Paleontologists Uncover Archeopteryx Ecology: Insights into the Mysterious Survival of the First Bird

Posted on May 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A detailed review by paleontologists at the Field Museum of Natural History consolidates the latest fossil evidence of Archeopteryx, including the examination of five newly described specimens. The research highlights what the authors believe to be the most well-preserved specimen to date, offering an unparalleled insight into the ecology, behavior, and daily life of this iconic feathered dinosaur. Contrary to earlier assumptions, researchers assert that Archeopteryx was neither a solely terrestrial hunter nor a fully modern flier, but rather an ecological generalist capable of scrambling, perching, gliding, and flapping throughout coastal forests and tidal flats approximately 150 million years ago.

Reconstruction of Archeopteryx showcasing diverse locomotion modes in its habitat: (A) Flapping to a high perch; (B) Perched; (C) Gliding from heights; (D) Scansorial movements. Image credit: Field Museum / NICE PaleoVisLab Studio / Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology.

Around 150 million years ago, during the Jurassic period, a small creature navigated the scrublands of what is now southern Germany. This remarkable animal had teeth reminiscent of reptiles, the claws of a predator, and feathered wings indicative of a newfound ability to leave the ground.

Paleontologists have spent over a century debating the capabilities of Archeopteryx. According to paleontologists Jingmai O’Connor and Alexander Clark from the Field Museum, “Archeopteryx from the 150-million-year-old Solnhofen-Prattenkalk deposit is known as the oldest bird to exhibit feathered wings for voluntary locomotion, marking it as the oldest known dinosaur.”

The researchers highlight that while the slightly younger Baminornis (dated between 149 and 148 million years ago) has a more advanced pectoral girdle, Archeopteryx remains vitally important for understanding the evolutionary transition from terrestrial life.

In their comprehensive paper, the researchers synthesized existing knowledge and assembled fossils of Archeopteryx, including the five newly analyzed specimens, to reconstruct its life.

“The description of five new Archeopteryx specimens represents a significant advancement in our understanding of this taxon,” they state, noting that four of these specimens are either complete or nearly complete (including exceptional finds from Chicago and Thermopolis).

The Chicago specimen, in particular, has been meticulously prepared for scientific analysis, preserving novel soft tissues that provide crucial insights.

The new analysis posits that limited powered flight was plausible for Archeopteryx. Its primary plumage displays asymmetry similar to that found in today’s birds, a trait absent in their flightless relatives.

Unlike modern pigeons that take off vertically, Archeopteryx might have launched from high perches, navigating headwinds, or ascending slopes while flapping its wings.

“As the oldest known bird, critical questions persist about the feasibility of flight in Archeopteryx,” the researchers note. “The evidence suggests some capacity for powered flight alongside gliding when energetically beneficial, akin to many modern birds.”

An overview of Archeopteryx‘s possible food web illustrating an omnivorous diet throughout various life stages, including its significance as prey for other organisms. Image credit: Field Museum / NICE PaleoVisLab Studio / Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology / Samantha Clark.

One of the notable discoveries relates to Archeopteryx‘s first digit, or big toe. While the hallux of non-flying theropod dinosaurs typically faces forward and is designed for little grasping, in Archeopteryx, it is inverted, facing backward, suggesting an adaptation for gripping branches or rocks.

Although fossilized stomach contents remain undiscovered, the skull and mouth structure reveal intriguing clues about feeding adaptations that resemble those of modern birds. These adaptations include evidence of a primitive beak-like organ and a mobile tongue capable of manipulating food, suggesting that Archeopteryx targeted small, energy-dense foods such as insects and seeds to support its higher energy needs associated with flight.

The warm, seasonally dry climate of the Solnhofen Islands would have favored opportunistic omnivores by offering a varied year-round food supply.

“Evidence points to a primarily warm and dry climate with heterogeneous flora,” the researchers noted. “Fossil records indicate occasional wet seasons creating temporary water bodies, influencing food availability for Archeopteryx throughout the year.”

Regarding the bird’s coloration, chemical analysis of an isolated holotype feather hinted at white and black pigmentation. Such patterns may have provided camouflage against the open, weedy landscape, confusing potential predators.

Further analysis suggests that Archeopteryx was likely diurnal and active during bright daylight. “Given its diverse locomotion behaviors, Archeopteryx likely frequented the ground, medium- to large-sized plants, and the air, interacting with various substrates,” the researchers concluded.

Throughout its life, Archeopteryx would have utilized an array of food sources from the plant and animal kingdoms, supporting a wide range of organisms, from saprophytic parasites to apex predators.

The researchers emphasize that the differences examined in ecological terms reveal how flight adaptations may have influenced both the skeletal and soft tissue anatomy of Archeopteryx.

The team’s findings were published in a paper in the Journal of Ecology on April 21, 2026.

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JK O’Connor and AD Clarke. 2026. Archeopteryx. Journal of Ecology 2, 12; doi: 10.1007/s44396-026-00026-z

Source: www.sci.news

Researchers Uncover Key Molecular Insights into the Health Benefits of Coffee

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by Texas A&M University researchers sheds light on why coffee drinkers tend to live longer and experience fewer chronic diseases. The findings indicate that brewed coffee is rich in compounds that interact with little-understood proteins in the body, potentially affecting inflammation, aging, and cancer processes.

Hailemariam et al. revealed that brewed coffee and its principal polyphenolic and polyhydroxy components act as NR4A1 ligands, suggesting NR4A1’s vital role in the health benefits associated with coffee. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Coffee is the most widely consumed beverage globally,” stated Texas A&M University professor Steven Safe and his team.

“Coffee drinkers comprise a vast demographic that enjoys an aqueous extract from roasted and ground coffee berries.”

“The health benefits of coffee mirror those seen in vegetarian groups and various ‘blue zone’ populations known for lower mortality rates and age-related diseases.”

“Despite variations in coffee bean types and brewing techniques, consensus indicates that coffee drinkers enjoy longer lifespans.”

“They also face a decreased risk of age-related conditions, including metabolic disorders, certain cancers, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and cardiovascular issues.”

In their investigation, researchers concentrated on NR4A1, a receptor that responds to dietary compounds and is essential for maintaining health in aging individuals.

This receptor activates during inflammation and cellular damage, and it has been shown to protect tissues.

“When tissue is damaged, NR4A1 activates to help mitigate that damage,” Professor Safe explained.

“Removing this receptor results in even greater tissue damage.”

Through biochemical experiments, the team discovered that freshly brewed coffee and several of its key components bind to NR4A1.

Identified compounds included common coffee polyphenols like caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid, along with diterpenes such as kahweol and cafestrol.

“Our findings suggest that at least some of coffee’s health benefits stem from their ability to bind to and activate this receptor,” Professor Safe noted.

Experiments on cancer cell lines indicated that coffee extract and its constituents slowed cell proliferation.

When NR4A1 levels were reduced, the effects waned, implying that this receptor mediates the biological activities of coffee.

Many of these compounds served as inverse agonists, reducing NR4A1 activity in a way that may counteract tumor-promoting signals.

“Coffee consists of a highly complex array of compounds, creating a powerful blend,” Professor Safe remarked.

Notably, not all components yield the same effects. While caffeine is often seen as the primary component of coffee, it has been shown to exert more diverse and relatively weaker effects on receptors compared to polyphenols.

The research supports the notion that coffee’s benefits are likely due not just to caffeine, but to a complex mixture of bioactive compounds.

Brewed coffee contains over 1,000 chemicals, many of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

“Caffeine binds to the receptor but doesn’t significantly aid in our model,” Safe emphasized.

“Polyhydroxy and polyphenolic compounds demonstrate much more activity.”

“This could explain why both regular and decaffeinated coffee link to similar health benefits in extensive population studies.”

For more details, refer to the study results published in the journal nutrients.

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Amanuel Hailemariam et al. 2026. Brewed coffee and its components act through orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1). nutrients 18 (6): 877; doi: 10.3390/nu18060877

Source: www.sci.news

Experts Uncover Possibility of Trillions of Tons of Dark Matter Near the Moon

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have amassed compelling evidence indicating that 80 percent of all matter in the universe is composed of dark matter, an invisible substance that holds galaxies together and impacts their rotation.

The large-scale structure of the universe and measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) further support the presence of an undetermined entity saturating the cosmos.

While there is substantial evidence that dark matter forms extensive halos around galaxies and star clusters, and is relatively sparse in expansive “voids”, there is no basis to dismiss the existence of dark matter in proximity to Earth.

In fact, one study indicates that approximately 24 trillion tons of dark matter exist between the Earth and the Moon. The validity of this claim is still under investigation.

This article addresses a question from Charles Adcock: “Is it possible that dark matter exists around the Earth, but remains undetectable?”

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

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Scientists Uncover Terrifying ‘Kraken’: The True Apex Predator of the Dinosaur Era

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Scientists have recently uncovered that giant octopuses, reaching lengths of up to 19 meters (62 feet), were the true apex predators of the ocean during the dinosaur era.

In a groundbreaking study published in the magazine Science, researchers examined the fossilized jaws of two octopus species: Nanaimoteutis Zeretsky and N. Hagarty. These fossils were recovered from Late Cretaceous deposits dating back 100 million to 72 million years ago.

The extensive wear observed on the jaws of these adult specimens indicates that these colossal creatures were powerful, active carnivores, capable of crushing hard shells and bones. The largest octopuses of this time rivaled the size of the ocean’s largest marine reptiles.

According to Yasuhiro Iba, an associate professor at Hokkaido University, “They lived in the oceans during the age of the dinosaurs, alongside marine reptiles, large fish, sharks, ammonites, and large-shelled animals” as reported by BBC Science Focus.

Nanaimoteutis likely utilized its impressive size and extended arms for capturing prey while employing its powerful jaws to crush shells and bones, making it a formidable, intelligent predator at the top of the ocean food web.

In their research, scientists discovered 12 previously hidden octopus jaws through an innovative technique called digital fossil mining. This method transforms the interiors of rocks into high-resolution image datasets, allowing AI to create 3D models of fossils.

Unlike sharks and reptiles, this giant was at the top of the food chain despite its soft body – Photo courtesy of Hokkaido University

According to Iba, this advanced method can enhance fossil discovery rates by over 10,000 times compared to traditional techniques.

The asymmetrical wear on these jaws suggests a potential unilateral preference, indicating that these ancient octopuses may have exhibited behaviors similar to modern species, such as arm and eye preference, implying a remarkable level of intelligence.

These remarkable creatures might be the largest invertebrates ever recorded, earning Iba’s team the nickname “Cretaceous Kraken.”

However, the descendants of these octopuses now inhabit the depths of the ocean, having been displaced by newer generations of apex predators.

As Iba noted, “It was probably overtaken by a modern predator, such as a whale.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Monkeys Uncover Unique Natural Supplement to Combat Human Junk Food Diet

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Gibraltar monkeys have recently been observed engaging in a surprising behavior: eating dirt. This habit may be a response to the adverse effects of human junk food, as detailed in a study published in Scientific Reports.

This unusual eating behavior seems to help the monkeys manage digestive issues caused by tourist treats, particularly when lactose-intolerant individuals consume ice cream.

According to Dr. Sylvain Lemoine, a biological anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, “Food consumed by Gibraltar’s monkeys is often high in calories, sugar, salt, and dairy, which is starkly different from their natural diet of herbs, leaves, seeds, and occasional insects.”

“Eating dirt may enable them to indulge in these unhealthy yet appealing foods, similar to how humans enjoy them,” he added.

A research team studied 230 monkeys in Gibraltar, finding that each monkey consumed dirt approximately 12 times per week.

Interestingly, geophagy (the act of eating soil) decreased by 40% during winter compared to the tourist-heavy summer months.

Furthermore, researchers noted that monkeys with a higher frequency of human interaction—and consequently junk food consumption—exhibited more geophagy. In fact, three groups of eight macaque monkeys residing in tourist areas accounted for 72% of geophagy incidents.

Conversely, the only group of monkeys without access to tourist-provided snacks was also the group that did not eat soil.

The study concluded that geophagy is directly linked to junk food, suggesting that it acts as a gut health supplement, mitigating the negative effects of cookies, ice cream, and other snacks on the monkeys’ microbiomes.

“Macaques may have developed this behavior to protect their digestive systems from the high-energy, low-fiber snacks that can lead to stomach issues in primates,” explained Dr. Lemoine.

“Soil can serve as a barrier in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the absorption of harmful substances, and may even provide beneficial bacteria that assist in gut health.”

Different groups of monkeys showed distinct soil preferences; while most favored red clay, one group preferred tar-rich soils from potholes – Credit: Martin Nicourt/Gibraltar Macaques Project

Such geophagy isn’t unique to Gibraltar’s monkeys; ring-tailed lemurs consume dirt an average of 16 times a week, while East African chimpanzees do so about 14 times. This behavior is also observed in human cultures, particularly during pregnancy.

Geophagy is notably rare among Barbary macaques of North Africa, the ancestral population of Gibraltar’s monkeys.

Remarkably, a group of monkeys at Hong Kong’s Jamshan Country Park has been documented eating dirt over 33 times a week, likely due to their high consumption of human junk food.

Dr. Lemoine emphasized the study’s implications regarding human influence on animal behavior and culture.

“Gibraltar’s monkeys represent a unique case of human-primate interaction, offering valuable insights into how anthropogenic environments impact primate behavior and culture,” he noted.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

450-Million-Year-Old Fossils Uncover Unique Ancestor of Tube-Dwelling Jellyfish

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have recently discovered a new genus and species of soft-bodied tubular polypoid mesozoan, named Paleocanna tentaculum, from a remarkably preserved specimen located approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Quebec City, Canada.

Depiction of Paleocanna tentaculum. Individuals are found living in a single tube or in clusters of two or three interconnected tubes. Image credit: Ramirez-Guerrero et al., doi: 10.1017/jpa.2025.10211.

“Jellyfish and their related polyps belong to an ancient group known as cnidarians,” stated Professor Christopher Cameron from the University of Montreal and his research team.

“Due to their soft bodies, these organisms are rarely preserved as fossils, creating gaps in our understanding of their evolutionary history.”

The recently identified species thrived in the Ordovician seas around 450 million years ago.

Paleocanna tentaculum represents ancient life forms that existed either solitarily or in groups within upright tubes.

The polyp features an elongated structure with a crown of tentacles extending past the tube’s edge.

“This species is closely related to modern jellyfish,” paleontologists noted, emphasizing the rarity of this find.

“Only a handful of other species from this subphylum have been documented in the fossil record.”

Paleocanna tentaculum. Image credit: Ramirez-Guerrero et al., doi: 10.1017/jpa.2025.10211.” width=”580″ height=”768″ srcset=”https://cdn.sci.news/images/2026/04/image_14711_2-Paleocanna-tentaculum.jpg 580w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2026/04/image_14711_2-Paleocanna-tentaculum-227×300.jpg 227w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

Paleocanna tentaculum. Image credit: Ramirez-Guerrero et al., doi: 10.1017/jpa.2025.10211.

The fossil remains are found on the upper surface of a shallow limestone layer, discovered in a small quarry within the Neuville Formation in Quebec, Canada.

“This area is regarded as one of the most diverse fossil locations globally for Ordovician specimens,” Professor Cameron remarked.

