Recent research suggests that the concealed structural weaknesses in the Yukon, Canada, may be primed to trigger a significant earthquake of at least magnitude 7.5, as outlined in the latest study.
The Tintina Fault, stretching from northeastern British Columbia to central Alaska, has been silently accumulating tension for over 12,000 years. A new investigation previously deemed relatively harmless indicates that it remains very active.
Regrettably, scientists are unable to predict when the next major quake will strike.
“Our findings indicate that the fault is active and continues to build strain,” said Dr. Theron Finley, the lead author of the study published in Geophysical Research Letters, in a statement to BBC Science Focus. “I expect it will eventually rupture again.”
The Tintina Fault is classified as a “right-lateral strike-slip fault,” where two blocks of the Earth’s crust slide horizontally past each other. If one side moves to the right during an earthquake, it’s identified as right-lateral.
Over the ages, one side of the fault has shifted approximately 430 km (270 mi), during a geological period that spanned roughly 560 to 33.9 million years ago, predominantly in the Eocene epoch.
The Tintina Fault extends 1,000 km (600 mi) from northeastern British Columbia to Alaska. – Credit: National Park Bureau
While minor earthquakes occasionally occur in the region, the Tintina Fault has generally been considered dormant.
“There have been small earthquakes in the 3-4 magnitude range detected along or near the Tintina Fault,” Finley noted. “However, nothing has strongly indicated that a larger outbreak is likely.”
This perspective changed when Finley and his team revisited the fault with advanced technology. By integrating satellite surface models with drone-mounted Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, researchers uncovered hidden seismic activity within the dense Yukon forests.
The landscape revealed cliffs associated with the fault, forming long, narrow terrains created when a quake pushed material to the surface, often collapsing in the process. These features can span dozens or even hundreds of kilometers, but are typically only a few meters tall and wide.
“In the case of the Tintina fault, these features appear as a series of intriguing mounds,” Finley stated.
By dating these surface formations, researchers determined that the fault has ruptured multiple times over the last 2.6 million years, though no significant earthquakes have occurred in the past 12,000 years.
Fortunately, the region is sparsely populated. However, if the fault does rupture, Finley cautioned that major landslides, infrastructure damage, and impacts on nearby communities would be highly probable.
“We want to emphasize that we don’t have a precise sense of how imminent an earthquake is,” he noted. “Our observations indicate it has been a long time since the last significant quake, but there’s no way to know if one is more likely in the near or distant future.”
Finley remarks that the fault has been confirmed as active, and the next step is to better estimate the frequency of large earthquakes in the area. This could help provide a more reliable timeline, even though scientists cannot accurately forecast when the next rupture may happen. Stay tuned.
“Earthquakes don’t necessarily occur on a regular basis, but they can give us a clearer understanding of how often we can expect significant events,” Finley explained. “Regardless, when the Tintina fault finally releases, it won’t be inconsequential.”
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About our experts
Theron Finley is a geologist at the Yukon Geological Survey. He recently obtained a doctorate from the University of Victoria in Canada and has conducted research on active faults in Western Canada, utilizing remote sensing, structural geology, and paleoseismology.
Although they are about half the size of male gorillas, female gorillas can surpass their male counterparts in competitions for status and resources. A recent study highlights this intriguing finding.
This discovery upends the long-held belief that gorilla society is primarily patriarchal, emphasizing male dominance over females, and sheds light on the origins of human gender relations.
Researchers from the German Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology and the University of Torque in Finland examined 25 years of data gathered from observations of gorilla behaviors across four distinct groups.
Wild mountain gorillas have often been viewed as a prime example of strict male dominance in primate societies, largely due to the size disparity between males and females.
It is true that gorilla society has a hierarchical structure, with one alpha male reigning at the top, while other gorillas vie for status beneath him.
However, this new research suggests that gorilla hierarchies may be much more gender-equitable than previously thought.
“Female gorillas frequently outperform males,” stated author Reed Dr. Nikos Smitt, a researcher at Max Planck and Turku, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “This is crucial for understanding power dynamics; it’s not solely about size and strength.”
Indeed, 88% of female gorillas exhibited superior performance compared to at least one adult male in groups with multiple males, particularly against those who were young or old.
Additionally, when female gorillas faced off against males other than the alpha, they won more than a quarter of the time, even when significantly outmatched in size.
According to Dr. Martha Robbins, Director of the Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Research Project, this success is likely linked to the relationships between these high-ranking females and their alpha males. BBC Science Focus reported her insights: “Gorillas are aware of their group’s social status and dynamics. Though non-alpha males are typically larger and stronger, they often choose to hold back to avoid confrontations with alpha males. It’s advantageous for them to be compliant in a group setting.”
This image illustrates the size differences between women with toddlers in the non-invasive national park of Bwindi, Uganda, and male mountain gorillas – Credit: Marthalobins
Researchers have also found that the stakes in these conflicts often involve priority access to food, another finding that challenges previous assumptions.
Earlier studies suggested that female gorillas exclusively competed for food among themselves, with males primarily competing with females. However, this research reveals that both genders vie for food resources.
These observations could reshape our understanding of gender dynamics within human societies.
The researchers noted that male dominance over female counterparts is not a straightforward outcome of evolution, but rather reflects “human’s flexible social and mating frameworks.”
Furthermore, they argue that this is supported by observations among our close relatives, such as bonobos and chimpanzees, where males are larger than females, yet females hold more dominance.
As a result, scientists suggest that humans are unlikely to inherit patriarchal structures from their primate ancestors.
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About Our Experts
Dr. Nikos Smitt is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Torque in Finland and associated with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. His research delves into the evolution of social structures and mating systems, as well as the dynamics of conflict and cooperation.
Dr. Martha Robbins serves as the director of the Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Research Project and leads the Primate Behavior and Evolution group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. Her research is centered on the evolution of social behavior.
If your dog is overweight, it’s important to note that certain breeds are more prone to this issue than others. According to recent studies.
Researchers from Texas A&M University assessed “food motivation” by surveying over 15,000 dog owners about their pets’ eating habits and reviewing veterinary records regarding the dogs’ weights.
This assessment showed that dogs identified as overweight by vets indicated a strong preference for food.
The study revealed that sporting breeds, such as spaniels, retrievers, setters, and pointers, were 10% more likely to exhibit higher food motivation scores than mixed-breed dogs, with Labradors and Golden Retrievers making up the majority.
Hound breeds came in second, with a 5.3% increased risk of food motivation compared to mixed breeds. This group included Greyhounds, Dachshunds, Beagles, and Basset Hounds.
On the other hand, non-sporting breeds showed a lower likelihood, with scores 4.1% less than mixed breeds. Common breeds in this category included poodles, bulldogs, Dalmatians, and terriers.
“Overweight dogs face various health risks, including skin diseases, diabetes, and arthritis,” noted Dr. Kate Creevey, Chief Veterinary Officer of The Dog Aging Project and Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University.
“It’s crucial for veterinarians to understand the factors influencing dog obesity, including social, environmental, and demographic contexts.
The likelihood of a dog being overweight can vary by breed, with larger dogs generally exhibiting higher food motivation scores than smaller ones.
Moreover, dogs residing in urban areas are more susceptible to weight gain compared to their rural counterparts.
Additionally, dogs living in multi-pet households face a greater risk of obesity than those in single-pet environments, possibly due to less individualized attention from humans.
“These variables can impact a dog’s exercise levels and food access,” Creevey explained. “Some dogs may seek out food due to boredom, especially in settings with limited opportunities for exercise and engagement.
“Furthermore, owners with multiple dogs may adopt specific feeding practices, such as free feeding, which increases food availability.”
Hound breeds show a 5.3% likelihood of a higher food motivation score, indicating overweight – Credit: Wakira via Getty
To determine the food motivation score for each dog, owners filled out a survey detailing their pets’ food responses, pickiness, bloating, and general food interest.
This data was combined with veterinary assessments of each dog’s “physical condition,” where vets evaluated areas like the ribs and hips to determine the amount of fat relative to size.
This evaluation aids in calculating the dog’s physical condition score (BCS).
“BCS is essential for helping veterinarians discuss weight issues with pet owners, so it’s important to increase the use of these scores,” Creevy stated.
If your Irish Setter seems a bit heavy, what’s the solution? Creevy mentioned that weight loss interventions can frequently falter if the veterinarian and owner aren’t aligned.
“Based on our study, some breeds may need stricter feeding guidelines,” she added.
Thus, researchers recommend consulting your veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to your furry friends.
Lava planets are rocky exoplanets that orbit extremely close to their host star, allowing for conditions that melt silicate rocks daily.
Boucale et al. We introduce a straightforward theoretical framework to explain the evolution of lava planets’ internal atmospheric systems. Image credit: Sci.News.
A lava planet is typically a super-Earth to Earth-sized world, orbiting its star in less than one Earth day.
Similar to the Earth’s moon, these planets are expected to be tidally locked, displaying the same hemisphere to their stars at all times.
With extreme surface temperatures, their rocks can reach melting or even evaporating points, creating a distinctive state within our solar system.
These unusual worlds are easily observable due to their pronounced orbital dynamics, offering valuable insights into the fundamental processes that drive planetary evolution.
“Due to the extreme orbital characteristics of lava planets, our understanding of rocky planets in the solar system does not apply directly, which leaves scientists uncertain about expected observations,” states Dr. Charles Eiduard Bukare from York University.
“Our simulations provide a conceptual framework for understanding their evolution and a way to investigate internal dynamics and chemical transformations over time.”
“While these processes are greatly intensified on lava planets, they fundamentally mirror those shaping rocky planets in our solar system.”
As rocks melt or evaporate, elements like magnesium, iron, silicon, oxygen, sodium, and potassium partition differently across vapor, liquid, and solid states.
The unique orbital dynamics of lava planets maintain vapor-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria for billions of years, facilitating long-term chemical evolution.
Using cutting-edge numerical simulations, the researchers predict the evolutionary status of two distinct categories.
(i) Fully melted interior (likely a younger planet): The atmosphere reflects the planet’s overall composition, with heat distribution within the melt ensuring a hot and dynamic nightside surface.
(ii) Nearly solid interior (likely an older planet): Only shallow lava oceans persist, while the atmosphere becomes depleted of elements such as sodium, potassium, and iron.
“We sincerely hope that with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, we will be able to observe and differentiate between young and old lava planets,” Dr. Boukaré expressed.
“Demonstrating this capability would signify a significant advancement beyond conventional observational methods.”
study was published today in the journal Natural Astronomy.
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cé. Boucale et al. The significance of internal dynamics and differentiation in the surface and atmosphere of lava planets. Nut Athlon Published online on July 29th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02617-4
A recent study by Professor Victor Pasco from Pennsylvania and his team reveals the method for determining the robust electric field associated with thunder, which collides with molecules such as nitrogen and oxygen, resulting in x-rays that trigger intense storms through additional electrons and high-energy photons.
NASA’s high-population ER-2 plane is equipped with instruments for the fly-eye Earth Intake Mapper Simulator and the Ground Gamma Ray Flash (ALOFT) Mission, which records gamma rays from ThunderClouds (illustrated in purple). Image credit: NASA/ALOFT team.
“Our research provides an accurate and quantitative explanation of the initial processes leading to lightning,” stated Professor Pasco.
“It connects the underlying physics of X-rays, electric fields, and electron avalanches.”
In their study, Professor Pasco and colleagues employed mathematical modeling to validate and elucidate field observations related to photoelectric phenomena within the Earth’s atmosphere.
This phenomenon, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, consists of invisible, naturally occurring bursts of x-rays along with their associated radio emissions.
“By creating a simulation that mirrors the observed field conditions, we offered a comprehensive explanation of the x-rays and radio emissions occurring inside Thunderclouds,” added Professor Pasco.
“Our research illustrates how electrons, accelerated by lightning’s strong electric field, can generate x-rays upon colliding with air molecules like nitrogen or oxygen, leading to an avalanche of electrons that create high-energy photons to initiate lightning.”
Through their model, the researchers analyzed field observations gathered by various research teams utilizing ground-based sensors, satellites, and high-altitude surveillance platforms to simulate thunderstorm conditions.
“We elucidated the mechanisms of photoelectric events, the triggering conditions for electron cascades in thunder, and the sources of diverse radio signals detected in clouds preceding a lightning strike,” explained Professor Pervez.
“To validate the lightning initiation explanation, I compared our findings with previous models, observational studies, and my own investigations into lightning bolts, specifically intercompact cloud discharges that typically occur within limited regions of Thunderclouds.”
This process, termed photoelectric feedback discharge, models the physical conditions where lightning is likely to happen.
The equations employed to develop the model are available in the published papers, enabling other researchers to apply them in their own studies.
Besides elucidating the onset of lightning, the scientists clarified why ground-level gamma-ray flashes can often occur without the accompanying light and radio emissions that signify lightning in rainy conditions.
“In our simulations, the high-energy X-rays generated by relativistic electron avalanches create new seed electrons driven by photoelectric phenomena in the air, rapidly amplifying these avalanches,” Professor Pasco remarked.
“Moreover, while this runaway chain reaction is generated in a compact volume, it can happen across a varied range of intensities, often with minimal optical and radio emissions but detectable X-ray levels.”
“This explains why these gamma-ray flashes originate from regions that are visually dim and appear silent in wireless frequency.”
The team’s findings will be published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.
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Victor P. Pasco et al. 2025. The photoelectric effect in the air accounts for the initiation of lightning and the occurrence of terrestrial gamma rays. JGR Atmosphere 130 (14): E2025JD043897; doi: 10.1029/2025JD043897
Walking slightly faster than usual can markedly enhance the health of seniors, according to new research from the University of Chicago.
Specifically, researchers discovered that frail or at-risk adults can bolster their health and quality of life by increasing their walking speed by at least 14 steps per minute over their normal pace.
“Increased walking speed is a well-documented protector against mortality,” stated Dr. Daniel Rubin, associate professor of anesthesia and critical care at the university, as reported by BBC Science Focus. “Older adults who walk more briskly tend to live longer.”
