Study Finds Younger Generations Are Less Happy Than Previous Ones

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The happiness curve is unraveling.

For many years, studies have illustrated that people’s happiness over their lifetime typically follows a U-shaped trajectory. It tends to peak in youth, dip during middle age, and then increase again in older age.

However, recent surveys indicate that young adults today are experiencing less happiness than previous generations, signaling a flattening of this U-shaped curve.

This trend is further supported by a new research published in the journal Nature Mental Health. These initial findings stem from global prosperity research conducted in collaboration with researchers from Harvard and Baylor University.

Data collected by Gallup in 2023 revealed insights from over 200,000 respondents across 20 countries. On average, individuals aged 18 to 29 report challenges not only in happiness but also in physical and mental health, self-esteem, life meaning, relationships, and financial stability. The research combines these factors to assess whether participants achieve a state of prosperity.

The study found that participants reported generally low levels of prosperity until the age of 50, a trend observable in nations like the UK, Brazil, and Australia. Notably, the disparity between younger and older adults was most pronounced in the United States.

“It’s a rather bleak situation,” commented Tyler J. Vanderwielle, the lead author and director of Harvard’s Human Prosperity Program. These findings prompt critical reflections on whether we are sufficiently investing in the well-being of our youth.

Young adulthood has traditionally been viewed as a time of freedom and opportunities, yet research suggests this ideal may not align with the reality faced by many.

According to a 2023 report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, young adults aged 18-25 in the U.S. reported double the levels of anxiety and depression compared to teenagers. Furthermore, perfectionism has surged among college students. Participation in community organizations, clubs, and religious organizations is declining, leading to increased loneliness among young people, reminiscent of trends seen in older populations.

“Post-study findings indicate that social connections are crucial for happiness, yet young people today spend less time with friends than they did a decade ago,” explained Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast. “Additionally, like individuals of all ages, young people are contending with a myriad of global issues, from climate change to economic and political divisiveness.”

The Greater Good Science Center at Berkeley recently announced Emiliana R. Simon Thomas as its science director. “We need to cultivate happiness without limiting ourselves.”

She believes the prosperity data reflects “the long-term impacts of prioritizing status and power” in the U.S., rather than our role in the broader community.

Dr. Vanderwielle emphasized the complexity of the research, which was conducted across varied economic, political, and cultural contexts. While the study’s geographical scope is broad, current analyses do not include mainland China due to delays in data collection. Moreover, low-income nations are underrepresented.

Not all countries show increased prosperity with age. In some places, such as Poland and Tanzania, prosperity has declined with age, while others, like Japan and Kenya, display a more conventional U-shaped pattern.

Nevertheless, in the majority of Western countries, and many others, young adults do not seem to be flourishing. Global Prosperity Research plans to continue data collection until 2027 to further elucidate these issues, according to Dr. Vanderwielle.

“We recognize that young people are in distress,” said David G. Blanchflower, an economics professor at Dartmouth who was not involved in the prosperity research; his research illustrates a similar trend.

Dr. Blanchflower has collaborated with the United Nations to facilitate discussions at Dartmouth, allowing experts to share insights on addressing these concerning trends.

Numerous theories exist regarding why young individuals are facing such troubles. He suggests that the problems may not solely arise from their constant engagement with screens.

“They’re not alone at home,” he remarked, invoking the dangers of social isolation, a theme explored in a seminal book by Robert D. Putnam published 25 years ago. “In fact, they’re not engaging socially at all.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

When Trump Halts the Study, the Experimental Animal is Euthanized

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On April 1, the Trump administration initiated its budget cuts, impacting Morgantown, W.Va. Federal scientists were focusing on health and safety concerns for American workers. That morning, hundreds of staff members at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health learned they had been laid off and would lose building access.

More than 900 lab animals remained on site. The institute managed to transfer approximately two-thirds (mainly mice) to a university lab, as reported by two recently terminated employees. Unfortunately, the remaining 300 animals were euthanized last week.

In recent months, the Trump administration aimed to reformat American research, resulting in mass firings of federal scientists, withdrawal of active research grants, and proposals to fund essential laboratory operations.

These actions have disbanded various research initiatives and significantly affected lab animals, crucial for much of the nation’s biomedical research.

“Many animals will face sacrifice—they will be terminated,” remarked a researcher on the potential use of non-animal alternatives at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Experts indicate that predicting the total impact is challenging, as much of the administration’s actions are embroiled in legal disputes. Furthermore, animal research is often discreet, leaving no clear count of animals in U.S. laboratories.

Numerous scientists are hesitant to discuss the fate of lab animals due to fears of backlash from animal rights activists or retaliation from employers or the administration. Many requests for interviews with research facilities remain unanswered.

“It’s a terrible situation for them,” Dr. Rock stated. “Retaining animals can incur high costs, while sacrificing them can provoke public outrage.”

Some animal rights advocates welcome the uncertainty, even if it leads to euthanasia. However, many researchers feel devastated by the dual loss—many animals could perish without contributing to scientific knowledge.

“We don’t engage with animals lightly,” said pulmonary toxicologist Kyle Mandler, recently laid off from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, part of the CDC. He was in the midst of research on harmful dust generated in certain construction materials. About 20 of his mice were euthanized last week, leaving his study incomplete and without data.

“Knowing that their lives and sacrifices were completely wasted is both depressing and infuriating,” he expressed.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not directly respond to inquiries regarding the seized Morgantown animals. However, an unnamed HHS official stated via email that changes at NIOSH are part of a “broader reorganization,” integrating multiple programs for a healthier U.S.

“Staffing and operational adjustments occur in phases,” the statement noted. “Animal care operations are ongoing, and HHS is committed to upholding all federal animal welfare standards throughout this transition.”

Sudden halt

In recent years, many countries, including the U.S., have shifted away from animal research due to its costs and ethical concerns, often poor relevance to human outcomes. This month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revealed plans to phase out animal testing requirements for certain drugs, favoring three-dimensional human organ models made from lab-grown cells, like organoids and “organs on a chip.”

Experts agree these emerging technologies show great promise. However, for the time being, lab animals remain vital to biomedical research, with some arguing that certain data can only be gathered through animal studies.

“We aim to exit this realm,” stated Naomi Charalanbakis, director of science policy at a nonprofit advocating for the continuation of animal use in biomedical research. “But we’re not there yet.”

Research involving lab animals requires careful planning over years, stable funding, and skilled veterinarians and technicians for daily care. The Trump administration’s actions jeopardize all of this.

At the NIOSH facility in Morgantown, initial budget cuts encompassed animal care staff. “But they resisted, insisting they couldn’t leave while animals remained on site,” said a former lab technician.

After the Trump administration froze funding at Harvard this month, researchers developing a new tuberculosis vaccine faced the grim prospect of euthanizing rhesus macaques. This study and the monkeys were saved only after private donors stepped in to provide funding.

Animals involved in halted projects might be relocated to different labs, but others may be undergoing experimental treatments or exposure to pathogens or toxins. Many are retained to illustrate specific behavioral or health vulnerabilities, and lab animals, not being wild, cannot simply be released. Experts noted that the sudden influx of surplus lab animals may overwhelm the nation’s animal sanctuaries.

Anne Linder, associate director of the Animal Law and Policy Program at Harvard Law School, expressed concern that the fate of many lab animals would hinge on the “whims and temperament” of individual researchers and lab staff.

“In the absence of oversight, some decisions may be misguided, driven by harsh needs rather than the welfare of the animals involved,” she said in an email.

Cost reduction

Many researchers have expressed concerns regarding the National Institutes of Health’s attempts to impose severe caps on “indirect costs” related to scientific research, including those tied to maintaining animal care facilities.

A federal judge halted the NIH from implementing these funding caps, but the agency has appealed. Should these policies pass, the repercussions could be disastrous for institutions utilizing non-human primates in their research.

The Washington National Center for Research on Primates, located at the University of Washington, houses over 800 non-human primates. The indirect funding cap represents a loss of around $5 million annually, forcing the colony’s size to shrink, according to director Deborah Fuller.

“This could shatter the entire infrastructure we’ve established,” she cautioned.

If that occurs, the center will strive to find new homes for the animals, yet other research facilities share similar issues, and primate sanctuaries may struggle to accommodate the influx.

As a last resort, primates may have to be euthanized. “This is the worst-case scenario,” warned Sally Thompson Iritani, assistant deputy director of the university’s research department. “Even if it’s uncomfortable to consider, it’s a possibility.”

For some animal rights advocates, the reduction of federal animal research facilities is a cause for celebration. “For many of these animals, euthanasia before experimentation may be the best scenario,” noted Justin Goodman, senior vice president of the White Coat Waste Project, a nonprofit advocating for the cessation of federally funded animal research. (He did stress that finding new homes for lab animals would be preferable.)

Deluciana Winder, director of the Institute for Animal Law and Policy at Vermont Law School, hopes that these cuts could lead to the closure of the National Primate Center. Nevertheless, she expressed concern that reductions at the USDA could weaken already lax oversight of lab animal welfare.

Dr. Locke believes the crisis could serve as a “wake-up call” for the nation to pursue alternatives to animal research, albeit in a thoughtful manner.

“I don’t find it acceptable to cull millions of animals from research,” Dr. Locke stated. “It’s not socially or scientifically acceptable. We need to acknowledge that it’s a likely outcome.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

New Genome Study Unveils the Evolution and Diversity of the Apple Genus

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Malus is a genus comprising over 35 species that thrive in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, spanning regions from East Asia to Europe and North America. This genus includes the cultivated apple, Malus domestica, along with its wild relatives. Recent research has unveiled the evolutionary connections among Malus species and traced their genetic development over the past 60 million years.

Malus evolutionary landscape informed by phylogenetics. Image credits: Li et al., doi: 10.1038/s41588-025-02166-6.

“There are around 35 species within the Malus genus; however, despite the significance of apples as a fruit crop, comprehensive research on the evolution of this group’s genome has been lacking.”

“This study provided insights into the Malus genome, established the apple family tree, documented genomic events including whole-genome overlap and hybridization among species, and identified genomic regions linked to specific traits, such as resistance to apple scab disease.”

Professor Ma and his team compiled the genomes of 30 species by sequencing their DNA, focusing on the Malus genus known for its delicious golden apple varieties.

Among the 30 species, 20 are diploid, meaning they possess two chromosome copies per set, similar to humans, while 10 are polyploid, indicating they have three or four chromosome copies, likely resulting from recent hybridization with diploid relatives of Malus.

By scrutinizing nearly 1,000 gene sequences across these species, researchers constructed a phylogenetic tree for the genus and employed biogeographical analysis to trace its origins back to Asia approximately 56 million years ago.

“The evolutionary narrative of the genus is intricate, showcasing numerous instances of hybridization among species and shared whole-genome events that complicate comparisons,” stated Professor Ma.

“Access to high-quality genomes for a large number of species within the genus has enabled us to explore how Malus evolved and the interrelationships among these species.”

Further research into the evolutionary history of Malus genomes utilized analytical techniques called pan-genomics.

This methodology encompasses a thorough comparison of conserved genes and so-called ‘jumping genes’ that can move within the genome across the 30 species, along with genes found only in a subset of the genomes.

The analysis of pan-gene dynamics benefited greatly from the use of a pangenome graph tool, which amalgamates genomic data from closely related groups to elucidate evolutionary conservation and divergence.

“Utilizing 30 pangenomes significantly aided in identifying structural variations, gene duplications, and rearrangements among species that could have been missed with fewer genome comparisons,” remarked Professor Ma.

“Notably, one structural variant uncovered allowed us to pinpoint genomic segments related to apple scab resistance, a fungal disease impacting apples globally.”

The researchers also developed a pangenome analysis tool designed to detect evidence of selective sweeps, a process whereby advantageous traits rapidly increase in frequency within a population.

With this approach, they pinpointed genomic regions linked to cold and disease resistance in wild Malus species, which might also correlate with undesirable fruit taste.

“Attempts to cultivate the best flavor in fruit may have inadvertently diminished the hardiness of cultivated apple varieties,” noted Professor Ma.

Understanding structural variations in Malus, including hybridization histories, interspecies relationships, and pangenomic insights can inform future breeding strategies aimed at retaining both flavor and disease-resistant traits in apples.

Research findings published in the journal Nature Genetics.

____

W. Li et al. Pangenome analysis reveals evolution and diversity in Malus. Nat Genet. Published online on April 16th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41588-025-02166-6

Source: www.sci.news

New study suggests simple diet hacks are more effective than intermittent fasting for weight loss

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A bowl of warm pasta, a fluffy white bread roll, or a bag of generously salted chips – these starchy delights are like dreams. No wonder many of us couldn’t imagine giving up carbs forever.

But according to Research by the University of Surrey, spending just one day without carbohydrates has a similar effect on the body as intermittent fasting.

Intermittent fasting, also known as time-limited feeding, involves alternating normal feeding periods with significantly reduced calorie intake periods. These fasting windows can be scheduled at specific times each day or throughout the week.

While this approach has various health benefits, consuming less than 800 calories a day, as recommended on the popular 5:2 diet, can be challenging for some individuals.

However, this new study suggests that reducing calories significantly on fasting days may not be necessary. Simply cutting out carbohydrates can provide similar fat-burning benefits.

“What we’re interested in is not necessarily weight loss, but the metabolic effect of this dietary intervention,” said Dr. Adam Collins, the study co-author and an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Surrey, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

The study, which aimed to investigate the effects of carbohydrates on metabolic health, involved 12 overweight or obese adults aged 20 to 65.

Participants followed three different meal plans with five-day breaks between each diet day for 36 hours (one day and two nights of sleep). The meal plans included a normal meal, a low-carb diet with the same calorie intake as a regular diet, and a low-carb diet with reduced calories.

Results showed that consuming a low-carb diet, regardless of calorie intake, encouraged the body to burn fat for energy similar to a fasting diet.

Carbohydrates include starches such as potatoes and pasta, grains such as rice and oats, baked goods such as bread and pastries, fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits, and sugar confectionery such as sweets and chocolate.

Dr. Collins explained that the body is designed to use carbohydrates for energy after meals and fats between meals and overnight. Consuming carbs too frequently can lead to poor management of metabolism.

