Are Statins Really Causing Side Effects? Major Study Finds Clarity
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Recent investigations reveal that the numerous side effects attributed to statin medications have been significantly overstated. This emerging evidence prompts calls for modifications on drug packaging to mitigate unwarranted concerns that deter patients from essential lifesaving treatments.
“Our findings indicate that the majority of issues listed as potential statin side effects are unlikely caused by the medication,” stated Christine Reese during a press event at Oxford University on February 3rd.
Statins, known for their cholesterol-lowering capabilities, are affordable medications that robustly reduce heart attack and stroke risks. However, fears about side effects, notably muscle pain, have long plagued their use. A 2022 study confirmed that muscle pain is rarely, if ever, induced by statin use.
“Regrettably, both patients and many healthcare providers are confused about statin side effects, contributing to hesitance in initiating or continuing their use,” commented Reese.
In this study, Reese and her team scrutinized common side effects listed on statin labels—like dizziness, fatigue, and memory loss. These narratives stem largely from case reports and observational studies rather than concrete data. The investigation did not delve into muscle pain, weakness, or diabetes risks as previously analyzed in other studies.
Researchers evaluated 19 randomized controlled trials involving 120,000 participants over an average follow-up of 4.5 years, comparing the effects of five widely prescribed statins against a placebo.
Out of 66 observed side effects, most did not correlate with statin usage, and similar occurrences were noted in placebo participants, suggesting a nocebo effect—where fear or expectation of side effects leads to actual experiences. “We have seen that the risk of some side effects like elevated protein levels in urine, swelling in extremities, and liver function changes is legitimate,” mentioned Jeffrey Berger from New York University Langone Health. “However, these do not pose significant harm, allowing us to assert confidently that the benefits of statins overshadow their risks,” Reese concluded.
Drug regulators advocate for updates to statin labels as suggested by Karol Watson at UCLA, indicating clearer differentiation of actual side effects versus those equally occurring in placebo users.
Updating these labels can be a lengthy endeavor. Remarkably, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency only recommended in January 2026 the inclusion of muscle weakness and pain as possible side effects on statin labels.
In the interim, clinicians can utilize this research to reassure current and prospective statin users. “It’s essential to educate patients to adjust their expectations rather than dismissing their concerns,” emphasized Berger.
Watson hopes the findings will definitively settle the debates surrounding statins. “Future studies should pivot from whether statins typically induce these symptoms—we already know they do not. Instead, research should focus on identifying individuals who are genuinely more prone to certain statin-related side effects,” she remarked.
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Farmers Spraying Pesticides on Cotton Fields
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Over 60 years have passed since Rachel Carson’s influential book, Silent Spring, highlighted the dangers of pesticides. The negative impact on wildlife has escalated, potentially more than ever before.
“Across nearly every nation, there is a trend of increased pesticide toxicity,” explains Ralph Schulz from RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, Germany.
The risks associated with pesticides depend on both the volume used and their toxicity levels, which can vary significantly among species. To quantify the overall pesticide burden, Schulz and his team formulated a metric called “applied toxicity.”
The team investigated the use of 625 pesticides across 201 countries from 2013 to 2019, incorporating both organic and conventional pesticide data.
They averaged toxicity data from regulatory bodies in various nations, assessing the toxicity levels to eight major organism groups: aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, fish, terrestrial arthropods, pollinators, soil organisms, terrestrial vertebrates, and terrestrial plants. This enabled them to calculate the total toxicity per country or organism group.
Globally, applied toxicity rose from 2013 to 2019 in six out of eight organism groups. Notably, pollinators saw a 13% increase, fish a 27% rise, and terrestrial arthropods—including insects, crustaceans, and spiders—experienced a 43% increase.
“This increase does not automatically translate to direct toxic effects on these organisms,” Schulz clarifies. “However, it serves as an important indicator of the toxicity levels of the pesticides currently in use.”
Numerous studies indicate that pesticide concentrations in various ecosystems, such as rivers, often exceed regulators’ assessments during approval processes.
“While this particular index does not account for it, significant evidence exists,” Schulz remarks, emphasizing that risk evaluations tend to underestimate real-world exposures.
The rise in the combined applied toxicity stems from two key factors: the increased use of pesticides and the replacement of older varieties with more toxic alternatives, spurred primarily by the emergence of pest resistance. Schulz notes, “In my view, resistance will only exacerbate with more chemical pesticide use.”
Pesticides like pyrethroids pose notable risks to fish and aquatic invertebrates, even when applied in minimal amounts. Neonicotinoids also significantly threaten pollinators.
Calls to eliminate glyphosate, known as Roundup, are growing. Although glyphosate’s overall toxicity is relatively low, its widespread use contributes to cumulative toxicity, according to Schulz. A ban could backfire if more toxic herbicides are adopted following the ban.
Reducing pesticide usage could lead to unintended consequences; declining farm productivity may necessitate more land clearance, resulting in biodiversity loss.
During the 2022 UN Biodiversity Summit, nations pledged to reduce biodiversity loss. Schulz states, “Overall risk from pesticides” has yet to be precisely defined, but he believes that the aggregate of applied toxicities could serve as a metric.
While this method has its limitations, he insists that no perfect measure of overall pesticide use exists. Roel Vermeulen of Utrecht University in the Netherlands adds, “Despite the uncertainties, the alarming trends it reveals are undeniable.” He warns, “The world is drifting away from UN objectives, which spells bad news for ecosystems and ultimately for human health.”
“Crucially, this study illustrates that a small number of highly toxic pesticides are responsible for the majority of overall risk, highlighting clear and actionable targets for significant benefits,” Vermeulen asserts.
Transforming agricultural practices will require broader societal shifts. “Consumers must adopt dietary modifications, minimize food waste, and pay fair prices that truly reflect the environmental costs of production,” he concludes.
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Examining Resilience to Alzheimer’s Disease: Why Some Individuals Remain Symptom-Free
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Recent studies reveal that some individuals exhibit brain changes tied to Alzheimer’s disease yet show no symptoms like memory loss. Though the reasons remain unclear, innovative research is uncovering protective factors that may prevent cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s disease is marked by amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulating in the brain, widely believed to contribute to cognitive decline. However, some individuals, known for their resilience, defy this notion. In 2022, Henne Holstege and her team at the University Medical Center in Amsterdam discovered that certain centenarians retain good cognitive function despite these pathological changes.
Expanding on this research, the team conducted a new study involving 190 deceased individuals. Among them, 88 had Alzheimer’s diagnoses, while 53 showed no signs of the disease at death. Their ages ranged from 50 to 99, and 49 were centenarians with no dementia, though 18 exhibited cognitive impairment previously.
The focus was on the middle temporal gyrus—an early site of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, centenarians with elevated amyloid levels had tau levels akin to those without Alzheimer’s, suggesting that limiting tau accumulation is critical for resilience, according to Holstege.
While amyloid plaques are linked to cognitive decline, Holstege posits that tau accumulation may activate a cascade of symptoms. Notably, amyloid plaques alone may not cause significant tau tangling. “Without amyloid, tau can’t spread,” she explains.
Further analysis of approximately 3,500 brain proteins revealed only five were significantly associated with high amyloid plaques, while nearly 670 correlated with tau tangles. Many of these proteins are involved in crucial metabolic processes like cell growth and waste clearance. Holstege emphasizes, “With amyloid, everything changes; with tau, it’s a different story.”
In the cohort of 18 centenarians with high amyloid levels, 13 showed significant tau spread throughout the middle temporal gyrus, a pattern similar to Alzheimer’s, but the overall tau presence remained low.
This distinction is vital, as diagnosis hinges on tau spread, indicating that accumulation, not just proliferation, triggers cognitive decline. “We must understand that proliferation doesn’t mean abundance,” Holstege clarifies.
In a second study, Katherine Prater and her team at the University of Washington examined 33 deceased individuals—10 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, 10 showing no signs, and 13 deemed resilient. Most subjects were over 80 and underwent cognitive assessments within a year before death.
In line with previous findings, the research indicated that tau was present but not accumulated in resilient brains. Though the mechanisms remain elusive, Prater theorizes that microglia—immune cells regulating brain inflammation—might play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function in resilience.
The team also conducted genetic studies on microglia from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, essential for managing complex tasks. They discovered that resilient individuals’ microglia exhibited heightened activity in messenger RNA transport genes compared to those with Alzheimer’s. This suggests effective gene transport, vital for protein synthesis, is preserved in resilient brains.
“Disruptions in this process can severely impact cell function,” Dr. Prater remarked at the Neuroscience Society meeting in San Diego. However, its direct relationship to Alzheimer’s resilience remains to be elucidated.
Moreover, resilient microglia demonstrated reduced activity in metabolic energy genes compared to those in Alzheimer’s patients, mirroring patterns in healthy individuals. This suggests heightened energy expenditure in Alzheimer’s due to inflammatory states that disrupt neuronal connections and lead to cell death.
“Both studies indicate that the human brain possesses mechanisms to mitigate tau burdens,” Prater concludes. Insights gained from this research could pave the way for new interventions to delay or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease. “While we aren’t close to a cure, the biology offers hope,” she stated.
Money has always influenced healthcare, from pharmaceutical advertising to research agendas. However, the pace and scale of this influence have intensified. A new wave of players is reshaping our health choices, filling the gaps left by overstretched healthcare systems, and commodifying our well-being.
Traditionally, doctors held a monopoly on medical expertise, but this is rapidly changing. A parallel healthcare system is emerging, led by consumer health companies. These entities—including health tech startups, apps, diagnostic services, and influencers—are vying for authority and monetizing their influence.
Currently, there seems to be a solution for every discomfort. Fitness trackers monitor our activity, while meditation apps come with subscription fees. Our biology is increasingly quantifiable, yet these marketable indicators may not always lead to improved health outcomes. We’ll observe whether changes in biomarkers yield positive results. While genetic testing and personalized nutrition promise a “better you,” the supporting evidence often falls short.
In this landscape, our symptoms, treatments, and even the distinctions between genuine illness and everyday discomfort are commodified. This trend is evident in podcasts promoting treatments without disclosing conflicts of interest, influencers profiting from diagnoses, and clinicians presenting themselves as heroes while selling various solutions.
Much of this transformation occurs online, where health complaints and advertising lack proper regulation. Social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are becoming key sources of health advice, blending entertainment with information.
The conglomerate of pharmaceutical, technology, diagnostic, and supplement brands is referred to as the Wellness Industrial Complex, fueling the rise of the “commodified self.”
This issue is not just about personal choice. Social platforms shape our discussions about disease, influencing clinical expectations and redefining what healthcare should provide. We’re essentially participating in a global public health experiment.
However, this phenomenon also reflects real-world deficits. Alternative health options thrive because people seek acknowledgment, control, and connection, especially when public health support feels insufficient. Critiquing misinformation alone won’t halt its spread and could exacerbate marginalization.
When timely testing is inaccessible, private diagnostics can offer clarity and control. Optimization culture flourishes when traditional medicine is perceived as overly cautious or reactive.
The critical question for health systems is not whether to adapt but how. They must remain evidence-based, safe, and equitable while also being attuned to real-world experiences. Failure to do so risks losing market share and moral authority—the ability to define the essence of care.
To navigate health today, one must understand the commercial mechanisms influencing it. The content we consume is curated by an industry with unprecedented access to our bodies, data, and resources, amplifying its potential to impact our self-perception.
In 2009, the World Swimming governing body prohibited specific swimsuits from international competitions, citing unfair advantages. High-tech equipment from NASA was instrumental in designing these swimsuits, which featured ultrasonically welded seams instead of traditional stitching.
Swimmers donning these suits shattered 23 of the 25 world records during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. What made this swimwear so revolutionary? The answer lies in its remarkable ability to minimize friction between the swimmer and the water, enhancing speed and performance.
This instance illustrates the critical influence of friction in our world, a theme thoroughly investigated by Jennifer R. Vail in her book, Friction: Biography.
Bale is a tribologist, focusing on friction, wear, and lubrication as materials interact. She emphasizes, “The forces that resist movement drive us forward.” This concept forms the foundation of her work, which, while technical, delves into friction’s impact on science, technology, and civilization—a necessity as we confront future technological hurdles.
“We study friction because it is omnipresent,” Vail remarks. How did ancient Egyptians transport heavy materials for monumental projects? How do anoles and geckos scale vertical surfaces? Why was Teflon included in the Manhattan Project? What aerodynamic principles govern airplane wings? These queries all converge on friction.
From desert sands controlled by hair-like structures on animal legs to synthetic substances optimizing fluid interactions, friction plays a pivotal role, shaping everything from quantum activities to cosmic phenomena. Bale provides a detailed, passionate narrative on friction’s ubiquitous presence, showcasing its significance.
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Friction has been central to civilization ever since humans began rubbing objects together to create fire. “
While discussing friction, Bale emphasizes the potential risks associated with harnessing this force. Our ability to manipulate friction has been integral to civilization, from the earliest fire-starting methods to modern innovations in engines, turbines, and contact lenses.
However, it is Bale’s outlook on the future that captivates readers. Alarmingly, friction consumes approximately 40% of energy in manufacturing processes, impacting both production and friction mitigation efforts. A study highlighted that an average car’s fuel consumption was over a third burnt solely to counteract friction. In a world increasingly challenged by energy conservation, optimizing friction is vital for sustainable practices.
Vail noted that innovations in tribology could potentially save energy equivalent to 34 million barrels of gasoline annually—180 times the daily gasoline consumption in the U.S. Bale’s urgent call for more tribologists in energy certification and greater emphasis on this field in educational curriculums is vital for our energy future.
This book is essential reading. Yet, despite Bale’s engaging tone and clear enthusiasm, the complexity may overwhelm some casual readers. Nevertheless, the effort is rewarding; gaining insight into friction enriches our understanding of the world, highlighting how countless interactions shape our experiences.
Epstein-Barr Virus: A Common Infection with Serious Implications
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Approximately 10% of individuals carry genetic mutations that heighten their susceptibility to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common pathogen linked to diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus. Insights from a study involving over 700,000 participants may clarify why EBV results in severe illness for some, yet remains relatively harmless for the majority.
“Nearly everyone has encountered EBV,” explains Chris Whincup from King’s College London, who did not partake in the research. “How is it that, despite widespread exposure, only a fraction of the population develops autoimmune conditions?” This research offers plausible answers.
The Epstein-Barr virus was initially identified in 1964 when scientists detected its particles in Burkitt’s lymphoma, a type of cancer. Today, over 90% of the population has been infected with EBV, evidenced by the presence of antibodies against the virus.
Initially, EBV is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as monofever or glandular fever, which typically resolves in a few weeks. However, it is also linked to chronic autoimmune disorders, as evidenced by a 2022 study demonstrating its role in the onset of multiple sclerosis, leading to nerve damage.
“Why do individuals exhibit such varied responses to the same viral infection?” questions Caleb Lareau at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
To investigate, Lareau and her research team analyzed health data from over 735,000 individuals participating in the British Biobank study and a U.S. cohort called All of Us. Their genomes were sequenced using blood samples. “When EBV infects certain cells, it leaves behind copies in the blood,” shares Lareau, indicating that the human genome in their sample includes EBV genome copies.
The research highlights substantial variability in EBV DNA levels among subjects. Of the participants, 47,452 (9.7%) exhibited over 1.2 complete EBV genomes per 10,000 cells, indicating that while many cleared the virus post-infection, this subset did not.
To comprehend the heightened vulnerability of these individuals, the research team sought specific genomic differences that correlated with high EBV levels. As noted by Ryan Dhindsa from Baylor College of Medicine, they identified 22 genomic regions linked to elevated EBV levels, many of which are previously associated with immune-mediated diseases.
The strongest correlation was found in genes related to the major histocompatibility complex, essential immune proteins in distinguishing between self and foreign cells. “Certain individuals possess mutations in their major histocompatibility complex,” Dhindsa explains. Further studies indicated that these variants may impede the immune system’s capacity to detect EBV infections.
“This virus profoundly impacts our immune system, having lasting effects on certain individuals,” comments Ruth Dobson at Queen Mary University of London. Persistent EBV DNA can subtly stimulate the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune attacks on the body.
Moreover, the genetic variants linked to high EBV levels were associated with various traits and symptoms, notably an elevated risk for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, reinforcing the hypothesis of the virus’s involvement in these conditions.
The research team also identified a connection between these mutations and chronic fatigue, intriguing given that some studies have posited EBV as a contributing factor to myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Due to the large sample size, “we can assert that this signal exists,” Dhindsa remarked, although the precise relationship remains unclear.
For Wincup, the primary takeaway is the identification of immune system components damaged by continuous EBV presence. Targeting these components could lead to more effective treatments for EBV-related conditions.
Additionally, vaccination against EBV is a potential avenue. Currently, only experimental vaccines exist. Wincup emphasizes that developing a vaccine would be a significant advancement, arguing that despite its common perception as benign, EBV causes considerable suffering for many. “How benign is it really?”