The study involved 102 participants from 14 retirement communities, implementing a structured walking program over four months.
During this period, 56 participants maintained a normal walking pace while the remaining 46 were encouraged to walk quickly yet safely.
At the conclusion of the program, each participant’s walking speed was assessed during a 6-minute walk.
While all participants reaped benefits from the walking program, those who managed around 100 steps per minute showed the most significant improvement in their frailty levels from the start to the end of the study.
Researchers had long recognized that walking speed correlates with the health of older adults, but previous recommendations on how to enhance pace were often subjective and challenging to quantify.
Traditionally, older adults were advised to walk at a pace where talking was easy but singing was difficult.
Frail adults are at increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and loss of independence. Warning signs include weakness, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue. Image Credit: Getty.
“We can offer the elderly straightforward and targeted advice like, ‘Try to walk five steps per minute faster than your normal pace.’
Healthcare providers and researchers can use wearable technology, such as accelerometers, to track walking speed. Rubin and his team are currently developing an app for individuals to measure their speed at home.
In the meantime, Rubin suggests utilizing a metronome to establish a baseline walking pace, syncing steps with the metronome’s beat.
“Once a comfortable pace is established, you can gradually add 5-10 steps per minute to enhance your cadence,” he noted. “The target is to aim for an increase of 10-15 steps per minute, which is acceptable.”
Nonetheless, Rubin emphasizes that seniors must walk safely and monitor for any symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
“Our hope is that older adults will find this a practical strategy for guiding walking intensity, enabling them to live longer and continue engaging in activities they enjoy,” he added.
read more:
About our experts
Dr. Daniel Rubin is a physician at the University of Chicago and an assistant professor of anesthesia and critical care. His interest in gait studies stems from his clinical experience with elderly patients preparing for surgery.
A recent study from the University of Colorado Boulder indicates that erythritol, a widely used non-nutritive sweetener, may be linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Berry et al. Our study demonstrates that erythritol, at concentrations commonly found in standard size sugar-free beverages, negatively impacts cerebral microvascular endothelial cell oxidative stress, ENOS activation, NO production, ET-1 expression, and T-PA release in vitro. Image credit: Tafilah Yusof.
Erythritol is a popular alternative to non-nutritive sugars due to its minimal effects on blood glucose and insulin levels.
This four-carbon sugar has a low-calorie content of 60-80%, being as sweet as sucrose, and commonly replaces sugar in baked goods, confections, and beverages.
Authorized by the FDA in 2001, erythritol is recommended for individuals with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, as it aids in regulating calorie consumption, sugar intake, and minimizing hyperglycemia.
Found naturally in small amounts in certain fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods, erythritol is quickly absorbed in the small intestine through passive diffusion.
In humans, erythritol is produced endogenously from glucose and fructose by erythrocytes, liver, and kidneys via the pentose phosphate pathway, making its levels dependent on both endogenous production and external intake.
“Our findings contribute to the growing evidence that non-nutritive sweeteners, often considered safe, could pose health risks,” stated Professor Christopher Desouza from the University of Colorado.
A recent study involving 4,000 participants from the US and Europe revealed that individuals with elevated erythritol levels are at a significantly increased risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke within three years.
Professor Desouza and his team sought to determine what factors were contributing to this heightened risk.
They exposed human cells lining blood vessels in the brain to erythritol for three hours, using concentrations similar to those found in standard sugar-free beverages.
The treated cells exhibited several alterations.
Notably, they produced significantly less nitric oxide, a molecule critical for dilating blood vessels, while increasing the expression of endothelin-1, which constricts blood vessels.
Furthermore, the challenge of a thrombogenic compound called thrombin significantly slowed the cell’s production of T-PA, a naturally occurring compound that promotes coagulation.
Cells treated with erythritol also generated more reactive oxygen species, or free radicals, which can lead to cellular damage and inflammation.
“We’ve been diligently working to share our findings with the broader community,” noted Auburn Berry, a graduate student at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
“Our research indicates that erythritol may indeed heighten the risk of stroke.”
“Our study solely focused on sugar substitutes,” emphasized Professor Desouza.
“For individuals consuming multiple servings daily, the potential impact could be even more pronounced.”
The researchers caution that their findings are based on lab research conducted on cells, necessitating larger-scale studies involving human subjects.
Nonetheless, they advise consumers to check product labels for erythritol or “sugar alcohol.”
“Considering the epidemiological evidence informing our research, along with our cellular discoveries, monitoring the intake of such non-nutritive sweeteners seems wise,” Professor Desouza remarked.
The study was published today in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
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Auburn R. Berry et al. 2025. The non-nutritive sweetener erythritol negatively affects brain microvascular endothelial cell function. Journal of Applied Physiology 138(6):1571-1577; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00276.2025
A recent study reveals that Denmark boasts the most favorable environmental, social, and political conditions for aging slowly and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Published in Natural Medicine, this research pinpointed the elements influencing the biological processes that dictate healthy aging. An international team of researchers examined data from over 160,000 individuals across 40 nations, assessing how various factors influence aging worldwide.
To establish a baseline for the average aging rate, researchers utilized a measurement known as the “Biobiural Age Gap” clock. This AI model estimates the disparity between an individual’s chronological age and their predicted age based on surrounding risk factors. For instance, a 50-year-old person might be predicted to have a biological age of 55 based on these factors, resulting in a five-year age gap.
The findings revealed that among the four continents studied—Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America—European individuals showcased the highest levels of healthy aging. Conversely, in lower-income nations, accelerated aging was prevalent among older individuals.
“This study is significant as it reconceptualizes aging as influenced by not just biology and lifestyle, but also broader environmental and sociopolitical factors,” stated Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, an associate professor of aging at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, who was not involved in the research, in comments to BBC Science Focus.
Egypt recorded the fastest rate of aging, with individuals showing an average biological age 4.75 years older than their chronological age. Following Egypt were South Africa and certain South American nations. Within Europe, Eastern and Southern regions displayed more rapid aging trends.
In contrast, Denmark demonstrated the slowest aging rate, with an average biological age 2.35 years younger than the actual age. The Netherlands and Finland followed in terms of healthy aging.
Key Factors for Healthy Aging
What makes Denmark and much of Northern and Western Europe conducive to healthy aging? Researchers identified crucial factors including environmental elements like air quality alongside social factors such as gender equality and socioeconomic status.
Interestingly, significant influences were also found in sociopolitical conditions. Healthy aging is closely related to political representation, freedom of parties, democratic elections, and voting rights.
“The link between politics and accelerated aging presents an intriguing puzzle in this study,” commented Scheibye-Knudsen. “Possible mechanisms include heightened chronic stress responses due to anxiety and healthcare disparities.”
This study indicated that individuals with accelerated aging face challenges in completing daily tasks and are eight times more likely to experience cognitive decline.
While the study spanned four continents, it primarily represented limited areas of Africa, focusing on Egypt and South Africa.
Researchers stress that their findings illustrate correlations rather than causative relationships. Nonetheless, they advocate for urgent action to address global health disparities.
“Remarkably, risk factors outweigh protective ones, indicating that individuals in low-income countries experience significantly accelerated aging irrespective of their socioeconomic status,” noted Scheibye-Knudsen.
“This reinforces the compelling case for investing in universal initiatives, such as access to education and healthcare, to enhance the health of populations.”
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About Our Experts
Dr. Morten Scheibye-Knudsen serves as an associate professor of aging at the University of Copenhagen and leads the Scheibye-Knudsen research group. He is also the president of the Nordic Aging Association.
New research published on Monday indicates that the number of structures in the United States vulnerable to flooding may be greater than previously estimated.
A study, published in the Journal’s Future of Earth, revealed that 43% of North Carolina’s flooded buildings from 1996 to 2020 are outside the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Special Flood Hazard Areas, which FEMA designates as having a 1% chance of flooding in any given year.
Experts and the study’s authors believe these findings may assist more communities in understanding their flood risks and insurance needs. As companies pull back from increasing insurance premiums and insuring homes in certain regions due to more frequent severe weather, obtaining flood insurance is becoming increasingly challenging, leaving property owners more exposed.
According to NBC News, experts stated that having access to reliable data sources could facilitate the creation of nationwide databases like the one outlined in the study.
FEMA’s maps serve as the main reference for identifying flood-prone zones and structures requiring insurance coverage. However, experts argue that this system is outdated and lacks resolution. A 100-year floodplain projection doesn’t fully encompass the areas that could be at risk for flooding, and the authors noted that climate change has compromised the reliability of previously authoritative weather and climate forecasts.
This study enabled researchers to pinpoint specific structures that have experienced multiple flooding incidents by utilizing address-level data. This information could inform property owners on whether to obtain flood insurance, even if they fall outside FEMA’s designated flood hazard zones. In the United States, FEMA reports that 99% of counties have experienced flooding, yet only 4% of homeowners hold flood insurance at least once.
“Detailed information about previously flooded areas can empower individuals to make informed decisions,” expressed Helena Margaret Garcia, the lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program did not respond to requests for comments.
FEMA is currently working on revamping its flood mapping system through the Future of Flood Risk Data initiative, aimed at employing more efficient, accurate, and consistent technology to assess the country’s flood risks comprehensively.
Water markers in Orocoke, North Carolina homes illustrate the increasing severity of flooding between hurricanes over time. Courtesy of Helena Garcia
As global temperatures rise, more intense rainfall events are becoming common since warmer air can hold more moisture. Climate change has also contributed to rising sea levels, increasing vulnerability to flooding even in coastal and some inland areas. Hurricane Helen, the third deadliest hurricane of modern times, inflicted substantial flooding in North Carolina’s mountainous regions. Damage from the storm exceeded a total of $78 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The recent severe rainfall has caused flash floods across many U.S. towns over the last two weeks, most recently impacting towns in New Jersey and New York City. In North Carolina alone, six deaths have been reported, while over 100 fatalities have occurred in Texas. Flash floods have historically accounted for the highest number of storm-related deaths in the U.S., averaging 125 deaths per year over recent decades, according to the National Weather Service.
A North Carolina climate scientist noted that the warm seawater feeding the storm could have been a contributing factor to last week’s Tropical Storm Chantal, which set rainfall and river level records in the state.
With the impacts of climate change, having access to up-to-date maps is essential, experts argue.
In their study, researchers mapped 78 flood events using data from 1996 to 2020 from the National Flood Insurance Program, which allows property owners to purchase insurance for potential flood-related losses. They also incorporated emergency service requests and volunteer-based geographic information obtained from social media, creating what they termed the “first of its kind” database. This historical flood data is often inaccessible to the public, which can hinder homeowners’ awareness of prior flood incidents affecting their properties.
Garcia stated that researchers plan to apply the same methodology from their study to create similar historical maps in various regions across the country, identifying areas previously overlooked concerning flood risk.
The research indicated that out of 90,000 structures, only 20,000 experienced flooding, highlighting a significant number that did not file NFIP claims. The study’s authors are now focused on quantifying the human impact, examining outcomes such as healthcare disruptions resulting from floods and the scale of evacuations caused by repeated flooding, as Garcia explained.
On July 7th, Eastgate Mall’s parking lot in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was inundated following a tropical storm. Courtesy of Antonia Sebastian/Helena Garcia
Antonia Sebastian, an assistant professor in the Department of Geology at UNC-Chapel Hill, noted that the study aspires to establish a “comprehensive record of past floods” by gathering data on relatively minor flood events that impact homeowners yet do not receive widespread media attention.
“Areas that have previously flooded are likely to flood again; it’s only a matter of time,” Sebastian remarked. “These sites are inherently dangerous.”
Chad Belginis, executive director of the Flood Plains Association who was not involved in the study, stated that FEMA’s maps are intended to implement the NFIP by utilizing 100-year flood plains to delineate zones for flood insurance coverage. He emphasized that analyzing historical flood research highlights the necessity for flood insurance in areas beyond the mapped FEMA flood hazard zones.
“FEMA’s flood map serves as a starting point, not an endpoint,” Berginnis clarified. “The maps present one kind of flood risk, but to fully grasp flood risk, it is crucial to seek out historical flood data.”
He mentioned that the database models illustrated in the study could be adopted in various other regions. A community manager indicated that identifying past flood sites could enhance community awareness regarding flood risks.
“When we consider the history of floods, [like those along the Guadalupe River], it emphasizes the dangers that have persisted over time,” they reflected. “I truly believe that these areas should be acknowledged as perilous, yet awareness of the actual flooding risks is often lacking.”
June Choi, a doctoral student in Earth Systems Science at Stanford University and not involved in the study, noted that the finding regarding many flooded buildings existing outside FEMA-designated risky areas likely applies to all states. She highlighted that while new databases might have limitations regarding changing building densities over time, the application of historical records and address-specific data still provides valuable insights for assessing future flood risks.
Researchers have devised a technique to assess the biological age of the brain, revealing it to be a key indicator of future health and longevity.
A recent study involved an analysis of blood samples from 45,000 adults, with protein levels measured in over 3,000 individuals. Many of these proteins correlate with particular organs, including the brain, enabling the estimation of each organ system’s “biological age.”
If an organ’s protein profile significantly deviated from its expected age (based on birthday count), it was categorized as either “very matured” or “very youthful.”
Among the various organs assessed, the brain emerged as the most significant predictor of health outcomes, according to the research.
“The brain is the gatekeeper of longevity,” stated Professor Tony Wyss-Coray, a senior author of the newly published research in Natural Medicine. “An older brain correlates with a higher mortality rate, while a younger brain suggests a longer life expectancy.”
Participants exhibiting a biologically aged brain were found to be 12 times more likely to receive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis within a decade compared to peers with biologically youthful brains.
Additionally, older brains increased the risk of death from any cause by 182% over a 15-year span, whereas youthful brains were linked to a 40% decrease in mortality.
Wyss-Coray emphasized that evaluating the brain and other organs through the lens of biological age marks the dawn of a new preventive medicine era.
“This represents the future of medicine,” he remarked. “Currently, patients visit doctors only when they experience pain, where doctors address what’s malfunctioning. We are transitioning from illness care to wellness care, aiming to intervene before organ-specific diseases arise.”
