previous research indicating <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/41/9/msae168/7741671?login=false">minimal Roman genetic influence in rural regions</a>.</p>

<p>One notable area where the Romans influenced British society was in burial customs. Pre-Roman evidence suggests that women had significant autonomy, with practices such as matrilocality where women remained in their ancestral homes as men migrated.</p>

<p>In Iron Age Britain, burial practices typically followed maternal lineage, with individuals buried alongside maternal relatives rather than spouses. Silva and her research team discovered more sites in southwestern England evidencing these matrilineal burials extending into the late Iron Age.</p>

<p>"This discovery was unexpected, particularly the implications in the western regions," says Pope.</p>

<p>However, Roman burial sites displayed no discernible family patterns, suggesting a departure from Iron Age customs and lifestyles.</p>

<p>Pope notes that the enduring legacy of Boudica, the Aisni queen who led a revolt against the Roman Empire around 60 AD, reflects this loss. "Her story symbolizes a woman protesting against the inability to inherit property."</p>

<p>After the Romans departed, significant genetic changes occurred. Between 400 and 600 AD, various Germanic tribes like the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes migrated to and established dominance over modern England. The Anglo-Saxon populace remained influential until the Norman Conquest in 1066.</p>

<p>Silva’s analysis revealed a prominent influx of ancestry tied to Germanic-speaking tribes by the 6th century, impacting over 70% of the Anglo-Saxon demographic in southern Britain.</p>

<p>This observation parallels findings by <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05247-2">Thayer's research team</a>, where about 76% of genomes from the same era indicated similar genetic markers.</p>

<p>The results indicated a clustering of ancestral profiles, establishing a population labeled as early medieval Britain I. From the 8th to 10th century, this genetic lineage saw a decline, with increased presence from central and southern European ancestries.</p>

<p>The genetic influence of the Viking population was shown to be limited, despite the establishment of the Danelaw region, which was under Viking control from the 9th to 11th centuries. During this period, only 4% of Britons could trace their ancestry back to Iron Age Scandinavia.</p>

<p>This trend can be accounted for through two stages of Viking incursions, Thayer affirms. In earlier raids, genetics were predominantly Scandinavian, as Vikings captured individuals from Ireland and England. Conversely, later invasions resulted in a diverse genetic mix due to existing populations in Britain.</p>

<p>Silva's team analyzed 69 genomes from the post-Norman Conquest period, discovering similar evidence of genetic stagnation post-invasion, although most genomes were from a singular site in Leicester, limiting generalizability across the country.</p>

<p>Pope concludes that these findings illustrate the dynamic genetic influx into the UK from diverse populations across Europe. "What does it mean to be English?"</p>

<p>Thayer suggests, "Perhaps we are imposing modern concepts of ethnicity that held different significances in the past."</p>

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            <h3 class="SpecialArticleUnit__Heading">Discovering Hadrian's Wall: An Insight into Roman Innovations</h3>
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                <p>Experience history firsthand on an immersive walking tour along Hadrian's Wall, one of Britain's most iconic ancient monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</p>
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New Study Unveils Comprehensive Map of Odor Receptors in Mouse Noses

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Groundbreaking research into the odor-sensing neurons of mice reveals intricate stripes within the nasal structure, challenging longstanding beliefs about the wiring of the sense of smell.

Cross-sectional view of a rat’s nose. Image credit: Datta Lab, Harvard Medical School.

“The sense of smell is vital for our daily experiences,” says Sandeep (Robert) Dutta, a Harvard Medical School professor.

“It informs us about our environment, alerts us to danger, enhances taste, and triggers emotions and memories.”

“However, from a scientific standpoint, the mechanics of smell remain shrouded in mystery.”

In a pioneering study utilizing mice, Dutta and his team found that the neurons responsible for odor receptors exhibit remarkable spatial organization, forming horizontal stripes that extend from the top to the bottom of the nose based on receptor type.

Their findings indicate that the receptor map in the nose is mirrored by an odor map in the brain’s olfactory bulb, shedding light on how scent information is transmitted from the nose to the brain.

“While the discovery of the odor map is groundbreaking, it also lays essential groundwork for developing treatments for olfactory loss, which currently lack effective solutions,” Professor Dutta explains.

“Understanding the fundamental workings of smell is crucial for any modifications to this sense.”

Maps detailing the organization of receptors in the eyes, ears, and skin have been established for a long time, showing how these correspond to maps in the brain.

“The sense of smell, however, has remained a largely unexplored territory,” he notes.

In their comprehensive study, researchers employed advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to analyze approximately 5.5 million neurons across over 300 individual mice.

The first technique helped identify the odor receptors expressed by neurons in the nose, while the second enabled localization of these receptors.

“This is likely the most extensively sequenced neural tissue to date, but we required this extensive data to understand the system,” Professor Dutta elaborates.

The team discovered that neurons are structured into dense, overlapping horizontal stripes from the top to the base of the nose, aligned by the type of olfactory receptors expressed.

This well-organized receptor map was consistently observed across different mice, mirroring the olfactory maps in the brain akin to those noted in visual, auditory, and tactile systems.

The researchers further examined how the nose’s odor map is formed, identifying retinoic acid—a molecule crucial for regulating gene activity—as a key player.

The findings revealed that a gradient of retinoic acid in the nose directs each neuron to express the appropriate type of odor receptor based on its spatial positioning.

Altering retinoic acid levels effectively shifts the receptor map vertically.

“We’ve demonstrated that during development, it’s feasible to organize over a thousand distinct odorant receptors into a remarkably precise map that is consistent across various species,” Professor Dutta points out.

A comprehensive paper detailing these findings has been published in Cell.

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David H. Brann et al. Spatial codes control olfactory receptor selection and coordinate sensory maps in the nose and brain. Cell, published online April 28, 2026. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.03.051

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Shows Space Debris Descends Faster as Solar Temperatures Rise

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Space debris, including defunct satellites and leftover rocket stages, poses an increasing risk to operational spacecraft and human space missions. Recent research indicates that heightened solar activity may accelerate the descent of space debris, influencing how scientists estimate satellite lifespans and collision probabilities.

When solar activity reaches approximately 67% of its peak, space debris descends more rapidly.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO), ranging from 400 to 2,000 km, serves as a prime location for image surveillance satellites, including Starlink and large-scale internet “megaconstellations.”

However, this region is cluttered with “space junk,” like retired satellites and rocket stages, posing risks to new launches. A single collision can trigger a chain reaction of extensive damage.

Efforts to use robotic systems for capturing space debris are still in their infancy. Researchers are currently focused on accurately tracking debris and identifying the most hazardous objects for future removal.

“We demonstrate that heightened solar activity accelerates the altitude loss of space debris surrounding Earth,” explained Dr. Aisha Ashraf, a researcher at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center.

“For the first time, we reveal that this altitude reduction occurs significantly faster once solar activity surpasses a specific threshold.”

“This finding is expected to play a crucial role in planning sustainable future space operations.”

The sun operates on an 11-year cycle, alternating between active and quiet phases, which correlates with sunspot numbers and affects the intensity of solar radiation.

UV radiation and charged particles (such as helium nuclei and heavy ions) increase during active periods.

When this solar outburst peaks, as observed in 2024, it heats Earth’s thermosphere, located at altitudes of 100 to 1,000 km, with temperatures ranging from 500 to 2,500 degrees Celsius.

This elevation in atmospheric density around orbiting objects (350-36,000 km altitude) increases atmospheric resistance or “drag,” accelerating their descent.

In their study, Dr. Ashraf and colleagues analyzed the historical trajectories of 17 LEO space debris objects over a 36-year timeline beginning in the 1960s, encompassing the 22nd to 24th solar cycles.

These objects orbit the Earth every 90 to 120 minutes at altitudes of 600 to 800 km and have yet to reenter the atmosphere; eventually, they will combust upon reentry.

Since space debris does not engage in active station-keeping like artificial satellites, its descent rates are influenced solely by variations in thermosphere density.

“This characteristic makes space junk an excellent indicator for assessing the long-term impacts of solar activity on atmospheric drag,” stated the researchers.

They correlated these orbits with extensive data from the German Geoscience Research Center, which monitors sunspot activity alongside daily shifts in solar radio and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation.

The findings indicated that when sunspot numbers exceed two-thirds of their peak, space debris crosses a “transition boundary,” prompting faster descent.

“This threshold appears unrelated to a specific solar radiation value but rather hinges on the sun’s proximity to its peak activity,” remarked Dr. Ashraf.

“At this juncture, the sun emits more intense EUV radiation, potentially due to amplified solar activities near the peak.”

The researchers emphasized that their discoveries will assist space scientists in optimizing satellite trajectories and mitigating collision risks with debris.

“Our findings suggest that when solar activity heightens beyond a particular level, satellites decline in altitude more rapidly, akin to space debris, necessitating more frequent orbital adjustments,” Dr. Ashraf noted.

“This directly impacts a satellite’s operational duration in orbit and its fuel requirements, particularly for missions launched close to solar maximum.”

“Remarkably, all this valuable information derives from objects launched in the 1960s.”

“They continue to contribute to our understanding and act as vital instruments for investigating the long-term effects of solar activity on the thermosphere.”

The team’s study has been published in the latest issue of Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Science.

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Aisha M. Ashraf et al. 2026. Characterizing the influence of solar cycles on long-term orbital degradation of Low-Earth Orbit space debris. Front. Astron. Space Sci. 13; doi: 10.3389/fspas.2026.1797886

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals Butterflies and Moths Have Used the Same Genetic Toolkit for 120 Million Years

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study examining various South American butterfly lineages and diurnal moths reveals that convergent evolution—where unrelated species develop similar traits—follows a consistent genetic pattern. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how species may adapt to climate change.

Ben Chehida and others. A flight study of Itomini, Isomini, and Heliconius butterflies, along with the Ketonga moth. Image credit: Ben Chehida et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003742.

“Convergent or parallel evolution serves as a natural experiment where unrelated species independently evolve similar traits in response to equivalent selective pressures,” states Kanchon Dasmahapatra, a professor at the University of York.

“This indicates how reproducible—and thus predictable—evolution can be.”

“Highly divergent lineages often display significant trait convergence, such as repeated colonization of habitats like land, water, and air, or the evolution of resistance against threats like pesticides, drought, and heat stress.”

According to the researchers, “Convergence in traits across different species can stem from genetic changes occurring in different genes or in the same gene (gene reuse).”

“Gene reuse is expected to be more prevalent among closely related lineages or when developmental pathways towards optimal fitness are limited.”

“Convergence may happen when the same allele is reused (allele sharing), either through independent mutations in one gene or through ancestral variation and introgression between species.”

In this study, the authors investigated various species of distantly related South American rainforest butterflies and moths that share similar wing color patterns for predator deterrence, a phenomenon known as mimicry.

The study aims to identify the genes responsible for these similar mimic color patterns among seven distantly related species.

Remarkably, researchers found that distinct butterfly and moth species reuse the same two genes—ivory and optics—which evolve into similar color patterns, despite being very distant relatives.

Genetic alterations in several butterfly species did not occur in the genes themselves but rather in similar “switches” that control gene expression.

Interestingly, one moth species utilizes an inversion mechanism where substantial DNA sequences flip directions, mirroring a genetic strategy used by a butterfly.

“Convergent evolution, where numerous unrelated species independently develop the same trait, is a widespread phenomenon across the tree of life,” says Professor Dasmahapatra.

“However, there is limited opportunity to explore the genetic foundation of this phenomenon.”

“By studying seven butterfly lineages along with diurnal moths, we demonstrate that evolution is surprisingly predictable and that both butterflies and moths have repeatedly employed the same genetic tricks to develop similar color patterns since the time of dinosaurs.”

The findings from this study reveal that evolution may not always be random and could be more predictable than previously believed.

Professor Joanna Meyer from the Wellcome Sanger Institute remarked: “All these distantly related butterflies and moths are toxic and unpalatable to birds that attempt to consume them.”

“Their similarities are advantageous; if birds recognize a specific color pattern as indicating ‘don’t eat us, we are poisonous’, it benefits other species to exhibit the same warning colors.”

“Our research illustrates that these warning colors are remarkably optimal. With a highly conserved genetic basis over 120 million years, evolving these similar color patterns could be quite straightforward.”

The results are published in the journal PLoS Biology.

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Y. Ben Chehida et al. 2026. Convergent mimic coloration in lepidopterans over 120 million years of evolution is underpinned by genetic parallelism. PLoS Biol 24 (4): e3003742; doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003742

Source: www.sci.news

Study Finds Urban Birds More Fearful of Women Than Men

Posted on May 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Research involving numerous European bird species—including great tits, house sparrows, and blackbirds—indicates that these birds can differentiate between male and female humans, responding accordingly. However, the underlying reasons for this behavior remain elusive.

Western Wagtail (Motacilla flava), small birds from the order Passeriformes and the family Motacilidae. Image credit: Sci.News.

“When facing potential predators, flight is the primary response across various animal species,” stated Daniel Blumstein, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“Evaluating the costs and benefits of escape is vital for managing predation risks.”

“Flight Initiation Distance (FID) is often utilized to explore the cost-benefit dynamics associated with these risks.”

“FID serves as a reliable measure of fear, reflected in the distance between the observer and the target animal when it decides to flee.”

“In urban birds, FID can effectively gauge predator-related apprehension, even in situations where humans approach without aggressive intent.”

In a recent study across five European nations (the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, and Spain), participants—both male and female—walked directly towards birds located in urban parks and green spaces.

The study revealed that male observers could approach birds an average of 1 meter closer before the birds took flight compared to female observers.

These findings were consistent among the 37 bird species examined in all participating countries, ranging from fast-fleeing species like magpies to slower species like pigeons.

