How Earth’s Core Waves Transformed Japan Post-2011 Earthquake

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Kesennuma Fishing Port: The Aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Pacific Coast Earthquake

Image Credit: Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Kesennuma fishing port after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake — Kesennuma Fishing Port: The Aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Pacific Coast Earthquake

Image Credit: Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

<p>On March 11, 2011, just 15 minutes after Japan experienced the powerful magnitude-9 Tohoku earthquake, most of the country shifted eastward by approximately half a centimeter. This significant geographical change was driven by formidable seismic waves that traveled 5,800 kilometers deep to the Earth's core before bouncing back to the surface.</p>

<p>While a shift of five millimeters may appear minor against the catastrophic backdrop of the earthquake—which caused severe local land movements, resulting in the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and a devastating 40-meter tsunami—it highlights a complex geological phenomenon.</p>

<p>This remarkable movement spanned 3,000 kilometers, nearly seven times longer than the earthquake's primary rupture line and surpassing any previously recorded land displacement.</p>

<p>Park Sun Young from the University of Chicago notes that this event is unique due to its timing and pattern: "No normal earthquake took place at that moment. This widespread 5-millimeter eastward displacement occurred almost simultaneously across most of Japan."</p>

<p>The changes were not only vast but also influenced the oceans, showcasing the extensive impact of the earthquake across the entire nation.</p>

<p>"It’s not just a limited 'edge' moving," Park explained. "The eastward shift is widespread across Japan, particularly where GPS stations are located. If we had greater density of instruments on the ocean floor, we could better assess this offshore movement, but on land, these changes are evident throughout Japan."</p>

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<p>By meticulously analyzing a wealth of GPS and seismic data obtained during this disaster, Park and colleagues uncovered the mechanisms behind such enormous movements and the reasons for the rupture occurring 15 minutes post-main shock.</p>

<p>Typically, earthquakes generate waves that penetrate the Earth's interior and rebound off the core, but these waves weaken significantly before reaching the surface. In the case of the Tohoku earthquake, the shock was so powerful that the waves remained strong enough upon returning to the surface, causing widespread shaking as four adjoining tectonic plates moved synchronously.</p>

<p>"We believe the intense shaking from the initial Tohoku earthquake compromised the stability of plate boundaries, rendering them more vulnerable to movement when reflection waves arrive," Professor Park stated.</p>

<p>This event suggests a previously unrecognized mechanism for post-earthquake rupture, indicating a need for awareness regarding potential seismic hazards triggered by waves traveling deeper following large earthquakes across extended distances—possibly leading to additional earthquakes.</p>

<p>Further research is crucial for comprehending how such phenomena affect other locations globally with similar geological traits, according to Robin Lee of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.</p>

<p>("This demonstrates that significant earthquakes can initiate widespread delayed faulting within minutes and across much larger areas than anticipated," Lee pointed out.)</p>

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How AI Has Transformed Mathematics: The Biggest Breakthrough in Math History

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Plane Unit Distance Problem explores the maximum number of equally sized lines connecting points on an infinite paper.

Noga Alon et al. 2026, OpenAI

An 80-year-old mathematical conjecture, known as the plane unit distance problem, has been solved by OpenAI’s advanced artificial intelligence model. This breakthrough is igniting discussion around the immense mathematical capabilities of AI.

“This is a problem I never expected to see solved in my lifetime,” states Mischa Rudnev from the University of Bristol, UK. “It’s a groundbreaking achievement.”

Tim Gowers commented that the solution represents a “significant milestone in AI mathematics.” He noted in a paper that had it been submitted by a human, it would be accepted without hesitation, highlighting that such groundbreaking evidence of AI-generated solutions is rare.

The plane unit distance problem was deemed by the 20th-century mathematician Paul Erdős as his “most important contribution” to geometry. The challenge lies in determining the maximum number of lines of equal length that can connect numerous dots placed on an infinite paper.

Erdős believed that the optimal arrangement for maximum connections would be a grid layout, suggesting that the number of lines would surpass the number of points only marginally. Persistent efforts to prove his assertion or to discover alternative patterns yielded minimal advances, with the most recent improvements occurring over 40 years ago.

OpenAI’s model revealed that Erdős’s hypothesis was significantly underestimated, demonstrating that a more irregular arrangement of points can yield far more connections.

“Initially, I could hardly believe the results,” remarks Will Sawin from Princeton University. “It convinced me that this achievement is the most remarkable in the realm of AI mathematics so far.”

Details on how the OpenAI model diverges from publicly available AI technology and its training methods remain undisclosed. However, researchers have mentioned that the model is “general purpose” and was not specifically trained for mathematical applications.

AI employed strategies from algebraic number theory to establish extensive lattices in dimensions far exceeding two-dimensional configurations. By creating these more sophisticated shapes, AI translates them into two dimensions to generate representations of the higher dimensions.

“The counterexamples produced by AI are intricate, and while the foundational ideas exist in existing literature, the synthesis to achieve them required ingenuity,” explains Kevin Buzzard from Imperial College London.

While the magnitude of this result is undeniable, it underscores a gap in mathematicians’ consideration of Erdős’s original predictions. Samuel Mansfield from the University of Manchester, England, notes that the complexity of executing an experiment to challenge the conjecture would have eluded many geometry experts lacking advanced number theory knowledge. “This highlights a necessity for interdisciplinary expertise,” he adds. “In hindsight, AI’s adaptability in this area may not be surprising.”

Rudnev emphasized that the problem’s allure lies in its “pure intellectual challenge,” and although it may not directly influence other unresolved questions, it has inspired further research. Sawin, after examining the proof, utilized the techniques unearthed by AI to advance the number of connectable points.

“Similar to many other AI milestones, it didn’t take long for human researchers to internalize, comprehend, and extend upon the AI-derived arguments,” commented Buzzard. “This contrasts sharply with human discoveries that often require extensive validation periods.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Celebrating Apple’s 50th Anniversary: 8 Revolutionary Products That Transformed the World

Posted on May 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Happy 50th birthday, Apple! As we approach April 2026, let’s dive into some of the tech giant’s most iconic products, the challenges that shaped them, and what exciting innovations lie ahead.

Iconic Products

#1 Apple II

The Apple II, launched in 1977, was pivotal in transforming Apple from a budding startup to a technology powerhouse.

VisiCalc, the first mainstream spreadsheet application, launched on Apple II – Image credit: Getty Images

Unlike the DIY computer kits of its era, the Apple II arrived fully assembled, featuring color graphics and connectivity to home televisions.

Its success was fueled by software innovations, most notably VisiCalc, which became a staple in small and medium-sized businesses. This revenue surge financed Apple’s ascent during the 1980 stock market boom and paved the way for future innovations.

#2 Macintosh 128K

While the Apple II laid the foundation, the Macintosh 128K, introduced in 1984, fundamentally redefined user interaction with computers.

Its revolutionary graphical user interface replaced complex text commands with intuitive mouse control, catalyzing a desktop publishing revolution.

The Macintosh 128K played a pivotal role in shaping Apple’s identity – Image credit: Getty Images

Though sales were modest, the Macintosh solidified Apple’s reputation for sleek design and enhanced user experience, distinguishing it from IBM competitors.

#3 iMac G3

The iMac G3, designed by Jony Ive, revitalized Apple under Steve Jobs – Image courtesy of Getty Images

Launched in 1998, the iMac G3 emerged as Apple faced significant financial struggles. This all-in-one computer was instrumental in reviving the brand, featuring vibrant colors and innovative USB connectivity.

The controversial “hockey puck” mouse became iconic, and the iMac G3 solidified Apple’s reputation by merging functionality with modern design.

#4 iPod (1st Generation)

When the iPod debuted in 2001, it catapulted Apple into the musical spotlight, changing the way we consume music forever.

The iPod transformed music purchasing and listening habits – Image credit: Getty Images

With an intuitive scroll wheel and seamless integration with iTunes, the iPod outperformed its competitors, setting new music consumption standards and laying the groundwork for future mobile technologies.