Following a heart attack, the brain processes signals directly from sensory neurons in the heart, indicating a crucial feedback loop that involves not only the brain but also the immune system—both vital for effective recovery.
According to Vineet Augustine from the University of California, San Diego, “The body and brain are interconnected; there is significant communication among organ systems, the nervous system, and the immune system.”
Building on previous research demonstrating that the heart and brain communicate through blood pressure and cardiac sensory neurons, Augustine and his team sought to explore the role of nerves in the heart attack response. They utilized a groundbreaking technique to make mouse hearts transparent, enabling them to observe nerve activity during induced heart attacks by cutting off blood flow.
The study revealed novel clusters of sensory neurons that extend from the vagus nerve and tightly encompass the ventricles, particularly in areas damaged by lack of blood flow. Interestingly, while few nerve fibers existed prior to the heart attack, their numbers surged significantly post-incident, suggesting that the heart stimulates the growth of these neurons during recovery.
In a key experiment, Augustine’s team selectively turned off these nerves, which halted signaling to the brain, resulting in significantly smaller damaged areas in the heart. “The recovery is truly remarkable,” Augustine noted.
Patients recovering from a heart attack often require surgical interventions to restore vital blood flow and minimize further tissue damage. However, the discovery of these new neurons could pave the way for future medications, particularly in scenarios where immediate surgery is impractical.
Furthermore, the signals from these neurons activated brain regions associated with the stress response, triggering the immune system to direct its cells to the heart. While these immune cells help form scar tissue necessary for repairing damaged muscle, excessive scarring can compromise heart function and lead to heart failure. Augustine and colleagues identified alternative methods to facilitate healing in mice post-heart attack by effectively blocking this immune response early on.
Recent decades have indicated that communication occurs between the heart, brain, and immune system during a heart attack. The difference now is that researchers possess advanced tools to analyze changes at the neuron level. Matthew Kay from George Washington University noted, “This presents an intriguing opportunity for developing new treatments for heart attack patients, potentially including gene therapy.”
Current medical practices frequently include beta-blockers to assist in the healing process following heart attack-induced tissue damage. These findings clarify the mechanism by which beta-blockers influence the feedback loops within nervous and immune systems activated during heart attacks.
As Robin Choudhury from the University of Oxford remarked, “We might have already intervened with the newly discovered routes.” Nevertheless, he cautioned that this pathway likely interacts with various other immune signals and cells that remain not fully understood.
Moreover, factors like genetics, gender differences, and conditions such as diabetes or hypertension could affect the evolution of this newly identified response. Hence, determining when and if a pathway is active in a wider population remains essential before crafting targeted drugs, Choudhury added.
We can Usually Agree on Objects’ Appearance, But Why?
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Although our world seems inherently ambiguous at the quantum level, this is not the experience we face in daily life. Researchers have now established a methodology to measure the speed at which objective reality emerges from this quantum ambiguity, lending credibility to the notion that an evolutionary framework can elucidate this emergence.
In the quantum domain, each entity, such as a single atom, exists within a spectrum of potential states and only assumes a definitive, “classical” state upon measurement or observation. Yet, we perceive strictly classical objects devoid of existential ambiguities, and the processes enabling this have challenged physicists for years.
Prominent physicist Wojciech Zurek of Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico introduced the concept of “quantum Darwinism,” suggesting that a process akin to natural selection confirms the visibility of the “fittest” state among numerous potential forms, ensuring successful replication through environmental interactions up to the observer’s perspective. When observers with access to only portions of reality converge on the same objective observation, it indicates they are witnessing one of these identical copies.
Researchers at University College Dublin, led by Steve Campbell, have shown that differing observers can still arrive at a consensus on objective reality, even if their observational methods lack sophistication or precision.
“Observers can capture a fragment and make any measurements they desire. If I capture a different fragment, I too can make arbitrary measurements. The question becomes: how does classical objectivity arise?” he explains.
The research team has redefined the emergence of objectivity as a quantum sensing issue. For instance, if the objective fact pertains to the frequency of light emitted by an object, the observer must acquire accurate data about that frequency, similar to how a computer employs a light sensor. In optimal conditions, this method achieves ultra-precise measurements, quickly leading to a definitive conclusion about the light’s frequency. This scenario is assessed using Quantum Fisher Information (QFI), a mathematical formula that benchmarks how varying, less accurate observational techniques can still attain similar precise conclusions. Gabriel Randy at the University of Rochester highlights this comparison in their recent study.
Remarkably, their calculations indicate that for significantly large fragments of reality, even observers employing imperfect measurements can ultimately gather enough data to reach the same conclusions about objectivity as those derived from the ideal QFI standard.
“Surprisingly, simplistic measurements can be just as effective as more advanced ones,” Lundy states. “This illustrates how classicality emerges: as fragments grow larger, observers tend to agree on even basic measurements.” Thus, this research contributes further to our understanding of why, when observing the macroscopic world, we concur about its physical attributes, such as the color of a coffee cup.
“This study underscores that we do not require flawless, ideal measurements,” adds Diego Wisniacki from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He notes that while QFI is foundational in quantum information theory, its application to quantum Darwinism has been sparse, presenting pathways to bridge theoretical frameworks with established experimental methodologies, like quantum devices utilizing light-based or superconducting qubits.
“This research serves as a foundational ‘brick’ in our comprehension of quantum Darwinism,” states G. Massimo Palma from the University of Palermo, Italy. “It more closely aligns with the experimental descriptions of laboratory observations.”
Palma elaborates that the simplicity of the model used in this study could facilitate new experimental pursuits; however, complex system calculations will be essential to solidify quantum Darwinism’s foundation. “Advancing beyond rudimentary models would mark a significant progression,” Palma asserts.
Lundy conveyed that researchers are eager to transform theoretical findings into experimental validations. For instance, qubits formed from trapped ions could be employed to evaluate how the emergence of objectivity timescale relates to the durations during which these qubits retain their quantum characteristics.
Historically, science operated under the notion of a “normal brain,” one that fits standard societal expectations. Those who diverge from this model have often been labeled with a disorder or mental health condition, treated as if they were somehow flawed. For years, researchers have refined the notion that neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and movement disorders, should be recognized as distinctive variations representing different neurocognitive frameworks.
In the late 1990s, a paradigm shift occurred. What if these “disorders” were simply natural variations in brain wiring? What if human traits existed on a spectrum rather than a stark boundary between normal and abnormal? Those at either end of the spectrum may face challenges, yet their exceptional brains also offer valuable strengths. Viewed through this lens, diverse brains represent assets, contributing positively to society when properly supported.
The concept of neurodiversity gained momentum, sparking lively debates in online autism advocacy groups. By 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recognized autism as a spectrum condition, abolishing the Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis and classifying it on a scale from Level 1 to Level 3 based on support needs. This shift solidified the understanding of neurodivergent states within medical literature.
Since the early 2000s, research has shown that individuals with autism often excel in mathematical reasoning and attention to detail. Those with ADHD frequently outperform others in creativity, while individuals with dyslexia are adept at pattern recognition and big-picture thinking. Even those with movement disorders have been noted to develop innovative coping strategies.
These discoveries have led many scientists to argue that neurodivergent states are not mere evolutionary happenstance. Instead, our ancestors likely thrived thanks to pioneers, creative thinkers, and detail-oriented individuals in their midst. A group possessing diverse cognitive strengths could more effectively explore, adapt, and survive. Some researchers now propose that the autism spectrum comprises distinct subtypes with varying clusters of abilities and challenges.
While many researchers advocate for framing neurodivergent characteristics as “superpowers,” some caution against overly positive portrayals. “Excessive optimism, especially without supporting evidence, can undermine the seriousness of these conditions,” says Dr. Jessica Eccles, a psychiatrist and neurodiversity researcher at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Nevertheless, she emphasizes that “with this vocabulary, we can better understand both the strengths and challenges of neurodiversity, enabling individuals to navigate the world more effectively.”
The world is entering an alarming “era of water bankruptcy” fueled by overconsumption and climate change. Approximately 75% of the global population lives in regions confronting severe water scarcity, pollution, and drought.
This is the finding of a United Nations report, which concludes that many regions are extracting excessive amounts from their annual rainwater and snowmelt, leading to the rapid depletion of groundwater reserves that may take thousands of years to replenish. Notably, 70% of major aquifers are now classified as depleted, and many changes are irreversible.
Key contributors to this crisis include the expansion of agriculture and urbanization into arid areas, which are becoming increasingly dry due to climate change. For instance, around 700 sinkholes have formed in Türkiye as a consequence of groundwater extraction. In addition, devastating sandstorms induced by desertification have resulted in numerous casualties in Beijing.
“Our surface water account is now empty,” asserts Kave Madani from the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. “The inherited savings from our ancestors—groundwater and glaciers—are now exhausted. We are witnessing global signs of water bankruptcy,” he explained.
Approximately 4 billion people face water scarcity for at least one month each year, which is exacerbated by immigration, conflict, and insecurity. Madani noted that while a currency collapse triggered recent protests in Iran, underlying water shortages were also significant contributors.
Iran has experienced its driest autumn in 50 years. This situation is further aggravated by the rapid proliferation of agricultural dams and wells, contributing to the near-complete desiccation of Lake Urmia, once the largest lake in the Middle East. The Iranian government is now considering evacuating Tehran and is exploring cloud-seeding methods to induce rain.
In the United States, the Colorado River, which is crucial for the water supply in much of the western region, has experienced an estimated flow reduction of 20% in the past 20 years. This decline is mainly attributed to decreased rainfall and increased evaporation, alongside excessive water repurposing for beef and dairy production. Cities like Los Angeles rely heavily on this water for drinking, despite the diminishing flow reaching the ocean.
The river’s primary reservoirs are currently at about 30% capacity, and projections indicate they could reach “dead pool” status (10-15% capacity) by 2027, according to research conducted by Bradley Udall from Colorado State University. Negotiations over water allocation among states stalled last year.
Experts emphasize that increasing agricultural water efficiency often leads to greater water consumption. Improvements such as drip and sprinkler irrigation allow for gradual water absorption, yet more water also runs back into rivers from flooded fields. Therefore, it is essential to reduce overall water consumption alongside enhancing efficiency, Udall asserts.
“Agriculture consumes 70% of our water resources, hence effective solutions must originate from the agricultural sector,” he adds. “A reduction in agricultural use is crucial, and this issue is prevalent worldwide.”
Approximately half of the global food production occurs in areas where water storage is diminishing. Addressing agricultural water use will also necessitate economic diversification to support the livelihoods of over 1 billion individuals, predominantly in low-income nations, which often export food to high-income countries.
“Water is integral to the economy, as it significantly impacts public health,” states Madani. “If jobs are lost, it can lead to social unrest similar to what we are witnessing in Iran.”
Even regions with sufficient rainfall are experiencing increased water extraction by data centers or contamination from industries, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Wetlands equivalent to the area of the European Union are being lost primarily due to agricultural conversion, incurring an estimated global cost of $5.1 trillion in ecosystem services, such as flood mitigation, food production, and carbon storage.
In Bangladesh, approximately half of the nation experiences well water contamination due to arsenic, exacerbated by rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion. In Dhaka, tap water and the ominously dubbed “river of death” are polluted by chemicals linked to fast-fashion product manufacturing intended for export to Europe and North America.
“It is widely known that the river is tainted by the garment industry,” notes Sonia Hawke from Oxford University. “However, strict regulations could deter buyers, creating a conflict of interest.”
In many instances, vital water bodies—including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers—struggle to return to their previous conditions. Additionally, significant glacial melting has diminished water supplies for hundreds of millions.
Madani emphasizes the necessity for humanity to adapt to reduced water availability through improved water management strategies. However, this starts with accurately assessing water resources and consumption, including household meters, well usage, and waterway health.
“Efforts like [cloud-seeding] may be futile if we don’t understand our water system’s metrics. Effective management begins with measurement,” Madani concludes.
Arc-shaped volcanoes like Japan’s Sakurajima release carbon dioxide from the Earth’s interior
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New research suggests that the impact of volcanoes on Earth’s climate may not be as ancient as previously believed.
The Earth’s climate has experienced shifts between “icehouse” and “greenhouse” conditions, largely dictated by greenhouse gas levels like carbon dioxide.
Volcanic arcs, including significant eruptions from mountain ranges such as Japan’s, release CO2 from deep within the Earth. Recent findings indicate that dinosaurs became a substantial source of carbon emissions only towards the end of their reign, approximately 100 million years ago, according to Ben Mather and his team from the University of Melbourne.
This correlates with the emergence of phytoplankton featuring calcium carbonate scales in the oceans approximately 150 million years ago. When these organisms perish, they deposit large amounts of calcium carbonate on the ocean floor.
As tectonic plates shift, these significant reservoirs of carbon are pushed into the mantle and recycled into the Earth’s molten core via a process known as subduction.
“Most of the carbon derived from plankton on the subducting oceanic plate mixes into the melt interior, but a portion is released through volcanic arcs,” explains Mather.
Before the emergence of scaly plankton, volcanic arc emissions contained relatively lower levels of CO2, according to Mather.
Through modeling, Mather and colleagues examined tectonics’ long-term impact on the carbon cycle over the past 500 million years. They discovered that much of the carbon stored within Earth throughout its history was released through crustal fractures in a process termed rifting, not primarily through volcanic arcs.
Rifting, a geological process where continents separate, can occur on land (as in the East African Rift) or along mid-ocean ridges.
“As tectonic plates separate, they effectively ‘roof off’ parts of the molten Earth,” Mather states. “This process generates new crust at mid-ocean ridges, releasing carbon.” The amount of carbon entering the atmosphere from continental fractures and mid-ocean ridges relies on the cracks’ length and the rate at which they separate, a process that has remained relatively stable. However, emissions from volcanic arcs have surged in the last 100 million years due to new carbon reservoirs formed by plankton.
Currently, Earth is in a temporary warm phase called an interglacial period, nested within a larger ice age that began 34 million years ago. One reason for the persistent cold phases is that phytoplankton sequester substantial amounts of carbon from the ocean, depositing it on the sea floor. Although volcanic emissions are rising, they still pale in comparison to the carbon stored by phytoplankton and that sequestered through tectonic movements.
According to Alan Collins and his team from the University of Adelaide, modeling studies like this are crucial for comprehending how volcanic and tectonic activities have influenced climate patterns over geological timescales.
“The composition of marine sediments has shifted as new organisms evolved, utilizing diverse elements, including the rise of calcium carbonate-based zooplankton,” Collins emphasizes.
Reference journal: Nature Communications Earth and Environment, DOI TK
Explore the Land of Fire and Ice: Iceland
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. Experience volcanic and geological marvels by day, and chase the mesmerizing Northern Lights by night (October).
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IBM’s Quantum System Two Unveiled at a Data Center in Germany
Quantum computing has been making headlines lately. You might have noticed quantum chips and their intriguing cooling systems dominating your news feed. From politicians to business leaders, the term “quantum” is everywhere. If you find yourself perplexed, consider setting a New Year’s resolution to grasp the fundamentals of quantum computing this year.
This goal may seem daunting, but the timing is perfect. The quantum computing sector has achieved significant breakthroughs lately, making it a hotbed of innovation and investment, with the market expected to exceed $1 billion, likely doubling in the coming years. Yet, high interest often leads to disproportionate hype.
There remain numerous questions about when quantum computers might outpace classical ones. While mathematicians and theorists ponder these queries, the practical route may be to improve quantum computers through experimentation. However, consensus on the best methodologies for building these systems is still elusive.
Compounding the complexity, quantum mechanics itself is notoriously challenging to comprehend. Physicists debate interpretations of bizarre phenomena like superposition and entanglement, which are pivotal for quantum computing’s potential.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. But don’t be discouraged; these challenges can be overcome with curiosity.
As a former high school teacher, I often encountered curious students who would linger after class, eager to discuss intricate aspects of quantum computing. Many were novice learners in math or physics, yet they posed thought-provoking questions. One summer, a group who took an online quantum programming course approached me, surpassing my own coding knowledge in quantum applications. The following year, we delved into advanced topics typically reserved for college-level classes.
Recently, I discovered a young talent in quantum inquiry. A 9-year-old YouTuber, Kai, co-hosts a podcast named Quantum Kid, where he interviews leading quantum computing experts for over 88,000 subscribers to enjoy.
Kai’s co-host, Katya Moskvich, is not only his mother but also a physicist with extensive experience in science writing. She works at Quantum Machines, a firm developing classical devices that enhance the functionality of quantum computers. Kai brings an infectious enthusiasm to the podcast, engaging with pivotal figures who have influenced modern quantum theory.
In a recent episode, renowned quantum algorithm creator Peter Scholl discussed the intersection of quantum computing, sustainability, and climate action. Nobel laureate Stephen Chu and distinguished computer scientist Scott Aaronson also joined, exploring concepts like time travel and its theoretical connections to quantum mechanics. Additionally, physicist John Preskill collaborated with roboticist Ken Goldberg to examine the interplay of quantum computing and robotics.