The team analyzed 15 slabs of sandy limestone that contained approximately 135 specimens of Paleocanna tentaculum.

“Soft-bodied organisms are less likely to be preserved compared to their hard-bodied counterparts, making these fossils particularly valuable for understanding life’s history,” noted Louis-Philippe Bateman, a graduate student at McGill University.

“This discovery underscores the significance of Quebec’s fossil records.”

“Often, the fossil record is perceived as less appealing compared to regions like British Columbia or Alberta.”

“Findings like this highlight the potential for new discoveries and insights here.”

By comparing Paleocanna tentaculum, scientists have revealed that it is more closely related to present-day jellyfish species, including box jellyfish, true jellyfish, and stalk jellyfish, than to other extinct tubular genera.

This indicates that Paleocanna tentaculum occupies a more modern position on the evolutionary tree than many other known fossil polyps.

“The extraordinary preservation of these fossils marks this discovery as one of the rare instances of delicate, soft-bodied organisms found in Ordovician sediments,” the authors concluded.

For more details, refer to their paper published in the Paleontology Journal on February 13, 2026.

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Greta Ramirez-Guerrero et al. Upper Ordovician Tecate stem mesozoan polyp of Quebec. Paleontology Journal published online on February 13, 2026. doi: 10.1017/jpa.2025.10211

Source: www.sci.news

Discover How Astronomers Uncover Shape-Shifting Planetary Systems: The Fascinating TOI-201

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The TOI-201 system features a super-Earth, a warmer Jupiter, and a massive brown dwarf, showcasing unique orbital periods of 5.8, 53, and 2,900 days, respectively.

Artistic representation of the warm giant exoplanet TOI-201b and its parent star. Image credit: Sci.News.

TOI-201 is a brilliant F-type star located 372 light-years away in the constellation Pictor.

With a size and mass 32% greater than that of the Sun, TOI-201 is approximately 870 million years old.

Also referred to as HD 39474 and TIC 350618622, this star hosts at least three planetary companions: TOI-201b, c, and d.

Dr. Ismael Mireles, a candidate at the University of New Mexico, stated, “The goal was to characterize the TOI-201 planetary system to understand not only what planets exist, but also how they interact dynamically.”

This research aids scientists in understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems akin to our own solar system.

TOI-201d is a rocky super-Earth, approximately 1.4 times Earth’s size and about six times its mass, completing an orbit every 5.8 days.

TOI-201b is a warm Jupiter-like exoplanet, with half the mass of Jupiter, orbiting every 53 days.

Lastly, TOI-201c is a brown dwarf, the system’s most massive entity excluding the star, with a highly elliptical, broad orbit of around 8 years, significantly influencing the system’s dynamic characteristics. It is also the longest-period transiting object discovered to date.

Dr. Mireles noted, “TOI-201c is unique due to its extensive orbital period of about 7.9 years and its positioning within a system that includes two inner planets.”

“Most known transiting brown dwarfs are in much closer proximity to their stars.”

Diana Dragomir, a professor at the University of New Mexico, remarked, “TOI-201c’s mass is at the threshold between giant planets and brown dwarfs, raising questions regarding whether this object formed as a planet or a star.”

“This system offers one of the few opportunities to observe planetary orbits undergoing changes on human timescales,” Mireles added.

“This presents a rare chance to learn about the dynamic life of a planetary system in real-time. In 200 years, only two out of the three objects will still be transiting.”

The significance of the TOI-201 system lies in the fact that astronomers can monitor its changes in real time.

Professor Dragomir explained, “This was unexpected because if planets formed in the protoplanetary disk aligned with their star’s early life, their orbits would typically align, like those in our solar system.”

The next key question for TOI-201 is about the origins of these tilted orbits among the three objects.

After 200 years, TOI-201d will cease transiting, followed by TOI-201b, and eventually TOI-201c will stop as well.

However, they oscillate between transiting and non-transiting states, suggesting they will resume transiting in several thousand years.

Predictions indicate TOI-201c’s next transit will occur on March 26, 2031, offering a rare chance for global follow-up observations, including opportunities for citizen scientists.

“A large, multi-year team effort was essential to study this complex system,” Mireles concluded.

A publication detailing the survey results appeared in the journal Scientific Progress.

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Ismael Mireles et al., 2026. Unveiling the dynamic evolution of the TOI-201 system. Scientific Progress 12(16); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aef2618

Source: www.sci.news

How Modern Life is Impacting Your Estrogen Levels: Uncover the Causes and Effects

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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The Gut Microbiome’s Profound Effect on Hormones

Nopparit/Getty Images

Recent studies reveal that gut bacteria play a crucial role in recycling discarded sex hormones back into the bloodstream. Researchers have discovered an alarming increase in these hormone-recycling bacteria within the guts of individuals from industrialized societies compared to those of hunter-gatherers and non-industrialized farmers. This shift could lead to elevated levels of certain sex hormones in the bloodstream, posing serious health risks.

“We are still learning how the body reacts to this increased hormone recycling,” states Rebecca Britten from Jagiellonian University School of Medicine in Poland. “The implications could be significant.”

Sex hormones, like estrogen, circulate in the bloodstream. When levels rise excessively, a chemical marker attaches to liver cells, prompting hormone excretion through the intestines. That marker, a sugar molecule, serves as food for specific gut bacteria. These bacteria utilize an enzyme called β-glucuronidase to detach the marker.

Once freed from the marker, hormones can be reabsorbed by the body and reintroduced into the bloodstream. Research indicates that a considerable fraction of excreted sex hormones is recycled by gut bacteria in this manner.

In 2011, the term “oestrobolome” was introduced to describe the gut bacteria influencing estrogen metabolism and blood levels in both men and women. Earlier this year, the term “Testbolome” was coined to refer to gut bacteria affecting testosterone levels.

The latest research conducted by a British team analyzed the oestrobolomes of hundreds of individuals from 24 distinct populations worldwide. This included hunter-gatherers from Botswana and Nepal, rural farmers from Venezuela and Nepal, and urban residents from cities like Philadelphia and Colorado.

Britten’s team specifically assessed gene sequences that encode the enzyme beta-glucuronidase, examining both the overall proportion and diversity of these sequences. The results indicate that industrialized populations possess an estrogen recycling ability that is up to seven times greater and twice as diverse compared to hunter-gatherer and rural communities.

Moreover, the study found that formula-fed infants exhibit significantly higher recycling abilities—up to three times more likely and eleven times more diverse than breastfed infants. Interestingly, factors such as age, gender, and BMI showed no correlation with oestrobolome differences.

Researchers aim to determine if the observed gene sequences indicating higher recycling capabilities correspond with increased estrogen recycling in practice and, importantly, whether this leads to elevated blood estrogen levels. The body’s ability to adjust hormone levels could also play a role in offsetting this recycling.

If certain individuals maintain elevated estrogen levels due to their microbiome, this could notably impact fertility and overall health, potentially heightening cancer risks. Nonetheless, in specific scenarios, such heightened recycling could yield benefits. Britten emphasizes, “While increased estrogen recycling is often deemed harmful, that perception may not be accurate. For some with very low estrogen levels, this recycling may be advantageous.”

“This intriguing study contributes to the expanding evidence highlighting the significance of gut microbiome functionality in human health and development,” remarks Katherine Cook, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine professor studying the microbiome’s connection to breast cancer risk.

However, she notes limitations, such as the predominance of the industrialized population being US-based. “Including an additional European group could have enhanced the findings,” Cook adds.

Britten is keen to identify lifestyle factors influencing the observed differences and plans to conduct further research to gather comprehensive data.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers Uncover Massive Hydrogen Reservoirs Surrounding Early Galaxies

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) have discovered colossal hydrogen halos, known as Lyman-alpha nebulae, surrounding over 30,000 galaxies dating back 10 to 12 billion years. This groundbreaking finding indicates that the essential materials for galaxy formation were far more plentiful than previously believed.

A giant halo of hydrogen gas, as revealed by HETDEX data and captured in deep imaging from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. This ancient star system, 11.3 billion years old, radiates from the collective light of its myriad galaxies, with the brightest areas highlighted in red. Image credit: Erin Mentuch Cooper, HETDEX/NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI.

Hydrogen gas presents a unique challenge to astronomers, as it doesn’t emit light independently.

However, when located near energy-emitting objects—like galaxies packed with stars radiating UV light—hydrogen can glow due to this energy.

Detecting hydrogen halos demands significant time and precision, as the specialized instruments needed are often in high demand.

Previous astronomical surveys have identified some of these halos but typically focused only on the most luminous and extreme examples.

Furthermore, targeted observations of early galaxies are often too zoomed in, leading to the omission of larger halos.

HETDEX’s observations are actively filling this observational gap. This research uses the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at McDonald Observatory to map over 1 million galaxies and deepen our understanding of dark energy.

“We collected nearly half a petabyte of data, not just on these galaxies, but also on the intergalactic space,” stated Dr. Karl Gebhardt, the principal investigator of HETDEX and chair of the astronomy department at the University of Texas at Austin.

“Our observations encompass a sky area capable of hosting more than 2,000 full moons. The extent is extraordinary and unprecedented.”

“The Hobby-Eberly Telescope ranks among the largest telescopes worldwide,” Dr. Dustin Davis, a HETDEX scientist and postdoctoral fellow at UT Austin, remarked.

“HETDEX’s instruments yield 100,000 spectra per observation, providing a vast quantity of data and a treasure trove of exciting discoveries on the horizon.”

To locate hydrogen halos, astronomers examined the brightest 70,000 of the 1.6 million early galaxies cataloged by HETDEX.

Utilizing supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing Center, they assessed how many showed signs of surrounding halos.

According to the research team, these halos can span tens to hundreds of thousands of light-years across.

Some appear as simple, football-shaped clouds enveloping individual galaxies, while others take on irregular forms housing multiple galaxies.

“These formations are intriguing,” said Erin Mentaci-Cooper, HETDEX data manager and researcher at UT Austin.

“They resemble giant amoebas with tentacles extending into the cosmos.”

Results of this study were published on March 11, 2026, in a paper in the Astrophysical Journal.

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Erin Mentouch Cooper et al. 2026. Lyα Nebula in HETDEX: The largest statistical census connecting Lyα halos and blobs across cosmic noon. APJ 1000, 38; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae44f3

Source: www.sci.news

Physicists Uncover First Experimental Evidence of Supercooled Water’s Elusive Critical Point

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers at Stockholm University utilized an ultrafast laser to investigate supercooled water before crystallization, revealing significant evidence of a long-predicted transition between two distinct liquid states. This included a marked increase in heat capacity and critical fluctuations.

Research indicates a rapid increase in heat capacity at 210 K, coinciding with density fluctuations in supercooled water. Image credit: POSTECH University.

Professor Anders Nilsson highlighted, “We captured X-ray images at unprecedented speeds prior to ice formation, allowing us to observe how the liquid-liquid transition fades, leading to the emergence of a new critical state.”

“For decades, various theories have attempted to explain these anomalous properties of water, one of which proposed the existence of a tipping point. We have now confirmed its presence,” he explained.

Using advanced X-ray laser technology, Professor Nilsson and his team identified a critical point in supercooled water at around 210 K (equivalent to -63 °C or -81 °F) under 1,000 atmospheres of pressure.

“Water stands out as it can exist in two liquid macroscopic phases, each with unique molecular bonding behaviors at low temperatures and high pressures,” the researchers noted.

“As temperature rises and pressure drops, these two liquid phases converge, presenting as a single indistinguishable phase.”

“This demonstrates a significant instability point, resulting in fluctuations across a broad temperature and pressure range, extending even to ambient conditions.”

“Water transitions between two liquid states, sometimes appearing as a mixture, leading to its distinctive properties,” they added.

“The state beyond the critical point is termed supercritical, with neighboring water remaining in that state.”

Another crucial discovery from this study is the slowdown in system dynamics upon reaching the critical point.

“Once you approach the tipping point, escaping becomes nearly impossible,” stated Dr. Robin Tybulski of Stockholm University.

Dr. Aigerim Karina, a postdoctoral researcher, remarked, “It’s fascinating that amorphous ice, extensively studied, serves as a gateway to this crisis zone. This inspires my future research and underscores the potential for discoveries in well-established fields like the study of water.”

Dr. Iason Andronis, a student, expressed, “Measuring water under such low-temperature conditions without freezing it is a dream realized.”

“Many have aspired to pinpoint this critical point, but we lacked the necessary technologies until the advent of the X-ray laser,” he added.

“It’s captivating to consider that water is the sole supercritical liquid under ambient conditions conducive to life, and without it, life as we know it wouldn’t exist,” explained Dr. Phibos Perakis from Stockholm University.

“Is this merely coincidental, or could we uncover essential insights in the future?”

Professor Nilsson mentioned, “The origins of water’s unusual properties have been debated for over a century, tracing back to Wolfgang Roentgen’s early investigations.”

“Researchers within the realm of water physics now align with a model suggesting the presence of a critical point in supercooled states.”

“Our next goal is to explore the implications of these findings for various physical, chemical, biological, geological, and climate-related processes, which poses a significant challenge for the years ahead.”

Findings have been published in a study dated March 26th in Science.

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Song Juyu et al. 2026. Experimental evidence of a liquid-liquid critical point in supercooled water. Science 391 (6792): 1387-1391; doi: 10.1126/science.aec0018

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Uncover Second Generation Stars in Pictor II Galaxy: New Discoveries in Stellar Evolution

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Discover PicII-503: A Protostar in the Ancient Pictor II Dwarf Galaxy

This striking image of PicII-503 highlights a second-generation star with the lowest iron content ever recorded outside our Milky Way galaxy. Image credits: CTIO / NOIRLab / DOE / NSF / AURA / University of Alaska Anchorage TA Chancellor and NSF NOIRLab / M. Zamani and D. de Martin, NSF NOIRLab / Anirudh Chiti / Alex Drlica-Wagner.

“This marks the first definitive detection of element formation in protogalaxies,” stated Dr. Aniru Chitty, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago, now at Stanford University.

“This discovery fills a crucial gap in understanding the origin of elements during the universe’s formative years.”

In the primordial epochs following the Big Bang, the cosmos was relatively simple, comprised almost entirely of hydrogen, helium, and lithium, giving rise to giant stars primarily formed by these elements.

More complex elements, like calcium and gold, were scarce since they had to be synthesized within stars themselves.

At the cores of these massive stars, nuclear fusion processes created increasingly heavier elements.

When these stars eventually exploded, they contributed to the formation of new stars, perpetuating this cycle until a diverse array of elements emerged, forming the universe we know today.

“To track elemental formation, we must search for stars with minimal heavy elements, as these accumulate over time,” explained University of Chicago astronomer Alexander Gee.

Using the Magellan Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory and ESO’s Very Large Telescope, astronomers identified a significant candidate star within the ultrafaint dwarf galaxy Pictor II.

This star, identified as PicIII-503, exhibits a remarkable structure, with an iron content approximately 1/100,000 times lower than that of our Sun.

This extraordinary finding not only generates excitement but also offers insights into the enigmatic origins of these early stars.

Consequently, since PicIII-503 remains within its original protogalaxy, astronomers have uncovered vital information regarding its formation theory, particularly related to the star’s explosive death.

“Upon the demise of a massive star, it possesses an ‘onion-skin’ structure: lighter elements like carbon reside in outer layers while heavier elements are found inside,” Gee noted.