#5 iPhone 3G

While the original iPhone marked Apple’s entry into smartphones, the iPhone 3G, released in 2008, truly revolutionized mobile technology.

With major upgrades including 3G connectivity and the introduction of the App Store, the iPhone 3G redefined mobile usability.

The iPhone 3G epitomized Apple’s vision for smartphones – Image courtesy of Alamy

Developers quickly flocked to create thousands of apps, skyrocketing sales and launching the modern smartphone era.

Notable Missteps

Apple III

In its rush to compete with IBM, Apple released the Apple III without comprehensive testing, leading to overheating and stability issues that tarnished the brand’s credibility.

Apple Pippin

Apple’s attempt to merge gaming with the Macintosh experience fell flat with the Pippin, unable to compete due to its high price and limited game library, selling only 42,000 units against a target of 500,000.

Apple Vision Pro

Despite its innovation, high costs have hampered the Vision Pro’s success – Image courtesy of Apple

The Vision Pro, featuring advanced optics and software, impressed critics but struggled with sales due to its steep price and limited practicality for the average consumer.

The Future of Apple

What lies ahead for Apple? Speculations abound regarding AI-driven smart glasses, smart home displays, and even proprietary security cameras. However, the most buzz surrounds the rumored “iPhone Fold,” possibly set for release this year.

The iPhone Fold aims to eliminate the creases that plague current foldable tech – Image credit: Getty Images

The anticipated “iPhone Fold” is expected to transition from a 5.5-inch display to an iPad mini-sized screen, a “book-style” foldable design.

While competitors like Google and Samsung have forayed into this territory, Apple’s history suggests that innovation often comes with its own timing.

However, this foldable device won’t come cheaply; reports suggest a price tag of around $2,500 (£1,900).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Understanding Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorem: How One Man Transformed Mathematics

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Logician, mathematician, philosopher, and visionary Kurt Gödel

Pictorial Press/Alamy

Kurt Gödel, logician and mathematician — Logician, mathematician, philosopher, and visionary Kurt Gödel

Pictorial Press/Alamy

Kurt Gödel, the individual who transformed mathematics, stands as one of the most pivotal thinkers of the 20th century. Born in 1906 during an era of great mathematical turmoil, his contributions would later reshape this landscape, albeit confining mathematicians to a more bounded realm.

The realm of mathematics is an extraordinarily powerful intellectual framework, allowing us to construct a vast array of logical ideas upon others. It resembles a cognitive perpetual motion machine; new mathematical insights seem perpetually within reach, awaiting only the right methodologies. Yet, the core of mathematics conceals a profound, limiting truth known as Gödel’s incompleteness theorem.

The genesis of this theorem traces back to the late 19th century, a time when mathematicians began to elucidate the foundational structures of their discipline. To their dismay, they found that thousands of years of mathematical thought rested on unstable ground, leading to a wave of paradoxes that unsettled the field.

In response to this chaos, mathematician David Hilbert, at the 1900 Paris Conference, formulated a list of 23 unsolved mathematical problems that would guide research efforts for the 20th century. “As long as a branch of science poses challenges, it shall endure,” he told the audience.

Gödel would later confront Hilbert’s second problem, which pertains to the axioms of mathematics—the foundational assumptions that dictate logical deductions. Hilbert’s challenge to mathematicians was to prove that the axioms of arithmetic could be considered “non-contradictory,” ensuring that a finite number of logical steps drawn from them could not yield conflicting outcomes.

This proof is vital; envision a board game where scoring relies on contentious interpretations of rules—one interpretation could earn points, while another may result in a loss. Such a game would be inherently flawed.

Over the decades to follow, Hilbert and his associates endeavored to address his second problem through the development of “proof theory,” a method of abstracting proofs into mathematical objects. This allowed them to treat proofs as recipes for generating valid conclusions, which Hilbert showcased in a 1928 lecture on Die Grundlagen der Mathematik (The Foundations of Mathematics), where he asserted that the approach could delineate foundational questions in mathematics through definitively demonstrable formulas, though acknowledging the effort required for meaningful resolution.

At that moment, Gödel was a 22-year-old doctoral candidate at the University of Vienna, under the mentorship of a mathematician aligned with Hilbert’s program. While there is no evidence they ever directly interacted, Gödel’s subsequent publication of his completeness theorem as part of his doctoral work marked a significant milestone toward achieving Hilbert’s objectives.

Completeness theorems revolve around models of axiom sets, essentially mapping concrete mathematical objects to the symbolic constructs like “2” or “+” within a given framework. For simplification, consider axioms stating: “Two entities exist” and “Entities differ.” Though minimal, these are valid axioms, leading to various applicable models, such as coin sides (heads or tails) or numerical representations (0 and 1). Diverse models can inform the same axiom set, with Gödel demonstrating that if a statement holds true across all potential models, it is provable from those axioms.

While this may seem self-referential, it provided optimism for Hilbert’s endeavor to solidify the underpinnings of mathematics.

Unexpectedly, on September 6, 1930, Gödel unveiled his completeness theorem at a conference in Königsberg (now known as Kaliningrad, Russia). Hilbert was likewise present at a different conference in the city, delivering a notable address on September 8, in which he famously repudiated the idea that human understanding bore limits, declaring, “We must know. We will know,” words that eventually adorned his gravestone.

Yet, unbeknownst to Hilbert, Gödel had undermined all such ambitions the day before. During discussions with other logicians on September 7, he revealed his discovery of an “undecidable” statement—one that cannot conclusively be proven true or false within a particular set of axioms. This marked the dawn of an idea that would forever constrain the scope of mathematics.

Incompleteness is a vital concept in modern mathematics, reflecting essential limitations.

Super Stock / Alamy

While it’s tempting to visualize Gödel chuckling at Hilbert’s lecture, records show no meetings occurred. However, a few months later, in January 1931, Gödel published the incompleteness theorem—an illuminating counterpoint to his earlier work.

This theorem asserts two crucial points. First, that no matter the axiom set, certain problems remain unsolvable within its confines—akin to the paradoxical phrase, “This statement is false,” which defies classification as either true or false. This leads to what we now call Gödel’s first incompleteness theorem, which retains its significance nearly a century later. I previously explored how a certain computer program could theoretically destabilize mathematics due to an undecidable problem.

While the First Incompleteness Theorem reshaped our perception of mathematical capabilities, Gödel’s Second Incompleteness Theorem posed even greater challenges for Hilbert. Gödel demonstrated that a sufficiently robust set of axioms could never confirm its own non-contradictory nature.

Returning to our board game analogy, reading the rules provides no assurance against contradictions. Hilbert sought assurance of consistency in arithmetic axioms, yet Gödel revealed this concern to be inherently undecidable. There is a workaround: a new axiom could affirm the earlier axiom’s consistency. However, this introduces new contradictions, leaving mathematicians with an enduring sense of the unknown rather than infinite horizons.

What was Hilbert’s response to this earth-shattering revelation? Remarkably, he made no public acknowledgment. As noted by Gödel’s biographer, John Dawson, Gödel forwarded a draft of his findings to Hilbert’s assistant, Paul Bernays, who acknowledged it but offered no feedback. Dawson suggests that Gödel’s findings stirred Hilbert’s ire, yet it wasn’t until 1934 that he publicly addressed Gödel’s work, claiming, “The temporary view that Gödel’s results rendered my proof theory unviable turned out to be false.” In a collaborative book with Bernays, Hilbert stated:

In sum, Gödel’s groundbreaking insights not only challenged Hilbert’s vision of mathematics as an infinite pursuit of knowledge but ultimately prevailed. Gödel’s concept of incompleteness has become a cornerstone in modern mathematics, revealing both its richness and its limitations. I often ponder whether Gödel himself felt a sense of incompleteness after his contentious exchanges with Hilbert.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tobacco Factory Transformed to Manufacture Five Hallucinogenic Substances

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Genetically Modified Tobacco Plants Yield Five Psychedelic Compounds

Aharoni Laboratory, Weizmann Institute of Science

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have transformed tobacco plants to produce five powerful psychedelic compounds typically derived from other plants and fungi. This innovative approach is argued to be more sustainable and efficient, facilitating the research of therapeutic applications and future medicinal production.