“Adjusting for other variables influencing FID, our research indicates that birds generally flee from a distance roughly 1 meter farther when approached by females compared to males,” the researchers stated.

“This suggests a lower tolerance among birds for female approaches, a trend observed consistently across diverse geographical locations.”

This leads to the conclusion that urban birds can perceive the gender of approaching humans.

However, the specific traits that prompt this detection and the reasons behind the heightened aversion to women remain unclear.

“We firmly stand by our findings that urban birds react distinctively to the gender of human observers, yet we currently lack a definitive explanation,” noted Professor Blumstein.

“Utilizing advanced comparative analysis techniques, we confirmed consistent results across various cities and species, leaving us puzzled regarding the underlying factors.”

Dr. Janina Benedetti from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague remarked, “As a female researcher in the field, it was surprising to see differing reactions from the birds.”

“This study sheds light on how urban wildlife perceives humans, which holds significant implications for urban ecology and the representation of diversity in scientific research.”

“Many behavioral studies presume human observers are neutral; our study illustrates this assumption doesn’t hold true for urban birds.”

The research team has proposed several hypotheses regarding potential factors, such as pheromones, body shape, and gait.

“This aspect of our study is particularly intriguing,” commented Dr. Federico Morelli, a researcher at the University of Turin.

“We’ve identified an interesting phenomenon, yet the reasons remain unclear.”

“Our findings highlight the birds’ advanced capabilities in environmental assessment.”

“Urban birds evidently react to subtle cues that often go unnoticed by humans,” concluded Benedetti.

Future studies could focus on individual aspects such as behavior patterns, olfactory signals, and physical traits, allowing for a more targeted investigation into the specific cues that birds may recognize.

For further information, refer to the findings published in the February 2026 issue of the journal People and Nature.

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Federico Morelli et al. 2026. Sex matters: European urban birds flee faster when approached by females than when approached by males. People and Nature 8 (2): 316-326; doi: 10.1002/pan3.70226

Source: www.sci.news

New Study: U.S. Coastlines Facing Accelerated Marine Disaster Risks

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A major ocean current system, crucial for regulating the climate across the Northern Hemisphere, is expected to weaken far more severely by the end of this century than previously estimated, according to a new study published in Scientific Progress.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a vast ocean current system that transports warm water north from the tropics, releasing heat into the atmosphere, then sinking and returning south.

Dr. Valentin Portman, lead author from Bordeaux Southwest Research Center in France, explains, “This loop transports heat from the equator to the North Atlantic Ocean,” as reported by BBC Science Focus.

The warm, salty water moves north, releases heat, thickens, sinks, and subsequently flows south through deep ocean currents.

Research predicts a 51% slowdown of AMOC by 2100, approximately 60% higher than average projections from standard climate models and with considerably lower uncertainty.

The implications of a weakened AMOC could be dire. Sea levels along the Northeast Coast of the United States are already rising faster than the global average, partly due to AMOC’s decline.

Globally, the tropical rain belt is anticipated to weaken and shift south, endangering the monsoon systems vital for agriculture in West Africa and South Asia.

In Europe, these changes could result in colder, harsher winters as the warm water conveyor belt slows down.

Every further weakening brings the AMOC closer to a tipping point, increasing the chances of complete collapse with potentially catastrophic outcomes.

The AMOC stretches the length of the Atlantic Ocean, forming part of a vast network of ocean currents – Photo credit: Getty

The Importance of AMOC

Predicting the future of AMOC as global temperatures rise is notoriously challenging. Its vast, complex nature is influenced by both local and global factors.

Previous assessments of AMOC’s future varied widely between climate models. While most agree on its weakening, estimates of its collapse range from minimal to catastrophic.

The latest study identified systematic errors in some of the best existing models: underestimating salinity in the South Atlantic and overestimating temperature in the North Atlantic.

These biases lead to an underestimation of the critical process that allows dense, saline water to sink, maintaining current flow within the system.

After correcting these discrepancies using ridge-normalized linear regression — a rarely applied technique in climate science — researchers found the expected weakening of AMOC increased to 51%, considerably lowering result uncertainty.

“Typically, models use one variable as input, like past AMOC strength,” Portman noted.

“Our goal was to utilize more comprehensive data by analyzing multiple variables concurrently, considering the complexity of AMOC.”

The current AMOC is already showing signs of weakness, as evidenced by observational data revealing a 10% to 20% intensity decline since the mid-2000s — equivalent to significant volumes of water no longer flowing north each second.

According to a 2025 study, recent AMOC weakening has contributed up to 50% of flooding along the U.S. Northeast coast since 2005.

However, researchers caution that linking this decline directly to anthropogenic climate change, rather than natural fluctuations, remains uncertain until at least 2033, when sufficient data will be available.

Understanding the Risks

While the findings of this study are concerning, researchers clarify what they do and don’t imply.

The 6th Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expressed confidence that AMOC will weaken throughout this century but reported “moderate confidence” that it would avoid total collapse by the year 2100.

However, these reassurances may offer little comfort given the impact of such a collapse, whether it occurs before or after 2100.

Moreover, a 2025 study published in Geophysical Research Letters indicated that under serious collapse scenarios, severe cold temperatures could drop to -20°C (-4°F) in London and -48°C (-54°F) in Oslo, despite global warming trends.

As human-induced climate change melts polar ice, ocean salinity decreases, hindering processes driving the AMOC.

A weakening AMOC also raises the risk of breaching an unknown tipping point. According to a study, AMOC may exist in two stable states, and once reversed, it could take thousands of years to revert.

The exact location of this threshold is uncertain. A 2025 study in Environmental Research Letters revealed that under high emissions, AMOC shutdowns could occur in 67% of operations, and 30% under moderate emissions.

“The threshold remains elusive,” Portman stated, “but this accelerated decline we observe may be approaching a tipping point.”

Future Projections

Portman’s team assessed four different emissions scenarios, three of which (from moderate to very high) indicate similar 50% weakening results, suggesting that beyond a certain emissions level, many consequences of climate change become inevitable.

“We’ve introduced significant heat into the ocean, and its chilling effects will last for centuries,” Portman warned.

The most optimistic scenario, emphasizing strong and sustained emissions reductions, resulted in only a 20% weakening of AMOC.

“We can frame it two ways: it’s late, given our high CO2 emissions and their long-term impacts,” Portman said, “but we can also assert that significant reductions before reaching a tipping point can avert a serious decline.”

Currently, Portman believes his research offers a clearer view of the AMOC’s future, though he acknowledges ongoing uncertainties and the potential for additional undiscovered processes.

“That’s why it’s critical to approach these findings cautiously,” he emphasized. “Addressing uncertainty in climate models is essential for understanding AMOC’s fate.”

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Study Suggests Three Distinct Species of Three-Toed Sloths

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Extensive genome-wide analysis of the Amazonian two-toed sloth (genus Choloepus) reveals that these remarkable creatures possess greater genetic diversity than previously understood, suggesting the potential existence of undiscovered species.

Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni). Image credit: Camila Mazzoni.

The two-toed sloth is a slow-moving, tree-dwelling mammal that inhabits the lush rainforests of Central and South America.

Interestingly, although named for their two clawed digits on the front legs, these animals do not literally have “two digits.” This characteristic differentiates them from their three-toed counterparts.

Belonging to the genus Choloepus, the three-toed sloth is classified within the monophyletic family Choloepodidae.

Currently, scientists acknowledge two main species: Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni), found from Central America to parts of South America, and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus), predominantly located in the Amazon Basin.

Dr. Camila Mazzoni of the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research highlights that Choloepus didactylus is monotypic with a wide distribution throughout the Amazon, while Choloepus hoffmanni comprises five recognized subspecies in Central America, as well as northwestern parts of Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Both species are believed to coexist in the western Amazon, a region known for its rich concentration of terrestrial mammals, exhibiting distinct morphological traits such as fur coloration and skeletal characteristics.

However, significant overlaps in body size and coat color present challenges for accurate taxonomic classification.

To investigate the phylogenetic and biogeographical history of this genus in the Amazon, the researchers compiled existing mitochondrial data and generated new genomic datasets, including mitochondrial and whole-genome sequences from Choloepus individuals sampled across three remote Amazonian regions.

This comprehensive analysis allowed them to assess population structure, lineage relationships, demographic history, and genomic diversity patterns among sampled lineages.

The findings revealed that Choloepus hoffmanni is not a singular, cohesive lineage as previously thought.

Instead, populations east of the Andes share closer genetic relationships with Choloepus didactylus than with their western counterparts, indicating a “paraphyletic” classification that fails to capture the species’ true evolutionary history.

Even more remarkably, the research uncovered at least three deeply divergent genetic lineages among Amazonian sloths, suggesting that many others may yet be identified.

This hidden diversity dates back millions of years. By comparing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, they reconstructed the sloth evolutionary timeline, revealing significant divergences linked to historical environmental changes.

The separation of sloths on opposite sides of the Andes likely occurred around 4.6 million years ago during the final uplift of the mountains that reshaped South America’s landscape.

Then, approximately 2.6 million years ago, the Quaternary Ice Age began, fragmenting the Amazon rainforest into isolated habitats, which would have introduced barriers to migration for these arboreal creatures, setting them on separate evolutionary paths.

Genetic analyses also indicated that sloth populations have experienced expansions and contractions in response to glacial cycles throughout history.

Dr. Mazzoni emphasized, “The Amazon sloth represents both an ancient evolutionary relic and a critical indicator of current deforestation trends.” She asserted, “The discovery of cryptic lineages and potentially new species underscores the urgency of advancing sloth research, which our team actively pursues.”

“This collaborative research lays a crucial foundation for sloth conservation efforts.”

“Our findings demonstrate the pivotal role of genomic research in revealing the hidden biodiversity of the Amazon, directly informing conservation strategies to protect unique evolutionary units before they are threatened by human activities.”

For further details, refer to the published study in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.

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Larissa S. Arantes et al. 2026. Genomic insights into the evolutionary history and puzzling diversity of the three-toed sloth (Choloepus) in the Amazon. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 221: 108620; doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108620

Source: www.sci.news

Infrasound Linked to Increased Stress and Discomfort, New Study Reveals

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study reveals that infrasound (very low frequency sounds below 20 Hz) can elevate cortisol levels and increase irritability, providing a scientific rationale for why certain “haunted” locations may evoke feelings of discomfort.

Research by Scatterati et al. has shown that infrasound can evoke irritation and aversion in humans through a combination of self-reports and biological measures, also suggesting a link to increased negative emotional assessments.

Infrasound is defined as sound waves with frequencies below 20 Hz, which can manifest naturally from sources such as tectonic shifts, volcanic eruptions, convective storms, and air-water interactions during upstream water discharge.

Additionally, infrasound is commonly found in urban settings, particularly near ventilation systems, air conditioning units, low-noise piping, traffic, and various mechanical systems.

Exploratory field recordings have detected infrasound energy linked to urban sound environments and live music events.

Professor Rodney Schmaltz from MacEwan University states, “Infrasound is widespread in everyday surroundings, frequently emanating from ventilation apparatus, transit systems, and industrial machinery.”

“Many individuals are unknowingly subjected to these sounds. Our research indicates that even brief exposure can modify mood and elevate cortisol levels. Understanding the effects of infrasound in real-world contexts is crucial.”

The study involved 36 participants who sat alone in a room while either soothing or anxiety-inducing music played.

For half the participants, an inconspicuous subwoofer emitted infrasound at 18 Hz. Afterward, they were asked to report their feelings, emotional evaluations of the music, and whether they suspected infrasound was present. Saliva samples were collected before and after the listening session.

Results showed that cortisol levels in saliva were elevated in participants exposed to infrasound.

These individuals also reported increased irritability, reduced interest, and a perception of the music as sadder, despite not being aware of the infrasound presence.

“This study indicates that the body can react to infrasound even when it goes consciously unheard,” Schmalz explains.

“Participants struggled to accurately identify the presence of infrasound, and their beliefs regarding it had no discernible impact on cortisol levels or mood.”

“When feeling irritable or stressed, cortisol levels naturally rise as a part of the body’s stress response, establishing a connection between increased irritability and elevated cortisol,” notes Dr. Kale Scatterati, a student at the University of Alberta.

“However, exposure to infrasound influenced both outcomes beyond their normal correlation.”

These findings suggest humans can detect infrasound, yet often fail to recognize it, though the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Furthermore, this research points to the need for further exploration into whether long-term infrasound exposure could affect health due to consistently heightened cortisol levels and mood disturbances associated with increased irritability.

Professor Trevor Hamilton from MacEwan University commented, “Increased cortisol levels trigger alertness and help the body respond to potential stressors.”

“This is an evolutionarily beneficial response but chronic cortisol release can lead to various physiological issues and adversely impact mental health.”

The findings of this research are published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.

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Kale R. Scatterati et al. 2026. Exposure to infrasound is associated with aversion, negative evaluation, and elevated salivary cortisol in humans. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 20; doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2026.1729876

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals Honey Bees’ Ability to Process Numerical Information

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study on bee vision reveals that their capacity to differentiate quantities goes beyond simple visual patterns, indicating authentic numerical cognition influenced by their distinct brain perceptions.

To understand the mechanisms behind animal cognition, it is essential to adopt experimental designs that respect the biological and perceptual limitations of the species being studied. Zanon et al. addressed the ongoing debate around visuospatial frequency in numerical cognition research using honeybees (Apis mellifera) as a model system. Image credit: PollyDot.

In this study, researchers from Monash University, including Scarlett Howard, revisited previous critiques of bee intelligence, considering the unique sensory and perceptual limitations bees possess.