“A weak explosion may only eject the outer layers, allowing the heavier inner materials to coalesce with neighboring gas and dust, which can form future generations of stars.”

“However, a vigorous explosion could propel these materials far beyond the small galaxies that existed during that era,” he added.

This exciting discovery provides context for the abundance of carbon-rich stars observed in our Milky Way, illuminating their origin, Dr. Chitty emphasized.

For more on the discovery of PicIII-503, refer to the research paper published in Nature Astronomy.

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A. Chitty et al. Enrichment by the first stars of relic dwarf galaxies. Nat Astron published online on March 16, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02802-z

Source: www.sci.news

CERN Physicists Uncover Heavier Proton Relative in Groundbreaking Discovery

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) physicists, through the LHCb experiment, have unveiled a groundbreaking deuteron-like particle known as Ξcc⁺. This remarkable particle, composed of two charm quarks and one down quark, offers scientists a novel means to explore the formidable forces binding the fundamental constituents of matter.

Artist’s impression of the double charm baryon Ξcc⁺ containing two charm quarks and one down quark. Image credit: CERN.

Quarks, the fundamental building blocks of matter, exist in six distinct flavors: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom.

Typically, quarks combine in pairs or groups of three to form mesons and baryons. While protons are stable, most hadrons (mesons and baryons) are fleeting, vanishing almost immediately upon creation, making detection a challenge.

To facilitate their production, high-energy particles are collided within machines like the LHC.

These unstable hadrons decay rapidly, yet the resultant more stable particles can be detected, enabling scientists to infer the properties of the original particles.

With this discovery, the total count of hadrons identified in LHC experiments has risen to 80.

“This marks the first new particle identified following the LHCb detector upgrades completed in 2023, and it is the second baryon discovered that features two heavy quarks, echoing the initial observation made nearly a decade ago,” stated LHCb spokesperson Dr. Vincenzo Vagnoni.

“The implications of this result will aid theorists in testing quantum chromodynamics models, enhancing our understanding of strong forces that unify quarks to form conventional baryons and mesons, as well as more exotic structures like tetraquarks and pentaquarks.”

In 2017, the LHCb team reported a similar particle containing two charm quarks and an up quark, which differs from the newly discovered particle solely by having a down quark.

Despite their similarities, the predicted lifetimes for the new particles are up to six times shorter than their counterparts due to intricate quantum effects, complicating their observation.

By scrutinizing data from proton-proton collisions captured by the LHCb detector during the LHC’s third operation phase, physicists confirmed a new baryon with a statistical significance of 7 sigma, surpassing the 5 sigma threshold needed for a discovery claim.

“This significant milestone exemplifies how LHCb’s unique capabilities contribute to its success,” remarked CERN Director-General Mark Thomson.

“This highlights the direct link between experimental upgrades at CERN and the new discoveries, paving the way for the pioneering science anticipated from the High-Luminosity LHC.”

“These accomplishments were made possible due to the extraordinary performance of CERN’s accelerator complex and the unwavering commitment of the scientists involved in the LHCb experiment.”

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover 90 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur ‘Rosetta Stone’ in Major Paleontological Discovery

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking discovery of a 90-million-year-old fossil in Argentina is reshaping our understanding of the evolutionary history of a unique group of bird-like dinosaurs. This find helps settle a longstanding debate regarding their distribution across the ancient world.

The fossils detailed in Nature belong to Arunachetri seropolisiensis, a member of the Alvarezaurus family. This small dinosaur is characterized by its tiny teeth and stout arms, which end in a prominent single thumb claw.

While most well-preserved Alvarezsaurus fossils have been discovered in Asia, the existence of Alvarezsaurus in South America raises intriguing questions due to the vast ocean separating these continents.

A nearly complete skeleton uncovered at the La Buitrera fossil site in northern Patagonia has provided remarkable evidence regarding this species. This region was also home to primitive snakes and small saber-toothed mammals.

“Creating a nearly complete, articulated animal from a fragmented skeleton is akin to discovering the Rosetta Stone of paleontology,” stated Peter Makowiecki, a professor at the University of Minnesota, and the study’s first author.

Unlike their later relatives, Arunashetri had longer arms and larger teeth. This indicates that Alvarezsaurids likely reduced their body size before evolving the characteristic small limbs and teeth suited for an ant and termite diet.

“Our study suggests that alvarezsaurids form a compact group of dinosaurs, with species sizes ranging from crows to humans,” Makowiecki told BBC Science Focus. “Body size appears to fluctuate within this limited range without a clear trend.”

Peter Makowiecki discovers fossilized bones in Patagonia’s La Buitrera Fossil Field – Photo credit: Minyoung Son, University of Minnesota

This discovery also addresses an intercontinental mystery. A detailed anatomical study of Arunashetri led Makowiecki and his team to examine fossil collections globally. “We found other Alvarezaurids hiding in plain sight,” he noted.

“These species, which existed during the Jurassic period in North America and the Early Cretaceous in Europe, enhance our understanding of Alvarezsaurus’s widespread presence prior to the major rift between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”

Approximately 200 million years ago, all of Earth’s continents formed a single supercontinent named Pangea. This landmass gradually fragmented over tens of millions of years, evolving into its current configuration while transporting its fauna along with it.

The research team is preparing additional specimens from the same site, though Professor Makowiecki has remained tight-lipped about their specifics. “The new specimen confirms some of our findings regarding size and specialization,” he disclosed. “Currently, we have no further plans.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Astronomers Uncover Hidden Structure of the Early Universe: Breakthrough Discoveries Explained

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have utilized spectral data from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at McDonald Observatory to construct the most intricate 3D map of faint cosmic structures dating back 9 to 11 billion years, unveiling galaxies and intergalactic gas previously undetectable by telescopes.

A line intensity map showcasing the distribution of excited hydrogen in the universe approximately 10 billion years ago. The stars denote areas where HETDEX has identified galaxies. The inset simulates the structure after optimizing the data by reducing background noise. Image credit: Maja Lujan Niemeyer / Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics / HETDEX / Chris Byrohl / Stanford University.

“Studying the early Universe reveals how galaxies have evolved into their current forms and the role that intergalactic gas plays in this transformation,” stated Dr. Maya Lujan Niemeyer, an astronomer at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and a key member of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope’s Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX).

“Many objects from this epoch are faint and challenging to observe due to their vast distances,” she continued.

“Through a technique known as line intensity mapping, this innovative map enhances our understanding of these objects, adding complexity and depth to this crucial era of cosmic history.”

Although line intensity mapping is not a novel methodology, this is the first instance it has been employed to visualize Lyman alpha emissions with such exceptional precision across an extensive dataset.

The HETDEX project harnesses the capabilities of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to catalog over 1 million luminous galaxies to decode the mysteries of dark energy.

What differentiates this project is its extensive measurement scope, equivalent to observing more than 2,000 full moons and amassing a colossal dataset of over 600 million spectra across an expansive area of the sky.

“We leverage only a fraction of our data—approximately 5%,” remarked Dr. Karl Gebhardt, principal investigator of HETDEX and an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin.

“This leaves significant potential for future research utilizing the remaining data.”

“While HETDEX captures images of the entire sky, only a small subset of the collected data comprises sufficiently bright galaxies for our research,” noted Dr. Lujan Niemeyer.

“These galaxies are merely the beginning. In the vast expanses in between, lies an entire ocean of light awaiting discovery.”

To construct this groundbreaking map, astronomers employed a supercomputer at the Texas Advanced Computing Center to meticulously analyze approximately half a petabyte of HETDEX data.

Using the coordinates of luminous galaxies already detected by HETDEX, they inferred the positions of fainter galaxies and adjacent glowing gas.

Due to the gravitational forces that cause matter to cluster, the existence of one bright galaxy implies the presence of nearby celestial objects.

“This allows us to utilize known galaxy positions as reference points to ascertain distances to fainter celestial entities,” explained Dr. Eiichiro Komatsu, HETDEX scientist and astronomer at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics.

“The resultant map emphasizes regions surrounding bright galaxies while providing intricate details of the areas in between.”

“Simulation models exist for this cosmic era, yet they remain hypothetical; they do not represent the actual universe.”

“We now possess a foundational understanding that allows us to verify whether the astrophysics underlying these simulations holds true.”

For more on these remarkable findings, published on March 3, 2026, in the Astrophysical Journal.

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Maya Lujan Niemeyer and others, 2026. Lyα intensity mapping in HETDEX: Galaxy-Lyα intensity cross-power spectrum. APJ 999, 177; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae3a98

Source: www.sci.news

90-Million-Year-Old Patagonian Fossils Uncover Key Insights into Alvarezauroid Dinosaur Evolution

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Discover the fascinating skeleton of the Alvarezauroid dinosaur species Arunachetri seropolisiensis. This groundbreaking find includes two specimens from Patagonia, Argentina, along with two from the Northern Hemisphere, providing insights into how this enigmatic lineage of theropod dinosaurs evolved and dispersed before the separation of continents, challenging established beliefs regarding its origins.

Arunachetri seropolisiensis. Image credit: Gabriel Díaz Yanten, Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro.

Learn more about Arunachetri seropolisiensis, which thrived in Argentina during the Cenomanian period of the Late Cretaceous, approximately 90 million years ago.

This species was initially described from partial remains in 2012 and is categorized under Alvarez Sauroidea.

These unique small dinosaurs are noted for their tiny teeth and short arms, each ending in a prominent thumb claw.

“The Alvarezauroidea represents a mysterious clade of mainly small theropod dinosaurs, primarily found in the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods of Asia and South America,” states paleontologist Peter Makowiecki from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, along with his research team.

“Late Cretaceous Alvarezauroids are believed to have been carnivorous, primarily consuming ants, and possessing specialized forelimbs suitable for digging, microscopic supernumerary teeth, and heightened sensory abilities.”

“They are thought to have undergone evolutionary miniaturization alongside dietary specialization.”

The almost complete skeleton of Arunachetri seropolisiensis was discovered in the La Buitrera fossil site in Rio Negro, northern Patagonia.

Microscopic examination confirmed that this specimen was an adult, estimated to be at least four years old.

Weighing less than 0.9 kg (2 lb), it ranks as one of the smallest-known dinosaurs from South America.

In contrast to its later relatives, Arunachetri seropolisiensis featured longer arms and larger teeth.

Paleontologists conclude this indicates that some alvaresaurids transitioned into smaller forms well before they developed adaptations for an ant-based diet.

Researchers, by analyzing previously discovered alvaresaurid fossils housed in museums across North America and Europe, further demonstrate that these dinosaurs originated earlier than previously presumed, existing during the period when the continents were still part of the supercontinent Pangaea.

Their distribution appears to have resulted from the fragmentation of Earth’s landmass, making ocean crossings unlikely.

“Our biogeographical study suggests a Pangean ancestral distribution for Alvarezsauroroidea, indicating that the clade’s early history was primarily influenced by surrogates,” the scientists remarked.

Read their groundbreaking research in the paper published in Nature.

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PJ Makowiecki et al.. Discovery in Argentina reshapes the evolutionary narrative of a fascinating dinosaur clade. Nature published online on February 25, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10194-3

Source: www.sci.news

Breakthrough Insights into Migraine Causes Uncover New Drug Targets

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The trigeminal nerve is a critical target in migraine treatment.

Jitendra Jadhav/Alamy

Trigeminal Nerve and Migraine Treatment — The trigeminal nerve is a critical target in migraine treatment.

Jitendra Jadhav/Alamy

There is a new wave of migraine treatments on the horizon, focusing on a previously overlooked neural pathway that may provide relief. Understanding various migraine mechanisms is essential, given that migraines affect over 1 billion people globally, especially those who do not respond to standard therapies.

Despite past failures in drug trials, skepticism about this neural pathway’s significance is fading. Recent placebo-controlled studies call for a reevaluation of earlier assumptions about its role in migraine treatment.

Mehsud Ashina and his team at the University of Copenhagen investigated substance P, a neuropeptide linked to migraines. This crucial molecule, released by the trigeminal nerve, leads to pain through blood vessel dilation and inflammation in the meninges, thus amplifying pain signals.

Recent findings show that substance P injections induce headaches, with 71% of non-migraine individuals exhibiting dilation of the superficial temporal artery, a response similar to that seen in migraine sufferers, validating substance P’s role in these conditions.

Following the late 1990s dismissal of substance P as a viable target for migraine drugs, largely due to previous drug failures, Ashina’s team proposed that simplicistic targeting of a single receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R), was misguided. It is known now that substance P interacts with multiple receptors, including MRGPRX2, enhancing pain signals.

“Previous trials failed because they targeted NK1-R alone,” Ashina explains. Michael Moskowitz at Harvard recognized the trigeminal nerve’s pivotal role in migraines. “Blocking substance P’s broad effects could open new therapeutic doors. With our evolving knowledge, it’s time to revisit this strategy.”

Current advancements allow for monoclonal antibodies that block substance P directly. These innovations have already proven effective against another migraine target, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), while also exploring pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP).

Recently, Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck presented initial findings from a randomized controlled trial on an anti-PACAP monoclonal antibody called Bocnevert, which reportedly decreased monthly migraine days compared to a placebo. “This data is a positive development,” says Lars Edvinson from Lund University. Full results are expected to be shared at an upcoming conference.

With this shift in focus, there’s potential to reduce reliance on CGRP inhibitors, which have transformed migraine management since their U.S. approval in 2018, effectively halving migraine days for many. However, 40% of users still struggle.

“While CGRP drugs are effective for many, they are not universal,” says Peter Goadsby from King’s College Hospital, who collaborated on CGRP research in the 1990s. “Finding new solutions for the millions still underserved remains a pressing challenge.”

Further research is expected on the impact of inhibiting these peptides. “Substance P, CGRP, and PACAP interact with the meningeal vessel wall but do so uniquely, so there is room for optimism,” Moskowitz adds. A combination approach targeting multiple pathways may enhance treatment efficacy for non-responders.

However, it is uncertain whether drugs targeting substance P and PACAP will eclipse the effects of CGRP antagonists, which are released in higher quantities from the trigeminal nerve. “I do not believe that these alternatives can fully replace CGRP’s impact,” Edvinsson states.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Pleistocene Fossils Uncover Evidence That Hopping Was Common Among Large Species, Not Just Small Kangaroos

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study conducted by paleontologists from the University of Bristol, the University of Manchester, and the University of Melbourne has uncovered that the giant ancestors of modern kangaroos possessed robust hindlimb bony and tendon structures, enabling them to endure the stress of jumping. This challenges the previous assumption that body size strictly limited this iconic locomotion.

Simosthenurus occidentalis. Image credit: Nellie Pease / ARC CoE CABAH / CC BY-SA 4.0 Certificate.

Currently, red kangaroos represent the largest living jumping animals, averaging a weight of approximately 90 kg.

However, during the Ice Age, some kangaroo species reached weights exceeding 250 kg—more than double the size of today’s largest kangaroos.

Historically, researchers speculated that these giant kangaroos must have ceased hopping, as early studies indicated that jumping became mechanically impractical beyond 150 kg.

“Earlier estimates relied on simplistic models of modern kangaroos, overlooking critical anatomical variations,” explained Dr. Megan Jones, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne.

“Our research indicates that these ancient animals weren’t simply larger versions of today’s kangaroos; their anatomy was specifically adapted to support their massive size.”

