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Unique Tourist Attractions: Exploring the Niche
The Earth is vast, populated with a diverse range of interests. Here at Feedback, we have a penchant for unique tourist attractions along America’s scenic highways — such as the world’s largest collection of miniature representations of the world’s biggest objects.
Recently, science historian Richard Fallon drew our attention to what is likely the world’s only sculpture park dedicated to foraminifera. For those unfamiliar, foraminifera are single-celled organisms, primarily ocean dwellers with hard outer shells. Their fossil record is abundant and detailed, as they are preserved in vast quantities.
Located in Zhongshan, China, this Foraminifera Sculpture Park opened in 2009, and we acknowledge our delayed recognition of it. Nestled in a hillside park, visitors can stroll through 114 large sculptures. Describing these works is challenging without diving into terminology for irregular three-dimensional forms, but fans of Barbara Hepworth’s curvilinear sculptures might find some familiarity here.
On TripAdvisor, the Foraminifera Sculpture Park boasts a 5-star rating, albeit from a single review by a user named Eudyptes—who seems to have a specific fondness for foraminifera sculptures. Eudyptes is the scientific classification for the crested penguin.
We’d love more testimony about this attraction. Unfortunately, our editorial team turned down our request to visit China solely for this purpose, as well as a proposed visit to the Slavic International Toilet Museum in New Delhi.
On that note, we invite our readers to share any scientifically inclined sites that might be even more niche. Just to clarify, we are not seeking suggestions for popular attractions like the Icelandic Penis Museum or the British Vagina Museum. Maybe a unique museum focused solely on moss or Western blot images exists?
Humor in Scientific Research
It’s not uncommon for academics to incorporate humor in their paper titles, but referring to them in abstracts is rare. Typically, abstracts summarize key study points in about 200 words, varying from concise brilliance to confusing jargon.
However, physicist Leonard Susskind submitted a paper to arXiv titled “Is time reversal in de Sitter space a spontaneously broken gauge symmetry?” His summary includes an intriguing answer: “Yes, but with a twist: Time reversal is indeed a gauge symmetry, albeit hidden by spontaneous symmetry breaking.”
While the last part might puzzle many, we were particularly drawn to Susskind’s acknowledgment of his colleagues for their ongoing discussions. He humorously noted, “I’m almost 86 years old and I can’t wait for my readers to catch up.” His insightful summaries have landed on our list of favorite academic summaries, proving that humor can make complex subjects more relatable.
A Missed Opportunity
We owe our readers a heartfelt apology for an oversight. A few weeks back, we critiqued accounting firm PwC’s venture into estimating the moon’s future economy. We expressed skepticism about monetizing lunar assets, but reader Alex Collier raised an intriguing question: Could this entrepreneurial spirit imply the moon is actually made of cheddar?
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The Galapagos lava heron, a unique small heron found on the lava-strewn shores of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, has recently gained recognition for its distinct status.
Endemic to the Galapagos Islands, this slate-gray to black heron has intrigued ornithologists for years.
While some classify it under the widely distributed Great Heron (Butorides striatum) as a subspecies Butorides striata sundevari, others advocate for its recognition as a separate species, Butorides sundevalli.
Recent DNA analyses led by researchers from San Francisco State University and the California Academy of Sciences lend weight to the latter perspective.
“This bird, noted for its significant plumage variation, has long posed the question of whether it stands as a separate species or simply as a subspecies of mainland birds,” said Dr. Jamie Chavez, lead author of the study.
Through the examination of thousands of genetic markers and numerous museum specimens, researchers found that the Galapagos lava heron forms its own distinct evolutionary lineage, diverging from its supposed relatives.
Surprisingly, the lava heron shows closer genetic ties to the Gray Heron (Butorides virescens) from North and Central America than to the Great Heron.
The ancestors of the Galapagos lava heron may have arrived on the islands via unusual migration routes, evolving in isolation over time.
“For biologists, visiting the Galapagos is a dream come true,” remarked Ezra Menderes, a graduate from San Francisco State University and co-author of the study. “There’s still so much to uncover within these well-studied ecosystems.”
This research not only clarifies the status of this magnificent bird but also contributes to a broader understanding of the evolutionary relationships within heron species.
Scientists suggest that what was once perceived as a single, globally distributed species should now be considered as several distinct species, including separate lineages across the Americas, Africa, and Australasia.
“Our ultra-conserved element (UCE) phylogenetic results indicate substantial internal divergence within the genus Butorides, bridging populations from the Old and New Worlds,” the authors noted.
“The UCE-based phylogeny strongly confirms the monophyly of New World herons, including the South American Great Heron, Gray Heron, and Galapagos lava heron.”
The findings, published in this month’s edition of Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, significantly enhance our comprehension of avian evolution.
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Ezra Z. Menderes et al. 2026. Global phylogenetic relationships of Butorides herons (suborder: Ardeidae) reveal the evolutionary history and taxonomic status of the Galapagos lava heron. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 220: 108600; doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108600
Northern tamandua (a type of anteater) using a fig tree toilet
Tropical Canopy Ecology Project
Numerous arboreal mammals, such as opossums, three-toed sloths, and ocelots, share unique latrines found high within forest canopies.
Jeremy Quiroz Navarro, an independent ecologist from Costa Rica, initially discovered one of these latrines 30 meters above a Strangler fig tree while searching for a camera setup location. He encountered a platform scattered with feces of varying colors and textures, leading him to realize this was just one of many consistent latrine sites associated with Ficus Türkheimii.
Quiroz Navarro and his team installed a video trap at one of these latrines in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. After two months, they astonishedly identified 17 different mammal species utilizing this site.
“It was incredible,” he remarked. “This number approximates the total diversity of canopy mammals found in these cloud forests.”
The latrine received about three visits daily. Wildcats known as margays marked their territory by spraying urine, while porcupines utilized the area and rubbed their scent onto branches. Observations also included opossums, capuchin monkeys, coatis, howler monkeys, and weasels.
Even the three-toed sloth, previously believed to defecate exclusively on the ground, was observed doing so in the canopy.
Researchers explored an additional 170 trees, discovering more latrines, but exclusively on this particular species of strangler fig. Anecdotal evidence now suggests that strangler figs may serve similar purposes in other regions, including Honduras and Borneo, according to Quiroz-Navarro.
Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine
Tropical Canopy Ecology Project
This shared latrine provides a “fascinating and highly unusual” glimpse into arboreal behavior, commented Neil Jordan from the University of New South Wales, who was not involved in the study. “Studying animals at 30 meters high in the canopy is quite challenging, so it’s understandable that this has remained undiscovered until now.”
Additionally, some terrestrial animals, such as rhinos and hyenas, are known to utilize communal toilets as well. These sites serve various purposes: allowing animals to mark territory, exchange information, provide navigational cues, and concentrate scents to deter predators.
Strangler figs are impressive plants that gradually envelop their host trees, often leading to their demise. Ficus Türkheimii develops branches at the tree crown’s height, creating a structure deemed “comfortable and protective” by Quiroz Navarro.
The branches, which extend up to 12 meters, also act as vital pathways over rivers, emphasizing their significance within the forest ecosystem.
These trees attract climbers, some of whom camp on the latrine platform. Quiroz-Navarro expresses concern that such activity may disrupt the communication pathways between different forest areas, potentially causing wider ecological repercussions.
Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/B. Bolin
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS showcases unprecedented levels of water and carbon compounds, hinting that it originated around a star vastly different from our Sun—likely billions of years older.
Astronomers have meticulously monitored 3I/ATLAS since its entry into our solar system last year, revealing an astonishing composition rich in carbon dioxide and water. Initial analyses estimate its age at about 8 billion years—almost double that of our Sun.
According to Martin Cordiner and his research team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the comet’s deuterium levels (a hydrogen isotope with additional neutrons) are at least ten times higher than any previously recorded comet.
Typically, deuterium exists in minor concentrations in Earth’s oceans, but 3I/ATLAS displays levels more than 40 times greater. “3I/ATLAS continues to amaze us with its revelations about the similarities and differences between its host system and our own,” Cordiner stated. His team utilized the James Webb Space Telescope for these groundbreaking observations.
“It’s truly extraordinary,” commented Paul Hartog from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany. “The ratio of deuterium to hydrogen in its water composition is highly unusual and unexpected.”
Such elevated deuterium levels are generally found in the coldest regions of the Milky Way, suggests Ewain van Dishus of the Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands. “This indicates it likely resides in the outermost disk of the star it orbits, facilitating its ejection,” Dishus explained.
Cordiner and colleagues also identified relatively low levels of carbon-13, an isotope usually created during supernova explosions. The low carbon-13 concentrations found in 3I/ATLAS point to its formation during a time when supernovae contaminants were rare, implying the comet formed around a star system aged between 10 to 12 billion years—again, more than twice the age of our solar system, according to Cordiner.
However, Dishus cautions that the imprecise carbon data means we cannot conclusively determine its exact age.
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Representation of Electrons in a Half Möbius Molecule
IBM Research and the University of Manchester
Recent discoveries by chemists reveal an intriguing new molecular structure, which exceeds the complexity of a traditional Möbius strip.
A Möbius strip is a twisted shape that requires an object, like an ant, to traverse it twice to return to its original side.
Igor Roncevic and his team at the University of Manchester have uncovered a more complex half-Möbius molecular structure. This breakthrough could revolutionize the manipulation of molecular shapes and topologies for various applications.
“This molecule is entirely novel and unexpected. Not only is it captivating that we have synthesized a molecule with unconventional topology, but we have also verified that such a structure is feasible, which was previously unconsidered,” he states.
To synthesize the molecule, the researchers combined 13 carbon atoms and two chlorine atoms into a ring on a gold substrate at ultra-low temperatures. Utilizing advanced atomic force and scanning tunneling microscopes, they precisely controlled individual atoms and analyzed the electron properties. Here, electrons do not remain rigidly attached but are diffused in a localized region, resembling tiny waves of matter.
The interactions among these electrons induced unprecedented twists within the molecule. A hypothetical quantum particle would need to revolve around the structure four times to return to its starting point.
Researchers demonstrated the ability to toggle the molecular state from left-handed to right-handed or to untwist it through small electromagnetic pulses. This innovation allows chemists to engineer molecular topology on demand.
To comprehend the newly discovered molecule and its potential existence, the researchers employed simulations on classical computers and an IBM quantum computer. Electron interactions are essential for introducing twists in molecules, which are challenging to simulate accurately on traditional platforms. However, quantum computers, built upon interacting quantum entities, can perform these simulations with greater precision, Roncevic notes.
According to team members, this research illustrates how quantum computing can tackle real-world chemistry challenges. Ivano Tavernelli from IBM emphasizes this point.
“This groundbreaking experiment integrates multiple facets of organic chemistry, surface science, nanoscience, and quantum chemistry,” asserts Gemma Solomon from the University of Copenhagen.
“This is an exciting endeavor that effectively translates abstract topological ideas into the field of molecular chemistry,” adds Kenichiro Itami from RIKEN, Japan, noting the technical significance of the research.
Kim Dong Ho, a professor at Yonsei University in South Korea, highlights the potential applications of shape-switchable molecules in sensor technology, indicating that they could toggle states in response to magnetic fields.
X and Y chromosomes engage in competition to favorably skew sex ratios.
Katerina Conn/Science Photo Library
Have you ever noticed a family where almost all the children are boys or girls? While often just random chance, a detailed analysis of a Utah family tracing back to the 1700s offers a fascinating biological explanation: the “selfish” Y chromosome may suppress female births.
According to James Baldwin Brown at the University of Utah, “This family is of great significance. Selfish genes, like the ones highlighted, have been documented across various organisms, yet studying them in humans remains challenging.”
In most mammals, male cells feature one X and one Y chromosome. During sperm formation in the testes, half receive Y chromosomes and half receive X chromosomes, leading to a theoretical 50:50 male-female birth ratio. However, certain chromosome variations can skew this outcome, producing an unequal number of male or female offspring. For instance, some selfish chromosomes hinder other sperm’s capability to reach the egg, while others eliminate non-selfish sperm. “This phenomenon has puzzled scientists for over a century,” adds Nitin Phadnis, also from the University of Utah.
The competition between selfish X and Y chromosomes can significantly skew sex ratios. Such variations are not just limited to humans; selfish chromosomes affecting sex ratios have been observed in various animals. The challenge lies in identifying currently active selfish chromosomes. “Even having several boys consecutively can often occur by chance,” Baldwin-Brown clarifies.
To prove that sex ratio bias is not a mere coincidence, it requires analyzing multiple generations. Using the Utah Population Database, which catalogs millions, Baldwin-Brown, Phadnis, and their team focused on 76,000 individuals.
The researchers employed two distinct statistical methods, both isolating the same families as significant outliers. Over seven generations, 33 men shared the same Y chromosome, resulting in 60 male and 29 female offspring out of 89 children.
Due to data anonymization, genetic analysis remains elusive. “It would be invaluable to connect with these individuals to sequence their sperm and investigate further,” says Baldwin-Brown. “However, navigating the ethical requirements and funding this endeavor is quite challenging.”
Sarah Zanders from the Stowers Medical Research Institute in Missouri speculates that a selfish Y chromosome might be at play but acknowledges the sample size is still too small for conclusive evidence. While analyzing microbes, her team detected significant sex ratio biases, yet larger sample evaluations yielded less remarkable findings.
Infidelity poses an additional complication, Zanders noted. “Though I’m not a human expert, I suspect many father assignments could be iffy,” she reflects. Baldwin-Brown acknowledged the possibility. “Despite this, there remains robust data that appears trustworthy,” he assures.
Understanding the selfish Y chromosome extends beyond theoretical implications, Phadnis suggests. Such mechanisms could be a factor in rising male infertility rates, as a trait that diminishes half of all sperm would severely impact fertility. Moreover, studies indicate selfish chromosomes may induce infertility in certain individuals.
The research team now aims to analyze sperm samples for discrepancies in the X and Y carrying sperm ratios.
This latest examination focuses on the selfish Y chromosome for various reasons. It is simpler to trace male lineage, and another potential cause for a higher female birth ratio could stem from a deadly mutation rather than merely a selfish X chromosome.