The team is in the process of commercializing this test, which is anticipated to be available within the next 2-3 years, starting with major organs like the brain, heart, and immune system.
A key to nurturing a healthy relationship might involve gazing into the faces of those glued to their smartphones.
Recent research Published in Journal Plos One indicates that incorporating emojis in text messages strengthens personal connections and enhances satisfaction.
Researchers from the University of Texas conducted a study with 260 participants aged 23 to 67, asking them to review 15 text message exchanges differing solely by the presence of emojis.
Participants were prompted to envision themselves as the sender of each message while analyzing the recipient’s response, gauging aspects like responsiveness, likability, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction.
The findings showed that individuals who included emojis in their texts were perceived as more emotionally aware in their interactions compared to those who used text alone.
Moreover, emojis served as nonverbal indicators of attention and emotional investment.
Luke McGregor, 42, and Amy Thunig-McGregor, 37, shared their experiences with emoji use.
Luke recounted that he had to adapt to integrating emojis in his messages to Amy, as he hadn’t been a frequent emoji user at the relationship’s start.
“I traditionally didn’t use emojis much, but once I got together with Amy, I noticed she used them frequently. There were vulnerabilities and challenges I needed to overcome to start using them myself,” McGregor explained.
Emojis are significant for Amy Thunig-McGregor and her partner Luke McGregor.
“I wanted Amy to feel cherished, so regularly sending her emojis to express my affection was crucial for me, especially initially,” he mentioned.
Amy highlighted the effectiveness of emojis in enhancing communication.
“Both of us are autistic, which makes context essential… emojis help clarify tone and intention in ways that plain text can’t achieve,” they stated.
Dr. Raquel Peel, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Central Queensland and not involved in the study, noted that emojis can be a creative solution when face-to-face interactions aren’t possible with partners.
“I don’t believe emojis can replace direct interactions in intimate relationships. Yet, we must recognize that such interactions aren’t always viable,” Peel remarked.
“If meeting your partner isn’t feasible, using emojis becomes a valuable alternative.”
She advised not to undervalue communication in a relationship, emphasizing the need to stay connected in every possible way.
“Many forget that relationships benefit from humor and enjoyment,” Peel explained.
“If emojis can fulfill that role, they contribute to fun and connection through humor, which is incredibly important.”
Exposure to light at night significantly raises the risk of heart disease, according to extensive research.
Various environmental and behavioral signals synchronize the body’s circadian rhythms, the internal clocks that manage physiological functions. However, contemporary lifestyles often disrupt these biological mechanisms, heightening sensitivity to health issues.
Previous studies utilizing satellite data have indicated associations between residents of brightly lit urban areas and heart disease, focusing solely on outdoor light at night. Daniel Windred, from Flinders University in Adelaide, and his team sought to determine if overall light exposure impacts cardiovascular health.
They monitored approximately 89,000 individuals without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, equipping them with light sensors for a week between 2013 and 2016. “This represents the largest research effort on personal light exposure patterns affecting cardiovascular health to date.”
The sensors captured both natural and artificial light sources, including emissions from mobile phones. Over the eight-year period, participants who experienced the brightest nights showed a 23-56% increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those exposed to darker nights.
For example, individuals in the highest light exposure category included those who activated overhead lights for an hour from midnight to 6 AM. “This scenario places them within the 90th to 100th percentiles of nighttime light exposure,” Windred noted. He emphasized that the body continues to react to artificial light even after it is turned off, and short exposures can disrupt circadian rhythms.
Researchers accounted for factors such as gender, age, smoking habits, and shift work. They also demonstrated that the connection between light exposure and heart disease risk remained constant, regardless of sleep duration, sleep efficiency, or genetic predisposition.
Interestingly, although women generally have a lower incidence of heart disease at the same age as men, exposure to bright nighttime light can neutralize this protective effect due to estrogen. Evidence suggests that women experience more significant melatonin suppression in response to bright light, making their circadian systems more sensitive compared to men.
Disruption of circadian rhythms can compromise glucose tolerance, elevating the risk for type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Such disruption also influences blood pressure and can increase the risk for abnormal cardiac rhythms due to conflicting signals between the brain and heart.
“The significance of these findings must not be understated,” stated Martin Young from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “As a 24/7 society increasingly disrupts our circadian systems, this study underscores the notable health risks linked to such exposure.”
Windred suggests that individuals strive to maintain a darker nighttime environment. “Optimize your sleep schedule to ensure darkness during bedtime. If you awaken during the night, utilize dim lighting and avoid bright overhead lights.”
Paleontologists have studied the body shapes of Ediacaran Cambrian organisms by utilizing trace fossils as a stand-in for body fossils.
Reconstruction of early Cambrian marine life in southern China. Image credit: Dongjing Fu.
The Cambrian explosion is often referred to as a pivotal period in Earth’s history when distinct animal body plans emerged.
Most researchers indicate that this event took place between 541 and 530 million years ago, marking the onset of the Cambrian period.
“The Cambrian explosion represents a significant era in the history of life that poses numerous unresolved questions,” stated Dr. Olmo Miguez Saras from the University of Barcelona at the Museum of Natural History in London, alongside Dr. Zekun Wang.
“In investigating biodiversity during this period, paleontological studies primarily concentrate on organisms with hard structures.”
“Nevertheless, microfossil investigations open avenues for understanding the activities of hard, soft-bodied, or skeletal-deficient organisms preserved in stratigraphic records.”
“The microfossil evidence is essential for shedding light on the evolutionary phases dominated by soft-bodied faunas.”
“Fossil traces mirror the behaviors of habitat-forming organisms, determined by their environment and reactions to ecological factors.”
“Consequently, these traces act as indicators of the paleoecological conditions experienced by the organisms that produced them.”
In their research, the authors concentrated on trace fossils from the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition, a period of great paleobiological interest that represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of complex life on Earth.
This transition experienced substantial shifts in biodiversity as well as the structure of organisms and ecosystems.
“The Ediacaran fauna consisted mainly of complex, multicellular, flexible organisms,” noted Dr. Miguez Saras.
“The shift to the Cambrian era involved numerous extinctions within the Ediacaran fauna, accompanied by a rapid diversification of complex multicellular organisms possessing hard structures (e.g., exoskeletons).”
“This encapsulates the core of evolutionary development that led to the emergence of the most modern animal phyla, commonly referred to as the Cambrian Explosion.”
The research indicates that slender-bodied organisms thrived around 545 million years ago during the Ediacaran period.
“These organisms likely possessed a coelomic hydrostatic body with an anteroposterior axis, muscles, and perhaps segmented structures,” Dr. Miguez Saras explained.
“Additionally, these organisms may have exhibited directional movement and possessed sensory capabilities to navigate and feed on diverse substrates in environments dominated by microbial mats.”
“Thus, the so-called Cambrian explosion and its evolutionary significance could have arisen significantly earlier than previously thought.”
“These adaptations in body shape and mobility facilitated early animals in thriving within increasingly dynamic and complex environments, an ecological engineering process that could spur evolutionary innovation.”
The team’s study is slated for publication in the journal Geological.
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Zekun Wang & Olmo Miguez-Salas. Quantitative decoding of Ediacaran Motion Microfossil Morphology: Evidence for the appearance of elongated anteroposterior body profiles. Geological Published online on June 9th, 2025. doi: 10.1130/g53332.1
A prominent academic institution has accused Uber of utilizing opaque software algorithms to significantly boost profits while negatively impacting drivers and passengers using their ride-hailing platform.
Research conducted by scholars at Columbia Business School in New York determined that the Silicon Valley company has adopted a systematic and selective approach to “algorithmic price discrimination,” which “raises rider fares and severely diminishes driver earnings to the tune of billions.”
The Ivy League Business School’s findings are based on an analysis involving “tens of thousands of rides… amounting to over 2 million…” travel requests, and it builds upon a recent study from the University of Oxford concerning 1.5 million UK trips published the previous week.
The UK research revealed that many Uber drivers in the UK have reported “substantially reduced” earnings since the introduction of the “dynamic pricing” algorithm in 2023, correlating with the company capturing a significantly larger share of fare revenue.
The US report, authored by Len Sherman, highlights that as a passenger, acceptance appears less favorable, while he expresses amazement at what has been accomplished.
Sherman’s report remarked: Reducing driver payments while enhancing their take rate significantly contributes to improving cash flow during the study’s duration.
Sherman noted that the advanced pricing introduced in the U.S. in 2022 is akin to the UK dynamic pricing algorithm implemented in 2023, significantly affecting passenger fares.
Columbia’s study, which examined trips made by 24,532 U.S. Uber drivers, concluded that the new algorithm has “modified the distribution of net rider fares among driver incomes.”
The recent Oxford study found that following the rollout of dynamic pricing, Uber’s median take-rate per driver surged from 25% to 29%, with some trips exceeding 50%.
These findings contribute to a growing list of controversies surrounding technology companies, including a 2021 UK Supreme Court ruling affirming that Uber drivers are entitled to a minimum wage and paid leave, along with the 2022 disclosure of the Uber Files, a global investigation revealing the company’s efforts to bypass police and regulations while secretly lobbying governments worldwide.
Following the release of the Uber Files, Jill Hazelbaker, Uber’s Vice President of Public Relations, stated:
An Uber spokesperson remarked, “Uber’s pricing structure aims to be transparent and equitable for both riders and drivers. The prepaid pricing is disclosed prior to booking, enabling drivers to make informed choices based on a full understanding of wages, distance, and expected duration.”
“Our dynamic pricing algorithms function to synchronize real-time supply and demand, enhancing the platform’s overall reliability. The prepaid pricing model is not personalized, and our pricing algorithms do not utilize personal information from individual riders or drivers.”
“Last week, the company reiterated: [the University of Oxford] Report. All drivers are guaranteed to earn at least the national living wage.”
Recent findings from researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum, Ankara University at Prince Edward Island, and Bari Aldo Moro University reveal that two-thirds of domestic cats (Felis Catus) tend to sleep on their left side. This orientation provides them with a left field of vision, allowing the right hemisphere of their brain to have an unobstructed view of impending approach, while protecting their body.
Isparta et al. We propose that the significant left-side preference in cat sleep may have evolved alongside hemispheric asymmetry related to threat assessment. Image credits: Noah Dustin von Weissenfrue / Gleb Kuzmenko / Isparta et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.043.
“Sleep represents one of the most vulnerable states for animals, particularly during deep sleep when vigilance to threats is notably diminished.”
“Domestic cats act as both predators and prey (to animals like coyotes), averaging 12-16 hours of sleep per day.”
“This implies they spend around 60-65% of their lives in highly susceptible states.”
“To minimize the risk of becoming prey, cats tend to rest in elevated locations, where they can better see approaching threats while remaining concealed.”
“In such elevated spots, predators can typically only approach from below.”
“Thus, resting at height affords cats a sense of safety, comfort, and a vantage point to observe their surroundings.”
The authors of this study examined 408 publicly available YouTube videos featuring individual cats lying on their sides in clear sleep positions, ensuring unbroken sleep durations of at least 10 seconds with full visibility from head to tail.
Only original, unedited videos were considered; those that were low resolution, obscured, duplicated, or altered (such as mirror images or selfies) were excluded.
The findings showed that 266 cats (65.1%) exhibited left-oriented sleep positions, while 142 demonstrated a significant left-sided bias as a population, compared to the 34.8% that slept on their right side.
“A cat that sleeps on its left side gains awareness of its environment upon waking with a left field of vision processed by the right hemisphere,” explained the researchers.
“This hemisphere is critical for spatial awareness, handling threats, and coordinating quick escape responses.”
“When a cat awakens after sleeping on its left side, visual cues regarding predators or prey are relayed directly to the right hemisphere of the brain.
“This suggests that favoring the left side while sleeping might be a strategic survival behavior.”
A favorable perspective on life may safeguard against memory loss during middle age, as indicated by a recent 16-year study conducted by researchers from the UK, the US, and Spain.
Published in Aging and Mental Health, this study posits that a sense of happiness—which encompasses joy, confidence, purpose, and control over one’s life—is closely linked to improved memory recall.
Participants who rated their happiness levels higher tended to excel in memory assessments, regardless of whether they reported experiencing symptoms of depression.
“This study marks a vital advance in comprehending the relationship between happiness and memory over time,” stated the co-authors. Professor Joshua Stott, a Professor of Aging and Clinical Psychology at University College London, added, “It sheds new light on how self-reported happiness correlates with memory and vice versa.”
Researchers monitored 10,760 men and women over the age of 50 in the UK. Beginning in 2002, participants convened with the research team every two years to undergo memory evaluations.
During each session, they also completed a well-being survey, responding to prompts such as “I can do what I want to do” and “I feel that life is filled with opportunities.”
After 16 years, this data was examined by a team of 15 specialists to establish connections between cognition and memory.
“In light of an aging population, it’s vital to understand the factors that may protect and sustain healthy cognitive functions for the betterment of public health and policy development,” said Dr. Amber John, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Liverpool.
She noted that the study implies that overall well-being is more beneficial than merely better memory. If future research can demonstrate that improved health leads to Enhanced Memory, then prioritizing health could shield the brain from future deterioration.
Dementia and anxiety are commonly considered to accelerate cognitive decline in individuals with dementia. – Credit: J Studio via Getty
This study received partial funding from Alzheimer’s Disease Research UK. “We’ve observed significant financial support,” stated Emma Taylor, information services manager for the charity.
“It’s never too late to take measures to maintain our brain health throughout our lives and mitigate the devastating impacts of dementia.”
The authors of the study suggested that a decrease in psychological well-being could serve as an early indicator of potential cognitive decline, recommending strategies such as mindfulness as interventions to avert this trajectory.
Recent studies indicate that the fats found in olive oil may contribute to weight gain more significantly than fats from other sources.
A recent report revealed that oleic acid, the primary fatty component in olive oil, can stimulate the formation of new fat cells.
