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Ancient Mammoth Bone Dwelling Uncovered in Ukraine: 18,000-Year-Old Circular Structure

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The Upper Paleolithic site of Mezilich in Cherkasy Oblast, central Ukraine, features four remarkable mammoth bone structures, each ranging from 12 to 24 m2. These extensive constructions were meticulously crafted using hundreds of mammoth bones and tusks. Recent analyses of small mammal remains excavated directly from these archaeological formations indicate that one of these structures was in use for nearly 429 years, underscoring its role as a potential dwelling.

MBS 4 being excavated at the Upper Paleolithic site of Mezilich, Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine. Image credit: Chu et al., doi: 10.12688/openreseurope.20112.1.

“Open-air Upper Paleolithic sites in east-central Europe, such as Mezilich, offer invaluable insights into human activities and biogeography during the Late Holistic Age—a period marked by significant environmental shifts,” stated Wei Chu, an archaeologist from Leiden University, and collaborators.

“These sites often exhibit deep loess sediment layers rich in lithic tools, faunal remains, and bone assemblages, serving as crucial environmental proxies for illuminating contemporary ecological conditions.”

“Notably, some of these locations have been discovered in direct association with mammoth bone deposits, representing some of the earliest known constructions showcasing both spatial and seasonal organization.”

“While many of these structures were historically viewed as domestic remnants,” they elaborated, “ongoing excavations have reignited debates about their primary functions—whether as dwellings or perhaps as ritualistic tombs, food storage areas, burial sites, religious landmarks, or primitive monuments.”

“Mezilich, situated in the mid reaches of the Dnieper River, is pivotal to this discourse due to its extraordinary conservation state, featuring four mammoth bone structures (MBS 1-4) that span heights of 12 to 24 m2 in diameter.

“These structures are complemented by surrounding features like artifact-filled pits, hunting tools, ivory, bone ornaments, and segmented areas rich in slaughtered animal remains and workshops with dense cultural deposits, each aligned around mammoth bone structures, revealing economic settlement units.”

In their latest study, the researchers scrutinized the dating and composition of MBS 4—the only Mezilich structure containing artifacts that can be directly dated within the archaeological layer.

By analyzing small mammal remains rather than mammoth bones, they established a more accurate age for MBS 4, estimated to be between approximately 18,248 and 17,764 years old.

Crucially, the findings indicate that this structure was actively occupied for 429 years.

These results suggest that Mezilich was a stable, long-term settlement rather than a transient camp used intermittently.

The structure likely served as a residence for multiple generations, enduring and being reused throughout the centuries.

“MBS 4 corresponds with the harshest conditions of the last Ice Age,” the researchers noted.

“Interestingly, the period of occupation appears brief—potentially comprising only a few visits over many centuries.”

“This implies that these mammoth bone shelters were practical solutions for survival, rather than established permanent settlements.”

“Why is this significant? Beyond the remarkable ingenuity of utilizing mammoth bones for construction, these findings alter our perspective on human resilience and adaptability,” they remarked.

“They illustrate how communities thrived even in extreme environments, transforming large animal remains into protective architecture.”

“As dating techniques improve, sites like Mezilich continuously challenge our preconceived notions about prehistoric existence,” they concluded.

“These societies were dynamic, resource-abundant, and deeply interconnected with their environments, and their lessons are relevant even today.”

For further insights, refer to the team’s published paper in Open Research Europe.

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W. Chu et al. 2025. Revised radiocarbon chronology of bone structures and related features of mammoths from Mezilich, Ukraine. Open Res Europe 5:198; doi: 10.12688/openreseurope.20112.1

Source: www.sci.news

We Might Have Uncovered the First Genuine Human Pheromone

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The notion that humans might use chemical signals known as pheromones for communication has intrigued scientists and the general public alike for many years, leading to numerous investigations aimed at discovering evidence.

Pheromones are well-documented in the animal kingdom. Ants use chemical trails for navigation and communication, dogs mark their territory with scent signals, and moths emit airborne pheromones to attract partners.

However, the question of whether humans share this capability is much more complex. Can one person elicit a physical or emotional reaction in another without their awareness? Might this influence attraction?

After over six decades of research, the answers remain uncertain, but recent findings indicate we might be getting closer to understanding this phenomenon.

First Whiff

In 1959, Adolf Butenandt and his team identified the first pheromones, specifically bombykol, a chemical released by female silk moths to attract male counterparts.

Shortly after, scientists introduced the term “pheromone” to describe chemical signals emitted by one individual that trigger distinct responses in another of the same species.

This discovery opened the door to exploring potential human equivalents.

One of the earliest notable claims regarding human pheromones was put forth by Martha McClintock in 1971. Her study involving 135 women residing in university dorms suggested their menstrual cycles seemed to synchronize throughout the year.

This phenomenon, termed the “McClintock effect,” was widely regarded as evidence supporting the existence of human pheromones. However, subsequent studies did not replicate these findings and revealed that any apparent synchronization could be attributed to chance.

For many years, researchers have concentrated on four primary chemicals believed to be human pheromones. Androstenone and androstenol are thought to influence social perception and sexual attraction.

Androstadienone has been investigated for its impact on mood and alertness in women, while estratetraenol is believed to affect men’s perceptions of women.

Nonetheless, none of these substances have been definitively established as true human pheromones.

The doses used in studies are often much higher than what the body naturally produces, leading to less reliable outcomes. Furthermore, many experiments suffer from design flaws and weak statistics, resulting in inconsistent and inconclusive findings.

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T-Shirt Test

If discussions on human pheromones arise, Professor Klaus Wedekind’s “Sweaty T-shirt research” from 1995 is likely to be mentioned.

In this experiment, women were asked to smell T-shirts worn by men and indicate their preferences.

Interestingly, women who were not on birth control were more inclined to like the scents of men whose immune system genes (MHC genes) differed most from their own.

This preference aligns with evolutionary theory, as choosing mates with varied immune genes can enhance resistance to diseases in offspring.

This study has been replicated and is frequently hailed as a compelling instance of human chemical signaling, wherein body odor conveys social or biological information.

Yet, the scents involved in this research do not adhere to the strict definition of pheromones.

Most of the odor in sweat comes from a small number of underarm bacteria on your T-shirt, not pheromones. – Photo credit: Getty

Initially, a person’s complex “smell print” consists of multiple chemicals rather than a single one. Pheromones trigger automatic and unconscious responses, such as hormonal changes and instinctive behaviors, whereas this type of scent is subjective and conscious, forming personal preferences.

Invisible Clues

Although the T-shirt study does not clarify the role of pheromones in humans, some scientists believe that research in this area is far from complete.

Among them is Dr. Tristram Wyatt, a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford’s Department of Zoology, who has dedicated his career to studying the evolution of pheromones.

“If we consider humans as just another animal, it would be surprising to think we do not communicate chemically,” he explains. “For instance, our body odor evolves during puberty and becomes even more pronounced as we reach sexual maturity.

“In other animals, such odors frequently convey critical signals, so it is highly possible that humans emit similar signals; we just haven’t established this scientifically yet.”

The queen bee releases a pheromone that inhibits the reproduction of all other females in the hive – Photo credit: Getty

Even with this potential, pinpointing human pheromones has proven extraordinarily challenging.

“Studying human pheromones is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack,” Wyatt remarks. “Humans release thousands of odor molecules, making it difficult to identify which one triggers certain effects.

“Moreover, our reactions to odors are influenced by cultural, emotional, and individual differences, rendering our responses highly variable. Without reliable bioassays that provide clear, measurable reactions to odors, it is nearly impossible to pinpoint genuine pheromones.”

Another problem is reproducibility; many pheromone studies are based on small sample sizes, which makes their results statistically unreliable and susceptible to false positives.

Early research often lacks strict controls, and the field faces publication bias, increasing the likelihood of positive results being published.

The outcome? An evidentiary basis that appears more robust than it truly is. It comprises a collection of intriguing yet unreliable findings, with only a few holding up under repeat testing.

The Scent is Hot

Despite years of challenges, Wyatt remains hopeful, particularly about recent advances in research, including a French study that may represent the closest step toward identifying a human pheromone.

This investigation centered on secretions from Montgomery’s glands (small glands around the nipples that release tiny droplets during breastfeeding) in nursing mothers.

Researchers found that when newborns were exposed to the scent of these secretions, they instinctively turned their heads, displayed suckling behavior, and began searching for the nipple.

“This is the most exciting lead we’ve encountered to date,” says Wyatt. “Babies respond to these secretions even if they come from a different mother.

“Such a universal, instinctive reaction is precisely what we expect from an authentic pheromone. If we can identify the specific compound responsible, we might finally establish the first verified human pheromone.”

A recent breakthrough in pheromone research occurred in 2023 at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Researchers studied the effects of tears from women.

Men who smelled tears shed by a woman during a sad film showed decreased testosterone levels, and brain scans indicated changes in areas linked to both aggression and olfactory processing.

The study also revealed four receptors in the nose capable of detecting chemical signals in tears, and researchers are currently working to identify the specific compounds in tear fluid that elicit this response, potentially leading to compounds that mitigate aggression.

Recent research indicates that chemicals in women’s tears significantly affect men’s testosterone levels – Image courtesy of Getty Images

Nevertheless, while there is evidence that humans utilize scent in both social and sexual contexts, it has yet to be definitively proven that pheromones play a role in human communication.

“To conclusively ascertain whether human pheromones exist, rigorous research is necessary,” Wyatt asserts.

“This entails clear testing with consistent responses, larger and better-designed studies, and moving beyond the same old unproven molecules. Only diligent, evidence-driven research will yield real answers.”

“The quest for genuine human pheromones is just at its inception,” he concludes. “With the proper guidance, we could finally be on the brink of an exciting discovery.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Scientists May Have Uncovered a New Method for Searching for Extraterrestrials

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Researchers have announced a groundbreaking method for detecting traces of past life, which may enhance efforts to find extraterrestrial life on other planets.

Utilizing advanced chemical techniques alongside artificial intelligence, scientists have uncovering signs of ancient life in Earth’s 3.3 billion-year-old rock formations. They are optimistic that a similar methodology could be utilized on samples from icy bodies like Mars or Europa in the future.

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences involved analyzing over 400 samples of ancient sediments, fossils, modern flora, fauna, fungi, and meteorites to rigorously test the new detection model.

The outcome? A system capable of differentiating between remnants of life and non-living materials with more than 90% accuracy.

“This serves as a compelling example of how contemporary technology can illuminate Earth’s oldest narratives and revolutionize our exploration of ancient life on both Earth and beyond,” said Dr. Michael Wong, an astrobiologist and planetary scientist who co-authored the study. “This is a powerful new asset in the field of astrobiology.”

To extract subtle chemical signatures left by ancient organisms, the research team employed pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to break down molecular structures within the samples.

Subsequently, these intricate chemical patterns were analyzed using machine learning models to identify biosignatures that were too degraded for conventional interpretation.

Organic matter extracted from 2.5 billion-year-old rock samples containing fossilized microorganisms, such as this photomicrograph, still holds fragments of biomolecules possibly produced by photosynthesis – Photo credit: Andrew D. Czaja

Co-author Dr. Robert Hazen remarked in BBC Science Focus that this technique signifies a “paradigm shift” in the field, as the algorithm does not rely on detecting specific molecules like DNA or lipids, which could indicate past life.

Instead, it focuses on the distribution of available substances and whether these patterns imply that life may have existed there.

“For the first time, we are examining distribution capabilities,” he explained. “This supports broader analyses when investigating highly degraded samples with minimal information.”

The oldest biosignature identified dates back 3.3 billion years, nearly double the previous record of around 1.7 billion years.

Additionally, researchers uncovered molecular evidence indicating that oxygen-producing photosynthesis occurred at least 2.5 billion years ago, extending the known chemical record of photosynthesis by over 800 million years.

Historically, scientists have traced life back 3.5 billion years through two main types of evidence: ancient rock formations created by microbial communities that formed sticky, layered “mats,” yielding mound-like structures called stromatolites, and observable changes in isotope ratios within the rocks.

however, suitable samples for such analyses remain rare. The new machine learning technique circumvents the requirement for intact fossils or preserved biomolecules, offering a complementary method applicable to a broader array of rocks.

The algorithm also goes beyond a basic survival or non-survival assessment. It can already differentiate between photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic organisms, as well as categorize broad cell groups known as eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

“We analyzed extensive data patterns and found clear distinctions between living and non-living entities,” Hazen noted. This capability could be vital for investigations on Mars, where scientists are uncertain about the biochemical nature of any potential life.

3.5 billion-year-old shale sample used for analysis – Photo credit: Michael L. Wong

If retrieving samples from Mars becomes excessively costly, Hazen envisions a rover equipped with an array of devices that could apply the same machine learning technique directly on the Martian surface. His team recently secured funding from NASA to develop such an instrument package.

In the interim, the team plans to implement the technique on samples from Earth’s Mars-like deserts, aiding the groundwork for future analyses of Martian rock.

“What’s notable is that this approach does not depend on finding recognizable fossils or intact biomolecules,” emphasized co-lead author Dr. Anirudh Prabhu.

“AI has not only expedited our data analysis but also empowered us to interpret messy and degraded chemical data. AI opens new avenues for exploring ancient and extraterrestrial environments, guided by patterns we may never have considered otherwise.”

The authors cautioned that while the model is complementary to existing techniques, it should not yet be viewed as definitive proof of life. However, they believe it could become an essential analytical tool in both earth and planetary science.

“For decades, we’ve sought signs of life in ancient rocks with a limited set of tools,” remarked co-author and paleontologist Professor Andrew Knoll.

“What’s extraordinary about this work is that it enhances our toolkit and introduces entirely new, more profound questions. Machine learning can help unveil biological signals that were, until now, largely undetectable. This represents a significant leap forward in our ability to interpret Earth’s deep-time record of life.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Hawk Cuckoo Species Uncovered in Borneo

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A group of ornithologists from the National University of Singapore, Bird Tours Asia Ltd., and the University of Queensland has identified a new and enigmatic species of the northern cuckoo, known as Hiero cock. Borneo is a substantial island that is divided among the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the Indonesian state of Kalimantan, and the Sultanate of Brunei.

Breeding range map of Hierokokbokki from Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, Hiero cock sp. from Borneo, and Hierococcus sparbeliodes. Image credit: Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok / Robert O. Hutchinson / James A. Eaton.

Hiero cock is a genus of small birds within the cuckoo family, Cuculinae.

This genus was first recognized in 1845 and currently comprises nine scientifically acknowledged species.

Commonly referred to as hawk cuckoos, they reside in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.

“Within the genus A. Hiero cock, the two species maintain strong pair bonds in tropical and subtropical Asia,” stated the lead author, Dr. Frank Reindt from the National University of Singapore and collaborators.

“They are sometimes classified as a single species or recognized as two distinct monotypic species: the big hawk cuckoo (Hierococcus sparbelioides) and the Bockhawk Cuckoo or Darkhawk Cuckoo (Hierokokbokki).

“These hawk-cuckoos inhabit forests that stretch from the Himalayas to China and Southeast Asia.”

“Hierococcus sparbelioides is a more prevalent taxon, extensively breeding across tropical, subtropical, and even temperate mountainous areas of the Asian continent, migrating southward during winter.”