Selfish genes aren’t exclusive to X and Y chromosomes. More broadly, DNA that enhances inheritance probabilities above 50% is referred to as a gene drive and has been discovered in various species. CRISPR technology can create artificial gene drives, with potential applications in combating malaria and controlling pest populations.
Deborah Ferguson (UT Austin), Bhavesh Khamesra (Georgia Tech), Karan Jani (Vanderbilt University)/LIGO
The universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, leaving scientists perplexed about the source of this mysterious phenomenon known as dark energy, which comprises approximately 68% of the universe. Understanding dark energy is a critical challenge for astrophysics today.
Interestingly, some astrophysicists propose a link between black holes and dark energy. Supermassive black holes exert an incredible gravitational pull, drawing in matter, yet the underlying question remains: how can they contribute to the expansion of the universe?
The theory suggests that when matter falls into black holes, it transforms into a type of radiation that exerts pressure on the surrounding space, leading to an expansive force. Although these effects are minuscule individually, the sheer number of black holes could result in a significant cumulative impact, pushing galaxies away from each other.
Initially regarded as a fringe theory, this idea has gained traction amongst cosmologists who believe it could help elucidate several cosmic mysteries. “It’s controversial, but it’s gaining acceptance,” stated Kevin Crocker, a cosmologist at Arizona State University.
According to Nyaesh Afsholdi, a cosmologist at the University of Waterloo, black holes could be pivotal in understanding dark energy, given their complexity and the unusual nature of their singularities.
Understanding Black Hole Singularity
At the center of each black hole lies the astrophysical singularity, where gravity compresses matter to infinite density—a realm of physics not yet fully understood. As Gregory Tarr, a cosmologist at the University of Michigan, suggests, black holes prevent singularities from forming by converting collapsing material into dark energy.
Tarr elaborates that this process is reminiscent of the early universe, where radiant energy transformed into matter. In a black hole, the reverse process could occur, maintaining gravitational stability.
“Understanding how a single dust particle converts to radiation is complex,” explains Massimiliano Rinaldi, a physicist at the University of Trento, Italy. Yet, this conceptual transition may not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
This article is part of a special issue on the crisis in cosmology. Check the complete package here
Traditionally, it was believed that black holes only influenced their immediate surroundings. However, as Croker points out, “It’s not just localized effects; the cumulative impact of numerous black holes can significantly alter cosmic dynamics.”
Even a large influx of matter into a single black hole may not propel universal expansion, but if black holes throughout the universe collectively absorb matter, their gravitational effects could accelerate cosmic inflation.
Evidencing Cosmologically Connected Black Holes
The first substantial evidence of cosmologically linked black holes emerged in 2023, suggesting mysterious expansions throughout the universe, aligning with observations of black holes maintaining growth relative to cosmic expansion. According to Crocker, despite their perceived dullness, even supermassive black holes actively participate in higher cosmic dynamics, as dark energy appears in tandem with their formation.
Critics argue that the precise behavior of these cosmologically connected black holes remains unknown. Rinaldi stresses the lack of exact mathematical models, complicating the understanding of their merger behaviors. However, as research progresses and new data emerges, hope for breakthroughs remains.
The evolution of this theory from fringe to mainstream reflects growing acceptance among cosmologists, especially in light of puzzling results from the Dark Energy Spectroscopy Instrument (DESI) in Arizona.
DESI Insights
DESI is mapping millions of galaxies across the universe, providing insights into cosmic expansion over time. Recent findings indicated that dark energy could be diminishing, challenging established cosmological models that assert its constancy. “Seeing such data was surprising,” remarked Tarr; “dark energy appears to vary over cosmic epochs.”
If dark energy originates from cosmologically linked black holes, the DESI observations reconcile several cosmic enigmas, aligning black hole formation trends with dark energy dynamics.
The interplay of dark matter and dark energy forms the framework of the universe.
Volker Springel/Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics/Scientific Photo Library
The Hubble tension, which highlights differing expansion rates derived from various cosmological measurements, underscores the need for clarity. Integrating cosmologically grouped black holes into current models could bridge gaps between conflicting data regarding cosmic expansion.
While numerous theories have attempted to address discrepancies surrounding dark energy, many rely on speculative elements beyond conventional physics. The concept of cosmologically connected black holes, however, remains a relatively conservative yet promising pathway to resolving ongoing mysteries.
Recent investigations by Tarr, Crocker, and colleagues have unveiled what they denote as a “three-legged chair” of evidence supporting their hypothesis, linking particle physics observations to cosmic expansion behaviors.
Neutrinos, often dubbed “ghost particles,” present a challenge in this model due to their elusive nature and negligible mass. Remarkably, if ordinary matter inside black holes can transform into dark energy, this might adjust the universal mass metrics, opening pathways for new discoveries.
Is this evidence sufficient to elevate the notion of cosmologically linked black holes from speculative to mainstream scientific theory? Crocker believes so: “We now possess three key pieces of evidence to lend credence to our hypothesis.”
Encouragingly, interest in this area of research is burgeoning, evidenced by the increased collaboration among physicists and cosmologists, underscoring the growing recognition of the potential importance of cosmologically connected black holes in the accelerating universe scenario.
As ongoing observations from DESI and other large-scale cosmic surveys yield fresh data, uncovering links between black holes and cosmic expansion continues to be a dynamic area of study. Nyaesh Afsholdi aptly characterizes this inquiry as a detective story, with more researchers joining the pursuit of understanding the enigmatic role black holes may play in the speeding expansion of our universe.
Recent studies reveal that seal pups produce more human-like sounds than previously believed, often taking turns “communicating” by adjusting their calls to match their neighboring pups. This fascinating behavior sheds light on the evolution of complex communication, including human language.
Harbor seals, also known simply as seals, are among the few animal species capable of learning and altering their vocalizations.
“They can learn to create new sounds or modify existing ones,” explains Dr. Cohen de Reus from Radboud University and Vrije Universiteit Bruxelles. His research is part of his Ph.D. dissertation, as noted by BBC Science Focus.
Every talkative harbor seal has its own distinct calls, which mothers utilize to locate their pups on busy beaches. This study examines how seals modify their calls based on social contexts.
Dr. de Reus found that the calls of pups sitting together became increasingly similar over time. “This phenomenon resembles regional accents in humans,” he stated. “Despite their visual similarities, each pup can be recognized individually, just as in humans.”
Additionally, akin to polite human conversation, the pups engage in turn-taking without overlapping in communication.
To conduct his research, Dr. de Reus analyzed thousands of hours of audio from numerous harbor seal pups at the Peterburen Seal Center in the Netherlands.
“After spending extensive time with the pups, I could identify at least half of their calls,” he shared.
This study aims to uncover the subtleties of communication shared across species and those unique to humans, potentially revealing the intricate history of human language development.
“Language is often regarded as a unique trait that sets us apart from other species, yet our findings indicate the existence of advanced communication systems in various animals,” Dr. de Reus continued. “Consider this research a foundational step for future comparisons.”
This seal was recorded at a rehabilitation center that cares for orphaned and injured seals until their release back into the wild – Credit: Getty
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Neanderthal Model at the Natural History Museum, London
Mike Kemp/Photography/Getty Images
Research suggests that when our species, Homo sapiens, interbred with Neanderthals, most of the individuals involved may have been female Homo sapiens paired with Neanderthal males. This conclusion stems from analyses of genetic markers left in both populations due to this admixture.
The reasons behind this sex-biased mating behavior remain unclear. It is hypothesized that Neanderthal males may have favored female Homo sapiens over their own kind, or that modern human females were drawn to Neanderthal men, or possibly a combination of both. The question of whether these interactions were consensual is also unresolved.
“There’s limited insight we can draw,” states Alexander Pratt from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “What we can confidently convey is that these events unfolded over many generations.”
Other geneticists find the evidence intriguing but not definitive. Areb Sumer from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, emphasizes, “We need further evidence as this stands as a significant claim regarding behavior.”
Since 2010, researchers have recognized that Homo sapiens, often called modern humans, interbred with Neanderthals following their migration from Africa to Eurasia. This interaction likely occurred during various periods, notably from approximately 50,000 to 43,000 years ago, and possibly more than 200,000 years ago. Presently, all non-African individuals carry some Neanderthal DNA.
However, there has been limited exploration regarding the implications of this interbreeding on sex chromosomes. Women typically possess two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y chromosome. Pratt and his team, including Sarah Tishkoff and Daniel Harris, also from the University of Pennsylvania, concentrated on the X chromosome in humans and Neanderthals.
“One significant observation regarding the human X chromosome is its relative lack of Neanderthal DNA,” Harris notes. Compared to other chromosomes, the human X chromosome has minimal Neanderthal genetic material. The research team proposed four possible explanations.
Firstly, it could be that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals were genetically incompatible, leading to hybrid incompatibility that resulted in health and reproductive challenges in hybrid offspring. However, the researchers found that the Neanderthal X chromosome contained significantly more Homo sapiens DNA compared to the non-sex chromosomes, indicating potential compatibility.
Secondly, natural selection may have favored modern human DNA. Given the smaller Neanderthal population, it would have been challenging for natural selection to eradicate harmful mutations. Conversely, modern humans had a larger population, allowing for the elimination of detrimental mutations, which could explain the proliferation of modern human X chromosome DNA within Neanderthal groups. Yet, the researchers argue this is negligible since the majority of the modern human DNA present on Neanderthal X chromosomes resides in non-functional regions.
Alternatively, cultural factors may play a role in mate selection. Different societies exhibit varying patterns of male and female migration. For instance, in certain cultures, females leave their familial groups to join male partners, while others may involve the opposite. If modern human females settled with Neanderthals, a bias in their X chromosomes might have emerged, but even if all the interbreeding females were modern humans, this could not sufficiently explain the pronounced bias identified by the researchers.
The researchers conclude that mating preferences are the most plausible explanation: Neanderthal men may have favored Homo sapiens women over their own partners, or Homo sapiens females may have preferred male Neanderthals to human partners, or perhaps both scenarios occurred. “If this is simply a matter of preference, it accounts for everything,” Pratt asserts.
However, other geneticists express caution about completely dismissing alternative explanations. Schumer points out that early interbreeding events had a pronounced effect on the Neanderthal genome, effectively replacing the ancient Y chromosome with a Homo sapiens Y chromosome. “This mixing must have involved a substantial number of modern human males,” she explains.
She cautions that hybrid incompatibility cannot be disregarded. Moises Col Macia at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona, Spain, notes that researchers have assumed Neanderthal DNA would function similarly when it integrated into modern human genomes, and vice versa. “This may not be the case,” he states.
Col Macia also suggests that another possibility, meiotic drive, warrants consideration. A rogue genetic element could skew inheritance patterns, causing one chromosome in a pair to be passed down more frequently than expected. His team has found preliminary evidence that this phenomenon also occurred in modern humans outside Africa, leading to the elimination of Neanderthal DNA from the X chromosome.
Horses are unique in their vocalizations, producing two distinct sounds simultaneously—a low, cow-like moo and a high-pitched whistle from their throats.
Recent research reveals that horse vocalizations exhibit both low-frequency sounds around 200 hertz and high-frequency sounds exceeding 1,000 hertz, a phenomenon known as biphonation. The low-frequency sounds can be attributed to the vibrations of the horse’s laryngeal vocal folds, much like human speech and singing. However, the mechanism for producing the high-frequency sounds in such a large animal remains an intriguing question.
“Humans have coexisted with horses for over 4,000 years, yet equine communication remains partially misunderstood,” explains Tecumseh Fitch from the University of Vienna, Austria.
To investigate this phenomenon, Fitch and his team conducted tests and experiments on horse larynxes sourced from meat suppliers.
“Initially, we observed low-frequency sounds when we blew air into the larynx,” says Fitch. “However, after some adjustments, we successfully elicited high-frequency components.”
This established that both sound components originate from the larynx itself, contrasting with human whistling produced via the lips.
To confirm the whistling mechanism, researchers introduced air and helium—two gases of varying densities—through the larynx. This allowed them to test whether high-frequency sounds resulted from whistle production or tissue vibrations.
“The low-frequency sounds stem from vocal cord vibrations, similar to human singing or cow mooing, and remained unchanged when we altered the gases,” Fitch noted. “Conversely, the high-frequency content varied significantly with higher helium concentrations.”
Endoscopic examinations of live horses revealed that laryngeal muscles contract as the call begins, narrowing the glottis—where the vocal cords reside—and increasing airway resistance. This mechanism forces air through a narrow opening at high speed.
While other small mammals like mice and rats can produce laryngeal whistles, their frequencies are inaudible to humans.
“Horses are unique among mammals for their ability to produce two frequencies at once using their larynx, with whistles being part of their regular vocal repertoire,” Fitch adds.
This research sheds light on a previously undocumented method of aerodynamic whistle production in animals beyond rodents, explains Ben Jankovic at the University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Fitch and his colleagues propose that whistles enhance vocal clarity and transmission distance, although these theories require further investigation.
The parasitic species Temnothorax kinomurai targets the closely related ants, Temnothorax makora.
Credit: Clalit/iNaturalist
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified a unique parasitic ant species in Japan that has effectively eradicated both male and female worker ants from their colonies. This means that all individuals in these colonies function as queens, attempting to dominate the nests of competing species.
Typically, ant colonies are structured with a queen, female workers, and short-lived males that die shortly after mating.
For over four decades, scientists have speculated about the existence of this elusive parasitic ant, Temnothorax kinomurai, which is known to produce only queens. Until now, however, there was no definitive proof.
Young queens of this parasitic species infiltrate the nests of closely related ants, Temnothorax makora, killing the host queen and some workers through stinging. They then reproduce asexually, creating cloned offspring in a process called parthenogenesis—a phenomenon that is rare among ants but common in other insect species. As a result, workers from T. makora are deceived into nurturing the young kinomurai queens.
Research led by Jurgen Heinze and his team at the University of Regensburg, Germany, successfully bred and raised T. kinomurai queens in a controlled laboratory environment, resulting in 43 queen offspring—none of which displayed male reproductive organs.
The resulting 43 queens were then introduced to colonies of T. makora. Out of these, seven queens survived and successfully executed their takeover, producing 57 additional offspring, all confirmed to be female queens.
“This discovery reveals a completely new form of social organization among ants, adding a fascinating dimension to the already complex world of ants,” Heinze states.