By evaluating experimental stimuli from a biologically relevant standpoint, the researchers demonstrated that previous critiques suggesting bees are merely sensitive to visual cues like spatial frequency are unfounded.

“These findings emphasize the necessity to eliminate anthropocentric biases in animal research,” stated Dr. Howard.

“In evaluating an animal’s cognitive capabilities, it is crucial to prioritize the animal’s perspective; otherwise, we may miscalculate their abilities.”

“Given that humans perceive the world quite differently from animals, we must refrain from centering human perspectives when researching animal intelligence.”

As the researchers conclude, properly assessing cognitive abilities demands experimental designs that align with the natural sensory capabilities of the target species.

“Neglecting how animals perceive their environment can lead scientists to erroneous conclusions,” remarked Dr. Mirko Zanon from the University of Trento.

“There is an ongoing debate regarding whether bees are genuinely ‘counting’ or merely responding to visual patterns.”

“Our findings indicate that this critique is invalid when considered within the ecological context of the animals.”

“Analyzing stimuli through the lens of how bees perceive their world reveals a genuine sensitivity to numerical concepts.”

“While it may be challenging to envision the world from a bee’s perspective, understanding animal perception is vital for our research,” Dr. Howard stated.

“Bees consistently astonish us with their navigation, their responses to our inquiries, and their decision-making processes.”

For further details, refer to the study published in the April 22 issue of Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

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Zanon et al. 2026. Matching stimuli: A biology-aligned approach to numerical cognition research. Proc Biol Sci 293 (2069): 20253057; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.3057

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Uncovers Genetic Link to Vitamin D’s Role in Diabetes Prevention

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Tufts University researcher Beth Dawson-Hughes and her team discovered through a large-scale clinical trial that vitamin D supplements can reduce diabetes risk, but only in individuals with specific genetic variations. This indicates the need for a more personalized approach to diabetes prevention.

Dawson-Hughes and colleagues found that adults with prediabetes carrying a unique mutation in the vitamin D receptor gene had a 19% lower risk of developing diabetes when taking high doses of vitamin D daily.

Dr. Dawson-Hughes and her co-authors analyzed data from the D2d study, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted from October 1, 2013, to November 28, 2018.

The initial trial investigated the effects of 4,000 units of vitamin D per day versus a placebo on more than 2,000 U.S. adults diagnosed with prediabetes, aiming to assess whether high daily doses of vitamin D could reduce diabetes onset in this high-risk group.

However, no significant decrease in diabetes risk was identified across all participants.

“The D2d results prompt an essential question: Can vitamin D still offer benefits for certain individuals?” explained Dr. Dawson-Hughes.

“Diabetes presents numerous severe complications that develop gradually over many years.”

“If we can delay the duration that an individual lives with diabetes, we can mitigate some of its detrimental effects or lessen their severity.”

Previous analyses by the D2d research team indicated that blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D at 40-50 ng/mL or higher were linked to a significant and steady decrease in the risk of developing diabetes among participants.

Circulating vitamin D is converted into its active form in the body before it interacts with vitamin D receptors, proteins that facilitate cellular responses to the vitamin.

Researchers speculated that genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor could explain why some individuals respond positively to vitamin D supplementation while others do not.

Insulin-producing cells within the pancreas possess vitamin D receptors, leading to hypotheses that vitamin D may influence insulin secretion and blood glucose regulation.

For this latest study, scientists examined genetic data from 2,098 trial participants who consented to DNA testing, categorizing them into two groups: those likely to benefit from vitamin D supplementation and those unlikely to see benefits.

They compared response rates among subgroups based on three common mutations in the vitamin D receptor gene.

The analysis indicated that adults with the AA mutation in the ApaI vitamin D receptor gene (about 30% of the study cohort) showed no response to high daily doses of vitamin D compared to those given a placebo.

Conversely, adults with AC or CC mutations in the vitamin D receptor gene who received the same treatment exhibited a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those on a placebo.

Anastasios Pittas, a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, remarked, “These findings could represent a key advancement in creating personalized strategies to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults.”

“The appeal of vitamin D as a preventive tool stems from its affordability, widespread availability, and ease of use.”

The authors caution that their study’s results do not imply individuals should initiate high doses of vitamin D independently to prevent diabetes.

Current guidelines recommend 600 IU per day for individuals aged 1-70 and 800 IU per day for those over 70.

Excessive vitamin D intake can be detrimental and is associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures in older adults.

Further research is essential to identify who may benefit from augmented daily doses.

“Our findings indicate that we may eventually pinpoint which prediabetic patients are most likely to benefit from additional vitamin D supplementation,” stated Dr. Dawson-Hughes.

“In principle, this could involve a single, relatively inexpensive genetic test.”

Findings are published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

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Beth Dawson-Hughes et al. 2026. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and diabetes risk in prediabetic adults. JAMA Net Open 9 (4): e267332; doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.7332

Source: www.sci.news

Groundbreaking Study Uncovers Link Between Epstein-Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Most people get infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, but only a minority become seriously ill.

Katerina Conn/Shutterstock

Epstein-Barr Virus Illustration — Most people get infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, but only a minority become seriously ill.

Katerina Conn/Shutterstock

Recent studies present compelling evidence linking the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). A comprehensive analysis involving over 600,000 individuals indicates that EBV effectively commandeers immune cells, disrupting their function and activating specific genes that heighten the risk of developing MS.

This widespread virus infects most individuals during their lifetime, but severe complications are rare. Notably, it impacts a specific immune cell type called B cells, which are instrumental in producing antibodies. Dr. Kate Attfield from the University of Oxford states, “It’s evident that this virus resides within B cells, manipulating them for its advantage.”

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the immune system erroneously attacking healthy tissue. This involves another immune cell type, T cells, infiltrating the brain, generating significant damage, particularly to the fatty myelin sheaths surrounding neurons. MS currently affects approximately 2 million individuals worldwide, leading to diverse symptoms ranging from vision impairments to motor tremors.

For decades, scientists have suspected EBV’s involvement in MS; however, proving this link has been challenging, especially considering that over 90% of adults have experienced EBV infection, often causing infectious mononucleosis. A groundbreaking study conducted in 2022 with 10 million participants confirmed that individuals with a history of EBV infections face significantly higher risks of developing MS compared to those unexposed to the virus.

The pressing question remains: why do some people progress to MS? A January study illuminated potential genetic components, revealing that about 10% of individuals carry variations that predispose them to harbor greater amounts of EBV post-infection. These variants are associated with increased susceptibility to MS and other autoimmune disorders.

Research led by Yoshiaki Yasumi and his team at Yale University School of Medicine delved deeper into EBV’s effects. Analyzing data from 617,186 individuals from the UK Biobank and the US-based All of Us study, the researchers sequenced genomes from blood or saliva samples to detect EBV DNA, which often persists indefinitely in infected hosts.

In alignment with prior studies, it was found that a small percentage of individuals had substantially higher levels of EBV DNA. Alarmingly, just 1% of the participants accounted for 64% of the total EBV DNA detected.

Following this, genome-wide association studies identified 39 genomic regions linked to higher EBV DNA levels. Notably, approximately one-third of these variants were also associated with a heightened risk of developing MS and other severe conditions.

Focusing on B cells specifically, the researchers isolated approximately 471,000 B cells from 38 participants, discovering that 1,069 were infected with EBV. These infected B cells exhibited abnormal behavior, exhibiting high expression of genes linked to both EBV presence and MS risk, alongside activating immune signaling pathways that stimulate T cells, the very cells that contribute to MS’s neurodegenerative effects.

Dr. Ingrid Kockum of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm highlighted the importance of understanding the functions of these genetic variants linked to EBV and MS. The variation in outcomes suggests that the immune response might fluctuate the risk of MS. Dr. Kockum elaborates, “A robust antibody response may suppress viral load, which could consequently lower MS risk. Therefore, variants that undermine early antibody responses might correlate with both elevated EBV levels and MS susceptibility.”

Certain genetic alterations can potentially exacerbate immune responses, propelling individuals toward MS. Professor Attfield emphasizes that some patients’ immune systems may be less effective at managing EBV, leading not only to higher viral loads but also increasing MS risks. “Distinguishing between these factors remains complex,” she concludes.

Long-term, various research teams aspire to develop treatments for MS. There’s emerging promise in targeting immune cells that combat EBV, and preventative vaccines against EBV are also in the pipeline. However, Attfield advises caution, noting that a true understanding of MS progression is essential. Interventions aimed at EBV might prevent MS but the benefits when the disease is already advanced are less clear. “At that stage, EBV may no longer be a factor or could be critical to the condition,” she adds.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Reveals How Malaria Shaped 74,000 Years of Human Settlement Patterns

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recent research from the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology and the University of Cambridge reveals that malaria significantly impacted early humans, not just as a disease, but as a factor that influenced habitat selection, population fragmentation, and the genetic evolution of our species.

Colucci et al. investigated how Plasmodium falciparum-induced malaria influenced habitat selection among early human societies from 74,000 to 5,000 years ago.

“Malaria, a significant global health issue caused by the Plasmodium parasite, affects approximately 263 million people annually,” stated lead author Dr. Margherita Colucci and her team.

“Genetic evidence indicates that malaria posed a serious challenge during both recent prehistory and the Pleistocene epoch, with sickle cell anemia mutations linked to malaria emerging in Africa between 25,000 and 22,000 years ago.”

Archaeological findings also suggest that early humans developed tactics to minimize exposure to mosquitoes, such as using aromatic leaves with insecticidal properties in their surroundings.

The new study highlights how Plasmodium falciparum malaria played a crucial role in shaping human history in sub-Saharan Africa from 74,000 to 5,000 years ago.

Researchers discovered that malaria affected where early human populations settled, pushing them away from high-risk areas and leading to increased dispersal across various landscapes.

Over thousands of years, this demographic fragmentation influenced how groups intermingled and exchanged genetic material, ultimately shaping the genetic landscape of modern humans.

These findings suggest that malaria was more than just a health threat; it was a key factor in shaping human history.

“We utilized species distribution models for major mosquito groups alongside paleoclimate data,” explained Dr. Colucci.

“By integrating these findings with epidemiological insights, we estimated malaria transmission risks throughout sub-Saharan Africa.”

The researchers then compared these risk estimates with independent reconstructions of human ecological niches in the same regions during that time frame.

The results indicated that humans actively avoided high-risk malaria areas or could not survive in them.

Professor Andrea Manica remarked, “These decisions have significantly influenced human demographics over the past 74,000 years—and possibly beyond.”

“Malaria has played a pivotal role in shaping the structure of human societies.”

“Factors like climate and geographical barriers were not the only determinants of human habitation,” he added.

Professor Eleanor Seri noted, “This study opens new avenues in the exploration of human evolution, as disease has rarely been considered a driving force in our ancestry. Without ancient DNA from this period, verification would have been challenging.”

“Our research redefines this narrative and provides a new perspective on the role of disease in early human history.”

The findings are published in today’s edition of Scientific Advances.

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Margherita Colucci et al. 2026. Malaria’s impact on human spatial organization over 74,000 years. Scientific Advances 12(17); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aea2316

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals Parrots Use Flexible Naming: Mimicking Human Communication Styles

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A comprehensive study involving nearly 900 parrots living alongside humans has unveiled groundbreaking insights. Researchers from the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Vienna, the Acoustical Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, and the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown discovered evidence that certain parrots don’t just imitate human speech but may also create and utilize names to identify specific individuals.

Gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus) named John munching on a cucumber. Image credit: Papuga.

The question of whether animals can employ proper names for themselves and others has intrigued both scientists and the general public for years.

Significant evidence indicates that numerous animals can recognize and respond to names assigned by humans, and some can even invent and utilize unique vocal traits.

Despite this, previous research has failed to demonstrate that a variety of animal species can create and use names that conform to human language conventions.

“While many animals respond to human language cues, only a select few are capable of learning language-like sounds and using them correctly,” stated Professor Lauryn Benedict of the University of Northern Colorado and her team.

“Parrots excel in vocal learning, including human words, and can accurately apply those words as labels for individuals.”

“This capacity for vocal production learning allows researchers to delve into whether and how animals employ vocal labels, rather than merely responding to them. This enriches our understanding of the cognitive processes behind word usage and labeling.”

In this study, the authors scrutinized data from over 889 captive parrots as part of the ManyParrots project, designed to explore vocal learning and cognition in parrots through survey responses and vocal recordings.

Moreover, many survey participants shared additional details that assisted researchers in comprehending how these birds utilize their names.

Nearly half of the respondents provided examples of parrots using names creatively.

Of the 413 audio clips analyzed, 88 instances demonstrated birds using their names as labels for humans or other animals.

The findings also revealed strong evidence that some parrots refer to specific individuals rather than general categories like ‘human.’

Interestingly, many parrots employed these labels in ways typically unrecognized by humans. For example, parrots might vocalize their names to attract attention.

This study suggests that parrots possess the cognitive and vocal abilities to use names flexibly, ranging from social communication with humans to conversing about individuals who are not present.

Nonetheless, due to variations among species and individual birds, numerous questions persist regarding when, why, and how animals utilize these skills to call out the names of other beings.

“Our research indicates that parrots frequently learn names from humans and apply them in diverse contexts, aligning with their cognitive ability to associate names with specific individuals,” the researchers asserted.

“Although the parrots in our study primarily used human-given names, unanswered questions linger about their capacity for self-naming.”

“Nonetheless, our findings clearly illustrate that animals can learn and employ unique names in appropriate social contexts.”

“Future studies need to investigate this behavior in controlled settings to comprehend the cognitive foundations behind it in parrots and other animal species.”

“The capability to label individuals is expected not only in captive animals but also extends to those in the wild.”

“We anticipate that forthcoming research will unveil effective methods to identify animal names independent of human language.”