Kai and Co-Host (Mother) Katya Moskvich
While The Quantum Kid may not delve deep into rigorous math, it offers a fun entry point and insight from leading experts in quantum technology. Most episodes introduce fundamental concepts like superposition and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which you can explore further in reputable publications such as New Scientist.
The true strength of The Quantum Kid lies in Kai’s ability to ask the very questions that an inquisitive mind might have regarding quantum computers—those which seek to unpack the complex yet fascinating nature of this technology. If you’ve been curious about quantum computing but have felt overwhelmed, Kai encourages you to remain inquisitive and seek clarity. (We’re here to guide you on your quantum journey.)
Could quantum computers revolutionize space exploration or even facilitate time travel? Might they help develop advanced robotics or combat climate issues? The answers are not straightforward, laden with nuances. Kai’s engaging dialogues make complex theories accessible, ensuring clarity resonates with both young listeners and adults. Hearing Peter Scholl reiterate that current quantum systems lack the clout to change the world doesn’t dampen Kai’s enthusiasm but rather fuels it.
In the pilot episode, physicist Lennart Renner expresses optimism, stating, “We’re evolving alongside new machines that can potentially revolutionize tasks, hence we must deliberate on their applications,” setting a forward-thinking tone that reverberates throughout the series.
Adopting a blend of Kai’s wonder and imagination, coupled with the seasoned expertise of guests, will enhance any quantum learning project you embark on this year. Quantum computing, while intricate and multifaceted, remains incredibly compelling. If your child is captivated, why not explore it together?
Over 50 years ago, Jane Goodall amazed the scientific community by discovering that chimpanzees in Tanzania use tools to extract insects from termite mounds—an act previously thought to be exclusive to humans. Her mentor, Louis Leakey, famously remarked, “Now we either need to redefine ‘tool,’ redefine ‘human,’ or accept chimpanzees as humans.”
Today, research supports the notion that a variety of species engage in learning and exhibit cultural behaviors. A recent study published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, co-led by Philippa Brakes, showcases evidence of cultural learning across species, from whales to wallabies.
For many species, sharing culturally transmitted behaviors is crucial for survival, aiding skill development and adaptability in shifting environments. In the realm of conservation, these insights are beginning to transform practices, from species reintroduction to mitigating human-wildlife conflicts over habitat use.
Moreover, the concept of “longevity conservation” is gaining popularity. Research shows that some of the longest-lived animals have developed remarkable genetic adaptations to cope with extended lifespans while serving as custodians of shared ecological knowledge. Older individuals often possess critical information that aids adaptation to environmental changes. For instance, species like Greenland sharks and giant tortoises reveal biochemical strategies for resisting cancer and cellular repair over centuries.
As our understanding expands, we are compelled to rethink what qualifies a site as a ‘World Heritage Site.’ If whales and birds possess cultural traditions, shouldn’t we regard the loss of their songs and foraging methods with as much seriousness as the loss of human monuments? Although this perspective may seem radical, it is indeed worth considering.
Many indigenous communities have long recognized the knowledge-sharing among species. Collaborative relationships, such as those between killer whales and indigenous hunters in Australia, as well as bottlenose dolphins aiding fishermen in Brazil, illustrate the importance of listening to nature.
Understanding the knowledge shared by other animals can inspire us to rethink controversial technologies like “eradication.” Without elder guides to teach young hybrids migration paths and social norms, revived individuals may struggle to survive in current habitats.
Perhaps the most significant challenge posed by a human cross-cultural perspective is the assumption of human exceptionalism. The more we learn about the cultures of other species, the more we recognize that we coexist with a diverse array of beings, each with their own values and emotions.
It took over 50 years for the importance of non-human cultures highlighted in Goodall’s findings to gain traction among conservation groups. As time progresses, we continue to dismantle the myth of human exceptionalism. We do not need to explore distant galaxies to find intelligent, civilized beings; numerous other cultural life forms already share our planet. Embracing this knowledge can drive the transformative changes necessary to fulfill our commitments as guardians of this rich biocultural diversity.
Philippa Brakes is a behavioral ecologist at Massey University in New Zealand. Mark Bekoff is Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado Boulder.
The largest analysis of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils reveals that this colossal Cretaceous predator took approximately 35 to 40 years to reach maturity, significantly longer than previously believed.
This research suggests that there may have been multiple species of Tyrannosaurus rather than just one, raising questions about whether small specimens attributed to juveniles might actually belong to a distinct species known as Nanotyrannus.
Before this study, it was assumed that Tyrannosaurus rex reached a maximum weight of 8 tons by around 20 years of age and could have a lifespan of only 30 years.
“Previous growth studies on Tyrannosaurus rex were conducted in the early 2000s and were based on a limited sample size of seven specimens,” explains Holly Ballard from Oklahoma State University. “This was not the researchers’ fault; it was the available data at the time.”
Through their recent study, Ballard and her colleagues analyzed thigh and tibia bones from 17 specimens ranging in age from juvenile to adult, making it the largest dataset for Tyrannosaurus growth ever collected.
The research team examined the microstructure of bone tissue, including growth rings formed annually, similar to tree rings. However, the earliest growth rings were often destroyed as the marrow cavity expanded, necessitating a greater number of specimens across overlapping growth stages.
“This is why our sample size and age distribution are so critical and set us apart from past studies,” Ballard emphasizes.
The analysis revealed that Tyrannosaurus rex grows more slowly than initially thought, with growth rates varying based on environmental factors.
However, determining the maximum age of Tyrannosaurus rex remains problematic, as animals cease to grow annual rings upon reaching maturity. “The most successful Tyrannosaurus likely lived to be around 40 years old, with very few individuals achieving that age,” Ballard notes. “In our sample, only two individuals reached full adult size.”
Interestingly, two other specimens exhibited slower growth, indicating they might belong to a different species, such as Nanotyrannus, or that they were possibly Tyrannosaurus rex that were sick or stunted due to environmental factors.
Lindsey Zanno from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences describes this study as one of the most comprehensive investigations of Tyrannosaurus rex growth to date, building on her recent research suggesting that a small specimen from Montana might be a fully grown Tyrannosaurus rex around 20 years old, potentially named Nanotyrannus lansensis.
“I’m thrilled to finally have a growth curve for Tyrannosaurus rex that we can assert with confidence,” Zanno comments, especially regarding Nanotyrannus.
Thomas Carr from Carthage College in Wisconsin believes that this study will likely lead to the separation of Tyrannosaurus rex into different species and expects it to influence future dinosaur research significantly.
“We anticipate that growth estimates for other dinosaurs will undergo reassessment,” Carr states. “Overall, this could transform our understanding of dinosaur growth and development across the spectrum.”
Dinosaur Hunting in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert
Join an extraordinary expedition to uncover dinosaur fossils in the expansive wilderness of the Gobi Desert, a prominent hotspot in paleontology.
When someone states they are “probably” having pasta for dinner but later opts for pizza, do you find it surprising or consider them dishonest? On a more critical note, what does it imply when the United Nations asserts it is “very likely” that global temperatures will rise by over 1.5 degrees Celsius in the next decade, as reported last year? The translation between the nuances of language and the intricacies of mathematical probability can often seem challenging, yet we can discover scientific clarity through careful analysis.
Two fundamental points about probability are widely accepted: Something labeled “impossible” has a 0% chance of occurrence, while a “certain” event carries a 100% likelihood. However, confusion arises in between these extremes. Ancient Greeks, including Aristotle, differentiated between terms such as Eikos, meaning the most likely, and Pitanon, which signifies plausible. This presents challenges: persuasive rhetoric may not always align with likelihood. Additionally, both terms were translated by Cicero into the modern term probability.
The concept of a measurable mathematical approach to probability emerged significantly later, primarily in the mid-17th century during the Enlightenment. Mathematicians began to address gambling dilemmas, such as equitable distribution of winnings during interruptions. Concurrently, philosophers probed whether it was feasible to quantify varying levels of belief.
For instance, in 1690, John Locke categorized degrees of probability on a spectrum from complete certainty to confidence based on personal experience, down to testimony affected by repetition. This classification remains vital in legal contexts, both historically and presently.
The interplay between law and probability persisted among philosophers. In his writings of the mid-19th century, Jeremy Bentham criticized the inadequacy of common language in expressing evidence strength. He proposed a numerical ranking system to gauge belief strength, but ultimately deemed its subjectivity as impractical for justice.
A century later, economist John Maynard Keynes rejected Bentham’s certainty measure in favor of relational approaches. He argued that it was more effective to discuss how one probability might exceed another, focusing on the knowledge base for these estimations, thus establishing a hierarchy without offering systematic communication methods for terms such as “may” or “likely.”
Interestingly, the first systematic resolution to this challenge did not arise from mathematicians or philosophers but from a CIA intelligence analyst named Sherman Kent. In 1964, he introduced the idea of estimating probability with specific terminology for National Intelligence Estimates designed to guide policymakers. He articulated the dilemma faced by “poets,” who articulate meaning through words, versus “mathematicians,” who advocate for exact figures. Kent initiated the idea that specific words correspond to precise probabilities, designating “virtually certain” as a 93% probability, but also allowing some leeway to accommodate differing interpretations.
This framework for understanding probability transitioned from the intelligence sector to scientific applications. A review of recent research dating back to 1989 explored how both patients and medical professionals interpret terms like “may” in medical scenarios. The findings showed some alignment with Kent’s framework, although with distinctions.
Returning to the original question about the meaning of “very likely” regarding climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) offers clarity with explicit definitions. According to their guidance, “very likely” signifies a 90% to 100% probability of an event’s occurrence. Alarmingly, many climate scientists now assert that temperatures have already surpassed the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.
However, situations are rarely straightforward. Logically, the statements “Event A is likely to occur” and “Event A is unlikely to be avoided” should correlate, albeit research published last year reveals that labeling a climate forecast as “unlikely” diminishes perceived evidence strength and consensus among scientists compared to stating it’s “likely.” This cognitive bias might stem from a preference for positive framing over negative alternatives. A classic example includes a community of 600 individuals facing a health crisis; when presented with two treatment options, most favor one that saves 200 lives over one that saves 400, even if both are statistically similar.
So, what lessons can we draw from this exploration? Firstly, quantifiable data effectively enhances communication of uncertainty. If numerical specificity isn’t available, stating, “75% of the time, I plan to have pasta for dinner,” may raise eyebrows. In such instances, ensure shared understanding of terminology, even in the absence of a formalized framework like Kent’s. Lastly, accentuating the positive tends to foster acceptance of predictions. How likely is that? Well, that’s hard to quantify.
As a dedicated nature writer, I strive to nurture a profound connection with the natural world. Observing birds, exploring with children, and discovering beetles beneath fallen logs is what I cherish. Nature embodies complexity and wonder; while I appreciate its beauty, I have never deemed it sacred or considered my relationship with it spiritual.
Yet, current trends indicate I might be overlooking something significant.
The term “nature connectivity” may sound idealistic, yet it is bolstered by a growing body of research. A 2025 study claims that increased feelings of “nature connection” and “oneness with nature” correlate with elevated spirituality and skepticism regarding “science over faith.” Such findings may astonish many in the natural sciences, and they certainly surprised me, but this notion resonates within recent nature-focused literature.
While ancient druids revered nature, cultivating sacred groves of mistletoe and oak, today’s enchantment often unfolds in the nature section of a bookstore, nestled between gardening and self-help. Many of us experience our connection to nature through the act of writing. We become surrogate birders, second-hand botanists, and armchair adventurers. This is perfectly acceptable; life is hectic, and most reside in urban or suburban settings. One of humanity’s great gifts is our ability to be transported through written words to the depths of forests and heights of mountains.
The real concern lies not in how we connect with nature, but in our perception of what we are connecting to. Nature isn’t a fantasy; it occupies the same earthly realm as us, and we are inherently part of it. When viewed through a scientific lens, the natural world remains awe-inspiring and captivating. It is perplexing to separate the beauty of science from a genuine appreciation of nature.
We might benefit from reevaluating our eagerness to extract lessons from nature. Is it possible to learn from moss about unity or understand the repelling forces of grass? Recent naturalists suggest fungi can help us grasp the cycle of life. However, we can also learn troubling lessons from shoebills about the harsh realities of nature, such as expelling weak young or manipulating hosts in dire ways. Seeking wisdom from nature may feel just as rational as consulting ChatGPT for guidance—both resources have extensive insights. Perhaps true enlightenment lies in discovering lessons within ourselves.
Then arises the timeless query: What role do humans play in this ecosystem? Some assert that nature writers need to practice silence. Yet the uncomfortable reality is that all writers appreciate their own voices. We must strike a balance between experiencing the external world and what transpires within us. Both perspectives hold immense value, and the best nature writers skillfully navigate these frontiers, reporting with clarity, expertise, and sensitivity. Broadening the definition of “outside” to include diverse human experiences enriches our narratives.
I hope to see nature writing flourish, embracing its imperfections. I envision it evolving into a richer, more intricate, interdisciplinary tapestry that reflects the dynamic nature of our world, whatever that encapsulates—our realities, the living environment, and our place within it.
The enigmatic neutrino, often considered a ghostly particle, could be reshaping our understanding of all particles and forces in the universe.
The Standard Model of particle physics stands as a monumental achievement in contemporary science, meticulously cataloging known particles and forces. However, physicists have long been aware of its deficiencies and are eager to establish a more cohesive model. Notably, it fails to tie gravity to the other three fundamental forces.
During stress tests that expose weaknesses in the Standard Model, researchers can pinpoint areas in need of further exploration. Francesca Dorday and her team at the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) in Cagliari, Italy, have identified a potential flaw by investigating the mysterious behaviors of neutrinos.
“In every assessment of the Standard Model over the past two decades, we’ve consistently confirmed its predictions. This necessitates the derivation of more precise outcomes, especially since neutrinos exhibit unique characteristics,” Dorday explains.
Neutrinos possess an extraordinarily small mass—so insignificant that they were once considered massless. They interact so weakly with matter that they pass through substances undetected—akin to tiny phantoms. Nonetheless, recent investigations have managed to quantify some minimal electromagnetic interactions of neutrinos using a measurement known as the charge radius. Neutrinos can also engage with other particles via the weak nuclear force.
Dorday and her team have meticulously examined the nuances of neutrino interactions and charge radius through numerous experiments, gathering data from neutrinos produced by nuclear reactors, particle accelerators, and even the nuclear fusion activities within the Sun. Additionally, by utilizing detectors created for dark matter, they found sensitivity to neutrinos.
Team member Nicola Calgioli remarked that compiling this data was challenging but ultimately offered a comprehensive overview of our understanding of neutrinos. “We essentially integrated all available data,” added Christoph Ternes from Italy’s Gran Sasso Scientific Institute, who collaborated on this project.
While the value of the neutrino’s charge radius matched Standard Model expectations, researchers uncovered an intriguing phenomenon concerning the particles’ weak interactions. They observed “mathematical degeneracy,” meaning that both the Standard Model and a slight variant could explain the findings equally well. Strikingly, further examination revealed that the alternative model might fit the data even more closely, hinting at a long-anticipated crack in our current grasp of particle physics.
Despite the new analysis not achieving a definitive statistical breakthrough, it represents an initial foray into rigorously evaluating the Standard Model through neutrinos. Researchers aspire to gather additional data to substantiate or refute their findings as new detection technologies emerge. If these discrepancies persist, the implications could be profound.
“Identifying flaws may necessitate a complete re-evaluation of established principles,” cautions Calgioli. New models beyond the Standard Model might postulate entirely new particle types with interactions congruent with the neutrino dynamics revealed in the research.
Omar Miranda underscores that capturing neutrino interactions, particularly at ultra-low energies, is exceedingly complex, now made feasible thanks to advancements in detector technology, including those designed for dark matter research. He emphasizes the significance of neutrino detection as a litmus test for the Standard Model.
The new findings call on particle physicists to conduct ultra-precise neutrino experiments across various settings in the coming years, assert the authors. As Jose Valle from the University of Valencia, Spain points out, better measurements of neutrinos’ electromagnetic properties are still essential to uncover their internal structure.
CERN and Mont Blanc: Unraveling Dark Matter
Discover CERN, Europe’s leading hub for particle physics, situated near the picturesque city of Geneva, where researchers operate the renowned Large Hadron Collider.
Dark Photons: A New Explanation for the Double-Slit Experiment
Russell Kightley/Science Photo Library
This year, a fundamental aspect of quantum theory faced scrutiny when researchers introduced a groundbreaking interpretation of an experiment exploring the nature of light.
Central to this research was the historic double-slit experiment, first conducted by physicist Thomas Young in 1801, which confirmed the wave-like behavior of light. Conventionally, particles and waves are considered distinct; however, in the quantum realm, they coexist, showcasing wave-particle duality.