In this new study, Dr. Jones and her team examined the hind limbs of 94 modern and 40 fossil specimens from 63 species, including members of the extinct giant kangaroo group, Protemnodon, which thrived during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.

The researchers assessed body weight estimates and analyzed the fourth metatarsal length and diameter (a crucial elongated foot bone for jumping in modern kangaroos) to evaluate its capacity to endure jumping stresses.

Comparisons were drawn between the heel bone structures of giant kangaroos and their modern counterparts.

The team estimated the strength of tendons necessary for the jumping force of a giant kangaroo and determined whether the heel bones could accommodate such tendons.

The findings suggest that the metatarsals of all giant kangaroos were adequate to withstand jumping pressures, and the heel bones were sufficiently large to support the width of the required jump tendons.

These results imply that all giant kangaroo species had the physical capability to jump.

Nevertheless, the researchers caution that giant kangaroos likely did not rely solely on hopping for locomotion, given their large body sizes, which would hinder long-distance movement.

They highlight that sporadic hopping is observed in many smaller species today, such as hopping rodents and smaller marsupials.

Some giant kangaroo species may have used short, quick jumps to evade predators. Thylacoleo.

“Thicker tendons offer increased safety but store less elastic energy,” said Dr. Katrina Jones, a researcher at the University of Bristol.

“This trait may have rendered giant kangaroo hoppers slower and less efficient, making them more suited for short distances rather than extensive travel.”

“Even so, hopping doesn’t need to be maximally energy-efficient to be advantageous. These animals likely leveraged their hopping ability to rapidly navigate uneven terrain or evade threats.”

University of Manchester researcher Dr. Robert Nudds remarks: “Our findings enhance the understanding that prehistoric Australian kangaroos exhibited greater ecological diversity than seen today, with some large species functioning as herbivores, akin to modern kangaroos, while others filled ecological niches as browsers, a category absent among today’s large kangaroos.”

For more details, refer to the study results published in the journal Scientific Reports.

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M.E. Jones et al. 2026. Biomechanical Limits of Hindlimb Hopping in Extinct Giant Kangaroos. Scientific Reports 16/1309. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29939-7

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover Unique Internal Drum Structure in Odd-Looking Fish

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Armored Rockhead Poacher (Boslagonus Swanee) possesses a mysterious anatomical feature: a bowl-shaped cavity in its skull that has puzzled marine biologists for years. This unique trait is now believed to play a critical role in an innovative form of communication.

The Rockhead Poacher (Boslagonus Swanee) at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Image credit: Rhinopias / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Originally described by Franz Steindachner in 1876, Boslagonus Swanee belongs to the family Agonidae. This fascinating fish can be found at depths of up to 18 meters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska down to Carmel Bay in California.

Marine experts have long speculated about the purpose of the cavernous cranial fossa, which is roughly the size of the fish’s brain. Some theories suggest it aids in camouflage among rocky environments, while others propose it enhances hearing and sensory perception.

Recent advancements in imaging technology have led Louisiana State University student Daniel Geldof to propose a groundbreaking explanation. His findings suggest it might resonate with the rhythm of rock music rather than the serenity of coral reefs.

“My dissertation project aims to uncover the reasons behind this unique feature,” Geldof explained.

Utilizing a high-resolution micro-CT scanner, his team created an intricate 3D model of the rockhead poacher’s anatomy.

These scans indicated that the fish’s initial set of ribs are notably large, flat, and free-moving, positioned near the epigastric region of the skull without direct attachment.

Located at the base of these ribs are powerful muscles and tendons resembling drumsticks.

When these ribs vibrate against the skull’s calcified cavities, they create pulses of sound that can be transmitted through the substrate.

Geldof posits that this percussive mechanism likely evolved to facilitate communication among fish in their acoustically challenging intertidal habitats, where traditional underwater communication might be hindered by crashing waves and background noise.

In this rugged, shallow environment, using substrate vibrations may provide a more efficient means of communication aligned with the fish’s unique lifestyle.

Furthermore, Professor Geldof’s research combined contrast-enhanced soft tissue scans with data on bone structures to map the nerves, muscles, and microstructures within rockhead poachers, suggesting that the cranial fossa may serve sensory functions as well.

Branches of the dorsal lateral line nerve—a crucial component of the fish’s movement-sensing system—extend into the cavity, and the arrangement of microstructures suggests a role in mechanoreception, allowing the fish to sense movement and pressure.

Geldof concludes that this anatomical feature is multifunctional, serving both communicative and sensory purposes within the dynamic intertidal ecosystem.

“The intricate details of this small structure reflect not just a scientific inquiry, but a fundamental human curiosity,” he states.

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Daniel L. Geldof 2025. The Truth About Holes: The Morphology of Rockhead Poachers’ Skull Holes, Boslagonus Swanee (Agonidae). LSU Master’s Thesis 6270

Source: www.sci.news

2026 Mars Mission Aims to Uncover Satellite Secrets

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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MMX spacecraft visiting Mars moon — MMX Spacecraft to Explore Mars Moons

Credit: JAXA

The mystery surrounding the origins of Mars’s moons, Phobos and Deimos, may soon be unraveled with the launch of the MMX spacecraft, set to return samples from Phobos to Earth in 2026.

“While we understand the origin of Earth’s moon, the origins of Phobos and Deimos remain unclear,” says Emelia Brannagan-Harris from the Natural History Museum in London. “By exploring the origins of these moons, we aim to gain insights into Mars’s evolutionary history.”

There are two leading theories regarding how these moons came to orbit Mars. The first theory suggests that they are remnants of asteroids that either merged and then separated or closely orbit each other. The second theory posits that they may have formed from an asteroid impact on Mars, similar to the formation of Earth’s moon.

Currently, evidence supports neither scenario definitively. However, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Mars Moon Explorer (MMX), scheduled for launch in 2026, is equipped to clarify which theory holds true. This spacecraft will observe both moons and send a rover to gather samples from Phobos’s surface and subsurface.

If the observations reveal a prevalence of carbon-rich materials and water, it could support the theory of asteroid capture. Conversely, if such materials are absent, we may need to await the analysis of the collected samples, expected to return to Earth by 2031.

The Phobos samples will include both surface material and samples from beneath the surface. Testing this material will allow scientists to investigate signs of past dissolution, potentially indicating interactions with Mars’s atmosphere or surface.

Regardless of the origins of Phobos, its close orbit around Mars suggests it may hold well-preserved samples from early Mars. “Phobos might also contain ancient debris from Mars’s period of liquid water, offering significant insights into the planet’s history,” Brannagan-Harris emphasizes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Uncover Largest Protoplanetary Disk Ever Detected Around Young Star

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

IRAS 23077+6707: A Turbulent Protoplanetary Disk – Located approximately 1,000 light-years away, this young star exhibits an unexpectedly chaotic and turbulent surrounding protoplanetary disk, with material fragments extending farther than what astronomers have previously observed in similar systems. For more details, check the study here.

This Hubble image showcases the protoplanetary disk surrounding IRAS 23077+6707. Image credit: NASA / ESA / STScI / K. Monsch, CfA / J. DePasquale, STScI.

Protoplanetary disks, rich in dust and gas, form around young stars and serve as primary locations for planet formation.

The disk surrounding IRAS 23077+6707 spans approximately 644 billion km (400 billion miles), making it about 40 times the diameter of our solar system, reaching to the outer Kuiper belt.

This vast disk obscures the star, which scientists suggest could be a massive star or potentially a binary star system.

Not only is this disk the largest known for planet formation, but its unique characteristics also make it exceptionally rare.

“It’s uncommon to capture such fine detail in protoplanetary disks. The new Hubble images suggest that planetary nurseries might be much more dynamic and chaotic than we previously thought,” explained Dr. Christina Monsch, an astronomer at Harvard University and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“Observing this disk nearly head-on reveals its delicate upper layers and asymmetrical features,” she added.

Both the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have glimpsed similar structures, but IRAS 23077+6707 allows for unmatched visibility of its substructure in visible light.

This unique perspective makes it an exceptional laboratory for studying planet formation and the environments in which it occurs.

Edge-on, these disks resemble hamburgers, with bright upper and lower layers of glowing dust and gas, separated by a dark central lane.

In addition to its significant height, the new images reveal that vertical filament-like structures only appear on one side of the disk, indicating an uneven distribution of material.

“We were astonished by how asymmetric this disk appeared,” noted Dr. Joshua Bennett Lovell from the Harvard University & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“Hubble provides us with an exceptional view of the chaotic processes involved in the formation of disks and new planets. This process remains poorly understood, but these insights allow for fresh study opportunities.”

All planetary systems originate from a disk of gas and dust surrounding young stars. Over time, gas is absorbed by the star while planets form from the remaining material.

IRAS 23077+6707 might act as an extended analog to the early Solar System, with an estimated disk mass between 10 to 30 times that of Jupiter, providing sufficient material for multiple gas giant planets.

This and other discoveries make IRAS 23077+6707 an extraordinary case for examining planetary system formation.

“Theoretically, IRAS 23077+6707 could support a vast planetary system,” Dr. Monch stated.

“While planet formation may differ in such expansive conditions, the fundamental processes are likely akin to those in smaller systems.”

“At this point, we have more questions than answers, but these new images serve as a valuable foundation for understanding how planets evolve in diverse environments.”

Findings are set to be published in the Astrophysical Journal and can be accessed here.

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Christina Monche et al. 2025. Hubble reveals the complex multiscale structure of the edge-on protoplanetary disk IRAS 23077+6707. APJ in press. arXiv: 2510.11819

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover 1.4 Billion-Year-Old Salt Crystals with Ancient Bubbles

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In a groundbreaking study, researchers uncovered ancient gases and fluids trapped within 1.4 billion-year-old rock salt crystals in northern Ontario, Canada. Their analysis reveals that oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations during the Mesoproterozoic Era (1.8 billion to 800 million years ago) were suppressed to just 3.7% of current levels, while carbon dioxide was found to be ten times pre-industrial levels. These findings indicate a period of climatic stability, suggesting atmospheric oxygen levels temporarily exceeded the needs of early animals long before their emergence.

Examples of primary halite, mixed halite, and secondary halite rock inclusion aggregates. Image credit: Park et al., doi: 10.1073/pnas.2513030122.

Scientists have long recognized that liquid inclusions within rock salt crystals preserve samples of Earth’s primordial atmosphere.

However, accurately measuring these inclusions has presented significant challenges. These inclusions encompass both air bubbles and saline water, with gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide interacting differently in liquids compared to air.

“It’s astonishing to crack open a sample of air that is over a billion years older than the dinosaurs,” said Justin Park, a graduate student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“Our carbon dioxide measurements are unprecedented,” stated Morgan Schaller, a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“For the first time, we can trace this era of Earth’s history with remarkable precision. These are authentic samples of ancient air.”

Measurements indicate that Mesoproterozoic atmospheric oxygen levels sat at 3.7%, mirroring today’s levels. This high oxygen concentration was sufficient to support the existence of complex multicellular life, which would not arise for hundreds of millions of years.

Conversely, carbon dioxide was found to be ten times more abundant than present levels, effectively counterbalancing the “weak young sun” and fostering the climate conditions seen today.

One pivotal question arises: if oxygen levels were adequate for animal life, why did evolution take so long?

“This sample represents a snapshot in geological time,” Park explained.

“It may reflect a brief oxygenation event during this lengthy period, humorously dubbed the ‘billion boring years.'”

“This era in Earth’s history was marked by low oxygen levels, geological stability, and minimal evolutionary change.”

“Despite its moniker, direct observational data from this time is crucial for understanding the emergence of complex life and the evolution of our atmosphere.”

Prior indirect estimates suggested low carbon dioxide levels for this epoch, contradicting evidence of a lack of significant glaciation during the Mesoproterozoic.

The team’s direct measurements of elevated carbon dioxide, alongside temperature estimates from the salt, imply that Mesoproterozoic climate conditions were milder and more akin to today’s climate than previously assumed.

“Algae began to flourish during this period, continuing to play a vital role in global oxygen production today,” Professor Schaller remarked.

“The relatively elevated oxygen levels may directly result from the increasing prevalence and complexity of algae.”

“The insights we gained could represent an exciting moment in what is otherwise regarded as a billion years of monotony.”

The team’s research paper has been published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Justin G. Park et al.. 2025. Bringing the Boring Billion to Life: Direct constraints from 1.4 Ga fluid inclusions reveal a favorable climate and oxygen-rich atmosphere. PNAS 122 (52): e2513030122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2513030122

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Uncover Earliest Evidence of Ancient Honey Bees Nesting in Vertebrate Fossil

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Bees exhibit an extraordinary range of species and behavior, from solitary types that nest in burrows to social variants that construct intricate nests. This nesting diversity is partially captured in the fossil record, with trace fossils dating from the Cretaceous to the Holocene. In a recent study, Field Museum paleontologist Lázaro Vignola López and his colleagues unveil novel nesting behaviors based on trace fossils unearthed from Late Quaternary cave deposits on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Osnidam Almontei was discovered within the cavity of a vertebrate corpse.

A reenactment of the life of bees with evidence of them building their nests in caves and using the bone cavities as housing chambers for several egg-laying cells. Image credit: Jorge Mario Macho.

“The initial descent into the cave isn’t very deep. You secure a rope to the side and rappel down,” Dr. Vignola López explained.

“Entering at night, you can spot the eyes of tarantulas residing there. As you navigate through the 10-meter-long underground tunnel, fossils start to emerge.”

Fossil layers were separated by carbonate deposits formed during rainy periods in antiquity.

Although rodents made up most of the fossils, remains of sloths, birds, and reptiles—over 50 species in total—were also found. Together, these fossils narrate a compelling story.

“We hypothesize this cave served as a home for owls over generations, potentially for hundreds or even thousands of years,” Dr. Vignola López remarked.

“The owl would venture out to hunt and return to the cave to regurgitate pellets.”

“We’ve collected fossils of the prey the owl consumed, its own remains, and even bones of turtles and crocodiles that may have inadvertently fallen into the cave.”

Dr. Vignola López and his colleagues observed that the sediments in empty tooth sockets of mammalian jaws didn’t accumulate randomly.

“The surface was notably smooth and slightly concave, which is unusual for sediment burial. I noticed this pattern across multiple specimens and thought to myself, ‘There’s something peculiar here.’ It reminded me of a hornet’s nest,” he noted.

Many well-known nests constructed by bees and wasps belong to social species that coexist in large colonies, raising their young together—like the bees in honeycombs or paper wasp nests.

“However, the majority of bee species are solitary. They deposit eggs in small cavities and leave pollen for their larvae’s nourishment,” Dr. Vignola López continued.

“Some bee species create nests in tree hollows, in the ground, or utilize vacant spaces. Certain species in Europe and Africa even nest within discarded snail shells.”

To investigate the possible insect nests within the cave fossils, the researchers conducted CT scans and X-rays of the bones, capturing 3D images of the compacted soil in the tooth sockets without damaging the fossils.

The shape and composition of the deposits bore similarities to mud nests created by some contemporary bee species. Some of these nests contained ancient pollen grains that mother bees had sealed for their larvae.

The researchers propose that bees combined saliva and soil to construct small nests for their eggs, smaller than the eraser on a pencil.