For more details, refer to the study published this month in the online journal PLoS ONE.

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L. Benedict et al. 2026. Name use by companion parrots. PLoS One 21 (4): e0346830; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0346830

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals California’s Hybrid Honey Bees Develop Natural Defenses Against Varroa Mites

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Western honey bee is a crucial ecological and agricultural pollinator. In the U.S., beekeepers face annual colony losses primarily due to parasites such as Varroa destructor. A recent study explored a hybrid population of honey bees in Southern California, comprising a genetic mix of Western European, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and African lineages. Researchers discovered that these hybrid bees can effectively suppress Varroa levels without chemical intervention, paving the way for innovative strategies to safeguard pollinators against global stressors.

Electron micrograph of Varroa destructor (arrow) nestled between the honey bee’s exoskeleton plates. Image credit: UMD/USDA/PNAS.

The Varroa mites feed on the fatty tissues of bees, compromising their immune systems, causing weight loss, and shortening their lifespans.

The fat body in honey bees operates similarly to the liver, pancreas, and immune system in humans.

Moreover, these mites serve as vectors for severe viruses like the deformed wing virus and acute bee paralysis virus, which they introduce directly into the bee’s bloodstream.

Early studies relied on chemical treatments for control, yet these approaches often lose effectiveness over time.

“We frequently heard accounts of honey bees in California thriving with minimal chemical treatments,” stated Genesis Chong Echavez, a graduate student at the University of California.

“I aimed to rigorously test these claims and uncover the factors influencing beekeepers’ observations.”

During their research from 2019 to 2022, Chong Echavez and UC professor Boris Baer monitored 236 honey bee colonies in Southern California.

Although California bees are not entirely immune to mites, a colony led by a locally bred California hybrid honey bee queen saw a roughly 68% decline in Varroa levels. In contrast, commercial honey bee colonies had higher mite counts.

Additionally, colonies with these queens were more than one-fifth less likely to exceed mite levels that would necessitate chemical treatment.

To further investigate honey bee resistance to mites, the researchers also performed lab experiments on developing honey bee larvae.

Since Varroa mites must invade reproductive cells to breed, the scientists assessed whether they were equally attracted to larvae from commercial and hybrid honey bee colonies. The results showed a stark difference.

California hybrid honey bee larvae attracted fewer mites during their seventh day of life, which is typically when mites are most vulnerable.

This finding indicates that the key to honey bees’ ability to resist mites may lie in their early development stages, prior to adult exposure.

“What surprised me the most was the differences observed even in the larval stage,” Chong-Echavez remarked.

“This hints that the resistance mechanism may be deeply embedded in the genetic makeup of the bees.”

The full results are published in the journal Scientific Reports.

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G. Chong-Echavez & B. Baer. 2026. Varroa Mite resistance in hybrid honey bee (Western honey bee) populations of Southern California. Scientific Reports 16, 10952; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-45759-9

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals Dragonflies and Humans Have Identical Red Vision Mechanisms

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recent research from Osaka Metropolitan University has unveiled a groundbreaking visual protein, enabling dragonflies to perceive deep red and near-infrared light. This discovery showcases an evolutionary parallel to human vision, hinting at exciting medical applications.

Asiagomphus melaenopus Female from Miroku Forest, Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture. Image credit: Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Humans perceive colors through a specific protein called opsin found in our eyes.

In humans, there are three distinct opsins responsible for color perception: blue, green, and red light.

Dragonflies possess notably enhanced red vision compared to most insects.

A recent study led by Professor Mitsumasa Koyanagi at Osaka Metropolitan University identified a unique dragonfly opsin that detects light wavelengths around 720 nm, extending beyond the visible spectrum’s deep red range.

“This is one of the most red-sensitive visual pigments ever found,” stated Professor Akihisa Terakita from Osaka Metropolitan University.

“Dragonflies likely see red light more profoundly than many other insects.”

The researchers posited that this heightened sensitivity assists dragonflies in identifying ideal mates.

To support this hypothesis, they measured the reflectance properties of surfaces, indicating how dragonflies visually perceive one another.

Findings reveal significant differences between male and female Asiatic gomphus melaenopus dragonflies, displaying reflectance from red to near-infrared light. This ability may promote quick differentiation between sexes during flight.

“Interestingly, the mechanism by which dragonfly red opsin detects red light mirrors that of mammals, including humans,” explained Ryu Sato, a graduate student at Osaka Metropolitan University.

“This surprises us and indicates an independent evolutionary development in vastly different species.”

The research team also identified a critical position within the protein that regulates light sensitivity.

By altering this position, they were able to enhance the sensitivity further, enabling the opsin to respond to light approaching the infrared spectrum.

They engineered a protein variant that reacts to even longer wavelengths, demonstrating activation of cells by near-infrared light.

These discoveries hold promise for the field of optogenetics, leveraging light-sensitive proteins to investigate various disease states.

Given that dragonfly opsins are responsive to longer light wavelengths, they could operate effectively in deeper tissue applications.

“In this research, we’ve successfully shifted the sensitivity of the modified near-infrared opsin found in the Odonata family to longer wavelengths, confirming that this opsin triggers cellular responses via near-infrared light,” noted Professor Koyanagi.

“This illustrates the potential of this opsin as an innovative optogenetic tool for deep tissue light detection.”

For further detailed insights, refer to the study published in January 2026 in the journal Cell and Molecular Life Sciences.

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Takashi Sato et al. 2026. Dragonfly red opsin shares a common regulatory mechanism with mammalian red opsin, further enhancing near-infrared sensitivity. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 83, 66; doi: 10.1007/s00018-025-06017-9

Source: www.sci.news

Mysterious 1950s Sky Flashes Linked to Nuclear Tests and UAP Sightings: New Study Reveals

Posted on April 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking statistical analysis of archived sky surveys from the early Cold War reveals that enigmatic, short-lived bursts of light in the night sky are likely to coincide with ground-based nuclear weapons tests and rise in correlation with reports of Unexplained Aerial Phenomena (UAPs).

Four exposures of a 3 x 3 arc minute area of the sky centered on a triple transient identified in July 1952. Top left: POSS I red image from July 19, 1952 at 8:52 (UT) showing a triple transient just above center. Top right: 10 m exposed POSS I blue image taken immediately after. No evidence of a triple transient is present. Bottom left and right: POSS I red (left) and blue (right) images captured two months later (September 14, 1952), with transients still visible. Image credit: Solano et al., doi: 10.1093/mnras/stad3422.

“Sky surveys conducted prior to the launch of the first artificial satellite on October 4, 1957 identified transient star-like objects,” stated Dr. Beatriz Villarroel from the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (Nordita) and Dr. Stephen Brühl of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“These short-lived transients (lasting less than 50 minutes) display a point spread function that is absent in preceding images and all subsequent surveys.”

“In several instances, multiple transients are observed in a single image, featuring characteristics that defy conventional explanations such as gravitational lensing, gamma-ray bursts, fragmenting asteroids, and plate defects.”

As part of the VASCO (Sources of Vanishing and Appearing Over a Century of Observations) project, Dr. Villarroel and Dr. Brühl identified over 100,000 short-lived star-like “transients” on photographic plates from the initial Palomar Observatory sky surveys conducted from 1949 to 1957.

They then correlated the timing of these flashes with a record of 124 ground-based nuclear tests and thousands of reported UAP sightings.

“Across 2,718 days during this period, transient phenomena were observed on 310 days (11.4%),” they reported.

“The count of transients per date varied from 0 to 4,528 across multiple locations and plates.”

“Terrestrial nuclear weapons tests (conducted by the US, USSR, and UK) occurred on 124 days (4.6%) during the study period.”

“UAP reports were logged in the UFOCAT database for 2,428 days during the study period (89.3%).”

The researchers noted that transients were approximately 45% more likely to occur on days within one day of a nuclear test compared to other days.

This effect peaked the day after nuclear testing, increasing the likelihood of witnessing a transient by about 68%.

The study also indicated a moderate correlation between the frequency of transients and the number of UAP sightings recorded on the same day.

For each additional reported sighting, the incidence of transient phenomena rose by about 8.5% on average.

While the researchers’ findings do not confirm what the transient phenomenon is or prove a causal link, they challenge several conventional explanations.

Scientists assert that the transient phenomenon differs from defects caused by dust or radioactive contamination on photographic plates. Additionally, its timing, notably its peak on the day post-nuclear tests, doesn’t align with simpler scenarios like debris from an explosion.

Consequently, the authors propose two major possibilities:

One possibility is that nuclear explosions may trigger previously unidentified atmospheric phenomena that create brief, point-like bursts of light.

The other, more speculative idea suggests that some transients may reflect high-altitude or orbital objects, possibly related to the same event that led to UAP sightings.

The researchers emphasize that neither hypothesis is currently proven.

“Our findings lend further empirical support to the legitimacy of the UAP phenomenon and its possible connections with nuclear weapons activity, augmenting data beyond mere sighting reports,” they concluded.

“We cannot dismiss the likelihood that some transients represent on-orbit UAP events captured on photographic plates prior to the first satellite launch.”

“This study enriches the limited peer-reviewed literature striving to employ systematic scientific methods in analyzing UAP-related data.”

“The ultimate implications of the associations discussed in this study for enhancing our understanding of transient phenomena and UAPs still require further investigation.”

A research paper detailing these findings was published in the journal on October 20, 2025. Scientific Reports.

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S. Brühl & B. Villarroel. 2025. Palomar Observatory Sky Survey (POSS-I) transients may relate to nuclear tests or reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena. Science Officer 15, 34125; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-21620-3

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals Distinct Chemical Regions of Minerals and Organic Matter on Asteroid Bennu

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recent nanoscale analysis of Bennu sample OREX-800066-3, obtained from NASA’s groundbreaking OSIRIS-REx mission, reveals organic compounds and minerals are strategically clustered in distinct regions. This indicates that water once altered the asteroid in a heterogeneous and localized manner.

Mosaic image of asteroid Bennu captured by OSIRIS-REx’s PolyCam instrument on December 2, 2018, from a distance of 15 miles (24 km). Image credit: NASA / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / University of Arizona.

Classification of Bennu as a primitive carbonaceous asteroid marks it as one of the best-preserved remnants from the early Solar System.

While meteorites are typically viewed as a source of primitive asteroid material, they face risks of alteration during atmospheric entry and potential contamination on Earth.

In contrast, the samples returned by Bennu are regarded as truly pristine, significantly enhancing the reliability of the findings derived from them.

In a recent study, scientists at Stony Brook University employed nanoscale infrared and Raman spectroscopy to analyze the chemical composition of OREX-800066-3 samples, achieving a spatial resolution ranging from 20 to 500 nanometers per pixel.

All analyses were conducted without exposing the samples to air, preserving sensitive chemical bonds and organic functional groups crucial for accurate detection.

Furthermore, both techniques utilized are non-destructive, which is vital considering the irreplaceable nature of these samples.

At the nanoscale, the fundamental building blocks of asteroid mineralogy and organic chemistry can be investigated within these precious specimens.

The new analysis pinpointed distinct chemical domains, including regions rich in aliphatic compounds, carbonate materials, and nitrogen-containing organic substances.

This finding indicates that water-induced alterations on Bennu are chemically heterogeneous.

Interestingly, nitrogen-rich organic functional groups are preserved despite extensive water-mediated changes.

“These findings have extensive implications for planetary science and astrobiology,” stated Mehmet Yeşiltas, a professor at Stony Brook University.

“They illustrate the survival of chemically sensitive nitrogen-containing organic matter through water alterations in small solar system bodies, impacting fundamental questions about the formation and preservation of organic complexity within primitive planetary material.”

“This may shed light on how organic compounds linked to prebiotic chemistry were delivered to early Earth via carbonaceous asteroids, potentially influencing the chemical processes that led to the origin of life.”

The full study result will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Mehmet Yesiltas et al. 2026. Nanoscale infrared spectroscopy reveals the complex organo-mineral assemblage of asteroid Bennu. PNAS 123 (14): e2601891123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2601891123

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals Giant Prehistoric Dragonfly-Like Insects’ Size May Not Be Due to Environmental Factors

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

For many years, scientists believed that the size of prehistoric insects, such as the griffin fly, was linked to elevated oxygen levels in the atmosphere. However, a groundbreaking study led by paleontologist Edward Snelling from the University of Pretoria suggests that the impressive size of these Carboniferous insects may have other underlying causes.

A giant griffin fly that thrived in Carboniferous forests.

In the 1990s, researchers suggested that the high oxygen concentrations of the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago, coincided with the emergence of these giant insects.

They theorized that the increased oxygen demand due to the larger body sizes of these insects necessitated higher atmospheric oxygen levels.

This hypothesis is logical, given that insects rely on a specialized tracheal system for oxygen intake, a network of branching airways that culminate in trachea.

Insects require oxygen to travel by diffusion through this system, fueling their flight muscle cells.

Prior researchers posited that such giant flying insects could not exist today due to current atmospheric oxygen levels being insufficient to meet the high oxygen needs of their flight muscles.

In the latest study, Dr. Snelling and his team employed high-magnification electron microscopy to examine the relationship between body size and the number of tracheae within flight muscles.

They discovered that trachea typically occupy only about 1% or less of the flight muscles’ space in most species, a trend that holds true for the griffin fly as well.

This finding indicates that insect flight muscles are not limited by atmospheric oxygen levels; they can easily accommodate additional trachea within the muscle itself.

“If atmospheric oxygen truly restricts the maximum body size in insects, we should observe compensatory adaptations at the tracheal level,” remarked Dr. Snelling.

“There is some cost associated with larger insects, but overall it is minor.”