“Hierokokbokki has a range typical of montane forests in Sundaland.”

“Historically, the species boundaries of Hiero cock have largely depended on variations in plumage,” the researchers mentioned.

“Nonetheless, there are only minor differences in the plumage between these two species.”

“Since the 1990s, the taxonomy of numerous tropical and subtropical bird groupings has transformed, driven by a growing understanding of the role of bioacoustic traits in defining species.”

“Species limits for many tropical and subtropical Asian bird complexes have been revisited based on bioacoustic data.”

In a fresh study, Dr. Reindt and co-authors studied the interactions between Hierococcus sparbelioides and Hierokokbokki, unearthing evidence for a newly identified species.

Utilizing an integrated approach that included bioacoustic, plumage, and morphometric data, they analyzed 107 audio recordings of the two species sourced from an online audio library.

They also evaluated differences in plumage and morphometric features by using various museum specimens.

Their findings indicated a previously unnamed population of Hierokokbokki that resides on Borneo, distinguishable primarily by its unique three-syllable main call.

Considering the significant role of vocalizations in cuckoo classification, this population was formally described as a new species: Hierococcyx tiganada.

“The new species from Borneo closely resembles its sibling species, Hierokokbokki, native to Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia,” the researchers noted.

“Though visually alike, adults of the new species exhibit a slightly grayer mantle, particularly on the upper mantle near the crown, leading to a more subtle contrast between the gray crown and the brownish back relative to Hierokokbokki.”

“The most distinguishing characteristic of these two species lies in the structure of their vocalizations: the new species consistently produces a three-syllable call, while Hierokokbokki produces a two-syllable call.”

“The differences between the new species and Hierococcus sparbelioides reflect the same features that set it apart from Hierokokbokki,” they elaborated.

“Hierococcus sparbelioides also has two-syllable vocalizations.”

“Adult Hierococcus sparbelioides are generally larger, with less dark gray shading near the eyes, a more brownish mantle that contrasts less with the crown, and a pronounced dark red stripe visible against the whitish background of the upper thorax (contrastingly, the new species exhibits a solid red-purple color without stripes).

According to the scientists, Hierococcyx tiganada inhabits mountainous rainforests above 1,000 meters elevation.

“Despite the troubling conservation status of many Southeast Asian avian species reliant on rainforest habitats, the researchers concluded that Hierococcyx tiganada is likely not threatened.”

“Borneo’s lowland rainforests have experienced substantial degradation over the last three decades; however, many montane forests in central Borneo have endured as they remain remote and inaccessible to logging and other extractive practices.”

“Hierococcyx tiganada is relatively well-documented with three known locations in Sabah and an additional site in Sarawak.”

“Records from Kalimantan are notably sparse, and the species does not seem to inhabit the Meratus Mountains of South Kalimantan.”

“Nonetheless, this species likely exists widely across extensive mountainous regions of northern Borneo, often near the borders of Kalimantan, Sarawak, and Sabah; the scarcity of records may indicate insufficient observational coverage beyond established birdwatching locales.”

Hierococcyx tiganada is the first Hiero cock species described in the 20th/21st century.

“This discovery underscores the profound significance of bioacoustic research in biodiversity exploration and further amplifies Borneo’s biogeographical significance,” the authors concluded.

Their study will be published in Asian Ornithology Journal.

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Frank E. Reindt et al. 2025. Discovery of a mysterious new hawk cuckoo species (genus Hiero cock) from Borneo. Asian Ornithology Journal 41:34-43

Source: www.sci.news

Groundbreaking Discovery: Scientists May Have Uncovered a Method to Halt Brain Aging

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As we grow older, our cognitive learning and memory capabilities decline—recent studies have identified the proteins responsible for this phenomenon.

Researchers at UC San Francisco have pinpointed the culprit: an iron-associated protein called FTL1. Its detrimental effects hinder cognitive awareness throughout the aging process, and understanding this may allow us to target it in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

“It’s essentially a reversal of the challenges,” said Saul Vilda, PhD, Associate Director and Senior Author of the Papers at UCSF Bakar Aging Research Institute; Natural aging. “It’s about more than just slowing or preventing symptoms.”

The hippocampus, a brain region essential for learning and memory, is particularly susceptible to the effects of aging. Researchers observed an increase in neuronal FTL1 in the hippocampus of older mice, correlating with cognitive decline and reduced intercellular connections.

The hippocampus, shown here, is vital for the formation of new memories (credit: Getty Images)

In an experiment, scientists artificially increased FTL1 levels in young mice, leading to brain and behavior changes reminiscent of older mice. Elevated FTL1 levels hinder synaptic connections, ultimately resulting in poorer memory performance.

Interestingly, their motor skills and anxiety levels remained stable, indicating that the cognitive impairments were specifically linked to memory and synaptic functions.

When researchers reduced FTL1 levels in the hippocampus of older mice, they noted improved neuronal connections and enhanced performance in memory tests, effectively reversing some signs of aging.

The FTL1 protein is involved in iron storage and metabolism, regulating long-term levels in the brain. As we age, alterations in iron metabolism lead to increased FTL1 in neurons.

By reversing aspects of cognitive aging in mice, this discovery could pave the way for treatments that counteract the effects of FTL1 in the brain, potentially restoring cognitive function in older adults.

“Identifying elements that seem to promote aging while keeping your brain youthful is crucial for overall health and activity as you age. FTL1 appears to be an anti-aging champion,” stated Andrew Steel in BBC Science Focus.

“This is an intriguing preliminary study, but as this research was conducted on mice, we must observe whether the same effects occur in humans.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Extraordinary Impact of Nature on Our Brains Uncovered in a New Book

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Spend time in green spaces to enhance working memory and attention.

Luke Hayes/Millennium Images, UK


Nature and the Heart


Mark Berman (Vermillion, UK; S&S/Simon Element, USA)

Mark Berman is on the verge of initiating a transformation, and I consider myself already aligned with his vision. You might have encountered his insights in New Scientist regarding the remarkable advantages of nature walks, the therapeutic impact of plants, and the enchantment of urban greenery.

If this sounds familiar, you may presume that Berman’s Research couldn’t offer anything new. However, you would be mistaken. Nature and the Heart caters to everyone, regardless of prior knowledge. It’s designed not only to inform and entertain but also to motivate action.

This narrative outlines how a once troubled boy forged a groundbreaking field in environmental neuroscience by transitioning from law studies pursued under his mother’s nursing influence and his father’s legal career to engineering as an undergraduate student.

Central to this is a fortuitous encounter between psychologists Steve and Rachel Kaplan from the University of Michigan, who introduced attentional restoration theory (ART). This concept posits that engaging with nature can help regain our focus, and by the time Berman met them as a graduate student, Kaplan had already amassed substantial evidence to support this theory.

Berman’s audacious plan involved quantifying these effects by analyzing people, their environments, and their interactions through methods including brain imaging, behavioral testing, computational neuroscience, and statistical analyses.

In his book, Berman reflects on his initial experimental proposal, met with skepticism from John Jonides, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Michigan, who said, “It’s crazy. It won’t work.”

The author champions a revolution to ‘naturize’ our homes, schools, offices, and cities.

Yet, Berman persevered, uncovering astonishing findings. A mere 50-minute walk in a park significantly improved individuals’ working memory and attention by 20%, irrespective of their enjoyment of the experience or the weather conditions. Remarkably, it was unnecessary for them to actually walk.

This improvement is notable, but why is attention restoration necessary? As Berman highlights, attention is a crucial resource for many cognitive and emotional functions, and our attention is often drained by an overstimulating environment. By restoring this resource, nature acts as a superpower, enhancing intelligence, happiness, reducing stress, increasing productivity, and fostering compassion.

Some of Berman’s discoveries are breathtaking. For instance, individuals suffering from clinical depression gained fivefold benefits from a walk in the park compared to participants in the original study. Moreover, having ten additional trees on a block in Toronto increased residents’ perception of well-being by 1%.

His research also leads to delightful and innovative findings. In one study, his team employed the JPEG standard in digital image compression to analyze how the human brain processes information regarding natural landscapes versus urban settings. This research demonstrated that urban and natural images with similar complexity levels taxed the brain differently, with nature being less taxing. They even created an app to provide “repair scores” for nearby walking routes.

Berman’s research addresses significant inquiries. How does nature capture attention? What scene elements encourage recovery? How can architecture leverage these effects? It also tackles intriguing questions, such as the allure of galley-style fonts (inspired by the curves of serif typefaces) and the appeal of Jackson Pollock’s abstract paintings (which reflect fractals).

Above all, he is driven by a desire to effect positive change. His work serves as a call to action, urging the implementation of a “natural revolution.” “We should fundamentally reevaluate the design of all constructed spaces,” he advocates. “The natural revolution necessitates a serious commitment from people on a grand scale.”

Source: www.newscientist.com

We Uncovered the Largest Black Hole Ever Found

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Scientists have discovered an extraordinarily massive black hole billions of light years away

Igorzh/Shutterstock

A colossal black hole, located in a galaxy five billion light years away, boasts a mass over 10,000 times greater than the ultra-massive black hole found at the center of the Milky Way, and about 360 times greater than that of our Sun.

“This is likely the largest black hole in the universe,” states Thomas Collett from the University of Portsmouth, UK. “It’s equivalent to the mass of an entire small galaxy condensed into one singularity.”

This supermassive black hole is situated approximately five billion light years away, residing in one of the most well-known galaxies, referred to as the Space Horseshoe. Space Horseshoes serve as the largest known galaxy lenses, capable of bending light from objects situated behind them due to their immense gravitational forces. Previous research indicated that such enormous black holes might exist in the center of this galaxy, though pinpointing their exact mass has proven challenging for scientists.

To accurately determine the mass of the black hole, Collett and his team analyzed the orbital velocity of a nearby star, which directly correlates to the black hole’s mass. Additionally, they assessed how much light is distorted by the gravitational influence of the black hole, a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing. “Combining these two measurements allowed us to yield a highly confident estimation,” says Collett.

The mass of this black hole is remarkably large, aligning with Collett’s team’s prior investigations. Their research focuses on mapping the distribution of dark matter in the Galaxy, utilizing data gathered from observed light. They found that a successful model was only achievable with the inclusion of a supermassive black hole at the center of the universe’s horseshoe.

“The only time I started to get a good model was when I began considering black holes with incredibly high masses,” remarks Collett.

The horseshoe galaxy is theorized to be a ‘fossil group’ galaxy. This type of stellar system has absorbed all of its neighboring galaxies, a behavior that helps clarify the phenomenon of its black hole’s formidable size.

Yet, one enigmatic aspect persists. The black hole appears to have ceased growing and is currently dormant. “For it to expand, it must have been connected to the entire universe at some stage. It’s curious that it’s inactive at this moment,” Collett adds. “A process must have contributed to the black hole’s growth before it eventually plateaued.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A Mysterious Signal Emerges from a Dying Galaxy: Here’s What We’ve Uncovered…

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Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) represent one of the greatest mysteries of the universe in our time. Initially identified in 2007, these transient radio wave phenomena have perplexed astronomers ever since.

Although we have detected thousands of them, the precise causes, origins, and unpredictable behaviors of FRBs remain elusive.

Just when scientists thought they were starting to unravel the mysteries, two new studies published in January 2025 added twists to the ongoing FRB enigma, challenging earlier theories.

“The FRB is one of those cosmic mysteries that deserves to be solved,” states Dr. Tarraneh Eftekhari, a radio astronomer at Northwestern University, in reference to the first new paper published in Astrophysics Letter.

Though the solution may be a long way off, the universe continues to guard its secrets.

What Makes the FRB Mysterious?

While it may not be entirely accurate to say that FRBs were discovered purely by chance, their initial detection happened within data collected for an entirely different purpose.

Pulsars, or “pulsating radio sources,” are far better understood cosmic phenomena, having been discovered in 1967 by Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, arising from neutron stars. These are incredibly dense remnants of giant stars boasting magnetic fields far stronger than Earth’s.

These rapidly spinning stellar remnants emit regular pulses of radio waves akin to cosmic beacons.

The consistency of these pulses and their emissions at specific frequencies initially led to the hypothesis that they could be of natural origin, which earned the first pulsar the nickname “Little Green Man 1.”

While pulsars quickly found their rightful place in astrophysics, FRBs tell a different story.

Jump forward to 2007 when they emerged unexpectedly from data gathered by the Parkes Multibeam Pulsar Survey, an international collaboration involving Jodrell Bank Observatory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bologna Astronomical Observatory, and Australia’s National Facilities.

The emission from this event was so powerful that it overshadowed all other known sources at the time by a substantial margin.

“In terms of energy output, a 1-millisecond-long FRB can emit as much energy as the Sun produces over three days,” says Dr. Fabian Djankowski, an astrophysicist at the French National Centre for Science and Technology specializing in FRBs.

However, for over five years after the initial detection, no similar events were recorded. Skepticism faded as more FRBs began to emerge.

Thousands have been detected since then, and astronomers estimate that two or three FRBs may blaze across the sky every minute.

These enigmatic signals release immense energy from deep space, illuminating the sky with their mysterious nature. And the strangeness does not end there.

Initially, FRBs were believed to be one-off occurrences, cosmic anomalies. This assumption seemed valid, as follow-up observations failed to reveal any repeating sources.

That changed in 2016 when FRB 121102 was found to emit repeated bursts. Currently, between 3% and 10% of FRBs are classified as “repeaters.”

Why do some FRBs remain silent after a single burst, while others emit multiple bursts? This is yet another mystery awaiting resolution.

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What Causes FRBs?

Numerous hypotheses have been proposed regarding the cause of FRBs, ranging from chaotic black hole collisions to extraterrestrial signals. Many explanations have emerged, including the unlikely scenario of a microwave being accidentally detected. However, one candidate seems to rise above the rest.

“When massive stars collapse and go supernova, they leave behind highly magnetized neutron stars, or ‘magnetars,'” notes Eftekhari. “The reason magnetars are a compelling candidate for FRBs is that we have observed similar events emanating from known magnetars within our Milky Way.”

Neutron stars already possess strong magnetic fields, but magnetars are in a category of their own, with magnetic fields thousands of times stronger than those of typical neutron stars.

Furthermore, a higher frequency of FRBs has been detected in galaxies with rapid star formation. As Eftekhari explains, “To produce a supernova that results in a magnetar, a massive star is required, and these giant stars are found in star-forming galaxies.”

So, is the case settled? Not quite.

The Canadian CHIME radio telescope detected FRB 20240209A, potentially originating from a globular cluster. – Photo Credit: CHIME Experiment

This is where the two new studies published in January 2025 come into play, both examining the recurring FRB known as 20240209A.

“The first exciting aspect of this FRB is that it originates outside our galaxy,” says Vishwangi Shah, a doctoral student at McGill University, referencing the second study.

“There is only one other FRB detected outside our galaxy. In terms of its repeaters, I believe it originates from a globular cluster.”

Both Eftekhari and Shah suggest that 20240209A is also associated with globular clusters (dense groups of ancient stars existing on the outskirts of galaxies).

“This is remarkable,” Eftekhari comments. “The notion of magnetar progenitors poses a challenge since they typically require a group of young stars to form magnetars.”

So what does this mean for FRBs? One possibility is that magnetars are still the culprits, but they may be generated through entirely different mechanisms.