For years, light stood as the quintessential example of this duality. Experimentation demonstrated that light can exhibit particle-like behavior as photons and wave-like characteristics, culminating in interference patterns reminiscent of Young’s findings. However, earlier in 2023, Celso Villas Boas and his team at Brazil’s Federal University of São Carlos proposed a novel interpretation of the double-slit experiment, exclusively utilizing photons and negating the wave aspect of optical duality.
After New Scientist covered their study, the team received significant interest from peers, with citations soaring. Villas-Boas shared, “I’ve received numerous invitations to present, including events in Japan, Spain, and Brazil,” emphasizing the widespread intrigue.
In the traditional double-slit experiment, an opaque barrier containing two narrow slits is positioned between a screen and a light source. Light travels through the slits to create a pattern of alternating bright and dark vertical stripes, known as classical interference, usually attributed to colliding light waves.
The researchers shifted away from this conventional explanation, examining the so-called dark state of photons—a unique quantum state that prevents interaction with other particles, hence not illuminating the screen. This perspective eliminates the necessity for light waves to clarify the observed dark stripes.
This reevaluation challenges a deeply ingrained view of light within quantum physics. Many educators expressed concern, with some remarking, “Your findings challenge the foundational concepts I’ve taught for years.” However, while some colleagues embraced the new perspective, others remained skeptically intrigued, following New Scientist‘s initial report.
Villas-Boas has been actively exploring implications surrounding the dark state of photons. His investigations revealed that thermal radiation, such as sunlight, can reside in a dark state, concealing a substantial portion of its energy due to a lack of interaction with other objects. Experimental validation could involve placing atoms in cavities where their interactions with light are meticulously examined, according to Villas-Boas.
His team’s reinterpretation of interference phenomena facilitates comprehension of previously perplexing occurrences, such as non-overlapping wave interactions. Moving beyond the wave model to incorporate distinct bright and dark photon states opens avenues for innovative applications. Villas-Boas envisions potential developments such as light-controlled switches and devices that selectively permit specific light types to pass.
In his view, all these explorations connect back to the essential principles of quantum physics, highlighting that engaging with quantum objects necessitates understanding their interactions with measurement devices—encompassing darkness itself. “This concept is intrinsic to quantum mechanics,” Villas-Boas asserts.
A recurring question for progressives is how to create a straightforward and impactful message regarding the economy. A Labor MP discovered the solution through a few bags of M&S biscuits.
Gordon McKee, who represents Glasgow South, shared: Over 3.3 million views on X. In a brief 101-second video, he employs a stack of custard creams and chocolate bourbons to represent Britain’s debt-to-GDP ratio.
While this may not appear to be a monumental achievement, it’s worth noting that some of the world’s most prominent politicians (such as Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, and Zoran Mamdani) have effectively utilized well-crafted short videos to disseminate their campaign messages.
Yet, within the Parliamentary Labor Party, Mr. McKee stands out as a pioneer— the only backbencher known to have enlisted digital content creators.
This choice proved fruitful, as a series of professionally produced videos utilizing the popular Grubby analogy were crafted to achieve viral status. In recent weeks, several of his colleagues, including Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, have begun to follow his lead.
“I feel like I owe an apology for starting this!” McKee remarked humorously, asserting that digital communication and campaign strategies are now essential for politicians.
He aims to release several such videos each week, focusing on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube shorts. Unlike X, these platforms can engage audiences beyond the politically active.
“Last week I spoke at a local high school and asked how many read a daily newspaper; only one hand went up. When I asked how many used Instagram, every hand shot up,” he noted.
“While there’s been a significant shift in how people consume information in the last decade, the communication methods of politicians and MPs with their constituents have not kept pace.”
Signs indicate that the Labor machinery is gearing up. On November 21, Keir Starmer emailed Labor MPs to announce the party’s “significant investment” in a “new comprehensive training program” for digital campaigning.
Internally, the party unveiled what it dubbed a “second phase strategy” to modernize its campaigning using social media and an app called Labor One, acknowledging that “the way we campaigned in 2024 isn’t enough to secure victory in 2029.”
Diet members have started taking initiative as well. Burgon employed 200 packs of Sainsbury’s Fusilli to show how £1 billion compares to the UK average salary of £33,000. His video garnered around 650,000 views on X.
“This past weekend, while touring church fairs in my district, I was surprised by how many people had seen this video,” Burgon stated. “I’ve been advocating for a wealth tax for some time and thought this would be a creative way to spread the message.”
The 106kg pasta mountain purchased by Mr. Burgon’s parliamentary team was donated to a London food bank after it became impractical to transport it to Leeds.
Loughborough MP and economist Jieven Sander noted: We produced a James Bond-themed video during Budget Week to discuss the various factors influencing government bond interest rates. “I’d love it if people read my 2,000-word essays, but they don’t. I need to find a way to make them engaging,” he expressed.
He relies on his existing parliamentary staff equipped with smartphones and a ring light mounted on a tripod in his office to create online content. Social media planning features in their regular weekly status meetings.
When asked whether the government should take more steps to motivate MPs to modernize their communications, Mr. Sander expressed concerns about potential restrictions.
“When communication is more organic and people comprehend the government’s message in diverse ways, it tends to work better,” he pointed out. “If there’s a unified vision, everyone should be able to understand the script.”
Several incoming ministers are also branching out on social media, including Treasury Secretary Dan Tomlinson, who recorded a casual pre-Budget video while heading to Greg’s for donuts. Westminster Underground Station. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan filmed a video with my iPhone discussing the advancement of technology in the UK.
Some ministers are also engaging in this trend. Housing Secretary Steve Reid held an “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit concerning plans to reopen local pubs in September. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a long-time enthusiast of vertical videos, stated: Used ASMR to promote a government announcement about small modular reactors (SMR).
“During the general election, we had a significant team to support individuals in these efforts, but now they must undertake it within their own offices,” a Labor source remarked. “It’s more challenging when you’re not on the offensive and need to defend or create a positive narrative. This is why creativity is essential. It’s a tough skill to master, but it’s absolutely crucial.”
Mr. Mackie argued that this challenge is particularly pronounced for the left because right-wing figures like Mr. Farage and shadow attorney general Robert Jenrick excel at telling very clear and straightforward stories across various platforms.
“The task for progressives is to convey complex arguments that are realistic, aspirational, practical, and attainable, while doing so in a captivating and engaging manner,” he commented.
Recent investigations into AI reveal that comedians and writers who excel at clever wordplay might find temporary solace.
Researchers from institutions in the UK and Italy have been exploring the capacity of large-scale language models (LLMs) to comprehend puns, only to discover significant gaps in their understanding.
For instance, they examined the statement, “I used to be a comedian, but my life became a joke.” Even after substituting it with “I used to be a comedian and my life became a mess,” LLMs still acknowledged the presence of puns.
Another example tested was: “long fairy tales have a tendency to dragonify.” When “dragon” was swapped with its synonym “extension” or any arbitrary word, LLMs erroneously assumed a pun was present.
Professor Jose Camacho Collados, associated with Cardiff University’s School of Computer Science and Informatics, suggested that the research indicates a fragile understanding of humor by LLMs.
“Essentially, LLMs tend to retain information from their training, allowing them to recognize established puns, but that doesn’t equate to true understanding,” he remarked.
“We consistently managed to mislead the LLM by altering existing puns and stripping away the double meanings integral to the original humor. In these scenarios, the model would draw connections to prior puns and create various justifications for its conclusions. Ultimately, we determined that the model’s interpretation of puns was merely an illusion.”
The findings indicated that LLMs’ accuracy in differentiating between pun and non-pun sentences could dip to 20% when encountering unfamiliar wordplay.
Another pun tested was: “Old LLM never dies, it just loses attention.” Even when attention shifted to “ukulele,” the LLM still identified it as a pun, as “ukulele” bore a slight resemblance to “you-kill-LLM.”
The team was impressed by the creativity displayed, yet the LLM still failed to appreciate the humor.
The researchers emphasized that their findings underscore the need for caution when utilizing LLMs for tasks that involve humor, empathy, and an understanding of cultural subtleties.
While historical accounts claim that Ingólfr Arnarson was the first Norse settler to reach Iceland in the 870s, this assertion might not hold true.
Public domain
Norsemen may have arrived in Iceland as much as 70 years earlier than previously believed, and their arrival might not have been the environmental catastrophe often depicted.
Traditionally, it’s stated that Iceland saw its first settlement in the 870s. This early migration is frequently viewed as an ecological calamity brought on by Viking raiders and Norse settlers who cleared the forests for fuel, construction materials, and arable land. Today, less than 2 percent of the country is still forested.
Finding concrete evidence regarding the arrival of these early settlers has been challenging. Archaeologists have discovered an ancient wooden longhouse, estimated to be from around 874 AD, located near Stódvarfjordur in eastern Iceland. This old longhouse is thought to have been a summer dwelling established in the 800s, though this finding has yet to be documented in scientific journals.
Currently, Eske Willerslev, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, and his team examined environmental DNA (eDNA) gathered from sediment cores drilled in Lake Tjörnin, an area in central Reykjavík, one of Iceland’s earliest and continuously inhabited locations, to identify which species existed and their timestamps. They analyzed volcanic ash layers, alongside radiocarbon dating and plutonium isotope assessments, to develop a timeline from about 200 AD up to contemporary times, integrating known historical events.
A significant marker in their research is the Randonham tephra layer, formed from volcanic ash deposited during eruptions around 877 AD. The bulk of evidence indicating human habitation in Iceland is found above this layer, indicating subsequent settlement.
“The signs beneath the tephra provide compelling evidence for earlier human activity,” Comments Chris Callow from the University of Birmingham, UK, who did not participate in the research.
Willerslev and his colleagues postulate that humans may have arrived as early as 810 AD. This inference is based on an observed rise in levoglucosan, a compound linked to biomass burning, and a subsequent increase in sewage-related viruses.
“If it were 850, I wouldn’t have been so surprised, but 810 represents rapid Viking expansion in the North Atlantic,” Callow remarks. “Overall, this aligns with our suspicions, but a date as early as 810 remains contentious.”
While piecing together a thorough environmental history of the region is noteworthy, the evidence supporting such an early arrival remains questionable. Kathryn Catlin from Jacksonville State University in Alabama stated, “The sewage biomarkers only show a slight increase around 800, nothing until 1900. Where are the indicators of sewage and human activity in between?” She also pointed out that while biomass burning could imply human presence, natural occurrences like lightning could also ignite fires.
Willerslev and his colleagues opted not to conduct interviews. New Scientist also noted that the settlers’ arrival corresponded with an uptick in local biodiversity. Genetic data imply they brought grazing animals, cultivated hay, and grew barley on a small scale for brewing purposes.
In contrast to the widespread narrative of swift deforestation, eDNA from pollen samples revealed that birch and willow trees expanded during the settlement era. Notably, birch pollen grains rose fivefold between 900 and 1200 AD, a shift researchers believe may have been influenced by settlers managing the area to protect timber and fuel sources.
“This significantly contradicts earlier claims that Vikings arrived in Iceland and immediately caused environmental destruction,” Katrin stated.
Although sheep, cattle, pigs, and horses do not appear in considerable numbers until decades after the initial settlement, Willerslev and his colleagues propose this lag may stem from the 20-year period required to build up detectable herds in eDNA records.
Callow posits another explanation: the first inhabitants may have only visited during the summer months for walrus ivory, possibly arriving without many animals. “They could have intended to hunt a few walruses and return home,” he suggested.
eDNA indicators imply the significant loss of biodiversity, including birch and willow trees, didn’t transpire until after 1200. Willerslev and his team associate this decline with the cooler climate associated with the Little Ice Age, rather than direct effects from settlers. This marked a period of colder temperatures from approximately 1250 to around 1860, compounded by volcanic eruptions and storm surges.
Greetings! Welcome to TechScape. Over the past week, I’ve been deep in thought about billionaire Peter Thiel’s intricate reflections on the Antichrist and Armageddon. I can’t help but absorb it all at this stage.
You might be questioning why billionaire perspectives on the Antichrist are significant. That’s a great inquiry!
To my team, aiding us in understanding Johana Bhuiyan, Dara Carr, and Nick Robbins – Early, we covered a series of talks by Thiel, an influential billionaire and political strategist.
Last month, Mr. Thiel conducted four lectures along San Francisco’s waterfront, delving into who he believes the Antichrist may be and cautioning that Armageddon is on the horizon. Thiel, who identifies as a “little Orthodox Christian,” suggests that the signs of the apocalypse could already be present, claiming that international institutions, environmentalism, and technological oversight may accelerate its occurrence. This is a notable discourse that sheds light on the interests of one of Silicon Valley’s and the United States’ most prominent figures.
Long before Silicon Valley shifted rightward during President Donald Trump’s second term, Thiel was a key player in conservative politics. He forged close ties with Trump nearly a decade ago, is credited with endorsing J.D. Vance for vice president, and is financing the Republican midterm campaign for 2026. Thiel, who co-founded PayPal and gained significant wealth at a young age, has also invested early in Facebook alongside SpaceX, OpenAI, and others through his firm, Founders Fund. His co-founded company, Palantir, has secured billions in government contracts for software development for the Department of Defense, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the UK’s NHS. With unprecedented attention and political influence, Thiel is attempting to share a message about the Antichrist, although his political acumen and investments are better recognized than his theological insights.
During his third lecture, Thiel stated, “I’m a libertarian, or a classical liberal, but I diverge in some minor ways, and I am concerned about the Antichrist.”
Thiel’s lectures were lengthy and diverse, weaving in biblical verses, contemporary history, and philosophy, while often veering toward conspiracy theories. He blended references to video games and television with discussions about J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, recalled exchanges with Elon Musk and Benjamin Netanyahu, and criticized Bill Gates as a “very terrible person.”
Read more: Inside tech billionaire Peter Thiel’s off-the-record lecture on the Antichrist
First off, these revelations possess such sensational qualities that they are entertaining to read. It’s bizarre that a $20 billion mogul gives sprawling lectures that resemble the ramblings of a perplexed graduate student.
However, that alone doesn’t justify this as a story. Journalists encounter various oddities that often go unreported.
While editing the piece on Thiel’s lecture, I grew concerned that The Guardian might inadvertently promote Thiel’s ideologies instead of genuinely informing its audience. The boundary between the two can be quite tenuous. Reporters covering Trump have navigated this path for much of the past decade.
A reporter who covered Thiel suggested that his speech was a method for raising funds and demonstrating that he was a “crazy contrarian.” There may be ulterior motives behind his lectures on the hidden Antichrist.
“I’m worried about the Antichrist”… Peter Thiel. Illustration: Guardian Design/Getty Images
Thiel remarked, “If you want people to hear about something without letting anyone into the room, that’s an effective marketing technique.” This indicates that labeling these lectures as off-the-record can generate considerable intrigue. Secretive ideas tend to attract undue attention due to their perceived exclusivity. What transpires behind closed doors is often more compelling than public occurrences. Have we inadvertently played into Thiel’s strategy by covering his talk?
Our reporting approach was twofold. One article, referenced and linked above, outlines the facts of the meeting. Thiel hosted these lectures and made statements which are extensively quoted. I included the following note with the article: The Guardian publishes meaningful quotes with contextual annotations to keep the public informed regarding influential figures in politics and technology speaking behind closed doors.
This approach allows you to assess what this eccentric billionaire has to say and whether it resonates with you. Once you are aware of his positions, they can be scrutinized. Are you at ease with this individual wielding significant influence over the Vice President in the U.S. or impacting the healthcare system in the U.K.?
In the context of Trump, it is valuable to hear him directly. Labeling the president’s statements as “shocking” or “unprecedented” without quoting them may prevent readers from genuinely grasping the impact of his words and could evoke backlash against news outlets perceived as narrow-minded or paternalistic. Allow the audience to evaluate for themselves. Conversely, reprinting the president’s two-hour address in its entirety isn’t necessarily beneficial. Digesting, structuring, and summarizing information is a critical function of journalism, and reporters need to encompass the entire speech to extract the most relevant portions. We applied these principles from political journalism to Thiel’s lecture.
Our second article on this matter – Peter Thiel’s off-the-record Antichrist Lecture reveals more about him than Armageddon – published alongside the first, took a different perspective. This piece interpreted Thiel’s lecture without extensive quotes, integrating his viewpoints on behalf of the reader to elucidate the significance of his remarks. While his nearly nonsensical interpretations of Revelation and other texts may appear to be the lecture’s primary focus, the essential content reveals more about how a highly influential man perceives his own authority.
In a critique of Thiel’s lecture, Stanford professor Adrian Daub meticulously examined the venture capitalist’s “strange thicket of his own references and interests,” often referred to as “the private world of the autodidact.”
In these winding discussions, it’s evident that Thiel seeks to emulate the mixed-thinking style he admires in philosopher René Girard, whom he encountered at Stanford and has long esteemed. Unfortunately, Thiel often resembles Dan Brown.