Professor Roger Seymour from the University of Adelaide pointed out, “In contrast, capillaries in bird and mammal heart muscles occupy approximately ten times more relative space than trachea in insect flight muscles. Thus, if oxygen transport is indeed a limiting factor for body size, significant evolutionary potential exists to enhance tracheal investment.”

Some researchers argue that oxygen flow to trachea and other body parts may still impose limits on insect size, leaving the theory of maximum size due to oxygen constraints open for debate.

“Regardless, these new findings clearly demonstrate that diffusion within the flight muscle trachea does not pose a constraint. Scientists need to investigate other factors that may explain the existence of these giant insects,” Dr. Snelling concluded.

If oxygen is not the limiting factor for insect size, alternative explanations like predation from vertebrates or limitations in the biomechanical support of the exoskeleton may be at play.

A detailed paper outlining this research was published in the latest issue of Nature.

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EP Snelling et al. Oxygen supply via the tracheal musculature does not suppress insect gigantism. Nature published online March 25, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10291-3

Source: www.sci.news

Unveiling the Male G-Spot: Insights from the Most Comprehensive Penis Study Ever

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Anatomy Textbooks May Need Revision: Discovering the Penis’s Primary Erogenous Zones

SOPA Images Limited/Alamy

Anatomy Study of the Penis — Anatomy Textbooks May Need Revision: Discovering the Penis’s Primary Erogenous Zones

SOPA Images Limited/Alamy

The latest neuroanatomical research reveals that the primary erogenous zone of the penis is the zonula delta, an area that has been overlooked in anatomy textbooks and surgical training. This triangular zone, found on the ventral side of the penis, where the head meets the shaft, is particularly vulnerable during circumcision.

“While this may seem obvious to those familiar with male sexual sensations, our study scientifically validates the existence of this region of the ventral penis as the epicenter of sexual sensation,” stated Alfonso Cepeda-Emiliani from the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Given this scientific insight, the delta frenulum could be considered the “male G-spot.” Eric Chan, president-elect of the International Society of Sexual Medicine, noted, “It’s one of the most pleasurable sites for male sexual stimulation.”

Cepeda-Emiliani and his team conducted an exhaustive mapping of the sensory nerves in 14 cadaveric penises from donors aged between 45 and 96. They meticulously sliced the penises into fine sections and stained them to highlight nerve structures for microscopic examination.

Traditional anatomy textbooks suggest that male genital sensitivity is primarily concentrated in the glans, the bulbous head of the penis. However, findings from Cepeda-Emiliani’s research indicate that the zonula delta boasts a denser concentration of nerve endings, making it significantly more sensitive.

The delta zonula also exhibited the highest density of sensory corpuscles, specialized touch receptors that consist of clusters of nerve endings. Up to 17 corpuscles were found grouped together in the zonular delta, while in the glans, they were more dispersed. Notably, sensory corpuscles within the delta include Krause’s corpuscles, which detect minute vibrations that contribute to sexual arousal and pleasure.

The frenulum delta was first identified by Ken McGrath of Auckland University of Technology in 2001, named for its triangular shape located between the V-shaped wings of the glans on the penis’s underside. Although McGrath dubbed it the male G-spot due to its potential for sexual pleasure, the term did not gain widespread acceptance.

Recent research corroborates the subjective experiences of individuals who report that stimulation of this “G-spot” induces intense pleasure and uniquely specialized sensations, highlighting gaps in sexual medicine and urology training, as noted by Cepeda-Emiliani and colleagues.

Surgeons performing circumcisions must be aware of the nerve-rich delta frenulum. When making an incision to remove the foreskin, the impact on this delicate neural network is profound, necessitating careful consideration to avoid unnecessarily deep or wide incisions that could lead to the complete removal of the frenulum. Retaining some or all of it is crucial for preserving sensitivity.

Dr. Kesley Pedler from Port Macquarie Base Hospital in Australia stated she did not learn about the zonular delta or its significant nerves during her surgical education. “Most respected urological surgical anatomy textbooks fail to mention the zonular delta, even in their latest editions,” she asserted. Dr. Pedler now performs circumcisions only when clinically necessary, emphasizing the importance of preserving nerve structure in this area.

Circumcision rates vary, with only a small proportion of boys in the UK and Australia undergoing the procedure, while approximately half of newborn boys in the US are circumcised. Whether such surgeries affect sexual sensation remains a topic of debate.

A large study in Belgium discovered that uncircumcised men reported experiencing greater sexual pleasure, attributed to stimulation of the zonular delta compared to circumcised men. Conversely, a US survey indicated that there was no discernible difference in orgasm quality, suggesting that circumcised individuals might compensate for any sensitivity loss in the zonular delta region.

The existence of the female G-spot, similarly, has faced skepticism in the medical community, with some practitioners denying its occurrence altogether. This skepticism stems from the lack of distinct nerve structures found in expected vaginal locations. However, studies show that many women identify an erogenous zone several centimeters along the vagina’s front wall, and ultrasound research reveals that the clitoris becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal, leading to heightened sensitivity in the vaginal walls.

Cepeda-Emiliani and his team are now embarking on similar detailed studies focused on cadaveric vaginas and clitorises to further explore sexual anatomy.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Study Reveals Democracy’s Origins Extend Beyond Ancient Greece

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recent research analyzed 31 ancient societies from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, revealing that democratic institutions were more prevalent than previously thought and not solely dependent on factors like population size or geography.

Acropolis of Athens by Leo von Klenze.

The term “democracy” originated in ancient Greece, where it was defined as the power of the people (demo = people, kratos = power).

This definition transcends specific institutional frameworks, framing democracy as an overarching goal.

Traditionally, scholars rooted in Western social science have viewed the core elements of democratic governance—such as power centralization and national inclusiveness—as products of the classical Mediterranean world, which lay dormant for over a millennium until the Renaissance reinvigorated these ideals in Europe and its colonies.

Yet, this prevalent perspective that democratic governance emerged exclusively in the West has rarely undergone systematic scrutiny.

“Many believe that democracy first flourished in Greece and Rome,” says Dr. Gary Fineman, MacArthur Curator of Mesoamerican and Central American Anthropology at the Field Museum’s Negaunee Center for Integrative Research.

“However, our research indicates that numerous societies around the globe devised methods to limit the authority of rulers and empower ordinary citizens.”

In contrast to democracies, dictatorships centralize power in a single individual or a small group, examples of which include absolute monarchies and authoritarian regimes.

In a democracy, decision-making is a collective process among the populace. While elections often correlate with democratic practices, this association is not always accurate; many dictators are elected through popular votes.

“Elections alone do not serve as the best indicators of democratic value, thus our study emphasized historical instances of political organization,” Dr. Fineman noted.

“We identified two critical governance aspects: the concentration of power within individuals or institutions, and the degree of inclusiveness, reflecting how accessible power is to significant segments of the population.”

The current study evaluated 40 cases from 31 distinct political entities across Europe, North America, and Asia over numerous millennia.

Due to varying record-keeping methods, not all societies maintained written archives, necessitating innovative approaches to infer their governance structures.

“The spatial arrangement of societies is particularly revealing,” Dr. Fineman remarked.

“Urban areas featuring open spaces and public structures that facilitate community gatherings tend to exhibit more democratic tendencies.”

Conversely, architectural remnants suggesting concentrated power—such as pyramids with limited upper space or urban designs funneling into a ruler’s residence—signal more authoritarian regimes.

The researchers developed an “authoritarianism index” to classify each society along a continuum from highly authoritarian to highly democratic.

“Many archaeologists maintain that Athens and the Roman Republic represent the only democracies of the ancient era, while governance in Asia and the Americas was predominantly autocratic,” stated Dr. Fineman.

“Our analysis reveals that various regions possessed democratic structures comparable to those of Athens and Rome.”

“These results indicate that both democratic and authoritarian governance existed widely in the ancient world,” commented David Stasavage, a professor at New York University.

“Societies innovated ways to democratize power and enhance inclusivity, suggesting that democratic principles have profound and unexpected historical roots,” added Dr. Linda Nicholas of the Field Museum.

The study also challenges the notion that population size and political complexity inherently lead to authoritarian rule, highlighting how funding mechanisms shaped authority.

“Societies reliant on income controlled by leaders—such as mines, trade routes, or warfare gains—tended to be more authoritarian,” Dr. Fineman explained.

“On the contrary, societies that primarily derived funds from community labor or domestic taxes were more likely to decentralize power and uphold shared governance.”

Furthermore, the research found that societies with more inclusive political frameworks generally exhibited lower economic inequality.

“These insights contradict the belief that dictatorship and high inequality are inevitable outcomes of socio-economic complexity and growth,” Dr. Fineman stated.

“Historical evidence shows that people globally have developed inclusive political systems, even under challenging conditions.”

For more information, check out the research paper, recently published in Scientific Progress.

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Gary M. Feynman et al. 2026. Distribution of power and inclusiveness over deep time. Scientific Progress 12(12); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aec1426

Source: www.sci.news

Study of Ice Cores Shows Low CO2 Levels During 3 Million-Year-Old Warm Period

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploration at Antarctica’s Allan Hills Reveals 3 Million-Year-Old Ice Cores

Credit: Austin Carter

Researchers have used ancient air bubbles trapped in a 3-million-year-old ice core to analyze atmospheric gases from the late Pliocene for the first time. This era, when global temperatures were approximately 1°C higher than today, and sea levels were 25 meters elevated, serves as a crucial reference for current climate discussions.

The results indicated that carbon dioxide and methane concentrations from this period were significantly lower than today’s levels, suggesting that Earth’s climate might be more susceptible to minor changes in atmospheric conditions than previously believed.

In various regions of Antarctica, annual snow accumulation compresses layers into ice that entraps air bubbles, allowing scientists to construct a historical atmospheric record. Last year, the Beyond EPICA team successfully extracted the oldest continuous ice record, dating back over a million years. Learn more about this significant breakthrough.

Furthermore, scientists obtained even older ice in areas where prevailing winds eroded younger layers, bringing older “blue” ice closer to the surface.

Julia Marks Peterson, a professor at Oregon State University, and her colleagues utilized this ancient ice from Allan Hills to make direct measurements of carbon dioxide and methane levels in the Pliocene atmosphere. They discovered that, around 3 million years ago, carbon dioxide was at 250 ppm and methane at 507 ppb—much lower than previously estimated. The higher temperatures of that era went hand-in-hand with a cooling phase where carbon dioxide decreased slightly, while methane remained stable.

These findings starkly contrast earlier indirect measurements, which suggested carbon dioxide levels were nearly equal to today’s 400 ppm. Direct measurements of past methane levels are not feasible, but current standards show it hovering just below the 2000 billionth mark. Explore more about methane trends.

“The results were a bit surprising,” says Marks Peterson. If validated, these findings imply that even slight variations in greenhouse gas concentrations can dramatically affect climate systems. “This could indicate that the Earth is more sensitive to changes in CO2 than we currently understand. That’s a concerning thought,” she adds, “and one that remains unanswered given our existing records.”

New evidence suggesting lower-than-expected Pliocene carbon dioxide levels raises concerns about the potential severity of future climate change, according to Christian Proistosescu from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who was not involved in the study.

However, additional research is essential to leverage these findings in climate modeling. Tim Naish from Victoria University of Wellington emphasizes the need for caution. He remains optimistic about uncovering data that could reveal an era of even warmer Pliocene temperatures.

Thomas Chalk from the European Center for Environmental and Geoscience Research and Education asserts the accuracy of the study’s lower CO2 measurements. Yet, he cautions that ancient ice distortions complicate interpretations regarding whether these low values reflect specific climatic periods or an overall average. “It’s essential to understand what these figures truly represent, as they don’t inherently provide a temperature estimate,” he clarifies.

The research team aims to enhance the credibility of their findings by cross-referencing their results with records from the Beyond EPICA group. “This collaborative effort will deepen our understanding of climate history,” states Marks Peterson. “We eagerly anticipate the new insights they will uncover.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Study Reveals Daily Multivitamins May Slow Biological Aging

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A recent randomized clinical trial involving older adults revealed that daily multivitamin intake over two years significantly slowed epigenetic markers of aging. This finding translates to an approximate four-month reduction in biological aging when compared to a placebo group.

Lee et al. investigated the effects of a daily multivitamin/multimineral supplement alongside cocoa extract (500 mg cocoa flavanols and 80 mg epicatechin daily) over two years, focusing on five DNA methylation markers of biological aging in 958 participants (482 women and 476 men) from the COSMOS study. Image credit: Li Butov.

Epigenetic clocks measure biological aging by monitoring subtle changes in our DNA.

These clocks play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, tracking specific DNA sites that naturally change with age, and assessing mortality and aging rates.

Dr. Howard Sesso, a researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, stated, “There’s a growing interest in finding ways not only to extend lifespan but to enhance life quality.”

“It was thrilling to observe the beneficial effects of multivitamins related to biological aging markers.”

“This study paves the way for further exploration of safe, accessible interventions that could promote healthier, higher-quality aging.”

The study utilized data from the COcoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS).

Researchers analyzed DNA methylation data from blood samples of 958 healthy participants with an average chronological age of 70.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive cocoa extract and a multivitamin daily, cocoa extract and a placebo, multivitamins and a placebo, or just a placebo.

Changes in five epigenetic clocks were assessed at the beginning, the end of the first year, and the end of the second year.

Compared to participants in the placebo-only group, those taking multivitamins exhibited delays across all five epigenetic clocks, including significant delays in two clocks indicating mortality predictions.

This reduction corresponds to around four months of biological aging over the two-year period.

Interestingly, those whose biological age exceeded their chronological age benefited the most.