For instance, within these stellar graveyards, two normal neutron stars might combine to form magnetars. Alternatively, a white dwarf—a stellar remnant too small to evolve into a neutron star—could gather material from a nearby companion, culminating in a massive explosion that results in a magnetar.

Ultimately, the exact origin of these outlier events remains unknown. “It’s thrilling to contemplate that we might be dealing with a subpopulation of FRBs,” Eftekhari remarks. “This case isn’t as clear as it appears.”

Can We Determine the Origins of FRBs?

Despite nearly two decades of research, many questions regarding FRBs linger. Which objects are responsible? What processes drive these phenomena? And why do some FRBs repeat while others do not?

Thanks to advances in FRB detection technology, answers may be nearer than anticipated.

Recent findings related to 20240209A utilized Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME), a novel radio telescope capable of detecting two to three FRBs daily.

CHIME is currently undergoing enhancements aimed at pinpointing bursts with unprecedented precision.

This advancement in FRB detection represents great progress in unraveling their mysteries. While many FRBs have been observed, accurately identifying their environments has left several key questions regarding their origins unanswered.

Jankowski believes that in the near future, many cases like 20240209A could be unlocked, revealing their underlying mechanisms. “I anticipate significant progress in the coming years,” he adds.

The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), a massive observatory spanning Australia and South Africa, aims to join the search for FRBs shortly.

Eftekhari and Shah have also proposed utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope to explore the region where 20240209A was detected.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for FRB research,” highlights Jankowski. “We are poised to make remarkable discoveries in the next few years.”

Meet Our Experts

Dr. Tarraneh Eftekhari is a radio astronomer at Northwestern University, USA, with contributions to various scientific journals including Astrophysics Letter, Nature Astronomy, and Astrophysical Journal.

Dr. Fabian Djankowski is an astrophysicist at the French National Centre for Science and Technology who specializes in FRBs. His work has appeared in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Astrophysics Letter, and Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Vishwangi Shah is a doctoral student at McGill University in the USA and a researcher focusing on radio astronomy and FRBs. She has been published in Astrophysics Letter and Astronomy Journal.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Alabama Paid Millions to Law Firms for Prison Protection: AI-Generated Fake Citations Uncovered

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Frankie Johnson, an inmate at William E. Donaldson Prison near Birmingham, Alabama, reports being stabbed approximately 20 times within a year and a half.

In December 2019, Johnson claimed he was stabbed “at least nine times” in his housing unit. Then, in March 2020, after a group therapy session, officers handcuffed him to a desk and exited the unit. Shortly afterward, another inmate came in and stabbed him five times.

In November that same year, Johnson alleged that an officer handcuffed him and transported him to the prison yard, where another prisoner assaulted him with an ice pick and stabbed him “five or six times,” all while two corrections officers looked on. Johnson contended that one officer even encouraged the attack as retaliation for a prior conflict between him and the staff.

In 2021, Johnson filed a lawsuit against Alabama prison officials, citing unsafe conditions characterized by violence, understaffing, overcrowding, and significant corruption within the state’s prison system. To defend the lawsuit, the Alabama Attorney General’s office has engaged law firms that have received substantial payments from the state to support a faulty prison system, including Butler Snow.

State officials have praised Butler Snow for its experience in defending prison-related cases, particularly William Lansford, the head of their constitutional and civil rights litigation group. However, the firm is now facing sanctions from a federal judge overseeing Johnson’s case, following incidents where its lawyers referenced cases produced by artificial intelligence.

This is just one of several cases reflecting the issue of attorneys using AI-generated information in formal legal documents. A database that tracks such occurrences has noted 106 identified instances globally, where courts have encountered “AI hallucinations” in submitted materials.

Last year, lawyers received one-year suspensions for practicing law in Florida’s Central District after it was found that they were citing cases fabricated by AI. Earlier this month, a federal judge in California ordered a firm to pay over $30,000 in legal fees for including erroneous AI-generated studies.

During a hearing in Birmingham on Wednesday regarding Johnson’s case, U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco mentioned that she was contemplating various sanctions, such as fines, mandatory legal education, referrals to licensing bodies, and temporary suspensions.

She noted that existing disciplinary measures across the country have often been insufficient. “This case demonstrates that current sanctions are inadequate,” she remarked to Johnson’s attorney. “If they were sufficient, we wouldn’t be here.”

During the hearing, attorneys from Butler Snow expressed their apologies and stated they would accept any sanctions deemed appropriate by Manasco. They also highlighted their firm policy that mandates attorneys seek approval before employing AI tools for legal research.

Reeves, an attorney involved, took full responsibility for the lapses.

“I was aware of the restrictions concerning [AI] usage, and in these two instances, I failed to adhere to the policy,” Reeves stated.

Butler Snow’s lawyers were appointed by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and work on behalf of the state to defend ex-commissioner Jefferson Dunn of the Alabama Department of Corrections.

Lansford, who is contracted for the case, shared that the firm has begun a review of all previous submissions to ensure no additional instances of erroneous citations exist.

“This situation is still very new and raw,” Lansford conveyed to Manasco. “We are still working to perfect our response.”

Manasco indicated that Butler Snow would have 10 days to file a motion outlining their approach to resolving this issue before she decides on sanctions.

The use of fictitious AI citations has subsequently influenced disputes regarding case scheduling.

Lawyers from Butler Snow reached out to Johnson’s attorneys to arrange a deposition for Johnson while he remains incarcerated. However, Johnson’s lawyers objected to the proposed timeline, citing outstanding documents that Johnson deemed necessary before he could proceed.

In a court filing dated May 7, Butler Snow countered that case law necessitates a rapid deposition for Johnson. “The 11th Circuit and the District Court typically allow depositions for imprisoned plaintiffs when relevant to their claims or defenses, irrespective of other discovery disputes,” they asserted.

The lawyers listed four cases that superficially supported their arguments, but all turned out to be fabricated.

While some case titles were reminiscent of real cases, none were actually relevant to the matter at hand. For instance, one was a 2021 case titled Kelly v. Birmingham; however, Johnson’s attorneys noted that “the only existing case titled Kelly v. City of Birmingham could be uniquely identified by the plaintiff’s lawyers.”

Earlier this week, Johnson’s lawyers filed a motion highlighting the fabrications, asserting they were creations of “generative artificial intelligence.” They also identified another clearly fictitious citation in prior submissions related to the discovery dispute.

The following day, Manasco scheduled a hearing regarding whether Butler Snow’s counsel should be approved. “Given the severity of the allegations, the court conducted an independent review of each citation submitted, but found nothing to support them,” she wrote.

In his declaration to the court, Reeves indicated he was reviewing filings drafted by junior colleagues and included a citation he presumed was a well-established point of law.

“I was generally familiar with ChatGPT,” Reeves mentioned, explaining that he sought assistance to bolster the legal arguments needed for the motion. However, he admitted he “rushed to finalize and submit the motions” and “did not independently verify the case citations provided by ChatGPT through Westlaw or PACER before their inclusion.”

“I truly regret this lapse in judgment and diligence,” Reeves expressed. “I accept full responsibility.”

Damien Charlotin, a legal researcher and academic based in Paris, notes that incidents of false AI content entering legal filings are on the rise. Track the case.

“We’re witnessing a rapid increase,” he stated. “The number of cases over the past weeks and months has spiked compared to earlier periods.”

Thus far, the judicial response to this issue has been quite lenient, according to Charlotin. More severe repercussions, including substantial fines and suspensions, typically arise when lawyers fail to take responsibility for their mistakes.

“I don’t believe this will continue indefinitely,” Charlotin predicted. “Eventually, everyone will be held accountable.”

In addition to the Johnson case, Lansford and Butler Snow have contracts with the Alabama Department of Corrections to handle several large civil rights lawsuits. These include cases raised by the Justice Department during Donald Trump’s presidency in 2020.

The contract for that matter was valued at $15 million over two years.

Some Alabama legislators have questioned the significant amount of state funds allocated to law firms for defending these cases. However, this week’s missteps have not appeared to diminish the Attorney General’s confidence in Lansford or Butler Snow to continue their work.

On Wednesday, Manasco addressed the attorney from the Attorney General’s office present at the hearing.

“Mr. Lansford remains the Attorney General’s preferred counsel,” he replied.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Researchers examined 8 million US speeches and uncovered unexpected patterns

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Research has revealed a significant decline in the use of evidence-based language in American political speeches since the 1970s.

Findings published in the journal Natural human behavior stemmed from an analysis of over 8 million speeches delivered in the US Congress over the last 140 years.

“We wanted to understand why some politicians who frequently lie are perceived as honest,” stated Dr. Segun Aroyehun, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Constance in Germany, as quoted in BBC Science Focus. “Often, it is because they speak about their beliefs and come across as genuine.”

Earlier research by Aroyehun and colleagues highlighted a shift in language usage among US Congress members towards belief-driven and intuitive language, departing from evidence-based language.

“There is a clear distinction between evidence-based truth and intuitive truth, where emotions play a crucial role,” Aroyehun explained.

To delve deeper, the team probed historical records to ascertain if this shift was a recent occurrence.

Utilizing machine learning models, the researchers combed through almost 150 years of Congress speeches, establishing a scoring system based on keywords signifying evidence-based or intuition-based language.

While evidence-based keywords comprised terms like “analysis”, “data”, “study results”, and “study”, intuition-based language included phrases such as “perspective”, “common sense”, “prediction”, and “believe”.

Both Republicans and Democrats have exhibited similar language changes in their political speeches over the past 140 years. – Getty

Each speech was assessed based on the evidence-intuition language ratio.

The results were striking. While the ratio fluctuated over the 140-year period, evidence-based language predominated until the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s before a shift took place. Since the 1970s, intuition-based language has gradually gained prominence.

Aroyehun noted that this trend applied to both Democratic and Republican politicians, with a recent uptick observed in evidence-based language among Democrats.

He underscored that the ratio does not determine the veracity of the speech content.

Nonetheless, these linguistic shifts have had repercussions. The team juxtaposed these changes with measures of legislative polarization and income inequality, observing a simultaneous decline in parliamentary productivity—measured by statute quantity and quality—over this period.

“The core message here is the significance of rhetoric,” Aroyehun emphasized. “The nature of truth pursuit reflected in US Congress language is integral to gauging social and political well-being.”

The team aims to employ similar methodologies to analyze speeches in Germany and Italy, tracking trends across diverse democracies.

About our experts

Segun Aroyehun is a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the Social Data Science Group at the University of Constance. He holds a PhD from Centro derestigación Computación, IPN, focusing on devising robust strategies to combat offensive content on social media. His research has been featured in publications like Natural human behavior and Natural Communication.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Phylums of Bacteria Uncovered in Earth’s Deep Soil by Biologists

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Deep Soils – Depending on the type and area of ​​soil, ranges from less than 30 cm (12 inches) to several hundred meters are neglected ecosystems within important zones of the Earth. Biologists have now discovered a wide and relatively abundant bacterial phyla, named CSP1-3, in deep soils, and evaluated its phylogenetic, ecology, metabolism, and evolutionary history.

A diagram showing the history of evolution from aquatic organisms and adaptive characteristics of CSP1-3 phylums in each habitat. Image credit: Michigan State University.

“The key zone extends from above the trees through the soil to a maximum of 213 m (700 feet),” said Professor James Tiedee of Michigan State University.

“This zone supports most life on the planet as it regulates critical processes such as soil formation, water circulation and nutrition cycling, which are essential for food production, water quality, and ecosystem health.”

“Despite its importance, the deep critical zone is a new frontier, as it is a relatively unexplored part of the Earth.”

Professor Tiedje and his colleagues discovered a completely different microbial phylum called CSP1-3 in this huge, unexplored world of microorganisms.

This new gate was identified in soil samples ranging from both Iowa and China up to 70 feet (21 m) deep.

“Why Iowa and China? Because these two regions have very deep and similar soils and I want to know if their occurrence is more common than just one region,” Professor Tiedje said.

Researchers extracted DNA from these deep soils and discovered that CSP1-3 ancestors lived in water millions of years ago.

They undergo at least one major habitat transition to colonize the soil environment. It is in the first topsoil and the deep soil that followed, within its evolutionary history.

Scientists also discovered that CSP1-3 microorganisms are active.

“Most people think that these organisms are like spores and dormant,” Professor Thiedeye said.

“But one of the important findings we found by examining DNA is that these microorganisms are growing actively and slowly.”

The authors were also surprised that these microorganisms were not unusual members of the community, but dominated. In some cases, they made up more than 50% of the community, but this is by no means the case in surface soils.

“I think this happened because deep soils are very different environments and this group of organisms evolved over a long period of time to adapt to this poor soil environment,” Professor Tiedje said.

a paper The explanation of the survey results was published on March 18th. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Wenlu Feng et al. 2025. Diversification, niche adaptation, and evolution of candidate phylums that thrive in deep critical zones. pnas 122 (12): E2424463122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2424463122

Source: www.sci.news

How Zuckerberg Uncovered the Streisand Effect Through Bestseller Success

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Feedback is the latest science and technology news of new scientists, the sidelines of the latest science and technology news. You can email Feedback@newscientist.com to send items you believe readers can be fascinated by feedback.

Streisand strikes again

Some things are sadly inevitable: death, taxes, another ColdPlay album. One such inevitability is that, as it was proven beyond reasonable doubt, if you try to suppress an embarrassing story, it only draws more attention to it.

This phenomenon is called the Streisand effect after the 2003 incident in which Barbra Streisand appealed to take aerial photographs from the Internet. The shot was part of a series that documented coastal erosion in California, but identified her cliff top mansion. She lost and in the process she turned her attention to the public to the photos. It has been accessed hundreds of thousands of times after downloading six times (two by lawyers).

So, with the tired inevitability, we come to the meta again. Meta, Mark Zuckerberg’s personal empire covers Facebook, Instagram, threads, WhatsApp and a fair amount of Hawaiian chunks. In March, Sarah Wynn-Williams – former Facebook’s director of public policy – published a memoir of time at a company that has a Gatsby-esque title Careless people. Meta has a very strong honorary lawyer and we don’t want to be held liable, so feedback is not going to repeat certain claims. New Scientist“All of the in-house lawyers have dropped heart attack deaths, and just say it is enough, it is a real page turn.

Meta responded by taking legal action. By leveraging the non-disclosure agreement, Meta blocked her from being promoted as Wynn-Williams signed when he left the company Careless people. An interview that she might have seen with was conducted before Meta was given an injunction.

result? This book has become a global bestseller and you just read about it New Scientist.

Aggressive Paris Dae

Feedback recently told the story of researcher Nicholas Gegen. Nicholas Gegen retracted some of his papers on the benefits of having a big breast while hitchhiking, as a result of an investigation by Data Detective and James Heathers (March 15).

So we were naturally intrigued to receive emails from Brown. We wondered if the details were wrong or if they packed them with stories.

However, he wrote according to another item in the same column. This is related to the issue of perennial Scunthorpe. Because it is the fact that completely innocent words can contain isolated and offensive strings, automated systems that block suspicious words often catch harmless words in the web.

“I worked there before I became a scientist,” explains Brown. “Maybe around 1999, someone came to me with a question. Her email to the Royal Bank of Scotland bouncing back. The rejection notice literally said this: “Reason: Smell: Boobs.”