Intermittent fasting or reducing carbohydrate intake helps the body reset and start burning fat for energy. Dr. Collins also emphasized that while restricting carbs long-term may hinder glucose processing, alternating low-carb days with regular meal days can be a sustainable and beneficial approach for metabolic health.

He concluded by saying, “Food is not a sin. Carbs aren’t bad. Fats aren’t bad. It’s all about moderation.”

Read more:

About our experts:

Dr. Adam Collins: An associate professor of nutrition at the University of Surrey’s School of Biological Sciences. With over 20 years of experience as a qualified nutritionist, he leads BSC and MSC nutrition programs at Sally. His current research focuses on exercise intensity, energy balance, intermittent fasting, dietary timing and composition, and carbohydrate manipulation for metabolic health.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Massive biological study suggests that the once-feared wolf is actually harmless

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Giant Biologythe only extinct company in the world has announcement Once extinct rebirth Dire Wolf (Enocion dillus).

At 3 months’ age (born October 1, 2024), the miserable wolves of giant biological sciences, Romulus and Remus. Image credit: Colossal Biosciences.

The miserable wolves were like big cans, and were among the most common extinct carnivorous animals of the late Late Pleistocene megafauna in America.

These animals first appeared in the late Pliocene period 3.5 million to 2.5 million years ago, as a result of the mixing between two ancient Canid strains.

The miserable wolf was 25% heavier than the grey wolf, with a slightly wider head, with light thick fur and strong jaws.

As hypercarnivores, their diet consisted mainly of at least 70% meat from horses and bison.

They were extinct at the end of the recent ice age about 13,000 years ago.

The main hypothesis explaining their extinction is that their body size is larger than gray wolves and coyotes, making them more specialized in hunting large prey and unable to survive the extinction of giant prey.

“Our team collected DNA from 13,000-year-old teeth and 72,000-year-old skulls to create healthy, miserable puppies,” said Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences.

“It was once said that “a sufficiently advanced technology cannot be distinguished from magic.” “

“Today, our team will be unveiling some of the magic they are working on, revealing the broader impact on conservation.”

Three liters of the wicked wolves of giant biological science include two adolescent men (Romulus and Remus) and one female puppy (Khaleesi).

They thrive in more than 2,000 acres of safe ecological reserves, including specialized engagement zones and habit types.

They are continuously monitored through live cameras, security personnel and drone tracking on-site to ensure safety and welfare.

“The disastrous wolves’ disappearance is more than a biological revival,” said Mark Fox, chairman of MHA Nation Tribal.

“Its birth symbolizes awakening. The ancient spirit has returned to the world.”

“The miserable wolves have the echoes of our ancestors, their wisdom, and connections to the wild.”

“Its existence reminds us of our responsibility as custodians of the Earth to protect the delicate balance of not only wolves but life itself.”

“The work of our team…Red wolf (Canis Rufus) From three different genetic founder lines.

These liters include the adolescent female Red Wolf (hope) and three male Red Wolf puppies (flame, cinders, ashes).

“We’ve seen a lot of trouble with the stakes,” said Dr. George Church, a geneticist at Harvard University and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences.

“Another source of ecosystems comes from genes lost after being deelectrically removed from new technologies, such as deep ancient DNA sequencing, polyphyllatic characterization, multiplexed germ cell editing, and cloning.”

“The disastrous wolves are an early example of this, so far, including the maximum number of accurate genome editing in healthy vertebrates: their exponentially growing ability.”

Source: www.sci.news

Study finds that a third of maternal deaths occurred postpartum

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Over the past five years, a significant portion (almost a third) of maternal deaths in the United States were reported within six weeks after birth, according to a study published on Jama Network Open. This study was one of the first to track maternal health complications during pregnancy and the postpartum years.

Pregnancy-related mortality rates in the US increased by almost 28% between 2018 and 2022, but researchers noted a slight decline since 2021, which was at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Rose L. Morina, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and one of the authors of the study, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on maternal health due to these findings.

Women need access to high-quality care from conception through the first year after giving birth, according to Dr. Rose L. Morina. The study, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Reproductive Health Department, highlighted the risk of maternal deaths occurring within six weeks to one year postpartum.

The study also revealed significant disparities in maternal mortality rates among different racial and ethnic groups, with Native American and Alaska Native women having higher mortality rates compared to white women.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that all women receive postnatal care within the first three weeks after giving birth and continue to receive ongoing care as needed.

Dr. Tamika Auguste, chair of Women and Infant Services at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, stressed the importance of timely postnatal care, especially for women with hypertension.

Mortality rates related to pregnancy have more than tripled across different states, with the southeastern states having higher mortality rates compared to states like California and Minnesota.

Cardiovascular disease was identified as the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, particularly among women aged 25-39, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing cardiovascular health during and after pregnancy.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Study shows the Sakhallo Arabian desert was verdant for 8 million years

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Sakhallo-Arabian desert is one of the largest biogeographical barriers on Earth, hindering the dispersion between Africa and Eurasia, including human movements in the past. Recent research suggests that this barrier has been in place for at least 11 million years. However, a new Griffith University-led study shows that numerous humidity intervals have occurred in the Sakhallo-Arabian desert over the past 8 million years.

Marcouska et al. It shows wet intervals that have recurred inside Central Arabia over the past 8 million years. Image credit: Paul Breeze.

Arabia is at the heart of the largest near-continuous chain of arid lands on the planet. A harsh and often highly dry belt that stretches from the Sahara to the Tar Desert.

Sakhallo-Arabian desert barriers limit animal dispersion and divide Africa and Eurasia into areas of Afrotropic, palate, and Indomalaya biogeography, each characterized by a distinct assemblage of plants, animal species and communities.

While the persistence of this desert barrier serves as a major control over the depiction of these biogeographical regions, improvements in climate throughout the Sakhallo-Arabian region allow for dispersion among them.

As a result, the region is a “transition zone” and hosts a complex fauna mixture with characteristics of Africa, Eurasia and South Asia.

Recent research suggests that a dry beyond this desert barrier and that it has begun to be highly aridity and highly dry on the edge of northern Arabia 9 million years ago in the completely arid state of the Sahara at least 11 million years ago.

“However, fossil evidence from the late Miocene (marked by rising earth temperatures) and the Pleistocene (including multiple ice ages) suggests the existence of an episode within the interior of the water-dependent animal Sakhallo-Arabian desert.”

“It is possible that animals such as crocodiles, quids, cobopotamids, and absoscideans were supported by rivers and lakes that are almost nonexistent from today’s arid landscape.”

“These wet conditions could promote the dispersion of these mammals between Africa and Eurasia, and Arabia serves as an important crossroads in continental-scale biogeographic exchange.”

In the new study, Professor Petraglia and colleagues analyzed a set of osteoscopic electrons (mineral deposits such as bulls and stellates) from a series of caves from within Arabia.

It is one of the longest aleoclimatic records available in Arabia today, and represents one of the longest space paleoclimatic records in the world.

“Little was known about Arabian paleoclimate before this time,” said Dr. Monica Markowska of Northumbria University.

“The findings highlight that the effects of monsoons have been weakened and polar ice coverings in the Pleistocene during the Pleistocene have been strengthened, reducing precipitation during humidity intervals and changing over time.”

“Although Arabia has traditionally been overlooked in the dispersion of Africa and Yolasia, research like ours is increasingly revealing the central location of mammal and human migration,” added Dr Faisal Al-Jiblin, who led Saudi archaeologists on the Heritage Committee.

result It will be displayed in the journal Nature.

____

M. Markouska et al. The recurrence of humidity in Arabia over the past 8 million years. NaturePublished online on April 9, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08859-6

Source: www.sci.news

A recent study reveals that Bonovo call displays signs of complex communication

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Constituity, the ability to combine meaningful elements into larger meaningful structures, is a characteristic of human language. Constitutiveness is trivial (the meaning of a combination is the sum of the meaning of that part) or non-trivial (one element changes the meaning of another element). In a new study, scientists studied the behavior of voices Wild bonobo (Pampaniscus) – Our closest living relatives – Kokoropoli Community Reserve The Democratic Republic of the Congo has found robust empirical evidence for the existence of non-trivial constitutive properties in these primates.

Tupac, a young male bonobo scratching his head. Image credits: Lukas Bierhoff, Kokolopori Bonobo Research Project.

A distinctive feature of human language is its ability to combine individual elements to form more complex and meaningful structures.

This principle known as constituency allows morphemes to be constructed into words and sentences.

The overall meaning is determined by its components and their arrangement.

Constitutiveness can take two forms: trivial and non-trivial. In trivial composition, each word maintains an independent meaning.

Non-trivial constituency involves more complex and nuanced relationships where meaning is not merely a direct sum of words that involve.

Constituity may not be inherent to human language. Birds and primate studies have demonstrated that some animals can combine meaningful vocalizations with structures of trivial composition.

However, to date, there is no direct evidence that animals use non-trivial compositionality in their communication.

In their new study, Melissa Bursett, a biologist at the University of Zurich, and her colleagues, discovered strong empirical evidence that wild bonobos use non-trivial constitutiveness in their vocal communications.

The authors analyzed 700 recordings and call combinations of bonobo vocal calls and documented over 300 contextual features associated with each utterance

A linguistic framework that measures the similarity of meaning between words using methods derived from distribution semantics, and these contextual features were analyzed to infer the meaning of individual bonobo vocalizations and quantify the relationships.

Next, to assess whether Bonobo Call combinations follow construct principles, they applied a multi-step approach that had previously been used to identify the constitutive nature of human communication.

They found that the bonobo call types are integrated into four constituent structures. Three of these suggest that they share more structural similarities with human language than previously recognized.

“Our approach allowed us to quantify how the meaning of the combination of single-call and call on bonobos relate to one another,” said Simon Townsend, professor at the University of Zurich.

“Humans and bonobos had a common ancestor about 70-13 million years ago, so they share many characteristics through descent, and constitutiveness seems likely to be one of them,” added Martin Sarbeck, a professor at Harvard University.

“So our research suggests that our ancestors already use compositionality extensively, if not more, at least 7 million years ago,” Professor Townsend said.

study Published in the journal Science.

____

M. Berthet et al. 2025. The broad composition of the Bonobos vocal system. Science 388 (6742): 104-108; doi: 10.1126/science.adv1170

Source: www.sci.news

Study finds Liches are resilient to simulated Mars atmosphere exposure

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a new study from the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, certain lichen species can withstand a 50 Gy (gray) Mars-like condition expected at a 50 Gy (gray) X-ray radiation dose of strong solar activity over a year on the surface of Mars.

Morphological and anatomical properties of Setoria Acleatta (a,d,g,j) and diploschistes muscorum (B, C, E, F, H, I, K, L).

Liches live in a wide variety of ecosystems around the world, but are especially important in extreme environments such as hot deserts and cold polar regions.

They are known as extremes and can survive under extreme temperatures, intense radiation, and prolonged water shortages.

The prominent ability of lichens to withstand harsh conditions led to the suggestion that it is suitable for survival in extreme environments of outer space.

The successful life strategy of lichen depends on the symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, allowing them to colonize extreme terrestrial habitats where other multicellular organisms cannot survive.

The key to understanding their impressive resistance lies in the “stress tolerant” organisms, namely the characteristics of low nutritional requirements for metabolic rates and extended lifespans. These are further supported by radiation screening, heat dissipation and antioxidant protection.

Moreover, they can even deal with long periods of water shortage and total lack of liquid water.

This is associated with a lack of ability to regulate moisture content, allowing long-term, severe dryness without damage from dormant states, but can withstand high levels of UV/photosynthetic active radiation and extreme temperatures associated with drought conditions.

Mars is the main focus of interest in astrobiology due to the presence of water and the related possibilities of life.

The current atmospheric conditions on Mars keep people at bay, and the potential habitat for existing living is limited.

Nevertheless, during more favorable climate times, habitable environments may be present below or on the surface.

These niches can serve as isolated habitats that protect against harsh conditions.

The atmosphere is mainly composed of carbon dioxide (95%), but the effectiveness of greenhouse warming is limited.

Mars’ temperature is mainly below the freezing point of water, with atmospheric pressure of 6 mbar.

As a result, a significant portion of Mars’ existing water is ice and atmospheric water vapor. However, certain amounts of water may be present temporarily as liquid water.

Both ionizing radiation and deindependence always reach the surface of Mars and pass through the Mars atmosphere much easier than Earth.

This factor is most restrictive in the Martian habitability context, as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation are very harmful to living things.

“In our study, lichen symbiotic fungal partners remained metabolically active when exposed to atmospheric conditions like Mars in the dark, including the expected X-ray radiation levels on Mars, which are expected to have strong solar activity over a year.”

In their study, the authors focused on two lichen species, diploschistes muscorum and Setoria Acleattaselected for different properties and exposed to Mars-like conditions for 5 hours in simulations of planetary atmosphere composition, pressure, temperature variation, and X-ray radiation.

The findings suggest particularly lichens diploschistes muscorumdespite the high doses of X-ray radiation associated with solar flares and energy particles reaching the surface of the planet, it can survive on Mars.

These results challenge the assumption that ionizing radiation is an insurmountable barrier to Mars’ life and set the stages of further research into the possibilities of extraterrestrial microorganisms and symbiotic survival.

“Our study is the first to demonstrate that the metabolism of fungal partners in lichen symbiosis remains active while in an environment similar to the Martian surface,” Dr. Sukibauwa said.

“We found it diploschistes muscorum It was able to carry out metabolic processes and effectively activate the defense mechanism. ”

“These findings expand our understanding of biological processes under simulated Mars conditions and reveal how hydrates respond to ionized radiation.

“Ultimately, this study will deepen our knowledge of the adaptation of lichens and the possibility of colonizing the extraterrestrial environment.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal IMA bacteria.

____

K.Skubała et al. 2025. Ionized Radiation Resilience: How metabolically active lichens endure simulated exposure to the Martian atmosphere. IMA bacteria 16:E145477; doi:10.3897/imafungus.16.145477

Source: www.sci.news

New study shows how this easy snack habit can boost your cholesterol levels

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Exciting news for pecan enthusiasts: these tasty nuts may be even more beneficial for your health than previously thought. Swapping out your usual snacks for pecans could be a smart move for your overall well-being.