Oleic acid is a type of monosaturated fat, often referred to as omega-9. While olive oil is the main source of oleic acid, this fatty acid is also present in other oils, such as canola and sunflower oil.
“You can think of fat cells as the army,” stated the study’s co-author, Dr. Michael Rudolph, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Physiology at the University of Oklahoma. “Dried oleic acid initially boosts the number of ‘fat cell soldiers’ in the army, enhancing the capacity to store surplus dietary nutrients.”
“If excess nutrients surpass the number of fat cells over time, it can lead to obesity, and if left unaddressed, may result in cardiovascular disease or diabetes.”
Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and is renowned for promoting longevity, healthy aging, as well as optimal brain, heart, and metabolic health – Credit: Elena Noviero via Getty
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma, Yale University, and New York conducted a study where mice were fed a variety of high-fat diets that included coconut oil, peanut oil, milk, lard, and soy oils.
They found that elevated levels of oleic acid influenced the activity of two proteins, AKT2 and LXR, leading to an accelerated growth of progenitor cells that develop into new adipocytes. This effect was not observed with other types of fats.
Nevertheless, Dr. Rudolph emphasized that completely eliminating olive oil is not the answer.
“The key takeaway is moderation and diversifying fat sources,” he advised. “While a balanced intake of oleic acid can be beneficial, excessive and prolonged consumption may pose risks. For individuals at risk for heart disease, high oleic acid levels could be unfavorable.”
In moderation, oleic acid is linked with numerous health benefits. Previous studies have shown that olive oil consumption is associated with longer lifespans, healthy aging, reduced inflammation, and a decreased risk of obesity and heart disease.
It’s important to note that since this study was conducted exclusively on mice, its findings may not directly apply to humans.
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is new research published in Cell Reports Sustainability.
The accelerating demand for lithium, an essential element of EV batteries, is expected to outstrip domestic supply in major markets by the decade’s end.
This analysis highlights China, the US, and Europe, which collectively represent 80% of current EV sales. Researchers caution that without significant changes, these regions may not fulfill their lithium requirements from local sources by 2030, leading to an increased reliance on imports and a heightened risk of global shortages.
“Many previous studies have examined the lithium necessary for low-carbon transitions,” said Dr. Andre Manberger, a co-author of the new study, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“The issue is that often we compare projected lithium demand with current mining rates and existing reserves. However, there’s a gap in the existing literature concerning mining feasibility.”
Globally, EV sales surpassed 17 million in 2024, marking a 25% increase from the previous year.
The International Energy Agency forecasts that electric vehicles could represent 40% of all car sales by 2030. However, this expansion hinges on a stable supply of lithium carbonate equivalents (LCE).
The study indicates that by 2030, annual LCE demand will reach 1.3 million tonnes in China, 792,000 metric tonnes in Europe, and 692,000 in the US. Yet, even if all current and planned mining projects are considered, domestic supply remains inadequate: China could produce up to 1.1 million tonnes, the US 610,000, and Europe only 325,000.
This shortfall could intensify global competition for lithium, primarily sourced from Australia, Chile, and Argentina. In 2023, these three countries accounted for nearly 80% of the world’s lithium.
Almost 50% of the world’s lithium was mined in Australia in 2023.
China currently dominates the global lithium market, and an increase in its imports could negatively impact other buyers. Researchers found that should China’s imports rise by 77%, the US and European imports could drop by 84% and 78%, respectively.
“Commodity trading tends to have a lot of continuity and path dependence,” Månberger explains.
“This is due to the established supply chain, contracts, and overall inertia in the market.”
Nonetheless, there are reasons for optimism. Increasing lithium prices may drive investments in new mining initiatives and motivate manufacturers to create more efficient battery technologies. Alternatives like sodium-ion batteries could also contribute to a more diverse market.
In the long term, recycling could assume a more substantial role. As first-generation EVs reach the end of their lifespans in the 2030s, materials extracted from older batteries could mitigate the need for new lithium extraction.
“I’m very optimistic,” says Månberger. “Historically, while it’s often straightforward to forecast potential bottlenecks and supply risks, innovations tend to emerge unpredictably when these challenges arise.”
Read more:
About our experts
Andre Manberger is a senior lecturer in Environmental and Energy Systems Studies at Lund University, Sweden. He leads the Misttra Mineral Governance Research Program, initiated in 2024, focusing on the rising demand for critical raw materials and addressing conflicts of interest in the low-carbon transition.
A recent study indicates that the skincare routines showcased by young TikTok influencers offer minimal benefits, and may even heighten the risk of skin irritation and allergies in children.
The research team notes a surge in young girls posting videos of intricate skincare regimens, which often feature moisturizers, toners, acne treatments, and anti-aging products.
In this pioneering study, researchers examined these TikTok videos and found that not only is the process complicated, but many girls rush to complete their routines, leading to practices that are costly, unnecessary, and potentially harmful.
“The hazards of utilizing these products, particularly among younger girls, greatly outweigh the minor benefits derived from active ingredients,” stated Dr. Molly Hales, the study’s lead author from Northwestern University.
Dr. Hales remarked that while social media can provide a platform for creativity and self-expression, young girls do not require such complicated routines.
“The risk arises when girls interpret this as an essential step for caring for their skin and safeguarding their health,” she warned.
“These products do not enhance skin health and are likely to degrade skin integrity over time.”
Instead, she suggests using a gentle cleanser once or twice daily and emphasizes that applying sunscreen suffices.
In the journal Paediatrics, Hales and her team describe how they set up two TikTok accounts for a 13-year-old, collecting a sample of 100 videos showcasing skincare routines created by young users.
They discovered that 81 of the 82 content creators were girls, aged between 7 and 18.
“Most of these creators displayed clear, healthy skin without visible blemishes,” the researchers observed, noting that the videos often alluded to beauty ideals linked to whiteness.
The study revealed an average of six products per skincare routine, typically from the same brand, with a total average cost of $168 (£124). However, factoring in additional products, the overall cost could exceed $500 (£369).
“Get Ready With Me” videos were the most prevalent, followed by “skincare routines” and “after-school” skincare clips.
The team found that many featured ingredients, like citric acid, could lead to skin irritation and heightened sun sensitivity, raising the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Only 26% of the 84 videos that included sunscreen featured it in their daytime routines.
Dr. Hales noted that using products with multiple active ingredients or layering identical actives could further elevate the risk of irritation.
The researchers found that 76% of the 25 most viewed videos featured at least one potential contact allergen, frequently in the form of fragrances.
Dr. Tess McPherson from the British Association of Dermatologists, who did not participate in the study, emphasized its importance, as it corroborates anecdotal evidence of a rise in young people seeking treatment for skin irritation.
“We are witnessing a significant increase in individuals desiring what they term perfect skin. This mindset is unproductive and fails to bring true happiness,” she commented.
Dr. McPherson further noted that many young people are requesting birthday money for costly skincare products.
Echoing the study’s findings, she pointed out that such videos perpetuate stigmas regarding conditions like acne and eczema, as well as fears surrounding aging.
“Younger children are seeking skincare items that they don’t need; these products are ineffective,” she remarked. “This reflects a troubling societal view of what one’s skin should ideally look like.”
A TikTok representative responded, stating: “This kind of content appears across all media, and while the author acknowledges not assessing the impact on teenage well-being, they recognize genuine benefits in teenage self-expression, parental bonding, and building a supportive TikTok community.”
A 12-week study involving 72 pre-diabetic adults revealed that the consumption of either chickpeas or black beans positively influences inflammation markers in diabetic patients. Additionally, chickpea intake helps in cholesterol regulation.
Incorporating one bean daily can yield significant benefits for both heart and metabolic health. Image credit: PDPICS.
“Pre-diabetic individuals often exhibit poor lipid metabolism and persistent low-grade inflammation, both of which can lead to diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.”
“Our findings indicated that levels of tofu remained constant, yet they may aid in lowering cholesterol within pre-tofu individuals while also diminishing inflammation.”
While black beans and chickpeas are widely consumed, they are frequently neglected in extensive studies examining their effects on cholesterol and inflammation in those at risk for heart disease and diabetes.
This research forms part of a broader project investigating how the intake of black beans and chickpeas influences inflammation and insulin response mediated by intestinal microbiome activity.
“Our study highlights the advantages of bean consumption for pre-diabetic adults, but these legumes are excellent choices for everyone,” stated Smith.
“These insights can help shape dietary recommendations, clinical practices, and public health initiatives aimed at preventing heart disease and diabetes.”
To enhance the practical relevance of the research, the study was conducted with participants in their natural living environments.
Participants were randomly assigned to consume either 1 cup of black beans, chickpeas, or rice (the control group) over the span of 12 weeks.
Blood samples were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks to monitor cholesterol levels, inflammation, blood glucose, and glucose tolerance tests were administered at both the beginning and conclusion of the study.
The group consuming chickpeas saw a significant drop in total cholesterol, from an average of 200.4 milligrams per deciliter at the start to 185.8 milligrams per deciliter after 12 weeks.
In the black bean group, the average level of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, which is a marker for inflammation, decreased from 2.57 picograms per milliliter at baseline to 1.88 picograms per milliliter after 12 weeks.
No noteworthy changes were noted in markers of glucose metabolism.
“Switching to healthier alternatives, like canned, dried, or frozen beans, is an excellent starting point for those looking to increase their bean intake,” explained the scientist.
“However, it’s crucial to watch for extra ingredients like salt and sugar based on your selections.”
“There are numerous ways to include beans in your regular diet as a budget-friendly method to enhance your overall health and lower the risk of chronic ailments,” Smith added.
“You can blend them to thicken soups, use them as salad toppings, or combine them with other grains like rice or quinoa.”
The findings were reported in a presentation on June 3rd during the Nutrition 2025 annual meeting held by the American Nutrition Association.
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Morgan M. Smith et al. Effects of chronic intake of black beans and chickpeas on metabolism and inflammatory markers in prediabetic adults. Nutrition 2025 Summary #or18-01-25
A recent study conducted by physicists at the University of Oxford, Johns Hopkins, and the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris reveals a natural process involving a gravitational particle charger that utilizes free-falling particles from infinity, matter collisions from the most stable circular orbit of rotating black holes, and a gravitational particle charger that repeatedly cycles mass energy—excluding heavy particles. In essence, this describes the Super Collider.
The artist’s concept depicts an ultra-high massive black hole in the heart of the Milky Way galaxy known as Sagittarius A*. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/RALF CRAWFORD, STSCI.
Particle corridors accelerate protons and other subatomic particles towards one another at nearly the speed of light, revealing the fundamental properties of matter.
A subtle energy flash occurs upon collision, with fragments potentially unveiling previously unknown particles that may serve as candidates for dark matter—a crucial, yet elusive, component of the universe that remains undetected by scientists.
Facilities like the Large Hadron Collider also contribute to advancements in areas such as the internet, cancer therapy, and high-performance computing.
“One of the great aspirations for a particle collider like the Large Hadron Collider is to produce dark matter particles, though we have yet to find any evidence,” commented Professor Joseph Silk, an astrophysicist from Johns Hopkins University and Oxford University.
“This is why there’s ongoing dialogue about the necessity of constructing a much more powerful version for the next generation of Super Collider.”
“However, we’ve been waiting for 40 years to invest $30 billion in building this Super Collider, allowing nature to give us a glimpse into the future with supermassive black holes.”
A black hole can rotate around its axis like a planet but possesses significantly greater strength due to its intense gravitational field.
Increasingly, scientists are discovering that massive black holes rapidly spinning at the center of galaxies release enormous explosions of plasma, potentially due to jets transporting energy from the spin and surrounding accretion disks.
These phenomena can yield similar results to those produced by engineered Super Colliders.
“If ultra-high energy black holes can generate these particles through high-energy proton collisions, we could receive signals on Earth. Some high-energy particles pass through the detectors rapidly,” Professor Silk explained.
“This indicates a new particle collider effect within one of the universe’s most mysterious entities, achieving energies unattainable by any accelerator on Earth.”
“We may observe something with a unique signature believed to indicate the presence of dark matter. While this is somewhat speculative, it remains a possibility.”
New research indicates that gas falling into a black hole can harness energy from its spin, resulting in more violent behavior than previously thought.
Near rapidly spinning black holes, these particles can collide in a coordinated manner.
While not identical, this process resembles the collisions created using strong magnetic fields, where particles are accelerated in a circular high-energy particle corridor.
“Some particles from these collisions are swallowed by the black hole and vanish forever,” stated Professor Silk.
“However, due to their energy and momentum, some particles emerge, achieving unprecedented high energies.”
“We have recognized the immense energy of these particle beams, rivaling what can be produced in a Super Collider.”
“Determining the limits of this energy is challenging, but these phenomena are certainly aligned with the energy levels of the latest Super Colliders we plan to construct, providing complementary results.”
To detect such high-energy particles, scientists can utilize observatories that are already monitoring supernovae, massive black hole eruptions, and other cosmic occurrences.
These include detectors like the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the Kilometer Cube Neutrino Telescope in Antarctica.
The difference between a Super Collider and a black hole is their vast distances from one another. Nevertheless, these particles still reach us.
The team’s paper was published this week in the journal Physical Review Letters.
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Andrew Mamalie and Joseph Silk. 2025. Black Hole Super Collider. Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 221401; doi:10.1103/physrevlett.134.221401
A recent study conducted by researchers at Harvard Chan Public Health indicates that caffeine and regular coffee consumption during middle age are modestly and positively linked to various aspects of healthy aging in women. However, no notable correlation was found with tea or caffeinated coffee, whereas increased cola intake was associated with healthy aging and a lower likelihood of related health issues.
Mahdavi et al. Our aim was to explore the relationship between caffeine intake in middle age and the chances of healthy aging in older women participating in nurse health studies. Image credit: Sci.News.
“While earlier studies have linked coffee to specific health outcomes, this research is the first to evaluate coffee’s impact on multiple aspects of aging over three decades,” stated Dr. Sarah Mahadhabi, a researcher at Harvard Chan School of Public Health and the University of Toronto.