Reader: Take some time to recover from the shock. We were also amazed at how automated systems used the phrase “dirty words.” We were not aware that the RBS system was based on elementary school behavioral guidance.

Brown looked into the message that it was “completely harmless and did not contain any references to birds of the Palidae family.” He then used a text editor to look at the email header where he found “slutty words.”

“We were in France and used that name. Asterix Our server cartoon was named “Petitsuix” by one of the email servers the message passed through. “This is the inn that appears in three different places. Asterix volume: His name is a parody of Petit Sau cheese.if you didn’t get it. So, the email header “contains something,” Brown says.Via: Petitsuix.domain.com‘, and therefore you run into the Scunthorpe problem.’

This led Brown to wonder what would have happened if his employer had used the same spam spam software by accident in hell. Did our spam filter server come back saying, “You’re ‘boobs'” and “No, ‘boobs'”? ”

So what happened next? “I remember back then saying, ‘Well, the bank is going to burst,'” Brown says. He had to wait until 2008. And we must say that legal feedback, despite Brown’s pun glory, did not happen. The government has bailed out the banks.

I’m in line

Sometimes feedback comes across solutions to a brilliant, rocky problem at the same time. Such a solution was drawn to our attention by reporter Matthew Sparks.

As three researchers were trying to make queuing fatal, they developed a robot for the people in Queu to play. As they explained, the robots areSocial Queue“It’s a robot pole.[s] Together with people through three modes of interaction: “attraction”, “running away” and “friendly.” “It apparently “enhanced people’s enjoyment.”

Feedback is not a robot player: not from a complete lack of technical capabilities, but destroying ideas – that’s what we saw Battlestar Galactica I decided not to conspire with the robot apocalypse. Still, this sounds like an engineering feat.

However, we wondered why everyone cares about designing a cue robot when they can set up a timing entry system to eliminate queues.

Have you talked about feedback?

You can send stories to feedback by email at feedback@newscientist.com. Include your home address. This week and past feedback can be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare bipolar dinosaurs uncovered in Mongolia by scientists

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A new species of dinosaurs has been uncovered in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. Known as Duonychus tsogtbaatari, this dinosaur possessed two feet long claw fingers on each hand, belonging to the Teresino Sauria.

Referred to as Duonychus, which is the Greek term for two claws, this dinosaur stood approximately 10 feet tall, weighed around 570 pounds, and was part of the Therizinosaurs group. It displayed a unique set of characteristics, including feathers.

These dinosaurs existed in Asia and North America during the Cretaceous period, spanning from 145 to 66 million years ago.

Despite having only two claws, researchers described Duonychus in a study published in the JournalIscience as an “effective climber” capable of reaching branches or vegetation masses up to five inches in diameter.

A claw belonging to Duonychus Tsogtbaatari, excavated in Mongolia.Kobayashi et al. / Science via Reuters

NBC News reached out to the research team for additional comments.

The fossil specimen was unearthed in 2012 by scientists at the Institute of Paleontology at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, dating back 90 million years and showcasing exceptional diversity.

Although the fossil was a partial skeleton missing the skull and legs, the hands were remarkably well-preserved. The Duonychus individuals were not fully grown, and their claws measured approximately 1 foot in length.

Therodinosaurus belonged to a group of herbivorous dinosaurs such as tyrannosaurus and spinosaurus, but mainly consumed leaves from large shrubs and trees.

The discovery of Duonychus and its two claws was described as remarkable by Michael Benton, a vertebrate paleontology professor at the University of Bristol, UK, who was not involved in the study.

Initially, dinosaurs possessed five fingers like humans, eventually losing two over time, leading to the majority having three fingers, Benton explained in an email to NBC News on Wednesday.

Benton highlighted that the number of digits did not impact their capabilities, mentioning that the third finger was shorter in length, potentially serving a specific purpose.

He emphasized the vast diversity and varied shapes and functions of dinosaurs, stating that they are incredibly diverse.

According to the study, the fossil records of Terazinosauria are particularly abundant in Cretaceous sediments in East Asia, particularly in Mongolia and China.

United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) recognizes the Gobi Desert in Mongolia as the largest dinosaur fossil repository in the world.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Uncovered: British Technology Secretary Peter Kyle’s Use of ChatGPT for Policy Guidance

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British Secretary of Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle says he uses chatGpt to understand difficult concepts.

Ju Jae-Young/Wiktor Szymanowicz/Shutterstock

British technology secretary Peter Kyle asked ChatGpt for advice on why artificial intelligence is so slow in the UK business community and which podcasts to appear on.

This week, Prime Minister Kiel Starmer said the UK government should make much more use of AI to improve efficiency. “We shouldn't spend substantial time on tasks where digital or AI can make it better, faster, the same high quality and standard.” He said.

now, New Scientist Kyle's record of ChatGpt usage is considered to be the world's first test under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, whether chatbot interactions are subject to such laws.

These records show that Kyle asked ChatGpt to explain why the UK Small Business (SMB) community is so slow to adopt AI. ChatGpt returned a 10-point list of issues that hinder adoption, including sections on “Limited Awareness and Understanding,” “Regulation and Ethical Concerns,” and “Less of Government or Institutional Support.”

The chatbot advised Kyle: “The UK government has launched initiatives to encourage AI adoption, but many SMBs have either been unaware of these programs or find it difficult to navigate. Limited access to funding or incentives for risky AI investments could also block adoption,” he said in regards to regulatory and ethical concerns. “Compliance with data protection laws such as GDPR, etc. [a data privacy law]which could be an important hurdle. SMBs may worry about legal and ethical issues related to the use of AI. ”

“As a minister in charge of AI, the Secretary of State uses this technology. A spokesman for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), led by Kyle, said: “The government uses AI as a labor saving tool, supported by clear guidance on how to quickly and safely utilize technology.”

Kyle also used the chatbot in his canvas idea for media appearances, saying, “I am the Secretary of State for UK Science, Innovation and Technology. What is the best podcast for me to appear to reach a wide audience worthy of the responsibility of ministers?” ChatGpt proposed. Infinite salcage and Naked Scientistbased on the number of listeners.

In addition to seeking this advice, Kyle asked ChatGpt to define various terms related to his department: Antimatter, Quantum, and Digital Inclusion. Two experts New Scientist Regarding Quantum's definition of ChatGpt, he said he was surprised by the quality of the response. “In my opinion, this is surprisingly good.” Peter Night Imperial College London. “I don't think that's bad at all.” Christian Bonato at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, UK.

New Scientist Requested Kyle's recent data Interview with Politicshomepoliticians were explained “frequently” using chatgpt. He used it to “try to understand the broader context in which innovation came into being, the people who developed it, the organization behind them, and stated, “ChatGpt is fantastically superior and if there are places you really struggle to really get a deeper understanding, ChatGpt can be a very good tutor.”

DSIT initially refused The new scientistS FOI request, “Peter Kyle's ChatGPT history includes prompts and responses made in both personal and official abilities.” A sophisticated request was granted, with only prompts and responses made in official capabilities.

The fact that data was provided at all is a shock, and Tim Turner, a data protection expert based in Manchester, UK, thinks it may be the first case of a chatbot interaction being released under the FOI. “I'm amazed that you got them,” he says. “I would have thought they wanted to avoid precedent.”

This raises questions to governments with similar FOI laws, such as the United States. For example, ChatGpt is like an email or WhatsApp conversation. Both have been historically covered by FOI based on past precedents – or are they the results of search engine queries that traditionally organizations are likely to reject? Experts disagree with the answer.

“As a rule, if you can extract it from the departmental system, it will also cover the minister's Google search history,” says Jon Baines of the UK law firm Mishcon De Reya.

“Personally, I don't think ChatGpt is the same as Google search,” he says. John SlaterFOI expert. That's because Google search doesn't create new information, he says. “ChatGpt, on the other hand, “creates” something based on input from the user. ”

This uncertainty may make politicians want to avoid using personalized commercial AI tools like ChatGpt, Turner says. “It's a real can of worms,” ​​he says. “To cover their backs, politicians definitely need to use public tools provided by their departments to ensure that the public is an audience.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Chinese researchers have uncovered 125 million Scorpion fossils

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Paleontologists describe new genus and species of extinct scorpions from the early Cretaceous Ixia Formation in China.

Jeholia Longkengi It is China's first Mesozoic scorpion. Image credit: Jie Sun/Xuan et al. , doi: 10.1016/j.scib.2025.01.035.

It has been named Jeholia LongkengiThe new species lived around 125 million years ago (early Cretaceous period).

The fossilized scorpion ruins are Yixian Layer In the village of Heishangou in Chifen City, Nei Mongolia, China.

“Scorpions belong to the Arachnida class within the arthropod and have a relatively small number of fossil records,” said Dr. Qiang Xuan, a researcher at the Institute of Geology and Paleontology and a researcher of excellence for the excellence of life and paleoenvironment at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“Early scorpions came from the Midsilurian era, and at least some of them are interpreted as transient forms from sea to land.”

“Even though they are among the early terrestrial arthropods, fossils and living scorpions retain mostly conservative body plans.”

“Mesozoic scorpions are primarily from the Burmese system in the Middle Cretaceous, but compressed scorpion fossils that usually accumulate in the hierarchy are relatively rare, except for late Triassic Cuper sandstone formation in England and late Cretaceous Krato formation in Brazil.”

“Three fossil scorpions, including the Miocene scorpion, have been reported from China Sinoscorpius Shandongensis From Devonian Scorpion, County Chandon Hubeiscorpio gracilitarsis From Hubei Province and Permian Scorpion Eoscorpius sp. From Uda, Nei Mongol. ”

Jeholia Longkengi He was a member of the early Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystem known as Jehoru Biotait is internationally renowned for the discovery of exceptional fossils, including feathered dinosaurs, early birds, diverse mammals, pterosaurs, and several arthropod fossils.

“The Jehol Biota is one of the most important and prolific fossil sites for studying early Cretaceous life,” the paleontologist said.

“No previous fossil scorpions have been recorded despite many fossil species being reported.”

The full length of Jeholia Longkengi It was about 10 cm (4 inches). It is larger than other Mesozoic scorpions and considerably larger than many living scorpions.

“Jeholia Longkengi They may feed primarily a variety of insects, including herbivorous, omnivorous, corrosive, fungal and predatory species that are common in gel biotas, and perhaps spiders, frogs, small salamanders, lizards and mammals,” the researchers said.

“We recommend that potential natural enemies of this Cretaceous scorpion include dinosaurs, birds and mammals, according to previously reported Jehol Biota food web model.”

“However, there is no fossil record for the oral sector, so speculation about their feeding habits is in the preliminary stage.”

“Middle centrality is a metric that quantifies the importance of a node in connecting other nodes in the network,” they added.

“It plays a pivotal role in assessing the extent to which a node acts as a bridge and linking other nodes in the network.”

“In Jehor's Biota Food Network, large scorpions exhibit the highest intermediate centrality of all guilds, highlighting the possibility that fossil scorpions had extensive ecological interactions with other species of early terrestrial ecosystems.”

“Our findings contribute to new insights into the complexity of Yel Biota's food web,” they concluded.

Team's paper Published in the journal Science news.

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Qiang Xuan et al. The first Mesozoic scorpion from China and its ecological meaning. Science newsPublished online on January 24th, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.scib.2025.01.035

Source: www.sci.news

Elon Musk Confesses to cheating in video games as chat records are uncovered

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Elon Musk has confessed to cheating in video games in order to achieve high scores. Private online conversations have revealed the billionaire’s extravagant claims of being a top-ranked player in the world. The intense scandal surrounding this incident seems to have subsided.

Musk has often bragged about his gaming rankings, as he mentioned in an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan last year. He reportedly held a position among the top 20 players globally in the highly challenging action role-playing game Diablo IV.

These claims raised eyebrows about how the world’s wealthiest man could dedicate time to compete on a global scale. Juggling responsibilities at companies like Tesla, X, and SpaceX, as well as his involvement in politics with Donald Trump, would have left him with little time for gaming.

The games Musk claimed to have high scores in, Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2, are known for their difficulty. Some players spend countless hours “grinding” through dungeons, battling monsters, and crafting powerful virtual characters.

The revelation of Musk’s unexpected gaming abilities came to light in an article that unveiled a direct message conversation he had with a top Diablo player, Nico Wrex, on X.

During the conversation, Musk admitted to “account boosting,” a form of cheating where players pay to have their characters powered up by others. Musk’s response to questions about leveling up and acquiring gear for Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4 hinted at these practices.

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The Guardian could not independently verify the transcript, but Musk mentioned that he reposted the video to his X account and interacted with NikoWrex on X. NikoWrex’s video discussing Path of Exile 2 in early January indicated Musk’s involvement.

Grimes, a Canadian musician and Musk’s partner, defended him on Twitter, asserting that he witnessed Musk’s gaming prowess firsthand. However, suspicions of cheating arose when Musk’s character in Path of Exile 2 was found to be active in the game while Musk was attending President Trump’s inauguration.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Evidence of Electrical Signaling and Coordinated Behavior Uncovered in Choanoflagellates by Biologists

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Scientists of University of Bergen: The surprising diversity of behavior within the rosette-shaped colony has been revealed. Salpingoeca Rosetta is a rare species of choanoflagellates – the closest relatives of animals.

Artwork depicting calcium signaling in rosette colonies of choanoflagellates Salpingoeca Rosetta. Image credit: Davis Laundon & Kate Zvorykina, Ella MAR Studio, Inc.

“We discovered that communication takes place between the cells of the colony, which regulates the overall shape of the rosette and the beating of the ciliary body,” said Dr. Jeffrey Colgren, a researcher at the Michael Szasz Center at the University of Bergen. Ta.

“Before I put the cultures under the microscope, I didn’t really have any expectations of what I was going to see in the cultures, but once I saw them, I was really excited.”

Multicellularity is a defining feature of all animals, allowing animals to interact with their environment in unique ways by integrating input from highly specialized cell types such as neurons and muscle cells. make it possible.

In the case of choanoflagellates, flagellated bacterial organisms found in marine and aquatic environments around the world, the boundaries between unicellularity and multicellularity are less clear-cut.

including some species Salpingoeca Rosetta exhibiting a complex life cycle that includes a colonial period.

Colonies are formed by cell division, similar to the development of animal embryos, but they do not have specialized cell types and resemble groups of individual cells rather than cohesive organisms.

“Salpingoeca Rosetta “This is a powerful model to study the emergence of multicellularity in animal evolution,” said Dr. Pawel Burkhardt, also from the Michael Saas Center at the University of Bergen.

“Our study provides interesting insights into early sensorimotor systems, as it reveals that colonial flagellates coordinate their movements through a common signaling pathway.”

Using a newly developed genetic tool that can visualize calcium activity Salpingoeca Rosetta The authors found that the cells synchronize their behavior through voltage-gated calcium channels, the same type of channels used by neurons and muscle cells in animals.

“This evidence of how information flows between cells in a choanoflagellate colony points to cell-to-cell signaling at the apex of multicellularity,” Dr. Colgren said.

“Surprisingly, this discovery suggests that the ability to coordinate movement at the cellular level predates the first animals.”

The research team now plans to further investigate how signals are propagated between cells and whether similar mechanisms exist in other choanoflagellate species.