A recent study revealed that incorporating pecans into your daily snack routine can lead to improvements in cholesterol levels and enhance the quality of your diet. The research, as featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, focused on adults dealing with or at risk for metabolic syndrome—a condition that raises the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes or heart-related issues.

Participants in a 12-week study were split into two groups: one replaced their usual snacks with 57g of pecans daily, while the other maintained their regular diet. The outcome? Those snacking on pecans experienced a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (commonly known as “bad” cholesterol), and non-HDL cholesterol.

Lowering LDL levels and improving the HDL to total cholesterol ratio are crucial steps in reducing the risk of heart disease. Dr. Christina Petersen, an associate professor of nutrition science from Pennsylvania, highlighted the benefits of substituting typical snacks with pecans for heart health.

Participants who replaced regular snacks with 57g of pecans per day saw improvements in their cholesterol levels and overall diet quality. – Getty

The study involved 138 adults aged 25 to 70, all meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, low HDL, and hypertension. Results showed enhanced adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and a higher consumption of plant protein and seafood among those who opted for pecans as snacks.

While weight gain was observed in the pecan group compared to the non-pecan group, the cholesterol-lowering benefits of pecans remained unaffected. According to the researchers, additional guidance on calorie intake could help achieve a balance between energy consumption and pecan nutrition.

In conclusion, making the switch to pecans from less nutritious snacks can have a positive impact on heart health and overall dietary patterns. It’s important to be mindful of calorie intake while enjoying the benefits of these nutritious nuts.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Study Reveals Differences Between Your Brain and Chimpanzees

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

We share 98.8% of DNA with our closest living relatives, chimpanzees. However, despite this almost identical genetic blueprint, chimpanzees have not built civilizations, fought wars, or mastered the art of Tiktok dance routines.

But what exactly makes us stand out? Now, neuroscientists may finally have the answer.

New research published in the journal jneurosci looks at new data from the brains of humans, chimpanzees, and macaques.

“We were interested in finding things that ticked different brains.” Professor Logier Mars, the study co-author said to BBC Science Focus. “And the human brain is something we were particularly interested in, for obvious reasons.”

According to Mars, most studies comparing human brains with other animal brains tend to focus on factors such as overall size, the size of a particular region, or the number of neurons. “But our philosophy is that if we really want to understand what is going on, we need to look into how our brains are organized,” he said.

With that approach in mind, Mars and his team set out to investigate. Similar to the scans used in hospitals, published MRI data were used to create a “connectivity blueprint” for three different species of brains. These blueprints essentially map out whether different regions of the brain communicate with each other.

One area the team expected to find a difference was in the prefrontal cortex. This region is related to complex thinking, planning, and decision making.

This area, often referred to as the “personality center” of the brain, plays an important role in regulating emotions and teaching behaviors. At first glance, it seems to be an obvious place to search for the essence of what makes us human. In fact, this study revealed that this region exhibited more connectivity than in other species.

But was that the whole story?

This image highlights the (red) behavioral domains of the left and right hemispheres showing high divergence after comparison. -Bryant et al. , Jneurosci 2025

“The prefrontal cortex is where researchers tend to see when they look for something unique about humans,” Mars said. “But we have found a difference in many places in the cortex of time just above your ears.

Temporal cortex plays an important role in the processing of sensory information – especially visual, sound, and language. Given our highly social and cooperative nature, it is probably not surprising that these areas are connected more intricately in the human brain.

“We are a very social and cooperative species,” explained Mars. “So these properties are likely the driving force behind the changes we observe.”

All of these suggest that there is no single definition switch that makes humans human. Some believe that highly evolutionary events have led us to dominance, but reality can be more complicated.

Like relatives not too far in the trees, we are the result of the progressive, widespread evolutionary changes that have shaped us over time.

Or, as Mars said, “There’s nothing big that makes us different.”

About our experts

Rosier Mars is a professor of neuroscience at Oxford University. His work focuses on the differences between primate brains, especially humans. Mars’s research is published in the following journals: Natural Communication, Frontiers of human neuroscience, and Science.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Do You Really Understand Your Dog? This Study Reveals the Truth – and Offers a Better Approach

Posted on March 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Humans and puppies share a special bond that inspires viral videos, artwork, and adoration. Despite this strong connection, it turns out that humans may not be as good at understanding dogs as they think.

Recent research from Arizona State University (ASU) has revealed that people often misinterpret dog emotions more frequently than previously believed. The study suggests that humans may not accurately perceive what their dogs are feeling.

According to researchers like animal welfare scientists Holly Molinaro and ASU Professor of Psychology Clive Wynne, people tend to focus on external cues rather than the actual emotions of dogs. This can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of dog behavior.

Through experiments involving positive and negative scenarios, researchers found that participants often misinterpreted dog emotions based on external factors rather than the dogs’ actual behavior. Context played a significant role in how people perceived dog emotions.

Despite these findings, many participants projected their own emotions onto the dogs, further complicating their ability to accurately assess dog behavior. Even dog owners were not immune to these biases, as personal experience showed that they too could misinterpret dog emotions.

To improve understanding of dog emotions, researchers recommend humility and careful observation of a dog’s individual behavior cues. Each dog is unique, and it is essential to pay close attention to their subtle cues to truly understand their emotions.

Our dogs may be happy when we play with them, but we judge this more about the situation and our own feelings than what our puppies do. – Credit: westend61 via Getty

Learning to interpret a dog’s emotions accurately takes time and practice. By paying attention to subtle behavioral cues and staying open-minded, dog owners can build a stronger bond with their furry companions.

About our experts:

Holly Molinaro is a doctoral student, former professor, and animal welfare scientist at Arizona State University’s Department of Psychology.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Webb’s study highlights brown dwarfs in the fire nebula

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope investigated the lowest mass limits of brown dwarfs within Flame Nebula, a hotbed of star formation in Orion’s constellation.

A collage of this image from the Flame Nebula shows a view of near-infrared light from Hubble on the left, while the two insets on the right show the near-infrared view taken by Webb. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/M. Meyer, University of Michigan/A. Pagan, Stsci.

Flame Nebula It is about 1,400 light years away from Orion’s constellation.

Also known as NGC 2024 and SH2-277, this ejection nebula is about 12 light years wide and is less than a million years.

The Flame Nebula was discovered on January 1, 1786 by British astronomer William Herschel, born in Germany.

It is part of the Orion molecular cloud complex and includes famous nebulae such as the Hosehead Nebula and the Orion Nebula.

In a new study, astronomers used Webb to explore the lowest mass limits of brown dwarfs within the flame nebula.

The results, they found, were free-floating objects with mass about 2-3 times the mass of Jupiter.

“The goal of this project was to explore the fundamental low-mass limits of the star- and brown dwarf formation process,” said Dr. Matthew De Julio, an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin.

“Webb allows you to investigate the faintest and lowest mass objects.”

The low mass limits that the required teams are looking for are set by a process known as fragmentation.

In this process, the large molecular clouds that produce both star and brown dwarfs are broken down into smaller units or fragments.

Fragmentation relies heavily on several factors where temperature, thermo-pressure, and gravity balance are the most important.

More specifically, as fragments contract under gravity, their cores become hot.

If the core is large enough, the hydrogen starts to fuse.

The outward pressure created by that fusion counters gravity, stops collapse and stabilizes the object.

However, the core is not compact, it is hot enough to burn hydrogen, and continues to shrink as long as it emits internal heat.

This near-infrared image of a portion of the Webb flame nebula highlights three low-mass objects found in the right inset. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/M. MEYER, University of Michigan.

“We’ve seen a lot of effort into making it,” said Dr. Michael Meyer, an astronomer at the University of Michigan.

“If the clouds cool efficiently, they collapse and fall apart.”

When the fragment becomes opaque enough to reabsorb its own radiation, fragmentation stops, thereby stopping cooling and preventing further decay.

The theory places the lower bounds of these fragments between 1-10 Jupiter masses.

This study significantly reduces its scope as the Webb census counted fragments of different masses within the nebulae.

“As we found in many previous studies, going to a lower mass actually increases the amount of objects about ten times as much as Jupiter’s mass,” Dr. Deirio said.

“Studies using Webb are sensitive to Jupiter up to 0.5 times the mass of Jupiter, and as they get below 10 times the mass of Jupiter, there are considerably fewer.”

“We discovered that there are fewer 5 Jupiter Mass objects than the Ten Jupiter Mass object, and we can see that there are fewer 3 Jupiter Mass objects than the 5 Jupiter Mass objects.”

“We don’t actually find any objects below the mass of two or three Jupiter. We’re hoping to see if they’re there, so we’re assuming this could be the limit itself.”

“For the first time, Webb was able to investigate beyond that limit,” added Dr. Meyer.

“If that limitation is real, there really is no object of 1 Jupiter mass that floats freely in our Milky Way galaxies, unless it forms as a planet and is kicked out of the planetary system.”

a paper Regarding the survey results, Astrophysics Journal Letter.

____

Matthew de Julio et al. 2025. Identification of sales in the initial mass function of young star clusters up to 0.5 mJ. apjl 981, L34; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ADB96A

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Finds that Regularly Reading Articles Can Help Protect Your Brain from Aging

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Are you looking to keep your mind sharp as you age? One secret could be as simple as regularly exercising your brain with mathematics and reading comprehension, whether it’s at work, at home, or even while reading this article.

A groundbreaking new study led by Professor Eric Hanushek of Stanford University suggests that engaging in mathematics and reading can help prevent age-related cognitive decline. The research shows that individuals who regularly practice these skills do not experience significant declines in cognitive abilities over time, whether they are reading emails, doing calculations, or reading articles like this one. This challenges the notion that cognitive decline is inevitable with age.

The study reveals that cognitive skills typically peak in a person’s 40s before slowly declining. However, those who consistently engage in mathematics and reading, whether at work or in their daily activities, show no decline at all.

“Our findings indicate a significant increase in average skills in literacy and numeracy until the 40s. After this point, there is a slight decrease in literacy skills and a more noticeable decline in numeracy,” the study notes.

This study may inspire you to tackle your taxes – Credit: Skynesher

These findings challenge previous studies that suggested cognitive decline begins in early adulthood. Unlike past research that compared different age groups at one point in time, this study followed the same individuals over several years, providing a more accurate understanding of how cognitive abilities change with age.

Hanushek and his team propose that what was previously thought to be age-related cognitive decline might actually be due to differences in skill levels between generations rather than the natural effects of aging itself.

By analyzing data from language and mathematics assessments in the German population aged 16-65 and retesting the same group 3.5 years later, researchers found that women’s math skills declined significantly over time, indicating potential gender disparities. Further exploration of these differences is planned for future studies.

For more information, visit:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The survival strategies of ancient amphibians during the Permian mass extinction elucidated by new study

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A primitive amphibian called the Temnospondyls survived the aftermath of the end-of-permian mass extinction that occurred about 252 million years ago. University of Bristol.

Reconstruction of the Temnospondyl species Mastodon Saurus. Image credit: Mark P. Whiton, https://www.markwitton.co.uk.

The Permian mass extinction is the most severe biological crisis in the last 540 million years, eliminating more than 90% of marine species and 75% of terrestrial species.

Dr. Aamir Mehmoud, a researcher at the University of Bristol, said:

“These were predatory animals that ate fish and other prey, but were primarily water-related, just like modern amphibians such as frogs and salamanders.”

“We know that the weather was hot, especially after the extinction event. Why were these water-loving animals so successful?”

The early Triassic period was an era of repeated volcanic activity that led to global warming, motivation, reduced atmospheric oxygen, acid rain, and long stages of widespread wildfires, creating such hostile conditions that the tropics lacked animal life.

This “tropical dead zone” dramatically affected the distribution of both marine and terrestrial organisms.

Dr. Suresh Singh of the University of Bristol said:

“We measured the size and characteristics of the skull and teeth that tell us about their function.”

“To our surprise, we discovered that they weren’t much different due to the crisis,” said Dr. Armin Elssler of the University of Bristol.

“The Temnospondils exhibited the same range of body sizes as the Permian, some of them were small, insect-eating, and others were bigger.”

“These large forms included animals in long snoo trapping fish and generalist feeders covered in vast nudes.”

“However, what’s unusual is that their body size and functional diversity expanded about five million years after the crisis and then returned.”

There is evidence that due to severe global warming in the first 5 million years of the Triassic, life on land and on seas has left the tropical region to avoid fever.

“Our work shows that Temnospondil was able to cross the tropical dead zone unexpectedly,” said Professor Mike Benton of the University of Bristol.

“The fossils are known from South Africa and Australia in the south, North America, Europe, and Siberia in the north.”

“Temnospondyls must have been able to cross the tropical zones during the cool episode.”

“Their explosion of success in the early Triassic period was not tracked,” Dr. Amir said.

“They dealt with hot conditions, perhaps because they could eat most prey animals and perhaps because they had a low food need by hiding in sparse waters.”

“However, when dinosaurs and mammalian ancestors began to diversify in the mid-Triassic period, Temnospondil began to undergo a long decline.”

a paper The findings will be published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

____

Aamir Mehmoud et al. 2025. Permian – the ecology and geography of the recovery of Temnospondil after the mass extinction of the Triassic period. Royal Society Open Sciencein press; doi: 10.1098/rsos.241200

Source: www.sci.news

Water may have formed shortly after the Big Bang, study suggests

Posted on March 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Water was born as a result of an explosion star

PixelParticle/Getty Images

The first water molecules could have formed just 100 million to 200 million years after the Big Bang – even the first galaxy kicked off the processes that led to life on Earth.

Shortly after the Big Bang, most of the problems in the universe were hydrogen and helium, with only traces of other lighter elements, such as lithium. Heavy elements like oxygen are not yet present, and water is impossible to form.

These early elements were combined into the first star and produced heavier elements through oxygen-containing fusion. When these stars reach the end of their lives, they explode as supernovae, releasing these heavier elements, allowing oxygen to mix and mix with existing hydrogen to combine H.₂O – Water.