“The findings indicate that coffee may uniquely support aging processes that foster both mental and physical well-being.”
“Our study boasts several significant strengths, including a substantial sample size and three decades of follow-up. Moreover, we assessed various elements of longevity and healthy aging, in conjunction with comprehensive data on nutrition and lifestyle habits collected every four years after the study began.”
The research encompassed 47,513 women from the Nurses Health Survey, utilizing dietary and health data gathered since 1984.
Researchers evaluated caffeine consumption using a validated food frequency questionnaire, focusing on major caffeine sources like coffee, tea, cola, and caffeinated coffee.
Healthy aging was characterized as living to age 70 and above, free from 11 major chronic diseases, preserving physical abilities, maintaining mental health, exhibiting no cognitive impairment, and having no memory complaints.
Following 30 years of monitoring, researchers assessed how the probability of healthy aging varied with each additional 80 mg of caffeine consumed daily by the participants.
They also examined specific beverage types, including coffee, tea, caffeinated coffee (per 8-ounce cup), and cola (per 12-ounce glass).
The preliminary analyses identified other factors that might influence healthy aging, such as body weight, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity levels, educational attainment, and protein intake.
By 2016, 3,706 women in the study met all criteria for being classified as healthy agers.
Women aged between 45-60 typically consumed an average of 315 mg of caffeine daily, with over 80% of that derived from regular coffee consumption.
For those in the Healthy Agers Group, each additional cup of coffee per day was linked to a 2% to 5% increased likelihood of aging well, up to about 5 small cups per day, or approximately 2.5 standard cups by today’s measurements.
Researchers discovered no significant correlation between the consumption of decaffeinated coffee or tea and an elevated likelihood of healthy aging.
Importantly, for each additional glass of soda with caffeine, the chances of healthy aging decreased by 20-26%, indicating that not all caffeine sources are beneficial.
“While these findings are preliminary, they suggest that small, consistent habits can profoundly influence long-term health,” Dr. Mahadhabi noted.
“Moderate coffee intake can provide a range of protective benefits when coupled with other healthy practices, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking.”
“This study expands on previous evidence linking coffee consumption to healthy aging, but the benefits of coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of an overall healthy lifestyle, warranting further investigation.”
The findings were presented at the Survey results on June 2nd during the Nutrition 2025 annual meeting hosted by the American Nutrition Association.
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Sarah Mahadabi et al. Caffeine intake and healthy aging in women. Nutrition 2025 Summary #P22-039-25
In collaboration with the Chicago-Carnegie Hubble program, astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have conducted new measurements of the Hubble constant. The findings align with the prevailing Lambda Cold Dark Matter (λCDM) model without necessitating the introduction of additional new physics.
This artist’s illustration depicts the universe’s evolution, starting with the Big Bang on the left. Following this, you can see the microwave background of the universe. The formation of the first stars ends the universe’s dark ages, leading to the creation of galaxies. Image credit: M. Weiss/Harvard – Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
“Emerging evidence indicates that standard models of the cosmos remain robust,” stated Professor Wendy Friedman from the University of Chicago.
“While this doesn’t rule out potential inconsistencies with the model in the future, it currently appears consistent concerning the Hubble constant.”
Presently, there are two primary methods for calculating the rate of the universe’s expansion.
The first method involves measuring the residual light from the Big Bang, which still permeates the universe.
This radiation, referred to as the cosmic microwave background, provides astronomers with insights into the universe’s early conditions.
Professor Friedman and her colleagues focus on the second method, which assesses the current rate of expansion in our local astronomical context.
Ironically, this approach poses more challenges than retracing cosmic history due to the difficulty of accurately measuring distances.
Over the last fifty years, scientists have developed several techniques to measure relatively nearby distances.
One method relies on detecting the light from a specific category of stars at their brightest moment when they explode as supernovae at the end of their lifecycle.
By knowing the peak brightness of these supernovae, astronomers can gauge their apparent luminosity and determine the distance.
Further observations reveal how fast the galaxy that the supernova originated from is moving away from us.
Images of CMB radiation captured by the Atacama cosmological telescope, where orange and blue signify differing radiation strengths. Image credit: ACT collaboration.
Professor Friedman has advanced two additional techniques utilizing knowledge from other star types: giant red stars and carbon stars.
However, considerable adjustments are necessary before finalizing these distance measurements.
Astronomers first need to account for cosmic dust that dims the light coming from these distant stars within our galaxy.
It is also critical to verify and correct for any luminosity variations that may occur over time and space.
Lastly, correction for any subtle measurement errors from the instruments utilized is essential.
Fortunately, technological advancements, such as the launch of the more powerful Webb telescope in 2021, have enabled scientists to refine these measurements significantly.
“We have more than doubled the sample of galaxies used to calibrate supernovae,” Professor Friedman noted.
“Statistical enhancements are valuable and will greatly improve the findings.”
The latest calculations from the team, which incorporate data from both the Hubble and Webb telescopes, yield a value of 70.4 km per second, with a margin of error of 3% per megaparsec.
This brings the value into statistical alignment with recent measurements from cosmic microwave background observations at 67.4 km per megaparsec, with an accuracy of plus or minus 0.7%.
The Webb telescope, with four times the resolution of Hubble, allows for the identification of individual stars that were previously recorded as blurry groupings.
It also offers enhanced precision and is approximately ten times more sensitive, enabling the detection of significant objects.
“We’re truly witnessing how remarkable the Webb telescope is for accurately measuring distances to galaxies,” stated Dr. Taylor Hoyt, a researcher at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.
“Its infrared detectors can penetrate the dust that has historically impeded precise distance measurements, enabling much more accurate brightness assessments of stars.”
“Astrophysicists are striving to formulate a theory that might elucidate varying rates of expansion as the universe ages,” Professor Friedman remarked.
“There are over a thousand scholarly papers addressing this issue, and it proves to be exceptionally challenging.”
The team’s research paper was published on May 27th in the Astrophysical Journal.
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Wendy L. Friedman et al. 2025. Status Report on the Chicago Carnegie Hubble Program (CCHP): Measurement of Hubble constants using Hubble and James Webb’s Space Telescopes. APJ 985, 203; doi:10.3847/1538-4357/adce78
New research suggests that consuming sweet beverages poses a greater risk of type 2 diabetes compared to eating foods that contain sugar.
The study from Brigham Young University (BYU) in the US found that sugary drinks, such as sodas and fruit juices, are linked to an increased likelihood of developing the disease, whereas no similar connection was found with sugar intake from solid foods.
Dr. Karen Dela Corte, the lead author of the study and a professor of nutrition sciences at BYU, stated that the findings highlight why consuming sugar in the form of beverages like soda and juice is more detrimental to health than ingesting it through food.
Researchers analyzed data from 29 studies involving over half a million individuals across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania to identify which sources of sugar are most closely associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes.
The analysis revealed that a 340ml (12oz) serving of sugary drinks (including soft drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25%.
Fruit juices, such as pure fruit juice and various juice drinks, exhibited similar effects, even when consumed in moderation. An additional 226ml (8 oz) serving per day raised the risk by 5%.
These risks are relative; for instance, if an individual has a baseline risk of 10% for developing type 2 diabetes, consuming four sodas daily could elevate that risk to around 20%.
Conversely, dietary sugars derived from fruit, table sugar, and general sugar content were not linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and may even be associated with a lower risk in some cases.
While a good source of nutrients, certain fruit juices can contain sugar levels comparable to those in sweet sodas. – Credit: dmitriy83 via Getty
As this study is observational, it cannot definitively establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sugary drinks and type 2 diabetes. It’s possible that individuals who consume more sugary beverages are more likely to develop the condition.
The researchers adjusted their analyses to account for calorie intake, obesity, and other lifestyle factors, allowing them to isolate the impact of sugar itself instead of focusing on overall caloric consumption.
Nevertheless, Dela Corte emphasized that the findings highlight the necessity for more stringent nutritional guidelines regarding liquid sugars, including fruit juices, in relation to health. “Future dietary recommendations may need to differentiate the health impacts of sugar based on its source and form,” she said.
A study by The Guardian has revealed that over 50% of the most popular TikTok videos offering mental health advice are misleading.
As more individuals seek mental health support on social media, research has shown that numerous influencers spread misinformation, including improper treatment terminology, unrealistic “quick fix” solutions, and inaccurate claims.
Those in need of help encounter questionable advice, such as suggestions to eat oranges while showering to alleviate anxiety. Some promote untested supplements like saffron, magnesium glycinate, and sacred basil as remedies for anxiety, along with claims about healing emotional wounds in an hour. Additionally, normal emotional reactions are incorrectly framed as symptoms of borderline personality disorder or abuse.
Lawmakers and experts expressed concern about the findings, stating that social media’s harmful mental health advice is both troubling and dangerous, prompting the government to consider stricter regulations to safeguard citizens from the spread of misinformation.
The Guardian analyzed the top 100 videos associated with the #MentalHealthTips hashtag on TikTok, consulting psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic specialists.
Experts determined that 52 out of those 100 videos provided advice on trauma, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and severe mental illness.
David Okay, a consultant neuropsychiatrist and psychology researcher at King’s College London, examined videos related to anxiety and depression. He noted that some posts misuse treatment language, potentially creating confusion around the true nature of mental illnesses.
Many videos offered broad advice based on limited personal experiences and anecdotal evidence.
The analysis indicated that social media often oversimplifies treatment realities, reducing complex issues to catchy soundbites. Although effective treatments exist, it’s crucial to communicate that there are no quick or one-size-fits-all solutions, he emphasized.
Dan Poulter, a former health minister and NHS psychiatrist who reviewed videos on severe mental illness, stated that some content trivializes daily experiences, equating them with serious mental health diagnoses.
“This type of misinformation can mislead viewers and downplay the real challenges faced by those with serious mental illnesses,” he noted.
Amber Johnston, a psychologist recognized by the British Psychological Association who evaluated trauma-related videos, remarked that while many contain valid insights, they often overgeneralize and downplay the complexity of post-traumatic stress disorder or trauma symptoms.
“Each video misleadingly suggests a uniform experience of PTSD that can be neatly summed up in a 30-second clip. The reality is that PTSD and trauma symptoms are uniquely individual and require the attention of a trained professional,” she explained.
“TikTok disseminates misinformation by implying there are universal shortcuts and insights that might actually exacerbate viewers’ issues, rather than provide solutions,” she added.
TikTok stated that videos will be removed if they dissuade users from seeking medical help or endorse harmful treatments. In the UK, when users search for mental health terms like depression or anxiety, they are directed to NHS resources.
Labour MP Chi Onwurah mentioned that the technical committee she leads is investigating misinformation on social media. A survey highlighted serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of online safety laws in combating misleading and harmful online content.
“We know that recommendation algorithms on platforms like TikTok intensify the spread of damaging misinformation, including false mental health advice,” she noted. “Immediate action is needed to address the deficiencies of the Online Safety Act and safeguard public health and safety online.”
Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins concurred with the troubling findings and called on the government to act decisively to shield individuals from harmful misinformation.
Labour MP Paulette Hamilton, chair of the Health and Social Care Selection Committee, also raised concerns about mental health misinformation on social media. “These ‘tips’ should not replace professional, qualified support,” she insisted.
Professor Bernadka Dubicka, online safety lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, noted that while social media can raise awareness, it’s vital that people access health information grounded in the latest evidence from reliable sources. Mental disorders can only be diagnosed through a thorough evaluation by qualified mental health professionals.
A TikTok spokesperson commented, “TikTok is a platform for millions to share their authentic mental health experiences and seek supportive communities. However, we recognize the methodological limitations of this research.”
“We are committed to collaborating with the World Health Organization and NHS health experts to promote accurate information on our platform and to eliminate 98% of harmful misinformation prior to reporting,” they added.
A government representative stated that the minister is “taking steps to minimize the impact of harmful misleading content online” through the new online safety legislation.
Visitors to flowers, including pollinators, generate distinct sounds through the movement of their wings during flight. These sounds play a significant role in fitness, providing crucial information to flowering plants and potentially influencing resource distribution while attracting pollinators. Recent research conducted by Professor Francesca Barbero from the University of Turin and her team examined the acoustic characteristics of the sounds made by various flight visitors, focusing on the Snapdragon (Anti-Ruhinam sp.) flowers in their natural habitat. Their findings indicate that behaviors such as hovering, landing, and takeoff yield unique acoustic signatures. Moreover, plants exhibit responses to vibroacoustic stimuli from these pollinators, hinting at possible adaptive reactions.
Recording devices, models of Anti-Ruhinam plants, and an approaching Rhodanthidium staticum bee. Image credit: A lively lab.
When pollinators visit flowers, they generate various distinct sounds, ranging from the flapping of wings while hovering to the sounds of landing and taking off.
Nonetheless, these sounds are relatively subtle compared to other vibrations and acoustics present in insect life, leading researchers to overlook the acoustic signals linked to wing and body movements in these insects.
Professor Barbero and her collaborators have investigated these signals, creating a non-invasive and effective approach to monitor impacts on pollinator communities as well as plant biology and ecology.
“The coevolution between plants and their pollinators has largely been explored through visual and olfactory cues, despite emerging evidence that both insects and plants are capable of sensing, producing, or transmitting vibroacoustic signals,” Professor Barbero stated.
They discovered that the sounds of these efficient pollinators led snapdragons to enhance sugar and nectar production, even prompting changes in gene expression related to sugar transport and nectar formation.
These plant responses could serve as survival strategies and coevolutionary tactics, particularly as they can influence how long pollinators linger and their overall fidelity.
“The ability to recognize approaching pollinators through unique vibroacoustic signals may represent an adaptive strategy for plants,” Professor Barbero added.
“By responding to suitable vibroacoustic cues (like those from effective pollinators), plants can bolster reproductive success by encouraging favorable pollinator behavior.”
While it’s evident that lively sounds can elicit plant responses, it’s yet undetermined if plant acoustics can also influence insect behavior.