“We aim to conduct follow-up studies to determine if the observed slowing of biological aging persists post-study,” said Dr. Yangbin Dong, a researcher at Augusta University.

“Many individuals take multivitamins without fully understanding their benefits. The more we uncover about these potential health advantages, the better,” Dr. Sesso added.

“Within COSMOS, we are fortunate to compile an extensive resource of biomarker data that can test how specific interventions may mitigate biological aging and related clinical outcomes.”

For further details, refer to the published paper in this week’s edition of Nature Medicine.

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S. Lee et al.. Effects of daily multivitamin/multimineral and cocoa extract supplementation on the epigenetic aging clock in the COSMOS randomized clinical trial. Nat Med published online March 9, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41591-026-04239-3

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals Raccoons Solve Puzzles for Fun, Not Just for Food

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study led by University of British Columbia Ph.D. student, Hannah Griebling, reveals that raccoons (Procyon lotor) continue to engage with complex puzzle boxes long after securing their only marshmallow reward. This behavior suggests that these clever animals are driven by an inherent desire for information, a trait that may contribute to their remarkable adaptability in urban environments.

Multi-access puzzle box showcasing easy (a), medium (b), and difficult (c) solutions. Image credit: Griebling et al., doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2026.123491.

In this innovative study, Griebling and her team employed custom multi-access puzzle boxes equipped with various mechanisms, including latches, sliding doors, and knobs. These boxes featured nine entry points, categorized as easy, medium, and difficult.

During each 20-minute trial, the puzzle box contained a single marshmallow; however, the raccoons frequently pursued additional mechanisms even after consuming the treat, signaling their quest for knowledge.

“We were surprised to observe all three solution types being utilized in a single trial,” Griebling remarked.

“Even after the marshmallows were gone, they continued to tackle the puzzle.”

When faced with easier tasks, the raccoons explored multiple openings, mixing up their approach while covering a broad area.

As the difficulty increased, they favored reliable solutions but still demonstrated flexible problem-solving abilities, exploring various solutions even in the most challenging scenarios.

“This behavior highlights the classic trade-off between curiosity and potential risk,” Griebling noted.

Raccoons adapted their strategies based on perceived costs and risks, similar to decision-making patterns observed in other animals and humans.

“It’s akin to the common dilemma of choosing a dish at a restaurant,” Griebling explained. “Do you stick with your favorite or try something adventurous? If the risk is high—like an expensive meal you may dislike—you opt for the safe choice.”

“Raccoons tend to explore when costs are minimal and quickly play it safe once the stakes rise.”

This research sheds light on why raccoons thrive in urban areas. Their success can be attributed to cognitive and physical traits that make them well-adapted to city life.

With front limbs rich in sensory nerves for foraging in rivers, they are particularly skilled at manipulating locks and handles, often similar to those used by humans.

By solving problems related to information access—not merely food—raccoons gain advantages in complex environments, facilitating their ability to access trash cans and other food sources.

“Understanding cognitive traits that empower raccoons can inform strategies for managing struggling species and provide insights for other animals, such as bears, that utilize problem-solving to access engineered resources,” Griebling asserted.

The experiment was conducted with raccoons in a research facility in Colorado; however, earlier studies have indicated that wild raccoons exhibit comparable problem-solving capabilities, though researchers caution that their behaviors may differ.

“Raccoon intelligence has long captivated folklore, yet scientific research into their cognitive abilities remains relatively nascent,” stated Sarah Benson-Amram, also from the University of British Columbia.

“Research like this provides empirical validation for that reputation.”

The team’s results were published in the Journal of Animal Behavior on February 27, 2026.

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Hannah J. Griebling et al. 2026. Raccoons optimally gather information: The exploration-exploitation tradeoff in innovation. Animal Behavior 234: 123491; doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2026.123491.

Source: www.sci.news

How Ancient Mating Preferences Shaped the Human Genome: Insights from Recent Study

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study from the University of Pennsylvania reveals that prehistoric humans and Neanderthals interbred with a notable sexual bias, with male Neanderthals mating more often with female modern humans. This pattern may explain the scarcity of Neanderthal DNA in the human X chromosome and highlight the impact of social behaviors on our genetic lineage.

Prehistoric mating preferences help explain why modern humans carry small amounts of Neanderthal DNA in their genomes, particularly absent from the X chromosome. Image credit: Gemini AI.

“In addition to the X chromosome, there’s a significant gap in Neanderthal DNA referred to as the ‘Neanderthal desert’,” stated lead author Dr. Alexander Pratt, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Historically, we believed these gaps resulted from certain Neanderthal genes being biologically harmful to humans, leading to their removal through natural selection,” he added.

New genomic analyses indicate that long-standing mating preferences, not genetic incompatibilities, influenced which Neanderthal DNA sequences were retained in modern human genomes.

This research illustrates how social interactions have shaped the human genome and challenges the notion that evolution is solely driven by the “survival of the fittest.”

“Our findings indicate a distinct sexual bias, with gene flow predominantly occurring from male Neanderthals to anatomically modern human females, which explains the limited presence of Neanderthal DNA on modern human X chromosomes,” remarked Dr. Platt.

“Approximately 600,000 years ago, anatomically modern humans and Neanderthals diverged, creating two separate evolutionary paths,” added Professor Sarah Tishkoff, the study’s senior author.

“While our ancestors evolved in Africa, Neanderthals adapted to life in Eurasia, yet this separation was not permanent.”

“Over millennia, human groups migrated into and out of Neanderthal territories, resulting in genetic exchanges during their encounters.”

To assess whether Neanderthal X chromosomes contained modern human alleles, researchers analyzed conserved DNA in three Neanderthal samples: Altai, Chagyrskaya, and Vindija.

They compared this data with that of a diverse genome from Africa, which hadn’t historically interacted with Neanderthals.

“Our analysis revealed a significant discrepancy,” noted co-author Dr. Daniel Harris from the University of Pennsylvania.

“While modern humans lack the Neanderthal X chromosome, the Neanderthal X chromosome contained 62% more modern human DNA compared to other chromosomes.”

This mirrored result indicates that if reproductive incompatibility existed, modern human DNA would also be absent in Neanderthal X chromosomes.

However, the presence of modern human DNA in Neanderthal X chromosomes rules out biological incompatibility as a barrier to reproduction.

The lingering explanation lies in the sexual bias in mating practices.

Given that women possess two X chromosomes and men only one, the direction of mating plays a crucial role.

If Neanderthal males mated more frequently with modern human females, fewer Neanderthal X chromosomes would integrate into the human gene pool, while more human X chromosomes would enter the Neanderthal population.

Mathematical models verified that this bias adequately explains the observed inheritance patterns.

While other factors such as gender-biased migration could lead to similar results, these scenarios are often complex and vary over time and geography.

“Our findings suggest that mating preferences offer the simplest explanation for these patterns,” concluded Dr. Platt.

For more details on this research, refer to the journal Science.

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Alexander Pratt et al. 2026. Interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans showed significant sexual bias. Science 391 (6788): 922-925; doi: 10.1126/science.aea6774

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring Brown Dwarfs and Infant Stars: VLT’s Study of RCW 36

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Utilizing the Highly Sensitive Wide-Field K-Band Imager (HAWK-I) on ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), astronomers have captured stunning new images of the emission nebula RCW 36. These images reveal the vibrant cradles of newly formed stars and intriguing substellar entities known as brown dwarfs.

This captivating VLT/HAWK-I image of emission nebula RCW 36 features dark clouds forming the head and body of a bird of prey, with filaments extending as wings. Below, a fascinating blue nebula hosts a newly formed giant star, illuminating the surrounding gas. Image credit: ESO / de Brito de Vale et al.

Situated approximately 2,300 light-years away in the constellation Hera, RCW 36—also known as Gum 20—is one of the nearest massive star-forming regions to our solar system.

This nebula is part of the expansive star-forming complex known as the Vera Molecular Ridge.

RCW 36 houses a star cluster that dates back around 1.1 million years.

The most massive stars in this young cluster are two O-type stars, alongside several hundred lower-mass stars.

“Embedded star clusters are active sites of very recent star formation located within dense molecular gas clouds in the Milky Way,” explained Dr. Afonso de Brito de Vale, a student and researcher at the Spanish Institute of Astronomical Sciences and the Bordeaux Institute of Astrophysics.

“Within these clouds, stellar and substellar nuclei emerge from local gravitational instabilities, evolving through accretion and contraction processes that expel surrounding gas and dust.”

The hawk-like nebula RCW 36 has been vividly captured by the VLT’s HAWK-I instrument.

“While the most obvious star in this image may be a bright young star, our primary interest lies in the hidden, faint stars known as brown dwarfs—objects that cannot undergo hydrogen fusion in their cores,” Dr. de Brito de Vale noted.

“HAWK-I is perfectly designed for this task, as it operates in infrared wavelengths, where these cold, failed stars are more easily detectable and can correct for atmospheric turbulence using adaptive optics, resulting in exceptionally sharp images.”

“Beyond providing essential data on the formation of brown dwarfs, we have captured a stunning image of a massive star seemingly ‘pushing aside’ clouds of gas and dust, reminiscent of an animal breaking free from an egg.”

“Perhaps a space hawk is watching over the baby star as it ‘hatches’.”

The team’s findings have been published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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ARG de Brito de Vale et al. 2026. A substar group of Vera’s young massive star cluster RCW 36. A&A 706, A149; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202557493

Source: www.sci.news

Revolutionary Study Reveals How Bird Watching Can Help Slow Aging

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Research from Toronto’s Baycrest Hospital indicates that **birdwatching** significantly enhances cognitive abilities and overall brain function.

According to their latest findings, skills such as keen observation, prolonged attention, and robust memory are linked to extensive use of binoculars. Notably, these abilities can fundamentally reorganize brain structure, leading to enhanced cognition.

Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the study involved a comparison of brain structures in 29 expert birdwatchers and 29 novices, with balanced gender and age distribution.

Brain scans demonstrated that expert birdwatchers possess more compact areas related to attention and perception, which enhances their bird identification skills.

Interestingly, the mobility of water molecules in these brain regions is enhanced, improving the birdwatchers’ ability to discern unfamiliar or local bird species.

While various learning experiences, such as picking up a new instrument or language, are beneficial for brain health, this study emphasizes that birdwatching’s complexity offers unique cognitive advantages.

“What’s notable about this research is that birdwatching engages ongoing perception, attention, and memory, preventing a state of cognitive autopilot,” explained Professor Martin Sliwinski to BBC Science Focus. Sliwinski, who was not part of the study, serves as director at Penn State’s Center on Healthy Aging.

“To have cognitive benefits, a stimulating activity must remain challenging, which holds true for birdwatching,” he added.

“Even experienced birders cannot depend on automatic responses due to the ever-changing environment and cues, often experienced under conditions of uncertainty and time constraints.”

Moreover, researchers suggest that these enhanced skills and accompanying brain changes could bolster cognition in older adults, as older birdwatchers in the study demonstrated superior facial recognition and recall abilities compared to novices.

However, Sliwinski noted that other influences may also play a role, stating, “Individuals with higher cognitive capabilities and an interest in birds may be more predisposed to take up birdwatching and progress to experts.”

In essence, it’s possible that rather than birdwatching directly sharpening cognitive function, those with existing cognitive strengths are naturally inclined to pursue this engaging hobby.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

10-Year Study of the Arctic Ocean Reveals Disturbing Findings: What Scientists Discovered

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

When you envision the North Pole, you likely imagine a vast, icy wonderland devoid of life. Noise might be the last thing on your mind.

However, recent findings from a study published in npj Acoustics reveal that the underwater soundscape is far more expansive and diverse than we previously thought. This raises crucial questions about how to monitor and protect this unique environment.

Analyzing a decade’s worth of underwater sound data from Cambridge Bay in the Canadian Arctic, researchers discovered that climate change is accelerating ice loss, reshaping the region’s underwater soundscape—an alteration that could have serious ramifications for local wildlife.

“Climate change is more than tripling in the Arctic, which means ice is melting faster, melting earlier, and reforming later,” stated Dr. Philippe Blondel, the lead author of the study and a senior lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath, UK, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“As a result, the Arctic becomes more accessible for human activities. Navigation becomes easier for ships in an ice-free environment. A key finding from our research is that while ships generate noise, they are not the only contributors.”

The study identifies that not only large ships—often the focus of noise pollution regulations—but also other significant sources such as snowmobiles, aircraft, and smaller vessels contribute to underwater noise. Many of these smaller noise sources evade detection by satellite systems, leading to gaps in models that rely solely on vessel position data.

Vital Arctic species, including whales and seals, depend on sound for communication, navigation, finding food, and evading predators. With increasing underwater noise both in frequency and volume, these essential communication tools are increasingly compromised.

Whales rely on sound production and hearing for survival – Photo courtesy of Getty

Dr. Blondel likens the situation to standing next to a busy freeway. “You might only hear the ambient noise, but when a motorcycle rushes by, that high-frequency noise disrupts your ability to hear music.”

“When a large truck thunders past, it becomes nearly impossible to hear anything else.”

In a similar manner, one sound source could disrupt a whale trying to communicate with its calves, while another noise at a different frequency might drive the whale away from critical feeding areas.

However, the research team is not advocating for total silence in the Arctic. Instead, Blondel proposes that environmental policies should encompass a broader array of frequencies beyond the narrow “transport bands” typically measured in protection frameworks, such as the European Maritime Strategy Framework Directive.

He recommends establishing stricter shipping routes in the increasingly ice-free Arctic and implementing varying speed limits depending on wildlife presence, as potential strategies to mitigate harmful noise pollution.

Yet, enforcing such regulations poses challenges, as they would need to encompass everything from large vessels to smaller crafts, and the region is bordered by multiple nations.