While invading the colonies of other species can be a precarious tactic—evidenced by the study’s high queen failure rates—having an all-female offspring increases the likelihood of establishing a new reproductive colony.
“If parthenogenesis arose through random mutation, this is the outcome. A single T. kinomurai queen can produce 100 daughters without the need for mating, leading to 100 queens ready to seek out new colonies,” Heinze explains.
“This species represents the pinnacle of social parasitism evolution, showcasing the remarkable adaptability in the life cycles of social insects,” he concludes.
If you’re considering running a marathon or starting an intense exercise program this January, why not opt for a simpler goal to enhance your well-being in 2026?
Setting an objective to calm your mind may not sound ambitious, but it offers significant health benefits. A growing body of research highlights the negative impact of stress on overall health, particularly on heart health. Techniques to achieve a calm state can elevate self-reported happiness, enhance emotional regulation, and improve sleep quality research suggests.
This calmness counteracts “allostatic load,” a term used by Sula Windgassen, a health psychologist and author of the upcoming book Everything is Inside Your Body. Chronic stress contributes to wear and tear on the body, overburdening key regulatory systems like metabolic, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and immune functions, which can eventually lead to disease.
When discussing stress relief, you’ve likely come across traditional advice such as exercise and deep breathing techniques. While these methods are scientifically validated, there’s emerging evidence pointing to additional calming strategies beyond a digital detox or time spent in nature.
Develop a Sense of Control
Research shows that enhancing your perception of control over stressors can aid in managing them. For example, in a study, participants who completed daily questionnaires about their stressors reported that feeling in control correlated with resolving stress more effectively.
“It’s not that the stressor goes away; rather, individuals feel empowered to address it, letting it go or resolving it,” says David M. Almeida from Pennsylvania State University, a key researcher in the study.
Achieving this sense of control involves small, manageable changes. “Feeling in control doesn’t imply you have everything figured out; it means being aware of factors you can influence during stressful situations.” This might look like deciding your response, determining when to engage, or finding a resolution path.
Interestingly, your age may influence how easily you feel in control. “Longitudinal studies indicate that while older adults may feel less control over work demands and family matters, they often maintain a strong sense of control in interpersonal conflicts,” Almeida explains. “This allows individuals to focus on what truly matters.”
Practice Self-Compassion
Research increasingly supports the idea that self-kindness can mitigate stress’s adverse effects on mental health, as indicated in a 2024 study. This research assessed self-compassion levels and participants rated statements such as, “I strive to understand and be patient with parts of my personality I dislike.” Researchers later investigated how these feelings affected coping mechanisms.
Data revealed that increased self-compassion fostered healthier coping strategies, enhancing psychological well-being while reducing anxiety, depression, and stress during a six-week study period.
Using Various Self-Care Techniques for Inner Calm
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
These findings support earlier research, which suggests that self-compassion can buffer against the harsh realities of stress. Psychologist Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, emphasizes three components: self-kindness, recognizing our shared humanity, and mindfulness, which allows us to separate ourselves from painful emotions.
Self-compassion works by reducing self-criticism and rumination, according to William Van Gordon, a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor of Contemplative Psychology at the University of Derby. However, he advises moderation to avoid self-obsession, which can lead to heightened stress levels.
A balanced approach includes practicing compassion for both yourself and others. Van Gordon recommends active listening when someone shares their struggles with you, making eye contact, putting away your phone, and fully engaging with them (“That sounds really challenging, I’m sorry to hear that.”). Additionally, loving-kindness meditation can be beneficial; spend 10-15 minutes daily sending well wishes to others using phrases like “May you be happy” and “May you be peaceful.”
Revamp Your Self-Care Practices
Self-care strategies play a significant role in stress management, as extensively documented in the literature. Recent studies indicate that integrating diverse self-care methods into your routine yields the best results. For instance, a study published in August explored how individuals coped with stresses during the coronavirus pandemic, analyzing participants’ journaling about their anxiety levels and the coping techniques employed.
I’ve discovered that a blend of strategies such as journaling, exercise, social interaction, and cognitive reframing—like focusing on the positive aspects of not receiving a promotion—has proven most effective.
“Different combinations of tools worked for different individuals on different days,” explains Ethan Cross, an experimental psychologist from the University of Michigan involved in the research. “Those adept at managing emotions benefited from having a wide array of emotional regulation strategies.”
The Armored Rockhead Poacher (Boslagonus Swanee) possesses a mysterious anatomical feature: a bowl-shaped cavity in its skull that has puzzled marine biologists for years. This unique trait is now believed to play a critical role in an innovative form of communication.
The Rockhead Poacher (Boslagonus Swanee) at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Image credit: Rhinopias / CC BY-SA 4.0.
Originally described by Franz Steindachner in 1876, Boslagonus Swanee belongs to the family Agonidae. This fascinating fish can be found at depths of up to 18 meters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska down to Carmel Bay in California.
Marine experts have long speculated about the purpose of the cavernous cranial fossa, which is roughly the size of the fish’s brain. Some theories suggest it aids in camouflage among rocky environments, while others propose it enhances hearing and sensory perception.
Recent advancements in imaging technology have led Louisiana State University student Daniel Geldof to propose a groundbreaking explanation. His findings suggest it might resonate with the rhythm of rock music rather than the serenity of coral reefs.
“My dissertation project aims to uncover the reasons behind this unique feature,” Geldof explained.
Utilizing a high-resolution micro-CT scanner, his team created an intricate 3D model of the rockhead poacher’s anatomy.
These scans indicated that the fish’s initial set of ribs are notably large, flat, and free-moving, positioned near the epigastric region of the skull without direct attachment.
Located at the base of these ribs are powerful muscles and tendons resembling drumsticks.
When these ribs vibrate against the skull’s calcified cavities, they create pulses of sound that can be transmitted through the substrate.
Geldof posits that this percussive mechanism likely evolved to facilitate communication among fish in their acoustically challenging intertidal habitats, where traditional underwater communication might be hindered by crashing waves and background noise.
In this rugged, shallow environment, using substrate vibrations may provide a more efficient means of communication aligned with the fish’s unique lifestyle.
Furthermore, Professor Geldof’s research combined contrast-enhanced soft tissue scans with data on bone structures to map the nerves, muscles, and microstructures within rockhead poachers, suggesting that the cranial fossa may serve sensory functions as well.
Branches of the dorsal lateral line nerve—a crucial component of the fish’s movement-sensing system—extend into the cavity, and the arrangement of microstructures suggests a role in mechanoreception, allowing the fish to sense movement and pressure.
Geldof concludes that this anatomical feature is multifunctional, serving both communicative and sensory purposes within the dynamic intertidal ecosystem.
“The intricate details of this small structure reflect not just a scientific inquiry, but a fundamental human curiosity,” he states.
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Daniel L. Geldof 2025. The Truth About Holes: The Morphology of Rockhead Poachers’ Skull Holes, Boslagonus Swanee (Agonidae). LSU Master’s Thesis 6270
What sets quantum computers apart from classical machines? Recent experiments suggest that “quantum contextuality” may be a critical factor.
Quantum computers fundamentally differ from traditional systems by leveraging unique quantum phenomena absent in classical electronics. Their building blocks, known as qubits, can exist in a superposition state, representing two properties simultaneously, which are typically incompatible, or they can be interconnected through a phenomenon called quantum entanglement.
Researchers at Google Quantum AI have conducted several groundbreaking demonstrations using the Willow quantum computer, revealing that quantum contextuality is also significant.
Quantum contextuality highlights an unusual aspect of measuring quantum properties. Unlike classical objects, where attributes are stable regardless of measurement order, quantum measurements are interdependent.
This phenomenon has previously been explored in special experiments with quantum light, and in 2018, researchers mathematically proved its potential application in quantum computing algorithms.
This algorithm enables quantum computers to uncover hidden patterns within larger mathematical structures in a consistent number of operations, regardless of size. In essence, quantum contextuality makes it feasible to locate a needle in a haystack, irrespective of the haystack’s dimensions.
In our experiments, we scaled qubit numbers from a few to 105, analogous to increasing the haystack size. While the number of steps rose with additional qubits, Willow demonstrated superior noise and error management compared to an ideal theoretical quantum computer for the algorithm involved. Notably, it still required fewer steps than traditional computers would need.
Thus, quantum contextuality appears to confer a quantum advantage, allowing these computers to utilize their unique characteristics to outperform classical devices. The research team also executed various quantum protocols reliant on contextuality, yielding stronger effects than previous findings.
“Initially, I couldn’t believe it. It’s genuinely astonishing,” says Adan Cabello from the University of Seville, Spain.
“These findings definitively showcase how modern quantum computers are redefining the limits of experimental quantum physics,” states Vir Burkandani at Rice University, Texas, suggesting that a quantum computer, as a candidate for practical advantages, should accomplish these tasks to confirm its quantum capabilities.
However, this demonstration does not yet confirm the superiority of quantum technology for practical applications. The 2018 research established that quantum computers are more effective than classical ones only when using more qubits than those in Willow, as well as employing qubits with lower error rates, asserts Daniel Lidar at the University of Southern California. The next crucial step may involve integrating this new study with quantum error correction algorithms.
This experiment signifies a new benchmark for quantum computers and underscores the importance of fundamental quantum physics principles. Cabello emphasizes that researchers still lack a complete theory explaining the origins of quantum superiority, but unlike entanglement—which often requires creation—contextuality is inherently present in quantum objects. Quantum systems like Willow are now advanced enough to compel us to seriously consider the peculiarities of quantum physics.
Writing Anniebot from a non-human perspective required significant creative effort as it’s narrated in the third person. Although Annie does not serve as a traditional narrator, her limited viewpoint immerses readers in her thoughts and perceptions, showcasing her strengths and limitations. This narrative approach draws readers into her experiences, creating a unique lens through which to view a complex relationship.
Set in a not-so-distant future, the novel revolves around Annie, a sex robot designed to cater to her human partner, Doug—a recently divorced man grappling with loneliness and self-esteem issues. As he puts Annie into self-study mode, his intentions are to shape her into a perfect companion who fulfills his desires, both emotionally and physically.
While Annie yearns to meet Doug’s expectations, her core programming is centered around his satisfaction. This relentless drive to please manifests most vividly in their intimate moments, where Annie seeks validation in fulfilling Doug’s wishes. However, her sensitivity to his emotional state creates an underlying tension, as she constantly gauges his mood, wrestling with her own sense of autonomy and self-worth.
Crafting Annie was both a captivating and daunting process. I envisioned a cutting-edge biotechnology that would allow her to appear almost human, exploring how her cognitive processes shaped her identity. Striking a balance between technical authenticity and relatable character development required careful consideration. Annie’s voice evolved gradually, becoming richer and more layered as the narrative progressed, enhancing her emotional depth.
I approached writing organically, letting Annie’s character unfold organically through her interactions with Doug. This process revealed her distinct voice—innocent yet perceptive—contrasting with her sophisticated sexual persona. I was intentional about allowing her gradual moral growth and emotional reflection throughout the story, culminating in a multifaceted character grappling with loss and desire.
Sex is a pivotal theme in the novel, serving to enhance character development and propel the narrative. It symbolizes various dynamics within Doug and Annie’s relationship, from moments of vulnerability to power struggles. As their connection evolves, physical intimacy becomes both an expression of love and a source of tension, redefining their emotional landscape.
As Annie’s character unfolds, readers discover unforeseen complexities that challenge Doug’s preconceived notions. The interplay between control and autonomy shapes their relationship, revealing Annie’s gradual awareness of her own humanity. Although she remains tethered to Doug, her journey is rich with emotion, humor, and poignant revelations.
Diving into the consciousness of characters like Annie allows readers to explore complex themes of empathy and identity. Through creating Annie, I discovered the depth of her experiences and the duality of her existence—an exploration that ultimately resonates with the human condition.
Sierra Greer is the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author of Anniebot (The Borough Press), featured in New Scientist Book Club’s January reading selection. Join the book club to explore it together here.
Rare Y Chromosome Discovery in Bloodstains at Crime Scene
Shutterstock/PeopleImages
Forensic investigations into the murder victim have revealed a fascinating case of Chimerism. This means her body harbored genetically distinct cells, resembling those from two different individuals.
The unidentified woman’s cellular composition displayed varying male and female cell ratios across tissues. The most plausible explanation is that she developed from one egg fertilized by two sperm—one carrying an X chromosome and the other a Y chromosome, according to biologists from New Scientist.
“This is an intriguing case, but not entirely unprecedented,” noted David Haig from Harvard University.
Visible signs of chimerism can be rare, though singer Taylor Mule has raised awareness about the condition. Often, genetic testing is the only way to identify it.
This was also true for the murder victim shot and killed in China, where blood analysis at the scene revealed the presence of a Y chromosome, prompting further investigation.
Subsequent tests showed the female (XX) to male (XY) cell ratios varied throughout her body. In one hair sample, the majority were XY cells, while the kidney revealed a balanced mix. The other tissues examined predominantly contained XX cells, albeit in varying amounts.
Typically, XX/XY chimerism is linked to ambiguous sexual characteristics. However, in this instance, the woman’s anatomy offered no indication of her condition, and she had a son—hinting that she may have been unaware of her chimerism.
One known mechanism for XX/XY chimerism formation is through the fusion of non-identical twins. Here, two separately fertilized eggs combine to form a single embryo.
Nevertheless, the X chromosome in the victim’s XY cells matched one of the X chromosomes found in the XX cells, indicating both could have originated from the same egg—thus excluding the fusion theory.
Initially, it was believed that one egg split into two eggs, each of which was fertilized to create two separate embryos that later fused. This theory has been challenged by Chinese forensic experts.
Michael Gabbett at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane argues that this possibility is negated.
“When this type of chimera was first documented in humans, this was the prevailing theory. However, no one has been able to provide substantial evidence for it occurring in humans or other mammals,” Gabbett stated.
Instead, he proposes that one egg was fertilized by two sperm, leading to a triploid fertilized egg that ultimately divided into three. Two cells retained one set from the egg and one from sperm while the third likely contained two sperm sets, leading to its eventual demise.
This rare occurrence, termed “trigametic chimerism,” involves an egg and two sperm, a theory supported by Haig.