“The tools developed and the results of this study reveal many new and interesting questions,” said Dr. Colgren.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what direction ourselves and others take this in the future.”

a paper A description of the discovery was published in a magazine scientific progress.

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Jeffrey Colgren and Pawel Burkhardt. 2025. Electrical signaling and cooperative behavior in animals’ closest relatives. scientific progress 11(2);doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adr7434

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Dinosaur Highway Footprints Uncovered in the UK, Dating Back 166 Million Years

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Workers excavating clay at a limestone quarry in southern England stumbled upon a unique bump, leading to the discovery of a “dinosaur highway” and approximately 200 tracks dating back 166 million years, as revealed by researchers on Thursday.

Researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Birmingham unveiled this groundbreaking find after a team of over 100 individuals excavated the Dewars Farm quarry in Oxfordshire in June. This discovery is said to revolutionize previous paleontological research in the area and provide deeper insights into the Middle Jurassic era.

Kirsty Edgar, a professor of micropalaeontology at the University of Birmingham, expressed, “These footprints offer a unique glimpse into the lives of dinosaurs, providing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical habitats they inhabited.”

Among the series of tracks forming the “dinosaur highway,” four tracks trace the path of sauropods, giant, long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs that reached lengths of nearly 60 feet. The fifth set belonged to Megalosaurus, a fierce 30-foot-long predator with distinctive three-clawed markings, which was the first dinosaur to be scientifically named over two centuries ago.

Workers survey five vast tracks that formed part of the “Dinosaur Highway.”
University of Birmingham (via AP)

Crossing sections where the tracks intersect raised queries about potential encounters between carnivores and herbivores.

Emma Nichols, a vertebrate paleontologist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, acknowledged, “Scientists have long studied megalosaurs, but this discovery evidences the existence of further insights into these creatures that are yet to be uncovered.”

Nearly three decades ago, 40 pairs of footprints discovered in a local limestone quarry were deemed among the most significant dinosaur footprints globally. However, as the region is now largely inaccessible, evidence is limited due to the absence of digital cameras and drones during that period.

During the recent excavation, the team captured over 20,000 digital images and utilized a drone to create 3D models of the prints. This extensive documentation could prove valuable for future studies, revealing aspects like the size of the dinosaurs, their gait, and speed.

Duncan Murdoch, a geoscientist at the Oxford Museum, noted, “The preservation of these tracks is so detailed that the deformation of the mud by the dinosaurs’ feet can be observed. Together with other fossils present, such as burrows, shells, and plants, these tracks can reconstruct the muddy lagoon environments the dinosaurs traversed.”

These findings will be showcased in a new exhibit at the museum and will be featured on the BBC’s Digging for Britain next week.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New sauropod dinosaur species uncovered by paleontologists in China

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newly discovered dinosaur species, Richeron WangiIt is central to the transition from early sauropods to sauropods. paper Published in a magazine Peer J.

Photograph of the skull (A) and interpretive line drawing (B) Richeron Wangi In right side view. Image credit: Wei Gao.

Richeron Wangi They roamed the Laurasian supercontinent during the early Jurassic period, about 193 million years ago.

This new species was a non-sauropod dinosaur in the clade. Masopoda.

“Non-sauropod sauropods were the dominant sauropods from the Norian period (227 to 208 million years ago) to the end of the Early Jurassic period (175 million years ago). “They were the main group of herbivores until they were replaced,” Dr. Qian said. Nan Zhang is a paleontologist at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology and the Nanjing Institute of Science. Department of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and colleagues.

“Since Thecodontosaurus Since it was first established, more than 40 valid nonsauropod sauropods have been reported worldwide. ”

“Most of these genera were identified from Gondwana and recovered primarily from South America and southern Africa.”

“The Early Jurassic was a critical period for tracing the early radiation and diversification of sauropod dinosaurs,” the researchers added.

“Nearly all of the non-sauropods currently recovered in China have been reported from Yunnan Province, and the Early Jurassic Lufeng Formation is the most fossil-rich Mesozoic unit in the province.”

“Despite the well-preserved and abundant nature of these Lufeng materials, comparative studies and cladistic analyzes have underestimated the number of rare skulls in particular.”

Richeron WangiA partial skeleton of was recovered from the middle-upper part of the Shawan Formation of the Lufeng Formation near Jiutou Village, Yunnan Province, China.

The specimen includes a skull and mandible, as well as a nine-articulated cervical vertebrae.

“This new species differs from other terrestrial species in both cranial and cervical features,” the paleontologists said.

“It has some automorphisms of the nasal process, maxillary neurovascular foramen, and cervical neurovertebral column.”

The research team's phylogenetic analysis revealed the following: Richeron Wangi It is a sister species of Yunnanosaurus.

“Richeron Wangi “It has the largest skull among the abundant sauropod members of the Lufeng Formation,” the researchers said.

“Therefore, a reconsideration of phylogenetic analyzes using individual specimens of ascertainable ontogenetic stages as operational taxonomic units is undertaken to obtain generally better resolution.”

“Our study provides new insights to previous authors who addressed the anatomy of Lufeng species and represents a first step toward a reassessment of this famous dinosaur fauna.”

“Furthermore, Gondwanan early sauropod paleontological diversity appears to have decreased slightly across the Triassic-Jurassic boundary.”

“We therefore hypothesize that a non-sauropod genus of sauropods survived and rapidly radiated from Laurasia, particularly China.”

“Furthermore, the reconstruction of the ancestral region of Lufeng sauropods is temporally ambiguous.”

“However, the consequences of multiple rounds of dispersal and exchange may explain the continued diversification advantage of non-sauropods in the Lufeng Formation.”

“The limited paleobiogeographic information available from Richeron Wangi “This provides evidence that at least sauropods, or an early sauropod lineage closely related to sauropods, were present in southwestern China during the Early Jurassic.”

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Q. Chan others. 2024. The largest sauropod skull excavated from the Lufeng Formation of the Lower Jurassic period in China. Peer J 12: e18629;doi: 10.7717/peerj.18629

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists might have uncovered the answer to the mystery of whale calls

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Approximately 50 million years ago, the ancestors of land-based whales transitioned into the oceans, developing various adaptations for their new aquatic life.

They acquired nostrils on the top of their heads for easier breathing at the surface, while their limbs evolved into flippers and fins for swimming. Although the vocalizations of humpback and other baleen whales were well-known, the method by which they produced these sounds remained a mystery until recently.

Studying the sounds of live whales in the vast oceans presented a significant challenge. In a groundbreaking study released in early 2024, scientists were able to examine the voice box of baleen whales by studying the larynxes and carcasses of three stranded whales – a humpback, a sei whale, and a minke whale, which were in relatively good condition.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2024/12/GettyImages-1254094926.mp4
Whales communicate through low bass sounds.

The larynx of baleen whales is a peculiar organ consisting of elongated cylinders that press against a fat cushion in a rigid U-shape. When air was blown into the larynx, the cushion vibrated, producing low-frequency sounds.

Live whales recycle air through their larynx, enabling them to vocalize without inhaling water or depleting their air supply. Researchers also developed a 3D computer model of the whale’s larynx to demonstrate how muscles control sound production.

This research revealed that the baleen whale’s vocalizations overlapped in frequency with the noise generated by ship propellers.

Due to the structure of whales’ larynx, they lack the ability to adjust their vocal pitch to avoid colliding with underwater ship sounds, making it challenging for them to communicate over long distances in increasingly noisy oceans.

This article addresses the query “How do whales sing in the ocean?” (submitted by Howard Hinchcliffe via email).

If you have any inquiries, please contact us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor reach out to us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please provide your name and location).

Explore more amazing science content on our fun facts page.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Newly Uncovered Massive Energy Reserve Found Beneath Earth’s Crust

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The issue of energy consumption and its sources has always been a significant concern in the context of the climate crisis. In response, efforts are being made to utilize cleaner and newer fuels. Recently, a groundbreaking discovery of vast reservoirs of hydrogen energy hiding beneath the Earth’s surface has emerged, prompting questions about its potential impact.

Naturally occurring geological hydrogen is formed through Earth’s geochemical processes and has been identified in limited locations such as Albania and Mali. Research published in the journal Scientific Progress suggests that these reserves are widespread globally.

The study posits that if just 2 percent of the underground hydrogen could be extracted, it could yield 1.4 × 10^16 Joules of energy, equivalent to the world population’s energy consumption in 35 minutes. This amount of energy exceeds that of all natural gas reserves on Earth and could aid in achieving net-zero carbon goals.

While current methods for obtaining hydrogen involve fossil fuels or water-intensive electrolysis processes with a carbon footprint, extracting geological hydrogen is a comparatively low-carbon process, albeit currently practiced only in Mali.

Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey have developed a model combining knowledge of hydrogen occurrence and geological data to explore these reservoirs on a global scale, estimating a substantial amount of hidden hydrogen beneath the Earth’s surface.

However, experts are hesitant about committing resources to extraction due to the scale and infrastructure required, as highlighted by geoscientist Professor Bill McGuire from University College London (UCL). He emphasizes the abundance of renewable energy sources like wind and solar and questions the necessity of tapping into another finite resource.

About our experts

Professor Bill McGuire is a volcanologist, climatologist, and author currently serving as Professor of Geophysics and Climate Hazards at UCL. His works include books on natural disasters, environmental change, and climate solutions.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Ancient Mars: Evidence of Hydrothermal Activity Uncovered by Meteorite

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Scientists from Curtin University and the University of Adelaide analyzed 4.45 billion-year-old zircon particles from a famous Martian meteorite called North West Africa 7034 (NWA 7034) to determine the geochemistry of the water-rich fluid. They found a “fingerprint.”

Northwest Africa 7034. Image credit: NASA.

NWA 7034 weighs approximately 320 grams and is a regolith breccia from Mars.

This meteorite, better known as Black Beauty, was discovered in Morocco's Sahara desert in 2011.

NWA 7034 contains the oldest Martian igneous material ever discovered (approximately 4.45 billion years old).

Dr Aaron Cavosy from Curtin University said: “This discovery opens new avenues for understanding not only the past habitability of Mars, but also the ancient Martian hydrothermal systems associated with magmatic activity.” Ta.

“We used nanoscale geochemistry to detect elemental evidence of Martian hydrothermal waters 4.45 billion years ago.”

“Hydrothermal systems are essential for the development of life on Earth, and our findings show that Mars also had water, a key component of a habitable environment, during its early history of crustal formation.” It suggests that.

“Through nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy, the research team identified the elemental pattern of this unique zircon, including iron, aluminum, yttrium, and sodium.”

“These elements were added when zircon formed 4.45 billion years ago, suggesting that water was present during early magmatic activity on Mars.”

The authors show that water was present in the early pre-Noachian period before about 4.1 billion years ago, even though the Martian crust withstood massive meteorite impacts that caused large-scale surface deformation. showed.

“A 2022 Curtin study on the same zircon particle found that it had been 'shocked' by a meteorite impact, making it the first and only known shocked zircon from Mars. “It turns out,” Dr. Kavosie said.

“This new study identifies telltale signatures of water-rich fluids when the particles formed and provides geochemical markers of water in the oldest known Martian crust. This brings us one step closer to understanding early Mars.”

of findings appear in the diary scientific progress.

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Jack Gillespie others. 2024. Zircon trace element evidence of early hydrothermal activity on Mars. scientific progress 10(47);doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adq3694

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists may have uncovered the key to solving a significant weight loss mystery

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When it comes to weight loss, one universal truth stands out: losing body fat is challenging, and keeping it off can be even more difficult. A recent study may shed some light on why this is the case: adipose tissue, or body fat, retains a sort of “memory” even after cells have become obese.

“This discovery potentially helps explain the changes that occur in adipose tissue during weight fluctuations,” explained Dr. Ferdinand von Mayen, an assistant professor at ETH Zurich’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

Dr. von Mayen and his team observed transcriptional changes in human cells, which are responsible for regulating genetic material, in individuals’ adipose tissue before and after a 25 percent reduction in BMI. “We found that even after weight loss, the genetic regulation in adipose tissue did not fully return to normal, indicating that the body is programmed to regain lost weight,” he added.

While this news may be disheartening for those on a weight loss journey, Dr. von Mayen hopes that this study will help destigmatize weight fluctuations. “There is a molecular mechanism at play that influences weight regain, and it’s not simply a matter of willpower,” he emphasized.

He also stressed the importance of prevention in addressing the global obesity epidemic. “Early intervention is key, as it is much harder to lose weight once it has been gained. Implementing healthier lifestyle choices at a societal level is crucial in combating this issue,” Dr. von Mayen noted.

About our experts

Dr. von Mayen: I specialize in researching obesity and metabolic diseases at the Nutritional and Metabolic Epigenetics Laboratory at ETH Zurich.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Ancient Shoreline Uncovered in Utopia Region of Mars

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Sedimentary mineral deposits discovered on the surface of Mars may be the remains of ancient oceans from 3.5 billion years ago. New results from China's Tianwen-1/Zhulong mission suggest the existence of landforms consistent with the coastline of the southern Utopian Plains, providing further evidence for the existence of a short-lived ocean early in the planet's history.

Shoryu landing site. Image credit: Wu others., doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-75507-w.

“The hypothesis of a Martian ocean in the northern lowlands remains an interesting unanswered question about the early stages of Mars' evolution,” said Bo Wu of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and colleagues.

“The presence of an ocean had a major impact on early Mars' climate and atmosphere and may have left a geological record of its existence.”

“China's Mars probe Zhulong, aboard Tianwen-1, successfully landed in the southern part of Mars' Utopia Plain in May 2021.”

“This area has long been hypothesized to be part of an ancient ocean that once covered the northern lowlands.”

In this study, Dr. Wu and his co-authors analyzed data from the Tianwen 1 orbiter and the Zhoulong rover to provide estimates of the surface age and mineral composition of materials found in the southern Utopia Plains. .

They identified distinct geomorphological features, such as valleys and sedimentary channels, consistent with near-shore zones, suggesting a possible formation event involving a flood about 3.68 billion years ago.

In this scenario, a short period of frozen ocean formed the coastline, and the sea surface may have froze and disappeared about 3.42 billion years ago.

“Different types of water-related geomorphological features were separated by specific topographic contours, suggesting different types of marine environments,” the researchers said.

“The area was subdivided into a foreshore highland-to-lowland transition unit, a shallow marine unit, and a deepwater unit.”

“In situ observations of sedimentary rocks, water-related lamination features, and subsurface sedimentary layers also indicate past water activity.”

“The results suggested an evolutionary scenario for the southern Utopian coastal zone: (i) the Late Noachian Utopian Plains flood reached the foreshore approximately 3.65 to 3.68 billion years ago; (ii) The formation of post-Flood shallow and deep marine units occurred during the early Hesperian, approximately 3.5 and 3.4 billion years ago, respectively. completed by 10 million years ago. (iii) Subsurface volatiles gradually disappeared during the Amazonian period.

of study appear in the diary scientific report.

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B. Wu others. 2024. Observations at the Turon landing site reveal an ancient coastal zone believed to be located in the southern part of Mars' utopia. science officer 14, 24389;doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-75507-w

Source: www.sci.news

NGC 5248’s Starburst Region Uncovered by Hubble Space Telescope

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Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) has captured a striking new image of the grand design spiral galaxy NGC 5248.