“My primary goal was to demonstrate that when assessing the ocean’s soundscape, we need to consider all sound sources, not just large ships,” Blondel emphasized. “But my overarching aim is to establish some form of framework in the Arctic. We must devise effective noise guidelines before the situation worsens further.”

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Study Uncovers Hidden Complexities Beneath Mars’ Surface

Posted on February 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Latest orbital data indicates that Mars’ recently active volcanic system is more than just a one-time eruption. Long-lasting magma conduits under Mount Pavonis, one of Mars’ largest volcanoes, have reformed lava flows over time, illuminating distinct eruption stages and evolving chemical signatures. These findings enhance our understanding of Mars’ internal dynamics and the processes through which rocky planets mold and alter their surfaces.

This perspective map from ESA’s Mars Express displays three of Mars’ iconic giant volcanoes: Mount Arsia, Mount Pavonis, and Mount Askreus. Image credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin.

What seems to be a solitary volcanic eruption often stems from intricate processes occurring deep beneath the surface of Mars, where magma shifts, evolves, and transforms over an extended timeframe.

To comprehensively understand volcanic activity, geoscientists analyze volcanic ejecta from the planet’s surface, unveiling concealed magma systems that significantly influence eruptions.

This groundbreaking study, spearheaded by Bartosz Pieterek from Adam Mickiewicz University, demonstrates that such complexities are also applicable to Mars.

By integrating detailed surface mapping with orbital mineralogy data, researchers meticulously reconstructed the volcanic and magmatic evolution of the region south of Mount Pavonis in unprecedented detail.

“Our research reveals that even during Mars’ recent volcanic activity, the subsurface magma system remained intricate and dynamic,” stated Dr. Pieterek.

“Volcanoes did not erupt just once; they evolved in response to changing underground conditions.”

This study highlights that the volcanic system progressed through various eruptive stages, transitioning from early fissure-induced lava flows to late point-source activity that produced cone-shaped vents.

Despite the differing appearances of these lava flows, they all originate from the same foundational magma system.

Each eruption phase leaves distinct mineral signatures, enabling scientists to trace the evolution of magma over time.

“The variations in these minerals signify that the magma itself was undergoing evolution,” Pieterek noted.

“This likely reflects shifts in the depth of magma origins and the time it spent underground before erupting.”

“Currently, direct sampling of Martian volcanoes isn’t feasible, making studies like this essential for gaining insights into the structure and evolution of Mars’ interior.”

“This discovery underscores the power of orbital observations in revealing the hidden complexities of volcanic systems on Mars and other rocky planets.”

Find out more in the study published in the Journal of Geology on January 29, 2026.

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Bartosz Pieterek et al. Spectral evidence for magma differentiation within the Martian plumbing system. Geology, published online on January 29, 2026. doi: 10.1130/G53969.1

Source: www.sci.news

Discover How Elephant Trunks Use Touch Beyond Muscles and Nerves: Key Findings from Recent Study

Posted on February 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Keratin composites enable animals to walk with hooves, fly with wings, and sense their environment through their skin. Mammalian whiskers consist of elongated keratin rods attached to specialized tactile structures, enhancing the animal’s sensory perception. A recent study conducted by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems aims to explore the structure, porosity, and stiffness of the whiskers found in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).

Schulz et al. investigated the whiskers of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to determine their geometric and mechanical adaptations for enhanced tactile sensitivity, which encodes contact location through vibrotactile signals. Image credit: Schulz et al., doi: 10.1126/science.adx8981.

Whiskers in mammals, resembling elongated keratin rods, serve as sophisticated sensory tools.

While the keratin material itself does not directly sense touch, whiskers are housed within hair follicles, surrounded by dense sensory neurons that translate subtle mechanical vibrations into nerve signals.

Previous research primarily focused on the shape and movement of whiskers, often assuming a uniform mechanical structure along their length.

However, emerging evidence suggests that the stiffness and internal composition of whiskers can differ from root to tip, highlighting the importance of material properties in tactile sensation.

Unlike many other mammals, elephants possess numerous immobile whiskers distributed over the thick skin of their highly skilled trunks.

Though these whiskers cannot move independently, they frequently interact with objects, enabling elephants to perform precise tasks, from delicate manipulations to food handling.

Given the immobility of their whiskers, Dr. Andrew Schultz and colleagues hypothesized that elephants rely on variations in the shape and material structure of their whiskers to enhance tactile perception.

The researchers employed techniques such as micro-CT imaging, electron microscopy, mechanical testing, and functional modeling to examine the shape, porosity, and stiffness of whiskers in both juvenile and adult Asian elephants.

Findings reveal that the material properties of elephant whiskers transition from thick, porous, and rigid roots to thin, dense, and soft tips.

Dr. Schultz noted, “Tapping the handrail with different parts of the whisker wand felt soft at the tip and sharp at the base. I could easily feel where contact occurred without even looking.”

These functional gradients significantly influence how mechanical vibrations are relayed to sensory neurons, enhancing the clarity and strength of tactile signals.

Specifically, the transition from a firm base to a softer tip amplifies signal power, aiding elephants in accurately determining contact locations along the whisker, which is crucial for navigation and fine manipulation.

In this manner, elephant whiskers exhibit a type of built-in or “physical” intelligence, optimizing sensation through intelligent material design without needing active movement.

This exciting discovery is driving the authors’ efforts to apply natural insights into advancements in robotics and intelligent systems.

“Bio-inspired sensors that replicate elephant-like stiffness gradients could provide precise information with minimal computational cost, simply by leveraging intelligent material design,” Dr. Schultz stated.

The team’s groundbreaking research was published in the Journal on February 12, 2026, in Science.

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Andrew K. Schultz et al. 2026. Functional gradients drive tactile sensation in elephant whiskers. Science 391 (6786): 712-718; doi: 10.1126/science.adx8981

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals Brain-Training Game That Could Prevent Dementia for 20 Years

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A significant, long-term study indicates that engaging in brain-training video games may provide protection against dementia for decades. Experts deem this the most compelling evidence to date that cognitive training can yield enduring alterations in brain function.

“This is quite unexpected,” remarked Marilyn Albert, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins University. “It’s not at all what I anticipated.”

This groundbreaking study, published Monday in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, follows the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Older Adults (ACTIVE) trial.

The researchers discovered that participants who engaged in up to 23 hours of a specialized cognitive training known as speed training over a three-year span exhibited a striking 25% decrease in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia during a follow-up period of 20 years.

This finding reinforces earlier research that indicated participants had a lower risk of dementia after 10 years.

The ACTIVE study was a comprehensive randomized controlled trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), involving around 3,000 participants aged 65 and older, hailing from six geographic regions and showing no prior major cognitive impairment. About 25% of participants were minorities, and the majority were women.

Women are especially vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease, developing dementia at nearly double the rate of men.

Initially, study participants were assigned to train bi-weekly for 60 to 75 minutes per session for a maximum of 10 sessions over five weeks. Approximately half of each training group received an additional 23 hours of booster training over three years.

Researchers monitored medical records through Medicare to track dementia diagnoses in participants throughout the 20-year follow-up. Various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, were aggregated into one category.

Participants who underwent speed training along with booster sessions exhibited a 25% lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia compared to the control group, while those who did not receive additional training showed no benefits.

“The findings suggest that a relatively small input of effort can yield substantial benefits over the long term,” stated Dr. Richard Isaacson, a preventive neurologist at the Neurodegenerative Disease Institute in Boca Raton, Florida, who was not involved in this study.

Dr. Thomas Wisniewski, chair of the Department of Cognitive Neurology at New York University Langone Health, praised the study results as “remarkable,” asserting this is the strongest evidence to support cognitive training’s efficacy.

“This is the first conclusive documentation in a randomized controlled trial indicating that some forms of cognitive training can diminish dementia risk,” added Wisniewski, who was also not involved in the study.

Participants were assigned to one of three cognitive training programs: speed training, memory training, and reasoning training, with a control group that received no training.

Dr. Sanjla Singh, a physician-scientist and lecturer in neurology at Harvard Medical School, explained that speed training focuses on enhancing the brain’s ability to process visual information quickly and effectively. This involves quickly identifying items on a screen and making corresponding decisions.

Albert compares this thought process to the situational awareness required when driving. “When we’re driving and must pay attention to multiple things happening around us, we need to discern what’s relevant and what’s not,” she elaborated.

In memory training, participants learned to memorize a series of words and strategies for retaining story details, such as creating mental images and associations.

Reasoning training involved exercises aimed at enhancing problem-solving skills based on identifiable patterns, such as recognizing sequences in letters or numbers.

However, no significant protective effect against dementia was observed in those who participated in memory and reasoning training alone.

Researchers remain uncertain about why speed training proved beneficial while the other forms did not; one theory relates to the distinction between implicit and explicit learning.

Implicit learning refers to acquiring unconscious habits and skills, like riding a bike. In contrast, explicit learning entails consciously memorizing facts, such as vocabulary from flashcards.

Albert noted that implicit and explicit learning processes engage different regions of the brain.

“Once the brain adapts to these skills, the changes can persist even without ongoing practice,” Singh remarked. “For example, a child can learn to ride a bike in around 10 hours, and that skill lasts a lifetime.”

Screenshot from the Double Decision game.Brain Head Office

Speed training is similarly thought to foster long-term alterations in the brain, a phenomenon defined by neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to adapt and reconfigure itself in response to lifelong learning.

Dr. Kellyanne Niotis, a preventive neurologist and clinical assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, stated that speed training can significantly impact cognitive reserve—the brain’s ability to withstand dementia’s effects, which builds over time through various factors, including education, mentally engaging activities, and social engagement.

“We believe this visual processing speed training engages broader neural networks, thereby enhancing the brain’s resilience and cognitive reserve,” she explained.

Another hypothesis for the efficacy of speed training is its adaptive nature, meaning the difficulty escalates according to an individual’s performance. Those who initially excelled quickly progressed to more challenging tasks, a feature not seen in other forms of training.

Should I start speed training?

The speed training used in this study was devised by psychologists Carlene Ball and Daniel Loncar, with support from an NIH grant. This program has since been refined and is now available as a tool named “Double Decision” via BrainHQ, an online subscription platform.

BrainHQ’s Double Decision game (available in various difficulty levels).Brain Head Office

Based on the study results, Albert recommends this training for individuals aged 65 and older, akin to the study’s demographic.

However, early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can reportedly emerge decades before onset, indicating that those in their 40s or 50s could also experience protective benefits. She cautioned against making early conclusions regarding the advantages for younger individuals.

Click here to play the free version of the Double Decision Brain Game.

While these trial results are promising, experts emphasize that Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are multifaceted, and no singular solution exists.

“Every individual possesses a brain that can be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s crucial to prioritize brain health,” Isaacson urged.

How to Lower Your Risk of Dementia

Approximately seven million people in the U.S. are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, with projections estimating this figure will nearly double to around 13 million by 2050.

Fortunately, various factors correlated with a decreased risk of developing dementia exist. In fact, one report suggests that nearly half of all dementia cases could be deferred or mitigated by addressing specific risk factors, according to the Lancet Commission Report 2024.

Niotis advises individuals to take the following steps:

Ensure regular hearing assessments.
Manage metabolic risk factors such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
Correct vision issues, as vision loss is a known risk factor for dementia.

Regular exercise enhances blood circulation and nourishes the brain. Isaacson may also suggest combining cognitive-stimulating activities with exercise, such as walking during meetings or engaging in cognitive training while using a stationary bike.

Emerging research also indicates that the shingles vaccine might protect the brain against cognitive decline.

A comprehensive study from 2025 published in Nature revealed that individuals vaccinated against shingles were 20% less likely to develop dementia over a seven-year follow-up period than those who were unvaccinated.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

EPA to Withdraw Study Linking Greenhouse Gases to Global Warming and Health Risks

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to repeal the legal framework that empowers it to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

“President Trump and Secretary Lee Zeldin will officially rescind the 2009 Obama-era endangered status designation,” said White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt during a press briefing on Tuesday. “This marks the largest deregulatory initiative in American history, projected to save Americans $1.3 trillion from regulatory burdens.”

The EPA’s 2009 decision, known as the Endangered Findings, identifies greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane as key contributors to global warming, which poses risks to public health and welfare. This finding is crucial for establishing regulations under the Clean Air Act. It also underpins mandatory emissions reporting for fossil fuel companies, among other regulations.

If upheld against anticipated legal challenges from environmental groups, this measure could dismantle a majority of U.S. policies aimed at mitigating climate pollution.

Details of the rule that revokes this certification have not yet been released. However, in a draft rule issued in August, the EPA proposed eliminating all greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles. Leavitt indicated that this deregulation would lower the prices of cars, SUVs, and trucks, hinting that the final version might also reduce vehicle emissions requirements.

Additional climate regulations may also face repeal: In June, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proposed a rule to revoke carbon dioxide standards for power plants. The EPA is also re-evaluating other policies linked to endangerment findings, including methane regulation, a potent greenhouse gas.

In 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin participated in an event at the White House.
Jacqueline Martin File / AP File

In a briefing last month prior to the EPA’s announcement, Manish Bapna, President and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council, labeled the expected repeal as “the largest assault on federal authority to combat the climate crisis in U.S. history.”

“From the devastating floods in Texas and North Carolina to the catastrophic fires around Los Angeles and the unprecedented heat waves every summer, more individuals are experiencing the consequences of human-induced disasters,” Bapna remarked. “A ruling negating endangered studies would represent a complete denial of these incidents and the reality of climate change.”

Conversely, the Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank, commended the impending regulatory changes.

“The Obama administration’s assertion that carbon dioxide endangers human health is scientifically flawed and is pure political maneuvering,” claims the think tank’s president, James Taylor.