The overarching impression of Thiel that emerges from these discussions portrays someone striving to conceal his true essence from his own capabilities. While interpreting a Japanese manga, he conveyed to the audience, “As you might have noticed, my interpretation is… that it is somewhat like the Antichrist that governs the world.” Here stands a man, alongside a few Silicon Valley eccentrics, who would restore a fallen caudillo manifestly unfit for presidential office, using the considerable power of the U.S. government to reshape society and the globe. These are the individuals who exploit your data to finance companies that determine who gets their personal information collected, deported, or subjected to drone strikes, and who support far-right movements seeking to transform the landscape of liberal democracy.
This casts my mind back to a scene in Apocalypse Now where Martin Sheen’s character encounters a platoon and questions who is in charge. “Don’t you?” Peter, don’t you operate the world? If it’s not you, then who?
Read more: Peter Thiel’s Antichrist lecture reveals more about him than Armageddon
US tariffs on China threaten electronics supply chain once more
Panic triggered by AI bubble
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen last week. Photo: Mads Claus Rasmussen/EPA
Australia’s disapproval of social media has reached Denmark. From my colleague Miranda Bryant: “Danish Prime Minister has unveiled a ban on social media for those under 15, accusing mobile devices and social networks of ‘stealing children’s childhoods.’ Mette Frederiksen announced the initiative on Tuesday during a speech at the opening of the Danish Parliament Folketing, stating: ‘We have unleashed a monster.’ ‘Never before have so many children and adolescents suffered from anxiety and depression,’ added Frederiksen, who aims for the ban to be enacted next year. This rationale echoes Jonathan Haidt’s alarming bestseller, An Anxious Generation, yet I find it neither compelling nor convincing.
In November 2024, Australia enacted a law mandating that social networks implement strict measures to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts. The ban has faced various uncertainties over age verification, yet is still slated to begin on December 10 of this year, displeasing Meta Platforms and others.
The continued existence of this non-binding bill aimed at regulating social media companies has sparked similar legislative initiatives globally. Numerous state governments in the U.S. have introduced laws requiring social networks and other websites to confirm the ages of their users. In many of these states, pornographic websites have been disabled due to the requirements to validate user ages.
You may have come across the idea that high vitamin C intake can ward off colds, or perhaps TikTok nudged you to try turmeric or other supplements for immune support. The truth is, many of these strong claims and quick fixes are unfounded. There exists a myriad of myths surrounding immunity. Daniel Davis, an immunologist at Imperial College London, addresses these in his new book.
In Self-Defense: A Guide to Busting Myths About Immune Health, Davis aims to debunk these erroneous beliefs. He illustrates how advancements in technology, such as super-resolution microscopy, uncover the astonishing complexity of the immune system, illustrating how immune cells engage with their targets.
However, instead of feeling overwhelmed, he asserts that New Scientist shows us that this complexity can be empowering. It heightens our understanding of the immune system’s role in mental well-being, alerts us to lifestyle factors that might diminish immunity, and enhances our ability to distinguish between factual information and fads.
Helen Thomson: Let’s dive into the notion of “immune health” and the claims that it can be enhanced. That seems like a misleading concept, doesn’t it?
Daniel Davis: Absolutely. Many products claim they can “boost” immunity, but that’s a misleading notion. The immune system is not about simply enhancing your body’s infection-fighting capacity. Aggressive increases can inadvertently attack healthy cells, leading to autoimmune issues and allergies. A measured response is crucial.
So are we aiming to make our immune systems “smarter”?
Conventional discussions about immune health often lack subtlety. Each person’s immune system is wholly unique, shaped by genetics. Thus, when discussing immune health, we can only refer to what has been generally found to be effective:while general improvements may aid people, predicting individual outcomes is challenging.
Recent findings indicate that the immune system doesn’t operate in isolation; it’s influenced by diet, exercise, and the microbiome. Can we pinpoint which lifestyle factors significantly affect immune health?
The most substantial known influence on immune health is chronic stress. Regarding the other factors you mentioned, evidence exists, but causation is hard to prove. However, with stress, emerging molecular insights offer clarity on what occurs.
Which one in particular?
When the body detects a threat, it triggers a fight-or-flight response. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland and adrenal glands, releasing cortisol and adrenaline. This prepares the body for action but quiets the immune response. For instance, short-term stress from parachuting only temporarily alters immune cell counts post-landing. However, sustained stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, which over time can undermine immunity, creating long-term challenges.
Orange juice is not the immune booster many believe
Marco Lissoni/Alamy
Our confidence in these findings stems from laboratory observations where elevated cortisol levels reduce the capacity of immune cells to eliminate virus-infected or cancerous cells. Coupled with observed correlations, such as individuals under long-term stress being less responsive to vaccines or more prone to infections, it’s evident that prolonged stress adversely impacts the immune system.
If you’re under stress and have adjusted your lifestyle, can your immunity be measured to see if these changes are effective?
It’s challenging to prove that lifestyle changes significantly mitigate long-term stress. While it’s a plausible assumption, demonstrating it empirically is difficult. Hospitals may track white blood cell counts as indicators of immune health, but given the vast range of immune cell types, simplifying measurements is a complex endeavor.
Experts, including well-known scientists, frequently claim that specific actions can bolster immunity. Should we take their word for it?
Consider orange juice as a prime example. During my upbringing, I believed that it was a cold remedy. However, that belief is misleading. This misconception stems from Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel laureate famous for his work. In 1970, he published a bestseller entitled: Vitamin C and Colds, which inadvertently fueled a vitamin C craze based on selective data and anecdotal evidence, amplified by the media.
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The most clearly proven effect on our immune health is long-term stress. “
Interestingly, high doses of vitamin C do not determine whether you’ll catch a cold. While research shows that such supplementation can shorten the duration of colds by approximately 8%, this finding is tricky to interpret. Those taking high vitamin C might engage in other positive health behaviors that truly account for the shorter duration. Yet, this myth persists, rooted in the influential narratives of key scientists.
This history reminds us to remain cautious about individual anecdotes of success or insight. We need credible experts, but we should maintain a healthy skepticism towards singular opinions. Therefore, relying on established scientific consensus should guide us.
Lately, interest has surged surrounding the links between our immune systems, inflammation, and mental health. It’s a captivating area of research.
The relationship between the immune system and mental health is indeed a thrilling frontier. Initially, a group of individuals taking anti-inflammatory drugs for rheumatoid arthritis reported enhanced mental well-being prior to their physical improvements. These medications inhibit cytokine action, proteins produced by immune cells to facilitate communication.
Moreover, research indicates that individuals with certain mental health conditions exhibit elevated inflammatory markers in their blood. For instance, a study of nine-year-olds revealed that higher IL-6 cytokine levels predicted greater depression rates by age 18.
Animal studies present robust evidence as well. When injected with IL-6, animals demonstrated less exploratory behavior, paralleling signs of mental distress.
Yet, actionable strategies stemming from these insights remain elusive. Standard anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen aren’t effective in treating depression, as several small trials have indicated. The question of whether anti-cytokine treatments can aid those with mental health issues remains unanswered, with current trials yielding inconclusive results.
Gut microbiome is important for a healthy immune system
Simone Alexowski/Science Photo Library
Future research should focus on identifying individuals who may benefit from interventions: Could individuals with particular mental health disorders who exhibit elevated cytokine levels and possibly other yet-undiscovered symptoms find relief through anti-cytokine therapies? While it’s a thought-provoking hypothesis, the journey to actionable solutions is ongoing. Understanding that your mental health may be linked to immune function can itself be empowering, marking a significant area of exploration.
People frequently ask how they can enhance their immunity. What do you tell them?
I have some insights, but they aren’t straightforward. Long-term stress is a concern. Getting adequate sleep is vital. However, individual needs can vary significantly. While I understand the importance of the microbiome, I can’t provide specific advice guaranteed to enhance it. These answers may disappoint, but embracing the complexity of the immune system is crucial. The lessons inherent in studying its intricacies are profound.
Sleep experiences can vary remarkably from one person to another
PeopleImages/Shutterstock
Individuals can undergo one of five different sleep types, each showcasing the diverse ways our rest impacts health.
Previous research has identified links between sleep and aspects like sleep cognition, mental health, and physical issues including heart disease. Nonetheless, these studies typically examined only one dimension of sleep, like its duration or quality.
To adopt a more integrated perspective, Valeria Quevette from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, along with her team, explored the connections among seven sleep-related factors (like sleep satisfaction and the use of sleep aids) and 118 other variables, including cognition, substance use, and mental health. They gathered data encompassing cognitive evaluations, sleep studies, and brain imaging from 770 adults aged 22 to 36 in the United States with no reported health issues.
This analysis led to the identification of five distinct sleep profiles. The first profile represented a general trend of sleep deprivation, distinguished by heightened sleep disruptions, diminished sleep satisfaction, prolonged time to fall asleep, and worsening mental health, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as issues like anger, fear, and stress.
Brain imaging of individuals in this category revealed decreased connectivity among networks linked to self-reflection, such as the temporolateral network, and those responsible for attention and tasks, like the somatomotor and dorsal attention networks. Researchers suggest this may indicate a disruption in the brain’s ability to alternate between internal thoughts and the external environment. For instance, individuals in this group might dwell on personal feelings and thoughts rather than focusing on their surroundings.
The second sleep profile also indicated declining mental health, particularly relating to inattention, yet not to sleep disorders. Essentially, these individuals generally had good quality sleep. “We interpreted this as the restorative capacity of sleep,” Kebets notes. “They experience poor mental health, which does not necessarily have repercussions on their sleep.” People in this category similarly showed differing brain connectivity patterns than those observed in the first group, suggesting that such connectivity issues are directly linked to sleep disturbances rather than overarching mental health.
The third profile illustrated a connection between the use of sleep medications, including prescription drugs and herbal teas aimed at improving sleep. These individuals often exhibited poor memory and emotional insights—perhaps explaining the reduced connectivity in brain areas associated with vision, memory, and emotion.
The fourth profile was marked by obtaining less than 7 hours of sleep per night, which is the recommended minimum. This inadequacy correlated with slower accuracy and reaction times in cognitive tasks assessing emotional processing, language, and social skills. Additionally, this profile was linked to increased aggressive behaviors and heightened connectivity across brain networks. Previous studies on sleep deprivation have shown similar connectivity enhancements, pointing to sleep debt implications.
The fifth profile was distinguished by frequent sleep interruptions, such as waking multiple times during the night. These disruptions were linked with poorer language processing capabilities and working memory, alongside indications of deteriorating mental health, including anxiety symptoms and issues with substance use.
These findings enhance our understanding of the intricate relationship between sleep and health, according to Kebets. “Sleep is essential to your well-being and connects to cognition, physical health, mental health, substance use, and many other functioning spheres.”
However, not all individuals conformed precisely to a single profile, Kebets explains. The researchers found no causal ties but rather associations between sleep profiles and traits. It’s also crucial to acknowledge that a substantial number of individuals attain consistently high-quality sleep. Moreover, as the participants were predominantly Caucasian, this study may have overlooked sleep profiles prevalent in other ethnic groups.
Three distinguished scientists (two from the U.S. and one from Japan) have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their pivotal discovery related to peripheral immune resistance.
Mary E. Blankku, Fred Ramsdell, and Sakaguchi Shiko were jointly recognized for their breakthrough that “has invigorated the field of peripheral tolerance and contributed to the advancement of medical treatments for cancer and autoimmune disorders,” as stated in a news release by the Nobel Committee. The three recipients will share a prize of 11 million Swedish Kronor (approximately $1.2 million).
“This could also enhance the success rates of organ transplants. Several of these therapies are currently in clinical trials,” he noted.
Autoimmune diseases may arise when T cells, which serve as the body’s main defense against harmful pathogens, malfunction.
Their collective discovery establishes an essential foundation for understanding alternative methods by which the immune system, known as peripheral resistance, functions.
To mitigate damage, our bodies attempt to eliminate malfunctioning T cells within the thymus, a lymphoid organ, through a mechanism termed central resistance. Associated Press.
The groundbreaking research began in 1995 when Sakaguchi, a prominent professor at the Center for Immunology Frontier Research at Osaka University in Japan, uncovered a previously unknown class of immune cells that defend against autoimmune diseases.
Six years later, in 2001, Mary Blankku, who now serves as a senior program manager at the Institute of Systems Biology in Seattle, along with Ramsdell, a scientific advisor to Sonoma Biotherapeutics in San Francisco, identified a specific genetic mutation responsible for a severe autoimmune disease known as IPEX.
They designated this gene as foxp3.
By 2003, Sakaguchi confirmed that the FOXP3 gene he had identified nearly a decade prior was crucial for cell development. These cells are now referred to as regulatory T cells, which are essential in monitoring other T cells to prevent their malfunction.
“Their discoveries were vital for understanding the immune system’s functioning and why serious autoimmune diseases don’t affect everyone,” remarked All Kampe, Chairman of the Nobel Committee.
Nobel Committee Executive Director Thomas Perman announced the award on Monday morning, stating that he was only able to reach Sakaguchi.
“I hugged him in his lab, and he expressed immense gratitude, stating it was a tremendous honor. He was quite moved by the news,” Perman mentioned.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 10th, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, a Swedish industrialist who founded the award to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to humanity. The inaugural award was revealed in 1901, marking the fifth anniversary of his passing.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine will be announced in Stockholm at the Karolinska Institute on Monday, followed by the prizes for Physics, Chemistry, and Literature on the ensuing days.
If you’ve recently browsed fitness content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, you might have encountered influencers who have used steroids. A recent global meta-analysis suggests that steroid usage among gym-goers varies from 6% to a shocking 29% across different countries.
This statistic might come as a shock. According to Timothy Piatkovski from Griffith University, the landscape of steroid use has evolved over the last decade. Many fitness influencers now present themselves as knowledgeable figures, openly discussing their drug use and advising followers on steroid usage.
“Regrettably, the level of medical knowledge and judgment varies significantly among these influencers,” states Piatkowski.
Influencers’ perceptions of health risks differ greatly, he observes. While some acknowledge the dangers of steroid use, asserting that risks can be managed sensibly, others are more reckless, promoting drugs like trenbolone, which is typically used to prevent muscle wastage in livestock, branding themselves as “Trenfluencers.”
Millions may question whether these substances are actually safe, or if influencers are leading them into perilous situations. What is the truth regarding the dangers associated with steroids? Is there a safer way to use them?
Piatkowski notes that research on the long-term health consequences of steroids is sparse. This is largely due to the mismatch between doses and usage patterns studied by researchers and those employed by actual users. He and his colleagues seek to bridge this gap by collaborating closely with steroid users to create more relevant and realistic studies.
However, this mismatch has already led to some influencers losing faith in mainstream scientific and medical perspectives, prompting users to seek advice from fitness and bodybuilding forums instead. These social media channels have become a major contributor to both the support network and the marketplace in the surge of steroid usage.
Users now have quick access to a range of substances that can be obtained illicitly. This includes oral anabolic steroids known as SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) and synthetic human growth hormone, naturally produced by the pituitary gland during adolescence. Collectively, they improve physique and performance, but their mechanisms can vary significantly.
One of the most prevalent substances is anabolic steroids, potent synthetic derivatives of testosterone. A 2022 study estimated that around half a million men and boys in the UK used them for non-medical purposes in the previous year.
Understanding Steroids
To determine whether steroids are safe, one must first grasp their effects on the body. Anabolic androgen steroids work by interacting with hormonal receptors that promote male sexual traits, particularly in muscle and bone tissues. “They aid in muscle growth and are vital for bone development; they guide boys through puberty and literally transform them into men,” explains Channa Jayasena from Imperial College London.
The desired result is evident: a bigger, stronger physique in a shorter timeframe. Medically, some of these substances are prescribed to treat conditions like muscle wasting associated with HIV. At lower doses, investigations suggest that steroids can be well tolerated. However, this is not a strategy commonly employed outside clinical settings.
Non-medical steroid use rarely mimics regulated clinical trials. Many users resort to “stacking” various drugs and alternate between cycles to allow bodily recovery, adopting practices like the “blast and cruise” regimen. Although these methods lack comprehensive scientific scrutiny, influencers often tout them as ways to minimize health risks or achieve effective muscle growth. This could explain why many users turn to influencers and online forums instead of healthcare professionals for advice.
The Risks of Unregulated Use
The temptation to test various drug combinations or follow cycling protocols stems from the belief that such strategies mitigate the adverse effects of anabolic steroids. The best-documented side effect is cardiovascular complications. Anabolic steroids are known to lower levels of high-density lipoproteins, or “good” cholesterol, while raising blood pressure and increasing low-density lipoproteins, known as “bad” cholesterol. This can thicken the heart muscle, potentially leading to cardiomyopathy—severe heart dysfunction and a lethal condition, as noted by Jayasena.
A Danish population study revealed that anabolic steroid users were three times more likely to die than other males during the study’s duration. “It’s akin to cocaine,” asserts Jayasena. Cardiovascular disease and cancer emerged as the most prevalent natural causes of death among these individuals.