This Hubble image shows the Grand Design spiral galaxy NGC 5248, located approximately 42 million light-years away in the constellation Bootes. The color images were created from separate exposures taken in the visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared regions of the spectrum using Hubble's WFC3 instrument. Six filters were used to sample different wavelengths. Color is obtained by assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / F. Belfiore / J. Lee / PHANGS-HST team.

NGC5248 It is located in the constellation Bootes, about 42 million light years away.

This spiral galaxy, also known as Caldwell 45, LEDA 48130, UGC 8616, IRAS 13353+0908, and TC 830, has a diameter of 95,000 light years.

beginning discovered It was discovered on April 15, 1784 by German-born British astronomer William Herschel and is a member of the NGC 5248 galaxy group.

NGC 5248 has an apparent magnitude of 10, so it doesn't appear very bright, but it can be spotted with a small telescope.

The galaxy is noteworthy Because of the nuclear ring, which has “hot spots” of starburst activity.

“NGC 5248 is one of the so-called 'grand design' spirals, with prominent spiral arms extending from near the center through the disk,” Hubble astronomers said in a statement.

“There is also a faint bar structure in the center between the inner edges of the spiral arms, which is less obvious in this visible-light portrait from Hubble.”

“Features like this that break a galaxy's rotational symmetry have profound effects on how matter moves through it and ultimately on its evolution over time.”

“They can supply gas from the outer reaches of the galaxy to the inner star-forming regions and even to the black hole at the center of the galaxy, where it can start an active galactic nucleus.”

“These gas flows have significantly shaped NGC 5248, with many bright regions of intense star formation spread throughout the disk and dominated by populations of young stars.”

“This galaxy has two very active ring-like starburst regions filled with young star clusters around its core.”

“While these 'nuclear rings' are noteworthy enough, nuclear rings usually tend to prevent gas from penetrating further into the center of the galaxy.”

“The fact that NGC 5248 has a second ring inside the first shows how powerful its flow of matter and energy is.”

“Due to its relatively close proximity and highly visible starburst region, this galaxy is a target for professional and amateur astronomers alike.”

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered DNA Methylation Sensor Uncovered by Scientists

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DNA methylation is a widely observed epigenetic modification in biological systems that serves diverse functions in transcriptional regulation, transposable element silencing, and innate immunity.

A nucleosome composed of DNA (grey) and histones (blue) with a single hemimethylated cytosine bound by CDCA7 (purple). Image courtesy of Kyohei Arita and Kazuaki Ushi.

DNA methylation is the process by which methyl groups are added to cytosine bases in DNA molecules and is the primary way in which DNA is epigenetically marked.

Epigenetic modifications act as on-off switches that regulate gene expression, helping to generate diverse cell types without altering the underlying DNA sequence – a way for the body to ensure that brain-related genes aren’t turned on in heart cells, for example.

Therefore, maintenance of DNA methylation patterns is crucial to ensure correct and consistent function of each cell type.

However, this is not easy: DNA methylation patterns can change over time, and this has been linked to a range of diseases.

One is a rare genetic disorder called immunodeficiency, centromere instability and facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, whose symptoms include recurrent respiratory infections, facial abnormalities, and poor growth and cognitive function.

Although it was known that mutations in the CDCA7 gene cause ICF syndrome, little was known about the molecular function of this gene.

In a new study, Professor Hironori Funabiki of Rockefeller University and his colleagues have identified unique functional features of CDCA7 that ensure the correct inheritance of DNA methylation.

The researchers discovered that CDCA7 senses hemimethylation in eukaryotes, an important finding because hemimethylation sensing was long thought to be carried out exclusively by a protein called UHRF1.

“This is a really surprising discovery,” said Isabel Wassing, a scientist at Rockefeller University.

“The discovery that CDCA7 also acts as a sensor explains why mutations in it lead to diseases like ICF syndrome and fills a major gap in the field of epigenetics.”

“But it also raised new questions, such as why do cells need two different hemimethylation sensors?”

“We discovered that the CDCA7 gene, known to be the causative gene for ICF syndrome, specifically binds to hemimethylated DNA on nucleosomes and promotes DNA methylation by controlling the ubiquitination of histone H3,” said Atsuya Nishiyama, a research scientist at the University of Tokyo.

Scientists know that chromatin limits access for many enzymes and DNA-binding proteins, including those needed to introduce methylation into DNA.

Previous research by Professor Funabiki’s team has shown that CDCA7 forms a complex with a protein encoded by the HELLS gene, mutations of which also cause ICF syndrome.

HELLS is a so-called nucleosome remodeller that can temporarily release DNA molecules from nucleosomes.

“We reasoned that the CDCA7-HELLS complex is important in helping cells overcome the barrier of condensed heterochromatin and make DNA molecules available for methylation deposition,” Professor Funabiki said.

“But there are many nucleosome remodelers that can expose DNA molecules in this way.”

“It remained a mystery to us why CDCA7-HELLS is the only nucleosome-remodeling complex directly linked to DNA methylation maintenance.”

“By showing that CDCA7 specifically recruits HELLS to hemimethylated DNA, we finally have an explanation.”

In this model, CDCA7 recognizes hemimethylated DNA in chromatin and recruits HELLS to the site, which acts as a nucleosome remodeler to slide nucleosomes and reveal the hemimethylated site to UHRF1.

The takeover of hemimethylation sensing indicates that CDCA7 is better at detecting hemimethylation in dense heterochromatin than UHRF1 and also explains why cells require two distinct sensors.

“For these sensors to detect hemimethylation, they need to bind directly and selectively to hemimethylated DNA substrates,” Dr. Wassing said.

“CDCA7 appears to perform its function independently while DNA is wrapped around the nucleosome. Without CDCA7, UHRF1 cannot recognize the hemimethylation signals within the nucleosome particle.”

“Our findings suggest that CDCA7 and HELLS promote DNA methylation through a mechanism distinct from de novo DNA methylation, and this is strengthened by our demonstration that the CDCA7 HMZF domain specifically recognizes hemimethylated CpGs, which are substrates for the maintenance DNA methyltransferase DNMT1,” said Dr. Nishiyama.

“ICF disease-associated mutations in the CDCA7 gene abolish hemimethylated DNA binding, supporting the functional importance of hemimethylation detection by CDCA7.”

This new understanding may help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of diseases resulting from methylation dysfunction.

In the future, the functions of hemimethylation sensors beyond maintaining DNA methylation will be explored.

“Because some chromosomal regions are known to maintain a hemimethylated state, their recognition by CDCA7 may play a broader role in gene regulation and chromosomal organization, which is a very intriguing possibility,” says Professor Funabiki.

“Our research lays the foundation for the development of new DNA methylation inhibitors and therapeutic drugs for ICF syndrome,” said Dr. Nishiyama.

“Therapies that artificially control CDCA7-dependent DNA methylation may be useful for preventing cancer and aging and extending healthy lifespan.”

of Survey results Featured in this month’s journal Scientific advances.

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Isabel E. Wassing others2024. CDCA7 is an evolutionarily conserved hemimethylated DNA sensor in eukaryotes. Scientific advances 10 (34); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adp5753

This article is based on a press release from Rockefeller University.

Source: www.sci.news

New Extinct Walrus Species Uncovered by Paleontologists

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Palaeontologists from Japan, Belgium, and the United States have identified a new species of the extinct genus. Ontocetus Nearly complete fossil jaws from the Early Pleistocene in Britain and the Netherlands, and a fragmentary jaw from the Late Pliocene in Belgium, have been found. Ontocetus posti The new species shows striking similarities in its adaptations to modern diets. Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) It highlights an intriguing case of convergent evolution.

Ontocetus posti Image courtesy of Jaime Bran.

“Walruses are one of the most iconic mammals of the Arctic, distinguished from all other seals (pinnipeds) by their large bodies and conspicuous tusks,” said paleontologist Matthieu Boisville of the University of Tsukuba and his colleagues.

“Walruses are one of the largest carnivorous animals, with males of this species weighing up to 2.5 tonnes and reaching an average length of 3 meters.”

“They live in the shallow, cold Arctic waters, where males form small harems during the breeding season.”

“Their primary diet is bivalve mollusks such as clams, which they capture using a unique ‘suction feeding’ technique, sucking out the shellfish flesh using their lips, tongue and arched palate as pistons.”

“Extant walruses live mainly in the Arctic, but their extinct relatives once lived in temperate and subtropical latitudes, mainly in the eastern North Pacific Ocean during the Miocene. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from small, sea-lion-like ‘adults’ to the bizarre and unique two-tusked walrus.”

Ontocetus posti It lived in what is now Europe between 3.7 and 1.7 million years ago (Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene).

The remains of this marine animal were initially thought to belong to a different species, Ontocetus emmonsi.

However, detailed analysis of the specimen revealed a unique combination of characteristics that distinguished the creature as a new species.

These features include four posterior canine teeth, large mandibular canines, and a fused and short mandibular symphysis.

These anatomical features are Ontocetus posti They are highly adapted to feeding by sucking cups, somewhat similar to their modern relatives, the walruses.

“Ontocetus and Odobenus They did not coexist in the North Atlantic. Odobenus Appeared almost a million years after extinction Ontocetus” the paleontologist said.

“Described as a temperate to high temperature resistant tusked walrus, Ontocetus They colonized the western North Atlantic during the Early Pliocene and migrated to the North Sea during the Late Pliocene warm period.

“Its prevalence in warm waters is Odobenus.”

“The global climatic cooling during the Early Pleistocene inevitably affected the North Sea’s molluscan fauna and contributed to its isolation from the North Atlantic,” the researchers said.

“External factors related to the specialization of sucker feeding are Ontocetus posti This probably contributed to their extinction about 1.7 million years ago.”

“We hope that more detailed investigations will shed light on past diversity. Ontocetus and Odobenus This revealed the superiority of cold-tolerant plants on a global scale. Odobenus rosmarus As the sole survivor.”

The results of this study are: journal Peer J.

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M. Boisville others2024. A new species Ontocetus The pinniped family Odobenidae, which lived in the Lower Pleistocene of the North Atlantic, is a similar group to modern walruses (Odobenus rosmarus). Peer J 12

Source: www.sci.news

China has uncovered impeccably conserved Cambrian insect larvae

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Named Yuti YuanxiThe newly identified euarthropod species fills an important gap in our understanding of how the arthropod body type emerged and was successful in its time. Cambrian Explosion.

Anatomical Overview Yuti YuanxiImage courtesy of Smith others., doi:10.1038/s41586-024-07756-8.

Yuti Yuanxi They lived during the Cambrian period, more than 520 million years ago, when most of the major animal groups known today first evolved.

This species is ArthropodsThis includes modern insects, spiders, and crabs.

It is about the size of a poppy seed, Yuti Yuanxi The organs are well preserved and of excellent quality.

Durham University paleontologist Martin Smith and his colleagues used the advanced scanning technique of synchrotron X-ray tomography to find the Yuti YuanxiThey have found a tiny brain region, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system, and even traces of the nerves that control the larva's simple legs and eyes.

“When I was daydreaming about the fossils I would most like to find, I always thought about arthropod larvae, because developmental data are so important to understanding their evolution,” Dr. Smith said.

“But because the larvae are so tiny and fragile, I thought the chances of finding a fossilized version were virtually zero.”

“I already knew this simple, worm-like fossil was something special, but when I saw the incredible structures preserved under the skin, my jaw just dropped. How could these complex features have survived decay and still be here after 500 million years?”

“It's always fascinating to see the inside of a sample using 3D imaging, but this incredibly tiny larva has achieved near-perfect preservation through natural fossilisation,” said Dr Katherine Dobson, a palaeontologist at the University of Strathclyde.

“Studying this ancient larva provides important clues about the evolutionary steps required to transform a simple worm-like organism into a sophisticated arthropod body form with specialized limbs, eyes and a brain.”

“For example, the fossil reveals an ancestral 'protocerebral' brain region that would later form the segmented and specialized arthropod head nucleus with its various appendages, including antennae, mouthparts and eyes.”

“This complex head enabled arthropods to adopt a wide range of lifestyles and become the dominant organisms in the Cambrian oceans.”

“These details also help us trace how modern arthropods acquired their incredible anatomical complexity and diversity, making them the most abundant animal group today.”

of Investigation result Published in the journal Nature.

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Mr. Smith othersThe organ system of a Cambrian euarthropod larva. NaturePublished online July 31, 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07756-8

Source: www.sci.news

A cost-effective, all-natural remedy for hair loss may have been uncovered by scientists

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Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the hair loss industry by finding that a naturally occurring sugar in the human body, 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), could be the key to combating male pattern baldness.

The study, published in the journal The forefront of pharmacology, revealed that this natural sugar treatment is as effective as current FDA-approved treatments with fewer side effects.

Research co-author, Professor Sheila McNeill, highlighted the potential of 2dDR in increasing blood supply to hair follicles and promoting hair growth. The study was initially focused on wound healing, where accelerated hair growth was observed around sites treated with 2dDR.

Testing in mice showed that 2dDR Gel was 80-90% as effective as minoxidil, a common FDA-approved hair loss treatment found in products like Rogaine and Celoxidil. The discovery offers a promising, safer alternative with fewer side effects, as 2dDR is naturally occurring in the body.

Experts, such as Professor Muhammad Yar, stressed the potential benefits of 2dDR in stimulating blood vessel growth, crucial for healthy hair follicles, and promoting hair growth.

While the research is still in early stages, it could provide hope for those suffering from hair loss conditions like chemotherapy-induced alopecia. More studies are needed before 2dDR-based treatments become available, but the results so far are promising.

For men dealing with hair loss, this discovery offers a ray of hope for an effective, natural, and non-invasive treatment option. Further research is warranted to explore its effects on human hair growth and follicle health.

Learn more from our experts:

Sheila McNeill: Professor Emeritus of Tissue Engineering with a focus on translating research into clinical practice.

Muhammad Yar: Associate Professor with expertise in tissue engineered skin and targeted drug delivery.

Claire Higgins: Lecturer specializing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, focusing on skin and hair follicles.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Efficient spread of avian influenza among cattle and other mammals uncovered in study

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summary

  • A new study explains how bird flu spreads between dairy cows and from them to other mammals.
  • Experts are concerned that the virus may be developing new capabilities that help it evolve so it can spread from person to person, something that has not yet been observed.
  • A new study has found that cats and raccoons have died from a virus, possibly from drinking raw milk.

A new study of an ongoing avian flu outbreak on dairy farms provides an unprecedented look into how efficiently the virus spreads among cows and from them to other mammals, including cats and raccoons.

This suggests the virus is developing new capabilities that have bird flu experts concerned.

Bird flu is a concern in the United States due to various poultry populations. Over the past few years, scientists have feared the virus could become more transmissible from person to person and spark the next pandemic.

To the best of researchers' knowledge, there has not yet been any human-to-human transmission, but the number of cases of person-to-person transmission is continuing to increase, Colorado health officials confirmed. 3 new cases Fourteen new cases of bird flu were confirmed on Thursday, bringing the total in the country to 14.

All of the human cases have been farm workers who became infected after coming into contact with sick animals, and all but one was diagnosed within the past four months. Little is still known about the three most recent infections, but the remaining infections are mild.

New research shows that the virus is spreading from one mammal species to another, a relatively new phenomenon that could make it difficult for authorities to control.