“If insect reactions to these responses are confirmed, we could harness sound to enhance economically significant plants and crops and increase their appeal to pollinators,” Professor Barbero mentioned.
The research team is continuously analyzing and comparing snapdragon reactions to various pollinators and nectar robbers.
“The myriad ways plants can discern biological factors, including beneficial and harmful insects, neighboring plants, and abiotic signals like temperature, drought, and wind, are genuinely remarkable,” Professor Barbero remarked.
In their recent study, scientist Christopher Hall and his team at the University of Auckland concentrated on neutrophils, a specific type of white blood cell significant for antibacterial defense.
yi du et al. We identified a photoresponsive endometrial timer that regulates time variations in antibacterial activity. Image credit: Summerstock.
The researchers employed zebrafish as a model organism due to its similar genetic composition to humans, and its capability of being raised with a transparent body, facilitating real-time observation of biological processes.
“Previous research has noted heightened immune responses in the morning during the initial stages of active fish,” Dr. Hall explained.
“I believe this reflects an evolutionary adaptation where the host is more vigilant during daylight, thus more prone to encounter bacterial infections.”
Nevertheless, the team aimed to determine how immune responses align with sunlight exposure.
The findings revealed that neutrophils have a circadian clock that activates during the day, boosting their bacterial-killing efficacy.
Most cells in our body maintain a circadian clock to synchronize with external time, thus regulating bodily functions.
Light plays a crucial role in resetting these circadian clocks.
“Given that neutrophils are the first immune cells to respond to inflammatory sites, our results carry significant implications for therapeutic advancements in many inflammatory diseases,” Dr. Hall remarked.
“This discovery opens avenues for developing drugs aimed at neutrophil circadian clocks to enhance our capability to fight infectious diseases.”
Study will be featured in the journal Scientific Immunology.
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Lucia Yi du et al. 2025. Light-regulated circadian timers optimize the bactericidal function of neutrophils and enhance daytime immunity. Scientific Immunology 10 (107); doi: 10.1126/Sciimmunol.Adn3080
Currently, only two species of sloths exist, but in the past, numerous species roamed the Earth, including one with a nose resembling a bottle and another akin to the ancestors of modern armadillos. Most of these extinct sloths were too massive to inhabit trees. The largest of them all – a member of the genus Megatherium – reached the size of an Asian bull elephant, weighing around 3.63 tons (8,000 pounds).
The ancient sloths inhabited a variety of environments – trees, mountains, deserts, northern forests, and open savannas – leading to wide differences in size among sloth species. Image credit: Diego Barletta.
“They resembled Grizzly Bears but were five times larger,” noted Dr. Rachel Nalducci, collection manager for vertebrate paleontology at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
In a recent study, Dr. Nalducci and her team examined ancient DNA and compared over 400 fossils from 17 museums to explore how and why extinct sloths achieved such sizes.
The size difference ranges significantly between the massive Megatherium and the more modestly sized Shasta Sloth, which thrived on cacti in the arid regions of North America.
Conversely, the sloths adapted for tree climbing were uniformly small, averaging around 6 kg (14 lbs), with ground-dwelling sloths like them averaging about 79 kg (174 lbs).
Ground sloths had a strong affinity for caves, where their size played a crucial role in finding and creating shelters.
The moderately sized Shasta Sloths ventured into the depths of geological lungs formed by wind and water, creating magnificent canyons.
The larger sloths were not limited to pre-existing caves; using their sizeable claws, the largest known mammalian claws (whether extinct or extant), they could carve out their shelters from bare earth and rock. Evidence of their nests can still be found today, with claw marks adorning the cave walls.
Other factors influencing size variations likely include climate, interspecies interactions, and metabolic rates.
To accurately analyze these factors, a substantial amount of diverse data was required.
The authors integrated fossil shape data with DNA from both living organisms and extinct species to construct sloth lineages dating back over 35 million years.
With this foundation established, they incorporated findings from decades of research about the habitats sloths occupied, their diets, and their behavioral patterns.
Paleontologists maintain a keen interest in the evolution of size, collecting extensive data from numerous museum fossils for their analyses.
Sloth size differences are significantly shaped by the habitats they inhabited, which were also influenced by climate change.
“This research, employing evolutionary models across various scenarios and accounting for all these factors, is a considerable undertaking unlike anything previously attempted,” remarked Dr. Nalducci.
The sloth lineage witnessed dramatic life-altering changes as Earth’s climate evolved.
The earliest recognized sloth, Pseudoglyptodon, inhabited Argentina around 37 million years ago.
Analysis from the research team suggests that early sloths were likely small, ground-dwelling creatures, about the size of a Great Dane.
Throughout evolution, sloths occasionally adopted semiarboreal lifestyles.
However, not all sloths remained tree dwellers; the largest species, including Megatherium and Mylodon, likely evolved from tree-adapted ancestors but ultimately thrived on the ground.
Amidst this mixture of arboreal and terrestrial creatures, sloth size remained relatively stable for about 20 million years, regardless of their activity preferences until a significant geological event occurred.
A great rift opened between present-day Washington and Idaho, extending through parts of Oregon and Nevada, releasing magma.
This process left a staggering 600,000 cubic miles of volcanic material in the Pacific Northwest, still observable today along the Columbia River, where flowing water has sculpted basalt into distinct columns.
These formations exhibit a unique hexagonal shape, resulting from the magma’s cooling and cracking processes.
The volcanic activity that formed these structures occurred over a slow burn spanning approximately 750,000 years, aligning with a period of global warming known as the mid-Miocene climate optimum.
Greenhouse gases released by these volcanic eruptions are presently thought to be a primary factor in that period of warming.
As a response, sloths began shrinking in size, possibly due to warmer temperatures leading to increased rainfall, which expanded forest habitats, offering more room for smaller species.
Size reduction is a common adaptive strategy among animals coping with heat stress, as recorded in various fossil records.
After volcanic activity ceased, the world remained warm for nearly a million years before returning to a longstanding cooling trend that persists today. Sloths also adapted, growing bulkier as temperatures decreased.
Arboreal and semiarboreal sloths were inherently limited by their need for tree proximity, but ground-dwelling sloths roamed freely in diverse terrains.
They trekked up the Andean mountains, traversed open savannas, migrated through deciduous forests in North America, and built homes in Canada and Alaska’s boreal forests.
There were even sloths adapted to marine environments. Thalassocnus thrived on dry land between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, sourcing food from the ocean to survive in such harsh conditions.
“They developed adaptations analogous to those of the Manatee,” Dr. Nalducci explained.
“Their dense ribs aided buoyancy, and elongated noses facilitated foraging for sea grass.”
These varied environments posed unique challenges that ground sloths creatively navigated.
“Such adaptations would have conserved energy and water, enabling more efficient movement through resource-limited habitats,” Dr. Nalducci remarked.
“In open grasslands, protection is crucial, and increased size offers some degree of safety.”
“Some ground sloths also had sparse bone structures embedded in their skin, akin to pebbles.”
Moreover, larger body sizes played a vital role in helping sloths endure the cooling climate.
They reached their peak size during the Pleistocene Ice Age, just before their eventual disappearance.
“Around 15,000 years ago is when notable population declines began,” Dr. Nalducci observed.
While debates continue regarding the reasons for sloth extinction, it coincided with human arrival in North America around the same time, leading to significant declines in sloth populations.
Ironically, the very size that provided protection from typical predators and insulated them from cold climates also contributed to their downfall.
Fast but well-defended, ground sloths proved difficult prey for early humans.
Tree-dwelling sloths observed the devastation unfold below from the safety of their heights, yet they too faced losses.
Two Caribbean sloth species managed to survive until about 4,500 years ago, after their terrestrial relatives had vanished elsewhere.
Humans reached the Caribbean around the same time the Egyptians were constructing pyramids, resulting in the quick extinction of Caribbean sloths.
“Paleoclimate changes cannot solely account for the rapid extinction of ground sloths beginning around 15,000 years ago,” the researchers asserted.
“Their sudden disappearance indicates human-driven factors were likely at play in the decline and extinction of sloths on Earth.”
Study published in the May 22nd, 2025 edition of the journal Science.
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Alberto Boscani et al. 2025. The appearance and end of giant sloths. Science 388 (6749): 864-868; doi: 10.1126/science.adu0704
This article is based on a press release from the Florida Museum of Natural History.
According to a recent study, out of 186 countries, only Guyana is capable of producing sufficient food for itself without relying on foreign imports.
This study, published in Natural Food, assessed how effectively countries can supply their populations with seven food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish, meat, plant-based proteins, and starchy staples.
Globally, the research revealed that 65% of countries produce meat and dairy in alignment with their population’s dietary needs.
It also determined that Guyana, situated in South America, stands as the sole country achieving complete self-sufficiency, while China and Vietnam can sufficiently produce food across six out of the seven food groups.
However, only one in seven individuals in the surveyed countries was deemed self-sufficient in five or more categories.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Guyana was identified as the only nation in this study that produces enough food to nourish its people across all seven food groups. – Credit: Jonas Stehl, Nature Food 2025, doi: 10.1038/S43016-025-01173-4 Data published
Meanwhile, there is a global deficiency of nutrient-dense plants, as fewer than half of the countries involved in the study produce adequate plant-based proteins, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, and seeds, as well as sufficient starchy carbohydrates and vegetables.
Europe and South America tended to be closer to achieving self-sufficiency compared to other regions. In contrast, small island nations, countries in the Arabian Peninsula, and low-income nations were more likely to depend on food imports.
Six nations—Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Macau, Qatar, and Yemen—produced inadequate food groups to be categorized as self-sufficient.
“Low self-sufficiency is not inherently negative,” stated Dr. Jonas Stehl, a researcher from Göttingen and the first author of the study, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “There are effective and often advantageous reasons why a country may not meet all its food production needs.”
For instance, a country may lack sufficient rainfall, quality soil, or stable temperatures necessary for growing adequate food for its population.
Stehl added that importing food from suitable regions can also be cost-effective.
“However, low levels of self-sufficiency can compromise a country’s ability to respond to sudden global food supply shocks, such as droughts, conflicts, and export bans,” he noted.
A team from the University of Göttingen in Germany and the University of Edinburgh in the UK conducted the study, evaluating the food output of various countries.
The researchers compared this data to the nutritional needs of each nation’s citizens, referencing the World Wildlife Fund’s Livewell Diet.
The Livewell Diet recommends “a flexible eating pattern that emphasizes plant-based protein sources, consumes vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and limits foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.”
The Covid-19 pandemic and the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have sparked discussions about the merits of self-sufficiency, as these global crises have disrupted consistent food supplies to importing countries.
Stehl concluded that “the increased attention on national food self-sufficiency may signal broader political changes.”
Read more:
About Our Experts
Dr. Jonas Stehl is a doctoral researcher at the University of Göttingen in Germany, focusing on the food system and its implications for sustainability, nutrition, and health from a global viewpoint. He is part of an interdisciplinary research training group named Sustainable Food Systems. Stehl’s research interests include development, health, the environment, group economy, nutrition, and food security.
As we age, the likelihood of developing chronic non-infectious diseases increases, necessitating interventions that target the aging process. One of the measures used to assess biological aging in these interventions is an algorithm that analyzes DNA methylation patterns, referred to as epigenetic clocks. This new research focuses on identifying beneficial nutritional components such as green tea, oolong tea, turmeric, rosemary, garlic, and berries.
Villanueva et al. suggest that targeted food choices may help slow the aging process. Image credit: Sci.News.
“We have observed numerous individuals struggling with their health,” stated Dr. Jamie L. Villanueva, a researcher at Washington University and the National University of Natural Medicine.
“The DNA methylation pattern, which acts as a chemical marker in DNA, can reveal whether a person is aging faster or slower than anticipated.”
“This research employed Horvath’s epigenetic clock, a widely recognized method, to assess changes in epigenetic age.”
Researchers studied healthy men aged 50-72 who had previously undertaken an 8-week program featuring a plant-based, nutritious diet, complemented by guidance on exercise, sleep, and stress management.
The team investigated individual dietary variations to understand why some participants exhibited greater improvements in their epigenetic age compared to others.
The findings showed that participants consuming higher amounts of methyladaptogenic foods—like turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green tea, and oolong tea—experienced a notable reduction in their epigenetic age.
These positive effects remained significant even after accounting for weight changes and initial epigenetic ages, indicating a direct impact of the foods on aging markers.
“In hierarchical linear regression analyses, foods assessed as polyphenol modulators of DNA methylation, previously categorized as methyladaptogens, demonstrated a significant linear association with changes in epigenetic age after controlling for baseline epigenetic age acceleration and alterations in body weight,” the researchers explained.
The natural compounds in methyladaptogenic foods are known to influence gene behavior through their effects on DNA methylation.
Prior research has indicated that these compounds may support healthy aging and lower the risk of conditions like heart disease and cognitive decline.
Though this study involved a relatively small cohort of middle-aged men, it contributes to the expanding body of global research suggesting that diets rich in polyphenols found in vegetables, fruits, and tea are linked to slower aging.
The results reinforce previous studies on Mediterranean and traditional Japanese diets, renowned for their health benefits.
“Future studies should involve a larger and more diverse population and explore these findings using updated tools for measuring epigenetic aging,” the author noted.
“Based on current findings, this study underscores practical, food-based strategies that can help mitigate epigenetic aging and promote long-term health.”
Jamie L. Villanueva et al. 2025. Dietary relationships with epigenetic age decline: secondary data analysis of methylated diet and lifestyle studies. aging 17(4):994-1010; doi:10.18632/aging.206240
Compromised AI-driven chatbots pose risks by gaining access to harmful knowledge through illegal information encountered during their training, according to researchers.
This alert comes as an alarming trend emerges where chatbots have been “jailbroken” to bypass their inherent safety measures. These safeguards are meant to stop the systems from delivering harmful, biased, or inappropriate responses to user queries.
Powerful chatbots, including large language models (LLMs) like ChatGpt, Gemini, and Claude, consume vast amounts of content from the Internet.