Increased risk of heart disease and stroke is a well-known consequence of prolonged anabolic steroid use
3dmedisphere/shutterstock
Beyond cardiovascular matters, Jayasena highlights that the psychosocial implications of steroid use are significant and well-documented. The term “Roid Rage” encompasses various mental issues including aggression, mania, and mental illness—particularly among individuals consuming high doses. “When observing why steroid users have fatal outcomes, one notes three primary causes: cardiomyopathy, suicide, and aggression,” he notes, suggesting a possible correlation between steroid use and heightened tendencies toward criminal behavior.
This relationship remains contentious, as it’s challenging to differentiate the effects of steroid use from other contributing factors like recreational drug usage or pre-existing mental health issues. Nonetheless, it indicates that discontinuing steroid use may precipitate depression and suicidal thoughts. “The mind becomes lethargic,” explains Jayasena. “The recovery period can extend over months, sometimes even years.”
Research led by Jayasena revealed that nearly 30% of men who ceased steroid use experienced suicidal thoughts and major depression, possibly due to lingering steroid residues in brain areas responsible for emotional regulation. Additional studies indicate that steroids can impair kidney function and elevate cancer risks, although the data is less conclusive and heavily reliant on isolated medical case reports.
Several investigations have demonstrated that some of these health concerns might be reversible. For instance, the liver appears adept at self-repair and can manage lower clinical doses of certain steroids. Conversely, effects like high cholesterol and hypertension can be reversible post-steroid cessation; in contrast, others may require long-term or costly interventions to address, such as mood disorders and infertility.
The most severe repercussions of steroid use tend to be the hardest to treat. Structural alterations in the heart, along with research indicating lasting blood flow impairments to vital organs, is a concern that may linger long after users cease taking steroids.
Seeking “Safer” Steroids
Given the extensive and complex list of potential harms, many users experiment with steroid protocols aimed at risk reduction. This includes altering doses, timing, or combining them with other substances. However, there is a dearth of research examining the safety of these “protocols,” asserts Piatkowski.
One of Jayasena’s studies indicated that post-cycle therapy, where users take medications to restore natural testosterone production following steroid cycles, significantly lowered the risk of suicidal thoughts. Piatkowski’s research compares high-dose cycles and gradual tapering, identifying that those following a Blast Cruise approach reported fewer adverse health effects once they stopped using.
High-quality, controlled studies evaluating the effects of recreational steroid use are sparse, often characterized by small sample sizes or case reports that complicate the establishment of causal relationships. The evidence supporting specific protocols is also thin, particularly as patterns of steroid use evolve more rapidly than researchers can track.
Anabolic steroids are commonly injected into the subcutaneous fat layer located between the skin and muscle.
ole_cnx/istockphoto/getty images
“Further longitudinal and cohort studies are essential,” Piatkowski asserts. Such studies track individuals’ health and wellbeing over time, ultimately clarifying real risks and potentially providing strategies for risk mitigation. Nevertheless, in the absence of robust evidence, healthcare providers often struggle to offer guidance to steroid users.
Greg James, a clinician at Kratos Medical in Cardiff, UK, mentions that he provides private health and blood testing services. Some patients even inquire about combining steroids with GLP-1 drugs that suppress appetite, as well as other peptides that regulate hunger. “They ask me if these peptides are safe,” James notes. “And I respond that I cannot confirm their safety due to the lack of long-term data.”
Researchers like Piatkowski are beginning to directly engage with users in realistic settings, navigating the challenges posed by inadequate clinical data and rapidly changing user behaviors. Rather than viewing users as patients or outliers, this method considers them as valuable sources of real-life experience, contributing to the development of more relevant and realistic research.
A recent study conducted by Piatkowski and collaborators examined steroid samples from users, revealing that over 20% were contaminated with toxic substances such as lead, arsenic, and mercury. More than half were incorrectly administered, meaning users may have been taking far more potent agents intended for livestock use.
Another study involving interviews with diverse steroid users identified trenbolone as having the most negative consequences, particularly for psychological and social health. This suggests that focusing on trenbolone as a distinct harmful substance, along with targeted screening and intervention strategies, could be more effective for harm reduction compared to broad-ranging methods.
Fitness influencers are frequently regarded as authorities who provide guidance on anabolic steroid use to their followers.
Kritchanut Onmang/Alamy
This open and collaborative methodology in drug research mirrors approaches seen in other recreational drug strategies, like psychedelic research. By engaging with real users, insight can be gained not only into harm reduction techniques but also previously unrecognized medicinal applications.
They may also collaborate with influencers and users to promote safer behaviors, rather than outright condemning drug usage, Piatkowski emphasizes. “Enhancing knowledge within these communities and legalizing information is crucial. It’s an ongoing experimental endeavor. The more we stimulate this discussion, the more we can advance the field.”
Cow teeth dating back 5,000 years could provide new insights into the construction of Stonehenge.
Utilizing advanced isotopic analysis, researchers examined the jawbone, which was first discovered at the southern entrance of Stonehenge in 1924, a location of significant ritual importance.
The findings indicate that the cow spent its early years on terrain that existed more than 400 million years ago, beneath the massive stones.
“This is the first evidence linking the timing of the cow’s life to the movement of the bluestones, which are connected to both Wales and Stonehenge,” said Professor Jane Evans, the study’s lead author, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “The insights from a single tooth tell a larger narrative than I had anticipated.”
The bluestones of Stonehenge are smaller standing stones that contrast with the larger Sarsen stones, which were transported over 200 km (125 miles) from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales.
The journey of these stones remains one of archaeology’s great mysteries. Were they carried on sleds, floated down rivers, or perhaps moved with the assistance of animals?
Researchers sliced the teeth into nine layers, each capturing a chemical signal reflecting a brief period in the cow’s life.
Oxygen and carbon isotopes revealed a dietary transition over roughly six months, from stored winter feed to summer grazing. Strontium analysis indicated that the cow’s diet came from diverse geological sources, implying that either the cow moved to the food or vice versa.
However, the lead isotopes presented a more unexpected finding. Their makeup suggested the geological settings of Wales, while unusual spikes indicated that lead stored in the skeleton was released during pregnancy.
This lead would have been incorporated into the skeleton earlier in the cow’s life. In essence, while its life concluded at Stonehenge, it likely began in Wales, mirroring the journey of the stones.
Subsequent tests confirmed that the animal was female, and she may have been pregnant or nursing when the tooth section formed.
Together, these findings enhance our understanding of the logistics involved in transporting the massive stones of Stonehenge, weighing approximately 4.5 tons (5 tons) over several hundred kilometers.
Rather than just a group of men carrying stones, the existence of cows—potentially pregnant and possibly providing milk—suggests a larger community engaged in their transport.
“We may theorize that the cow could have been used to pull loads,” Evans noted. While this specific animal might not have moved stones, it indicates that Neolithic people potentially utilized “beast of burden” techniques in the region.
“This study offers important new perspectives on the life history of this remarkable cow, which was interred at a vital site at Stonehenge’s entrance,” said Richard McGwick, a co-author of the research and professor of archaeological sciences at Cardiff University.
“It reveals unprecedented details about the animal’s distant origins and its arduous journey. Although grand narratives dominate studies of significant archaeological sites, this focused biographical approach to a single animal introduces a fresh dimension to the story of Stonehenge.”
Evans mentioned that further investigations could be conducted on other animal remains found in and around the monument.
For now, this cow’s teeth provide compelling evidence that the journey of Stonehenge’s stones may have involved both animals and humans.
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About our experts
Jane Evans is an honorary researcher and emeritus professor for the UK Geological Survey at the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham. She is an isotopic geochemist specializing in isotopic system origins and their applications to archaeological dietary problems.
Anxiety is a multifaceted and widespread mental health issue impacting millions globally. It manifests in various ways, with many individuals feeling that anxiety can be overwhelming and disrupt day-to-day activities.
How can you identify if anxiety is problematic? Additionally, what are the underlying causes of anxiety? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is anxiety?
Essentially, anxiety is an emotional state characterized by nervousness, often coupled with negative thoughts and physical symptoms. While it may center around specific upcoming events or challenges, it can also evolve into a more generalized anxiety about the future.
Breaking it down further, anxiety involves thoughts, emotions, and actions. For instance, if you joke about yourself during a meeting, it might lead to feelings of nausea, causing you to skip the meeting altogether. This decision, while it may provide temporary relief, can exacerbate anxiety in the long run, creating a cycle of avoidance.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety often begins with negative anticipatory thoughts. For example, you might worry that an upcoming exam will be too challenging, leading to failure, or that something might go wrong during a flight. These thoughts can trigger a fear response in your brain, releasing hormones that activate your sympathetic nervous system, particularly adrenaline, preparing your body to either confront or escape a perceived threat.
In genuinely dangerous situations, this response can be life-saving. However, unhealthy anxiety may result in false alarms, prompting your body to react vigorously despite the absence of real danger.
Other factors contributing to anxiety can include past traumatic experiences, certain medications that provoke fearful thoughts, or medical conditions like hyperthyroidism that disrupt hormones related to fear.
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What does it feel like?
Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to discomfort through symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, dizziness, trembling, stomach issues, and nausea.
Individuals with chronic anxiety may find these physical sensations particularly troubling, further intensifying their anxiety. For example, someone anxious about public speaking may feel their hands shake or their stomach flutter, compounding their stress.
Mentally, anxiety often triggers a cascade of fearful thoughts and incessant worries. Coupled with physical symptoms, this situation can lead to a strong desire to flee or avoid anxiety-inducing scenarios, making avoidance appear appealing despite it being counterproductive over time.
Those suffering from anxiety may tend to be devastated. Photo: Joe Waldron
When does anxiety become a problem?
Experiencing anxiety occasionally is entirely normal. In fact, moderate levels of anxiety can be beneficial (as boxing coach Cus d’Amato once noted, anxiety is like fire: it can be destructive, but when controlled, it’s a valuable resource for warmth and cooking).
For instance, moderate anxiety about a job interview can motivate adequate preparation, which is preferable to arriving unprepared. Similarly, a mild anxiety boost during the interview may help you think more clearly.
Anxiety becomes problematic when it spirals out of control (e.g., being so anxious during exams that you can’t focus) or becomes chronic and overwhelming.
A significant warning sign is when anxiety leads to avoidance behavior. For example, avoiding travel due to fear of flying can narrow your life experience and lead to feelings of unhappiness, denying you the chance to learn how to manage worry-inducing situations.
Avoidance may also manifest as reliance on ineffective coping strategies that only mask anxiety in the short term while exacerbating it over time. In contrast, confronting anxiety can be daunting initially but may be the better path toward long-term relief.
Is anxiety a mental disorder?
If a person experiences significant anxiety for many days over a period of more than six months across various situations, they may be diagnosed with “generalized anxiety disorder.”
There are also specific anxiety disorders. For example, someone with intense anxiety tied to social situations may be diagnosed with “social anxiety disorder,” while frequent panic attack concerns may lead to a diagnosis of “panic disorder.”
Specific phobias, such as agoraphobia (fear of situations where escape might be difficult), are recognized as forms of anxiety disorders. Other conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were formerly categorized as anxiety disorders, but psychiatrists now classify them distinctly, despite their anxiety connections.
In PTSD, traumatized individuals often remain in hyper-alert states, perpetually poised for a fight or flight response. In OCD, individuals may resort to compulsive behaviors as ineffective attempts to mitigate feelings of anxiety.
Are some people more prone to anxiety than others?
Genetics and life experiences jointly shape our personality traits, which can influence susceptibility to anxiety. Particularly, individuals scoring high in neuroticism tend to experience frequent mood swings and negative emotions like shame and guilt, increasing their worry.
Conversely, those who exhibit higher levels of trust and lower stress levels in interpersonal relationships are often less susceptible to anxiety. Additionally, evidence suggests that extroverted individuals have a lower likelihood of developing anxiety, especially in social scenarios.
On July 30th, at 12:25am BST (11:25am local time), a significant earthquake occurred off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. With a magnitude of 8.8, it marked the sixth largest earthquake in recorded history, raising fears of a tsunami reminiscent of the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster.
Within hours, over 2 million individuals across the Pacific were ordered to evacuate as alerts reached coastlines from China and New Zealand to Peru and Mexico.
Fortunately, apart from some damage near the epicenter in Russia, the globe largely avoided catastrophe. As people heeded the warnings and moved to higher ground, many tsunami alerts were gradually downgraded and retracted.
The waves never materialized. But why?
How Tsunami Warning Systems Operate
The tsunami warning framework has significantly advanced since the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed over 200,000 lives.
“Multiple tsunami warning centers exist globally,” said Professor Alison Raby, an environmental fluid mechanics expert at Plymouth University.
“These centers are alerted to earthquake incidents, determining their location, size, and depth—critical factors for predicting tsunamis. Consequently, they issue a broad alert based on this information.”
Given that seismic waves travel around 100 times faster than tsunamis, earthquake information reaches us well before the first wave. However, waiting to witness the tsunami is rarely feasible. By the time underwater pressure gauges or satellites detect unusual sea level changes, it may already be too late.
The detection speed varies based on the proximity of the source to the nearest detection system or coastal depth gauge, ranging from five minutes to two hours.
Utilizing data from past earthquakes and intricate computer models, scientists at warning centers often have limited time to decide whether to issue an alert, with the first warning typically released just five minutes after the ground stops shaking.
The final phase—communicating alerts effectively—has also improved since 2004. At that time, many coastal communities received little to no warnings. Now, emergency alerts can be sent directly to mobile phones, affording people crucial time to reach higher ground before the waves strike.
Data from surface water and oceanic topography (SWOT) satellites depict waves generated by the Kamchatka earthquake.
The Complexity of Tsunami Warnings
This year’s earthquake in Russia was categorized as a giant earthquake. Such occurrences transpire in subduction zones where one tectonic plate is thrust beneath another, leading to the most powerful earthquakes known.
As one plate descends, the other is elevated, causing the seabed to suddenly rise and displacing a substantial volume of water. This abrupt uplift triggers waves capable of traveling across the ocean basin, which grow larger as they approach the shallow coastline.
The Megathrust earthquake also caused the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and the 2011 Japanese earthquake, both of which generated towering tsunamis with waves exceeding 30m (100 feet). Therefore, it was no surprise that warnings were propagated throughout the Pacific.
The challenge lies in the fact that despite similarities in earthquakes, multiple factors influence tsunami generation.
“It’s not simply about detecting an earthquake and simulating potential tsunami sizes,” explained Liby. “Underwater landslides or other mechanisms may also play a role.”
The availability of data from specific locations is crucial. The same region in Russia experienced a magnitude 9 earthquake in 1952, yet remains underpopulated, leading to less comprehensive modeling efforts compared to other seismic hotspots.
Globally, records are limited. Reliable earthquake measurements only date back about a century, with only a few incidents generating tsunamis, resulting in an insufficient sample size for accurate predictions.
“We are fairly confident in understanding these events, but they always prompt new insights and questions,” affirmed Raby. “I am certain seismologists and seismic engineers will glean further knowledge from this recent incident that wasn’t previously recognized.”
The tsunami warning system has made significant strides. It’s now prioritized to er on the side of caution during tsunami evacuations rather than risk overlooking a potential disaster. Still, the balance is precarious.
“The issue is that people may become complacent,” noted Raby. “During evacuations, they may face income loss, or even car accidents, leading them to become skeptical of future warnings. Hence, the threat of excessive false alerts is real.”
Nonetheless, she remains hopeful. “I’m cautiously optimistic that improvements are being made, though we’re far from perfect forecasting capabilities.”
Read more:
Meet Our Experts
Allison Raby is a professor of environmental fluid mechanics at the University of Plymouth, UK. Her tsunami research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction and Marine Geology.
It’s clear that dogs excel at comprehending our emotions and behaviors. But how deeply does this understanding go, and what signals do they pick up on?
The dogs who live alongside us are often more astute in their observations than we might think. In many ways, they act like anthropologists, dedicating time to study us and uncovering connections between our actions that even we may be unaware of.
At home, you might notice their ability to differentiate between standing up to leave and simply heading to the fridge.
Research has shown that dogs are capable of reading stress, discerning detecting fear, and even identifying the presence of disease in us. While their extraordinary sense of smell plays a role, their understanding goes beyond physical cues, acknowledging our emotional and physiological states.
When interpreting emotions, humans typically focus on the face—and dogs do the same. They are adept at reading our facial expressions.
Studies on how dogs perceive human emotions indicate that they can differentiate between neutral, angry, and happy expressions. Interestingly, they can also associate vocalizations with the corresponding emotional tone of these expressions.
Discover more about canine science:
Dogs can interpret a person’s expression when approaching an object (such as joy or disgust) to gauge whether they should get closer themselves. They can even process images of just the upper half of a face, showing that they can understand emotions even when part of the face is obscured, like by a mask.
Moreover, they recognize our voices and can differentiate the genders of unfamiliar voices.
Recent studies confirmed that dogs are perceptive to fear, able to identify shirts worn by individuals who watched a scary movie from those worn by those who were watching something neutral.