Previous research It shows that even the relatively small amount of oxygen produced by the earliest stars could create water molecules, but they say up until now they have not simulated exactly what happens when a protostar becomes a supernova, and how the elements it released blended with the cosmic environment in which the stars were formed. Daniel Warren At the University of Portsmouth, UK. “To do anything less, you just don't know what's going on,” he says.

To investigate this, Whalen and his team used computer models to simulate the birth and death of the first star in a realistic context. These early stars are thought to range from 13 times the massive range of the Sun to 200 times the size of the Sun, so researchers modeled both extremes.

As you can imagine, the larger stars spit out more oxygen and produced more water in the form of steam clouds around the Jupiter mass, while the smaller stars produced Earth's mass, says Whaleen.

Depending on the mass of the star, researchers discovered that water took between 3 million and 90 million years after the supernova explosion. In other words, the first water molecules were formed 100-200 million years after the Big Bang.

Importantly, however, the team discovered that this water was not simply spreading throughout the universe. Instead, gravity caused it, and the other heavy elements produced by the first star were clumped together. That meant these chunks were breeding grounds for the second generation stars, and perhaps the first planet. “It was a huge result,” Whalen says.

“Even before the galaxy took place, this idea of water forming essentially overturning decades of thought about the first emergence of life in the universe,” says Whalen. Team Members Muhammadratif At UAE University, researchers now say they will simulate whether water vapor can survive the destruction of the formation of the first galaxy and harsh radiation.

“We know that the chemistry of life we know requires liquid water and can only be obtained in objects with surfaces in the universe or atmospheric.” avi loeb At Harvard University. It would have been a lot of time before this initial vapor condense into liquid water, but he says it could have helped them to find second-generation stars and their planets using instruments like the James Webbspace Telescope to help them understand this process more, and perhaps these planets could have been habitable millions of years after the Big Bang.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Study: Animals Serve as Both Residents and Builders in Their Environments.

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New research reveals how hundreds of species affect Earth’s surface processes, from vast termite mounds visible from space to beavers that produce whole wetlands.

Termites mounds in the bangle bangle range in Western Australia. Image credit: ouderkraal/cc by-sa 3.0.

“This study shows that the role of animals in shaping the Earth’s landscape is far more important than previously recognized,” says Professor Gemma Harvey, a researcher at Queen Mary University in London.

“From beavers that create wetlands to ants that build soil mounds, these diverse natural processes are extremely important, but there is a risk of losing them as biodiversity decreases.”

“From small ants moving through soil to salmon remodeling riverbeds, this study highlights the diversity and scale of animal impacts across all freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.”

“By estimating the collective energy of these natural engineers, this study shows that their topographical contributions are comparable to those of hundreds of thousands of major floods.”

In this study, Professor Harvey and colleagues identified 603 species, genera, or families, including insects, mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles to create landscapes in a surprising way.

Despite covering only 2.4% of the planet’s surface, freshwater habitats take on a third of these astonishing species.

Animals collectively contribute at least 76,000 gigare energy each year to shape the surface of the earth. This is a number that rivals hundreds of thousands of extreme floods.

This estimate is likely to be conservative, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where biodiversity is the highest but research is limited.

“Terrates build a huge network of Brazilian mounds. Some cover thousands of kilometers, but salmon spawning can alter as much sediment as annual floods.” The researcher said.

“Even ants change soil structure and drainage through their small but countless actions.”

Almost 30% of identified species are rare and endemic or threatened, and can cease to cease before a critical topographical process is completely important.

This loss can have great consequences for the ecosystem and the landscapes they support.

“This study provides new insights into biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration,” Professor Harvey said.

“How can rewild and species reintroduction projects, such as the reintroduction of beavers to restore wetlands, help combat environmental challenges such as erosion and flooding by leveraging these natural processes? It shows that.

study It was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

____

Gemma L. Harvey et al. 2025. The global diversity and energy of animals that shape the surface of the earth. pnas 122 (8): E2415104122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2415104122

Source: www.sci.news

Study suggests fixed bedtime more important than total sleep time in preventing tiredness

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When it comes to a good night’s sleep, the quality of your sleep may be more important than the number of hours you get. A new study published in the journal sleep suggests that the regularity of your sleep schedule is a strong predictor of your overall risk of death. In fact, research shows that even those who consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep but have irregular sleep schedules are at a higher risk of stroke, heart attacks, and even cancer compared to those with a consistent sleep-wake routine.

Individuals with the most consistent sleep-wake times have been found to have up to a 48% lower risk of all-cause death compared to those with inconsistent routines. However, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule doesn’t mean you can skimp on sleep. Those who slept less than six hours or more than nine hours each night were also at a higher risk of death. Overall, the link between mortality and consistent sleep patterns was found to be stronger than the link between mortality and sleep duration.

Researchers analyzed sleep data from nearly 61,000 people in the UK biobank, totaling over 10 million hours of recorded sleep. Using advanced algorithms, they tracked mortality rates over an average of 6.3 years to identify factors associated with early death. The hope is that these findings will inform updated public health guidelines and sleep recommendations, emphasizing the importance of not only getting enough sleep but also maintaining a consistent sleep schedule for improved overall health.

Further research is needed to determine if these findings apply to populations outside the UK and to a more diverse range of individuals.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New study uncovers the potential for Earth-like life to exist near a white dwarf star

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a new study from the University of California, Irvine University, white dwarfs are the life of planets that have produced a warmer surface environment than a warmer surface environment formed within a habitable zone or within a habitable zone. It may provide a suitable environment.

The drainage ability to orbit the habitable zone of the white dwarf may have more Clement states to compensate for the cooling and dimming of the host star over time. Image credit: David A. Aguilar/CFA.

This study included the University of California Irvine Astronomer. Aokawa Shield Coworkers compared the climate of the water world with an Earth-like atmosphere composition orbiting in habitable zones of two different types of stars: the white d star and the main sequence K-Dwarf star Kepler-62.

Using a 3D global climate computer model, normally used to study the Earth's environment, they say that despite similar stellar energy distributions, the explanet of the white d star is far more than the Kepler-62 deplanet I discovered it was warm.

“White dwarf stars may emit some heat from residual nuclear activity into the outer layer, but they no longer exhibit fusion at their core,” Dr. Shields said.

“For this reason, we don't take into account much of the ability of these stars to host habitable exoplanets.”

“Our computer simulations suggest that if rocky planets exist in orbit, these planets may have more habitable real estate on their surface than previously thought. ”

The White Dwarf habitable zone is much closer to the stars compared to other star settlements, such as Kepler-62.

The authors emphasized that this would result in a much faster rotation period (10 hours) for the white dwarf exoplanet, and that Kepler 62's exoplanet has a 155-day rotation period.

Both planets can be trapped in synchronous orbits with permanent daysides and permanent nightsides, but the rotation of the super-fast white dwarf planets extends the circulation of clouds around the planet.

The much slower 155-day orbital period of the Kepler-62 planet contributes to large dayside liquid cloud masses.

“Synchronous rotation of exoplanets in habitable zones of normal stars like Kepler 62 creates more cloud covers on Earth's dayside, reflecting incoming radiation away from the Earth's surface. I expect that,'' Dr. Shields said.

“That's usually good for planets orbiting near the inner edge of the star's habitable zone, where you can cool off a bit, rather than losing the ocean in a runaway greenhouse.”

“But for a planet orbiting straight in the middle of a habitable zone, that's not a very good idea.”

“The planet orbiting Kepler-62 has so many clouds that it is covered in clouds, sacrificeing valuable habitable surface area in the process.”

“On the other hand, planets orbiting the white dwarf spin so fast that they hardly have cloudy time during the day, so they retain more heat and work in their advantage.”

Less liquid clouds and the strong greenhouse effect on the Nightside creates a warmer state on the white dwar planet compared to the Kepler-62 planet.

“These results suggest that the once thought to be lifeless, white d star stellar environment could present a new pathway for exoplanet and astrobiology researchers to pursue. I'm doing that,” Dr. Shields said.

“With powerful observational capabilities online to assess exoplanet atmospheres and astrobiology, such as those related to the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, we are now studying a whole new class of whole new classes. You can enter a new stage of being. The world around the stars that was previously not announced.”

study It was published in Astrophysical Journal.

____

Aokawa L. Seals et al. 2025. Increased surface temperature of the habitable white dwarf world compared to the main sequence exoplanet. APJ 979, 45; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/AD9827

Source: www.sci.news

Study shows deliberate use of geometric patterns in Paleolithic artifacts from the Levantin Cave

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the new study, archaeologists analyzed five inscribed artifacts from the Paleolithic period in central Levantin. Two engraved levalovacores from the Manot and Kahuze caves, engraved plackets from the site of Kneitra, and flakes and cortical blades from the Amdo caves. Their findings highlight the intentionality behind the sculpture and provide important insights into the development of abstract thinking and the cultural complexity of mid-Paleolithic society.

Carved cortical revarova core of the Manot Cave. Image credit: E. Ostrovsky/M. Smelansky/E. Paixão/L. Schunk.

Until now, the intentionality of central Paleolithic incised stone artifacts has been widely accepted and not fully supported by empirical testing.

Many archaeologists view these marks as functional and were created through the use of tools or natural wear.

Being skeptical of the existence of abstract or symbolic thinking in early hominins, understanding that symbolic actions such as art and abstract expressions appear much later than human evolution and are particularly relevant to modern people. I have.

Current research challenges the view by providing evidence of intentional and symbolic sculptures before global colonization by modern humans.

This study focuses on artifacts from major Levantin sites, including Dr. May Goldberger, an archaeologist at Hebrew and Ben Gurion University, as well as the outdoor sites of Manot Cave, Amdo Cave, Kahuze Cave and Queneitra. I guessed it.

Using advanced 3D surface analysis, the researchers examined the shape and pattern of the incision to distinguish intentional engraving from functional marks.

The findings reveal significant differences. The artifacts of Manot, Kahuze and Queneitra feature careful sculptures with geometric patterns that match the surface topography, highlighting aesthetic and symbolic intent.

In contrast, the incisions of artifacts from Amud Cave are shallow and unscattered, consistent with their functional use as an appraider.

“Abstract thinking is the basis of human cognitive evolution,” said Dr. Goder-Goldberger.

“The intentional sculpture found in these artifacts emphasizes the ability to represent symbolic representation and proposes a society with high conceptual capabilities.”

“The methodology we employed not only emphasize the intentional nature of these sculptures, but also provides for the first time a comparative framework for studying similar artifacts, enriching understanding of mid-term paleolithic society.” Zentrum für Archäogie, University of Johannes Gutenberg, University of Algarve.

“The inscribed artifacts of Qafzeh, Queneitra, and Manot are isolated initiatives within time series and geographical contexts, but the similarity of the shared properties and pattern structure of the incision itself suggests intentional and pre-determined behavior. I am.

“These findings provide a greater understanding of symbolic behavior and provide important insights into the cognitive and cultural development of early hominins.”

“This study illustrates an important step in understanding the scope of our ancestors' symbolic behavior and bridging the gap between the use of functional tools and abstract representation.”

Team paper Published in the journal Archaeological and anthropological sciences.

____

M. Goder-Goldberger et al. 2025. An incised stone craft from the complexity of ancient stones and human behavior in the central Levantin. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 17, 27; doi:10.1007/s12520-024-02111-4

Source: www.sci.news

Biologists Use High Resolution Imaging to Study Iberian Rib Neutrons.

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Aquariums in the aquatic tail, called Newt, have a large genome with many repetitive factors. It is unknown how these elements form genome and relate to the unique playback ability of Newt. In the new research, scientists Carolinska Research Institute In other places, a chromosomal scale genomic sequence was generated. Newt with Iberia ribs (Pleurodeles Waltl)。

brown et al。 We present a chromosome scale assembly of 20.3 GB genome with Iberian ribs (Pleurodeles Waltl), It has an unprecedented continuity and integrity between giant genomes. Image credit: Brown et al。 , Doi: 10.1016/j.xgen.2025.100761.

Iberia's ribs, which are also known as gully parts or Spanish ribs, are a species of Newt. Climate disease To Spain, Portugal, Morocco.

This kind is known for its wide flat head and sharp RIB bone that can make a hole in its side.

Men measure up to 31 cm (12.2 inches) for men and up to 29 cm (11.4 inches) for women. North African specimens are smaller than European population specimens.

“Iberia's Ribbal Newt boasts an impressive playback roster that can reconstruct lost limbs and regenerate damaged organizations of complex organs, brain, heart, and eyes,” he said. A research institute professor Andas Simon and his colleagues said.

“The use of this model type is greatly enhanced by high -quality genomic assembly and annotation.”

“But this was a challenge for a considerable concentration of a large 20 GB genomal size and a repeated element sequence.”

The authors have discovered that repeated elements account for 74 % of Iberia's ribs of Newt genome content.

“This was a technical challenge, but I succeeded in a more detailed mapping that was more comprehensive than other species of similar genome size,” said Simon.

“We have determined the accurate position of both protein cord sequences and non -coded sequences of each chromosome,” said Karolinska Institute Ph.D. Student Ketan Michela.

“In addition, we have identified which protein corded gene is lacking in the genome of the newt, or has more copies than other species.”

“The result is an important resource for researchers in several fields, such as the evolution, regeneration and development of development of genome, and cancer biology.”

“The next step of the research is to focus on functional research. This is to manipulate the molecular process and determine how these will affect the regenerative ability.”

“In addition, we plan to conduct comparative research with other species to further understand these mechanisms.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal Cell genomics。

______

Thomas Brown et al。 The chromosome genome assembly reveals how the repetitive errors form a non -coding RNA landscape that is active during the rehabilitation of the neut limb. Cell genomicsReleased online on January 27, 2025. Doi: 10.1016/j.xgen.2025.100761

Source: www.sci.news

Study reveals signs of recent seismic activity on far side of the moon.

Posted on January 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study by the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Maryland suggests that the rugged terrain of the moon may still be active in areas of current interest for future missions.

The small ridge on the other side of the moon (yellow) reveals evidence that the moon may not be as dormant as before. Image Credit: Smithsonian facility, Tomwattors

For decades, scientists have been studying the moon’s surface to better understand its complex geological and evolutionary history.