Nesting within larger animal bones provided protection for bee eggs from potential predators such as wasps.

While the bees themselves were not preserved, the unique characteristics of the nests allowed for a taxonomic classification.

They named the nests Osnidam Almontei, in honor of the scientist Juan Almonte Milan, who first discovered this cave.

“Since no bee remains were found, they may have belonged to a currently existing species. Our knowledge on the ecology of various bee species in these islands is limited,” Dr. Vignola López stated.

Scientists speculate that this behavior arises from a combination of factors. With little soil covering the limestone terrain in this region, bees may have opted for caves as their nesting sites, rather than digging into the ground like many other species.

Additionally, this cave had been home to generations of owls, with numerous owl pellets accumulating over the years, providing the bees with ample use of the bones the owls left behind.

“This finding illustrates the peculiarities of bees. They can be surprising, and it emphasizes the importance of meticulous examination when studying fossils,” Dr. Vignola López remarked.

of paper published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences.

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Lazaro W. Vignola-Lopez and others. 2025. Fossil traces in mammal remains reveal a new nesting behavior for bees. R Soc Open Science 12(12):251748; doi: 10.1098/rsos.251748

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Uncover Direct Evidence of Supermassive Stars in the Early Universe

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified the chemical signature of a protostar with a mass between 1,000 and 10,000 times that of the Sun in GS 3073, an early galaxy with a redshift of 5.55 (approximately 1 billion years post-Big Bang).

A primordial supermassive star in the early universe. Image credit: Gemini AI.

In 2022, it was suggested by astronomers that supermassive stars formed naturally within turbulent flows of rare cold gas during the early universe, thus accounting for the existence of quasars less than a billion years after the Big Bang.

“Our recent finding helps to unravel a cosmic enigma that has persisted for two decades,” stated Dr. Daniel Whalen of the University of Portsmouth.

“GS 3073 offers the first observational proof of these colossal stars.”

“These astronomical behemoths would have radiated intensely for a brief period before collapsing into enormous black holes, leaving behind chemical imprints detectable billions of years later.”

“Much like Earth’s dinosaurs, they were massive and rudimentary, with lifespans spanning just 250,000 years—an ephemeral moment in cosmic time.”

The cornerstone of this discovery involved assessing the nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio in the GS 3073 galaxy.

This galaxy presents a nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio of 0.46, significantly exceeding what can be accounted for by any known type of star or stellar explosion.

“Chemical abundances serve as the universe’s fingerprints, and the pattern from GS 3073 is unlike that produced by typical stars,” remarked Dr. Devesh Nandal, an astronomer at the University of Virginia, Harvard University, and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“This unprecedented nitrogen concentration aligns with a single known source: protostars that are thousands of times more massive than the Sun.”

“This suggests that the first generation of stars included genuine supermassive objects that contributed to the creation of early galaxies and may have planted the seeds for contemporary supermassive black holes.”

The researchers performed modeling of stars with masses between 1,000 and 10,000 solar masses to predict their evolution and the elements they would produce.

They identified a specific mechanism for generating substantial nitrogen. (i) These colossal stars fuse helium, forming carbon in their cores. (ii) Carbon seeps into the outer shell, where hydrogen is undergoing fusion. (iii) Carbon merges with hydrogen, resulting in nitrogen through the carbon/nitrogen/oxygen (CNO) cycle. (iv) Convection disseminates nitrogen throughout the star. (v) Eventually, this nitrogen-rich material is expelled into space, enriching the surrounding gas.

This mechanism spans millions of years during the star’s helium burning phase, leading to the excess nitrogen observed in GS 3073.

The team’s models predict that upon demise, these massive stars do not explode. Instead, they collapse directly into gigantic black holes with masses reaching thousands of solar masses.

Interestingly, GS 3073 harbors an actively feeding black hole at its core, which could potentially be the remnant of one of these supermassive first stars.

If validated, this would simultaneously clarify two mysteries: the origin of nitrogen and the formation of black holes.

The study also revealed that this nitrogen signature is exclusive to specific mass ranges.

“Stars below 1,000 solar masses or above 10,000 solar masses do not generate chemical patterns suitable for this signature, indicating a ‘sweet spot’ for such enrichment,” scientists noted.

of study Published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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Devesh Nandal others. 2025. A protostar between 1000 and 10,000 MSun created a nitrogen surplus in GS 3073 at z = 5.55. APJL 994, L11; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae1a63

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Uncover a New Species of Massive Saber-Toothed Tiger

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

A novel genus and species of mid-Oligocene nimuravid has been identified from fossil remains unearthed in northern China. This finding enhances our understanding of Nimurabiidae in eastern Eurasia.

Reimagining the life of Taotienimravus songi in a Chinese painting style. Image credit: Yuefeng Song.

Taotienimravus songi inhabited what is now China during the mid-Oligocene period, around 28 million years ago.

This ancient species is part of the Nimuravidae family, an extinct group of saber-toothed hypercarnivores, often referred to as pseudosaber-toothed cats.

“Carnivora demonstrates the broadest range in body sizes among mammals, with the smallest weasel weighing roughly 50 g. Pinnipeds average over 3 tons,” stated Dr. Qigao Jiangzuo of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“With few exceptions, such as the bear family, large terrestrial carnivores, particularly those exceeding 20 kg, generally maintain a macrocarnivorous diet, targeting large prey of similar size or larger.”

“Often called pseudosabertooths, the Nimurabiidae represents one of the earliest diverging lineages within the Carnivora order, noted for their large size, hypercarnivorous craniodental features, and potentially macrocarnivorous behaviors,” the researchers added.

“The earliest fossils from this family, dating back to the mid-Eocene, belonged to highly specialized species exhibiting cat-like craniodental characteristics.”

“Nimuravidae underwent radiation during the Eocene to Oligocene, with the best-preserved specimens found primarily in North America, where numerous skulls and complete skeletons have been discovered.”

“Eurasia also contains numerous fossil remains, though they tend to be poorly preserved.”

“As the first lineage within Carnivora to develop large body sizes, this family is an excellent model for studying the evolution of early large carnivorous niches in an environmental context vastly different from that of today.”

The skeletal remains of Taotienimravus songi were discovered in the Qingshuiying Formation in northern China.

Specimen analysis indicates that this new species uniquely displays non-saber-toothed morphology with bone-cracking adaptations within the Nimuravidae family.

This animal likely engaged in a killing behavior distinct from other feline carnivores, possibly employing a tearing bite akin to that of hyenas.

“The defining characteristics of the new Nimuravid include exceptionally short and robust upper canine teeth along with a notably wide palatal area,” the paleontologists noted.

“The rostrum is exceedingly wide, probably the widest of any known Nimravid.”

“In contrast to many feline carnivores, the premolars do not diminish in size; rather, they increase, eliminating the gap between the canines and cheek teeth.”

“This contrasts with most feline carnivores, which almost invariably exhibit diastema.”

“We interpret this absence of a gap as an indicator of a strong canine bite, allowing for deep penetration into prey.”

Phylogenetic analysis positions Taotienimravus songi within the Nimravinae, creating a sister lineage to those in Europe and North America, such as Nimravus and Dinahelurus.

This clade shares a close relation to the European lineage encompassing Iofelis, Denailictis, and Quercyllus.

“The increase in size within Nimuravidae seems to align with the extinction of another carnivorous group, Oxyaenidae, during the Paleogene,” the researchers stated.

“The initial emergence of large carnivorous traits within the Carnivora order likely reflects competitive interactions driven by ecomorphic dynamics.”

“Nimuravidae effectively occupied ecological niches unavailable to Felidae, probably due to the lack of competition within Carnivora for much of their evolutionary history.”

“This study emphasizes the impact of both abiotic and biotic factors in shaping niche availability for these animals and underscores the need to discuss niche evolution and change within this framework.”

A study detailing this discovery was published on November 26, 2025, in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

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Qigao Jiangzuo et al. 2025. A new ecomorph of the Nimravidae and the exploration of early large carnivores within the order Carnivora. Proc Biol Sci 292 (2059): 20251686; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.1686

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover Pre-Solar Stardust in Asteroid Bennu Samples

Posted on December 11, 2025 by

Scientists have discovered an unexpectedly high quantity of pre-solar particles (dust from supernovae predating our solar system) in samples obtained from the near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu by NASA’s Osiris-Rex spacecraft.

Characterization of pre-solar spinel hibonite particles collected from the asteroid Bennu. Image credit: Nguyen et al., doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02688-3.

Dr. Anh Nguyen from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and colleagues noted, “Pre-solar stardust particles are typically found in trace amounts within meteorites, interplanetary dust particles, Antarctic meteorites, samples returned from comet 81 P/Wild2 by NASA’s Stardust mission, and those from the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu collected by JAXA’s Hayabusa2 mission.”

“Their distinct isotopic compositions arise from nucleosynthetic processes in evolved red giant stars, supernovae, and novae.”

“The mineralogy and chemistry of these pre-solar particles can provide insights into condensation conditions and the impacts of secondary alteration, as they are prone to changes and destruction in space, solar nebulae, and planetesimals.”

In their study, researchers examined pre-solar particles found within two different rock types in the samples from Bennu.

The sample had six times the particles compared to any other astronomical material studied, indicating its parent body formed in an area of a protoplanetary disk abundant with the dust from a dying star.

The research also pointed out that while Bennu’s parent asteroid has experienced significant fluid-induced alterations, there are still pockets of less-altered material within the sample, offering clues to its origins.

“These remnants are rich in organic compounds and pre-solar silicate particles, which are generally vulnerable to alteration caused by asteroid water,” Dr. Nguyen remarked.

“It’s remarkable that they were preserved in the Bennu sample, suggesting certain materials escaped alteration in the parent body.”

“Our investigation highlights the variety of pre-solar material that accumulates during parent formation.”

A study detailing the findings was published in the journal on December 2nd, in Nature Astronomy.

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Anh Nguyen et al. Abundant supernova dust and heterogeneous water alteration revealed by stardust of two lithofacies on asteroid Bennu. Nat Astron published online on December 2, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02688-3

Source: www.sci.news

Archaeologists Uncover Earliest Evidence of Fire Creation

Posted on December 11, 2025 by

Archaeologists have discovered a heated deposit that is 400,000 years old, along with a fire-cracked flint hatchet in Burnham, Suffolk, England, as well as two pieces of pyrite—a mineral historically used to create sparks from flint. This finding suggests that humans were capable of making fire approximately 350,000 years earlier than previously thought.

An artist’s impression of the Burnham fire some 400,000 years ago. Image credit: Craig Williams / British Museum Trustees.

The ability to start and control fire represents a significant milestone in human evolution. Fire provided essential warmth, protection from predators, and enabled cooking, thereby broadening the range of edible foods.

Evidence of fire in areas occupied by humans dates back over a million years.

Nonetheless, pinpointing when humans first learned to ignite fire remains challenging.

Fire likely began with early humans taking advantage of natural wildfires before they developed the skill to deliberately start their own fires.

Previously, indications of early fire use were found at Neanderthal locations in France dating back 50,000 years, where hand axes possibly used for striking pyrite to create sparks were discovered.

Recent findings by Professor Nick Ashton of the British Museum and the Institute of Archaeology at University College London, along with his team, indicate that fire-making might have been practiced at the Burnham site as far back as 400,000 years ago.

Archaeologists uncovered heated deposits in the ancient soil, along with a flint hatchet damaged by fire.

These indicators suggest that fires were maintained purposefully within human habitats, marking the third piece of evidence that fire-starting was intentional.

Two pyrite fragments were found at the site. Due to the mineral’s rarity in the area, researchers hypothesize that the pyrite may have been deliberately transported to the site for fire-starting purposes.

Together, these discoveries illustrate the sophisticated behaviors of early humans at the Burnham location.

For instance, these hominins may have comprehended the ignition properties of pyrite and incorporated it into their fire-starting techniques.

Mastering this skill would have offered numerous benefits, including cooking abilities and advancements in technology, such as the creation of adhesives for tools, potentially influencing significant developments in human behavior.

Professor Chris Stringer, a paleoanthropologist at the Natural History Museum in London, commented: “Based on the morphology of contemporary fossils from Swanscombe, Kent, and Atapuerca in Spain, we believe the individuals who ignited the Burnham fire 400,000 years ago were early Neanderthals, and early Neanderthal DNA has been preserved.”

“This represents the most astounding discovery of my career, and I take great pride in the collaborative effort that led to this groundbreaking conclusion,” said Professor Ashton.

“It’s astonishing that some of the oldest Neanderthal groups understood the characteristics of flint, pyrite, and tinder at such an early time.”

“The implications of this finding are immense,” stated Dr. Rob Davies, project curator at the British Museum.

“The capability to create and manage fire was one of the most crucial turning points in human history, offering practical and social advantages that significantly shaped human evolution.”

“This remarkable discovery shifts this pivotal moment back to about 350,000 years ago.”

The study detailing these findings is published in this paper in today’s edition of Nature.

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R. Davis et al. The earliest evidence of starting a fire. Nature, published online on December 10, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09855-6

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Uncover Strange Explosion from the Supermassive Black Hole in NGC 3783

Posted on December 10, 2025 by

Utilizing ESA’s XMM-Newton along with the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM)—a collaborative endeavor led by JAXA, ESA, and NASA—astronomers detected an ultrafast outflow from the supermassive black hole in NGC 3783, moving at 19% the speed of light (57,000 km/s).

An artist’s conception of NGC 3783’s wind-blown supermassive black hole. Image credit: ESA/ATG Europe.

NGC 3783 is a luminous barred spiral galaxy located about 135 million light-years away in the Centaurus constellation.

This galaxy was initially discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on April 21, 1835.

Also referred to as ESO 378-14, LEDA 36101, or 2XMM J113901.7-374418, it is a prominent member of the NGC 3783 group, which contains 47 galaxies.

NGC 3783 hosts a rapidly rotating supermassive black hole with a mass of 2.8 million solar masses.

“We have never witnessed a black hole producing winds at such speeds before,” stated Dr. Li Gu, an astronomer at the Netherlands Space Research Organization (SRON).

“Swift bursts of X-ray light from a black hole immediately provoke superfast winds, and for the first time, we observe how these winds develop within just a day.”

During 10 days of observations, mainly using the XRISM space telescope, astronomers monitored the emergence and acceleration of a burst from NGC 3783’s supermassive black hole.

While such explosions are typically attributed to intense radiation, in this instance, the likely cause is a sudden shift in the magnetic field, akin to solar flares caused by the Sun’s outbursts.

It is known that supermassive black holes emit X-rays, but this marks the first occasion where astronomers have distinctly observed rapid ejections during these X-ray bursts.

This finding emerged from the longest continuous observation conducted by XRISM to date.

Over these 10 days, scientists noted fluctuations in the brightness of the X-rays, particularly within the soft X-ray band.

Such fluctuations, including explosions lasting three days, are not uncommon for supermassive black holes.

What sets this explosion apart is the simultaneous expulsion of gas from the black hole’s accretion disk—a swirling disc of matter in orbit around the black hole.

This gas was expelled at astonishing speeds, hitting 57,000 km/s, or 19% of the speed of light.

Researchers identified the origin of this gas as a region approximately 50 times larger than the black hole itself.

Within this chaotic region, gravitational and magnetic forces are in extreme interaction.