Asaf Aharoni and his team utilized a technique known as agroinfiltration, where bacteria are utilized to introduce genes from various organisms into benthamiana tobacco. Although this method results in temporary production of desired proteins, as the DNA isn’t integrated into the plant’s genome, it serves as a stepping stone in biotechnology.

By introducing nine specific genes, the modified plants are capable of producing psilocin and psilocybin, compounds found in certain mushrooms, alongside DMT, bufotenine, and 5-methoxy-DMT, which are derived from plants and Colorado River toads (Incilius Alvarius).

Though permanent genetic modifications could be devised for these plants, Aharoni notes the complications due to the recreational nature of the generated compounds: “It’s challenging to inherit the traits, yet demand for seed may arise.” Similar methods had been applied to tomatoes, potatoes, and corn.

The medical landscape for psychedelic compounds is gradually evolving. Aharoni highlights that while harvesting these substances from nature poses a risk of depleting habitats, the cultivation of tobacco in controlled environments would mitigate this concern and streamline production for research.

The strategy of “pharmaceutical agriculture” isn’t a novel concept. The United States approved plant-derived protein medicines in 2012, and by 2002, corn was engineered to produce pharmaceutical proteins. Noteworthy, a 2022 study revealed that tobacco can also synthesize cocaine, yielding about 400 nanograms per milligram of dried leaves—substantially lower than coca plants.

According to researchers like Rupert Frey, approximately 25% of prescription medications are derived from plants, highlighting the potential for “green factories” where new compounds are cultivated in greenhouses. Frey asserts, “Understanding how to create these compounds is vital, demonstrating the capabilities of a tobacco-based system.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How AI Transformed the World’s Largest Physicists Conference

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The American Physical Society Global Physics Summit: The World’s Largest Physicists Conference.

Credit: American Physical Society

I’m seated in the auditorium at the American Physical Society Global Physics Summit, the largest annual gathering of physicists worldwide, with 14,000 researchers attending this year in Denver, Colorado. We gather to hear prominent scientists present their groundbreaking research, yet many are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for clarification on complex topics.

As the presentations progressed, I frequently noticed an AI chatbot displayed on my laptop screen. These AI chatbots are utilized to simplify complex concepts. Questions like, “What are the benefits of transmon qubits?” and “Can you explain spintronics?” are addressed with rapid, bulleted emoji responses.

AI chatbots have shown promise in educational settings, but whether they can contribute significantly to real-world physics research remains a hot topic at conferences, sparking discussions in talks, intersessions, and networking events.

In a recent presentation, Harvard University researcher Matthew Schwartz highlighted that Anthropic’s Claude chatbot can tackle advanced physics problems with proficiency comparable to early-stage PhD students. Schwartz, who co-authored a study in January focused on quantum field theory, shared that collaborating with Claude sped up research that would typically take two years with human students.

He argues that AI could fundamentally change theoretical physics, stating he will no longer work with students who resist using AI tools. Schwartz believes that AI advancements could solve longstanding challenges in physics, such as harmonizing quantum mechanics with Einstein’s theory of general relativity, within the next five years. He metaphorically expressed that working with Claude made him feel akin to Einstein, proposing the idea of “10,000 Einsteins.”

However, Schwartz’s perspective represents an extreme viewpoint. CUNY professor Savannah Thais maintained that it’s premature to gauge how much technology will transform physics, emphasizing the AI’s capacity to generate plausible-sounding science without guaranteeing accuracy. Critical assumptions in particle physics can often obscure the validity of results.

During a session, Rachel Burley from the American Physical Society noted the initial enthusiasm over AI tools assisting physicists with writing and publishing scientific papers had quickly led to an overwhelming increase in journal submissions, straining the peer review process.

A recurring question from both formal presentations and informal dialogues was: As AI evolves, what roles will remain for human researchers? Matthew Ginsburg, a former physicist with extensive experience in AI at Google DeepMind, suggested that while AI may offer consensus expert opinions, innovation arises from researchers willing to challenge conventional understanding and pose unexpected questions.

Schwartz speculated that human physicists will primarily focus on setting research priorities based on interest and significance. He expressed concern that the transition could lead to complications before improvements manifest, stating, “It’s remarkable, yet slightly concerning.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Farming Transformed Human Evolution: The Impact of Agriculture on Our Development

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Advent of Agriculture and Evolutionary Pressures on Humans

Christian Jegou/Science Photo Library

Evolution and Agriculture Impact — The Advent of Agriculture and Evolutionary Pressures on Humans

Christian Jegou/Science Photo Library

The comprehensive analysis of ancient genomes has revealed significant insights into human evolution over the last 10,000 years. This research indicates that various populations worldwide have experienced similar evolutionary changes, particularly following the introduction of agriculture.

“Similar traits and genes are being selected in diverse populations,” says Laura Colbran from the University of Pennsylvania.

Evolution happens when genetic variation becomes prevalent in a population—often because it confers an advantage. By comparing genomes, we can identify recent signs of human evolution.

Colbran notes that ancient DNA is exceptionally valuable for this research, stating, “Using ancient genomes allows us to witness genetic history directly, as opposed to relying solely on inferential methods.”

Much of the recent research has primarily focused on European genomes, but Colbran’s team leveraged an increasing collection of genomes from outside Europe, analyzing over 7,000 ancient and contemporary genomes. Ancient genomes mainly originate from the last 10,000 years, while modern genomes are derived from living populations.

The research team utilized ancient genomes to predict possible modern genetic profiles without evolutionary influence, highlighting differences known as selection signals. They identified 31 selection signals, many of which were shared among varied populations, likely due to the independent rise of agriculture around the same era globally.

For instance, less than 25% of ancient individuals possessed the FADS1 gene, which encodes an enzyme that aids in converting short-chain fatty acids (common in plants) into long-chain fatty acids (predominant in meats). Increased production of this enzyme is thought to benefit individuals who adopt a plant-heavy diet. Currently, over 75% of people in Europe, Japan, and northern China carry advantageous FADS1 variants. The strength of selection for this gene has remained stable over the last 300 generations in Europe while intensifying in East Asia over the last century.

The genes impacting the alcohol dehydrogenase 1B enzyme, encoded by ADH1B, have also been critically analyzed. Variants of ADH1B are prevalent in East Asia and are associated with quick alcohol metabolism, leading to symptoms like facial flushing. Colbran stated, “This showcases the strongest selection signal we’ve observed in East Asia,” suggesting that this variant was favored to curb excessive alcohol consumption.

Even though this variant was absent in ancient Europeans, strong selection signals related to the ADH1B enzyme were identified. Colbran emphasized the need for further investigation to discern the involved variants and their specific impacts, indicating a likely adaptation to evolving alcohol consumption patterns.

The research team also explored traits influenced by multiple genetic variations, such as waist-to-hip ratios, often correlated with fertility. Surprisingly, they found a robust selection process stabilizing women’s waist-to-hip ratios within certain limits. “This is intriguing as it suggests a stabilization of selection,” Colbran remarked, emphasizing that while waist-to-hip ratios can differ across various populations, the ideal measurement likely exists in a balanced range.

As noted by Alexander Gusev at Harvard University, this study is remarkable for its analysis of ancient DNA that has yet to be thoroughly examined. Gusev explained, “The authors found enriched variants being selected within one population compared to others, indicating parallel selection across populations, previously hypothesized but not empirically demonstrated.”

Yashin Souilumi, from the University of Adelaide, emphasized that their novel approach reveals regions of the genome newly identified as subject to selection, complementing previously known areas. “Their innovative method optimally utilizes the vast amounts of available ancient DNA,” Souilumi stated.

Colbran concluded that these findings are merely the initial discoveries. As more non-European genomes are sequenced, we will uncover even more evidence of recent human evolution.

Discovery Tour: Archaeology, Human Origins, and Paleontology

New Scientist frequently covers extraordinary archaeological sites that reshape our understanding of human evolution and early civilizations. Join us on this fascinating journey!