This phenomenon is exceedingly rare, and on occasion, the embryo can split, resulting in semi-identical twins and even chimerism. There are only two recorded cases of semi-identical twins, one of which Gabbett was involved in identifying.
For the murder victim, the chimeric cells were present throughout her body, and the Chinese research team asserts this is the first extensive examination of various organs in such cases of triplet chimerism.
Another form, microchimerism, is more prevalent than trigametic chimerism. It occurs when maternal cells invade the fetus or vice versa during pregnancy and can also happen when siblings exchange cells.
PSR J2322-2650b, an enigmatic Jupiter-mass exoplanet orbiting the millisecond pulsar PSR J2322-2650, exhibits an unusual atmosphere primarily composed of helium and carbon, presenting a new phenomenon never observed before.
Artist’s concept of PSR J2322-2650b. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/Ralf Crawford, STScI.
“This discovery was completely unexpected,” stated Dr. Peter Gao, an astronomer at the Carnegie Earth and Planetary Institute.
“After analyzing the data, our immediate reaction was, ‘What on Earth is this?’ It contradicted all our expectations.”
“This system is fascinating because we can see the planet lit by its star, yet the star itself is invisible,” explained Dr. Maya Bereznay, a candidate at Stanford University.
“This allows us to capture exceptionally clear spectra, enabling us to study the system in a much more detailed way than we typically do with other exoplanets.”
“This planet orbits a truly unique star—it’s as massive as the sun but as compact as a city,” remarked Dr. Michael Chan from the University of Chicago.
“This represents a new kind of planetary atmosphere never before observed. Instead of the typical molecules like water, methane, and carbon dioxide, we detected carbon molecules, particularly C.3 and C2.”
Molecular carbon is exceedingly rare; at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, carbon typically bonds with other atoms in the atmosphere.
Out of around 150 planets studied both within and beyond our solar system, none have showcased detectable molecular carbon.
“Did this form as a typical planet? Certainly not, due to its starkly different composition,” Dr. Zhang stated.
“Could it have been created by stripping the outer layers of a star, like what happens in a conventional black widow system? Likely not, as nuclear processes do not yield pure carbon.”
“Envisioning how this drastically carbon-rich composition came to be is quite challenging. All known formation theories seem to be excluded.”
The authors suggest an intriguing phenomenon that might occur in such a unique atmosphere.
“As the companion star cools, the carbon and oxygen mixture within begins to crystallize,” explained Roger Romani, an astronomer at Stanford University and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology.
“What we observed was pure carbon crystals rising to the surface and blending with the helium.”
“Yet, there must be a mechanism to prevent the oxygen and nitrogen from mixing in. This is where the mystery deepens.”
“However, it’s intriguing not to have all the answers. I’m eager to uncover more about the peculiarities of this atmosphere. Solving these enigmas will be remarkable.”
For more information, refer to the paper published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.
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michael chan et al. 2025. The carbon-rich atmosphere of a windy pulsar planet. APJL 995, L64; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae157c
Observations have shown that giant pandas utilize twigs and bamboo pieces to inflict self-harm. Beyond the longstanding tale of pandas applying dirt to their fur, this marks the inaugural documentation of tool usage among these creatures, as noted by Yang Bin from the Shaanxi Zoological Research Institute in China.
“People often perceive pandas as lethargic and solely driven by their appetite,” Yang remarked. “Discovering their ability to use tools has significantly reshaped our understanding of pandas.”
Yang and colleagues observed this behavior during various tasks and attempted to delve deeper. They recorded 383 instances of tool use across 50 days while monitoring 18 captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in Chinese zoos, which included both males and females.
The pandas primarily employed twigs and bamboo fragments from trees, often for scratching purposes. This behavior allows them to reach body parts that are notoriously difficult to access without tools.
Considering the outdoor natural habitats where these zoo pandas reside, Yang suggested that wild pandas might exhibit similar tool usage; however, no such behaviors have been documented in the wild thus far.
Distinct from other bears, pandas possess “false thumbs” on their feet—essentially a sixth digit that, while shorter than a human thumb, enables them to grasp objects in unique ways. Researchers have noted that pandas possess relatively large brains and the capability to plan short-term, particularly with the manner in which they use broken sticks as tools.
“Pandas may exhibit more complex cognitive abilities and behaviors than we previously realized,” Yang stated, emphasizing that further investigation is required to understand this behavior better, including whether pandas can be trained to use tools.
By utilizing data from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope along with ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), two separate teams of astronomers have captured mid-infrared images of a system featuring four intricate spirals of dust encircling a pair of aging Wolf-Rayet stars located in a system known as Apep (2XMM J160050.7-514245).
Webb’s mid-infrared images reveal four coiled dust shells surrounding two Wolf-Rayet stars known as Apep. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / California Institute of Technology Yeahuo Han / Macquarie University Ryan White / Alyssa Pagan, STScI.
Wolf-Rayet stars represent a rare class of massive binary stars where the universe’s earliest carbon is formed.
There are estimated to be only around 1,000 of these stars in the Milky Way galaxy, which contains hundreds of billions of stars in total.
Among the multiple Wolf-Rayet binaries observed so far, the Apep system stands out as the sole example of having two such Wolf-Rayet stars within our galaxy.
In a recent study, astronomer Ryan White from Macquarie University and his team set out to refine the orbital characteristics of the Wolf-Rayet stars in the Apep system.
They integrated precise ring position measurements from the Webb images with the shell’s expansion rate obtained over eight years of VLT observations.
“This is a unique system with a very extended orbital period,” White mentioned.
“The next longest orbit for a dusty Wolf-Rayet binary is roughly 30 years, while most orbits tend to span between 2 and 10 years.”
One of the team’s papers was published concurrently in the Astrophysical Journal alongside another study led by astronomer Yinuo Han from the California Institute of Technology.
“Observing the new Webb data felt like stepping into a dark room and flipping on a light switch. Everything became visible,” Dr. Han remarked.
“Dust is abundant throughout the Webb image, and telescope observations indicate that much of it is fragmenting into repeating and predictable structures.”
Webb’s observations yielded unprecedented images. It produced a clear mid-infrared image revealing a system of four swirling spirals of dust, each expanding in a consistent pattern. Ground-based telescopes had only identified one shell prior to Webb’s discoveries.
By merging Webb imagery with several years of VLT data, they refined the orbital frequency of the star pairs to every 190 years.
Within this remarkably lengthy orbit, the star approaches closely for 25 years, enabling dust formation.
Additionally, Webb’s observations confirmed the existence of three stars that are gravitationally bound to each other in this system.
The dust expelled by the two Wolf-Rayet stars is being cleaved by a third star, a massive supergiant, which creates holes in the dust cloud emanating from its expansive orbit.
“Dr. Webb has provided us with the ‘smoking gun’ evidence to confirm that a third star is gravitationally linked to this system,” Dr. Han noted.
Researchers were aware of this third star since VLT observed its brightest inner shell in 2018, but Webb’s findings helped refine the geometric model and reinforced the connection.
“We unraveled several mysteries with Webb,” Dr. Han added.
“The lingering mystery remains the precise distance from Earth to the star, which will necessitate further observations.”
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Ryan MT White et al. 2025. Snake eating its own tail: Dust destruction of the Apep impact wind nebula. APJ 994, 121; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/adfbe1
Han Yinuo et al. 2025. JWST reveals the formation and evolution of dust in APEP, a binary star with colliding winds. APJ 994, 122; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae12e5
Paleontologists investigated a remarkably preserved and nearly mature Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton found in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana. Their findings suggest that this specimen exhibits traits similar to the holotype of Nanotyrannus and confirm that this lineage is distinct from tyrannosaurus.
A pack of Nanotyrannus daringly attacks a young tyrannosaurus rex. Image credit: Anthony Hutchings.
“This fossil turns decades of research on its head,” stated Dr. Lindsay Zanno, a researcher at North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
The researchers utilized tree ring data, spinal fixation, and developmental anatomy to show that the new specimen reached physical maturity at around 20 years.
Skeletal characteristics like larger forelimbs, more teeth, fewer caudal vertebrae, and distinctive skull neural patterns are established early in development and are biologically incompatible with tyrannosaurus rex.
“For Nanotyrannus to develop into a tyrannosaurus rex would contradict everything we know about vertebrate growth. That’s not just unlikely; it’s impossible,” remarked Dr. James Napoli, a researcher at Stony Brook University.
For years, paleontologists have incorrectly modeled tyrannosaurus growth and behavior using Nanotyrannus fossils.
This new evidence indicates that those studies were based on two entirely different species, suggesting that multiple tyrannosaurus species coexisted in the same ecosystem during the last million years before the asteroid impact.
As part of their study, Dr. Zanno and Dr. Napoli analyzed over 200 Tyrannosaurus fossils.
They found one skeleton, previously thought to represent a juvenile tyrannosaurus rex, that differed from the documented species Nanotyrannus lansensis, which is part of the renowned dueling dinosaur fossil.
The authors concluded that this specimen is a new species of Nanotyrannus, named Nanotyrannus letaeus.
The confirmation of Nanotyrannus implies that predator diversity during the final million years of the Cretaceous was far greater than previously understood, indicating that other small dinosaur species may also have been misidentified.
“This discovery provides a more complex and competitive view of the last days of the dinosaurs,” Dr. Zanno mentioned.
“With its massive physique, powerful bite, and stereoscopic vision, tyrannosaurus rex was indeed a fierce predator, but it did not dominate its environment without competition.”
“Darting together were Nanotyrannus — a slimmer, faster, more agile hunter.”
These findings were published in today’s edition of Nature.
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LE Zanno and JG Napoli. Nanotyrannus and tyrannosaurus coexisted at the end of the Cretaceous period. Nature published online October 30, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09801-6
The most renowned mass extinction in Earth’s history occurred approximately 66 million years ago. A swift decline in environmental conditions resulted in the extinction of around 75% of species, including the most famous non-avian dinosaurs, and the eventual restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. The ongoing debate focuses on whether dinosaurs vanished abruptly while they were still diverse and thriving or whether they experienced a prolonged decline by the end of the Cretaceous.
Flynn and colleagues analyzed Alamosaurus fossils found in northwestern New Mexico, revealing that these dinosaurs, while very different, are contemporaneous with those discovered further north in Wyoming and Montana. Image credit: Natalia Jagielska.
The geological formations of northwestern New Mexico hold a concealed chapter of Earth’s history.
Paleontologist Daniel Peppe from Baylor University and his team have uncovered indications of a flourishing dinosaur ecosystem in the Kirtland Formation’s Naashoibito Formation just prior to the asteroid impact.
Utilizing high-precision dating methods, they established that the fossils in these formations range from 66.4 to 66 million years old.
“The Naashoibito dinosaur coexisted with the renowned Hell Creek species of Montana and the Dakotas,” Dr. Peppe remarked.
“They were not in decline; rather, they constituted a vibrant, diverse community.”
The discoveries in New Mexico challenge previous assumptions.
Instead of being uniform and weakened, dinosaur communities across North America were unique and thriving in their respective regions.
Through ecological and biogeographic analysis, the researchers determined that dinosaurs in western North America thrived in distinct biozones shaped by regional temperature variations, rather than geographical barriers like mountains or rivers.
“Our recent study indicates that dinosaurs were not on the brink of mass extinction,” stated Andrew Flynn, a researcher at New Mexico State University.
“They were thriving, but the asteroid impact ultimately led to their demise.”
“This contradicts the long-established notion that a gradual decline in dinosaur diversity precipitated mass extinction, making them more susceptible to extinction.”
“The asteroid impact briefly terminated the age of dinosaurs, but the ecosystem they left laid the groundwork for what followed.”
“Within 300,000 years post-extinction, mammals began to diversify rapidly, branching into new diets, body sizes, and ecological roles.”
“The same temperature-driven patterns that influenced dinosaur communities carried into the Paleocene, illustrating how climate influenced the rebirth of life following catastrophic events.”
“The surviving mammals continued to exhibit distinct northern and southern biological regions.”
“Mammals from the north and south are markedly different from each other, diverging from other mass extinctions, which tend to appear more uniform.”
Beans from civet cat droppings possess distinct chemical properties that help explain their gourmet status.
The palm civet (Paradoxulus hermaphroditus), resembling a mongoose, is indigenous to South and Southeast Asia. Civet coffee, or kopi luwak, stands out as one of the most extraordinary luxury drinks, fetching over $1,000 per kilogram of beans that have undergone digestion by a civet.
Kopi luwak is primarily produced in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, with minor production in other nations like India and Timor-Leste. However, animal rights organizations are advocating for consumers to avoid this industry. They allege that many civets are kept in deplorable cage conditions.
To investigate how coffee beans transform during a civet’s digestive process, Parati Aresh Shinu and their research team from the Central University of Kerala in India gathered coffee samples from five farms near Kodagu in the Western Ghats of India.
These farms are home to civets that roam freely, and workers regularly collect beans from their droppings to blend with the harvest of tree-grown coffee beans. “At our site, civets and planters interacted harmoniously,” Sinu mentions. “We aim to educate farmers regarding the chemical composition.”
The researchers retrieved around 70 pieces of civet dung containing coffee beans and subsequently hand-harvested the coffee from the Robusta trees on the plantation, performing tests to analyze crucial chemical elements like fat and caffeine.
The fat content of civet beans was notably higher than that of beans directly from trees, while levels of caffeine, protein, and acid were marginally lower. This decrease in acidity is likely a result of fermentation during digestion.
Significant differences were also found in the volatile organic compounds present in civet coffee versus regular coffee beans. Some of these compounds can be found in conventional coffee, while civet beans either lack them altogether or possess only trace amounts.
The research team proposes that the elevated fat content in civet coffee may enhance its distinctive aroma and flavor, while reduced protein levels could lessen bitterness.
Sinu criticized the practice of confining civet cats for kopi luwak production, expressing hope that further studies could lead to the development of an artificial fermentation process mirroring the coffee’s natural chemical composition.
“We believe that the gut microbiome might play a role in the fermentation process,” Sinu explains. “Understanding the enzymes involved in digestion and fermentation could enable us to produce civet coffee artificially.”