The emission is believed to be the result of a phenomenon known as magnetic reconnection, which occurs when the magnetic field rapidly reorganizes and releases vast amounts of energy.

“This is an unparalleled opportunity to explore the mechanisms behind ultrafast ejections,” Dr. Gu remarked.

“The data indicate that magnetic forces, resembling those involved in coronal mass ejections from the Sun, are responsible for the acceleration of the outflow.”

“A coronal mass ejection occurs when a hefty plume of hot solar plasma is hurled into space.”

“In contrast, supermassive black holes can produce similar events, but these eruptions are 10 billion times more potent and far smaller than solar phenomena we’ve observed.”

Scientists propose that the black hole activity observed may mirror its solar counterpart, driven by an abrupt burst of magnetic energy.

This challenges the widely-held theory that black holes expel matter predominantly through intense radiation or extreme heat.

These findings provide fresh insights into how black holes not only consume matter but can also expel it back into space under specific conditions.

This feedback process plays a critical role in galaxy evolution, affecting nearby stars and gas and potentially contributing to the structure of the universe as we know it.

“This discovery highlights the effective collaboration that underpins all ESA missions,” noted XMM-Newton project scientist and ESA astronomer Dr. Eric Courkers.

“By focusing on an active supermassive black hole, the two telescopes unveiled something unprecedented: rapid, ultrafast flare-induced winds similar to those generated by the Sun.”

“Interestingly, this suggests that solar physics and high-energy physics may operate in surprisingly similar fashions throughout the universe.”

The team’s paper was published in the December 9, 2025 issue of the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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Gu Lee Yi et al. 2025. Investigating NGC 3783 with XRISM. III. Emergence of ultra-high-speed outflow during soft flares. A&A 704, A146; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202557189

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Uncover 50-Million-Light-Year-Long Spinning Cosmic Web Filament

Posted on December 9, 2025 by

A recently uncovered galactic filament measures at least 50 million light-years in length and is situated 140 million light-years away. A galaxy orbits around the filament’s core, making it one of the largest rotating structures found to date.

Illustration depicting the rotation (right) of neutral hydrogen in a galaxy situated within an elongated filament (center). The galaxies demonstrate coherent bulk rotational motion that traces a large-scale cosmic web (left). Image credit: Lyla John.

Cosmic filaments stand as the largest known structures in the universe, comprising extensive thread-like formations of galaxies and dark matter that serve as the framework of the cosmos.

They also function as “highways” through which matter and momentum funnel into galaxies.

A nearby filament, home to numerous galaxies spinning in the same direction, represents an excellent opportunity to investigate how galaxies developed their current spin and gas content.

This structural arrangement could also provide a basis to test theories regarding how the universe’s rotation accumulates over vast distances.

In a recent study, astronomer Lyra Jung and colleagues from the University of Oxford discovered that 14 nearby hydrogen-rich galaxies form a slender line stretching approximately 5.5 million light-years long and 117,000 light-years wide.

This alignment exists within a considerably larger cosmic filament, about 50 million light-years long, which encompasses over 280 additional galaxies.

Notably, many of these galaxies seem to rotate in the same direction as the filament itself, a pattern that exceeds what would be expected if their rotation were random.

This observation challenges existing models and implies that the universe’s structure may have a more potent and prolonged impact on galaxy rotation than was previously assumed.

Astronomers observed that galaxies flanking the filament’s core were moving in opposite directions, suggesting that the entire formation is in motion.

The team employed a model of filament mechanics to estimate a rotational speed of 110 km/s and calculated the radius of the filament’s dense core region to be about 163,000 light-years.

“What makes this structure remarkable is not just its size, but also the interplay of spin arrangement and rotational motion,” stated Dr. Jung.

“You can liken it to a teacup ride at a theme park. Each galaxy represents a spinning teacup, but the entire platform, the cosmic filament, is also in rotation.”

“This dual motion provides valuable insights into how galaxies acquire rotation from the larger structures they inhabit.”

The filaments appear to be relatively young and undisturbed.

The significant number of gas-rich galaxies, minimal internal motion, and their so-called dynamically cool state imply that the galaxy is still in its formative stages.

Hydrogen serves as the fundamental material for star formation, meaning that galaxies rich in hydrogen gas are actively gathering and retaining the necessary fuel to create stars.

Thus, exploring these galaxies could yield insights into both the early and ongoing phases of galaxy evolution.

Hydrogen-rich galaxies also serve as excellent indicators of gas flow along cosmic filaments.

Due to atomic hydrogen’s susceptibility to motion, its presence aids in mapping how gas is directed through filaments and into galaxies, shedding light on how angular momentum travels through the cosmic web and influences galaxy shape, rotation, and star formation.

“This filament serves as a fossil record of the universe’s flow,” remarked astronomer Dr. Madalina Tudrache from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.

“It helps us comprehend how galaxies gain rotation and evolve over time.”

The researchers used data from the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, one of the most powerful telescopes globally, comprising an array of 64 linked satellite dishes.

This rotating filament was detected via an extensive sky survey known as MIGHTEE.

By integrating this data with optical observations from the DESI and SDSS surveys, the study revealed cosmic filaments displaying both spin alignment and bulk rotation in coherent galaxies.

Professor Matt Jarvis from the University of Oxford stated: “This highlights the ability to combine data from various observatories to achieve a deeper understanding of how vast structures and galaxies form in the Universe.”

The findings are detailed in the following article: paper in Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.

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Madalina N. Tudrache and others. 2025. A 15 Mpc rotating galactic filament with redshift z = 0.032 is available for purchase. MNRAS 544 (4): 4306-4316; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf2005

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover Alien Bioessential Sugars in Asteroid Bennu Samples

Posted on December 4, 2025 by

A collaborative effort by researchers from the U.S. and Japan examined extracts from near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu, gathered by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security Regolith Explorer) spacecraft, and uncovered several bioessential sugars, such as ribose (an RNA sugar) and glucose (a metabolic substrate).

This mosaic image of asteroid Bennu consists of 12 images collected by OSIRIS-REx’s PolyCam instrument on December 2, 2018 from a range of 15 miles (24 km). Image credit: NASA / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / University of Arizona.

“The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully returned 121.6 g of regolith (unconsolidated granular material) from Bennu to Earth on September 24, 2023, under stringent conditions,” stated Yoshihiro Furukawa, a researcher at Tohoku University, along with his team.

“The samples were preserved in high-purity nitrogen at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.”

“Initial studies revealed that Bennu possesses mineralogical and elemental traits similar to carbonaceous chondrites, is enriched in carbon and nitrogen compared to most meteorites, but resembles ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites, and has undergone extensive aqueous alteration.”

“The analyzed samples from Bennu so far include soluble organic compounds like amino acids, amines, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, nucleobases, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and a diverse array of soluble molecules comprising carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.”

“We utilized this pristine asteroid material to investigate extraterrestrial bioessential sugars.”

The research team made a notable discovery of ribose, which contains five carbon atoms, and glucose, which has six, marking the first time these sugars have been identified in extraterrestrial samples.

While these sugars do not serve as direct evidence of life, their detection—along with previously identified amino acids, nucleobases, and carboxylic acids in Bennu samples—suggests that the fundamental building blocks of biomolecules were widely distributed throughout the solar system.

Furukawa et al. We discovered the essential sugars ribose and glucose in samples from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. Image credit: NASA / Goddard / University of Arizona / Dan Gallagher.

In Earth life, deoxyribose and ribose serve as critical components of DNA and RNA, respectively.

DNA is the primary vehicle for genetic information within cells. RNA, on the other hand, has various roles, and its presence is vital for life as we know it.

The ribose in RNA forms the sugar-phosphate “backbone” of the molecule, linking together nucleobases that carry genetic information.

“All five nucleobases that constitute DNA and RNA, along with phosphate, have already been identified in the Bennu samples brought back by OSIRIS-REx,” Dr. Furukawa noted.

“The recent discovery of ribose confirms that all elements required to form RNA molecules are present in Bennu.”

“Finding ribose in an asteroid sample is not unexpected.”

“Ribose has previously been found in two meteorites on Earth.”

“What’s significant about the Bennu sample is that researchers did not identify any deoxyribose.”

“If Bennu is indicative of conditions, it suggests that ribose may have been more abundant than deoxyribose in the early solar system environment.”

The researchers theorize that the detected ribose, along with the absence of deoxyribose, bolsters the RNA world hypothesis. This hypothesis posits that the first forms of life relied on RNA as the main molecule for storing information and facilitating the chemical reactions crucial for survival.

“Modern life relies on a complex system organized primarily by three types of functional biopolymers: DNA, RNA, and proteins,” Dr. Furukawa elaborated.

“However, early forms of life may have been simpler. RNA not only stores genetic information but can also catalyze numerous biological reactions, making it a strong candidate for the earliest functional biomacromolecule.”

“Bennu’s samples also contain glucose, a fundamental energy source for life on Earth, providing the first evidence that an essential energy source was present in the early solar system as well.”

a paper detailing these findings was published in this week’s edition of Nature Earth Science.

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Yuya Furukawa et al. Bioessential sugars found in samples from the asteroid Bennu. Nature Earth Science published online on December 2, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41561-025-01838-6

Source: www.sci.news

Fossils from Venezuela Uncover the Early Origins of Anaconda Giants

Posted on December 3, 2025 by

The anaconda is among the largest surviving snake species in the world. Typically, its length ranges from 4 to 5 meters, although exceptional cases can reach up to 7 meters. A recent study conducted by paleontologists on giant anaconda fossils from South America suggests that these tropical reptiles achieved their maximum size approximately 12.4 million years ago and have maintained their large dimensions continuously since then.

Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus). Image credit: MKAMPIS / CC BY-SA 4.0.

“Current snakes display a broad spectrum of body lengths, averaging about 1 meter, with sizes ranging from 10 centimeters for the smallest leptotyphloid thread snakes to roughly 7 meters for anacondas.” Eunectes Andrés Alfonso Rojas, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, and his colleagues state:

“Within the Eunectes genus, the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the largest species, averaging 4 to 5 meters in length, with maximum recorded lengths of 6 to 7.2 meters.”

“Limited fossil findings from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela suggest that the evolutionary timeline of anacondas dates back to the mid-to-late Miocene.”

“However, our understanding of the body size of early anacondas, which coexisted with massive crocodilians, turtles, ungulates, and xenartranians, remains scarce.”

In their research, the authors examined 183 fossilized anaconda spines representing at least 32 snakes discovered in the state of Falcón, Venezuela.

By integrating these measurements with fossil data from various South American locations, they concluded that ancient anacondas measured 4 to 5 meters in length, similar to today’s anacondas.

“While other species, including giant crocodiles and colossal turtles, have become extinct since the Miocene—likely due to declining global temperatures and reduced habitats—giant anacondas have persisted. They demonstrate remarkable adaptability,” noted Alfonso Rojas.

“The analysis of fossils indicates that anacondas’ body size evolved significantly soon after their emergence in tropical South America around 12.4 million years ago, and this size has remained consistent ever since.”

The researchers cross-verified their estimates using an alternative method known as ancestral state reconstruction, employing snake family trees to estimate the length of giant anacondas and related modern species like tree boas and rainbow boas.

This method corroborates the notion that when anacondas first appeared in the Miocene, their average size was 4 to 5 meters.

Anacondas inhabit swamps, marshes, and substantial rivers, such as the Amazon. During the Miocene, northern South America resembled the contemporary Amazon region, allowing anacondas to thrive in wider areas than seen today.

Nonetheless, the current environment still offers ample food sources, including capybaras and fish, and suitable habitats that support the continued growth of modern anacondas.

As snakes are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, it was previously believed that anacondas might have grown even larger during earlier warm periods.

“This finding is unexpected, as ancient anacondas were thought to have reached lengths of 7 to 8 meters,” remarked Alfonso Rojas.

“However, we found no evidence supporting the existence of larger snakes during the Miocene, even when global temperatures were higher.”

These findings were published recently in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Andres F. Alfonso-Rojas et al. Early origins of gigantism in anacondas (Serpentes: Eunectes) revealed by the fossil record. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology published online on December 1, 2025. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2025.2572967

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Uncover New Species of Mamenchisaurid Dinosaur

Posted on December 2, 2025 by

A recently identified sauropod dinosaur, Mamenchisaurus, was discovered in China, originating from the late Jurassic period.

Reconstruction of the life of Mamenchisaurus species, Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum. Image credit: Júlia d’Oliveira.

Mamenchisaurus sanggensis existed during the early Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period, approximately 160 million years ago.

This dinosaur belonged to the divergent Mamenchisauridae family, sharing a close relationship with other Mamenchisaurus species.

“The diversity of sauropod dinosaurs peaked in the Late Jurassic, encompassing numerous geographically widespread non-neosauropod eusauropod lineages (like Mamenchisaurs and turiasaurs) alongside a broad array of globally distributed neosauropod members (Diplodocoidea and Macronaria),” stated Dr. Hui Dai, a paleontologist at the Chongqing Institute of Paleontology.

“Late Jurassic sedimentary formations in China preserve a rich sauropod fossil record, predominantly featuring mamenchisaurids, although precise neosauropod remains are largely recognized from the Middle Early Jurassic period.”

“The dominance of sauropod faunas in Asia contrasts sharply with that of contemporary European and North and South American strata.”

“Additionally, most of the late Jurassic Asian sauropod diversity is traced back to deposits from the lower section, particularly around the transition from the Middle to Late Jurassic.”

A partial skeleton of Mamenchisaurus sanggensis was uncovered at a fossil site in Chongqing, located in southwest China.

“The remains were found in reddish-purple silty mudstone near the upper layer of the Shaximyo formation,” paleontologists noted.

“While a general Callovian-Oxford age for this formation has traditionally been assumed, the exact age remains a subject of debate.”

The discovery of Mamenchisaurus sanggensis adds to the diversity of early-branching sauropod dinosaurs and offers further insights into the evolutionary history of sauropods in northwestern China.

“A deeper understanding of the evolutionary relationships among mid to late Jurassic Chinese eusauropods may have implications for testing theories regarding the isolation of East Asia from western Laurasia and Gondwana during this era and for the paleobiogeographic history of early diverging sauropods and more broadly, eusauropods,” the researchers remarked.

“Nonetheless, our knowledge of this evolutionary transition is incomplete, and a reexamination of specimens is essential to bridge the existing ‘gap’ in East Asian lineages.”

The study was published in the Journal on November 25, 2025 in Scientific Reports.

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H. Dai et al. A new mamenchisaurid sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic of southwestern China reveals fresh insights into the evolution of East Asian eusauropods. Scientific Reports, published online on November 25, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29995-z

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover the Genome Sequence of the Vampire Squid

Posted on November 29, 2025 by

The genome of the vampire squid (Vampirotutis sp.) is among the largest of any animal, containing over 10 billion base pairs.

The vampire squid (Vampirotutis sp.) is among the deep sea’s most enigmatic creatures. Image credit: Steven Haddock/MBARI.

The vampire squid, often referred to as a “living fossil,” inhabits ocean basins worldwide at depths ranging from 500 to 3,000 meters.

This creature is soft-bodied and has a size, shape, and color reminiscent of a football.

It features a dark red body, large blue eyes, and cloak-like webbing connecting its eight arms.

When threatened, the squid can turn itself inside out, displaying rows of menacing “siri.”