Evidence from the moon’s Maria, the dark and flat areas filled with solid lava, suggests that the moon underwent significant compression in its distant past.

Researchers initially believed that a large ridge near the moon was formed by shrinkage billions of years ago, leading to the conclusion that the moon’s Maria had been dormant since then.

However, new research indicates that there may be more dynamic activity beneath the moon’s surface.

Jaclyn Clark and her colleagues, researchers at the University of Maryland, discovered that the small ridge on the other side of the moon is significantly younger than previously studied ridges.

“Many scientists had previously thought that most of the moon’s geological activity occurred over two to three billion years ago,” Clark stated. “But it appears that these structural features have been active within the past billion years and may still be active today.”

“These small ridges formed within the last 200 million years, a relatively recent timeframe in lunar terms,” she added.

Using advanced mapping and modeling techniques, researchers uncovered a previously unknown small ridge on the far side of the moon.

The ridge consists of 10-40 volcanic groups likely formed 3.2 to 3.6 billion years ago in narrow areas with fundamental weaknesses on the moon’s surface.

To determine the age of these small ridges, researchers employed a crater count method and found them to be younger than surrounding features.

“The more craters present, the older the surface,” Dr. Clark explained. “Based on the number of craters, we estimate that these features have been structurally active within the last 160 million years.”

Scientists noted that the structure of the distant ridge resembles that seen near the moon, suggesting they were formed by similar forces.

A few decades ago, NASA’s Apollo Mission detected shallow moonquakes. Recent findings suggest that these small ridges may be related to similar seismic activity.

“I hope that future moon missions will include tools like terrestrial penetration radar to better understand the subsurface structure of the moon,” Clark expressed. “Knowing that the moon is still geologically active is crucial for planning human missions and infrastructure development on the lunar surface.”

The team’s paper was published this month in the Planetary Science Journal.

______

Ca Nypaver et al. 2025. Moon Distant Ridges and Antartica – Recent Structural Deformation of an Incongruous Basin. Planet. Sci. J 6, 16; DOI: 10.3847/PSJ/AD9EAA

Source: www.sci.news

Recent study explains the atomic-level process of microorganisms metabolizing carbon monoxide.

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

More than 2 billion tons of carbon monoxide are released in the atmosphere every year. Various bacteria and old bacteria take this in about 250 million tons, reducing carbon monoxide to a safer level. According to new studies, these microorganisms use a special enzyme called CO Dehydrogenase to extract energy from this universal but very toxic gas.

kropp et al。 Demonstrates that CO dehydrogenase can oxidize carbon monoxide to an invasion level. Image credit: NASA / NOAA / GSFC / SUOMI NPP / VIIRS / NORMAN KURING.

“Carbon monoxide is a powerful poison with multiple cell life, and is also a high -energy fuel and carbon source of microorganisms,” said the University of Monash University and his colleagues, Ashley Crop.

“Carbon monoxide is released in large quantities in the atmosphere, and nature and human sources contribute to the estimated 26 million tons of carbon monoxide emissions each year.”

“Nevertheless, the average carbon monoxide concentration in the atmosphere remains very low at about 100 ppb for consumption by non -biological processes and microbial oxidation.”

“Microorganism consumption accounts for an estimated 10 to 15 % of carbon monoxide removed from the atmosphere (approximately 250 million tons per year).”

In their research, the authors showed for the first time how Co -Dehydrogenase extracted carbon monoxide and power cells.

“This enzyme is used in microorganisms of our soil and water areas. These microorganisms consume carbon monoxide for their own survival, but in the process. Help me, “said Kropp.

“This was a great example of the ingenuity of microorganisms. How did life evolve how toxic toxic things are evolved,” said Devid Gillet, the University of Monache.

“These microorganisms help to clean our atmosphere. This is because carbon monoxide is indirectly greening gas in opposition to air pollution that kills millions of people every year. Reduce warming.

“This discovery is unlikely to be used directly to fight the emissions of carbon monoxide, but deepen understanding of how the atmosphere is regulated and how it will respond to future changes. Nothing.

“This discovery emphasized the wider importance of microorganisms,” said Professor Chris Green at the University of Monash.

“Microorganisms have countless roles that are indispensable to both human and planet health, but they are often misunderstood and are often misunderstood, so they are often noticed.”

“Microorganisms were a major reason for our air,” said Kropp.

“We breathe, detoxify various pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, and make half of oxygen to detoxify.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal Natural chemical student。

______

A. KROPP et al。 Kinon extraction promotes carbon monoxide oxidation in the atmosphere of bacteria. NAT CHEM BIOLReleased online on January 29, 2025. Doi: 10.1038/S41589-025-01836-0

Source: www.sci.news

New study suggests Earth’s recent minimoon originated from the moon

Posted on January 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Near-Earth asteroid 2024 PT5 is in an Earth-like orbit and remained very close to Earth for several months at the end of 2024.

2024 PT5 captured a brief flyby from September 29 to November 25, 2024. Image credit: University of Colorado.

2024 PT was first detected on August 7, 2024 by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope at the University of Hawaii in Sutherland, South Africa.

This asteroid poses no danger to Earth, but its orbit around the sun closely matches that of our planet.

The object, which is about 10 meters (33 feet) wide, appears to be composed of rock that broke off from the moon’s surface and was ejected into space after a major impact.

“There was a general idea that this asteroid might have come from the moon, but when we discovered that this asteroid is rich in silicate minerals, it became conclusive proof. The silicate minerals are not the kind found on asteroids, but rather the ones found in the moon’s rocks. Dr. Teddy Kaleta Astronomer at Lowell Observatory.

“It doesn’t seem to have been in space very long, perhaps only a few thousand years, because there was no cosmic weathering to cause its spectrum to turn red.”

Using observations from the Lowell Discovery Telescope and NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) at Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii, Dr. Kaleta and his colleagues show that the spectrum of sunlight reflected from the surface of 2024 PT does not match its spectrum. showed. A known asteroid type. Instead, the reflected light more closely matched the moon’s rocks.

This discovery doubles the number of known asteroids thought to originate from the Moon.

“Asteroid 469219 Kamooarewa was discovered in 2016 in an Earth-like orbit around the sun, indicating that this asteroid may also have been ejected from the lunar surface after a major impact,” the astronomers said. said.

“As telescopes become more sensitive to smaller asteroids, more potential lunar boulders will be discovered, and scientists studying the moon as well as scientists studying rare asteroid populations will It creates exciting opportunities for everyone.”

“If a lunar asteroid could be directly related to a specific impact crater on the Moon, studying it could provide insight into the cratering process on the pockmarked lunar surface.”

“Also, material collected from deep on the moon’s surface in the form of asteroids passing close to Earth could be available to future scientists for study.”

“This is a story about the moon told by asteroid scientists,” Dr. Kaleta said.

“It’s an unusual situation where we go out to study asteroids and end up wandering into new territory in terms of the questions we can ask for PT5 in 2024.”

of findings On January 14, 2025, Astrophysics Journal Letter.

_____

Theodore Caleta others. 2025. On the origin of the near-Earth asteroid moon2024 PT5. APJL 979, L8; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad9ea8

Source: www.sci.news

Study suggests that a massive flood reclaimed the Mediterranean Sea 5.3 million years ago

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A massive flood called the Zanclean Flood ended the Messinian salinity crisis that lasted from 5.97 million to 5.33 million years ago, according to a new study led by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).

One of the scenarios being discussed for ending the Messinian Salinity Crisis 5.33 million years ago is the catastrophic backfilling of the Mediterranean Sea by the Zanclean Flood. Micallef others. They present clear onshore and offshore evidence that this deluge spilled over a shallow marine corridor in southeastern Sicily into the nearby underwater Noto Gorge. This aerial photo shows a ridge eroded by a major flood, located northeast of Masseria del Volpe, in southeastern Sicily. Image credit: Kevin Sciberras and Neil Petroni.

“The Zanclean Flood is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, with flows and velocities that seem dwarfed by any other known flood in Earth’s history,” said the study’s lead author, C.A. said Dr. Aaron Micallef, a research scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

“Our study provides the most convincing evidence yet of this unusual event.”

During the Messinian salinity crisis, the Mediterranean Sea was isolated from the Atlantic Ocean and evaporated, creating vast salt deposits that transformed the region’s landscape.

Scientists have long believed that this dry period would gradually end and that the Mediterranean Sea would be reclaimed over 10,000 years.

However, the discovery in 2009 of an eroded channel stretching from the Gulf of Cadiz to the Alboran Sea called this idea into question.

The discovery points to a single major flooding event lasting between two and 16 years, which became known as the Zanclean Flood.

Estimates indicate that the outflow of this megaflood was between 68 and 100 Sverdraps (Sv), where 1 sievert is equivalent to 1 million cubic meters per second.

In their research, Dr. Micallef and his colleagues combined newly discovered geological features with geophysical data and numerical modeling to provide the most comprehensive picture of the megaflood to date. did.

The researchers investigated more than 300 asymmetric streamlined ridges in the corridor across the Sicilian Sil, a submerged land bridge that once separated the western and eastern Mediterranean basins.

“The morphology of these ridges corresponds to erosion by large-scale turbulence, mainly in a north-easterly direction,” said Professor Paul Carling from the University of Southampton.

“They reveal the immense power of the Zanclean Flood and how it changed the landscape and left a lasting mark on the geological record.”

Scientists sampled the ridge and found that it was overlain by a layer of rock debris containing material eroded from the sides of the ridge and surrounding areas. This indicates that it was deposited there rapidly and with great force.

This layer lies right on the boundary between the Messinian and Zanclean periods, where the Great Flood is thought to have occurred.

Using seismic reflection data, a type of geological ultrasound that allows scientists to see layers of rock and sediment beneath the Earth’s surface, the authors found a “W-shaped” shape on the continental shelf east of Sicily’s Sill. discovered a waterway.

This channel, dug into the ocean floor, connects the ridge to the Noto Gorge, a deep underwater canyon located in the eastern Mediterranean.

The shape and location of the channel suggest that it functioned like a giant funnel.

When the mega-flood flowed into Sicily’s Sill, this channel is thought to have carried the water towards the Noto Valley and into the eastern Mediterranean.

The research team developed a computer model of the flood to simulate how the water behaved.

The model shows that floodwaters change direction and increase their strength over time, reaching speeds of up to 32 meters per second (72 miles per hour), carving deeper channels, eroding more material, and increasing their length. This suggests that they may have been transported over long distances.

“These discoveries not only reveal a critical moment in Earth’s geological history, but also prove that landforms persist for five million years,” Dr. Micallef said.

“This opens the door to further research on the Mediterranean coast.”

of study Published in a magazine Communication Earth and Environment.

_____

A. Micallef others. 2024. Land-to-sea indicators of the Zanclean Flood. common global environment 5,794;doi: 10.1038/s43247-024-01972-w

Source: www.sci.news

New study reveals Australopithecus did not regularly consume meat

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Australopithecus had a varied but plant-based diet, as indicated by stable isotope data analysis from seven human specimens collected in Sterkfontein, South Africa, 3.5 million years ago.

Lüdecke others. claim that Australopithecus In Sterkfontein, mammalian meat was not regularly consumed. Image credit: Cicero Moraes / CC BY-SA 3.0.

“Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the mammalian body and can preserve the isotopic fingerprint of an animal’s diet for millions of years,” says geochemist Dr Tina Lüdecke from the University of the Witwatersrand. said.

“When animals digest food, a biochemical reaction involves light isotopes of nitrogen (¹⁴yeah). ”

“Therefore, the breakdown products produced in their bodies include a high proportion of ¹⁴N.”

“When these light nitrogen compounds are excreted in urine, feces, or sweat, the proportion of heavy nitrogen increases (¹⁵N) It provides the body with this light nitrogen compared to the food it takes in. ”

“This means that herbivores have higher nitrogen isotope ratios than the plants they consume, and carnivores have higher nitrogen isotope ratios than their prey.”

“Therefore, the higher the ¹⁵From N ¹⁴The higher the N ratio in the tissue sample, the higher the trophic position of the organism in the food web. ”

Nitrogen isotope ratios have long been used to study the diet of hair, nails, bones, and many other organic materials in modern animals and humans.

However, in fossil materials, these measurements have until now been limited to samples only tens of thousands of years old, as the organic material degrades over time.

In the new study, Luedecke and colleagues used a new technique to measure nitrogen isotope ratios in the enamel of fossilized teeth that are millions of years old.

They found that the nitrogen isotope ratio in tooth enamel was Australopithecus Abundances varied but were consistently low, similar to herbivore populations, and much lower than modern carnivore populations.

They conclude that the diets of these hominins, although diverse, consisted largely or exclusively of plant-based foods.

Therefore, Australopithecus did not regularly hunt large mammals, as Neanderthals did millions of years later, for example.

Although researchers cannot completely rule out the possibility that they occasionally consumed animal protein sources such as eggs or termites, there is evidence that their diet was primarily vegetarian.

“Our method opens up exciting possibilities for understanding human evolution and has the potential to answer important questions, such as when did our ancestors start incorporating meat into their diets?” And was the onset of meat eating associated with an increase in brain volume?” said Dr. Alfredo Martínez García, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry.

“This study represents a major step in extending our ability to better understand the diets and nutrient levels of all animals to multi-million-year scales.”

“This study provides clear evidence that the diet did not include large amounts of meat.”

“A pioneering application of this new method was pioneered at the Sterkfontein site, which continues to make fundamental contributions to science 89 years after the first hominin fossils were discovered there by Robert Bloom. We are honored to have received this recognition,” said Professor Dominic Stratford, Director of the Center. Research in Sterkfontein Cave.

of study Published in a magazine science.

_____

Tina Ludecke others. 2025. Australopithecus In Sterkfontein, very little mammalian meat was consumed. science 387 (6731): 309-314;doi: 10.1126/science.adq7315

Source: www.sci.news

New study suggests Homo erectus flourished in grassland and desert environments one million years ago

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

homo erectusan early member of the genus homoA new study shows that a new study shows that the astronauts were able to successfully navigate longer, harsher and drier terrain in eastern Africa than previously thought.

archaic humans. Image credit: Ninara / CC BY 2.0.