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Finding Hope Through the Lens: How Photography Transformed a Teenager’s Cancer Journey

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In 2016, LJ was just 19 years old and on the brink of a transformative journey. After graduating from college with commendable grades, he was excited to explore the world. However, he soon discovered what seemed like a harmless lump on his neck.

“I remember finding a large lump on my neck,” he recalls. “I felt exhausted all the time. It started to interfere with my life.”

Despite visiting the doctor, LJ was convinced it was “just an infection” and delayed follow-up appointments until he was urgently called back for test results. “The doctor told me, ‘This is leukemia,’” LJ reflects. “I couldn’t believe it—cancer at my age? I didn’t even know what leukemia was back then.”

We spoke with LJ about his inspiring cancer journey, how photography became a vital coping tool during a year of intensive treatment, and how Macmillan Cancer Support played a crucial role in guiding him through pivotal decisions in his life.

LJ’s Story: A Life-Altering Diagnosis

In 2016, LJ received a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, an aggressive cancer necessitating immediate action. Instead of diving into student life, he faced grueling hospital stays with a bleak prognosis of only a 5% survival rate.

“I was stuck in a hospital bed undergoing chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants… it was overwhelming,” LJ shares. “I endured numerous procedures and constant needles…”

“The hardest part is hearing that treatments aren’t effective,” he continues. “Chemotherapy fails, radiotherapy fails, surgery fails. There’s a lot of chaos and distress. Despite your hopes and beliefs, things might not go as planned.”

LJ and his tutor Margot: discovering a passion for photography during treatment

Finding Freedom in Photography

Before his diagnosis, LJ was a typical teenager, exploring creativity, traveling, skateboarding, and enjoying time with friends in London. Suddenly, he found himself “isolated in a room or a ward”, painfully aware that days felt like they had no end.

As the walls of his physical environment closed in, LJ discovered that photography and videography opened a new world for him. By documenting his experiences through photos and videos, he created a much-needed escape: a creative outlet and a way to process his reality.

“I had a little Canon PowerShot G7 camera at the time,” he shares. “Taking photos helped me express my feelings without leaving the hospital. I could capture my emotions and enjoy the creative process. It was incredibly fulfilling.”

Macmillan’s guidance empowered LJ to make important decisions during critical moments

Macmillan Support During a Crucial Time

During this challenging treatment phase, LJ came across vital information from Macmillan Cancer Support in the form of a pamphlet, which provided essential guidance for his future. “I received a leaflet from Macmillan about cancer and fertility,” he states.

“After multiple surgeries, fertility can be affected, and I learned that I might not be able to have children,” he reveals. “The insights in that pamphlet helped me comprehend my situation significantly.”

Now, a decade after his diagnosis and in remission, the support from Macmillan has made a lasting impact on LJ’s life. “Without that booklet, I would have likely made decisions I’d regret,” he states.

Gifts in wills fund over a third of Macmillan’s services, including the resources that aided LJ, ensuring continued access to trusted cancer support, from helplines to informational booklets and community support across the UK. Having clear guidance and support from Macmillan was pivotal for LJ in making informed decisions about sperm storage at a critical time.

Thanks to Macmillan’s support, LJ is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer in young men

Why Consider Leaving a Gift to Macmillan Cancer Support in Your Will?

As LJ approaches a decade since his diagnosis, he has transformed his life, establishing himself as a skilled fashion and event photographer. You can view his remarkable portfolio here. Additionally, he is involved with Macmillan, helping to spread cancer awareness among young men.

“Macmillan helped me share my story and be heard. If my experience inspires someone to keep fighting, then I feel fulfilled,” he adds.

In the UK, someone is diagnosed with cancer every 90 seconds. LJ understands the importance of having Macmillan’s support when it matters most, and he has a special message for those contemplating leaving a legacy gift.

“Each day, many people receive a cancer diagnosis. While no one can fully understand your feelings, having someone who can clarify information about your cancer is invaluable. That’s the kind of support Macmillan offers.”

Thanks to Macmillan’s guidance, LJ was able to better understand his situation while focusing on his passions. Your legacy gift will empower Macmillan to provide essential care to more individuals facing cancer, regardless of their background. For more information on how to leave a gift in your Will to Macmillan Cancer Support, request our free Gifting in a Will guide.

© Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity registered in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also active in Northern Ireland. A company by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number 2400969). Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT number: 668265007

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Massive Iceberg Transformed into a Giant Pool: The Ultimate City Attraction

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Satellite image of Antarctic iceberg A23a displaying meltwater on its surface

NASA

Satellite image of Antarctic iceberg A23a on January 7 — Satellite image of Antarctic iceberg A23a displaying meltwater on its surface

NASA

The Antarctic iceberg A23a, comparable in size to a city, is experiencing an alarming build-up of meltwater on its surface, signaling potential fragmentation.

Researchers are captivated by the massive A23a iceberg due to its unique ability to collect and retain meltwater.

Satellite visuals reveal a distinctive raised ice rim encircling the entire cliff-edge of this slab-like iceberg, giving it an intriguing resemblance to an oversized playground. This pooling region spans approximately 800 square kilometers, larger than the city of Chicago.

In several areas, the meltwater appears deep and brilliantly blue, indicating depths of several meters. The total volume of water on A23a is estimated to be in the billions of liters, enough to fill thousands of Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Douglas MacAyeal from the University of Chicago explains that this rim effect is a typical phenomenon observed in the world’s largest icebergs.

“My hypothesis is that the edges curve downward from the nose, forming an arched dam that retains snowmelt,” he states. “This curvature likely results from a combination of wave undercutting and melting ice, as well as the inherent flexibility of vertical ice cliffs.”

The streaks of water visible in the satellite images indicate remnants of past ice flow when these icebergs were still attached to the Antarctic coast, he noted.

Image of iceberg A23-A captured from the ISS on December 27, 2025

NASA

A23a dates back to 1986 and originated from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, initially being over five times its current size. It once held the distinction of being the largest iceberg on Earth.

In recent years, A23a has drifted north into increasingly warmer waters, leading to its gradual fragmentation. The substantial volume of surface meltwater can ultimately contribute to its collapse. “Should that water seep into its fractures and subsequently refreeze, it will effectively split the iceberg,” remarks Mike Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey.

He contends that the iceberg can deteriorate unexpectedly within a matter of days.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Reveals How Dinosaurs’ Free-Range Parenting Transformed the Mesozoic Era

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

University of Maryland paleontologist Thomas R. Holtz Jr. has explored how dinosaurs adapted to their ancient environments and the differences between those worlds and our own for decades. His recent research suggests that crucial factors may have been overlooked in comparing ancient dinosaurs with modern mammals.

Some sauropod dinosaurs, Alamosaurus sanjuanensis, formed herds divided by age. Image credit: DiBgd.

“Many people view dinosaurs as the Mesozoic equivalent of mammals since both groups were the dominant land animals of their respective eras,” says Holtz.

“However, a crucial difference relates to their reproductive and child-rearing strategies, which scientists haven’t fully considered when comparing these worlds.”

“The methods by which animals raise their young significantly influence their ecosystems. Understanding these differences can help scientists reevaluate ecological diversity,” he explains.

“Young mammals often receive extensive care from their mothers until they are nearly fully grown.”

“In essence, mammal offspring fulfill similar ecological roles as their parents; they consume similar food and interact within the same environment because adults handle most of the responsibilities.”

“You could say mammals have ‘helicopter’ parents—particularly helicopter mothers,” he continues.

“For example, mother tigers continue to hunt for cubs that are nearly their size.”

“Even young elephants, among the largest animals in the Serengeti at birth, rely on their mothers for years.”

“Humans exhibit similar behavior, caring for our children until they reach adulthood.”

“Conversely, dinosaurs exhibited different parenting behaviors. They offered some parental care, but their young were relatively independent.”

“After a short period, from a few months to a year, young dinosaurs left their parents to roam independently, often cautious of one another.”

Dr. Holtz notes that adult crocodiles, closely related to dinosaurs, demonstrate a similar trend.

Crocodiles guard their nests and protect their young for a limited duration; however, within a few months, the young disperse and lead independent lives, taking years to reach adulthood.

