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Unlock Longevity: The Essential Role of Cross-Training in Your Fitness Routine

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Diverse Exercises for Longevity

Variety is the key to optimal fitness.

Credit: Lyndon Stratford/Alamy Stock Photo

Many athletes enhance their performance by integrating various exercises. New research suggests this cross-training may also contribute to a longer lifespan.

A comprehensive analysis of two studies following individuals for over 30 years revealed that those who participated in a diverse range of physical activities had a 19% lower risk of mortality compared to equally active individuals with less variety in their workouts.

“Maintaining the same total amount of physical activity while incorporating different exercises can lead to additional benefits,” states Han Han from Harvard University. However, as this type of research is observational, the results are indicative rather than definitive.

Most exercise studies tend to focus on either intensity or total volume of activity, often contrasting aerobic and strength training. In this research, Han and her team examined nine primary aerobic activities, including jogging (defined as a pace slower than 6.2 minutes per kilometer), running, outdoor and stationary cycling, stair climbing, swimming, rowing, bodyweight exercises (like squats and pull-ups), tennis, squash, racquetball, and weight training.

The researchers collected data on 70,000 women and 41,000 men from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study between 1986 and 2018. Study participants completed a physical activity questionnaire every two years.

The research team analyzed the link between participants’ activity levels and their mortality risk throughout the study duration. Individuals with health conditions that could skew their performance were excluded from the findings.

Results showed that engaging in multiple forms of exercise for several hours each week revealed diminishing returns regarding death risk reduction over the study timeline.

This highlights that diversifying workouts can provide enhanced benefits. As Han suggests, when one reaches diminishing returns with a specific exercise, it may be more advantageous to try different activities instead of repeating the same routine. Different forms of exercise may offer unique physiological advantages that can work together for greater benefits.

“Future research could explore potential synergies between various exercises,” Han notes. This optimal combination can evolve as people age.

Only a few studies have investigated how different types or combinations of exercise affect mortality rates, according to Lee Dak-chul from the University of Pittsburgh. He cautions that results should be approached with caution due to inherent research limitations—such as self-reported exercise, which may be inflated, and the likelihood that healthier individuals tend to participate in more physical activities.

Nevertheless, their findings are somewhat corroborated by the World Health Organization’s guidelines, advocating for both aerobic and resistance exercises as providing comprehensive health and mortality benefits compared to either alone, as Lee mentions.

In the future, this type of research could leverage data from wearable fitness devices instead of relying on self-reported data. “For now, we have to depend on surveys,” Han concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlock Better Sleep: How Dietary Fiber and Microbiome Research Connect to Enhanced Sleep Quality

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How Microbial Activity in the Gut Affects Sleep Quality

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Research indicates that diet, particularly dietary fiber, may significantly influence sleep quality.

Prior studies have revealed associations between various sleep states and the gut microbiome. Notably, a lack of bacterial diversity suggests that improving dietary habits could enhance sleep quality. However, no study has yet identified specific microbial species consistently linked to sleep quality and the exact foods that support their growth.

A new systematic review by Wang Che from China’s Shandong First Medical University analyzes 53 observational studies comparing the gut microbiota of individuals with sleep disorders to those without, encompassing 7,497 individuals with sleep disorders and 9,165 without.

The researchers discovered that the overall bacterial species diversity, termed alpha diversity, was significantly lower in individuals suffering from sleep disorders. Those with insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or REM sleep behavior disorder showed a notable decrease in anti-inflammatory, butyrate-producing bacteria like Faecalibacterium, alongside an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Collinsella.

This underscores the importance of dietary fiber, as Faecalibacterium produces butyrate, which provides energy for colon cells, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and reduces inflammation, according to recent studies.

Researchers highlighted that microbial signatures could serve as criteria to differentiate clinical symptoms from other sleep-related issues, thus enabling targeted treatments.

According to Catherine Maki from the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, this study aligns with her group’s ongoing research, which has found a similar connection between sleep and butyrate production from Faecalibacterium.

“Collectively, these consistent findings highlight plausible microbiome metabolic pathways that link sleep and host physiology, warranting direct testing in future mechanistic and interventional studies,” Maki notes.

“This meta-analysis supports the correlation between Faecalibacterium and insomnia,” states Elizabeth Holzhausen from Michigan State University. “However, since these studies are observational, causality cannot be established.”

One hypothesis is that insomnia may negatively impact dietary fiber intake, leading to reduced levels of Faecalibacterium. Alternatively, reduced butyrate from Faecalibacterium could influence sleep quality, as suggested by research findings.

Controlled intervention studies are essential for confirming the causal relationship, Holzhausen emphasizes.