For a long time, debate has centered on when this genus originated. homo They have acquired the adaptability to survive even in extreme environments such as deserts and tropical rainforests.

Traditionally, homo sapiens Archaic humans were thought to be able to sustainably occupy such ecosystems, and ancient hominids were thought to be confined to smaller ranges.

However, evidence suggests that at an early stage homo Two million years ago, they had the ability to adapt to diverse and unstable environments.

“It’s extinct now, but homo erectus Professor Michael Petraglia of Griffith University said: “Humans have existed for an estimated 1.5 million years or more, marking the successful survival of the species in our evolutionary history.” Compared to that, it is about 300,000 years until now.

Professor Julio Mercader of the University of Calgary added, “Their success is due to their ability to survive over long periods of time characterized by many changes in environment and climate.”

Investigate how climate change has affected ecological ranges, dispersal patterns, and technology. homo erectusThe authors conducted an interdisciplinary study at Engazi Nayori in Oldupai Gorge, an important early human settlement on the equator in Tanzania.

They discovered that between about 1.2 million and 1 million years ago, the region remained semi-desert, with distinctive plant life.

Archaeological data suggests the existence of the following groups: homo erectus They repeatedly settled in areas where fresh water was available, such as ponds, and adapted to local conditions by developing specialized stone tools such as scrapers and jagged tools (known as denticles).

The researchers suggest that, taken together, these findings demonstrate that: homo erectus Their ability to survive in extreme environments was far greater than previously thought.

“This adaptive profile, characterized by resilience in arid regions, challenges assumptions about the dispersal limits and location of early humans.” homo erectus As a versatile generalist and the first human to transcend environmental boundaries on a global scale,” Professor Petraglia said.

“This adaptability is probably due to homo erectus They invaded the arid regions of Africa and Eurasia and redefined their role as ecological generalists, thriving in some of the most difficult landscapes of the Middle Pleistocene,” added Professor Paul Durkin of the University of Manitoba. .

of findings Posted in today's diary Nature Communication Earth and Environment.

_____

J. Mercader others. 2025. homo erectus One million years ago, they adapted to the extreme climates of grasslands and deserts. common global environment 6, 1; doi: 10.1038/s43247-024-01919-1

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring the decision-making process of early hominin tool manufacturers: A new study

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleoanthropologists have characterized the properties of rough stone materials selected and used by early Pleistocene tool makers at Acheulean sites on the Ethiopian plateau between 16 and 1 million years ago.

Hand ax made from sidestrike flakes (ac) and kombewa flakes (df) from Melka Wakena, Ethiopia. Image credit: Tegenu Gossa & Erella Hovers, doi: 10.1007/s12520-024-02072-8.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem said: “The two earliest stone tool assemblages, Oldowan and Acheulean, are now known to have emerged and proliferated within the East African Rift Valley.” Professor Herrera Hovers And my colleagues.

“The Oldowans (beginning 2.6 million years ago) introduced the obligatory use of percussion techniques, using various types of lithic supports (cobbles, nodules, pebbles, etc.) as percussion instruments to produce simple flakes. It represents a fundamental technological advance.

“The emergence of the Atyurs 1.75 million years ago probably marked major biological and behavioral changes in hominin lifestyles, often associated with improved cognitive abilities.”

In their study, the authors focused on: Melka Wakenaan early Achurian archaeological complex located in the south-central Ethiopian Plateau, at an altitude of 2,300 to 2,350 meters above sea level.

The site consists of several areas within a radius of approximately 2 km along the western bank of the Wabe River.

Preliminary investigations revealed the remains of animals, including 15 species of large vertebrates, some of which had human traces.

“Melka Wakena is one of the earliest known sites of high-altitude human habitation,” the researchers said.

“Evidence suggests that early humans made strategic choices based on factors such as rock compatibility, durability, and efficiency.”

“Melka Wakena's unique high-altitude setting provides valuable insight into how early humans adapted to their difficult environment.”

Scientists used advanced digital imaging techniques such as 3D scanning and photogrammetry to create highly detailed models showing the effects of stone tool use.

These models enable accurate analysis of wear patterns and surface changes and reveal that raw material properties have a significant influence on these changes, even under identical use conditions.

The findings suggest that early humans carefully evaluated the properties of materials when making tools, demonstrating a remarkable degree of technological foresight and adaptability.

“Our findings suggest that early humans were not simply picking up stones at random,” said Professor Hovers.

“They were making complex decisions about which materials were best for predictable needs, demonstrating a high degree of pre-planning and cognitive sophistication.”

of result appear in the diary PLoS ONE.

_____

E. Paisan others. 2025. Exploring early Acheulean technological decision-making: A controlled experimental approach to raw material selection for percussion crafts in Melka Wakena, Ethiopia. PLoS ONE 20 (1): e0314039;doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314039

Source: www.sci.news

Study Shows Octopus Arm Nervous System is Sectioned into Parts

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Controlling octopus motion is a very complex issue. Each of its eight arms is a muscular hydrostat, a soft-bodied structure without a rigid skeleton that moves with nearly infinite degrees of freedom. Additionally, the arm is packed with hundreds of suction cups, each of which can change shape independently. Despite this complexity, octopuses effectively control behavior along the length of a single arm, across all eight arms, and between suckers. In a new study, scientists at the University of Chicago show that the circuits in the nervous system that control the movements of an octopus' arms are subdivided, allowing this extraordinary creature to explore its environment, grasp objects, and capture prey. discovered that he could precisely control his arms and suction cups.

Octopus at USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. Image credit: University of Southern California.

“If you're going to create a nervous system that controls dynamic movements like this, that's a good way to set it up,” said Clifton Ragsdale, a professor at the University of Chicago.

“We think this is a feature that evolved specifically in soft-bodied cephalopods with suckers for insect-like movements.”

Each arm of an octopus has an extensive nervous system, with more neurons connected across all eight arms than in the animal's brain.

These neurons are concentrated in large axial nerve cords (ANCs) that snake back and forth as they travel along the arm, forming an extension above each sucker with each bend.

The study authors wanted to analyze the structure of the ANC and its connections with the musculature of the arm. California two-spotted octopus (Octopus bimacroides)a small species native to the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.

They tried to view a thin circular cross-section of the arm under a microscope, but the sample kept falling off the slide.

They tried peeling the arm lengthwise and got lucky, leading to an unexpected discovery.

Using cell markers and imaging tools to track structures and connections from the ANC, they found that neuronal cell bodies are packed into columns that form corrugated pipe-like segments.

These segments are separated by gaps called septa, through which nerves and blood vessels connect to nearby muscles.

Nerves from multiple segments connect to different regions of the muscle, suggesting that these segments work together to control movement.

“If you think about this from a modeling perspective, the best way to set up a control system for this very long, flexible arm is to break it up into segments,” said Cassady Olson, a graduate student at the University of Chicago. states.

“There has to be some communication between the segments. I can imagine that helping smooth the movement.”

The sucker nerves also exit the ANC through these septa and are systematically connected to the outer edge of each sucker.

This indicates that the nervous system sets up a spatial or topographic map of each sucker.

Octopuses can move their suction cups independently and change their shape.

The suckers are also packed with sensory receptors that allow the octopus to taste and smell things it touches. This is the same as combining your hands, tongue, and nose.

The researchers believe that the suckers (what they called maps) facilitate this complex sensorimotor ability.

To see if this kind of structure is common to other soft-bodied cephalopods, the researchers also Long-tailed squid (Dorytheutis Pileyi)common in the Atlantic Ocean.

These squid have eight arms and two tentacles with octopus-like muscles and suckers.

The tentacles have long stalks without suction cups, and at the end are clubs with suction cups.

While hunting, squid can shoot out tentacles and catch prey with clubs equipped with suckers.

Using the same process to study long strips of squid tentacles, we found that the ANC in the suckerless stem was unsegmented, but the club at the end was segmented in the same way as in the octopus. .

This suggests that the segmented ANC was built specifically to control all types of dexterous sucker-equipped appendages in cephalopods.

However, squid tentacle clubs have fewer segments per sucker, probably because they do not use suckers for sensation like octopuses do.

Squids rely on sight to hunt in the open ocean, while octopuses roam the ocean floor and use their sensitive arms as tools for exploration.

Octopuses and squids diverged more than 270 million years ago, but the similarities in how some of their appendages are controlled by suction cups and the differences in others are a question of how evolution always best resolves them. It shows you how to find a solution.

“An organism with insect-like, sucker-containing appendages needs the right kind of nervous system,” Professor Ragsdale says.

“Different cephalopods have come up with segmented structures, the details of which vary depending on environmental demands and hundreds of millions of years of evolutionary pressure.”

of study Published in a magazine nature communications.

_____

C.S. Olson others. 2025. Neuronal segmentation in the cephalopod arm. Nat Commune 16, 443;doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-55475-5

Source: www.sci.news

Study finds that atmospheric lead pollution in Roman Europe led to widespread cognitive decline

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers examined records from three ice cores to determine levels of lead pollution in the Arctic from 500 BC to 600 AD. The presence of lead isotopes allowed the authors to identify mining and smelting operations across Europe as possible sources of contamination during this period. Advanced computer modeling of atmospheric movement was then used to map atmospheric lead pollution levels across Europe. Combined with studies linking lead exposure to cognitive decline, scientists also saw a 2.5 to 3 point drop in intelligence quotient across the Roman Empire.

A 4th century AD bronze and silver coin found in Lod, central Israel. Image credit: Israel Antiquities Authority.

“This is the first study to take pollution records from ice cores and calculate them backwards to get pollution concentrations in the air and assess the impact on humans,” said Desert Research Institute researcher Dr. Joe McConnell. said.

“The idea that we could do this 2,000 years ago is very novel and exciting.”

Dr Andrew Wilson, a historian at the University of Oxford, said: 'Our research uncovers precise links between records of lead pollution and historical events such as population declines associated with periodic epidemics and pandemics. , which changed our understanding of the Roman period.”

Ancient lead pollution was primarily caused by silver mining, where the lead-rich mineral galena was melted down to extract the silver.

This process produced thousands of ounces of lead for every ounce of silver, much of which was released into the atmosphere.

In adults, high levels of lead exposure have been linked to infertility, anemia, memory loss, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and decreased immune responses, among others.

In children, even low levels of exposure are associated with lower IQ, poorer concentration, and poorer academic performance.

Meanwhile, the US CDC I will consider There is no risk-free lead exposure level, as a blood lead level of 3.5 μg/dl is the point for medical intervention in children.

Dr Nathan Chellman, a researcher at the Desert Research Institute I decided to focus on that.”

“A two to three point drop in IQ doesn't seem like a big deal, but when you apply this to basically the entire European population, it becomes quite significant.”

The researchers found that atmospheric lead pollution began in the Iron Age and peaked during the height of the Roman Republic in the late 2nd century BC.

It then declined sharply in the 1st century BC during the crisis of the Roman Republic, but increased around 15 BC with the rise of the Roman Empire.

Lead contamination remained at high levels from 165 AD until the Antonine Plague of the 180s, which seriously affected the Roman Empire.

It was not until the High Middle Ages, at the beginning of the second millennium AD, that lead pollution in the Arctic exceeded the persistently high levels of the Roman Empire.

Research shows that during the height of the Roman Empire, which spanned nearly 200 years, more than 500,000 tons of lead were released into the atmosphere.

“Ice core records show that lead pollution in the Arctic was up to 40 times higher at its historic peak in the early 1970s, but the insights gained from this study show that lead pollution in the Arctic was up to 40 times higher at its historic peak in the early 1970s, but It shows how it has impacted health,” Dr. McConnell said.

of study Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

_____

Joseph R. McConnell others. 2025. Roman mining and smelting led to atmospheric lead pollution across Europe, increased blood lead levels, and decreased cognitive function. PNAS 122 (3): e2419630121;doi: 10.1073/pnas.2419630121

Source: www.sci.news

A Study on the Unique Variety of Camellia sinensis Found in the Tea Plant of Hainan Island

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tea (Camellia sinensis) originated in China more than 3,000 years ago and evolved from a medicinal herb to a widely consumed beverage. Although there is considerable research focusing on tea plants in southwestern China, research on tea plants has received little attention. Hainan Island. Remarkable similarities between Hainanese tea and tea leaves Camellia sinensis variable Asamika Along with the island’s unique geographic and climatic conditions, research on Hainanese tea presents significant challenges. A new study fills this gap by collecting 500 tea tree samples from Hainan and using whole-genome resequencing to examine differences between Hainanese teas and cultivars. Camellia sinensis.

Guo others. A clear taxonomic position of Hainan tea was confirmed. Camellia sinensis providing valuable insights into resource conservation and molecular breeding. Image credit: Lin2015.

Tea is the oldest recorded tree crop in China, with a history of cultivation spanning more than 3,000 years.

Originally used as a medicinal herb with roots dating back approximately 5,000 years, it later evolved into a widely consumed beverage.

Tea plants grown worldwide are divided into two main groups. Camellia sinensis variable sinensis and Camellia sinensis variable Asamika.

Hainan Island, located in the northern part of the South China Sea, has a rich history of tea cultivation and has vast plantation areas.

There were reports that Hainan Island had abundant tea plant resources at the end of the Qing Dynasty.

For example, American missionary and botanist Benjamin Couch Henry discovered significant numbers of wild tea plants during his extensive explorations of the Li region of Hainan province, indicating that the island had an ancient tea plant resource. I have confirmed that it is plentiful.

Since the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau is widely recognized as a potential geographic origin of tea, most studies on tea population genomics have focused on southwestern China, especially Camellia sinensis variable Asamika Despite the large number of varieties, research on Hainan tea plants remains relatively sparse.

“Our study clarifies the taxonomic position of Hainan tea and highlights the importance of conservation and molecular breeding efforts,” said researcher Dazhong Guo of Yunnan Agricultural University and colleagues.

In this study, the authors analyzed 500 tea plant samples (including those from ancient tea plants) collected from four major tea-producing regions in Hainan province: Ledong, Qiongzhong, Baisha, and Wuzhishan. The genome sequence was analyzed.

They acquired a total of 6.9 terabytes of raw sequencing data, which they filtered and aligned with a reference genome (Yunkang 10), achieving a final average alignment rate of 98.98%.