“Dinosaurs could be likened to ‘latchkey kids,'” Holtz states.

“Fossil evidence shows that juvenile skeletons were often found together, with no adults nearby.”

“These juveniles congregated in groups of similar ages, learning to feed themselves and fend for their safety.”

This parenting style suited the fact that dinosaurs laid eggs and produced relatively large chicks at once.

By producing multiple offspring at a time and reproducing more frequently than mammals, dinosaurs increased the chances of their lineage’s survival without significant resource investment.

“The key takeaway is that this early separation between parents and offspring, alongside size differences, likely had significant ecological implications,” Holtz noted.

“The dietary needs of dinosaurs shifted as they matured, as did their vulnerabilities to predators and their mobility.”

“Even though adult and juvenile dinosaurs belong to the same biological species, they occupy distinctly different ecological niches.”

“Therefore, they can be regarded as different ‘functional species.’

For instance, a juvenile Brachiosaurus, comparable in size to a sheep, couldn’t access food 10 meters above ground like its adult counterparts.

Juveniles faced different predators, feeding in different locations and avoiding fully grown adults.

As young Brachiosaurus grow from dog-sized to horse-sized to giraffe-sized, their ecological roles evolve significantly.

“This understanding has transformed how scientists perceive ecological diversity,” Holtz emphasized.

Typically, scientists argue that modern mammals inhabit more diverse ecosystems because of the coexistence of varied species.

However, if young dinosaurs are counted as separate functional species and their numbers recalculated, the total functional species in dinosaur fossil assemblages likely exceeds that of mammalian fossil assemblages.

How did ancient ecosystems accommodate all these functional roles? Dr. Holtz proposes two potential explanations.

First, the Mesozoic era featured unique environmental conditions, such as warmer temperatures and elevated carbon dioxide levels.

These factors likely enhanced plant productivity, generating more food energy to sustain larger populations.

Secondly, dinosaurs may have had lower metabolic rates than similarly sized mammals, demanding less food for survival.

“Our world might actually be less productive in terms of plant resources than the age of dinosaurs,” claims Holtz.

“A more robust food chain could support greater functional diversity.”

“If dinosaurs’ physiological demands were lower, their ecosystems might have accommodated far more functional species than found in mammalian systems.”

Dr. Holtz emphasizes that his theory doesn’t necessarily imply that dinosaur ecosystems were vastly more diverse than those of mammals, but rather that diversity may have existed in forms that have yet to be identified by scientists.

He intends to further explore similar patterns within the context of dinosaur functional diversity across different life stages to gain deeper insights into their world and its evolution into our contemporary ecosystem.

“We shouldn’t merely consider dinosaurs as scaled and feathered versions of mammals,” Holtz concludes.

“They are remarkable creatures in their own right, and the full scope of their existence is still being uncovered.”

This research will be detailed in Holtz’s paper, set to appear in the Italian Journal of Geosciences.

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Thomas R. Holtz Jr. et al. 2026. Raising Babies: A Preliminary Investigation into Ontogenetic Niche Partitioning in Dinosaurs and Long-term Maternal Care in Mammals within Their Ecosystems. Italian Journal of Geosciences 145; doi: 10.3301/IJG.2026.09

Source: www.sci.news

How Jane Goodall Transformed Our Perspective on Animals and the Planet

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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Jane Goodall revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees

Europa Press Reportajes/Europa Press/Avalon

Jane Goodall, who passed away at 91, profoundly impacted the world through her perspective on animals, particularly chimpanzees.

In 1960, at just 26 years old, she observed a chimpanzee named David Graybeard using stripped leaves to fish for termites. “At that time,” she reflected, “we believed only humans used tools. I was taught that the best definition of humanity was being human; yet, I witnessed chimpanzees crafting and using tools.”

She relayed her findings to her mentor, paleontologist Louis Leakey, who subsequently reshaped the concept of what constitutes a ‘tool.’ His famous telegram proclaimed that we needed to redefine ‘tool’ and acknowledge the chimpanzee as having human-like traits.

Ultimately, the decision was made to explore how other species were unique. Goodall’s research played a critical role in challenging the notion of human superiority that had been entrenched in scientific and societal discourse.

Goodall in the TV special *Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees*, filmed in Tanzania and originally aired on CBS in December 1965.

CBS via Getty Images

Her research challenged the long-held beliefs of French philosopher René Descartes, who argued for animal exploitation and environmental degradation over 400 years. Descartes posited that animals lacked souls and functioned merely as machines. Goodall demonstrated that chimpanzees possess the intelligence and foresight to create and utilize tools, attributing such behaviors to their emotions and personalities. Some were gentle like David Graybeard, while others were curious and full of energy.

In this regard, she mirrored another pioneering scientist with remarkable observational skills. In his work Expressions of Human and Animal Emotions, Charles Darwin examined the evolution of facial expressions and linked them to emotional states: joy, anger, love, etc. However, he faced resistance not only regarding animal emotions but also in applying similar insights to humans.

Darwin’s work was not well received at the time and largely ignored for over a century. Similarly, Goodall’s early research from the 1960s faced skepticism and was even ridiculed. Her status as a young woman with lesser credentials did not help either. Both Darwin and Goodall were fueled by intense curiosity, patience, and keen observation—qualities that underpinned their achievements. When asked by New Scientist what was necessary for success, Goodall humorously replied, “Patience, a large stomach, and a bucket full of surprises.” Today, we recognize that both Darwin and Goodall were correct; many animals experience emotions and possess rich inner lives.

Goodall with chimpanzees, including David Graybeard, in 1965

Granger/Shutterstock

Goodall was selected by Leakey to study chimpanzees in Gombe, located in present-day Tanzania. Leakey aimed to explore human evolution and theorized that observing wild chimpanzees—something no one had done before—would be invaluable. He preferred individuals untainted by conventional scientific beliefs and believed that women could serve as more patient and empathetic field researchers. It’s unlikely a traditional biologist would have achieved the breakthroughs Goodall did.

Initially, her observations were made from a distance through binoculars, but as time progressed, she gained the chimps’ trust. The first to accept her was a male she named David Graybeard, recognized for the white hair on his chin. Although she later earned a PhD from Cambridge and faced criticism for naming animals instead of assigning them numbers, she felt naming them was more natural. David Graybeard demonstrated tool use, which Goodall described as a pivotal moment in her research.

She also became the first scientist to elucidate the mating rituals of chimpanzees, their reproductive cycles, and how mothers introduce their infants to their social groups.

Goodall at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, in February 2018

Agence 18/SIPA/Shutterstock

In the 1970s, the direction of her work shifted as she began advocating for the protection of chimpanzees. This marked the beginning of her second phase of global change. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, which grew into a major nonprofit organization with offices in 25 countries. In 1986, she organized a conference for field biologists working with chimpanzees across Africa, highlighting the threats facing both the animals and the forests they inhabit. She also became aware of the challenges faced by local communities living near chimpanzee habitats.

In 1991, Goodall established Roots and Shoots, an initiative aimed at educating youth about conservation, which operates in over 75 countries. Continuously advocating for animal rights and conservation, she addressed around 300 audiences annually. In 2024, she visited Jane Goodall Institute offices to share her media insights about conservation efforts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nicgcikp8q

Goodall passed away in California while on a speaking tour. Throughout her life, she authored 32 books, including 15 for children. Her final work, Book of Hope, reflects her enduring commitment to conservation.

Goodall also spoke about the influence of 20th-century environmentalist Rachel Carson. At Cambridge University in the 1960s, she read Carson’s Silent Spring and was inspired by Carson’s courage in battling pharmaceutical companies, government, and scientific communities regarding the environmental risks of DDT.

“Carson knew the struggle would be long but never wavered, continuing to inspire,” Goodall remarked. “The same can be said for my journey.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Reveals How the Extinction of Non-Bird Dinosaurs Transformed the Landscape

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent studies indicate that dinosaurs acted as ecosystem engineers, fostering habitat openness during the late Cretaceous period. Their extinction around 66 million years ago likely triggered a significant reorganization of ecosystem structures, profoundly affecting rivers. The emergence of dense forests helped stabilize sediments and created a wide, meandering river surrounding the water.