The findings further highlight the vital role of the gut microbiome in our sleep health and reveal potentially significant changes in gut microbial signaling pathways related to sleep-influencing processes such as hormone release, metabolism, and inflammation.

Maki suggests that while it’s too early to recommend increasing fiber intake to improve sleep, there is emerging evidence regarding dietary aspects that may influence sleep.

Avoiding caffeine is advisable, as it may delay the onset of sleep, particularly in high doses or when consumed late in the day. Furthermore, alcohol can disrupt sleep, despite common misconceptions that it aids sleep. Additionally, eating too close to bedtime can impair sleep quality.

Some evidence suggests that certain foods, like tart cherry juice, can improve sleep quality. Improving overall dietary quality and increased fiber intake is linked to better sleep quality, though the specific dietary components influencing this relationship remain unclear.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlock Your Creativity: Tips to Enhance Your Life and Well-Being

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To lead longer, healthier, and happier lives, we often hear advice like reducing sugar, exercising, quitting smoking, eating vegetables, taking supplements, managing stress, and getting quality sleep. However, one fun health tip remains overlooked: engaging in the arts.

Recent decades have highlighted the positive impact of creativity on overall health. Global initiatives are integrating arts into healthcare, showing remarkable outcomes: from music reducing the need for sedatives during surgeries to dance programs aiding Parkinson’s patients in walking.

Art isn’t just for illness recovery. Crafting, singing, acting, dancing, reading, writing, and painting promote well-being in our daily lives, regardless of our health concerns. In my upcoming book, Art Cure, I assert these activities qualify as “health behaviors,” akin to exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Discover how to incorporate more art into your life starting in 2026.

As an epidemiologist, analyzing cohort studies is part of my routine. These extensive datasets reveal the long-term benefits of art engagement on various health outcomes, collected from diverse populations worldwide.

The findings are compelling. Regular art participants report greater happiness and life satisfaction. Children engaged in the arts are less likely to face depression as they enter adolescence. Additionally, older adults attending cultural events significantly reduce their risk of developing depression over the next few years, as highlighted in this research: The risk of depression is nearly halved.

You may question whether art engagement impacts health independently from wealth or overall lifestyle. Advanced statistical methods account for such variables, including genetics and early life experiences, ensuring valid results still support the link between art and health.

These benefits extend beyond psychological health; children involved in musical activities develop better social skills as they transition to schooling. Conversely, fewer youths participate in artistic endeavors, increasing the risk of anti-social behavior. Furthermore, seniors attending cultural events have been shown to be 32% less likely to feel lonely after a decade.

Live Events: A Path to Enhanced Creativity

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The positive outcomes intensify with age. My research team at University College London analyzed data from around 100,000 individuals across 16 countries, finding that hobbies like gardening, baking, sewing, and journaling promote: Self-reported health improvements as we age. Engaging in these activities yields benefits such as enhanced balance, lower pain levels, improved sleep quality, better cognitive function, reduced frailty, and a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. In fact, many studies reveal those involved in the arts could live longer compared to their less-engaged counterparts.

How do these surprising health benefits manifest? Psychological, social, and behavioral factors contribute, but intriguing biological mechanisms are emerging. Studies indicate regular art participants show lower blood pressure, heart rates, cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and lower body mass index.

Recent advancements in measuring biological age allow scientists to explore how healthy habits influence our aging process. Research combining data on cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory health, and gene expression patterns suggests that creatively engaging might keep us biologically younger. Individuals participating in dance, music, or visual arts often demonstrate more youthful brain characteristics.

It’s essential to clarify that engaging with art isn’t a cure-all. Factors like accessibility and misconceptions about its health benefits can limit participation. Nonetheless, evidence consistently indicates that dedicating time to enjoyable, creative activities is a valuable health investment for this year. Furthermore, promoting art is also altruistic; economists suggest that arts activities deliver over £18.6 billion in societal value annually.

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Artistic activities involving screens often serve as the ultra-processed foods of the art domain.
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So, how can we all enhance our artistic consumption in 2026? This question is explored throughout my upcoming book, Art Cure, which offers daily strategies for leveraging art to meet your health objectives. Think about art as you do food: don’t binge on it, as quick fixes yield short-lived benefits. Instead, find your equivalent to “5 servings a day” of fruits and vegetables. Dedicate just 10 minutes daily to creative writing or 15 minutes each evening to a craft. Effortlessly swap out activities; trade your dinner date for a live performance, replace gym workouts with dance classes, and read poetry on your commute instead of news articles.

Diversity in your artistic experiences is crucial; explore various creative forms to maximize health benefits. Each unique encounter offers different sensory joys and health advantages. Aim for a moderate level of novelty—something outside your norm but likely enjoyable. Make your artistic engagement genuine rather than virtual; screen-based activities can dilute the essence of art.