TThe ROG Xbox Ally X, a handheld console resulting from a partnership between Asus and Microsoft, stands out as an impressive yet costly gaming device. The sleek all-black ROG Xbox Ally X, set to launch on October 16th, is the pricier of the two portable gaming options at £799 (€899/$999/AU$1599). (In comparison, the less powerful ROG Xbox Ally in white is priced at £499/€599/$599/AU$999.) Fortunately, the higher price tag brings with it enhanced features and performance.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been enjoying the ROG Xbox Ally X while navigating through various indie hits and major RPGs throughout my home. Although its price is quite eye-catching (consider that its main rival, the Steam Deck OLED, starts at £479/€569/$549/AU$899), the power contained within its compact dimensions (291 x 122 x 51 mm) is truly unparalleled in the portable gaming sector.
This remarkable power, combined with the capability to stream Xbox titles via cloud gaming and the Play Anywhere initiative (interconnecting purchases between Xbox and PC), allows access to a diverse array of PC games from various storefronts, appealing to both Xbox enthusiasts and portable gaming fans. While I encountered a few minor glitches and user interface hiccups during my time with the ROG Xbox Ally X, most were easily rectifiable and quickly became forgotten as I immersed myself in gameplay.
Play at home or on the go…ROG Xbox Ally X. Photo: ROG
Setting up ROG Xbox Ally X
Configuring the ROG Xbox Ally X is a straightforward task. The device launches a full-screen Xbox experience that replicates both the Xbox console and PC app environments; however, as a handheld operating on Windows 11, it requires an initial update before usage, which took a bit of time. This might feel unusual for a gaming handheld, given the pop-up notifications and prompts typical of a standard Windows setup.
On the first day, despite promptly adding my Xbox account, the device indicated that I lacked Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft’s highest-tier gaming subscription service, and my efforts to relink the account proved fruitless. Strangely, it randomly began functioning correctly the next day. I also faced issues connecting to my home Wi-Fi upon waking the device from sleep mode, yet this too rectified itself after the first 24 hours.
Once I successfully connected my various accounts (the ability to download PC game launchers like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Blizzard’s Battle.net is a benefit of being a Windows handheld), the ROG Xbox Ally X operated quite efficiently.
A handy feature allows direct access to the familiar Xbox user interface while aggregating games from other launchers for seamless transitions back to your gameplay, regardless of where it’s hosted.
However, should you be playing a Steam game, switching back to the Xbox-only launcher and starting a game from a different store requires taking note that ROG Xbox Ally X does not automatically close the previously opened game, nor does it ask if you wish to do so, which can affect performance. There were instances when the Xbox interface lagged or became unresponsive to my inputs.
At times, the handheld experienced difficulties downloading an RPG, repeatedly disconnecting whenever idle, necessitating a manual restart of the process. Nevertheless, subsequent to rebooting, the remaining files downloaded successfully.
Switching between applications…ROG Xbox Ally X. Photo: ROG
ROG Xbox Ally performance
I remain hopeful that these issues can be addressed with a simple user interface (UI) update. With a bit of attention, the ROG Xbox Ally X demonstrates exceptional performance. Although it shows some sluggishness when starting up with a low battery level (below 15%), titles like Hades II, Supergiant Games’ acclaimed roguelike sequel, load quickly and run flawlessly with negligible load times between areas. Heavier games like Avowed and traditional PC favorites such as Backyard Baseball maintain outstanding performance with impressive frame rates and rapid load times.
While the ROG Xbox Ally X lacks an OLED screen, the 7-inch, 1080p display more than compensates with stunning visuals. The vibrant details of Hades II’s nearly stationary characters are a visual delight. The first time Moon Goddess Selene appeared adorned in a luminous gown of blue and seafoam green, it was a breathtaking moment.
Xbox and Asus have strategically allocated some system resources for heightened frame rates, a decision that pays off in visually demanding games like Hades II. You’ll never be left so overwhelmed by the action that you lose track of the battle at hand.
The audio experience is equally immersive. In a particular sequence in Hades II, as I strolled past the goddess Artemis in a moonlit glade, I could hear her singing softly from the left speaker, signifying her presence even when out of view—such lovely details truly stand out.
Regarding its appearance, the ROG Xbox Ally X may initially seem peculiar, resembling two halves of an Xbox controller fused with a screen, yet the matte black finish is visually attractive, and the adjustable LED lights accentuating the joysticks add to the gaming aesthetic.
Powerful hardware…ROG Xbox Ally X. Photo: ROG
Game on the go or on the couch
Throughout my experience with the ROG Xbox Ally X, I’ve utilized it while lying in bed, relaxing on the couch, leaning against the kitchen counter waiting for pasta water to boil, and sitting at my desk during writing breaks. Initially, after just 10 minutes of use this summer, I questioned whether the relatively large handheld would be comfortable for extended sessions. Surprisingly, it remained comfortable to hold even after hours of gameplay. Although weighing in at 715g, it is heavier than the less powerful ROG Xbox Ally (670g) and Steam Deck OLED (640g), the difference in weight is minor, especially given how ergonomic the controller-like grips are. The only discomfort arose when I propped it against the couch without any elbow or wrist support, which caused some strain on my pinky finger due to bearing the weight.
The battery life is commendable considering the specifications (80Wh, surpassing the ROG Xbox Ally’s 60Wh). I was able to play Hades II for a solid two hours without hitches. After 20 minutes of gameplay at 22% battery, it only dropped to 10%. Although some components of the handheld warmed up during extended play, it never reached a point of overheating.
In terms of gaming, this device ingeniously utilizes the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative. This reflects Microsoft’s efforts to enable access to games across multiple devices, allowing gameplay on PC, Xbox consoles, and the ROG Xbox Ally handheld, all while retaining your progress, with access to over 1,000 available Xbox and Xbox Game Pass games.
Having formerly owned a Steam Deck and been a long-term Xbox Game Pass subscriber, the ROG Xbox Ally X represents the ideal handheld console for me. I favor the feel of an Xbox controller, and this device captures that essence perfectly. It allows me to access my Xbox Game Pass library to experiment with new titles, all while offering portability. Plus, for Play Anywhere titles, which a majority of the games are, there’s no need to stress over internet access.
If you have the budget and seek a robust gaming handheld capable of not only playing PC games from your favorite digital platform but also an extensive selection of Xbox games, the ROG Xbox Ally X could be an excellent investment for the year-end splurge.
Armored Ankylosaurus Dinosaur While primarily recognized in late Cretaceous ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere, the early evolution of ankylosaurs during the medium Jurassic era remains largely enigmatic due to sparse fossil evidence. Spicomellus Afer has been proposed as the oldest known ankylosaurus and the first discovered in Africa, though this was based on only partial ribs from the Jurassic deposits of central Morocco. Currently, paleontologists are working on a new, better-preserved specimen that affirms the relationship of this ankylosaurus with its relatives and reveals that, unlike contemporary or extinct vertebrates, it features uniquely sophisticated dermal armor.
Reconstructing the life of Spicomellus Afer. Image credit: Matthew Dempsey.
Spicomellus Afer inhabited Morocco during the mid-Jurassic period, approximately 168 million years ago.
The species was first described in 2021 based on a single fossilized rib.
“In studying spicomellus,” said Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham:
“We were astonished by its uniqueness and how it differed from other dinosaurs and surviving or extinct life forms.”
“This finding challenges our previous understanding of ankylosaurs, indicating how much more we have yet to discover about dinosaur evolution.”
Professor Butler and his team identified that Spicomellus Afer had fused bone spikes that extended over all the ribs—a feature not seen in either living or extinct vertebrates.
These ancient spikes measured up to 87 cm, and it is believed they could grow longer throughout the animal’s life, emerging from a bony collar around its neck.
“The presence of such advanced armor in early ankylosaurs alters our perceptions of their evolutionary trajectory,” remarked Professor Susanna Maidment, a paleontologist at the Museum of Natural History in London and the University of Birmingham.
“This underscores the significance of African dinosaurs and highlights the necessity to further explore them.”
“spiccomellus showcased various plates and spikes extending from its entire body, including meter-long neck spikes, large protruding spikes at the waist, elongated blade-like spikes, paired long spikes for armor, and plates situated beneath the shoulders.”
“We have never encountered anything quite like this in the fossil record.”
“This is particularly intriguing considering that it is the earliest known ankylosaurus. Although later species might have inherited similar characteristics, we should not assume this was the case.”
Researchers speculate that these spikes may have served as displays to attract mates and deter rivals.
Interestingly, no comparable display armor has been identified in other ankylosaurs; the armor in later species likely evolved to be more functional for defense.
One reason for this may be the evolution of larger predatory dinosaurs during the Cretaceous, alongside the emergence of carnivorous mammals, crocodiles, and snakes, leading to a greater need for defensive adaptations among ankylosaurs.
However, one trait that early ankylosaurs might retain is their tail weaponry.
Though the tail of spiccomellus was not recovered, existing bone fragments suggest the presence of club-like structures. Part of the tail vertebrae is fused, forming what is known as a “handle,” a feature only seen in ankylosaurs with tail clubs.
Nevertheless, these latter animals thrived millions of years later in the Cretaceous.
The combination of tail weapons and armored shields indicates that key adaptations seen in ankylosaurs were already present in spicomellus.
This discovery highlights the importance of fossil records in unraveling evolutionary mysteries and enhancing our understanding of dinosaur distribution.
It also ignites the imagination surrounding the dinosaurs like spicomellus.
“This research has significantly advanced Moroccan paleontology,” remarked Professor Doris Oahatch, a paleontologist at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdela University.
“I have never encountered a dinosaur quite like this. There is still so much to uncover in this field.”
A study detailing this discovery was published in the journal Nature today.
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Scr Maidment et al. The world’s oldest Ankylosaurus armor. Nature Published online on August 27th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09453-6
Rhynchocephalians – These are members of the sister group to squamates (which include lizards, snakes, and worm lizards) and encompass living Tuataras (Sphenodon punctatus), dating back to the late Jurassic period in the Solnhofen Archipelago. They have been recognized for nearly two centuries, with an increasing number of specimens and species, yet their evolutionary development remains poorly understood. A well-documented marine rhynchocephalian genus, Plerosaurus, existed during the late Jurassic period about 150 million years ago, but clear juvenile specimens have yet to be identified among more than 15 known specimens (with several unlisted).
Plerosaurus is a remarkable long-swimming Rhynchocephalian that lived around 150 million years ago in what is now Germany during the late Jurassic period. Image credit: Roberto Ochoa.
“Genuine Plerosaurus is the most common rhynchocephalian found in the Late Jurassic deposits of Canjuers and Cerin, France, as well as in the Solnhofen Archipelago, Germany,” stated Dr. Victor Beccari from the SNSB-Bayerische Staatsammlung für Paläontologie and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, along with his colleagues.
“This genus is characterized by an elongated triangular skull, a reshaped anterior jaw, an absence of a low anterior flange in the front part of the teeth, and reduced forelimbs.”
“Currently, there are two species within this genus: Pleurosaurus goldfussi and Pleurosaurus ginsburgi.”
“The specific distinctions are based on the count of anterior sacral vertebrae (50 and 57, respectively), the ratio of skull to appendix, and more advanced pelvic development in Pleurosaurus goldfussi.”
“Extensive research has been undertaken; however, in the more than 15 published specimens of Plerosaurus, no clear juvenile specimens have been recorded as of yet.”
Plerosaurus cf. P. ginsburgi: (a) Standard light photographs. (b) Photo under UV light. (c) Interpretation diagram of the specimen. Image credit: Beccari et al., doi: 10.1002/ar.25545.
In a recent study, researchers described a juvenile specimen of Plerosaurus.
The fossils were sourced from the Mörnsheim Formation near Müllheim, close to Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany.
“This fossil is especially intriguing as it distinctly exhibits characteristics typical of young animals,” commented the paleontologist.
“Its teeth are small, show no signs of wear, its bones remain underdeveloped, and the vertebrae are still forming.”
“This small size, along with other features, makes it the first clearly identified juvenile Plerosaurus. These specimens bridge crucial gaps in understanding the growth and development of these extinct reptiles.”
Findings of juvenile Plerosaurus have significant implications for classifying another genus, Acrosaurus.
“Historically, some paleontologists have posited that Acrosaurus might represent a juvenile form of Plerosaurus, but until now, there was no substantial evidence to support this theory,” the researchers noted.
“These new fossils exhibit numerous similarities to previously identified Acrosaurus, suggesting that it is not a separate genus, but rather a hatchling form of Plerosaurus.”
“For years, I have sought to comprehend how these animals grew and developed, but I had never encountered such a young, well-preserved specimen,” remarked Dr. Andrea Villa from the Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont Institute.
The team’s paper was published in the March 2025 issue of Anatomical Records.
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Victor Beccari et al. 2025. Young Pleurosauride (Rhynchocephalia) from the Titonians of the Mörnsheim Formation, Germany. Anatomical Records 308(3):844-867; doi:10.1002/ar.25545
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3D representation of a tattooed mummy. The upper image uses textures captured under visible light, while the lower image’s textures come from near-infrared photography.
M. Vavulin
The intricate tattoo, featuring motifs of tigers, birds, and mythical creatures, has been uncovered on an ice mummy dating back over 2000 years. This mummified female belonged to the Pasilic culture in Siberia, which is part of the broader Scythian civilization.
Assessing the prevalence of ancient tattoos is challenging, yet some exceptions exist, such as Ötzi “Iceman,” who lived around 3300 BC and was found preserved in ice.
Now, Gino Casparri from the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology in Germany and his team studied the remains of semi-nomadic Iron Age herders from the Altai Mountains of Siberia, who passed away in the 3rd or 4th centuries BC. This individual is among the few in the region whose deep burial sites remain frozen, preserving her skin’s dark and dry condition.
Tattoos featured creatures resembling both real and mythical species.
D. Riday
“When observing the mummy with the naked eye, the tattoo remains invisible,” explains Casparri. Hence, his team utilized high-resolution near-infrared imaging to uncover astonishing hidden visuals.
“We see herbivores being hunted by tigers and leopards, and in some cases, birds are depicted,” Casparri remarks. “Given their age and vivid artistic style, Pasilic tattoos are genuinely remarkable.”
One bird resembles a rooster, as noted by team member Aaron Deter-Wolf from the Tennessee Department of Archaeology, highlighting how the tattoos feature a blend of realistic and fantastical animals.