After variant calling, 32,334,340 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, the majority of which were located in intergenic regions and a small number in exonic regions.

Phylogenetic analysis using SNP data revealed that Hainan tea samples formed a distinct cluster separate from the overall tea leaves. Camellia sinensis variable sinensis and Camellia sinensis variable Asamika There is a significant geographic concentration within the Rim Mountain region, but no clear pattern elsewhere.

Population structure analysis further confirmed that Hainan tea exhibits a unique genetic composition compared to global varieties.

Principal component analysis (PCA) supported these findings and showed that Hainan tea is genetically different from other teas. Camellia sinensis variable sinensis and Camellia sinensis variable Asamikabut shares some genetic similarities with their global counterparts. Camellia sinensis variable Asamika.

Moreover, gene flow analysis suggested limited historical movement between Hainan tea and other tea varieties, reinforcing its unique genetic lineage.

Kinship analysis showed that the close genetic relationships observed in certain Hainanese tea samples were influenced by human activities in managed tea plantations.

Genetic diversity analysis revealed that the Hainan Island and Lim Mountains populations had higher levels of diversity compared to other populations. Camellia sinensis variable sinensis and Camellia sinensis variable Asamikathere is minimal genetic differentiation between Hainan tea and Limshan tea.

These results highlight the unique evolutionary trajectory of Hainan tea, provide valuable insights into its genetic background, and provide implications for conservation and breeding strategies.

The genetic uniqueness and high diversity of Hainan tea highlight its potential as a valuable resource for future breeding programs.

“Our research provides a deeper understanding of biological evolution. Camellia sinensis The stage is now set for further studying the genetic basis of Hainan's amazing plants,” the researchers said.

Their paper Published in a magazine agricultural biodiversity.

_____

Guo Dazhong others. 2024. Genome resequencing reveals genes with unique origins Camellia sinensis Variety – Hainanese tea. agricultural biodiversity 1 (1): 3-12;doi: 10.48130/abd-0024-0003

Source: www.sci.news

20 Simple Steps to Enhance Your Health: Findings from the Largest Study of 2024

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

If you are not only keeping up with the health news of this year, but also following all its recommendations, you are on your way to a truly healthy life.

First, you have probably adjusted your eating habits. Maybe you have been motivated to go vegan after reading an article that claims a diet can reverse your biological age in just eight weeks, or because scientists have found that in combination with exercise, weight loss can be achieved. You might have experimented with intermittent fasting.

You could have opted for a Mediterranean diet to keep your brain young, or increased your fiber intake to make up for a deficiency that most people supposedly have, according to scientists.

Adopting a vegan diet for just 8 weeks can change DNA methylation patterns and reduce biological age – Image credit: Getty Images

It is equally possible that conflicting evidence has led you in a different direction. After all, one study linked intermittent fasting to a 91 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death, and another warned of cancerous mutations during the post-fasting eating period. Several major studies are also reconsidering calorie restriction as the best way to extend lifespan.

Even the negative reputation of ultra-processed foods was a topic of debate. One study showed that avoiding ultra-processed foods reduced the risk of cognitive decline by 12 percent, but a 30-year Harvard University study suggested that ultra-processed foods are not as harmful as we believe.

If you have given up on your diet altogether, we don’t blame you. Ultimately, it was the new weight-loss medications, including those initially in pill form and an alternative to Ozempic that does not cause muscle loss, that gained significant attention.

Early indications of “exercise drugs” brought hope even to those who are unable to be physically active. While some researchers were encouraged by two studies suggesting that walking alone can improve cardiovascular health and reduce back pain, others found that just one exercise session per week could reduce cognitive decline by 13 percent.

More than 50% of men will be bald by the age of 50. A breakthrough in 2024 could change things – Image courtesy of Getty

Scientists claim that the anti-aging solution is within our bodies, as they have discovered that white blood cells can be reprogrammed to target and eliminate senescent cells. Elsewhere, the Atlas of Aging explains why our muscles weaken as we age and how this process can be halted.

Furthermore, a British study found that a simple intervention dramatically reduced peanut allergy rates by 71 percent.

Meanwhile, new possibilities have emerged in the field of hair removal after researchers revealed that a naturally occurring sugar in the human body can help treat male pattern baldness.

In the medical field, a new breath test that can detect lung cancer early is showing promise, and an Irish research team believes they have developed a way to vaccinate against eczema.

Researchers have developed a respiratory sensor that can detect early signs of lung cancer by identifying specific chemical changes, providing a simple, non-invasive screening method – Image courtesy of Getty Images

In positive news, a survey reveals that life is not solely about money. Some of the world’s poorest regions, which rely on nature rather than income, reported higher life satisfaction scores than countries at the top of the World Happiness Index (such as Finland, Denmark, and Iceland).

There was also one health news item that did not offer any new information. It is already known that spending time with dogs can increase your sense of well-being and brain wave activity. We certainly take that advice to heart…or head to the park to play.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Study Reveals Further Insights Into Tea’s Genetic Composition

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Free amino acids (FAA) specifically determine the quality of tea. Theaninewhich gives the tea its infusion flavor. However, its concentration varies widely depending on the type of tea, influencing both the flavor and nutritional profile of the tea. In a new study led by the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Huazhong Agricultural University, 339 tea lines were collected to study FAA levels to elucidate tea variation and accumulation mechanisms. The results provide insights and benefits for the conservation, evaluation, and utilization of tea germplasm, with the ultimate goal of tea plant genetic improvement and breeding, as well as further deciphering the complex complex traits of tea plants. We provide valuable information and approaches to help you.

By analyzing the variation of FAA of 339 tea accessions over 2 years, the determined components of FAA, including arginine, glutamine, glutamic acid, alanine, and theanine, with the highest diversity index were found in different genetic resources and within species. We found that there were differences between strains. On the other hand, the amount is Camellia sinensis All were significantly higher than their wild relatives. In this study, a significant opposite trend between chlorophyll and FAA profiles was identified. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Tea tree (Camellia sinensis) and its wild relatives, evergreens and woody perennials, belong to this genus. camellia “It is a member of the Camellia family with a long history of cultivation,” said co-senior author Dr. Liang Chen of the Tea Research Institute and colleagues.

“Originally in southwestern China, it is widely consumed around the world and is becoming the most important non-alcoholic beverage.”

“For commercial and quality value, the secondary metabolites of the tea plant are important criteria associated with pleasant flavor, nutritional value, and numerous health benefits, including polyphenols, catechins, caffeine, theanine, and terpenes. .”

“Therefore, the evaluation and utilization of tea lines… findings appear in this diary horticultural research.

_____

ron fan others. 2024. Comprehensive analysis of free amino acid variation and accumulation in tea lines. horticultural research 11 (1):uhad263;doi: 10.1093/hr/uhad263

Source: www.sci.news

New study reveals how leopards can be distinguished by their vocalizations

Posted on December 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Conservation requires accurate information about species occupancy, abundance, and behavior. However, collecting these data for elusive and isolated species such as Leopard (Panthera Pardus)is often challenging. In a large-scale paired camera trap and autonomous recording survey Nyerere National ParkScientists in Tanzania have discovered that each leopard has a unique call, which can be used to identify them. The authors were able to identify individual leopards by their vocalizations with 93.1% accuracy.

Examples of autonomous recording units (left) and camera trap (right) stations. Image credit: Growcott others., doi:10.1002/rse2.429.

Leopards are listed as vulnerable According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is mainly caused by habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

But because leopards are solitary nocturnal creatures that live across vast landscapes, scientists have struggled to gather reliable data to help reverse population declines.

There is little scientific research into the leopard's “saw-like roar.” This is a repetitive, low-frequency pattern of strokes that can often be heard from at least a kilometer away, and is primarily used to attract mates and defend territory.

But studying leopards through the sounds they make (a technique known as bioacoustics and commonly used to monitor birds and marine life) has the advantage of allowing researchers to monitor a wider area. .

It could lead to more complex studies, such as population estimates, a key indicator that helps policy makers and conservationists understand how to manage landscapes and reduce human-wildlife conflict. There is a gender.

University of Exeter PhD student Jonathan Growcott and his colleagues have conducted the first large-scale paired passive acoustic monitoring and camera trapping study.

They focused on 450km² Fifty cameras have been installed in trees along roads and trails across a vast area of Tanzania's Nyerere National Park.

They placed a microphone next to each camera, allowing them to identify the leopard from the camera and extract its roaring bouts from the audio.

They then used a modeling system to analyze the temporal patterns of leopard calls and found that individuals could be identified with an overall accuracy of 93.1%.

This study shows that by using multiple forms of technology to record complementary data, we can exploit a wider range of species characteristics than studying any single technology in isolation.

“The discovery that leopards have a distinctive roar is an important but fundamentally very basic discovery that shows how little we know about leopards and large carnivores in general.” Growcott said.

“We hope this will make leopards the focus of more complex acoustic science, such as population density studies, and open the door to further research into how large carnivores use vocalizations as a tool.” Masu.”

“Importantly, we hope that our success in using a combination of different types of technology will inspire others to think about how to integrate different types of technology into their research. Because the rich data this provides could truly advance science and help us understand ecosystems and landscapes in a more holistic way. ”

of study Published in this month's magazine Remote sensing in ecology and conservation.

_____

Jonathan Growcott others. The secret acoustic world of leopards: A combination of camera traps and bioacoustic surveys facilitates the identification of leopards by their roars. Remote sensing in ecology and conservationpublished online on December 22, 2024. doi: 10.1002/rse2.429

Source: www.sci.news

Cooler White Dwarfs Found to Have Less Bulge than Hotter Counterparts in Recent Study

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Using a catalog of 26,041 white dwarfs observed by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, astronomers confirmed a long-predicted effect in these ancient, ultra-dense stars.

Concept art of two white dwarfs with the same mass but different temperatures. The hot star (left) is slightly swollen, while the cool star (right) is more compact. Image credit: Roberto Molar Candanosa / Johns Hopkins University.

At the end of their stellar evolution, stars that are not massive enough to become neutron stars or black holes eject their outer layers and leave their cores as compact remnants known as white dwarfs.

All stars with initial masses in the range of 0.07 to 8 solar masses (about 97% of all stars) end their lives as white dwarfs.

Dr Nicole Crumpler said: 'White dwarfs are a great way for us to work together to test theories underlying commonplace physics in the hope that we might discover something exotic that points to new fundamental physics. It is one of the best characterized stars ever made.” , an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University.

“If you want to look for dark matter, quantum gravity, and other unusual things, you need to have a good understanding of normal physics.”

“Otherwise, what seems novel may just be a new manifestation of an effect we already know.”

The new study was based on measurements of how these extreme conditions affect the light waves emitted by white dwarf stars.

As light moves away from such a huge object, it loses energy in the process of escaping gravity and gradually turns red.

This redshift effect stretches light waves like a rubber band so they can be measured with telescopes.

This is caused by the distortion of space-time caused by extreme gravity, as predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

By averaging measurements of a white dwarf's motion with respect to Earth and grouping them according to gravity and size, astronomers can isolate gravitational redshifts to determine how high temperatures affect the volume of their gaseous outer layers. We measured the impact it had.

The team's 2020 study of 3,000 white dwarfs confirmed that electron degeneracy pressure causes stars to shrink as their mass increases. Electron degeneracy pressure is a quantum mechanical process that keeps dense nuclei stable for billions of years without the need for the nuclear fusion that normally underpins our sun and other planets. Types of stars.

“Until now, we haven't had enough data to confidently confirm the subtle but important effects of increasing temperature on the mass-size relationship,” Crumpler said.

“The next frontier may be detecting very subtle differences in the chemical composition of the cores of white dwarf stars of different masses,” said Dr. Nadia Zakamska, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University.

“The maximum mass a star can have to form a white dwarf, as opposed to a neutron star or a black hole, is not completely understood.”

“These increasingly precise measurements will help test and refine theories about this and other poorly understood processes in the evolution of massive stars.”

“This observation could also help in attempts to discover signatures of dark matter, such as axions and other hypothetical particles,” Crumpler said.

“By providing a more detailed picture of the structure of white dwarfs, these data could be used to reveal the signals of certain models of dark matter that cause interference patterns in our galaxy.”

“If two white dwarfs are in the same dark matter interference patch, the dark matter will change the structure of these stars in the same way.”

Although dark matter has gravity, it does not emit light or energy that can be seen with telescopes.

Scientists have learned that the sun makes up most of the matter in the universe because its gravity affects stars, galaxies, and other space objects in the same way that it affects the orbits of planets. I am.

“We've been banging our heads against the wall trying to figure out what dark matter is, and I'd say we've been caught flat-footed,” Crumpler said.

“We know a lot about what dark matter is not, and there are limits to what dark matter can and cannot do, but we still don't know what it is.”

“That's why it's so important to understand simple objects like white dwarfs, because they give us hope of discovering what dark matter is.”

of study will appear in astrophysical journal.

_____

Nicole R. Crumpler others. 2024. Detection of temperature dependence of mass radius and gravitational redshift of white dwarfs. APJ 977, 237;doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad8ddc

Source: www.sci.news

Study suggests nasal fungus may be the cause of your allergies

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

It’s that time of the year again when runny nose season has already arrived. However, for some people, runny noses are a year-round struggle due to allergies. In fact, an estimated 25-40% of people worldwide are affected by allergic rhinitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the nose’s mucous membranes.

So, what’s behind this constant sniffing? Scientists may have an answer: individuals with allergies harbor a variety of fungi in their noses.

Despite this discovery, the presence of any fungus in our noses is quickly countered by our immune system. We all have fungi in our nasal mycobiome, a diverse community of fungal microorganisms that reside in our nostrils and sinuses, contributing to our overall microbial diversity essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting off harmful pathogens.

In a study on nasal mycobiome, researchers collected nasal swabs from 214 allergic patients and 125 healthy individuals. The swabs showed significant differences in the prevalence and diversity of nasal fungi between the two groups, with allergic patients exhibiting more abundant and diverse mycobiomes.