They can also recognize changes in our body language that indicate fear and stress. One study revealed a correlation between human testosterone levels (influenced by a sports team’s performance) and a dog’s cortisol levels, indicating their sensitivity to our emotional states.
Having spent countless hours observing us from their cozy spots in the living room, dogs have developed an acute awareness of our intentions and feelings.
For instance, research found that dogs can discern between intentional actions (like deliberately placing an object out of reach) and unintentional incidents (like unintentionally dropping something).
Studies confirm that even when we’re out of sight or simply turning away, they are aware of when we sneak a snack forbidden from their reach. They also notice when our attention is diverted, like when we’re glued to a book or staring at a screen, indicating a window for them to grab that tempting treat.
More broadly, they’re adept at assessing whether individuals possess knowledge about hidden food sources.
Finally, and most impressively, dogs have a remarkable ability to detect illness. Initial reports of pet dogs identifying melanoma by scratching their owners’ skin have led to research where dogs have been trained to identify various cancers through scent, as well as monitoring blood sugar levels and even recognizing glycation.
The recent findings in Sulawesi, Indonesia, have revised the timeline for early human sea crossings, adding complexity to the puzzle of their creators.
Archaeologists have unearthed stone tools at a location in South Sulawesi, called Cario, dating back at least 104 million years. Given that Sulawesi is encircled by swift and deep waters, anyone who created these tools would have had to navigate the open ocean.
“This represents the earliest known evidence of early human presence in Sulawesi,” says Professor Adam Brumm from the Australian Center for Human Evolution Research at Griffith University, which co-directed the research. BBC Science Focus.
“It now seems evident that early hominins managed to cross the Wallace Line, leading to isolated populations on distant islands.”
The Wallace Line serves as a critical biogeographical boundary between mainland Asia and Wallacea Island. “For land mammals that don’t fly, such as those in Sulawesi, crossing from the edge of mainland Asia to the nearest Wallacea island would have been nearly impossible due to the vast distances and swift currents,” Brumm explained.
Earlier discoveries indicated that hominins arrived at nearby Flores Island approximately 102 million years ago, evolving into species like Homo floresiensis (nicknamed “The Hobbit” due to its stature) and Homo luzonensis.
However, as of now, no fossils have been discovered in Sulawesi, leaving the identity of the tool’s maker an enigma.
“We suspect it was an early Asian human species, possibly Homo erectus,” Brumm remarked. “I doubt they used boats for this journey. The colonization of the island likely occurred accidentally as they might have clung to logs or natural vegetation ‘rafts’ that were formed during tsunamis.”
These stone tools, excavated from Cario in Sulawesi, have been dated to over 104 million years ago. The scale bar is 10 mm. – Credit: MW Moore/University of New England
If Homo erectus made it to Sulawesi more than a million years ago, they may have been carving out their own evolutionary niche.
“In Flores and Luzon, fossil discoveries indicate that hominins on these islands underwent evolutionary changes, leading to unique new species that are small and distinct,” noted Brumm. “Though we have yet to find human fossils in Sulawesi, the possibility of similar events occurring on the island cannot be ruled out.”
What’s next for Brumm and the team? “We’re continuing our excavations,” he stated. “Human fossils are incredibly rare, but millions of hominins have existed and perished over the last million years, so there might be preserved remains of these toolmakers out there.”
“We hope to discover a fossil—or two—with persistence (and a bit of luck), as finding one would be an extraordinary breakthrough, perhaps even a game changer.”
Adam Brumm is a professor of archaeology at Griffith University. His work has accumulated over 21 years of funding for research in Indonesia. His published studies include many in Nature, spanning topics from the discovery of new human fossils in Wallacea (the island region between Asia and Australia) to recent insights into human evolution.
I spent 85 hours immersed in Death Stranding 2 before it hit me: what I was experiencing was an apocalyptic nightmare unfolding on an Earth plagued by a Death Monster. Yet, I found myself treating it as a delightful game. For countless hours, I navigated a photorealistic landscape in a pickup truck, delivering packages to remote communities and constructing new roads. My motivation to complete the main storyline was purely to unlock additional map regions, allowing me to connect with new characters and expand my road network. It felt blissful and entertaining.
I’m far from the only one indulging in games like this. The “Cozy Games” niche has flourished into a vibrant cottage industry over the past five years, featuring countless indie titles that captivate a passionate community. Successful crossovers like Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Untitled Goose Game have set the bar high. This month, Steam offers a variety of charming titles including Cat’s Post Office, delightful food truck management sims, and cozy games centered around quaint bookstores. These games typically share common traits: small, often youthful development teams working remotely, brief gameplay sessions, low-stakes challenges, and stylistic visuals that serve both aesthetic and economic purposes.
Yet, it’s curious that we don’t see more luxurious mainstream, Triple A titles despite a clearly established audience for cozy gaming. Major producers like Ubisoft, EA, and Xbox struggle to innovate, opting instead to churn out the next cookie-cutter live service shooter to compete with Fortnite, often wasting millions in the process. I wonder why no one has attempted a grand open-world adventure geared toward positive interactions and gentle drama. The realms of television, film, and literature are brimming with this type of content. Where’s my video game rendition of *Call the Midwife*? Why can’t I ride a bicycle through a 1950s setting? What would be the gaming equivalent of *Downton Abbey* or *Gilmore Girls*?
A frighteningly captivating… untitled geese game. Photo: House House
I recognize the most apparent reason behind this trend. Like Hollywood, mainstream game development focuses heavily on minimizing risk, leading to an industry saturated with action, violence, and power fantasy. However, cultural discussions reveal that cozy gamers appreciate narrative and mechanics over visual fidelity. Moo Yu, Creative Director at Small Studio, mentions, “I think a cozy game of higher budget will certainly be developed. This audience values a broader spectrum of experiences across various price ranges.”
And this is a key point. High-end graphics and expansive worlds aren’t the only worthwhile goals; they represent but one form of immersive experience. Untitled Goose Game wouldn’t hold the same charm if it featured a hyper-realistic environment with a goose rendered in 100,000 texture-mapped polygons. The beauty of *Stardew Valley* lies in its vibrant retro aesthetic. The art’s appeal is not merely in high production value; it’s also about the comfort derived from limitation in both choice and outcomes. The game gently guides you, saying, “Everything will be alright.”
Beyond community authority… Mythmatch. Photo: Team Artichoke
My friend John Cartwright, an experienced game developer who mentors small studios in Australia and New Zealand, shared his thoughts when I reached out. “The cozy game’s market is limited in size, a domain often dominated by small indie teams with constrained budgets. All cozy games share a safe environment with low-stakes gameplay, which has largely remained underdeveloped, especially during the stress of Covid. The simplistic visuals were an added source of comfort and attraction.”
Creating charm is no simple feat. It can’t be manufactured with a new, expensive graphics engine or by having 500 employees working overtime. Just like you can’t establish a high-tech charm center in a desert. In larger productions, charm emerges organically, akin to monumental TV dramas, yet it’s finite and precarious. The entire notion of a cozy game as a defined genre or intentional gameplay element is still relatively nascent. Historically, games have been focused on winning, while elements emphasizing kindness and empathy have yet to be officially recognized. There’s a clever saying that contrasts games and movies: explosions are cheap, yet capturing human emotion through close-ups is a costly endeavor. Given the interactive medium’s historically limited visual naturalism, portraying drama through a date invitation can be more challenging than simply depicting conflict. But we have a century’s worth of animation to showcase how charm, comfort, and emotional closeness can be represented through the most iconic and stylized palettes.
Moo Yu remains optimistic that a cozy, epic, mainstream title will make its way into gaming’s future. He cites the fashion-centric role-playing game Infinity Nikki as an example. Until that time, I’ll continue to feign interest in the issues surrounding chiral contamination and extinction, all for the chance to save the kangaroos, meet the inventors, and traverse the stunning yet irradiated landscapes in my trusty truck. Sometimes you have to play their game to win for yourself.
What to Play
Retro Shooter…Operation Night Striker. Photo: Taito/M2
August has proven to be a fantastic month for retro arcade collections, and we can’t resist recommending one more before we venture back to contemporary titles. Operation Night Striker is a collection of four iconic Taito shooters, effectively blending action film tropes with gaming elements, including the innovative light gun classic, Operation Wolf. It also features its sequel, Thunderbolt operations, as well as two lesser-known gems: the Cyberpunk Flying Car shooter Night Striker and Space Gun, which takes a whimsical approach with its face-hugger and flamethrower. As is usually the case with these collections, new features have been integrated, and gamers playing the Switch version can utilize Joycon as a makeshift light gun. While it may not be highly accurate, it recalls the nostalgia of using the original maggot gun controller from Operation.
These vibrant, fast-paced, and delightfully absurd popcorn games perfectly capture the essence of their era, complete with smooth-scrolling 2D backgrounds, electrifying soundtracks, engaging gameplay loops, and brawny heroes. You’ll be hooked!
Available on: PC, Switch Estimated playtime: Over 10 hours
What to Read
You have to catch everything… Pikachu. Photo: Pokémon Company
In a tale that echoes the antics of Verca Salt, McDonald’s Japan had to cancel a Pokémon promotion due to massive food waste and rampant scalping. According to Eurogamer, an exclusive Pikachu card was offered as part of a limited edition Happy Meal deal, leading fans to queue for hours, resulting in fights and food waste in the streets as scalpers took advantage, listing the cards at inflated prices on auction sites.
It’s always enlightening to read Rob Fahey’s Industry Analysis on GamesIndustry.biz. This week, he discusses the fate of PlayStation, scrutinizing how consoles remain profitable despite pitfalls, including the seemingly obligatory shift to live services that have failed to yield meaningful returns.
Looking into the future, Xbox has changed the game design landscape over the last 20 years. In an interesting analysis at AV Club, they explore how gamers have responded to the commercialization of gaming and its impact on design.
Juggernaut on the Horizon…GTA VI. Photo: Rockstar Games
Rich John from Bluesky raised an interesting point:
“Is it beneficial for the industry that a behemoth like GTA VI garners so much media attention and expected revenue? How will this impact other publishers?”
To put it simply, there’s no major gaming company with high hopes for 2026, which will coincide with Rockstar’s highly anticipated release window. As illustrated in a recent industry newsletter, three major Triple A developers have adjusted their timelines, giving it a wide berth, significantly impacting development teams who might have invested years planning for that release slot. This situation can create media and marketing black holes.
However, this isn’t all negative. When GTA V debuted in 2013, it didn’t obliterate every game in its path, as seen with casual mobile games like Puzzle & Dragon and Candy Crush, both of which thrived alongside titles that garnered dedicated fanbases like World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. Furthermore, monumental successes like GTA V often spark widespread attention, interest, and potential investments across the entire industry, leading to follow-up titles. Moreover, these giants often introduce innovative design elements to the market, as GTA Online was the pioneering live service experiment.
In essence, it’s beneficial; ripe with potential. While the immediate fallout could be challenging for other studios, as evidenced by GTA V, casual gamers and ardent followers of other franchises are unlikely to abandon their favorites for the latest Rockstar title. Additionally, the ripple effect of a blockbuster’s success opens avenues for future projects. Much like Hollywood post-*Star Wars*, where studios dared to venture into big-budget sci-fi genres, we could see more opportunities presented in the aftermath of such monumental success, even if it’s achieved by competitors.
If you have any burning questions or comments about the newsletter, feel free to reach out at pushbuttons@theguardian.com.
Picture a winter morning where everything glistens in white. The morning frost serves as a testament to Earth’s water cycle, with dew forming from the chilled air overnight. A similar phenomenon occurs on Mars, situated 63 million miles (or 102 million kilometers) away, presenting scientists with a unique opportunity to understand how water behaves on the red planet.
A group of researchers led by Dr. Valantinus from the University of Bern has uncovered evidence suggesting that morning frost may indeed exist on Mars. They identified this potential frost in bowl-shaped formations known as Calderas at the summit of the Tharsis Volcano. Among these volcanoes, Olympus Mons stands out as it towers over Mount Everest—more than double its height—reaching 21 km (approximately 13 miles) above sea level, making it the tallest volcano in the solar system.
Earlier studies estimated that around 1 trillion kilograms (approximately 2.2 trillion pounds) of water vapor cycles through Mars’ atmosphere annually between its northern and southern hemispheres. The massive Tharsis volcano disrupts this water flow due to its significant elevation, creating areas with lower pressure and wind speed referred to as Microclimates. The Valantinus team concentrated on this region, which produces optimal conditions for frost development in the microclimate above the volcano, increasing the likelihood of water vapor condensing to form frost.
To search for potential frost, the team analyzed thousands of spectral images captured by a color and stereo surface imaging system called Cassis, part of the European Space Agency’s Trace Gas Orbiter satellite orbiting Mars. They noted that the bright bluish tint in the area might indicate frost. By focusing on images with cooler tones, they set out to gather more evidence supporting the presence of frost.
To accomplish this, the team utilized a tool capable of detecting the composition of materials based on light wavelengths, known as a Spectrometer. A spectrometer onboard the Trace Gas Orbiter, named NOMAD, yielded ice readings concurrent with Cassis images. By combining Cassis imagery with NOMAD spectrometer data and additional high-resolution stereo camera images, the researchers pinpointed frosts in 13 distinct locations related to Mars’ volcanoes.
The Valantinus team anticipated that observations would reveal frost, but they needed to identify its type. Mars possesses a carbon dioxide atmosphere, which means carbon dioxide frost can naturally appear on the planet’s surface. To differentiate between carbon dioxide and water frost, researchers analyzed the surface temperatures on Mars.
They noted that the temperature at which carbon dioxide frost forms on Mars is around -130°C (-200°F), resulting in the conversion of solid carbon dioxide to gas as temperatures rise. Conversely, water frost appears at about -90°C (-140°F). Using a general circulation model, the team estimated that the average surface temperature in the areas where frost was discovered is roughly -110°C (-170°F), a temperature too warm for carbon dioxide frost but sufficiently cool for water frost.
Observations revealed frost deposits along the floors and edges of the volcanic calderas, while bright, warm areas inside the caldera lacked these deposits. The team also observed that some frost partially rested on dust-like particles on the ground, which cool down more at night and warm gradually in the morning, providing an ideal surface for frost. Additionally, frost was only evident during the early mornings on Mars, likely due to the daily warming cycle of the planet’s surface, similar to Earth.
The Valantinus team utilized imaging and chemical measurements on Mars to track the exchange of water between the planet’s surface and atmosphere. They recommend that future researchers continue to monitor Cassis images in these regions to deepen understanding of how morning frosts develop on Mars.
For alternative perspectives on this article, please see summary by Paige Lebman, a University of Delaware student.
The importance of online safety for children in the UK is reaching a pivotal moment. Starting this Friday, social media and other internet platforms must take action to safeguard children or face substantial fines for non-compliance.
This marks a critical evaluation of the online safety law, a revolutionary regulation that encompasses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Google, and more. Here’s an overview of the new regulations.
What will happen on July 25th?
Companies subject to the law are required to implement safety measures that shield children from harmful content. Specifically, all pornography sites must establish stringent age verification protocols. According to Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, 8% of children aged 8 to 14 accessed online pornographic sites or apps within a month.
Furthermore, social media platforms and major search engines must block access for children to pornography and content that promotes or encourages suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. This may involve completely removing certain feeds for younger users. Hundreds of businesses will be impacted by these regulations.
Platforms must also minimize the distribution of other potentially harmful content, such as promoting dangerous challenges, substance abuse, or instances of bullying.
What are the suggested safety measures?
Recommended measures include: Algorithms that suggest content to users must exclude harmful materials. All sites and applications must implement procedures to rapidly eliminate dangerous content. Additionally, children should have a straightforward method to report concerns. Compliance is flexible if businesses believe they have effective alternatives to meet their child safety responsibilities.
Services deemed “high risk”, like major social media platforms, must utilize “highly effective” age verification methods to identify users under 18. If a social media platform is found hosting harmful content without age checks, it is responsible for ensuring a “positive” user experience.
X states that if it cannot determine a user’s age as 18 or older, it defaults to sensitive content settings, thereby restricting adult material. They are also integrating age estimation technology and ID verification to ensure users are not underage. Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, claims to have a comprehensive approach to age verification that includes a teen account feature set by default for users under 18.
“We collaborate with the law firm Payne Hicks Beach,” noted Mark Jones, a partner at the firm. “[Online Safety Act] If not, we strive to clarify it for the company.”
The Molly Rose Foundation, set up by the family of British teenager Molly Russell, who tragically lost her life in 2017 due to harmful online content, is advocating for further changes, including the prohibition of perilous online challenges and requiring platforms to proactively mitigate depressive and body image-related content.
How will age verification be implemented?
Some age verification methods for pornographic providers supported by OFCOM include: assessing a person’s age through live photos and videos (face age estimation), verifying age via credit card, bank, or mobile network operator, matching photo ID, and utilizing a “digital identity wallet” that contains proof of age.