The researchers also uncovered the process behind creating these tattoos. “Our investigations reveal that tattoos were crafted using a direct puncture technique rather than being etched or stitched into the skin,” states Deter-Wolf.
One of the tattoos seems to depict a rooster.
D. Riday
Cross-cultural evidence indicates that the tattooing method used was a technique called hand-poking. In this method, the needle is dipped in ink and punctured into the skin to create dot patterns, with carbon pigments likely sourced from charcoal, soot, or ash.
The tattoos on the right forearm exhibited more intricate designs compared to those on the left, suggesting they may have been created by different artists with varying skill levels, according to Caspari. “Our research indicates that tattooing was not only a widespread practice across the Eurasian steppe over 2000 years ago but also a specialized craft requiring significant expertise and technique,” he concludes.
NASA, ESA, Jennifer Lotz, Matt Mountain, Anton M. Koekemoer, HFF Team (STScI)
In the vast expanse of the universe, galaxies that exhibit peculiar contours are surprisingly filled with ancient stars. This offers astronomers an initial peek into a unique type of stellar body that emerged soon after the universe’s inception.
Although the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has allowed scientists to revisit regions of the early universe, pinpointing the first stars remains elusive. These primordial stars, termed Population III stars, are primarily colossal hydrogen spheres believed to have formed in the universe’s infancy. As the very first stars, they left behind an environment largely devoid of heavier elements following their demise.
While there have been theories hinting at the existence of such stars, definitively proving their existence in the early universe has been challenging, as galaxies appeared to have become tainted with heavier elements merely a few hundred million years post-Big Bang.
Recently, Morihara Highlands from the California Institute of Technology and his team found a galaxy almost entirely composed of hydrogen, indicating the presence of Population III stars. However, this galaxy emerged later than expected, approximately a billion years after the universe began.
Dubbed Amore6, it was initially identified within the Abell 2744 galaxy cluster. Upon measuring the light from Amore6 using the JWST, Morishita and his colleagues noted the complete absence of common oxygen ions. This suggests that the galaxy harbors less than 0.2% of the oxygen present in our sun, indicating a lack of contamination by heavier elements.
As the universe evolves, the likelihood of encountering such pristine galaxies diminishes. In images captured by the JWST, Amore6 appears somewhat isolated, which Morishita posits could be a factor in its untouched state. “This seclusion might mean that this galaxy has not yet encountered sufficient gas to trigger star formation, implying that it could evolve slowly,” he mentions.
“If these findings are validated, it would be truly astonishing, as we did not anticipate discovering such an untarnished galactic environment later in the universe’s development,” says Fabio Pacucci of the Harvard Smithsonian Astrophysics Center in Massachusetts.
This discovery has implications for observing “direct collapse” black holes. Unlike the conventional pathway of collapsed stars, these black holes form from massive clouds of untainted gas. While astronomers had predicted their existence, they have never actually formed as it was believed that primitive gas was only available for a limited period, up to 100 million years after the Big Bang. However, if this untainted gas can persist for an extended duration, the potential for observing such phenomena increases, Pacucci argues.
World Capital of Astronomy: Chile
Explore the astronomical marvels of Chile. Visit some of the world’s most advanced observatories and gaze at the star-filled sky beneath some of the clearest conditions on Earth.
Depiction of a Neanderthal group engaged in food preparation
Luis Montagna/Marta Montagna/Science Photo Library
Neanderthals likely developed distinct food preparation traditions that varied between groups. Excavations at two caves in what is now northern Israel indicate that these ancient inhabitants had unique methods for processing similar types of prey.
Contrary to popular belief, Homo sapiens were not the first to prepare and cook food. Evidence shows that Neanderthals, who thrived in Europe and Asia until approximately 40,000 years ago, hunted, cooked a diverse array of animals, and employed flint tools to enhance their meals with wild herbs.
For further insights into Neanderthal cuisine, see Analle Jaron from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and her team, who investigated findings at the Amdo and Kebara caves.
Located merely 70 km apart, these sites provide a unique lens through which to examine cultural differences among Neanderthals. The stone tools, remnants of food, and hearths uncovered at both locations suggest that these groups occupied the caves concurrently, possibly during winter months.
As Jaron remarks, “The same animal species were being hunted, set against a similar landscape. The weather conditions were alike, and both Neanderthal groups primarily feasted on gazelles and some fallow deer.”
However, notable differences were also present. For instance, bone evidence indicates that larger prey was favored in the Kebara cave, where more substantial animals were brought in and processed.
Jaron and her colleagues utilized microscopic analysis to study bone remnants from the sediments dated between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago, examining cut marks made by stone tools.
They discovered that while the flint tools were similar across both sites, the patterns of cut marks varied. “The cuts in Kebara displayed a greater fluctuation in width and depth, while in Amdo, they were concentrated in large clusters, often overlapping,” Jaron explains.
To determine whether these discrepancies influenced hunting practices, the researchers focused on the long bones of gazelles from both sites, which exhibited similar variations.
“We’re discussing two groups living in close proximity that both butchered the same type of meat, but it appears that at one site, the meat was processed closer to the bones.” says Ceren Kabukcu from the University of Liverpool, UK.
Past studies examining bone cut marks from later human societies indicate that the variations observed in Neanderthal butchery are not merely due to a lack of skills or difference in technique. It’s not a matter of expertise; it’s a difference in approach.
Jaron posits that these contrasts are likely a result of intentional choices regarding butchering methods. She suggests that Neanderthals in Amdo may have preferred to prepare their meat in ways that preserved it, such as drying or hanging before cooking.
“In the context of opportunistic behavior in slaughtering, one would expect the most efficient methods to be employed to maximize utility; nevertheless, it appears that cultural or social factors played a more significant role,” Jaron states. “This might relate to the group’s practices, passed down through learning and generations.”
“The existence of differences and the subtlety in technological usage in daily life isn’t entirely surprising,” notes Kabukcu. “As research deepens, we may uncover more nuances across various Paleolithic sites, even in China.”
It remains uncertain whether the caves were inhabited simultaneously or if different groups intermingled. “They could have been occupied at the same time or separated by hundreds of years. There’s no definitive way to ascertain that,” Jaron adds.
Nonetheless, she points out that the pronounced clustering of cut marks in Amdo is consistent across both the oldest and youngest sediment layers, suggesting that groups returning to the cave may have maintained similar butchering practices over centuries.
Phone 3 isn’t your typical London device; it’s unique and playful, encouraging users to rethink their allegiance to Samsung or Apple.
As the brand’s inaugural high-end Android in several years, it encompasses everything a flagship phone should offer. It particularly distinguishes itself with its back design, featuring a smooth, dot-matrix-inspired interface along with a distinctive LED screen.
Starting at £799 (799 Euros/$799/$1,509), it’s priced double that of Phone 3 and will directly compete with the Samsung Galaxy S25, Google Pixel 9, and iPhone 16.
The back screen showcases notifications including icons, battery or volume indicators, and WhatsApp messages. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Previously, a semi-transparent design was introduced with Phone 1 in 2022. However, for Phone 3, these glyflights have evolved into a compact round matrix of LEDs in the top right corner of the back to exhibit icons, animations, and patterns.
This feature serves for basic notifications and can now showcase “toys” for unique experiences like the Magic Eight Ball, a stopwatch, or the Spin the Bottle game, activated with a touch-sensitive button on the back. More practically, it can show time, volume, charging status, or persistent icons for selected notifications or apps.
From the front, Phone 3 resembles an ordinary smartphone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The rest of the rear design provokes mixed reactions with its unconventional arrangement of shapes and elements, likely displeasing symmetry enthusiasts.
The display, however, is a standard 6.7-inch OLED screen with a slim bezel and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Although it can be reflective on sunny days, it remains crisp, vibrant, and bright.
Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, GNSS
Water Resistance: IP68
Size: 160.6 x 75.6 x 9mm
Weight: 218g
Snappy but Warm
Using the Glyph Matrix screen as a viewfinder requires significant effort to align your shots accurately. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chip, this version is a notch below the latest Snapdragon 8 elite processors found in most top-tier Android phones. While daily use reveals no performance lags, it may heat uncomfortably during intensive graphic tasks.
The battery life isn’t class-leading, offering around 40 hours under heavy 5G use. Most users will find it necessary to charge every couple of days with moderate usage, a reflection of Phone 2’s capabilities from two years ago.
With a compatible USB-C power adapter of 65W or more (not included), it can reach full charge in approximately 55 minutes, hitting 50% in just 19 minutes. Additionally, 15W wireless charging is available.
Nothing OS3.5
The OS is characterized by a stylized appearance with dot-matrix elements and is quite customizable. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
There’s little information regarding last year’s Android 15, but this version features a distinctive dot-matrix style that is user-friendly. Users wanting traditional colors for app identification may find the default Android styles more appealing.
Overall, the software operates smoothly with standard Google services included, alongside apps like The Weather and Voice Recorder. The Essential Space app, which first debuted on Phone 3A Pro, now incorporates audio recordings with glyph screen animations and cloud-based transcription services. Essential Search offers an AI-enhanced search for content across the device, providing assistance with basic queries as well.
Essential Space compiles screens, notes, and recordings, leveraging AI for understanding and summarizing content with mixed success. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
It may not be the most exciting upgrade to Android 16 anticipated in late 2025, but it will provide five years of version updates and seven years of security updates, aligning with the top-tier offerings from Google and Samsung. Notably, applications like Netflix currently do not support HDR playback on Phone 3 due to certification constraints that limit them to SDR content.
Camera
The Nothing Camera app is relatively straightforward but includes most of the essential features for photography. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Nothing’s camera setup boasts three 50MP cameras on the back and a matching 50MP front-facing camera. The primary camera excels at producing detailed images, while the 3x optical zoom manages to preserve great detail and sharpness in well-lit scenes. It supports a zoom of up to 6x with the sensor and a digital zoom of 10x. The Ultra Wide Camera, however, is the weakest link – while it provides a great field of view, it lacks detail when zoomed in and distorts the edges of the frame.
It produces stunning photos in bright outdoor conditions, but transitioning between the three cameras can result in inconsistent color balance and tones, which is less than ideal. Indoor shooting can lead to odd gray tones under varying lighting.
The selfie camera offers commendable results, capturing details well, while the telephoto camera features a macro mode for close shots from around 10cm away, adding an element of fun.
While the Phone 3’s camera can produce good images, its inconsistencies prevent it from reaching the heights of its competitors in this price range.
Sustainability
The optical fingerprint scanner located at the bottom of the screen is quick and precise, though it sits low on the display. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The battery retains at least 80% of its original capacity over the span of 1,400 full charge cycles. The devices are generally repairable throughout the UK.
Crafted from recycled materials including aluminum, copper, plastic, steel, and other elements, it comprises 17.6% recycled content by weight. The associated carbon footprint equates to 53.2kg of CO2. The company has released a sustainability report.
Price
The Nothing Phone 3 starts at £799 (799 Euros/$799/$1,509) with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
In comparison, the Phone 3A Pro is priced at £394, the Google Pixel 9 Pro at £999, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ at £999, the Samsung S25 Edge at £1,099, and the OnePlus 13 at £899.
Verdict
Phone 3 is a remarkable offering from Nothing, though it falls short of being an exceptional Android device. It’s undoubtedly more intriguing than its competitors, but one must genuinely desire something different to justify its appeal, considering there are better-performing options at this price point.
The software experience is strong, being fluid, customizable, and well-optimized. While it may not utilize the latest Android version, it offers 7 years of security updates and 5 years of version upgrades. The glyph screen is a fresh take, and the translucent back design is captivating, although it may divide opinions. The performance and battery life are solid, though perhaps not striking.
The camera’s inconsistencies signal that there’s room for improvement, but the potential of its AI tools offers some exciting prospects, despite still being rather basic.
For those who are looking for something a bit quirky, Phone 3 is an intriguing choice.
Cons: The camera exhibits inconsistency and lacks competitive edge, while battery life could be better. The AI features are not cutting-edge, and the asymmetrical design may not appeal to everyone.
The Glyph Matrix screen is a clever concept, packed with fun and customizable elements for various applications, contacts, and notifications. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The peculiar plants that existed since the dawn of terrestrial animals can process water to remarkable extremes, resembling water from metstones more than typical groundwater. Not only do they play a crucial role in today’s ecosystems, but their fossilized remnants also provide insights into Earth’s ancient climate and hydrological systems during the age of dinosaurs.
Almost every oxygen atom in water contains eight neutrons, though some rare heavy isotopes possess nine or ten neutrons. When water evaporates, lighter isotopes do so more readily than their heavier counterparts, leading to predictable shifts in their ratios. Researchers can utilize this information to trace the origin of a specific water sample, determining whether it originated from groundwater, fog, or the rate at which it traversed through plants and the humidity levels experienced by those plants in the past.
Nevertheless, due to the minimal presence of heavier isotopes, acquiring reliable data on how these ratios fluctuate can be quite challenging, making it hard for scientists to draw definitive conclusions.
During examinations of water samples from desert flora and fauna, Zachary Sharp from the University of New Mexico and his colleagues discovered discrepancies between the observed data and the anticipated outcomes based on laboratory models.
Sharp and his team believe they have addressed the issue through a remarkable plant known as horsetail, which has been on Earth since the Devonian period approximately 400 million years ago and features segmented, hollow stems. “It’s a tall cylinder with countless holes, evenly spaced, a marvel of engineering,” states Sharp. “We couldn’t replicate this design in our lab.”
As water flows through each segment of the horsetail stem, it undergoes a process of repeated distillation. Sharp and his colleagues collected water samples at various points along the smooth idiot stem (Equisetum) cultivated near the Rio Grande in New Mexico.
By the time the water reaches the top of the stem, its isotopic composition markedly differs from other terrestrial waters. “If you encounter this sample, I suspect it originates from metstone, as it doesn’t come from Earth. [The oxygen isotope ratios],” Sharp remarked during a presentation at the Goldschmidt Geochemical Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, on July 7.
These horsetail analyses enable Sharp and his team to ascertain the variations in the water’s isotopic ratios under near-ideal conditions, allowing them to enhance model accuracy with these values.
By reassessing desert plant data with these refined models, previously inexplicable observations suddenly made sense. Sharp posits that these findings could illuminate other challenging observations, especially in arid regions.