“These findings suggest that the nasal cavity serves as a reservoir for fungi that may contribute to allergic rhinitis,” said Dr. Luis Delgado, a Professor at the University of Porto, Portugal, and one of the authors of a new study published in 2006 in the journal Frontiers of Microbiology.

The study also identified specific metabolic pathways more common in the fungal communities of allergic rhinitis patients, potentially paving the way for future allergy treatments.

For more information, click here:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

A new study suggests that Saturn’s rings could be as ancient as the planet itself

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Saturn’s icy rings may be much older than they appear, as they are resistant to contamination from collisions with rocky debris.

Hyodo others. This suggests that the apparent youthfulness of Saturn’s rings may be due to resistance to pollution, rather than an indication that they were formed at a young age. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / A. Simon, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / MH Wong, University of California, Berkeley / OPAL team.

Saturn’s rings were once thought to be ancient, perhaps forming at the same time as Saturn itself, about 4.5 billion years ago.

Over time, it is thought that the rock and ice particles that make up the ring become dirty and darkened by micrometeorite impacts.

However, when NASA’s Cassini spacecraft reached Saturn in 2004, it observed that Saturn’s rings appeared relatively bright and clean.

“According to the hypothesis that non-icy micrometeorite impacts act to darken Saturn’s rings over time, Saturn’s rings are estimated to be approximately 100 million to 400 million years old. “Cassini observations show that the particles in the rings appear to be relatively clean,” said Dr. Tatsuki Hyodo of Tokyo University of Science and colleagues.

“These younger age estimates assume that the rings formed from pure water ice particles with high accretion efficiency impacting non-ice micrometeorite material.”

In the new study, researchers used a computer model to simulate the collision between a micrometeorite and an ice ring particle.

They found that high-velocity collisions can cause the micrometeorite to evaporate, and that vapor can expand, cool, and condense in Saturn’s magnetic field to form charged nanoparticles and ions.

The researchers’ simulations showed that these charged particles could either collide with Saturn, be dragged into the atmosphere, or escape Saturn’s gravity altogether.

As a result, scientists suggest that little of this material builds up on the rings, keeping them relatively clean.

They say very low pollution levels mean Saturn’s rings are actually billions of years old and are simply maintaining a more youthful appearance. suggests that it is possible.

Although more research is needed, this process may also occur in the rings of Uranus and Neptune, as well as in the icy moons around the giant planets.

“High-velocity collisions leading to the production of charged nanoparticles and ions could potentially occur in places such as the rings of Uranus and Neptune or the icy moons around the giant planets,” the authors said.

“While this mechanism may not change the bulk composition of the impacted target, it suggests that the surface composition may change.”

“Furthermore, the new material from the impactor may not be efficiently incorporated into the satellite’s rings or surface and may be transported elsewhere.”

“Thus, most of the compositional differences observed in the various ring systems of giant planets may be due to their formation processes, for example when building materials come from outside the system, rather than to their post-formation dynamics.” There is a sex.”

of study Published in this week’s magazine natural earth science.

_____

Takashi Hyodo others. Pollution resistance of Saturn’s ring particles during micrometeoroid impact. nut. earth sciencepublished online on December 16, 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41561-024-01598-9

Source: www.sci.news

Drinking sugary beverages linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, study finds

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

in new research Published in a magazine frontiers of public healthScientists surveyed 69,705 participants (47.2% women) aged 45 to 83 from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Swedish Men's Cohort to assess their intake of added sugars and a variety of sugary foods and beverages. We investigated the association between this and the risk of seven cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have found that eating too much added sugar increases the risk of stroke and aneurysm, but eating small snacks lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, drinking sugary drinks increases your risk of stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Although additional sugar intake was positively associated with ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, the lowest intake categories had the highest risk for most outcomes. Positive linear associations were found between topping intake and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and between sweetened beverage intake and ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. There is no relationship between snack intake (pastries, ice cream, chocolate, sweets) and all outcomes, and between topping intake (sugar, honey, jam, marmalade) and heart failure and aortic stenosis. , a negative linear correlation was found. Image credit: Ernesto Rodriguez.

Cardiovascular disease comprises a variety of diseases of the heart and blood vessels and is currently the leading cause of death and disease burden in Europe, mainly due to stroke and ischemic heart disease.

Although diet is one of the main modifiable risk factors for many CVDs, evidence regarding added sugar intake and CVD risk is lacking and inconclusive.

Additionally, most studies have primarily focused on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rather than total added sugar intake, even though sugar-sweetened beverages account for 14% of added sugar intake in Sweden and only 25% in the United States. I'm guessing.

“The most surprising finding of our study was the differential relationship between different sources of added sugar and CVD risk,” said Suzanne Junge, a PhD candidate at Lund University. That's what I mean.''

“This striking contrast highlights the importance of considering not only the amount of sugar consumed, but also its source and context.”

To understand how sugar intake affects cardiovascular disease risk and whether those risks change with intake of different types of sugar, Janzi et al. Data were collected from two major cohort studies: a cohort of men and a cohort of Swedish men.

These studies administered dietary questionnaires in 1997 and 2009, allowing scientists to monitor participants' diets over time.

Once exclusions were made to ensure the two cohorts shared the same inclusion criteria and remove independent risk factors for CVD, researchers were left with a sample of 69,705 participants .

They identified three classes of sugar intake: toppings such as honey, treats such as pastries, and sugary drinks such as soda, and two different types of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation, and aortic stenosis. investigated seven CVDs. .

Participants were monitored until death, diagnosis of CVD, or end of follow-up in 2019.

During this period, 25,739 participants were diagnosed with CVD.

The scientists then used this data to analyze how different types of sugar intake affected the risk of various CVDs.

They found that consuming sugary drinks is worse for your health than any other form of sugar. Drinking more sugary drinks significantly increases your risk of ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

“The liquid sugar found in sweetened beverages is typically less satiating than solid foods, which can lead to less satiety and overconsumption,” says Junge.

“Context is also important. Snacks are often enjoyed during social gatherings or special occasions, while sugary drinks may be consumed more regularly.”

Different types of CVD are affected differently by increased sugar intake. This is likely because added sugar intake has a different impact on participants' individual risk profiles.

Increased carbohydrate intake generally increased the risk of ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and also increased the risk of heart failure in participants with a normal BMI.

However, the category with the lowest snack intake had the highest risk of negative health outcomes. Occasional snacking was associated with better outcomes than no snacking at all.

“This may reflect underlying dietary habits. People with very low sugar intake may have very restrictive diets, or may have low sugar intake due to pre-existing health conditions. may be limiting,” Junge said.

“Although our observational study cannot prove causation, these results suggest that extremely low carbohydrate intake may not be necessary or beneficial for cardiovascular health.”

_____

Suzanne Junge others. 2024. Added association between sugar intake and incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 Swedish men and women. frontiers of public health 12;doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1452085

Source: www.sci.news

Twice as many dark comets discovered in new study

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

dark comet First Interstellar Object 1I/2017 U1 ‘A small object with no detected coma, similar to ‘Oumuamua, with large accelerations that can be explained by volatile outgassing. These objects represent a potentially widespread class of small objects that lie further in the continuum between asteroids and comets and whose active nature is inferred from their orbital motions. Michigan State University astronomer Darryl Seligman and his colleagues have now detected seven new dark comets, proving that there are two distinct populations of these objects.

This artist’s impression shows ‘Oumuamua, the first interstellar object discovered in the solar system. Recent observations show that the object is moving faster than predicted as it leaves the solar system. Astronomers speculate that the ejection of material from the surface due to solar heating is responsible for this behavior. This release of gas can be seen, in this artist’s impression, as a subtle cloud emitted from the side of the object facing the sun. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / ESO / M. Kohnmesser.

In 2003, astronomers noticed that asteroid 2003 RM’s orbit deviated slightly from its expected orbit. This motion cannot be explained by the acceleration typical of asteroids.

Then, in 2017, the interstellar object ‘Oumuamua passed through our solar system, leaving astronomers perplexed.

Like a typical asteroid or comet, it was moved in part by the gravity of other bodies in the solar system, such as the sun.

But astronomers also discovered that ‘Oumuamua is accelerating beyond that, likely due to the release of previously trapped gas.

The strength of the thrust added by such outgassing defied that of a typical asteroid and rivaled the speed of a comet.

problem? ‘Oumuamua lacked the bright dust tail that is characteristic of comets, so it could not be easily classified as an asteroid or comet.

In 2023, astronomers identified seven objects in our solar system that reflect the same unusual features as ‘Oumuamua.

These objects were classified into an entirely new class of objects: the first seven dark comets.

“One of the most important reasons we study small objects like asteroids and comets is because they tell us about how matter is transported around the solar system,” Seligman said. the doctor said.

“Dark comets are a new type of near-Earth object that may contain water, and could provide a new source of materials needed for the development of life to Earth.”

“The more we learn about them, the more we will understand their role in the origin of the Earth.”

Dr. Seligman and his co-authors not only discovered seven new dark comets, but also compared the total number of known comets and identified two different types.

The first type is called an outer dark comet. These are large objects with eccentric orbits similar to Jovian comets and may have originated outside the solar system.

The second type is called an internal dark comet. These are small celestial bodies with roughly circular orbits that move through the inner solar system close to Earth and may have originated in the asteroid belt.

“What’s interesting about these objects is that although they look like asteroids, their motion is similar to that of comets,” said Dr. David Farnochia, a navigation engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“This is a puzzle that challenges the way we have always classified objects as either asteroids or comets.”

Dr. Seligman said, “Expanding our knowledge of dark comets will help us understand the context in which ‘Oumuamua was a fortuitous event that has left the solar system and is no longer observable.”

“What many people might not normally think about is that the solar system is a chaotic place.”

“We don’t know where things came from, but with 14 currently known dark comets orbiting within our solar system, we will collect more data in the coming years and hopefully uncover answers. Opportunities are opening up: the formation of our own planet.”

This finding is reported in the following article: paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

_____

Darryl Z. Seligman others. 2024. Two distinct populations of dark comets, distinguished by orbit and size. PNAS 121 (51): e2406424121;doi: 10.1073/pnas.2406424121

Source: www.sci.news

New study suggests Venus has never been habitable

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary researcher Tereza Konstantinou and colleagues at the University of Cambridge examined the chemical composition of Venus’s atmosphere and found that the planet’s interior today is too dry to support oceans on its surface. I reasoned that it wasn’t. Rather, Venus is thought to have been a scorching and harsh world throughout its history.

This composite image taken by JAXA’s Akatsuki spacecraft shows Venus. Image credit: JAXA / ISAS / DARTS / Damia Bouic.

From a distance, Venus and Earth look like siblings. It is a rocky planet, about the same size as Earth.

But up close, Venus is more like its evil twin. Venus is covered in thick clouds of sulfuric acid, and its surface has an average temperature of nearly 500 degrees Celsius.

Despite these extreme conditions, astronomers have wondered for decades whether Venus once had a liquid ocean capable of supporting life, or whether some mysterious form is now hidden within its thick clouds. I have been investigating whether there are “airborne” life forms.

“Until we send a probe at the end of this decade, we won’t know if Venus could support life, or if it actually could support life,” Constantineau said.

“However, given that Venus likely did not have an ocean, it is unlikely that Venus could have supported Earth-like life that required liquid water.”

When looking for life elsewhere in the galaxy, astronomers focus on planets orbiting their host stars within the habitable zone. There, temperatures are such that liquid water can exist on the planet’s surface.

Venus provides strong constraints on where this habitable zone exists around the star.

“Despite being our closest planet, Venus is important for exoplanet science because it allows us to explore planets at the edge of the habitable zone that have evolved quite differently than us. Because it gives us a unique opportunity,” Constantinou said.

A dichotomous climate pathway for Venus is proposed. Image credit: Konstantinou others., doi: 10.1038/s41550-024-02414-5.

There are two main theories about how conditions on Venus have evolved since its formation 4.6 billion years ago.

First, surface conditions on Venus were once warm enough for liquid water to exist, but a runaway greenhouse effect caused by widespread volcanic activity has caused Venus to become increasingly hot. is.

The second theory is that Venus was born at such a high temperature that liquid water could not condense on its surface.

“Both of these theories are based on climate models, but we wanted to take a different approach based on observations of Venus’s current atmospheric chemistry,” Constantinou said.

“To keep Venus’s atmosphere stable, the chemicals that are removed from the atmosphere must also be replaced, because the interior and exterior of Venus are constantly in chemical communication with each other.”

The researchers calculated the current rate of destruction of water, carbon dioxide, and carbonyl sulfide molecules in Venus’s atmosphere, which must be repaired by volcanic gases to keep the atmosphere stable.

Volcanic activity provides a window into the interiors of rocky planets like Venus through the supply of gases into the atmosphere.

As magma rises from the mantle to the surface, it releases gases from deep within the planet.

Since the Earth’s interior is rich in water, volcanic eruptions on Earth produce mostly water vapor.

However, based on the composition of the volcanic gases needed to maintain Venus’s atmosphere, scientists have found that Venus’s volcanic gases are at most 6% water.

These dry eruptions suggest that Venus’s interior, the source of the magma that releases volcanic gases, is also dry.

By the end of this decade, NASA’s DAVINCI mission will be able to test and confirm whether Venus has always been an arid and inhospitable planet by sending a series of flybys and probes to the surface. Dew.

The results could help astronomers narrow their search for planets capable of supporting life in orbits around other stars in the galaxy.

“If Venus was habitable in the past, that means other planets we have already discovered may also be habitable,” Constantineau says.

“Instruments like NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope are ideal for studying the atmospheres of planets close to their host stars, like Venus.”

“But if Venus was never habitable, Venus-like planets elsewhere are less likely to have habitable conditions or candidates for life.

“We wanted to know that Venus was once a planet much closer to ours, so it’s sad in a way to find out that it wasn’t, but in the end it turned out that most of it was a planet closer to Earth. It would be more profitable to focus our exploration on planets that could probably support life, at least life as we know it. ”

of study Published in this month’s magazine natural astronomy.

_____

T. Constantinou others. The arid interior of Venus, constrained by atmospheric chemistry. Nat Astronpublished online on December 2, 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41550-024-02414-5

This article is based on a press release provided by the University of Cambridge.

Source: www.sci.news