Dinosaurs functioned as ecosystem engineers, regulating forest growth. Their abrupt extinction resulted in extensive ecological shifts, as illustrated in these artistic renderings. Image credit: Julius Csotonyi.

“When considering how life and the environment evolve over time, it’s typically viewed as climate-driven, causing specific effects on living beings. Alternatively, geographic shifts, like rising mountains, also have a notable impact,” explained Luke Weaver, a paleontologist at the University of Michigan.

“It’s uncommon for life to play a crucial role in altering climate and landscape; the influence isn’t solely one-directional.”

The extinction of dinosaurs followed the impact of a massive asteroid on the Yucatan Peninsula approximately 66 million years ago.

Researchers investigating asteroid evidence discovered that the geological layer above the fallout fragments differed significantly from the underlying rock.

Dr. Weaver and his team began examining this abrupt geological transformation within the Williston Basin, which encompasses the Bighorn Basin across eastern Montana, western North Dakota, and northern Wyoming.

“During my review of previous research, I focused on the Fort Union Formation,” Dr. Weaver mentioned.

“This formation, laid down post-dinosaur extinction, appears to consist of layered rocks in various hues.

“Initially thought to be pond sediments resulting from sea level rise, these formations presented an intriguing contrast to the layer beneath, characterized by poorly developed soils that recall features found along flood plains.”

Researchers then hypothesized a link between these geological alterations and the mass extinction event of dinosaurs, commonly referred to as the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.

They further explored the environments represented by the diverse rock formations.

“Our findings indicated that the striped layers were not sediment from ponds,” Dr. Weaver stated.

“Instead, these are point bar deposits, or sediments from the inner curves of large river meanders.”

“Rather than reflecting a tranquil setting, what we uncovered was a highly dynamic environment within those meandering flows.”

Substantial river sediments are framed by layers primarily comprising lignite, a low-grade coal formed from organic material.

Researchers suggested these formed due to less frequent river activity, attributable to the stabilizing effects of dense forests.

“By stabilizing rivers, these forests curtailed the supply of clay, silt, and sand deep into the floodplain, resulting in an accumulation of mainly organic debris,” Dr. Weaver explained.

What evidence will ascertain whether changes occurred right after the mass extinction?

Fine layers rich in iridium are typically found only from cosmic events.

However, the asteroid impact introduced a mix of elements that settled in thin layers across the globe.

This iridium-rich sediment layer, which defines the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, contains about three orders of magnitude more iridium than standard sediments and is recognized as an iridium anomaly.

The researchers subsequently focused on areas of the Bighorn Basin where the boundary was absent.

By analyzing geological shifts between the dinosaur-rich layers and those containing early mammals, they sampled narrow bands of red clay about 1 cm wide.

“These iridium anomalies were perfectly situated at the interface between the two differing geological layers,” Dr. Weaver noted.

“This discovery led us to believe that this phenomenon wasn’t isolated to the Williston Basin; it likely applies across many regions in western North America.”

However, questions linger regarding the reasons for the substantial geological transformations observed before and after the dinosaurs’ extinction.

Later, the team came upon discussions regarding how modern animals, such as elephants, impact their ecosystems.

“This was the moment of clarity that connected all the dots,” Dr. Weaver remarked.

“Dinosaurs were enormous; they must have substantially influenced the vegetation.”

Paleontologists have posited that dinosaurs played a crucial role in facilitating forest growth, trapping sediments, and shaping river structures.

“For me, the most thrilling aspect of our research is the evidence that dinosaurs may have directly influenced their ecosystems,” said Dr. Courtney Splain, a researcher at the University of Florida.

“Notably, the impacts of their extinction may be observed not merely through the disappearance of fossils in the geological record, but also through evident changes in the sediment itself.”

Survey results were published this week in the journal Communication Earth and the Environment.

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ln weaver et al. 2025. Dinosaur extinction can explain the change in continental facies at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Commune Earth Environment 6, 712; doi:10.1038/s43247-025-02673-8

Source: www.sci.news

Trolley Problem: The Internet’s Iconic Moral Dilemma Transformed into Video Games | Gaming News

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In 1967, British philosopher Philippa Foot unwittingly sparked one of the most enduring memes on the internet. The infamous runaway trolley is racing toward five individuals tied to the tracks. You have the power to pull a lever to redirect the trolley toward another track where a single person is bound. Would you act to save five lives at the cost of one?

What if one of the tracks spiraled into a dramatic loop? Or if the trolley was replaced by a menacing Thomas the Tank Engine? Perhaps the entire dilemma morphed into a commentary on contemporary political debates? The trolley problem, initially posed as a meditation on ethical decision-making, found renewed life in the 2010s as the inspiration for a myriad of absurd, self-referential memes. Now, it appears poised to embark on a third chapter through the surreal interactive comedy game, The Trolley Solution.

Each level serves as a mini-game, ingeniously designed around thought experiments. There’s always a trolley, a lever, an ethical quandary, and a twist that derails expectations. Tracks are dissected into puzzle pieces that players must fit together against the clock. Commuters alongside the rail must maintain their emotional balance and enjoy serotonin boosts from scrolling through social media. One segment flows into a brief visual novel about a Japanese girl who develops feelings for someone on a streetcar that threatens to eliminate her high school rival.

Perfectly tailored for the social media era… trolley solutions. Photo: Bydandans

It’s undeniably absurd, echoing the ludicrous nature of the original trolley problem. “It’s a serious issue presented in an outrageous manner,” explains Baidandan, developer of Solochile. From a Reddit perspective, he puts it succinctly: “It’s a free real estate for shit posts.”

With the foundational joke already well-explored, Baidandan opted to take bold creative risks with the mini-games, striving to transform the dilemma into quirky scenarios that lead to final choices. “Some versions felt too bland and overly complex,” he notes. “Or I couldn’t conceive of a mini-game that adhered to the four guiding principles I established.” These principles state that each mini-game must be engaging, tied to the moral dilemma, introduce unique elements, and subvert expectations.

If all of this seems a bit gimmicky, it’s likely because Trolley Solutions functions best as a comprehensive interactive sketch inspired by a singular joke. Yet, it’s a joke filled with charm and abundant punchlines (each mini-game lasts mere seconds to minutes, and the level selection screen hints at a brief total runtime).

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/oONZ_f4kwiU?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="The Trolley Solution – Official Gameplay Reveal Trailer | Latin American Games Showcase 2025" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

In many aspects, it is perfectly suited to the social media landscape. The humor is designed for the internet, and the quick-fire mini-games are ideal for casual gamers scrolling through TikTok. “I aimed to create something accessible and enjoyable,” Bydandans remarks. “My previous games were often too technical and hardcore for the average player. This time, I wanted to craft something everyone could appreciate.”

“Enjoyment” is a peculiar term when discussing ethical dilemmas. What would Baidandan do if confronted with the original trolley problem? “I would consider options with fewer legal repercussions,” he confides. “I’d call the police, yell for help, and attempt to untie the victims.” Thus, he disregards the constraints of the thought experiment, crafting a more engaging experience instead? That seems to fit the bill.

Source: www.theguardian.com

How Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Soundtrack Transformed My Musical Taste: A Band’s Reflection

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

WIn the late ’90s and early 2000s, countless parents purchased Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater for their kids, unaware of the profound influence it would have on their musical tastes. From Bad Religion to Papa Roach and Millencolin, these games became the ultimate compilation albums, mirroring the failed spins and grinds their players experienced.

While FIFA games are known for their licensed soundtracks, they often feel detached. In contrast, the Pro Skater soundtrack felt like a raw, handmade mixtape, soaked in sweat and nostalgia from countless sessions at the local skatepark.

“Most bands were picked because they came from the skate scene. Even the hip-hop from the original punk era, which dominated the skate culture in the ’80s and ’90s, led to a realization: ‘I never thought I’d be a tastemaker, but my loyalty to the culture shaped that role,'” remarked one artist.