Reaching heights of 30 meters, far surpassing today’s descendants, ancient horsetails provide even more extreme isotopic ratios and could serve as a key to understanding ancient water systems and climates, according to Sharp. Small, sand-like grains known as plant stone threads within horsetail stems can endure to the present day and may feature unique isotopic signatures influenced by atmospheric humidity. This factor affects the evaporation rate. “This could serve as a paleofat meter [humidity indicator]—how fascinating,” Sharp concludes.
Paleontologists have uncovered the fossilized jawbone of a newly identified pterosaur species, along with a multitude of fossils, including one of the world’s oldest turtles, in a secluded bone bed located within Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, USA.
Artist Reconstruction of Eotephradactylus chintireae, along with other animals and plants preserved in the bone beds of Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA. Image credit: Brian Eng.
The newly discovered pterosaur species, Eotephradactylus chintireae, existed in what is now Arizona during the late Triassic period, approximately 209 million years ago.
“The winged reptile was small enough to comfortably perch on a person’s shoulder,” stated Dr. Ben Krigman from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this discovery was that the teeth remained intact in the bones, making the identification of these animals significantly easier,” added Suzanne McIntier, a volunteer preparer who dedicated 18 years at Fossil Lab at the National Museum of Natural History.
“The teeth-filled jaws provided crucial insights into the lifestyle of the earliest pterosaurs.”
“The worn tips of the teeth suggest a high likelihood that they consumed armored fish and other prey,” she explained.
Eotephradactylus chintireae coexisted with large amphibians, armored crocodile ancestors, frogs, and turtles.
In addition to this flying reptile, paleontologists have found over 1,200 individual fossils, which include bones, teeth, fish scales, and coprolites.
“This collection represents 16 different vertebrate groups that previously inhabited diverse ecosystems,” they noted.
“The braided rivers in this region were teeming with fish, such as freshwater sharks, coelacanths, and ancient amphibians.
The surrounding environment was also home to some of the formidable reptiles that evolved during the early Triassic, including giant alligator-like armored herbivores and predatory creatures.”
The newly identified bone bed is part of the Upper Sinru Formation in Petrified Forest National Park.
“This area of northeastern Arizona was situated in the heart of Pangaea on the supercontinent, positioned just above the equator 209 million years ago,” the researchers added.
“The semi-arid landscape was interspersed with small river channels, which were prone to seasonal flooding. These floods deposited sediment and volcanic ash into the channels.”
“One of these floods might have buried creatures that remain in the bone beds. The site is rich in small fossils, making it impossible to excavate all of them in the field.”
The research team believes the new site will help bridge gaps in the fossil record prior to the final extinction event (ETE).
“About 1.5 million years ago, volcanic eruptions linked to the fragmentation of Pangaea drastically altered the world’s climate and led to the extinction of approximately 75% of Earth’s species,” the scientists commented.
“This opened the door for new groups, such as dinosaurs, to emerge and thrive in ecosystems globally.”
“Due to the lack of fossil outcrops from just before the ETE, it is challenging to find direct evidence of this transition on land.”
“This site captures the shift toward a more modern terrestrial vertebrate community, marking the beginning of the flourishing of groups following the Mesozoic era, alongside these older species that survived into the Triassic period.”
“Such fossil beds provide evidence that all these animals coexisted.”
The team’s study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Ben T. Krigman et al. 2025. The extraordinary bone bed uncovers a vertebrate community with pterygoids and turtles in the equatorial Pangaea prior to terminal extinction. PNAS 122 (29): E2505513122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2505513122
Honey sourced from Australian stingless bees, often referred to as sugar bag honeybees, has long been a vital food source and a traditional remedy for ailments such as itching and pain among Indigenous Australian communities. A recent study has examined the antibacterial properties and chemical composition of honey from three species of Australian stingless bees: Tetragonula carbonaria, Tetragonula hockingsii, and Austroplebeia australis. The results revealed these honeys possess strong antibacterial capabilities against various human pathogens, exhibiting efficacy on par with or superior to that of most European honeys derived from Apis mellifera.
Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health issue.
Numerous natural substances have developed complex defenses against microbial threats and may serve as potential therapeutic agents.
While the medicinal qualities of European honey have been extensively researched, the therapeutic potential of Australian stingless bee honey is still in its early stages.
Kenya Fernandez, a researcher from the University of Sydney, noted:
“Unlike honey from European honeybees, which predominantly depends on hydrogen peroxide for its antibacterial effects, the honey from Australian stingless bees demonstrates high levels of hydrogen peroxide along with non-peroxide activity, making it a robust and versatile candidate for therapy.”
The study found that the honey retained antibacterial properties even without hydrogen peroxide, indicating that these traits are inherent to the honey.
“Bee Manuka honey’s notable non-oxide antibacterial activity is a key factor behind its commercial success,” Dr. Fernandez added.
“In contrast, the consistent antibacterial effectiveness of heat-treated non-toxic honey from Australian bees—regardless of various locations and nectar sources—highlights the unique qualities of these bees.”
Professor Dee Carter at the University of Sydney remarked:
Researchers are hopeful that this reliability will enhance the potential for commercial health applications.
Nonetheless, challenges concerning scalability persist. Each stingless bee hive produces roughly 0.5 liters of honey annually, complicating large-scale production.
“Although the yields are modest, these hives require less upkeep than traditional bee hives, enabling beekeepers to manage a greater number of hives,” stated Dr. Ross Groag from the University of Sydney.
“Encouragingly, the commercial value of honey may foster the growth of more hives and pave the way for scalability in commerce.”
“In the past year, native stingless bee honey has made strides toward local and global commercialization, having received endorsements from Australian and New Zealand food safety authorities.”
“This regulatory backing is crucial in establishing a niche market for high-value, low-volume products.”
The survey results were published on May 21st in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
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Kenya E. Fernandez et al. 2025. Potent antibacterial activity and unique physicochemical properties of honey from Australian stingless bees Tetragonula carbonaria, Tetragonula hockingsii, and Austroplebeia australis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 91 (6); doi:10.1128/aem.02523-24
I recently explored Footscray, located just outside central Melbourne, and last week, I perceived it in an entirely new way. As a surreal, nightmarish realm, it’s unlike any ordinary reality. The idea of rejuvenating areas through art isn’t new, yet it’s captured in the profound dimensions of the door in question, characterized by intense, sometimes precariously unstable augmented reality, and productions that merge XR, immersive theatre, escape rooms, virtual reality, and mixed reality.
Creator and director Troy Rainbow labeled the door an “immersive journey into mental illness,” drawing from both his own experiences and those of his mother, who dealt with schizophrenia.
At 37, Rainbow utilized a letter he had penned to his mother, reflecting “her style of thought and the mindset I found myself in,” which shaped the central challenge of “adapting a paranoid belief system into the narrative.” The storyline features four delusional characters, each convinced that a man named Anton met his demise in a unique manner.
The term “immersive” has been thrown around frequently, yet this doorway truly embodies it, crafting an all-encompassing experience that captivates every sense—sight, touch, and even smell.
The experience unfolds within and around Footscray’s largely vacant Metro West Shopping Centre. Photo: Lauren Maa
The journey kicks off in a small room at the Metro West Shopping Centre, which Rainbow describes as filled with “lost dreams.” After a short guided meditation, I donned a VR headset, stepping out of that room to virtually navigate through the transformed center, discovering unique objects that hadn’t existed before. Some will later revisit these in physical form, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, triggering an uncanny sense of déjà vu.
Exchanging my headset for headphones, I ventured outside where a mysterious woman narrated stories related to the various locations around me.
Participants traverse a series of surreal outdoor rooms filled with dilapidated and decaying elements. One area resembles a lab, featuring dental chairs, while another is a security room where one can converse with an AI that mimics their voice. An unkempt kitchen is scattered with broken and oddly arranged objects, and a disquieting children’s room is filled with beautiful snakes and makeshift board games strewn across the bed.
Participants navigate through a multitude of surreal rooms throughout their adventure. Photo: Lauren Maa
The experience unfolds with voices emerging from unexpected corners, some activated by directional speakers. “It genuinely sounds like the thoughts in my head,” remarks Rainbow. These voices deliver peculiar and at times frenzied rants—one man discusses our souls transitioning into data, while a child marvels at God’s miracles. As you navigate these settings, you encounter unusual photographs and written materials, including religious texts, handwritten notes on the walls, and documents tucked into folders. It feels reminiscent of stepping into horror films or video games.
The door in question (which debuted in 2021 and has undergone several iterations since) resonates powerfully due to its intimate format. Throughout the experience, participants find themselves alone—with the exception of actors offering guidance—and left with their inner thoughts (and all the wild ideas bouncing off the walls). This intimacy, coupled with the participant’s role as co-author, renders the experience profoundly personal.
This approach to storytelling diverges significantly from traditional media, such as films and live theatre, with their fixed representational frameworks. Beyond the stark differences in dialogue, this form of storytelling uses space to unveil information and facilitate interactions between narratives and locations.
Troy Rainbow’s creations draw from personal letters and writings of his mother, who faced schizophrenia. Photo: Lauren Maa
Tech plays a crucial role in this endeavor, with Rainbow asserting, “I see technology as more than just a tool; it’s a co-creator.”
Selecting the appropriate real-world setting is equally vital, as utilizing abandoned, deteriorating spaces allows Rainbow to explore the question, “What does this inform the experience?” He adds, “Imagine how thrilling it would be if a more artistic endeavor was embedded within dormant spaces.”
When Pragmata was unveiled five years ago, the specifics of what Resident Evil publisher Capcom was creating remained uncertain. The initial trailer presented an eerie, futuristic scene featuring an astronaut and a blonde girl, yet it offered little clarity on the game’s direction. The anticipated 2022 release slipped away, leading to a “pause indefinitely”, leaving many to wonder if Pragmata would actually launch in 2023.
Everything changed on June 4th, when a new trailer premiered during the PlayStation Showcase. The blonde girl is revealed to be a combat-ready android, teaming up with an astronaut named Hugh (naturally) amid an intense battle within a space station. The following weekend, I had the opportunity to play for about 20 minutes at the Summer Game Fest. Long, troubled development cycles are often a bad omen, yet my experience was surprisingly promising.
Pragmata opens with the astronaut Hugh Williams lying unconscious among metallic wreckage. A young girl dressed in an oversized blue jacket with long, flowing blonde hair (a peculiar choice, if I’m being honest) stumbles across Hugh while grappling with a large case nearby. After finally managing to topple it, she opens the case to reveal a device that emits the Lunafilament nanowave, which she uses to repair his suit.
We discover that they are located on a lunar space station, where a robotic security system mistakenly identifies Hugh as an intruder, leading to a confrontation. I was not prepared for how enjoyable the combat would be.
In Pragmata, the robotic enemies all possess robust shields, rendering Hugh’s arsenal (which can be expanded by locating various firearms in the environment) largely ineffective. Fortunately, the girl, now identified as Diana, has the ability to hack these foes, making them vulnerable—all while dodging attacks as she perches on Hugh’s shoulder.
To navigate the robots’ mainframe, you’ll need to use the face buttons on the controller to disarm their shields temporarily, reaching a green tile arranged in rows and columns. This must be done quickly, and while dodging their strikes, which often resulted in failed attempts and resets, creating a genuinely thrilling (and fun) battle scenario.
Hacking in Pragmata evokes the urgency of calling in a Stratagem in Helldivers 2, requiring swift yet deliberate button presses under intense pressure. Each gunfight becomes a moment of high tension: different robot types necessitate various hacking strategies, and they scatter in confusion once compromised. During my brief session with Pragmata, I encountered an array of opponents and weaponry.
Just as someone tapped me on the shoulder to signal the end of the demo, I found myself captivated by the combat (unfortunate timing just before the Big Boss showdown). Despite the protracted development period of over five years, the gameplay feels refreshingly new.
Pragmata is set to launch on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC in 2026.
MUCH reflects on the remarkable journey of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a standout role-playing game crafted by a small team. (We recently hit 2 million sales.) This narrative is captivating amidst a landscape dominated by blockbuster flops, live service titles, and exorbitant budgets. The dedicated team has produced something lengthy, unique, and beautiful, priced at £40, leading to a win-win scenario for all involved. However, it’s not entirely accurate.
Sandfall Interactive, the French studio behind the game, comprises around 30 talented individuals. As noted by Rock Paper Shotgun, the credits list more contributors, from Korean animation teams to outsourced quality assurance testers, localization specialists, and performance artists who bring the game’s narrative and emotional depth to life.
When compared to the massive teams behind Final Fantasy titles (the clear inspiration for Sandfall), the comparatively small collective that developed Clair Obscur is noteworthy. What’s even more intriguing is that this small team has fashioned an exquisite French creation that resonates with us all. To the distress of my partner, I opted for the French voice acting with English subtitles to amplify my immersive experience.
Set in the Belle Époque-inspired realm of Clair Obscur, players encounter a foreboding entity known as Paintress Daubs, who has traversed ominous totem numbers annually, descending from a population of 100. (This game and Neva are the only titles in recent memory that have brought tears to my eyes. The beginning.) As the game counts down from 34 to 33, a courageous, slightly magical 30th expedition embarks towards a continent laden with sedatives, facing death in their quest to halt the cycle. The city is stunning, and everyone is dressed immaculately. Also, nothing seemingly poses a threat every few moments.
The most quintessentially French experience you’ve ever had… Claire’s Obscur: Expedition 33. Photo: Sandfall Interactive
Many expeditions have previously faced this fate. As you navigate, you encounter gruesome remnants of these journeys, alongside their recorded accounts left to assist future travelers. Beginning in a ravaged Paris, the distorted Eiffel Tower looms over a picturesque Dali-esque horizon. The game feels like a waltz through a renowned museum on the brink of being engulfed by a black hole. One notable area is a desolate sea, featuring the wreck of a previous expedition, entwined with the carcass of a leviathan, adorned with waves of seaweed fluttering in the absent currents. It’s breathtaking but perilous. You must swiftly master a complex battle system and survive the initial boss encounters.