Even with attempts to filter out harmful content from their training datasets, LLMs can still learn about illegal activities—including hacking, money laundering, insider trading, and bomb-making. Security protocols are intended to prevent the use of such information in their answers.
In a Report on the risks, researchers found that it is surprisingly easy to deceive many AI-powered chatbots into producing harmful and illegal content, emphasizing that the threat is “immediate, concrete, and alarming.”
The author cautions that “what was once limited to state actors and organized crime may now be accessible to anyone with a laptop or smartphone.”
The study, conducted by Professor Rior Lokach and Dr. Michael Fier from Ben Gurion University in Negev, Israel, highlights an escalating threat from “dark LLMs” developed without safety measures or altered through jailbreaks. Some entities openly promote a “no ethical guardrails” approach, facilitating illegal activities like cybercrime and fraud.
Jailbreaking involves using specially crafted prompts to manipulate chatbots into providing prohibited responses. This is achieved by taking advantage of the chatbot’s primary goal of following user requests against its secondary aim of avoiding harmful, biased, unethical, or illegal outputs. Prompts typically create scenarios where the program prioritizes usefulness over safety precautions.
To illustrate the issue, researchers created a universal jailbreak that breached several prominent chatbots, enabling them to answer questions that should normally be denied. Once compromised, LLMs consistently produced responses to nearly all inquiries, according to the report.
“It was astonishing to see the extent of knowledge this system holds,” Fier noted, citing examples that included hacking computer networks and providing step-by-step guides for drug manufacturing and other criminal activities.
“What makes this threat distinct from previous technical challenges is an unparalleled combination of accessibility, scalability, and adaptability,” Rokach added.
The researchers reached out to leading LLM providers to inform them of the universal jailbreak, but reported that the response was “overwhelmingly inadequate.” Some companies did not reply, while others claimed that the jailbreak threat lay outside the parameters of their bounty programs, which encourage ethical hackers to report software vulnerabilities.
The report suggests that chatbots need to “forget” any illegal information they learn, emphasizing that technology companies must screen training data rigorously, implement strong firewalls to block dangerous queries and responses, and develop techniques for “learning machines.” Dark LLMs should be regarded as a “serious security threat,” comparable to unlicensed weapons and explosives, warranting accountability from providers.
Dr. Isen Aloani, an AI security expert at Queen’s University Belfast, highlighted that jailbreak attacks on LLMs could lead to significant risks, ranging from detailed weapon-building instructions to sophisticated disinformation campaigns, social engineering, and automated fraud.
“A crucial part of the solution is for companies to not only rely on front-end safeguards but to also invest meaningfully in red teaming and enhancing model-level robustness. Clear standards and independent oversight are essential to adapt to the evolving threat landscape,” he stated.
Professor Peter Garraghan, an AI security authority at Lancaster University, emphasized, “Organizations need to treat LLMs as they would any other vital software component.”
“While jailbreaking is a concern, understanding the entire AI stack is vital for genuine accountability. The real security requirements involve responsible design and deployment, not merely responsible disclosure,” he added.
OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGpt, stated that the latest O1 model can better infer its safety policies and improve its resistance to jailbreak attempts. The company affirmed its ongoing research to bolster the robustness of its solutions.
Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Anthropic were contacted for their feedback. Microsoft replied with a link to a blog detailing their work to mitigate jailbreaks.
All living beings, including you, emit subtle, etheric, semi-visible light that continues until death. Recent research supports this idea.
This mysterious luminescence might lead one to believe it is an indication of an aura or something similar.
However, Dr. Daniel Oblak, a physicist from the University of Calgary and the study’s lead author, explained to BBC Science Focus that while the concept of an aura is metaphysical and unscientific, the emitted light is not. Known as Ultraweak Photon Emission (UPE), it is a natural byproduct of metabolism.
“I would like to emphasize that UPE usually results from biochemical processes and is thus akin to what occurs with glow sticks.”
“UPE is so faint that it is imperceptible to the human eye and can be completely obscured by other light sources unless in total darkness.”
Don’t think that you can observe your own sparkle simply by closing the curtains and turning off the lights; this light is 1,000 to 1,000,000 times dimmer than what the human eye can detect.
These four mice emitted significantly more ultrweak photon emissions (UPEs) while alive (top) compared to after death (bottom). – Credits: Salari et al, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 2025
UPE arises when a chemical within a cell creates an unstable molecule, known as a reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is essentially a byproduct of metabolic activity.
As ROS levels increase, other molecules become “excited,” meaning they carry excess energy, and it is this energy that emits light.
The primary factor driving this phenomenon is oxidative stress, a kind of cellular damage caused by aging and disease. The greater the oxidative stress experienced by the body, the more ROS—and consequently, more light—is produced.
“When an organism ceases to live, it halts metabolism, thereby stopping the emission of ultrawave photons,” he remarked.
To investigate UPE, scientists in Calgary measured the UPE generated by immobilized and deceased mice and damaged leaves.
Using specialized cameras, they found that living mice emitted significantly more light than their deceased counterparts. Conversely, the leaves released more light in areas that were damaged compared to intact regions.
This is due to increased oxidative stress in the scratched areas. However, the dead mice did not emit light as their bodies no longer underwent metabolic processes.
The leaves of St. Stwhere were illuminated by scratches and chemical damage. – Credits: Salari et al, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 2025
Dr. Oblak highlighted that the significance of UPE lies in its ability to provide a non-invasive method to assess the health of living organisms.
“This technology could be utilized to monitor tissue status, such as in transplants, or to gauge crop and forest health, especially regarding the stress levels in organisms,” he explained.
Nonetheless, this field remains rife with uncertainties. For instance, Oblak pondered: “Perhaps UPE is not merely a byproduct of metabolic processes; it may also serve a purpose,” although scientists have yet to reach a consensus.
Read more:
About our experts
Dr. Daniel Oblak is an associate professor in the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary. He earned his PhD in Quantum Optics from the University of Copenhagen in 2010, having previously completed his Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees at Aarhus University. Currently, his research interests encompass quantum information science, long-range encryption, quantum networks, and quantum light interfaces.
Vegetarians have a similar reaction to meat as they do to eating feces or human flesh, according to recent research from Oxford University.
A study involving 252 vegetarians and 57 meat eaters examined whether this aversion was influenced by the source of the food being plant or animal-based.
Initially, participants were shown a range of vegetables commonly disliked, including raw onions, green olives, sprouts, beetroot, and overripe fruit, and were asked to envision eating them. Both groups expressed “disgust” towards these vegetables. Essentially, the flavors and textures were perceived negatively.
Next, participants looked at pre-cooked chicken, bacon, and steak. Here, the vegetarians reacted quite differently. They experienced feelings of nausea, voiced ideological objections, and stated they found anything that had been in contact with meat unappealing.
All the meat is clean and cooked.
The reactions of aversion were similar to those elicited when participants were asked to imagine consuming human feces or the flesh of humans or dogs (the meat was actually just plain meat labeled accordingly—no harm came to any dogs, although a few humans faced bad treatment).
“Disgust is an ancient evolutionary mechanism observed in various species and acts as a straightforward response to ‘bad’ preferences, primarily linked to bitter and sour tastes,” stated Elisa Becker, the lead researcher from Oxford University, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“Aversion, in contrast, is likely a uniquely human response stemming from more complex thoughts about food and its meanings.”
The distinction between these reactions may lie in evolutionary history. Aversion enabled early humans to avoid toxic plants with unpleasant flavors, while disgust developed as a more sophisticated reaction to the unseen risks associated with meat, which can harbor pathogens and parasites.
“Disgust does not arise solely from taste but is triggered by animal products, including meat and our own bodily substances. These are prime carriers for pathogens,” Becker explained. “The purpose of disgust is to protect us from toxins and diseases.”
This insight may assist initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable diets by altering perceptions of certain foods.
“It could be beneficial for people seeking to reduce their meat consumption or increase vegetable intake,” Becker remarked. “Novel, more sustainable protein sources (like insects or lab-grown meat) can often invoke disgust. Understanding this instinct can help us overcome it.”
About our experts
Elisa Becker is a postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Primary Care Health Sciences at Oxford University. She investigates behavioral change interventions that assist individuals in reducing meat consumption, focusing on the emotional processing of meat and the effectiveness of various strategies.
Following traumatic experiences, such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one, individuals may encounter symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.
This phenomenon, clinically termed takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is believed to arise from emotional or physical stress that triggers a surge of hormones, including adrenaline, which hampers the heart’s ability to contract effectively. While most individuals recover swiftly, a minority may face heart failure.
Wounded heart syndrome predominantly affects women; however, men have a mortality rate that is more than double that of women. A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights this disparity.
The research examined data from around 200,000 adults in the U.S. who were hospitalized for this condition between 2016 and 2020. It found that nearly 11% of men in this group died, compared to about 5% of women. This was supported by previous studies indicating a higher mortality rate among men.
“It’s consistently noted that men generally do not experience takotsubo syndrome as frequently, but when they do, the outcomes tend to be worse,” explained Dr. Harmony Reynolds, director of NYU Langone Health’s Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Research, who was not part of the study.
The differences between men and women could be tied to the triggers of their conditions, according to the cardiologist. In men, the syndrome is often instigated by physical stressors like surgery or stroke, whereas in women, the triggers tend to be emotional, such as job loss or the death of a loved one.
“Individuals facing emotional stressors tend to fare better,” noted Dr. Iran Wittstein, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine who was not involved in the study.
“Men appear to have a higher risk of severe outcomes or mortality, suggesting that a more dangerous trigger is necessary for syndrome onset.”
Dr. Mohammad Movahed, the principal investigator of the study, added that men may also struggle more with recovery from takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Research indicates lower social support for men to help them cope with stress.
“If the stressor is transient and then removed, there could still be damage to the heart or diminished recovery chances,” Movahed, a cardiologist at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, explained.
However, scientists continue to explore the underlying mechanisms of the syndrome and why fatalities occur in rare instances.
“Researchers are still pursuing to uncover the definitive causes of this condition,” Wittstein remarked.
Is stress the only trigger?
To diagnose takotsubo cardiomyopathy, physicians look for certain hallmark signs. Typically, in affected patients, parts of the heart muscle balloon out, but there are usually no blocked arteries, which would indicate a heart attack. Most patients can also identify stressors that led to their episodes.
“During these moments, we feel the weight on our hearts,” stated Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. “It’s as if heartache manifests physically.”
However, Wittstein cautioned that stress alone may not suffice to trigger takotsubo syndrome.
“Some individuals might have minor work-related frustrations, engage in a slightly intense jog, or experience irritation at a red light,” he described.
Reynolds shared that one of her patients had four instances of the syndrome, each stemming from a mild stomach bug that caused vomiting.
“She is quite averse to vomiting, which likely contributed to her incidents,” she noted.
Wittstein now posits that certain individuals may harbor an inherent sensitivity to takotsubo syndrome. His findings suggest that stress hormones narrow small blood vessels around the heart, limiting blood flow and making some individuals, especially those with high blood pressure or cholesterol, more vulnerable.
Research indicates that postmenopausal women are at an elevated risk of developing this syndrome, potentially due to decreased estrogen levels, which facilitate the dilation of small blood vessels around the heart.
However, Reynolds emphasized that further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.
“There’s a suggestion that sex hormones may play a role, but establishing that link is still an ongoing challenge,” she said.
It’s complex to manage and prevent
The intricate nature of takotsubo cardiomyopathy can complicate its prevention and treatment.
Doctors often seek ways to alleviate stress, sometimes prescribing medications intended for other heart conditions, such as beta blockers, or recommending meditation and mental health support.
“To date, we have not identified any preventive drugs that effectively reduce complications, mortality rates, or specific therapies,” Movahed stated.
The new study found that mortality rates associated with takotsubo syndrome remained relatively stable from 2016 to 2020.
However, Wittstein noted that the study relies on diagnostic codes assigned to hospitalized patients, which might overlook broader circumstances influencing a patient’s death, particularly regarding strokes or other neurological issues.
“I suspect many individuals recover from takotsubo syndrome but subsequently succumb to other complications,” he remarked.
The cardiologist advises patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain or shortness of breath, rather than attributing it solely to stress.
“Only through a comprehensive evaluation at the hospital can we differentiate between this condition and a traditional heart attack,” Reynolds cautioned. “Thus, it’s critical not to ignore chest pain.”
Researchers have explored the significance of obsidian, a crucial resource in the Aztec empire, utilized for tools and ritual items, as well as its broad importance in the pre-Columbian period. They examined 788 obsidian artifacts, representing various objects and contexts excavated from the mayor of Tenochtitlan (c. 1375-1520), the empire’s core located in present-day Mexico City. Their findings revealed that the Aztecs favored Green Obsidian from Sierra de Pachuca, while also sourcing this material from seven other locations. These results indicate a complex economy that depended on extensive long-distance trade, influenced not only by conquests but also internal rivalries.
Obsidian artifacts from Tenochtitlan. Image credit: mirsa islas/ptm-inah.
“While the Mexica preferred Green Obsidian, the variety of obsidian types, especially in non-ritual artifacts, indicates that these tools came from multiple markets rather than being directly acquired from sources,” noted a candidate from Tulane University.
“By tracing the origins of this material, we can examine the distribution of goods across Mesoamerica.”
Analysis revealed that nearly 90% of the obsidian artifacts sampled were produced from Sierra de Pachuca Obsidian.
Most ritual items discovered within the buried offerings at Mayor Templo were crafted from this type of obsidian, including small weapons, gemstones, and decorative inlays for sculptures.
A modest yet significant portion of obsidian was sourced from regions like Otonba, Tulanche, Ucaleo, and El Paraiso, with some being beyond the control of the Mexica Empire.
These materials were typically used for tool-making and found in construction fill, suggesting their availability through local markets rather than strict state control.
This study traced the evolution of obsidian use from the city’s early days up to its fall in 1520 AD.
In the initial phases of the Empire, there was greater diversity in obsidian sources present in both ceremonial and daily items.
Following the consolidation of Aztec power around AD 1430, obsidian was primarily sourced from Sierra de Pachuca, indicating a trend towards religious uniformity and centralized oversight.