“Tony was deeply involved in punk rock,” shares Chris DeMakes from Less Than Jake before their performance at this year’s Slam Dunk Festival. “Ultimately, he had to approve the bands for the soundtrack, which reassured me,” added Roger Lima from the same band: “Skating and music culture are so intertwined; it makes sense for there to be a truly authentic soundtrack.”

The influence of these games on participating bands has been unparalleled. “I recall playing previous iterations of THPS and dreaming about a chance to be featured,” shares AFI bassist Hunter Burgan. “Yet, we didn’t fully grasp the immense impact it would have long after we’d been on the soundtrack. I can’t tell you how many people have approached me over the last two decades saying THPS3 introduced them to AFI.”

“Tony had to approve the band on his soundtrack, so I felt better about it” … Less Than Jake. Photo: Piers Allardyce/Rex/Shutterstock

“Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater made me realize that all my closest friends were metalheads,” Demakes reflects. “I spoke with John Feldman of Goldfinger, and even though Superman wasn’t a worldwide hit, it became a breakthrough for them through the game.”

When the first Tony Hawk Pro Skater launched in 1999, those grey PlayStation discs served as vehicles for punk rock, introducing the genre to countless unsuspecting youth. Now, 25 years later, new artists are featured alongside the bands that originally shaped the game’s sound.

“These games have drastically shifted my musical preferences!” expresses Sammy Ciaramitaro, vocalist for hardcore band Drain. “They brought punk and a wealth of other incredible music to my childhood room.” Drain is one of the newer artists included in the soundtrack of the remake. “Our inclusion signifies the evolution of hardcore,” he adds. “We feel privileged to join forces with Turnstile and hope young players discover our music while gaming.”

Other bands like Ataris, which weren’t on Tony’s radar back then, dreamed of being featured in future installations. “We’ve matured alongside the Pro Skater franchise,” says bassist Mike Davenport. “During our rise in the late ’90s, we felt honored when our track ‘All Souls Day’ made it to the 2020 Pro Skater 1+2 remake.”

Davenport recalls moments from their tour: “On our tour bus, we were playing Pro Skater when our driver yelled, ‘Look outside!’ Suddenly, the TV flew towards us, and we instinctively swatted it away. Unfortunately, the TV and PlayStation perished, but we were spared.”

Davey Havok performed at AFI in 2007. Photo: Reuters/Aramie

After joining the franchise in 2002, Jake feels a sense of pride returning to the Pro Skater series decades later for the remake. “We’ve been around for 33 years, and it’s great to be invited to video games.”

“As long as there are gamers, there will be opportunities to connect them with music,” remarks Burgan.

This legacy of the Pro Skater soundtrack continues to resonate. There’s even a cover band dedicated to performing it live. “When they followed us on social media, I was shocked. I never thought he would actually perform on stage with us,” says one band member.

In a viral Instagram moment, Tony Hawk surprised the audience at the 900 in East London, joining Agent Orange and Goldfinger for a frenzied performance. “We’ll always be grateful for him showing up, especially since he appreciates bands covering songs from his game,” says Shaw.

“I can’t sing every song” … Tony Hawk at the 900 in London in 2022. Photo: Doug Young

“Five bands from the video game series have only performed covers,” Hawk stated. “My surprise appearance was a thrill. I’m proud of the soundtrack, but I can’t sing every song or recall the lyrics!”

Since the original Pro Skater, its soundtrack has continuously benefitted the featured bands. “I met Tony at a music festival recently,” shares Burgan from AFI. “His passion for music makes being part of THPS even more special.”

While the Pro Skater franchise solidified its legacy, Jake reflects on how easily it could have gone the other way.

“Imagine creating a product that missed the mark,” he chuckles. “But in Tony’s case, he had a fantastic game that kids embraced wholeheartedly.”

“Pro skater games might not have made an immediate impact,” Lima acknowledges. “But every aspect was effortlessly cool, monumental for us… we’ve lost count of how many times fans mentioned it. Check the comments on YouTube and you’ll see. Many haven’t heard of us until now.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Light Has Transformed into a Liquid Mimicking Spacetime

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers can construct structures that mimic lab black holes

Science Photo Library/Alamy

By shaping light into a liquid-like form, researchers aim to deepen their grasp of black holes and other intriguing phenomena.

Though observing supermassive objects like black holes directly is a challenge, scientists have employed quantum effects to create valuable analogs in laboratory settings. For instance, they have previously simulated space-time with ultra-cold atoms to mimic a black hole’s material.

Now, Kevin Falk from the Kastler-Brossel Laboratory (LKB) in Paris and his team have utilized light to generate highly controlled analogs of space-time.

They achieved this by trapping light within small cavities made of reflective semiconductor materials, allowing it to bounce between layers and interact with the material’s charge. This quantum interaction ultimately converts light into a liquid-like state.

Researchers can manipulate this fluid with lasers to replicate the geometry of space-time, creating structures that correspond to a black hole’s event horizon. The object can fall but will not return.

Their light-based “space” is meticulously controlled, enabling Falk and his colleagues to visualize events and create sudden space-time structures.

They plan to use this unique simulation to investigate how Hawking radiation emitted from black holes varies with abrupt changes in the event horizon. However, achieving this requires cooling and isolating the experiment to amplify the quantum effects involved.

“This work represents a remarkable experimental achievement,” says Juan Ramon Muñoz de Nova from Complutense University in Madrid, who has contributed to initial measurements of Hawking radiation in black hole simulations involving ultracold atoms. He believes these new experiments present opportunities to observe various phenomena, such as how black holes vibrate and produce “ring” effects.

Friedrich Koenig from St Andrews University in the UK notes that this research offers “the most valuable platform” to explore new concepts related to gravity and the complex interplays between gravity and quantum effects.

One striking outcome of this study is the potential to reveal that the observed black holes might not be what they seem. Maxime Jacquet from LKB explains that the first image captured of a black hole by the Event Horizon Telescope may appear authentic, but the visual representation of a black hole may not equate to its true nature.

There could be sizable objects that distort light like black holes, creating a false appearance without an observable event horizon. Theoretical investigations suggest this is feasible, and light-based experiments may allow for further exploration of this possibility, according to Jacquet.

“We must exercise caution. While we have these analogs, fluids and black holes are fundamentally different entities,” warns Falk. “However, this experiment enables us to experiment with testing theories related to black holes.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Intricate Plants Have Transformed the Oceans

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Over 350 million years ago, the initial forest began to emerge on Earth, transforming its planetary environment. Geologists refer to this time as the Late Paleozoic period. Recent studies have proposed that the development of land plants initiated a series of events that reconstructed atmospheric and marine oxygen levels, as well as marine ecosystems.

Multiple oxygenation events have been recorded throughout Earth’s history. A significant event, marked by the presence of photosynthetic aquatic bacteria known as Cyanobacteria, occurred around 2.4 billion years ago, releasing a substantial amount of oxygen into the atmosphere. Further neoproterozoic oxygenation events between 85 and 540 million years ago exhibited increases in atmospheric oxygen, creating conditions favorable for animals and multicellular life. Researchers suggest that oxygen levels remained low until land plants proliferated in the Devonian period, leading to the Paleozoic oxygenation events.

While scientists generally concur that the explosion of complex plant life elevated atmospheric oxygen through photosynthesis, the precise timing and causes of Paleozoic oxygenation events remain unclear. Biogeochemists who modeled this event produced inconsistent timing estimates due to limited data constraints. Without a defined timeline, it is challenging for researchers to determine the nature of these events.

To tackle this issue, researchers from Australia and Canada analyzed various coral reefs that formed at the edge of the seas during the Devonian period. They studied chemical records of oxidation and reduction reactions in Carbonate rocks, which preserve the chemical signatures of their marine environments upon formation. The focus was on chemical properties that can indicate ocean oxygen concentrations, specifically the oxidation and redox conditions, by examining various carbonate rocks from shallow and deep waters to assess oxygen alterations at approximately 200 meters deep (or 650 feet).