The endangerment study conducted during President Barack Obama’s first term is now under scrutiny, with the EPA stating that it “improperly analyzes the scientific record” and that its scientific basis is overly pessimistic and unsubstantiated.

In a preliminary draft of the rule, the EPA argued that the endangerment study amplifies the risk of heat waves, overpredicts warming trends, and overlooks the benefits of increased carbon emissions, such as enhanced plant growth. Many scientific organizations refute these claims.

The agency has also noted that court rulings since 2009, like West Virginia v. EPA, have already curtailed its ability to regulate greenhouse gases. This Supreme Court decision stated that the EPA lacks broad authority to transition energy production from coal to cleaner alternatives.

Much of the discussion surrounding the interim rule is based on a contentious report ordered by Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Recently, a judge determined that Wright and the Department of Energy violated transparency laws in creating and managing the working group involved.

It remains unclear whether the final rule will maintain the same rationale or modify its justification based on public feedback.

Scientific organizations opposing the EPA’s draft rule concentrated on a DOE report suggesting that rising carbon dioxide levels could promote a “greening” effect. The report also indicated that discernible trends in extreme weather events are lacking, complicating the attribution of such events to climate change due to various factors, including “natural climate variability and data limitations.”

The American Geophysical Union, a leading scientific association, stated: The report presented ‘inaccurate and selective’ data.

“Human actions are altering the climate more rapidly than ever, leading to severe impacts on individuals and the ecosystems we depend on,” the union added, highlighting that greenhouse gas emissions are at their highest levels in the past 800,000 years.

“Climate change is a direct catalyst for rising global temperatures, heat waves, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and is intensifying extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts.”

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published their report on the endangerment findings, concluding that the findings remain accurate and have stood the test of time.

Additionally, a collective of 85 climate scientists released a report claiming that previous rebuttals to DOE reports illustrate a pervasive issue of misrepresentation, failing to meet appropriate standards for informing policy decisions.

According to Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service, last year was the third warmest on record. The last 11 years have marked the warmest period in modern recorded history.

During President Donald Trump’s administration, the EPA aggressively rolled back numerous environmental protections. Zeldin previously promised in a Wall Street Journal editorial that he was “putting a dagger into the heart of the religion of climate change.”

However, reversing the endangered status is likely to instigate a significant legal confrontation.

The Natural Resources Defense Council has vowed to battle the EPA “every step of the way.” David Doniger, an attorney with the agency, asserted that defending the rule change in court would be “impossible” given the overwhelming evidence indicating that greenhouse gas pollution is exacerbating climate change and intensifying disasters like wildfires, floods, and heat waves.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Study Reveals Bonobos Engage in Imaginative Play Through Tea Parties

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Can animals engage in pretend play? A fascinating tea party experiment with bonobos provides new insights.

In this series of innovative experiments, researchers presented a bonobo named Kanzi with imaginary juice and grapes, framing the test as a playful child’s game.

The findings, published in Thursday’s Science Magazine, reveal that Kanzi is capable of participating in imaginative scenarios. The researchers concluded that primates can visualize and track invisible juice being poured between a pitcher and a bottle.

“He can follow a pretend object and track its location, while simultaneously grasping that it’s not physically present,” stated Chris Krupenier, assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences at Johns Hopkins University.

Previously, scientists believed the ability to conceptualize multiple realities was exclusive to humans. However, evidence such as a young chimpanzee engaging with a “log doll” moving imaginary blocks challenges this notion. Recent studies provide compelling evidence that animals can engage in pretend play under controlled conditions.

“We believe that imagining other worlds and future scenarios is a unique aspect of human cognition,” Krupenier explained. However, great apes “may share some foundational cognitive processes that enable a certain level of imagination.”

In their research, the scientists loosely based their experiments on common childhood developmental tests.

Krupenier elaborated, “In early childhood, we often see kids engage in pretend play, making imaginary friends or hosting tea parties with stuffed toys. Much of child psychology research has focused on these playful scenarios.”

The researchers conducted three main experiments with Kanzi. In the first, they used an empty clear pitcher and two clear bottles. The researcher pretended to pour fictional juice from the pitcher into both glasses, then asked Kanzi to indicate where he believed the juice was located.

Kanzi correctly indicated the cup containing imaginary juice 34 out of 50 times, resulting in a 68% success rate—consistent with typical results in great ape cognitive tests.

In the second experiment, Kanzi was given one cup of real juice and one cup of pretend juice and asked which one he preferred. He selected the real juice 14 out of 18 times, demonstrating his ability to differentiate between reality and pretense.

The final experiment mirrored the original test but used grapes instead of juice, yielding similar results.

These findings collectively suggest that Kanzi could distinguish between imagined scenarios and actual experiences while maintaining both in his cognitive process.

“This represents a significant advance in understanding non-human primate cognition,” remarked Jan Engelmann, associate professor of psychology at UC Berkeley, who was not involved in the study.

Engelmann noted that the experiment supports evidence indicating that great apes demonstrate “second-order representation”—the cognitive ability to model multiple scenarios, encompassing reasoning, planning, and cause-and-effect relationships, which offer evolutionary advantages.

“This ability lets one test scenarios mentally before attempting them in reality,” said Kristin Andrews, a philosophy professor at the State University of New York Graduate Center who studies animal cognition. “It allows individuals to decide whether to act on those tests.”

Andrews, who did not participate in Kanzi’s research, found the results compelling.

“A similar study with human children would lead to analogous conclusions,” she said, referencing classic studies of children using bananas as makeshift phones.

Kanzi, age 43.
Ape Initiative

Kanzi, who passed away last year at 44, was a profound bonobo. He was the first bonobo born in captivity to grasp elements of spoken English, learning language by understanding symbolic meanings represented by lexigrams used to communicate with caregivers.

Kanzi began his language training at an early age.

“As a toddler, Kanzi clung to his mother while she received dictionary training, absorbing knowledge all along,” Krupenier recounted. “Eventually, the focus of research shifted to Kanzi and another bonobo, Panbanisha.”

Over the years, Kanzi identified hundreds of symbols representing objects and activities, responding to English prompts by pointing to the appropriate symbols.

Because bonobos are humans’ closest living genetic relatives, Krupenier and the study’s authors propose that the capacity for imagination and pretense likely originated 6 to 9 million years ago, coinciding with the divergence of the two species.

However, it’s unclear if other non-human primates, or even different bonobos, possess the same cognitive abilities as Kanzi. New research suggests that Kanzi’s vocabulary development might have enhanced his symbol recognition, potentially altering his brain functions.

Engelmann posits that “all apes may possess this ability, though humans might only fully access it due to language.” Alternatively, language could provide Kanzi with unique skills.

Overall, the continuous study of animal cognition reveals that many traits once thought to be exclusive to humans are increasingly recognized in other species.

Some scientists are exploring a new hypothesis suggesting that, from an individual perspective, humans might have cognitive abilities that are less powerful than those of chimpanzees. Rather, it may be our exceptional social skills and collaborative abilities that make us unique.

“Humans excel in social rationality, social cognition, and collaborative thought,” Engelmann concluded. “Language is one of the key adaptations enabling this capability.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Localized Dust Storms on Mars May Lead to Significant Water Loss, New Study Reveals

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Evidence suggests that Mars once hosted significant amounts of water. Past studies indicate that the majority of atmospheric water loss occurs during the Martian southern summer. During this season, warm and dusty conditions allow water vapor to ascend to high altitudes, where it escapes into space without condensing. A groundbreaking study has unveiled a previously unidentified pathway for water loss, observed for the first time in the Martian northern summer. This research highlights how a localized, short-lived sandstorm in Mars Year 37 (August 2023) caused a surge in water vapor.

Close-up color image of a small dust storm on Mars, captured by ESA’s Mars Express’ HRSC instrument in April 2018. Image credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin / CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO.

Dr. Adrian Brines, a researcher at the Andalusian Institute of Astronomy and the University of Tokyo, stated, “Our findings reveal the impact of this type of storm on Earth’s climate evolution and open new avenues for understanding how Mars has lost water over time.”

While dust storms have long been recognized as significant contributors to water escape on Mars, previous discussions primarily focused on large-scale dust events occurring on a planetary scale.

In this study, Dr. Brines and colleagues demonstrated that smaller, localized storms can significantly enhance the transport of water vapor to high altitudes, where it is lost to space more readily.

Prior research concentrated on the warm and dynamic summers of the Southern Hemisphere, as this is the primary period for water loss on Mars.

The recent study detected an unusual spike in water vapor in Mars’ middle atmosphere, attributed to a localized dust storm during the northern hemisphere summer of Martian year 37.

Diagram demonstrating the atmospheric response to localized sandstorms in the Northern Hemisphere during summer. High dust concentrations significantly enhance solar radiation absorption, promoting atmospheric warming, especially in the middle atmosphere. This increased circulation enhances the vertical transport of water vapor, facilitating its injection at high altitudes and increasing hydrogen efflux from the exobase. Image credit: Brines et al., doi: 10.1038/s43247-025-03157-5.

This surge in water vapor was unprecedented, reaching levels up to 10 times higher than normal—an occurrence not predicted by existing climate models or observed in previous Martian epochs.

Following this event, the amount of hydrogen in Mars’ exobase—where the atmosphere transitions into space—also rose significantly, increasing by 2.5 times compared to the previous year.

Understanding how much water Mars has lost over time hinges on measuring the hydrogen that escapes into space, as this element is produced when water decomposes in the atmosphere.

Dr. Shohei Aoki, a researcher at the University of Tokyo and Tohoku University, noted, “These results provide a crucial piece to the incomplete puzzle of how Mars has persistently lost water over billions of years, demonstrating that brief but intense episodes can significantly influence the evolution of Mars’ climate.”

Discover more about these findings in the featured study, published this week in Communication: Earth and Environment.

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A. Brines et al. 2026. Unseasonal water escape during summer in Mars’ northern hemisphere caused by localized strong sandstorms. Communication: Earth and Environment 7, 55; doi: 10.1038/s43247-025-03157-5

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals Popular ‘Pink Noise’ Could Deteriorate Sleep Quality

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study has revealed that while pink noise is popular for promoting better sleep, it may actually disrupt your rest, contradicting common beliefs.

Pink noise, akin to white noise, encompasses all audible frequencies but emphasizes lower frequencies. Various sounds used for brain stimulation are categorized into colors based on how their noise spectrum aligns with the spectrum of colored light. Notably, white noise plays all frequencies at equal intensity, similar to how white light combines all visible colors.

Pink noise resembles the soothing sounds of rain or ocean waves. However, findings suggest mixed effects on memory and sleep benefits.

Conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, a 7-day study evaluated sleep quality among 25 healthy adults, primarily young women, exploring the impacts of environmental noise, pink noise, and earplugs. Participants did not have any sleep disorders or frequently use sound machines.

Participants were instructed to turn off lights at 11 PM and rise at 7 AM.

During the sleeping hours, participants encountered various noise scenarios: no noise, isolated environmental noise, pink noise alone, a blend of pink and environmental noise at different volumes, or environmental noise with earplugs.

Environmental sounds ranged from traffic to sonic booms.

Sleep encompasses phases, including light eye movement, deep sleep, and REM sleep—where dreaming occurs.

Published in the journal Sleep, the study demonstrated that environmental noise notably disrupts stage 3 sleep, leading to an average reduction of 23.4 minutes in this crucial phase, which is essential for cognitive function and memory.

Moreover, pink noise was found to decrease REM sleep duration by 18.6 minutes, a vital phase for mood regulation and mental clarity.

Dr. Matthias Basner, lead author and professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, expressed surprise at the significant disruption pink noise caused to sleep.

“While there’s existing literature on REM sleep reduction, it was overlooked until now,” he stated.

The researchers evaluated cognitive and physiological responses before and after each sleep session, alongside monitoring participants’ sleep and inquiring about their mood and fatigue levels.

Although losing 20 minutes of REM sleep may seem minor, Dr. Basner highlighted that these minutes accumulate over time.

“Losing just 10 minutes a night could total 70 minutes over a week, and over a year, that’s a significant 3,640 minutes,” he explained.

The study did not explore ambient noise impacts on infants or children. Dr. Basner cautioned that REM sleep loss may be even more critical in newborns, who spend 50% of their sleep in REM compared to only 25% for adults. He advised against using noise machines for infants and young children.

Adults typically require 7 hours of sleep each night, and each minute of lost REM sleep is significant, according to Basner.

“I won’t dismiss it as trivial; these disruptions can impact wellbeing,” he remarked.

Basner speculated that “constant auditory input” might interfere with the brain’s sleep processes, but the specific reasons why pink noise affects REM sleep remain unclear.

While pink noise aided in falling asleep amidst traffic sounds, earplugs proved more effective in blocking external noise.

The study has limitations; the small sample size of 25 adults was assessed over only seven nights. Over longer durations, participants might adapt to pink noise and revert to normal sleep patterns. Also, the environmental noise included atypical sounds like jet engines, which might also be acclimated to over time.

Noise levels fluctuated nightly, leading to inconsistent sleeping conditions. Even within a controlled lab environment, many participants had never previously slept there, possibly affecting their sleep quality.

Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a clinical professor at Stanford’s sleep medicine division, emphasized that lab study outcomes may not fully reflect typical home environments.

“Though sleep is a biological necessity, sleep habits are learned,” he remarked, suggesting that people can adapt to various sleeping circumstances, similar to managing a snoring partner.

If you find a sound machine beneficial, Dr. Basner recommends using it at a low volume and setting a timer to avoid it running all night.

“I don’t want to undermine its popularity; there may be valid reasons many individuals rely on it,” he concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com