The longer the virus goes uncontrolled, the greater the chance it will evolve and adapt, becoming a greater threat to people, say the authors of the new study. The study was published Tuesday in the journal Nature.

“This virus is not very effective at infecting or transmitting to humans, but that could change if the virus continues to circulate among dairy cows and then from there to other mammals,” said study author Diego Diehl, head of the virology lab at Cornell University's Animal Health Diagnostic Center. “This is cause for concern.”

The new study assessed the first outbreaks of avian influenza among cows on nine farms in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Ohio, taking animal samples and comparing the genetic similarities of the viruses between them.

Researchers found that the virus, a specific strain of avian flu known as H5N1, spread rapidly between farms. When infected cows were moved from Texas to another farm in Ohio, the virus was soon found in the Ohio cows. Genetic sequences also suggest that cats and raccoons have died from the virus, possibly after drinking raw milk.

Studies have shown that sick cows eat less feed, chew their cud less, produce less milk, and the color of their milk changes. On some infected farms, cows died at twice the normal rate.

Andrew Bowman, a professor of veterinary preventive medicine at Ohio State University who was not involved in the study, said the research reflects the experience of veterinarians on many U.S. farms.

“It's consistent with the clinical picture,” Bowman said. “This is exactly what we've been seeing on dairy farms. This is really just the first documentation that's been published.”

The study adds to the growing evidence that handling and drinking unpasteurized milk is dangerous.

Diehl said infected cows shed incredible amounts of the virus from their mammary glands, at concentrations higher than could easily be cultured in a lab.

“Drinking raw milk is extremely dangerous,” Diehl said.

Various studies have detected live H5N1 virus in raw milk. Pasteurization has been shown to inactivate virusesCommercially produced milk will be safe to drink.

Farmers must not send potentially contaminated milk to production.

“Milk from sick cows should not be used in the milk supply,” Bowman said.

As scientists continue to study the avian flu outbreak, Bowman said he's interested to know whether cows can shed the virus before they start showing signs of illness and whether the virus can continue to spread from mammals infected by cows.

This is only the third time a virus has spread fairly quickly between groups of mammals, said Anise Loewen, a virologist and professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, who was also not involved in the new study. Spreading on mink farms and Between sea lions and fur seals last summer.

Some mammals have severe cases, such as sea lions. sealamong other species.

Lowen said health officials should also consider the risk that people could be infected with H5N1 and seasonal influenza at the same time this winter: When people are infected with more than one influenza virus, the viruses can exchange genetic information, a process called “reassortment.”

This process could give the virus an evolutionary shortcut and change how the virus spreads.

“The viruses currently infecting cattle pose a relatively low risk to humans — that's what the CDC says, and they're right,” Loewen said. “But the risk I see is viral evolution. Viruses change as they adapt to new hosts. They change as they reassort and swap genes.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declined to comment on the new study.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Deep Sea Nodules Uncovered as Surprising Oxygen Source

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Nodules taken from the ocean floor being examined in a laboratory

Camille Bridgewater (2024)

Metallic nodules scattered across the floor of the Indian and Pacific Oceans provide a source of oxygen for nearby marine life, a discovery that could upend our understanding of the deep ocean.

In some areas, the abyssal plains are dotted with potato-sized nodules rich in valuable cobalt, manganese and nickel that are targets for deep-sea mining activities.

Andrew Sweetman Researchers from the Scottish Institute for Marine Science in Oban, UK, were conducting research in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean (a region rich in nodules) in 2013 when they first noticed something odd about these waters.

Sweetman and his colleagues sent a machine to the ocean floor, sealed off a 22-square-centimeter section of the seafloor, and measured the flow of oxygen. Far from decreasing, the data suggested that oxygen content was actually increasing in the monitored areas.

But in the absence of any noticeable vegetation, Sweetman says, that didn’t make sense. “I was taught from an early age that oxygen-rich ecosystems were only possible through photosynthesis,” he says. He came to the conclusion that the machine he was using was flawed. “I literally ignored the data,” he says.

Then, in 2021, Sweetman went on another research cruise in the Pacific Ocean, and the machine made the same discovery: elevated oxygen levels at the ocean floor, even using a different measurement method.

“We were seeing the same oxygen production in these two different data sets,” Sweetman says, “and suddenly we realized that we’d been ignoring this incredibly innovative process for the last eight or nine years.”

He and his colleagues speculated that the metal nodules must play a role in boosting oxygen levels in the deep ocean, and laboratory tests of contaminating sediments and nodules ruled out the presence of oxygen-producing microorganisms.

Instead, Sweetman says the material in the nodules acts as a “geo-battery,” generating an electrical current that splits seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. “The reason these nodules are mined is because they contain everything you need to make electric car batteries,” he says. “What if the nodules themselves were acting as natural geo-batteries?”

When the team examined the rocks, they found that each nodule generated an electrical potential of up to 1 volt — when they combined together they could generate enough voltage to electrolyze seawater into hydrogen and oxygen, explaining why oxygen levels rise.

“We may have discovered a new natural source of oxygen,” Sweetman said, “We don’t know how widespread it is in time and space, but it’s very intriguing.”

Many questions remain unanswered. For example, the source of energy that creates the current remains a mystery. It’s also unclear whether the reaction occurs continuously, under what conditions, or how this oxygen contributes to maintaining the surrounding ecosystem. “We don’t have all the information yet, but we know it’s happening,” Sweetman says.

In deep-sea environments without sunlight or vegetation, some life forms get their energy from chemicals spewing from hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. Some scientists believe life on Earth first emerged at these vents, but these early organisms would have needed a source of oxygen to make food from inorganic compounds. The new discovery suggests that the nodules could have been the oxygen source that helped life begin, Sweetman said.

That interpretation may be unreasonable, Donald Canfield The University of Southern Denmark researcher points out that oxygen is needed to produce the manganese oxides found in nodules. “Oxygenic photosynthesis is a prerequisite for the formation of nodules,” he says. “Therefore, oxygen production by nodules is not an alternative oxygen production equivalent to oxygenic photosynthesis. It is highly unlikely that nodules played a role in oxygenating the Earth.”

but, Ruth Blake The Yale researchers say the idea of ​​producing oxygen in the deep sea remains “exciting” and that further study is needed into the phenomenon and its potential impact on deep-sea ecosystems.

Sweetman’s research was funded in part by The Metals Company (TMC), a deep-sea mining company that is targeting metal nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton field. Patrick Downs TMC’s Downs said he had “serious concerns” about the findings, adding that his company’s analysis suggested Sweetman’s results were due to outside oxygen contamination. “We intend to write a rebuttal,” Downs said in a statement. New Scientist.

But the findings are likely to strengthen calls for a ban on deep-sea mining, backed by many oceanographers who say their understanding of these regions is still evolving. Paul Dando Researchers from the British Marine Biological Society said the paper reinforced the view among deep-sea scientists that “we shouldn’t mine these nodules until we understand their ecology”.

Sweetman said the discovery isn’t necessarily a “say-tale” move for deep-sea mining, but it could limit mining in places where oxygen production is low, and more research is needed to explore how sediments disturbed by the mining process affect oxygen production, he said.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient settlement uncovered in Chile dates back 12,500 years

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About 12,440 to 12,550 years ago, hunter-gatherers regularly returned to Chile’s Lake Taguatagua to hunt an ancient elephant relative called Gomphotherium and exploit other local resources, according to a team led by archaeologists from the Pontificia Catholic University of Chile.

Taguatagua 3 site, Chile: (A) Burning evidence spatially associated with Gomphothery cervical vertebrae and skull fragments. (B) Sacral and caudal vertebrae, intervertebral disks, and unfused hipbone segments. Note the distance between the first sacral vertebra and its disk. (C) End scraper from the site. (D) Core debitage from the site spatially associated with Gomphothery remains. Image courtesy of Labarca others., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302465.

There are several known archaeological sites in the area. Lake Taguatagua Located in central Chile, it is one of the oldest known sites of human habitation in the Americas.

In a new study, Dr Rafael Labarca from the Pontificia Catholic University of Chile and his colleagues discovered an ancient hunter-gatherer camp dating back to the Late Pleistocene epoch, between 12,440 and 12,550 years ago.

The site, named Taguatagua 3, contains fossils of the Gomphosele, an extinct species closely related to the elephant.

Butchery marks on bones, stone tools and other evidence indicate that Taguatagua 3 was a temporary camp set up to process large carcasses.

During the camp’s short existence, other activities were also carried out, including the processing of other foods, as evidenced by the charred remains of plants and small animals such as frogs and birds.

Fossilized cactus seeds and bird egg shells suggest that the camp was inhabited, especially during the dry season.

Numerous archaeological sites from a similar period are now known to exist in the area, suggesting that Lake Tagua-Tagua was a recurring hunting and food-scavenging site for Late Pleistocene people thanks to abundant and predictable local resources.

“The area was an important location along the route of mobile groups at the time and the temporary camp may have hosted regular meetings between these groups,” the archaeologists said.

Further investigation of this archaeologically rich area will continue to provide insight into the migration and survival strategies of early humans in South America.

“Taguatagua 3 contributes to a greater understanding of how early humans adapted to the rapidly changing environment of central Chile during the Late Pleistocene,” the researchers said.

of Investigation result Published online in the journal PLoS One.

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R. Labarca others2024. Taguatagua 3: A new Late Pleistocene settlement in a highly suitable site for lacustrine habitat in central Chile (34°S). PLoS One 19(5): e0302465; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302465

Source: www.sci.news

Bread dating back 8,600 years uncovered in Turkey

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Archaeologists from Necmettin Erbakan University have announced the discovery of the world’s oldest known bread, dating from 6600 BC, at the famous Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük in Turkiye, central Anatolia (formerly Turkey).

8,600-year-old bread found in Çatalhöyük, Turkiye. Image credit: Necmettin Erbakan University.

Çatalhöyük is one of the largest and best preserved Neolithic settlements in the world.

The site is located southeast of the modern Turkish city of Konya, approximately 145 km (90 miles) from Mount Hasan.

Çatalhöyük began as a small settlement around 7500 BC, and may have consisted of a few adobe houses during what archaeologists call the Early Period.

The settlement reached its peak in the mid-6700-6500 BC period, rapidly declining in population during the later period, and was abandoned around 5950 BC.

Its inhabitants were early farmers, growing crops such as wheat and barley and raising sheep and goats.

Discovered by British archaeologist James Mellaart in the early 1960s, Çatalhöyük attracted worldwide attention for its large scale and well-preserved architecture.

Previous excavations at the site unearthed a vast number of artifacts and ancient structures, including a large mural depicting a town and two mountain peaks, sometimes called the world’s oldest map.

This is an artist’s impression of Çatalhöyük. Image credit: Dan Lewandowski.

Archaeologists from Necmettin Erbakan University have discovered an ancient building with an oven in the Mekan 66 area of Çatalhöyük in a new excavation.

Wheat, barley and pea seeds were found around the oven, as well as “spongy” organic residue.

Researchers determined that the residue was uncooked leavened bread.

“The small round ‘spongy’ residue found in the corner of the oven turned out to be bread,” said Dr. Ali Umut Türkan, an archaeologist at Necmettin Erbakan University.

“Because the building was covered with fine clay, both the wood and the bread were able to be preserved to this day.”

“We found that the bread had a porous and spongy structure and was not cooked,” added Dr. Yassin Ramazan Eker, also from Necmetin Erbakan University.

“The first known example of leavened bread was discovered in Egypt,” Dr. Turkan said.

“The newly discovered bread in Çatalalhöyük can be said to be the oldest bread in the world.”

Source: www.sci.news

Newly discovered species of mimic spider uncovered in Copal, Colombia

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Myrmarachne colombiana This is the first species of ant-mimicking spider discovered in Colombian copal.

Myrmarachne colombiana. Image credit: George Poinar Jr. / Oregon State University.

“Ants are particularly well-suited for spiders to pretend to be ants,” said George Poyner Jr., a professor at Oregon State University. “Many animals find them unpalatable or dangerous to eat.” said.

“Ants are aggressive to protect themselves. They have strong bites and stinging venom, and can call on dozens of nestmates as allies.”

“Spiders, on the other hand, have no chemical defenses and are solitary, making them vulnerable to predators that want to avoid them, such as larger spiders, bees, and birds. So if spiders could become like ants, There is a high possibility that it will not be used.”

Myrmarachne colombiana It was discovered in a type of fossilized resin known as copal.

“Copal is a less mature form of fossilized resin than amber, which is typically more than 25 million years old. Still, copal can be up to 3 million years old.” Professor Poyner said.

“However, we were unable to determine the age of the resin in this case.”

“The resin blocks I was working with came from Medellin, Colombia, and were too small to perform aging tests without risking harming the spiders inside.”

According to the study, there are currently no records of living ant-mimicking spiders living in Colombia.

“For spiders, this magical transformation into ants is difficult to achieve. Ants have six legs and two long antennae, whereas spiders have eight legs, but only one antennae. “No,” Professor Poyner said.

“To get around these anatomical differences, spiders typically arrange their two front legs in a way that approximates the appearance of antennae.”

“But the number of legs and the presence or absence of antennae are not the only features that distinguish ants from spiders.”

“In spiders, the abdomen and cephalothorax are closely attached, whereas in ants these body parts are separated by narrow areas called petioles.”

“And there are many other small-scale structures that need to be modified to bring spiders closer to ants.” We say it starts with mutation, adaptation, and natural selection.”

“But I think spider reasoning and intelligence are also involved, because spiders often model the subsequent body changes of certain ants in the same environment.”

“In the early days, it was said that all insect behavior was the result of instinct, but this is no longer the case.”

“Some spider groups have developed the ability to look and behave like different types of ants, he added. Spiders that try to blend in with other insects, such as flies, beetles and wasps. There are some too.”

“Most of the mimic spiders belong to the few families that hunt, such as Jumping spiders and Jumping spiders. The Colombian copal specimen looks like a jumping spider.”

“Mimetic spiders also belong to the families Coringidae (Arachnidae), Tomisidae (Flower spiders), and Zodariidae (Arachidae or Arachnidae).”

of study It was published in the magazine historical biology.

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George Poyner. Myrmarachne colombiana sp. n. (Araneidae: Salticidae), a new species of ant-like spider that lives on copal from Colombia, South America. historical biology, published online March 7, 2024. doi: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2320190

Source: www.sci.news

Enormous Stone Age hunting structure uncovered in the Baltic Sea

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A team of German archaeologists has discovered a gigantic Stone Age structure submerged at a depth of 21 meters in the Western Baltic Sea. This structure was probably built by hunter-gatherers over 10,000 years ago and was eventually sunk about 8,500 years ago. Since then, it has remained hidden under the sea, leading to pristine preservation that has inspired research into lifestyles and territorial development in the wider region.

An artist's reconstruction of the Brinker Wall in Mecklenburg Bay, Germany. Image credit: Michał Grabowski.

The massive Stone Age structure was discovered in Mecklenburg Bay, about 10 kilometers northwest of the German coast of Relic.

The stone wall is made up of 1,673 individual stones, typically less than 1 meter in height, arranged side by side over a distance of 971 meters in a way that refutes their natural origin through glacial movement or ice-intrusion ridges.

This wall, known as the Brinker Wall, was built by hunter-gatherers who roamed the area after humans left. viserian ice sheet.