The research team developed a novel method for analyzing past marine redox conditions by measuring the presence of elements like cerium (CE) in carbonate rocks. This choice was made because cerium’s behavior in seawater varies with oxygen levels. Coral reef organisms construct carbonate rocks from carbonates dissolved in seawater. In oxygen-rich conditions, minerals such as magnesium oxide and oxides absorb cerium, lowering its concentration in seawater, leading to a negative cerium anomaly in associated carbonates. Conversely, when seawater lacks oxygen, these oxides fail to form, allowing CE to remain in the seawater and become incorporated into the carbonate. By analyzing cerium anomalies in carbonates, the researchers could estimate shallow marine oxygen level changes over time.

The researchers sampled coral reefs from the Cambrian period (541 to 485 million years ago), the period from 419 to 359 million years ago, and the Mississippi period (359 to 323 million years ago) across Australia, Canada, and Ireland. They measured the CE abundance in these rocks using techniques known as mass spectroscopy. Following this, CE anomalies were calculated for each sample.

Findings indicated that CE anomalies generally decreased from Cambrian to Mississippi samples, signifying an increase in shallow marine oxygen levels. The study also revealed that each period exhibited distinct CE profiles. The earliest carbonate samples from the Cambrian to Devonian periods displayed weak CE anomalies and low marine oxygen levels, whereas samples from the Upper Devonian to Mississippi revealed notable CE anomalies and higher oxygen levels. Within the Mississippi samples, variability in oxygen levels was highlighted, with differing CE anomalies reported.

The team suggested that the various CE anomalies from the late Mississippi period indicated unstable shallow water conditions. Their chemical analyses proposed that earlier oxygenation events were not permanent, resulting in climate fluctuations and low biogeochemical conditions deeper in the ocean. Consequently, when oxygen-depleted water surged to shallower regions, it led to mass extinctions by creating inhospitable conditions for the dominant fauna of the time. They speculated that extinctions could have resulted from increased nutrient runoff due to the expansion of deep-rooted land forests.

In conclusion, the researchers indicated that the evolution of land plants would lead to a reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide and an increase in oxygen levels. This rise in marine oxygen would create a livable environment for oxygen-dependent species, including fish, setting the stage for complex evolutionary advancements and a diverse array of modern marine life.

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Source: sciworthy.com

Skype and Zoom Answered the Call and Transformed Human Interaction: John Norton’s Perspective

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

sO Microsoft It's decided An internet telephony company purchased it for $8.5 billion (£6.6 billion) in 2011 to end Skype. Millions of unfortunate users flock to the Microsoft Team, a virtual camp with a brain-dead aesthetic that even Zoom looks cool. This unforeseen situation has been telegraphed for quite some time, but even so, Skype is an astounding venture, and its ending mise is brought as a shock as it closes an interesting chain chapter in technological history.

The Internet has been around for a long time than most people notice. It dates back to the 1960s and back to the creation of Alpanet, a military computer network that emerged after the US had the “Sputnik moment.” It's a terrible perception that the Soviet Union appears to be moving forward with technology interests. The Internet design used today, the successor to Arpanet, began in the early 1970s and was first switched in January 1983.

From the start, the network designers decided to avoid limitations on previous communication systems, particularly voice-optimized analog telephone networks. This was owned by companies that were hopeless about digital signals and resisted innovation that they themselves had not been generating. Therefore, new networks have no owners or are not optimized for a particular medium, making them more tolerant than previous networks. Anyone can access it and create a service run as long as the computer meets the network's protocols.

As a result, we are an explosion of creativity that we live together today. What the Internet designers built was what scholars later called “an architecture for unauthorized innovation.” Or, in another way, global Platform for gushing surprises.

Created by Tim Berners-Lee in the late 1980s, the World Wide Web was one of those surprises. However, there was also something called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Speeches can be digitized (one and zero) and placed in data packets that can be sent over the Internet. And after reaching the destination it was converted to audio. Results: Free telephony anywhere in the world!

Skype was the first company to bring this magic to ordinary consumers. Founded in 2003 by Janus Friis (A Dane) and Niklas Zennström (Swedish) and headquartered in Luxembourg. However, the software that was equipped with it was written by three Estonians who also wrote peer-to-peer file sharing software. In 2005, eBay bought it for $2.6 billion (£2 billion). By 2006 there were 100 million registered users, and by 2009 it had added about 380,000 new users every day, generating approximately $740 million (£575 million) in annual revenue. So, Skype was the first European company to reach US-level size.

At that point, something inevitable happened: in 2011 Skype was purchased by Microsoft and absorbed by Tech Colossus' Maw. Many observers, including this columnist, wondered what Microsoft thought was doing with the new toy. Last week's news suggests that the company never understood it. Either way, after the pandemic arrived in 2020 and people started working from home, it was clear that Microsoft needed to have something to drive away the threat posed by Zoom. Skype may have probably become the core of that response, but instead the decision was made to place all the energy to make the team a Behemoth answer to remote working. Since then, Skype has been surplus to the requirements and dies have been cast.

But before it disappears, it is worth remembering that it was on the scene 20 years ago. Today, most people don't know how close telephony is, in the analog era, is, closed and depressing. It was an industry run by either a complacent, unresponsive, dominant monopoly (USA AT&T) or governmental institutions (UK GPOs). It may take several months to install a phone in your home. The phones were expensive and international calls were actively prohibited.

I grew up in the country (Ireland) with a huge diaspora at a time when calls from the US only meant one family death. If immigrants were in touch with people returning home, it was just letters and perhaps a strange parcel. It's not a phone call. In rural Ireland, their families will occasionally wake up the night before their sons and daughters leave for America or Australia.

And now? The VoIP technology that Skype brings to people's lives is commoditized. Social media platforms like WhatsApp and Signal offer unlimited and free audio (and video) connections with friends, family and colleagues around the world. Calls that were once bankrupt are made every day. Microsoft may not have thought that Skype would ultimately help. But the rest of us certainly did.

What I've read

3 Market Economy
Dave Karpf's A sharp essay Identify the three types of money behind the power of Silicon Valley.

I will take home sovereignty
an An insightful editorial in Norma Why the current and the 47th President is acting like the 25th by Nathan Gardells.

A story of battle
David Allen Green is in the offshore earthquake control collision Foresightful analysis in Financial Times.

Source: www.theguardian.com

For the First Time, Light Transformed into “Super Lido”

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Light has become a strange material called Super Lido

baac3nes/getty images

For the first time, strange solids that can flow like liquids were created from light. Studying it will help researchers to better understand the exotic quantum state of matter.

“We actually made light on a solid. It's pretty amazing.” dimitris trypogeorgos At the National Research Council of Italy (CNR). He points out Daniele SanvittCNR also showed how light becomes a fluid over a decade ago. Now, Trypogeorgos, Sanvitto and colleagues use light to create quantum “superlides” that are not just robust.

Supercrissilicon has a simultaneously zero viscosity and has a crystalline-like structure similar to the arrangement of atoms in salt crystals. None of these strange materials correspond to outside the quantum domain. For this reason, they were previously only created in experiments with atoms cooled to very low temperatures.

However, in this experiment, the researchers replaced the supercold atoms with superconducting aluminum gallium arcenide and lasers.

They illuminated the laser on small sections of the semiconductor with narrow ridge patterns. The complex interaction between light and material ultimately formed a type of hybrid particle called polaritons. The ridge pattern constrained how these “quasiparticles” could move, and what energy could the polytons have in such a way as to form a superlide.

Sanvitto says the team had to measure the sufficient properties of this trapped and converted light very accurately and prove it was a solid and fluid with no viscosity. This was a challenge, he says, as scientists have never previously created and evaluated superspores made from light experimentally before.

The new experiments say it contribute to a general understanding of how quantum matter can change states by undergoing topological transitions. Alberto Bramati At the Sorbonne University in France. The team clearly demonstrated that they made a superlido, but he says more measurements need to be made to understand its properties.

According to Trypogeorgos, light-based superlides may be easier to manipulate than those previously created with atoms.

“We're really at the beginning of something new,” he says.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

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For the First Time, Light Transformed into “Super Lido”