In contrast to other squid species that reproduce in a single event later in life, vampire squids exhibit signs of multiple reproductive cycles.

“Modern cephalopods, including squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish, diverged into two main lineages over 300 million years ago: the 10-armed Decapoda (cuttlefish and cuttlefish) and the eight-armed Octopoda (octopuses and vampire squids),” explained biologist Masaaki Yoshida from Shimane University and his team.

“Despite its name, the vampire squid has eight arms similar to those of an octopus, yet it shares significant genomic characteristics with cuttlefish and cuttlefish.”

“It occupies a unique position between these two lineages, and for the first time, its relationship has been revealed at the chromosomal level through genome analysis.”

“Although classified within the octopus lineage, it retains features of a more ancestral squid-like chromosomal structure, shedding light on the evolutionary history of early cephalopods.”

A recent study sequenced the genome of a vampire squid from specimens gathered in the Western Pacific Ocean.

“With over 11 billion base pairs, the vampire squid’s genome is nearly four times larger than the human genome and represents the largest cephalopod genome analyzed to date,” the researchers noted.

“Despite its vast size, the chromosomes share a surprisingly conserved structure.”

“Thus, Vampirotutis is termed a ‘living fossil of the genome,’ embodying modern-day descendants of ancient lineages that retain essential features from their evolutionary background.”

The study revealed that while modern octopuses have undergone significant chromosome fusions and alterations during evolution, octopuses have managed to preserve some decapod-like karyotypes.

This conserved genome structure provides fresh insights into how cephalopod lineages branched apart.

“Vampire squids exist right on the boundary between octopuses and squids,” commented Dr. Oleg Simakov, a researcher at the University of Vienna.

“The genome unfolds deep evolutionary narratives about how these distinctly different lineages emerged from a shared ancestor.”

By comparing the vampire squid with other sequenced species, including the pelagic octopus Argonauta hians, scientists could trace the trajectory of chromosomal changes throughout evolution.

“The genome sequence of Argonauta hians reveals, for the first time, a ‘bizarre’ pelagic octopus (paper nautilus) where females have secondarily acquired shell-like calcified structures,” the researchers stated.

“The analysis suggests that early coleoids had a squid-like chromosomal organization that subsequently fused and compacted into the modern octopus genome, a process termed mixed fusion.”

“These irreversible rearrangements may have instigated significant morphological innovations, including weapon specialization and the loss of the outer shell.”

“Although the vampire squid is classified among octopuses, it preserves an older genetic lineage than both groups,” added Dr. Emese Todt, a researcher at the University of Vienna.

“This enables us to study the early phases of cephalopod evolution directly.”

“Our research provides the clearest genetic evidence to date indicating that the common ancestor of octopuses and squids was more squid-like than previously recognized.”

“This study underscores that large-scale chromosomal rearrangements, rather than the emergence of new genes, have primarily driven the extraordinary diversity of modern cephalopods.”

The findings are detailed in a study published in the Journal on November 21, 2025 iscience.

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Masaaki Yoshida et al. 2025. The extensive genome of a vampire squid unveils the derived state of modern octopod karyotypes. iscience 28 (11): 113832; doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113832

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Foot Bones Uncover Evidence of Coexistence Between Two Human Species

Posted on November 27, 2025 by

The ancient human foot bones have puzzled scientists since their discovery in 2009.

Johannes Haile-Selassie

Bones arranged in the approximate anatomical position of the right foot — The ancient human foot bones have puzzled scientists since their discovery in 2009.

Johannes Haile-Selassie

The origins of a 3.4-million-year-old foot bone uncovered in Ethiopia may finally be elucidated, prompting a reevaluation of how various ancient human ancestors cohabited.

In 2009, Johannes Haile-Selassie and his team at Arizona State University unearthed eight hominin bones that previously constituted a right foot at a site known as Burtele in northeastern Ethiopia’s Afar region.

This discovery, dubbed Bartele’s foot, features opposable big toes akin to those of gorillas, indicating that any species could have had arboreal capabilities.

Another ancient human species, Australopithecus afarensis, was known to inhabit the vicinity, with the well-known fossil of Lucy—also discovered in the Afar region—but Bartele’s foot appeared to belong to a different species. “From the outset, we realized it was not part of Lucy’s lineage,” Haile Selassie states.

There were two primary hypotheses that intrigued Haile Selassie: whether the foot was associated with another species within the genus Australopithecus or perhaps an older, more primitive group known as Ardipithecus, which existed in Ethiopia more than a million years ago and also possessed opposable thumbs.

Meanwhile, in 2015, scientists announced the identification of a previously unknown hominid species, named Australopithecus deiremeda, after jaw and tooth remains were found in the same region. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether the enigmatic leg bone was part of A. deiremeda, as its age differed from that of the jaw and tooth remains.

However, in the subsequent year, researchers made a crucial discovery. The lower jaw of A. deiremeda was located within 300 meters of Bartele’s foot, and both sets of remains were dated to the same geological era. This led the research team to conclude that Bartele’s foot belonged to A. deiremeda.

Bartele’s foot (left) and bones shaped like a gorilla’s foot (right), similar to *Australopithecus deiremeda*

Johannes Haile-Selassie

In a separate part of the study, researchers analyzed Earth’s carbon isotopes. They found that A. deiremeda primarily consumed materials from trees and shrubs, while human teeth were more adapted for a diet rich in grasses than those of afarensis.

Haile Selassie noted that this finding suggests that both hominin species occupied the same ecological niche without competing for resources. He believes these groups could have coexisted harmoniously, engaging in separate activities. “They must have crossed paths and interacted within the same habitat, each doing their own thing,” he remarked. “While members of Australopithecus deiremeda may have spent time in trees, afarensis was likely wandering the adjacent grasslands.”

This revelation enhances our understanding of human evolution. “Historically, some have argued that only a single hominid species existed at any given time, with newer forms emerging eventually,” Haile Selassie explained. “We are now realizing that our evolutionary path was not straightforward. Multiple closely related hominid species coexisted at the same time, indicating that coexistence was a fundamental aspect of our ancestors’ lives.”

Carrie Mongul, a professor at Stony Brook University in New York, expressed enthusiasm about these developments. “Understanding more about the diversity of Pliocene hominins is truly exciting,” she stated. “This period, around 3 million years ago, was rich in evolutionary significance.”

Topics:

Human evolution/
Ancient humans

Source: www.newscientist.com

Earth Scientists Uncover the Mystery Behind Intriguing Structures in the Mantle

Posted on November 25, 2025 by

For many years, researchers have been intrigued by two massive structures hidden deep beneath the Earth’s surface. These anomalies might possess geochemical characteristics that differ from the surrounding mantle, yet their source remains unclear. Geodynamicist Yoshinori Miyazaki from Rutgers University and his team offer an unexpected explanation regarding these anomalies and their significance in influencing Earth’s capacity to sustain life.

This diagram shows a cross-section that reveals the interior of the early Earth, featuring a hot molten layer situated above the core-mantle boundary. Image credit: Yoshinori Miyazaki/Rutgers University.

The two enigmatic structures, referred to as large low-shear velocity regions and ultra-low velocity regions, lie at the boundary between the Earth’s mantle and core, approximately 2,900 km (1,800 miles) beneath the Earth’s exterior.

Large low-shear velocity regions are vast, continent-sized masses of hot and dense rock.

One of these regions is located beneath Africa, while the other is situated beneath the Pacific Ocean.

The ultra-low velocity zone resembles a thin layer of melt that adheres to the core much like a puddle of molten rock.

Both structures significantly slow seismic waves and display unusual compositions.

“These are not random, odd phenomena,” Dr. Miyazaki, co-author of a related paper published in the journal Nature Earth Science, explained.

“They represent traces of Earth’s primordial history.”

“Understanding their existence could help us unravel how our planet formed and what made it habitable.”

“Billions of years in the past, the Earth was covered by an ocean of magma.”

“While scientists anticipated that as the mantle cooled, it would establish distinctive chemical layers—similar to how frozen juice separates into sweet concentrate and watery ice—seismic surveys have shown otherwise. Instead, large low-shear velocity regions and ultra-low velocity zones appear as irregular accumulations at the Earth’s depths.”

“This contradiction sparked our inquiry. When starting with a magma ocean and performing calculations, the outcome does not match the current observations in the Earth’s mantle. A critical factor was missing.”

The researchers propose that over billions of years, elements such as silicon and magnesium may have leached from the core into the mantle, mixing with it and hindering the development of pronounced chemical layers.

This process could clarify the bizarre structure of the large low-shear velocity and ultra-low velocity regions, potentially visibly representing the solidified remnants of a basal magma ocean tainted by core materials.

“What we hypothesized is that this material could be leaking from the core,” Dr. Miyazaki noted.

“Incorporating core components might account for our current observations.”

“This discovery goes beyond merely understanding the chemistry of the deep Earth.”

“Interactions between the core and mantle may have shaped the Earth’s cooling process, volcanic activity, and atmospheric evolution.”

“This could help clarify why Earth possesses oceans and life, while Venus is a frigid hothouse and Mars a frozen wasteland.”

“Earth has water, life, and a relatively stable atmosphere.”

“In contrast, Venus’ atmosphere is over a hundred times thicker than Earth’s and is mainly carbon dioxide, while Mars’ atmosphere is much thinner.”

“While we do not fully comprehend why this is the case, the processes occurring within the planet—its cooling and layer evolution—could be a significant part of the explanation.”

By synthesizing seismic data, mineral physics, and geodynamic modeling, the authors reaffirm that the extensive low-shear velocity regions and ultra-low velocity zones offer crucial insights into Earth’s formative processes.

These structures may also contribute to volcanic hotspots like those in Hawaii and Iceland, thereby connecting deep Earth dynamics to the planet’s surface.

“This study exemplifies how the integration of planetary science, geodynamics, and mineral physics can aid in unraveling some of Earth’s long-standing enigmas,” said co-author Dr. Jie Deng, a researcher at Princeton University.

“The notion that the deep mantle may still retain the chemical memory of ancient core-mantle interactions provides fresh perspectives on Earth’s unique evolution.”

“Every new piece of evidence contributes to piecing together Earth’s early narrative, transforming scattered hints into a more coherent picture of our planet’s development.”

“Despite the limited clues we have, we are gradually forming a significant narrative,” Dr. Miyazaki remarked.

“With this research, our confidence in understanding Earth’s evolution and its distinctiveness can now be bolstered.”

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J. Deng et al. 2025. Heterogeneity in the deep mantle formed through a basal magma ocean contaminated by core materials. Nature Earth Science 18, 1056-1062; doi: 10.1038/s41561-025-01797-y

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Uncover New Planetary Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Posted on November 12, 2025 by

Astronomers have identified a faint planetary nebula during a spectroscopic examination of stars in NGC 1866, a vast young globular cluster within the Milky Way satellite galaxy, known as the Large Magellanic Cloud. This nebula, designated Ka LMC 1, is situated near the core of NGC 1866.

This image shows NGC 1866 overlaid with a false-color representation from the MUSE data cube, highlighting the ionized shell of planetary nebula Ka LMC 1 as a red ring. The grayscale inset details the sizes of the ionization shells of singly ionized nitrogen. [N II] and doubly ionized oxygen [O III]. A magnified Hubble image reveals a pale blue star at the center, likely the hot central star of Ka LMC 1. Image credit: AIP / MM Roth / NASA / ESA / Hubble.

NGC 1866 is located at the edge of the Large Magellanic Cloud, approximately 160,000 light-years from Earth.

This cluster, also referred to as ESO 85-52 and LW 163, was discovered by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop on August 3, 1826.

Surprisingly, NGC 1866 is a young globular cluster positioned close enough for individual star studies.

In a recent spectroscopic investigation of NGC 1866, astronomers analyzed spectra captured by the MUSE Integral Field Spectrometer on ESO’s Very Large Telescope.

They made an unexpected and intriguing discovery: the ionized shell of a planetary nebula.

A subsequent study utilized images from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to explore the nature of the object, which has been named Ka LMC 1.

“Planetary nebulae signify a late phase in a star’s evolution, during which the star consumes hydrogen for nucleosynthesis, expands as a red giant in a shell-burning phase, and eventually sheds most of its mass into a large, expanding shell. The remaining core then contracts and heats up, eventually cooling to become a white dwarf,” explained lead author Dr. Howard Bond, an astronomer at Pennsylvania State University and the Space Telescope Science Institute, along with his colleagues.

“Once the core surpasses 35,000 degrees, the shell ionizes and becomes visible through emission lines at specific wavelengths.”

The research team noted that Hubble images depict the hot central star of the Ka LMC 1 nebula.

“Ka LMC 1 is a genuine enigma. A young star cluster aged 200 million years implies that its progenitor star must be significantly massive,” noted astronomer Professor Martin Roth from the Potsdam Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics, the Institute for Physics and Astronomy at the University of Potsdam, and the German Center for Astrophysics.

“However, such a star would quickly evolve towards a cooling white dwarf stage.”

“Reconciling the age of the planetary nebula’s expanding shell with the theoretical evolutionary trajectory of its central star has been challenging.”

“This object undoubtedly demands further detailed observations to clarify its characteristics.”

“It presents a rare opportunity to observe star evolution over a timeframe that usually spans millions, if not billions, of years.”

“Yet, the evolution of massive central stars occurs in merely a few thousand years, making it possible to align with the timeline of the nebula’s expansion.”

According to a study published on November 7, 2025, in Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

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Howard E. Bond et al. 2025. A faint planetary nebula was accidentally discovered in the massive young LMC star cluster NGC 1866. pasp 137, 114202; doi: 10.1088/1538-3873/ae1664

Source: www.sci.news

Researchers Explore Neanderthal DNA to Uncover Insights into Human Facial Development and Evolution

Posted on November 12, 2025 by

Scientist Hannah Long and her team at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that specific regions of Neanderthal DNA are more effective at activating genes related to jaw formation compared to human DNA, which might explain why Neanderthals had larger lower jaws.

Neanderthal. Image credit: Natural History Museum Trustees.

“The Neanderthal genome shows a 99.7% similarity to the human genome, suggesting that the differences between the species contribute to variations in appearance,” explained Dr. Hanna.

“Both the human and Neanderthal genomes comprise around 3 billion characters that code for proteins and regulate gene usage in cells. Therefore, pinpointing regions that affect appearance is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.”

Dr. Long and her collaborators had a targeted hypothesis regarding where to initiate their search. They focused on a genomic area linked to the Pierre Robin sequence, a condition characterized by a notably small jaw.

“Some individuals with Pierre Robin sequence exhibit significant deletions or rearrangements in this genomic region that disrupt facial development and impede jaw formation,” stated Dr. Hanna.

“We speculated that minor variations in DNA could subtly influence facial shape.”

Through the comparison of human and Neanderthal genomes, researchers identified that in a segment approximately 3,000 letters long, there are just three one-letter differences between the two species.

This DNA segment lacks any specific genes but regulates the timing and manner in which genes, particularly SOX9, a crucial factor in facial development processes, are activated.

To demonstrate the significance of these Neanderthal-specific differences for facial development, researchers needed to confirm that the Neanderthal region could activate genes in the correct cells at the appropriate developmental stage.

They introduced both Neanderthal and human variants of this region into zebrafish DNA concurrently and programmed the cells to emit different colors of fluorescent protein based on whether the human or Neanderthal region was active.