Running adjacent to the sunken shoreline of a paleo-lake (or swamp), whose youngest stage dates to 9,143 years ago, the structure was probably used for hunting. Eurasian reindeer (Langifer Tarandus).

“At that time, the population of all of Scandinavia was probably less than 5,000,” said Dr. Marcel Bradmeler, a researcher at the University of Rostock.

“One of their main food sources was herds of reindeer, which moved seasonally across sparsely vegetated post-glacial landscapes.”

“This wall was probably used to guide reindeer into the bottleneck between the adjacent shore and the wall, or into the lake, allowing Stone Age hunters to kill reindeer more easily with their weapons. Ta.”

Form of a southwest to northeast oriented ridge with a blinker wall and adjacent mounds.Image credit: Geersen et al. everyone, doi: 10.1073/pnas.2312008121.

The Brinker Wall is one of the oldest recorded man-made hunting structures on Earth and one of the largest known Stone Age structures in Europe.

Dr Jacob Geersen, also from the University of Rostock, said: “Our research shows that the natural origin of the submarine stone walls or modern constructions associated with, for example, the laying of submarine cables or stone extraction is unlikely. ” he said. .

“The orderly arrangement of many small stones connecting large, immovable rocks opposes this.”

The researchers used modern geophysical methods to create detailed 3D models of the Brinker Wall and reconstruct the ancient landscape.

A team of scientific divers from the University of Rostock and the West Pomeranian Mecklenburg State Department of Culture and Monuments also visited the site once and inspected it.

The main purpose of the dive was to assess the nature of the stone wall and investigate possible archaeological remains on the surrounding seabed.

They concentrated in two places: the western edge of the structure and the large stone in the center where the blinker wall turns.

No artifacts or dateable organic material were found in the immediate vicinity of the two dive sites, but a small wood sample was recovered from Holocene deposits approximately 10 m south of the structure.

3D model of the section of blinker wall adjacent to the large boulder at the west end of the wall. The photo was taken by Philip Huy of the University of Rostock. The scale bar at the top right corner of the image is 50 cm. Image credit: Geersen other., doi: 10.1073/pnas.2312008121.

“A number of well-preserved Stone Age sites are known along the coast of Wismar Bay and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, but these are located at much shallower depths, and most of them are Mesolithic and Neolithic. It dates from the Stone Age (7,000-2,500 BC),” said Dr. Jens Auer, a researcher at the Mecklenburg-West Pomeranian Department for the Preservation of Cultural Monuments.

“There is evidence that similar stone walls exist in other parts of Mecklenburg Bay. These will also be investigated systematically,” added Dr. Jens Schneider von Daimling, a researcher at the University of Kiel.

“Overall, this research could make a significant contribution to understanding the lives, organization, and hunting methods of early Stone Age hunter-gatherers.”

team's paper Published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Jacob Giesen other. 2024. Submerged Stone Age hunting architecture in the Western Baltic Sea. PNAS 121 (8): e2312008121; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2312008121

Source: www.sci.news

Hidden Secrets of Atomic Structure Uncovered by Scientists

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Groundbreaking research led by Professor Motoki Shiga has unraveled the complex atomic structure of glass, revealing its unique patterns and anisotropy. This research paves the way for advanced exploration of glass materials using AI and machine learning techniques.Credit: Motoki Shiga

Glass is an essential material in our daily life and serves a variety of purposes, such as insulating our homes and forming the screens of our computers and smartphones. However, its widespread historical use stands in contrast to the scientific mystery posed by its disordered atomic structure. This puzzling arrangement of atoms complicates efforts to fully understand and manipulate the structural properties of glasses. Therefore, designing effective functional materials from glass remains a difficult challenge for scientists.

Advances in glass research

To further elucidate the structural regularities hidden in glassy materials, the research group focused on the ring shape of the chemically bonded glass network. A research group including Professor Motoki Shiga of Tohoku University’s unprecedented scale data analysis center has developed a new method to quantify the three-dimensional structure of the ring and the symmetry of the structure, “roundness” and “roughness.”

Spatial atomic density around rings of silica crystal (left) and glass (right). Blue and red regions indicate areas with high density of silicon and oxygen atoms, respectively.Credit: Motoki Shiga et al.

Breakthroughs and future directions

“Structural units and structural order beyond chemical bonds have long been inferred through experimental observations, but until now scientists have avoided identifying them,” Professor Shiga says. “Furthermore, our successful analysis contributes to the understanding of phase transitions such as vitrification and crystallization in materials and provides the necessary mathematical explanations to control the structure and material properties of materials.”

Looking to the future, Shiga and his colleagues plan to use these techniques to devise procedures for exploring glass materials, procedures based on data-driven approaches such as: machine learning And AI.

Reference: “Ring-derived anisotropy of local structural order in amorphous and crystalline silicon dioxide” by Motoki Shiga, Akihiko Hirata, Yohei Onodera, and Hirokazu Masai, November 3, 2023. Communication materials.
DOI: 10.1038/s43246-023-00416-w

Source: scitechdaily.com

Secrets of Mesopotamian Bricks Uncovered

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mesopotamian brick

Based on the interpretation of the inscription, the bricks date back to the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (c. 604-562 BC). The item was plundered from its original situation before being acquired by the Slemani Museum and was kept at the museum with the consent of the central government. Image courtesy of Slemani Museum.Credit: Slemani Museum

In a new study, researchers used bricks from ancient Mesopotamia to gain insight into changes in Earth’s magnetic field 3,000 years ago. This archaeomagnetic approach provides a more accurate way to date ancient artifacts and understand historical magnetic field fluctuations.

Ancient bricks inscribed with the names of Mesopotamian kings have provided important insights into mysterious anomalies in Earth’s magnetic field 3,000 years ago, according to a new study by UCL researchers.

This study was published on December 18th. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)So, how were changes in the Earth’s magnetic field imprinted on the iron oxide particles in ancient clay bricks, and how could scientists reproduce these changes from the names of kings carved into the bricks? It explains about Tanaka.

Archaeomagnetic dating: a new dating tool

The researchers believe that by using this technique, “archaeological magnetism,” which looks for traces of the Earth’s magnetic field in archaeological items, they can improve the history of the Earth’s magnetic field and date artifacts more precisely than was previously possible. I hope it will be possible to identify it.

Co-author Professor Mark Altaweel (UCL Institute of Archeology) said: “To figure out the age of ancient Mesopotamia, we often rely on dating methods such as radiocarbon dating. However, some of the most common cultural remains, such as bricks and pottery, Because it does not contain organic material, it typically cannot be easily dated. This research is now an important study that will allow others to benefit from absolute dating using archaeomagnetics. It helps create a baseline for dating.”

The Earth’s magnetic field weakens and strengthens over time, and these changes leave distinct imprints on hot minerals that are sensitive to the magnetic field. The research team analyzed magnetic signatures hidden in iron oxide mineral particles embedded in 32 clay bricks excavated from archaeological sites across Mesopotamia, which overlaps with present-day Iraq. The strength of the planet’s magnetic field was etched into minerals when they were first burned by bricklayers thousands of years ago.

At the time the bricks were made, each brick was engraved with the name of the reigning king, and archaeologists have dated the names to various eras. Combining the engraved names with measurements of the iron oxide particle’s magnetic strength yielded a historical map of changes in the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field.

Uncovering geomagnetic anomalies during the Iron Age in the Levant

Researchers were able to confirm the existence of a “Levantine Iron Age geomagnetic anomaly.” This occurred between approximately 1050 and 550 BC, a period when the Earth’s magnetic field was unusually strong for unknown reasons around modern-day Iraq. Evidence of anomalies has been detected as far away as China, Bulgaria and the Azores, but data from the southern Middle East itself has been sparse.

“We can estimate the age of ancient heated artifacts by comparing them to what we know about ancient magnetic field conditions,” said lead author Professor Matthew Howland of Wichita State University. We can do that.”

Advanced technology and historical significance

To measure the iron oxide particles, the team carefully scraped off small pieces from the damaged surface of the brick and used a magnetometer to precisely measure the pieces.

By mapping changes in the Earth’s magnetic field over time, this data also provides archaeologists with new tools to help date some ancient artifacts. The magnetic strength of the iron oxide particles embedded within the fired product can be measured and matched against the known strength of the Earth’s historical magnetic field. The reigns of kings lasted anywhere from a few years to several decades, providing higher resolution than radiocarbon dating, which can only date artifacts to within a few hundred years.

A further benefit of archaeomagnetic dating of artifacts is that it can help historians more precisely pinpoint the reigns of somewhat obscure ancient kings. Although the length and sequence of their reigns are well known, there has been disagreement within the archaeological community as to the exact year they ascended the throne, as the historical record is incomplete. The researchers found that their technique is consistent with an understanding of the king’s reign known to archaeologists as “subchronology.”

The researchers also found that the Earth’s magnetic field appears to have changed dramatically over a relatively short period of time, from five samples taken during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, from 604 BC to 562 BC. and added evidence to the hypothesis that the intensity increased rapidly. Is possible.

Reference: “Exploring geomagnetic variation in ancient Mesopotamia: an archaeomagnetic study of carved bricks from the 3rd to 1st millennium BC” by Matthew D. Howland, Lisa Tokes, Shai Godin, Mark Altaweel, Brendan Syke, and Erez Ben-Yosef, 2023 December 18th, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313361120

Co-author Professor Lisa Tax of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USA) said: Well-dated archaeological remains of the rich Mesopotamian culture, especially bricks inscribed with the names of particular kings, allow researchers to study changes in magnetic field strength with high temporal resolution over periods of decades or even shorter periods. provides an unprecedented opportunity to track changes that have occurred over time. ”

This research was conducted with funding from the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation.

Source: scitechdaily.com

Thermal secrets uncovered in neutron star mergers through gravitational waves

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by US Department of Energy
December 14, 2023

Scientists used supercomputer simulations to study gravitational waves produced by neutron star mergers and found a correlation between residual temperature and gravitational wave frequency. These findings are important for future gravitational wave detectors that distinguish models of hot nuclear material. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

Binary simulation neutron star This merger suggests that future detectors will distinguish between different models of hot nuclear material.

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to investigate the effects of neutron star mergers gravitational waves, found a significant relationship with debris temperature. This research will aid future advances in the detection and understanding of hot nuclear materials.

Exploring neutron star mergers and gravitational waves

When two neutron stars orbit each other, they emit ripples into spacetime called gravitational waves. These ripples drain energy from the orbit until the two stars eventually collide and combine into one object. Scientists used supercomputer simulations to investigate how the behavior of different models of nuclear material affects the gravitational waves released after these mergers. They found a strong correlation between the temperature of the debris and the frequency of these gravitational waves. Next generation detectors will be able to distinguish these models from each other.

Plot comparing density (right) and temperature (left) for two different simulations (top and bottom) of a neutron star merger, viewed from above, approximately 5 ms after the merger.Credit: Jacob Fields, Pennsylvania State University

Neutron Star: Institute for Nuclear Materials

Scientists use neutron stars as laboratories for nuclear materials under conditions that would be impossible to explore on Earth. They will use current gravitational wave detectors to observe neutron star mergers and learn how cold, ultra-dense matter behaves. However, these detectors cannot measure the signal after the stars have merged. This signal contains information about hot nuclear material. Future detectors will be even more sensitive to these signals. Because different models can also be distinguished from each other, the findings suggest that future detectors could help scientists create better models of hot nuclear material.

Detailed analysis of neutron star mergers

The study investigated neutron star mergers using THC_M1, a computer code that simulates neutron star mergers and accounts for the bending of spacetime due to the star’s strong gravitational field and neutrino processes in dense matter. . The researchers tested the effect of heat on mergers by varying the specific heat capacity of the equation of state, which measures the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of neutron star material by one degree Celsius. To ensure the robustness of their results, the researchers ran their simulations at two resolutions. They repeated the high-resolution run using a more approximate neutrino processing.

References:

“Thermal effects in binary neutron star mergers” by Jacob Fields, Aviral Prakash, Matteo Breschi, David Radice, Sebastiano Bernuzzi, and Andre da Silva Schneider, July 31, 2023. of Astrophysics Journal Letter.
DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ace5b2

“Identification of nuclear effects in neutrino-carbon interactions in low 3 momentum transfer” until February 17, 2016 physical review letter.
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.071802

Funding: This research was primarily funded by the Department of Energy, Office of Science, Nuclear Physics Program. Additional funding was provided by the National Science Foundation and the European Union.

This research used computational resources available through the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, and the Pennsylvania State University Computing and Data Science Institute.

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New insights uncovered by scientists on the transformative effects of endurance training on muscles

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Researchers at the University of Basel have conducted a study on muscle adaptations in mice and discovered that endurance training leads to significant muscle remodeling. This is evident in the differential gene expression in trained muscles compared to untrained muscles, with epigenetic changes playing a crucial role in these adaptations. Trained muscles become more efficient and resilient, allowing for improved performance over time. The findings shed new light on the mechanisms behind these muscle adaptations.

Endurance training comes with numerous benefits. Regular exercise not only enhances overall fitness and health but also brings about substantial changes in muscle structure. This results in decreased muscle fatigue, increased energy production, and optimized oxygen usage. The recent experiments conducted by researchers at the University of Basel, using mice as subjects, have further elucidated these muscle changes.

Professor Christoph Handsin, who has extensive experience in muscle biology research at the Biozentrum University of Basel, explains that it is well-known that muscles adapt to physical activity. The goal of their study was to gain a deeper understanding of the processes occurring in muscles during athletic training. The researchers found that training status is reflected in gene expression.

Comparing untrained and trained mice, Handsin’s team examined the changes in gene expression in response to exercise. Surprisingly, they discovered that a relatively small number of around 250 genes were altered in trained resting muscles compared to untrained muscles. However, after intense exercise, approximately 1,800 to 2,500 genes were regulated. The response of specific genes and the degree of regulation depended largely on the training condition.

Untrained muscles activated inflammatory genes in response to endurance training, which could lead to muscle soreness from small injuries. In contrast, trained muscles exhibited increased activity in genes that protect and support muscle function, allowing them to respond differently to exercise stress. Trained muscles were more efficient and resilient, enabling them to handle physical loads better.

The researchers found that epigenetic modifications, chemical tags in the genome, played a crucial role in shaping muscle fitness. Epigenetic patterns determine whether genes are turned on or off, and the patterns differed significantly between untrained and trained muscles. The modifications affected important genes that control the expression of numerous other genes, ultimately activating a distinct program in trained muscles compared to untrained muscles.

These epigenetic patterns determine how muscles respond to training. Chronic endurance training induces short and long-term changes in the epigenetic patterns of muscles. Trained muscles are primed for long-term training due to these patterns and exhibit faster reactions and improved efficiency. With each training session, muscular endurance improves.

The next step for researchers is to determine whether these findings in mice also apply to humans. Biomarkers that reflect training progress can be used to enhance training efficiency in competitive sports. Additionally, understanding how healthy muscles function is crucial for developing innovative treatments for muscle wasting associated with aging and disease.

In conclusion, the study conducted by researchers at the University of Basel has unveiled the mechanisms through which muscles adapt to regular endurance training in mice. The insights gained from these findings may have implications for human performance and health. Furthermore, understanding muscle function can aid in the development of treatments for muscle-related conditions.

Source: scitechdaily.com