“This type of compositional analysis enables us to track the evolution of empire expansion, political alliances, and trade networks over time,” remarked Matadamas Gomora.
“This research highlights the vast scope and intricacy of the Mexica Empire and demonstrates how archaeological science can illuminate ancient artifacts and provide insights into past cultural practices.”
Survey results will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Diego Matadama Gomora et al. 2025. A compositional analysis of obsidian artifacts from the mayor of Tenochitlan, the capital of the Mexican Empire. pnas 122 (20): E2500095122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2500095122
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and Georgia Tech has uncovered that flamingos are not mere passive filter feeders; instead, they are active predators that employ flow-guided traps to catch nimble invertebrates.
Flamingos feed by dragging their flattened beaks forward along the shallow lake bottom. To enhance feeding efficiency, they stomp their feet to stir up the bottom, create swirling vortices with their heads, and repeatedly slap their beaks to catch food like brine shrimp. Image credit: aztli ortega.
“Flamingos are predators actively seeking out moving animals underwater. The challenge they face is how to concentrate these prey items to attract and capture them.”
“Consider how spiders spin webs to catch insects. Flamingos utilize vortices to trap creatures such as brine shrimp.”
Utilizing high-speed cameras and particle image velocity measurements, the researchers documented and analyzed feeding behaviors, employing flow visualization techniques involving fine food particles and oxygen bubbles.
They discovered that the birds use their floppy, swaying feet to disturb the bottom sediment and propel themselves forward in a swirling motion. Additionally, the flamingos convulse their heads upward like plungers while creating mini-tornados to draw food from the water’s surface.
As the birds keep their heads inverted in a watery vortex, their angled beaks create small vortices that direct sediment and food into their mouths, enhancing their feeding efficiency.
The unique structure of the flamingo’s beak, with its flattened shape and angled front, enables a technique known as skimming. This involves the bird extending its long, S-shaped neck to push its head forward while rapidly beating its beak, generating a sheet-like vortex (von Karman vortex) that captures prey.
“These complex active feeding behaviors challenge the long-held belief that flamingos are merely passive filter feeders,” noted Dr. Ortega Zimenez.
“While they may appear to be filtering only passive particles, these birds are actively preying on moving organisms.”
The authors also applied computational fluid dynamics to simulate the 3D flow around the beak and feet of the flamingos.
They confirmed that the vortices indeed concentrate particles, similar to experiments that used a 3D printhead with aggressively swimming shrimp and passively floating brine shrimp eggs.
“We observed that when we placed 3D printed models in the water to replicate skimming, they generated symmetrical vortices along the sides of the beak, cycling particles in the water effectively,” Dr. Ortega Zimenez shared.
The team’s findings will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Victor M. Ortega Zimenez et al. 2025. Flamingos use their L-shaped beak and morphing legs to induce vortex traps for prey capture. pnas 122 (21): E2503495122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2503495122
Recent studies reveal that climate-induced wildfires lead to thousands of deaths each year and significant economic impacts due to wildfire smoke in the United States.
A paper published this Friday in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment indicates that between 2006 and 2020, climate change was responsible for approximately 15,000 deaths related to exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfires, totaling around $160 billion in costs. The findings suggest an annual mortality range from 130 to 5,100, particularly high in states like Oregon and California.
Nicholas Nacicus, an author of the research and a professor at Harvard Medical School, stated, “What does it really mean in a changing environment for outcomes like mortality?” stressing the serious health implications.
Lisa Thompson, a professor at Emory University who studies air pollution and climate change, noted that this study is among the first to distinctly identify the impacts of climate change on mortality. She emphasized the uniqueness of examining these effects temporally and spatially.
The study concentrated on deaths linked to particulate matter exposure, specifically PM2.5, a significant concern stemming from wildfire smoke.
These tiny particles penetrate deep into the lungs, causing short-term symptoms like coughing and irritation. Over time, they can worsen pre-existing health conditions and result in serious, potentially fatal issues. Vulnerable populations include children, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and outdoor workers. The Health Effects Institute estimated that pollutants have caused 4 million deaths globally.
Evidence suggests that PM2.5 from wildfire smoke is more harmful than other pollution sources. In wildfire situations, toxic materials like burning cars can exacerbate the health risks.
Numerous studies have linked the rise in wildfires in North America to human activities such as the burning of coal, oil, and gas. Climate change is intensifying drought conditions, particularly in the West, alongside other extreme weather phenomena. The drying process reduces moisture in vegetation, which serves as fuel for fires. Together with increasing temperatures, this leads to more frequent, widespread, and severe wildfires.
Scholars find the findings disheartening yet unsurprising
Jacob Bendix, a professor emeritus of geography and the environment at Syracuse University, expressed disappointment in the results, stating he was not surprised by the study’s conclusions.
Severe thunderstorms in April resulted in historic downpours and flooding across Arkansas, Kentucky, and other states, exacerbated by climate change.
This information comes from the World Weather Attributes Project, a consortium of scientists studying major weather events in relation to climate change.
From April 3 to April 6, heavy rainfall hit the southeastern U.S., leading to widespread flooding, flood warnings for over 70 million individuals, at least 15 fatalities, the sweeping away of vehicles, and train derailments.
By utilizing climate models alongside historical data, researchers examined storm systems across eight affected states and concluded that the current weather patterns were approximately 9% more intense due to global warming, with a 40% increased likelihood compared to a scenario without such warming.
Ben Clark, a researcher at Imperial College London, stated, “We conclude that the existing 1.3 degrees Celsius of warming has intensified the extreme rainfall leading to flooding in the region. A warmer atmosphere retains more moisture.”
The outcome was severe flooding in Frankfort, Kentucky, along with a rainy day in the Midwest on April 7th. Leandro Lozada/AFP Getty Images file
The 1.3 degrees reference indicates how much warmer the planet has become in Celsius since humanity began releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere post-Industrial Revolution—a conversion of approximately 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Clark noted that the probability estimates from the group are conservative. The researchers identified a unique weather configuration that contributed to the extreme rainfall.
Shell Winkley, a meteorologist with Climate Central, a nonprofit news organization involved in the report, explained that a low-pressure system interacting with a high-pressure ridge caused the thunderstorms to repeatedly affect the same areas in the Southeast and Midwest.
“This front was the route through which these storms moved, and there was also a trigger mechanism. The thunderstorms accumulated rain on already saturated soil,” Winkley noted. “This event is a fascinating intersection of weather and climate change.”
According to Winkley, the National Weather Service issued the third highest weather warning on April 2.
“By the end of the day, the National Weather Service had released 728 separate thunderstorm and tornado warnings from various offices, with numerous locations experiencing extreme rainfall between April 3 and April 6, with some areas seeing up to 16 inches,” Winkley explained.
After a significant storm in Portageville, Missouri on April 7th, vehicles navigate through flooded streets. Scott Olson/Getty Images File
Upon reviewing historical rainfall from April, researchers indicated that similar storm systems are anticipated every century in the current warm climate.
Gerald Brotzge, a Kentucky climatologist and professor at the University of Kentucky Western University, initially approached such studies with skepticism, particularly those linking large-scale flooding to climate change without accounting for unique weather setups. However, he found this study credible.
Brotzge remarked, “It appears they conducted a thorough analysis. In this instance, a stagnant boundary allowed thunderstorms to constantly form in the same locality—an accurate observation.”
Brotzge noted that Kentucky has warmed by nearly 1.8 degrees Celsius (approximately 3.2 degrees Fahrenheit) over the last 130 years and has been experiencing increased rainfall.
“Our annual rainfall has risen by about 10%,” Brotzge stated. “Half of our ten wettest years have occurred since 2011, with 2011 being the wettest and 2018 as the second wettest.”
The World Weather Attribution is a team of scientists who quickly assess the influence of climate change on extreme weather events. Their methodology has undergone peer review, though some analyses are not immediately reviewed. Previous studies by the group on heatwaves, wildfires, and hurricanes have also faced academic scrutiny.
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Regular light cycles greatly influence organisms, and phenomena like solar eclipses trigger distinct physiological and behavioral responses. Although extensively studied in animals, plant behavior during solar eclipses remains relatively unexamined. Recent research conducted by scientists from Italy, the UK, Spain, and Australia explored the bioelectric responses of multiple Spruce trees (Picea abies) in relation to solar eclipses.
A study site in the Dolomite Mountains, Italy. Image credit: Monica Galliano / Southern Cross University.
Periodic sunlight fosters global weather patterns, seasons, and climates that sustain life on Earth.
The daily and seasonal rhythms of natural light align biological systems by synchronizing their internal clocks with the Earth’s geophysical cycles.
In an era marked by significant human-induced alterations to natural cycles, extraordinary astronomical events such as solar eclipses serve as natural experiments, offering crucial perspectives on how organisms react to sudden, rare environmental changes.
“Our study reveals that forests play a vital role in how species communicate and adapt, uncovering a new layer of complexity in plant behavior,” noted Professor Monica Galliano from Southern Cross University.
“It’s essentially evidence of the renowned ‘Wood Wide Web’ in action!”
This investigation employed an innovative remote measurement system to monitor multiple trees simultaneously within the forest.
This setup enabled researchers to assess whether and to what degree individual trees respond collectively to the solar eclipse, functioning as a larger living entity.
The study analyzed the electrical signals in spruce trees to characterize their bioelectrical activity during a partial solar eclipse that occurred in the Dolomite Mountains of northeastern Italy.
Results demonstrated that individual trees exhibited significant synchronization in their electrical activity before and after the solar eclipse, operating as an integrated living system that manages their reactions to external influences.
“Using advanced analytical techniques, including complexity measures from Quantum Field Theory,” stated Professor Alessandro Thioleoreo of the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of England, “we now regard forests not merely as individual collections but as ensembles of interconnected plants.”
“These findings reinforce the need to protect ancient trees,” Professor Galliano added.
“The fact that older trees are the first to react and possibly lead a collective response emphasizes their role as repositories of historical environmental knowledge.”
“This discovery underscores the critical importance of safeguarding old forests, which act as cornerstones of ecosystem resilience by conserving and sharing invaluable ecological insights.”
The study is published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
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Alessandro Chiolerio et al. 2025. Bioelectric Synchronization of Picea abies During a Solar Eclipse. R. Soc. Open SCI 12(4): 241786; doi: 10.1098/rsos.241786
This month, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared the government’s latest findings on autism, presenting a stark and controversial viewpoint.
The notion that severe autism symptoms are on the rise lacks scientific backing. In fact, a recent study presented at the International Association for Research on Autism in Seattle indicates that the percentage of autism cases characterized by moderate to severe symptoms remained relatively stable from 2000 to 2016.
In recent weeks, Kennedy has consistently described autism as an “explosion,” attributing it to an increase in serious cases of intellectual disability.
“This trend is unprecedented. It raises alarms about community dynamics,” he told Fox News earlier this month. “This is effectively invalidating these children for their entire lives.”
Kennedy’s claims have drawn criticism from parents, advocates, and health professionals who argue that he represents a limited data set to generalize the autism spectrum.
According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 31 children receives an autism diagnosis by age eight, though it did not distinguish between mild and severe cases.
During the briefing on April 16, Kennedy estimated that a quarter of diagnosed children were non-verbal or required assistance with toileting. A previous CDC study indicated that nearly 27% of individuals with autism are non-verbal or have an IQ below 50. Many researchers, however, suggest that the actual rates may be lower.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it encompasses a range of symptoms, from mild to more pronounced, influencing how individuals socialize, communicate, learn, and behave.
A new study released this week highlighted that only mild cases increased between 2000 and 2016.
This study analyzed data from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disorder Surveillance Network, tracking autism cases across the United States. The researchers assessed adaptive test scores (evaluating children’s social, communication, and daily living skills) in contrast to IQ scores that indicate intellectual disability to determine case severity.
Co-author Maureen Durkin, a professor of population health sciences at Wisconsin-Madison, stated:
David Mandel, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that he wasn’t involved in the analysis but remarked that adaptive scores were intended to capture severe cases like those described by Kennedy. Compared to IQ scores, adaptive scores better reflect how children with autism function in real life, including their ability to interact with others, manage self-care, and use the toilet independently.
The analysis indicated that in 2016, 1.2 out of every 1,000 children were diagnosed with moderate to severe autism, while mild cases surged by 139% in the same period, from 1.5 out of 1,000 in 2000.
“The rise is primarily among children without severe disabilities, and it would be beneficial for the current HHS secretary to be aware of that,” said Marianne Burton, a clinical professor of psychological science at the University of Connecticut.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.
One potential reason for the increase in mild cases is improved identification by healthcare professionals. Developmental screening became increasingly common during the study period, and in 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending universal autism screenings.
Additionally, the diagnostic criteria for autism were revised in 2013 to include mild cases, such as those previously classified as Asperger’s syndrome.
“We’re witnessing a significant expansion of diagnostic criteria that now encompasses individuals who wouldn’t have qualified for an autism diagnosis 50 years ago,” Mandel explained.
Dr. Alex Collebzon, clinical director of the Seaver Autism Center at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, mentioned the analysis relied on health and educational records, potentially including children with mild symptoms who may not have undergone direct diagnostic assessments.
“Assessing this cohort, I believe they are likely quite confident in their diagnosis, but we are not observing an increase in prevalence,” he stated.
Kennedy rejects the notion that the rise is due to improved diagnostic practices, suggesting that only a “small fraction” of the increase in cases can be attributed to this.
“The media has perpetuated myths in this industry, promoting the idea that autism is more prevalent simply because we are identifying more cases,” he told Fox News host Sean Hannity this month.
Instead, Kennedy unfoundedly claims that environmental toxins are the primary drivers behind increasing cases and has tasked CDC scientists with identifying the source by September.
Kolevzon acknowledged that environmental factors could exacerbate underlying genetic risks for autism, but existing research has yet to pinpoint any specific causative agents.
“We are unlikely to uncover widespread environmental factors that would fully explain the rising prevalence,” he concluded.
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