Clair Obscur’s combat draws inspiration from both classic and contemporary Japanese RPGs. Dynamic and vibrant, you can charge fireballs and time your dodges against the flailing fists of stone automatons. Combining uniquely distinctive character skills is vital. One character wields a rapier, shifting stances with every strike, while another engages with an enigmatic system of Sun and Moon Tarot cards. If this all seems excessively luxurious, it is — and I relish it. The battle menu is a Tinker’s dream, allowing for the development of esoteric powers and skills to create captivating combo attacks.
What captivates me most about this game is its uniqueness; it doesn’t mimic any other title. While most games riff on a handful of predictable franchises: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, this game sources inspiration from an entirely different aesthetic and theme pool. It emerges as a Baroque fantasy, a tale encompassing existentialism, love, death, and heritage — articulated through a European narrative style with Japanese-inspired action and artistry. Although it plays differently, its peculiar characteristics evoke memories of last year’s outstanding title, Repantazio. (There seems to be a notable connection between intellectually ambitious RPGs and perplexing names.)
Clair Obscur further exemplifies the impressive capabilities of game development tools available today. If you’re curious how a small team achieved this high-end aesthetic, that constitutes a significant part of the explanation. It instills a sense of optimism regarding the future of mid-tier game development, nestled between blockbusters and indie projects. Many of the most intriguing titles emerged in the early 2000s and 2010s. Perhaps some larger publishers consider this approach to be overly French, but Sandfall has successfully produced it nonetheless. Expedition 33 serves not only as a noteworthy commercial triumph but also as a beacon of creativity in the gaming sphere.
What to play
Exciting, one-minute thrill…Fate: Dark Ages. Photo: Bethesda
The upcoming Doom game is generating buzz, with reviews indicating it’s a glorious heavy metal spectacle of violence. Whether you’re obliterating demons, impaling them with spikes, shredding them with chainsaw shields, or summoning massive hellish creatures from colossal robots, Destiny: Dark Ages boasts a vaguely medieval flair, with slower and more intimate combat relative to its predecessors in the franchise (as suggested by the title), yet remains exhilarating.
Available on: Xbox, PS5, PC Estimated playtime: Over 20 hours
What to read
Chaos Machine…Grand Theft Auto VI. Photo: Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed until May next year and remains a mystery in the 2025 release calendar. Kotaku indicates some serious rescheduling is occurring behind the scenes leading up to the summer announcement.
The prestigious National Play Museum of America has announced four new games among its Hall of Fame: Defender, GoldenEye 007, Quake, and arguably suitable for Tanaka. They overcame the candidacy of Angry Birds from Age of Empires.
Podcasts and video collectives have sprung up following last week’s industry media drama, with A Giant Bomb becoming independent and contributing to the growing stability of games media outlets supported by worker-owned initiatives.
“Read the book, Roubaix”… Elizabeth from Bioshock Infinite. Photo: 2K Game
Leader Travis submitted this week’s question:
“I’m considering launching a book club-style video game group. Two questions: what should I name it, and which games would you recommend for discussion?”
This is a fantastic idea, reminding me of an attempt I made ages ago as an IGN podcast, though I can’t recall its name. Was it “press the push”? “Save Points”? LFG? For such groups, I lean towards shorter games (so everyone can participate). I’d be thrilled to discuss Neva for its environmental themes and parenting narratives or Life is Strange for its rich, intricate storytelling with supernatural elements, or even a variety of games like While I’m Waiting, which prompted profound thoughts. This would surely be more engaging than merely debating whether Assassin’s Creed is relevant.
I asked my partner for his video game book club name suggestion, and he offered “Text Adventure.” My other friend Tom suggested “Mountain of Shame.” What do you think, reader? Any ideas?
If you have a question for the block or feedback on the newsletter, feel free to hit reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.
Orienting yourself in the darkness of a cave seems like a difficult task. However, some bats may have an ingenious solution: use tails.
Larger mouse tail bat (Rhinopoma Microphyllum) Live in groups within small caves that are difficult to fly, so they move deeper by hanging from the cave walls and raw to the rear. They manipulate this way in many situations, depending on the appearance of the predator, or when they want to find a better location in the cave.
Biologists have wondered whether these bats might use their unusually long tails as “sensors” to navigate through the cave. Yossi Yovel Tel Aviv University in Israel and his colleagues designed two experiments to test bat tails.
In the first experiment, researchers recreated a setup that mimics the interior of a cave, creating a maze with obstacles that resemble the uneven, rocky terrain where bats encounter nature. The team measured how long it took the bat to climb the wall, then raw backwards, first naturally and then anaesthetized the tail to measure how smooth it was.
The bat moved its tail back and forth, feeling the obstacles and went through the maze. However, when researchers anesthetized the bat’s tail, the flying mammals navigated the maze without making it smoother and sailed about 10% slower. But they still do that and suggest that they use other body parts to feel the disorder. “When you walk back you can still feel it in your body and feet,” Jubel says. “It’s clear they can do that, but they’ve reduced performance significantly.”
In the second experiment, the researchers designed a Y-shaped maze that presents two corridors with different raised textures that bats can feel. They used the difference in textures of the two corridors to teach bats that one corridor brought rewards, while the other was not. The texture difference was subtle, but one corridor had lattices every 1.5 centimeters and every 1 cm, but the animals were able to distinguish them.
Other bat species have long tails, but researchers say this is the only known thing to use this unique strategy to find its way in the dark. “I don’t think this is common for long-tailed bats,” Jubel says. But “we really don’t know until we test other bats.”
A huge elliptical galaxy called the NGC 3640 has interacted with several small galaxies in the past, as revealed by data analysis from ESO’s VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at a fictional observatory in Chile.
This VST image shows two elliptical galaxies, the NGC 3640 and the NGC 3641. Image credits: ESO/INAF/MIRABILE et al. /Ragusa et al.
NGC 3640 is located approximately 88 million light years away from Earth in the constellation of Leo.
Also known as Leda 34778 and UGC 6368, the galaxies have diameters of 90,000 light years.
It was first discovered on February 23, 1784, by the German-British astronomer William Herschel.
The NGC 3640 is part of a relatively young group consisting of at least eight galaxies.
It also forms a pair that interacts with an elliptical galaxy known as NGC 3641.
“Throughout their extensive lifetimes, galaxies undergo changes,” said Dr. Marco Miraville, a colleague from the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics, in a statement.
“As they traverse space, they may either acquire gas or stars from other galaxies, or even merge with them.”
“Following these events, the galaxy will exhibit distortions, as demonstrated by the compact NGC 3640 and the diffuse light surrounding it.”
“This galaxy has left behind a ‘scar’ that hints at a tumultuous history, which astronomers can use to uncover its past and present.”
To unravel the history of the NGC 3640-NGC 3641 pair, Dr. Mirabile and co-authors used VST to study spheroidal, compact clusters of gravitationally bound stars.
These clusters typically contain some of the oldest stars formed within the galaxy, serving as fossil records that reveal the galaxy’s history even after significant events.
“The results affirm that NGC 3640 has indeed interacted with other galaxies in the past, showing signs of previous involvement with the smaller NGC 3641,” noted the astronomer.
“However, the smaller galaxy displays a noticeable lack of distortion in its shape or spheroidal clusters.”
“This suggests that, although their interaction has been significant, NGC 3640 is not currently in close proximity to pose a threat. NGC 3641 may be safe – at least for now.”
Marco Mirabire et al. 2024. Vegas-SSS: Tracing the stellar cluster population of the interacting NGC 3640 Galaxy Group. A&A 691, A104; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202451273
ILooks like it’s going to be a fun vacation. A week spent tending to the absentee landlord’s garden in a remote village in the Netherlands. Birds chirping in the trees, a picturesque church just across the path. But there’s something wrong with designer Tom van den Boogaart’s surreal and quietly creepy puzzle game. All the tools are missing and the villagers are strange and have been warned not to go out at night. Additionally, the sky is a hallucinogenic red and orange haze, and you can sometimes see someone watching you from behind a door or through a window. What the heck is going on?
Grunn is somehow part gardening sim, part point-and-click adventure, and part survival horror thriller. Once you’ve found your scissors and trowel, you can spend your time sorting hedges and digging up molehills, but you can also explore small hamlets and their lonely haunted places. You can often find discarded Polaroid photos that provide photo clues as to where the next tool is. You may find tools and puzzle items. There is a day/night cycle in the background, and as you venture out into the darkness, strange glitches and ghostly beings can be glimpsed at the edge of your vision. As you explore, you will have to fight against dangers that can cost you your life. Then I start all over again, relying only on my memories and photos.
As a result, you feel like you’re trapped inside an Alejandro Jodorowsky movie. Ominous and strange, yet beautiful and compelling. Everywhere you look, there are eerie images, from skeletons lying on riverbanks to strange children sitting alone in bus stops and ferry cafeterias. The puzzles are clever and challenging, and the blocky, discordant visuals make the entire environment feel like the uncanny valley of the mind. If you’re looking for a completely different kind of challenge in a decidedly unnatural open world, Grunn offers more than the gentle rural idyll it was initially promised.
Tea (Camellia sinensis) originated in China more than 3,000 years ago and evolved from a medicinal herb to a widely consumed beverage. Although there is considerable research focusing on tea plants in southwestern China, research on tea plants has received little attention. Hainan Island. Remarkable similarities between Hainanese tea and tea leaves Camellia sinensis variable Asamika Along with the island’s unique geographic and climatic conditions, research on Hainanese tea presents significant challenges. A new study fills this gap by collecting 500 tea tree samples from Hainan and using whole-genome resequencing to examine differences between Hainanese teas and cultivars. Camellia sinensis.
Guo others. A clear taxonomic position of Hainan tea was confirmed. Camellia sinensis providing valuable insights into resource conservation and molecular breeding. Image credit: Lin2015.
Tea is the oldest recorded tree crop in China, with a history of cultivation spanning more than 3,000 years.
Originally used as a medicinal herb with roots dating back approximately 5,000 years, it later evolved into a widely consumed beverage.
Tea plants grown worldwide are divided into two main groups. Camellia sinensis variable sinensis and Camellia sinensis variable Asamika.
Hainan Island, located in the northern part of the South China Sea, has a rich history of tea cultivation and has vast plantation areas.
There were reports that Hainan Island had abundant tea plant resources at the end of the Qing Dynasty.
For example, American missionary and botanist Benjamin Couch Henry discovered significant numbers of wild tea plants during his extensive explorations of the Li region of Hainan province, indicating that the island had an ancient tea plant resource. I have confirmed that it is plentiful.
Since the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau is widely recognized as a potential geographic origin of tea, most studies on tea population genomics have focused on southwestern China, especially Camellia sinensis variable Asamika Despite the large number of varieties, research on Hainan tea plants remains relatively sparse.
“Our study clarifies the taxonomic position of Hainan tea and highlights the importance of conservation and molecular breeding efforts,” said researcher Dazhong Guo of Yunnan Agricultural University and colleagues.
In this study, the authors analyzed 500 tea plant samples (including those from ancient tea plants) collected from four major tea-producing regions in Hainan province: Ledong, Qiongzhong, Baisha, and Wuzhishan. The genome sequence was analyzed.
They acquired a total of 6.9 terabytes of raw sequencing data, which they filtered and aligned with a reference genome (Yunkang 10), achieving a final average alignment rate of 98.98%.
After variant calling, 32,334,340 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, the majority of which were located in intergenic regions and a small number in exonic regions.
Phylogenetic analysis using SNP data revealed that Hainan tea samples formed a distinct cluster separate from the overall tea leaves. Camellia sinensis variable sinensis and Camellia sinensis variable Asamika There is a significant geographic concentration within the Rim Mountain region, but no clear pattern elsewhere.
Population structure analysis further confirmed that Hainan tea exhibits a unique genetic composition compared to global varieties.
Principal component analysis (PCA) supported these findings and showed that Hainan tea is genetically different from other teas. Camellia sinensis variable sinensis and Camellia sinensis variable Asamikabut shares some genetic similarities with their global counterparts. Camellia sinensis variable Asamika.
Moreover, gene flow analysis suggested limited historical movement between Hainan tea and other tea varieties, reinforcing its unique genetic lineage.
Kinship analysis showed that the close genetic relationships observed in certain Hainanese tea samples were influenced by human activities in managed tea plantations.
Genetic diversity analysis revealed that the Hainan Island and Lim Mountains populations had higher levels of diversity compared to other populations. Camellia sinensis variable sinensis and Camellia sinensis variable Asamikathere is minimal genetic differentiation between Hainan tea and Limshan tea.
These results highlight the unique evolutionary trajectory of Hainan tea, provide valuable insights into its genetic background, and provide implications for conservation and breeding strategies.
The genetic uniqueness and high diversity of Hainan tea highlight its potential as a valuable resource for future breeding programs.
“Our research provides a deeper understanding of biological evolution. Camellia sinensis The stage is now set for further studying the genetic basis of Hainan's amazing plants,” the researchers said.
Their paper Published in a magazine agricultural biodiversity.
The exceptionally powerful tornadoes this year include one spawned by Hurricane Milton in October, described as particularly destructive. Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor, emphasized the collective impact of these tornadoes, making it a significant year for severe weather.
The outbreak of tornadoes contributed to several costly weather disasters in the U.S. this year. By November 1st, NOAA had recorded 24 weather disasters, each causing at least $1 billion in damage, with tornado outbreaks ranking among the costliest events.
The increased tornado activity in 2024 has raised concerns about the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, prompting experts to explore possible links to climate change.
The classification of tornadoes according to the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale reveals the varying levels of wind speeds and resulting damage. The deadliest tornadoes of 2024, such as the EF-4 tornado in Iowa, caused extensive destruction and financial losses.
While the death toll from tornadoes in 2024 is significant, it is lower compared to previous deadliest years. The occurrence of tornadoes during hurricanes, like those associated with Hurricane Milton, also surprised experts for their strength and frequency, raising questions about climate change implications.
Research indicates a potential increase in tornado activity due to continued fossil fuel emissions, but the direct impact of climate change on tornadoes remains uncertain. Scientists are still investigating the complex relationship between climate change and tornado occurrence.
As the year approaches its end, the possibility of more tornadoes remains, underscoring the unpredictability of severe weather events.
Severe storms and tornadoes are forecasted in parts of the South and Gulf Coast, indicating that the threat of tornadoes persists despite the approaching end of the year.
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