Ria Moody, a lawyer at Linklaters, commented, “Age verification measures must be highly accurate. OFCOM indicates these measures are ineffective unless they ensure the user is over 18, so platforms should not rely solely on them.”
What does this mean in practice?
Pornhub, the UK’s most frequented online porn site, has stated it will implement a “regulatory approved age verification method” by Friday, though specific methods have yet to be disclosed. Another adult site, OnlyFans, is already using facial age verification software, which estimates users’ ages without saving their facial images, relying instead on data from millions of other images. A company called Yoti provides this software and has also made it available on Instagram.
Last week, Reddit began verifying the age of forums and threads containing adult content. The platform utilizes technology from a company named Persona, which verifies age using uploaded selfies or government-issued ID photos. Reddit does not retain the photos, instead storing validation statuses to streamline the process for users.
How accurate is facial age verification?
The software allows websites or apps to set a “challenge” age (e.g., 20 or 25) to minimize the number of underage users accidentally accessing content. When Yoti set a challenge age of 20, less than 1% of 13-17-year-olds were mistakenly verified.
What other methods are available?
Another direct approach entails requiring users to present formal identification, like a passport or driver’s license. Importantly, the ID details need not be stored and can be used solely to verify access.
Will all pornographic sites conduct age checks?
They are expected to, but many smaller sites might try to circumvent the regulations, fearing it will deter demand for their services. Industry representatives suggest that those who disregard the rules may await Ofcom’s response to violations before determining their course of action.
How will child protection measures be enforced?
Ofcom has a broad spectrum of penalties it can impose under the law. Companies can face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue for violations—potentially amounting to $16 billion for Meta. Additionally, sites or apps can receive formal warnings. For severe violations, Ofcom may seek a court order to restrict the availability of the site or app in the UK.
Moreover, senior managers at technology firms could face up to two years in prison if they are found criminally liable for repeated breaches of their obligations to protect children and for ignoring enforcement notices from Ofcom.
Virgin Australia is contemplating a revision of its rules regarding lithium batteries following a fire incident on a flight from Sydney, which was reportedly triggered by a power bank found in passenger carry-on luggage.
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) reports that the average traveler carries at least four rechargeable lithium battery devices, which may include smartphones, laptops, and portable power banks.
If you’re curious about the regulations and the reasons lithium-ion batteries are viewed as potential flight hazards, here’s a brief summary.
Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, but the rules vary, so you should check the airline’s restrictions before your flight.
Generally, according to CASA, laptops and cameras may be included in checked luggage as long as they are completely powered off.
However, spare batteries and power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage due to risks of short-circuiting, overheating, and fires during flight.
Lithium-ion batteries exceeding 160WH are not allowed under any circumstances unless they are used as medical aids.
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Smart bags containing power banks or lithium-ion batteries are allowed, provided the battery can be removed and carried in the cabin before checking in.
Virgin Australia states that spare or loose batteries, including power banks, must solely be part of carry-on baggage and need to be kept in their original retail packaging; individual batteries should be placed in separate plastic bags, protective pouches, or have their terminals covered with tape.
Qantas advises that passengers with Apple AirPod cases and power banks containing spare or loose batteries should only store them in carry-on baggage.
The airline does not advise using or charging power banks on board for safety reasons.
Can I take a power bank on an overseas flight?
Numerous international airlines, including Thai Airways, Korean Airlines, Eva Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, and Singapore Airlines and its budget arm Scoot, have imposed bans regarding their use on board.
If you plan to fly with an international airline, it is essential to verify their specific rules prior to traveling.
Generally, travelers are expected to keep power banks in their carry-on luggage. However, whether or not you can use them in-flight depends on the particular airline.
Is the risk of lithium battery fires significant on airplanes?
Not necessarily. Professor Neeraj Sharma, a battery specialist at the University of New South Wales, states that lithium-ion batteries contain 20 different components, some of which are liquid, making them more volatile than solid elements like electrodes and casings.
Applying pressure to a lithium-ion battery can spark “thermal runaway” (an uncontrollable temperature increase); however, battery explosions are exceedingly rare.
Sharma notes that airlines still recommend carrying batteries in baggage to minimize the risk.
He also mentions that power banks and other lithium-ion battery devices, which are less regulated than mobile phones and laptops (like electric scooters and steam devices), could pose more risks and may be made from inferior quality batteries.
Professor Amanda Ellis, head of the Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, agrees that lithium battery fires are not particularly likely to happen on flights.
She explains that the pressure within an airplane cabin is supported by “multiple layers of casings,” preventing batteries from reaching a critical failure. However, enclosed environments can make fires particularly hazardous, especially since it’s not possible to escape the situation while in flight.
“Fires release highly toxic gases, especially in limited spaces that are far from ideal,” she remarks.
Ellis adds that lithium-ion battery fires can be challenging to extinguish, as lithium can ignite and ignite surrounding materials—high-energy substances that can sustain burning for extended periods.
“Using water to douse a lithium fire is not advisable, which could be the first instinct of someone on a plane,” she notes.
What causes lithium-ion batteries to ignite?
Lithium-ion batteries comprise ions suspended within an electrolyte solution. During charging and discharging, these ions travel back and forth across the two electrodes.
Ellis states that a common cause of battery fires is overcharging, which can lead to overheating. If a battery becomes excessively charged, it can crack, causing the highly flammable electrolyte to ignite when it contacts air.
More sophisticated lithium-battery-powered devices, like smartphones, typically include a built-in “trickle system” that prevents overcharging by incrementally adding current to the battery.
However, Ellis explains that cheaper power banks often lack this safety feature.
“Avoid charging a power bank overnight,” she advises. “Only charge it for as long as necessary. Monitor the power bank until the indicator light switches from red to green.”
Overall, Ellis reassures that if lithium batteries are used correctly and under suitable conditions, they are generally safe, and passengers need not be overly concerned while flying.
Many of us enjoy finding new ways to categorize individuals in our lives, and recently, there’s been a noticeable surge in discussions surrounding “dark empathy.” “They appear sensitive and caring, but their true intent is manipulation.” Guardian I previously shared how TikTok influencers often label it as “the most dangerous personality type.”
This month, I’ve received requests from readers seeking clarification on the science behind these trendy terms. What defines dark empathy? And how can one identify such individuals?
This notion emerged from research investigating the so-called dark triad of personality traits: psychopathy (cold, antisocial behavior), narcissism (excessive self-focus), and Machiavellianism (manipulative tendencies). Historically, the Dark Triad was associated with a lack of empathy for others.
However, this perspective shifted with a groundbreaking 2021 study by Najah Heim, a researcher at Nottingham Trent University in England. Analyzing nearly 1,000 participants, the study confirmed that many individuals with dark triad traits lacked the capacity for empathy. However, a significant subset of around 175 participants exhibited high levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism while also scoring well on standard empathy measures. They noted, for instance, that they were sensitive to others’ discomfort and claimed that people’s emotions significantly affected their own moods.
Heim and her colleagues coined the term “dark empathy” to describe this group. Further studies indicated that these individuals were generally less aggressive and more extroverted than their less empathetic counterparts, yet they displayed more hostility than the average individual. The researchers concluded that, behind a seemingly genial facade, there lies a “partially hostile core.”
This discovery prompts several questions. Psychologist Distinguish distinguishes between cognitive empathy (the visceral response to witnessing others’ emotions) and emotional empathy (the ability to understand others’ perspectives). It’s still unclear if dark empathy signifies a distinct phenomenon. Researchers also remain uncertain about how the behavior of these individuals varies depending on the context.
I am eager to find answers to these inquiries, but the current literature offers little on how to effectively interact with these individuals. For now, I will remain vigilant for classical red flags of toxic behavior, such as attempts to wield emotional manipulation through flattery or threats, and work to establish clear boundaries. While terms like “Dark Empath” may sound intriguing, their behaviors can be as distressing as those exhibited by traditional bullies in your life.
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Sweltering and humid conditions have impacted nearly the entire eastern U.S. this week, triggered by “heat domes” settling over various regions.
On Wednesday, a heat advisory impacted approximately 150 million individuals, with temperatures exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit spreading through the Ohio Valley and along the East Coast. The National Weather Service predicts that “extremely dangerous heat” will persist until Thursday.
But what exactly is a heat dome, and how does it contribute to extreme heat?
Heat domes form when a strong high-pressure system remains stationary over an area, trapping warm air underneath like a lid on a pot.
These thermal domes are typically influenced by the jet stream’s behavior. The jet stream is a fast-moving ribbon of air that flows from west to east in the Northern Hemisphere, impacting weather patterns.
The jet stream is powered by the temperature disparity between the chilly polar regions and warm southern air masses. As it travels around the globe, it can create ripples that form troughs and ridges, leading to unusual weather phenomena.
For instance, certain ripples can intensify cold snaps, while others can move and amplify heat, resulting in higher humidity levels.
Heat domes can persist for days or even weeks, contributing to prolonged heat waves that can be deadly. Heat-related illnesses and fatalities can impact individuals of all ages, but children, those with pre-existing health conditions, and older adults are especially vulnerable to sudden temperature spikes.
Research indicates that climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves globally. The hottest years on record since 1850 have all occurred within the last decade, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Some respite is anticipated later this week across the Midwest and East Coast, although temperatures are expected to remain high in the days ahead.
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The peak of sunshine has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere with the Summer Solstice.
This Friday marks the longest day north of the equator, ushering in the joy of astronomical summer. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day and the onset of winter.
The term “bliss” derives from the Latin “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium,” which translates to “stop.” This term encapsulates the sun’s annual journey, tracing its longest and most radiant arc in the sky. Unfortunately for sun enthusiasts, the days will gradually shorten until late December as the sun begins its retreat.
The solstice has been celebrated for centuries, with various traditions and monuments, such as Stonehenge, built to align with the solar path during this event. But what exactly occurs in the heavens? Here’s what you need to understand about Earth’s orbit.
Bliss signifies the extremes of day and night
As the Earth orbits the Sun, it tilts at an angle, causing uneven distribution of sunlight and warmth between the northern and southern hemispheres throughout the year.
The solstice represents a time when this tilt is most pronounced, leading to the greatest disparity between day and night.
During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half tilts toward the sun, resulting in the longest day and the shortest nights of the year, occurring between June 20th and 22nd.
In contrast, during the winter solstice, which transpires between December 20th and 23rd, the Northern Hemisphere turns away from the sun.
The equinox: a balance of day and night
The equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis and orbit align, granting both hemispheres an equal amount of sunlight.
The word equinox is derived from Latin, meaning equal and night, as it denotes the time when day and night are nearly identical in duration.
Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, or Vernal Equinox, can occur between March 19th and 21st, while the Autumnal Equinox can fall between September 21st and 24th.
At the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon during the equinox, which is the only time when both the Arctic and Antarctic receive sunlight simultaneously.
Differentiating between weather and astronomical seasons
These represent two distinct interpretations of the year.
Astronomical seasons are based on Earth’s orbit around the Sun, while weather seasons are categorized by prevailing weather conditions. The latter divides the year into three-month periods based on temperature cycles, leading to spring starting on March 1st, summer on June 1st, followed by autumn on September 1st and winter on December 1st.
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Taking refuge in the shade is a simple way to steer clear of harmful UV rays from the sun.
Paul Biggins/Alamy
Since ancient Egyptian times, individuals have sought ways to shield their skin from the sun, as over a century ago, we recognized the link between ultraviolet (UV) light and skin injuries, including burns and cancers. Yet, there remains some uncertainty regarding the most effective methods to evade sunburn, how to remedy it, and whether each occurrence escalates the chances of developing cancer. It’s beneficial to grasp the cellular dynamics of tanning.
“Sunburn is an inflammatory response,” explains Leslie Rhodes from the University of Manchester, UK. UV rays inflict damage to proteins, fats, and DNA in skin cells located in the epidermis, triggering a cascade of inflammatory reactions resulting in redness, swelling, pain, and peeling.
Though UVB radiation is chiefly responsible for this damage, UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths, penetrate the skin more deeply. “Typically, UVB is approximately 1,000 times more effective than UVA for sunburning,” states Antony Young from King’s College London.
In reaction to UV injury, skin cells emit inflammatory molecules that enlarge blood vessels in the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. Within hours, this increased blood circulation facilitates the influx of immune cells from the bloodstream into the skin, heightening inflammation.
For individuals with lighter skin tones, this augmented blood flow may cause sun-damaged skin to appear pink or red, while those with darker skin might notice skin changes in various shades including red, gray, brown, and black. The enhanced blood supply also results in greater fluid leakage from blood vessels to the skin, leading to swelling. Both swelling and inflammatory molecules activate the nerves, rendering the tanned skin hot and painful.
In extreme cases, blisters may form if patches of epidermal cells become severely damaged and begin self-destructing. As these dead patches detach from the underlying layer, the resulting spaces fill with liquid, creating a foamy structure within the skin.
How does tanned skin heal?
According to Rhodes, “A mild tan will diminish more rapidly than a severe burn if the effects persist beyond 72 hours.”
Healing initiates when skin immune cells start generating anti-inflammatory molecules a few days post UV exposure. “It’s a self-resolving inflammation,” Rhodes notes. “The various molecules and cells transition over time from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory states.” Consequently, blood vessels cease to dilate, and the redness, swelling, and pain gradually subside.
Stem cells situated at the base of the epidermis accelerate healing by producing new skin cells at an increased rate. These cells replace the damaged ones, often shedding or peeling off in large sheets to facilitate growth. “You always shed skin, but UV damage accelerates the conversion of those cells,” says Young.
Regrettably, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that applying after-sun or aloe vera gels can hasten healing of tanned skin, according to Rhodes. Most of these lotions aim to alleviate pain by providing a cooling sensation. Cold showers, cool compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen may also be beneficial.
What are the long-term effects?
The sunburn subsides as inflammation lessens and damaged surface cells slough off. However, DNA damage to deeper stem cells in the epidermis may leave a lasting legacy.
“DNA damage occurs, and while cells attempt to repair it, their efforts are not flawless,” notes Young. This leads to genetic mutations that accumulate over time in genes governing cell growth and division, resulting in uncontrolled skin cell proliferation, heightening cancer risks.
Numerous studies indicate that experiencing five sunburns within a decade more than doubles the risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. However, these findings often rely on individuals’ recollections of their sunburn occurrences, which may not be precise, complicating the accurate assessment of how a single sunburn contributes to skin cancer risk.
What is the best method to prevent sunburn?
The skin pigment melanin encircles skin cell DNA, offering some level of protection from UV damage. Consequently, individuals with darker skin tones face a significantly lower risk of skin cancer compared to those with lighter complexions, though they are not immune to sunburn or DNA damage.
To assess the risk of burning on any given day, monitor the UV index, which measures ultraviolet radiation levels. Rachel Abbott from the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, advises applying sunscreen if the index reaches 3 or higher. Typically, UV indexes seldom exceed 3 early in the morning, evening, or between October and March in the UK. Nonetheless, UV rays are more intense near the equator and may necessitate sunscreen application at any time. Fortunately, free apps provide local UV index information. “I use one daily,” Abbott shares.
Most individuals don’t apply sunscreen with the thickness utilized in testing—2 milligrams per square centimeter—making an SPF 50 sunscreen a wise default choice, according to Young.
Nevertheless, one of the most effective strategies to prevent sunburn is to avoid direct sunlight when it is highest in the sky. In the UK, this window is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., while in the US, it generally extends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, sunlight takes a shorter route through the atmosphere, allowing more UVB radiation to reach the skin. When outdoors, donning a hat and long-sleeved clothing can further diminish the risk.
As we age, flexibility tends to decrease. Clinicians utilize tests like “Sit down and stand” to assess older adults’ ability to rise from a chair, helping to identify risks associated with falls and frailty.
There are numerous factors contributing to decreased mobility as we age. Tendons might cause the joints to tighten, impacting the cartilage between them. Additionally, ligaments typically weaken, and muscle tightness around the joints, along with reduced synovial fluid, can exacerbate the situation.
Our muscle mass doesn’t just stay the same; it diminishes with age, particularly the quadriceps in the front of the thighs, which are crucial for standing up from a chair.
The encouraging news is that these changes can be mitigated. Engaging in regular physical activity is believed to slow down the loss of flexibility while also enhancing bone density, heart health, and mental well-being.
Studies reveal that older adults who remain physically active can achieve a broader range of motion compared to their sedentary peers. The NHS guidelines recommend that older individuals engage in strength, balance, and flexibility exercises at least twice weekly, in addition to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity if they’re already active).
If you do exercise regularly, don’t forget to incorporate stretching. Yoga can be beneficial if you’re able to practice it, but even simple stretches can enhance flexibility and be performed while watching TV or chatting on the phone! It’s advisable to consult someone trained to demonstrate proper stretching techniques.
Your diet also plays a crucial role. Consuming adequate proteins helps in muscle building, particularly with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D that support bone density.
While aging does lead to less flexibility and makes standing up more challenging, there are proactive steps you can take to counteract these effects!
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