By monitoring zebrafish embryo development, researchers observed that the cells crucial for lower jaw formation were active in both regions, with the Neanderthal regions showing greater activity than those of humans.

“We were thrilled when we first detected the activity in a specific group of cells within the developing zebrafish face, near the jaw, and even more so when we realized that Neanderthal-specific differences could modify this activity during development,” Dr. Long noted.

“This led us to ponder the potential implications of these differences and how we may explore them experimentally.”

Recognizing that Neanderthal sequences were more adept at activating genes, the authors inquired whether this would correlate with heightened activity in target cells, influencing the shape and function of the adult jaw as governed by SOX9.

To test this hypothesis, they administered additional samples to zebrafish embryos. They found that the cells involved in jaw formation occupied a larger area.

“In our lab, we aim to investigate the effects of additional DNA sequence differences using methods that replicate aspects of facial development,” Dr. Long said.

“We aspire to enhance our understanding of sequence alterations in individuals with facial disorders and assist with diagnostic efforts.”

“This research illustrates that by examining extinct species, we can gain insights into how our own DNA contributes to facial variation, development, and evolution.”

Findings are detailed in the journal Development here.

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Kirsty Utley et al. 2025: Variants derived from Neanderthals enhance SOX9 enhancer activity in craniofacial progenitor cells that shape jaw development. Development 152 (21): dev204779; doi: 10.1242/dev.204779

Source: www.sci.news

The Birthplace of Humanity Continues to Uncover New Insights into Our Origins

Posted on November 11, 2025 by

Karo people overlooking the Omo River Valley in Ethiopia

Michael Honegger/Alamy

Here’s a snippet from Our Human Story, a newsletter focusing on advancements in archaeology. Subscribe to receive it monthly in your inbox.

On the eastern shores of Lake Turkana in Kenya lies Namorotuknan Hill, where a river once flowed but has since dried up. The area features a dry landscape with sparse shrubbery.

Between 2013 and 2022, a team of researchers led by David Brown from George Washington University excavated clay layers adjacent to the river. Their findings included 1,290 stone tools crafted by ancient humans, dating back between 2.44 and 2.75 million years. They reported their discoveries in Nature Communications last week.

The tools belong to the Oldowan type, which are prevalent in various regions of Africa and Eurasia. These items are among the oldest Oldowan tools ever found.

Brown and his team noted a remarkable consistency in the tools’ design. Despite spanning 300,000 years, the creators displayed a preference for specific rock types, indicating a reliable and habitual approach to tool-making rather than isolated incidents.

The tools from Namorotuknan represent yet another significant discovery from the Omo Turkana Basin, a key site for understanding human origins.

Basins, Cradles, and Rifts

Since the 1960s, the Omo Turkana Basin has served as a focal point for human evolution research.

It stretches from the sandy beaches of southern Ethiopia, where the Omo River flows southward into Lake Turkana—one of the world’s longest lakes, extending deep into Kenya. The Türkwel and Kerio rivers also flow into its southern reaches.

Various fossil-rich locations pepper the basin. On the lake’s western side is the Nachukui Formation, while the Kobi Fora is situated on the east. Additional archaeological sites include the Usno Formation near Omo in the north and Kanapoi near Kerio in the south.

Map of fossil and tool sites in the Omo Turkana Basin

François Marchal et al. 2025

Led by François Marchal, a team from France’s Aix-Marseille University has compiled all known human fossil findings from the Omo Turkana Basin into a database. They detailed these patterns in the Human Evolution Journal, offering a snapshot of historical paleoanthropological research and a wealth of knowledge about human evolution.

Research in the Omo Turkana Basin began with early expeditions led by a collaborative French, American, and Kenyan team, including notable figures such as Camille Aramboul, Yves Coppens, F. Clark Howell, and Richard Leakey. Leakey also spearheaded explorations in the eastern Koobi Fora and western sites like Nachukwi.

Richard Leakey was a pivotal figure in the study of human evolution during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. He is part of a family legacy in paleoanthropology, being the son of Louis and Mary Leakey, renowned for their groundbreaking work in the Oldupai Valley, Tanzania; his daughter Louise continues the exploration of human evolution.

Research on the Omo Turkana Basin transcends individual contributions. Marchal’s team collected a substantial 1,231 hominin specimens from around 658 individuals, accounting for about one-third of all known hominin remains across Africa.

Alongside the Great Rift Valley of East Africa—encompassing places like the Oldupai Gorge and the Cradle of Humanity in South Africa—the Omo Turkana Basin ranks as one of Africa’s richest hominid fossil sites.

Discovery

To the north, near the Omo River, researchers have uncovered some of the earliest Homo sapiens remains on record. At Omo Kibishu, two skull fragments and several bones were found, along with numerous teeth. Ongoing studies reveal these remains date back significantly further than initially believed, once estimated at 130,000 years, later revised to 195,000 years ago, and a subsequent analysis in 2022 indicated they could be at least 233,000 years old. Of all discovered, only the fossils from Morocco’s Jebel Irhoud are older, dating back to about 300,000 years.

The fossils from Omo Kibishu and Jebel Irhoud significantly deepen our understanding, suggesting that our species may have been evolving far earlier than the previously accepted timeline of around 200,000 years.

This trend also extends to the Homo genus, encompassing various groups like Homo erectus and Neanderthals. Determining which branch of Homo originated first remains complex—although records regarding Homo are sparse before 2 million years ago, they become increasingly elusive as one goes further back.

By meticulously analyzing fossils from the Omo Turkana Basin, Marchal and his team determined that Homo thrived in the region between 2.7 and 2 million years ago.

The earliest known Homo specimens in this basin are from the Shungra Formation, estimated to be between 2.74 and 2.58 million years old. Despite being announced in 2008, detailed examinations have yet to be conducted.

Faced with this gap, Marchal’s team posits that an influx of unexamined material could bring the number of known early Homo individuals to 75, creating a substantial and informative dataset, suggesting that there is “much more than just a handful of fossils.”

Notably, the Homo genus became well-established in the Omo Turkana Basin between 2.7 and 2 million years ago. While they were not the dominant species, another genus, Paranthropus, featuring smaller brains and larger teeth, was twice as prevalent. Numerous species from the Australopithecus genus also existed, indicating a period of cohabitation among different hominins. Importantly, some Homo individuals likely produced the Oldowan tools found.

This type of discovery is made possible by decades of dedicated research, and it is anticipated that the Omo Turkana Basin will continue to illuminate our origins for years to come.

Neanderthals, ancient humans, and cave art: France

Accompany New Scientist’s Kate Douglas on an intriguing journey through time, exploring significant Neanderthal and Upper Paleolithic sites across southern France, from Bordeaux to Montpellier.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Fossils Uncover First Evidence of Herbivorous Pterosaurs

Posted on November 7, 2025 by

Paleontologists from China and Brazil have reported the discovery of 320 phytoliths (tiny mineral structures formed within plant cells) found in the fossilized stomach of a pterosaur species known as Synopterus atavismus.

Rebuilding the life of Synopterus atavismus. Image credit: Maurilio Oliveira / Science China Press.

Pterosaurs, a group of reptiles that went extinct during the Mesozoic Era, were the first vertebrates to develop powered flight.

However, their dietary habits remain largely enigmatic.

Various hypotheses have been proposed regarding pterosaur diets, including insectivorous, piscivorous, carnivorous, omnivorous, herbivorous/frugivorous, filter feeding, and generalized diets.

Though stomach contents provide compelling evidence, such finds are exceedingly rare.

In addition to scales associated with the thorax of Eudimorphodon, only five confirmed instances of pterosaur gastric contents have been documented since the Late Triassic in Italy, all related to Rhamphorhynchus from the Late Jurassic Solnhofen limestone in Germany.

These instances largely consist of remains like dead fish, along with some unidentified items.

In a recent study, Dr. Xiaolin Wang from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and colleagues investigated the contents of fossilized stomachs from Synopterus atavismus, which existed in China approximately 120 million years ago.

They identified numerous small gastroliths in the stomach contents, from which they extracted 320 phytoliths.

“Phytoliths are microscopic silica structures formed during plant growth, exhibiting diverse morphologies across different plant species and even within various parts of the same plant,” the paleontologists stated.

“This discovery marks the first extraction of phytoliths from a pterosaur and the second documented instance of a pterosaur featuring a gastrolith.”

Specimen of Synopterus atavismus. Image credit: Jiang et al., doi: 10.1016/j.scib.2025.06.040.

To determine whether Synopterus atavismus was indeed herbivorous, the researchers explored other possible interpretations.

“Initially, we confirmed that surrounding rocks did not contain the phytoliths found in the stomach, eliminating contamination as a factor,” the researchers commented.

“We also considered the possibility that the plant material could have originated from animals that consume plants.”

“However, Synopterus atavismus exhibited a rapid metabolism akin to that of birds. If it had consumed vertebrates or insects, traces like bones, scales, or hard insect shells would have been present in the stomach, but none were found.”

“The hypothesis of eating soft-bodied creatures like caterpillars was also insufficient. Why would it require so many gastroliths if hard food wasn’t part of its diet?”

“These stones typically assist in breaking down tough materials such as insect shells and plant matter, making them unneeded for softer prey.”

“Lastly, prior research suggested that Tapejara wellnhoferi, a close relative of Synopterus atavismus, had robust jaws adapted for consuming plants, reinforcing this conclusion.”

“Thus, phytoliths clearly indicate direct dietary intake, while gastroliths were utilized as tools for grinding plant material.”

The team’s paper is published in the October 15, 2025 issue of the journal Science Bulletin.

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Jiang Shunxin et al. 2025. First phytoliths discovered in pterosaurs – evidence of herbivory. Science Bulletin 70 (19): 3134-3138; doi: 10.1016/j.scib.2025.06.040

Source: www.sci.news

Quantum-Inspired Algorithm May Uncover Hidden Cosmic Objects

Posted on October 29, 2025 by

Galaxy clusters create gravitational lenses, bending light around them

NASA, ESA, Michael Gladders (University of Chicago); Acknowledgment: Judy Schmidt

Quantum physics might hold the key to unraveling the mysteries of celestial objects that remain undetectable or poorly observed through telescopes.

In our quest to comprehend the universe, we gather and scrutinize light emitted by stars and various celestial entities. However, this light often doesn’t travel in a straight path. When passing near massive entities like planets or black holes, the light’s trajectory can curve, resulting in a distorted image, akin to having an additional lens in the process.

Considering smaller objects that lack significant mass, traditional imaging strategies often fall short when dealing with “microlensing” effects. Researchers including Liu Zhenning at the University of Maryland have demonstrated that light analysis protocols that respect the quantum aspects may yield superior results.

They aimed to utilize the quantum features of light to deduce the mass of objects responsible for microlensing. According to Liu, microlensing is detectable when light brightness increases, signaling the presence of an object obscuring our view. However, if this object doesn’t possess substantial mass, its weight remains indeterminate from the light characteristics already measured by the telescope. Such bodies could encompass solitary small black holes or wandering planets.

Given that light consists of photons—quantum particles—there’s valuable information embedded in the quantum nature of its journey to Earth. Notably, when a photon encounters multiple paths around an object, the travel time discrepancies impact its quantum properties. Due to the wave-like characteristics of quantum particles, these photons can traverse both paths simultaneously, mimicking a water wave around a rock. The team’s methodology is adept at analyzing the time differences of both routes, which can be transformed into mass estimates for the objects.

Liu mentions that while planets and black holes inducing microlensing may not be completely imperceptible by other means, these techniques could necessitate more light collection, implying the need for larger telescopes. Quantum methods, however, can function effectively even with smaller photon counts.

For instance, his team’s mathematical assessments indicate that their protocol is particularly effective for stars located in the galactic bulge, a section of the Milky Way where dark matter candidates have been previously identified using gravitational lensing techniques. Because this new approach doesn’t demand a sophisticated quantum computer and can be employed with more conventional devices combined with classical computers to capture and analyze individual photons, it’s poised for real-world testing in the near future.

Daniel Oy, a professor at the University of Strathclyde in the UK, asserts that quantum methodologies significantly enhance the extraction of time-delayed data from light, an enhancement he characterizes as a pivotal advancement in quantum technology. He posits that since quantum theory sets limits on measurement precision in physics, it aligns perfectly with the challenge of detecting faint astronomical signals like those from a limited number of photons.

reference: arXiv, DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2510.07898

topic:

astrophysics/
quantum physics

Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Uncover New Early Triassic Coelacanth Species

Posted on October 28, 2025 by

Chinese paleontologists have identified a new species of Coelacanth, Whiteia anniae, based on two fossil specimens. This breakthrough expands the geographic presence of the genus Whiteia, marking the oldest record of this genus in Asia, which predates the earliest known pyloid coelacanth in this continent by 9 million years.

Whiteia anniae Right side view, holotype. Image credit: Dai et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-20229-w.

“Coelacanths are a fascinating group of sarcopterygian fishes, with two extant marine species from the genus Latimeria,” stated lead author Dr. Guan Hui Shu, a paleontologist at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and colleagues.

“This group first appeared in the Early Devonian, peaked in taxonomic diversity during the Early Triassic, but saw a decline starting in the Middle Cretaceous.”

“Coelacanths play a crucial role in evolutionary biology due to their distinctive physiological and anatomical characteristics, as well as their resilience through four major extinction events over hundreds of millions of years.”

The discovery of Latimeria previously ignited discussions on how this unusual lobe-finned fish relates to the evolution of terrestrial animals.

“Given their evolutionary stability, coelacanths have long been viewed as one of the most morphologically conservative vertebrate groups.”

“However, some research, particularly those focusing on Triassic fossils, indicate that coelacanth body shapes exhibit greater diversity than previously recognized.”

“Recent discoveries of new species around the globe continue to yield significant insights into the evolution of coelacanths.”

The newly identified species, Whiteia anniae, lived during the Smithian stage of the Early Triassic, approximately 249 million years ago.

This fish belongs to the genus Whiteia, an extinct group of coelacanths that were previously known from Madagascar, South Africa, Canada, and Greenland, but not from Asia.

“As the first record in Asia, this new finding from the Early Triassic dramatically broadens the geographic distribution of the genus Whiteia and is a significant addition to our understanding of the evolution of this major Triassic coelacanth lineage,” stated the paleontologists.

Two specimens of Whiteia anniae were discovered in Late Triassic marine deposits at Maoshankou in Anhui Province, China.

Fossil evidence suggests that this coelacanth measured between 41 and 46 centimeters in length, making it notably larger than other named species within its genus.

“Previously reported Whiteia species from the Early Triassic were typically small, ranging from 11.5 to 27 cm in length, and a slender body shape was once believed to be a defining characteristic of the genus,” the researchers explained.

“While there has been a recent trend of recovery, the Whiteia giganteus (estimated to exceed 100 cm in length) from Texas illustrates a period in which the genus achieved larger body sizes during the Late Triassic in North America.”

“The recovery of Whiteia anniae provides an intriguing example of a smaller species, in contrast to larger relatives in Europe, Africa, and North America.”

The team’s study was published on October 17th in the journal Scientific Reports.

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QH.Large et al. 2025. A new species of coelacanth (Actinistia, Sarcopterygii) from the Early Triassic period of Anhui Province, China. Scientific Reports 15, 36320; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-20229-w

Source: www.sci.news