Lastly, be a mindful creator. In our fast-paced lives, it’s tempting to think of art as a quick solution. However, art’s beauty lies in its complexity and individuality. These rich and dynamic experiences should be afforded the time they deserve in our lives. Ultimately, art not only enhances our well-being but also evokes feelings of elation and upliftment, proving it is undeniably good for us.

This article is part of a series on simple changes you can implement to enhance your health in the coming year.
Read the full series here

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Warn: Cannabis Reclassification Could Unlock Vast Research Opportunities

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A long-awaited change in drug policy could pave the way for scientists to explore the benefits and risks of marijuana, the most widely used federally prohibited substance.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III substance, a move initiated during the Biden administration.

“Decades of federal drug control policy have overlooked the medical applications of marijuana,” states the order. “This oversight hampers scientists and manufacturers in conducting essential safety and efficacy studies to inform healthcare providers and patients.”

This reclassification is expected to enhance research into medical marijuana, without federally legalizing the substance. However, marijuana use in the U.S. is rising significantly. Gallup data suggests that 15% of adults may smoke marijuana in 2023 and 2024, an increase from 7% in 2013.

The poll did not differentiate between medical and recreational use, revealing the highest usage (19%) among 18- to 34-year-olds—an age group that has exhibited concerning psychological side effects from cannabis use. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics indicated that even infrequent use was linked to increased psychological distress and lower academic performance in teens.

Medical marijuana is often prescribed for chronic pain relief, to manage nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and to stimulate appetite in individuals with specific medical conditions. It remains uncertain how rescheduling cannabis will impact funding for recreational cannabis research.

Scientists like Ziva Cooper are hopeful that reclassification will transform public health through in-depth marijuana research.

“Studying cannabis, also known as marijuana, for both its therapeutic and side effects has been very challenging,” said Cooper, director of the Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids at UCLA. “The rapid evolution of this industry often outpaces consumer behavior and research developments.”

“It’s challenging to study, and as a scientist committed to public health, it’s tough to keep up with the shifting landscape.”

Schedule I is the most restrictive category within U.S. drug scheduling recognized by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), applying to substances with “no currently accepted medical use and high abuse potential,” such as ecstasy and heroin. Schedule III substances, which include ketamine and anabolic steroids, are classified as having a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”

Even in cannabis-friendly regions, Cooper acknowledges that he faces similar research obstacles as those in states like Idaho, where cannabis use is prohibited.

“Researchers are unable to test readily available products; they can only inquire about basic characteristics of the cannabis available at compounding pharmacies visible from their lab,” Cooper said. “This creates limitations on sourcing the cannabis for research.”

Need for Thorough Research on Marijuana’s Benefits and Risks

Last year, the National Institutes of Health allocated $75 million for cannabinoid research, a slight increase from $70 million in 2023. Moreover, $217 million was directed towards cannabinoid studies, with $53 million specifically for cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.

Dr. Brooke Wurster, medical director of the master’s in medical cannabis science and business program at Thomas Jefferson University, pointed out that bureaucratic challenges often confine cannabis research to observational studies rather than the rigorous clinical trials required for pharmaceuticals, resulting in mixed findings.

For instance, a study published in 2024 in the journal Current Alzheimer’s Research found a 96% reduced risk of subjective cognitive decline among recreational cannabis users aged 45 and older compared to non-users. In contrast, 2025 research in the JAMA Network Open indicated that heavy cannabis users aged 22-36 exhibited memory impairments.

A recent study in Biomedicine suggested cannabinoids as a “promising” alternative for opioid use in chronic pain management, emphasizing an urgent need for large-scale randomized controlled trials. Meanwhile, a study last year found that JAMA Network Open reported increased medical visits for cannabis-related disorders among older Medicare beneficiaries from 2017 to 2022.

The reclassification will enable researchers to examine and prepare specific marijuana formulations, Wurster noted. Even in states with medical cannabis programs, cannabis quality and potency can vary significantly across dispensaries.

“We can comprehensively monitor immediate symptoms, blood levels, and long-term effects,” she explained. “All the essential elements required for drug research mandated by the federal government.”

While cannabis has medical benefits for some individuals, Jonathan Caulkins, H. Guyford Steever Professor of Operations Research and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, cautioned that administrative barriers alone do not account for cannabis not being a “miracle cure” for conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

“Studies conducted in countries like Canada, France, and Israel are not under the same restrictions,” Caulkins stated. “We should not assume U.S. law is the sole reason cannabis hasn’t emerged as a definitive treatment option.”

Wurster emphasized that these changes bring new responsibilities for the medical community, as smoked and inhaled products may not be safe for all individuals.

“We still need to comprehend the best methods for delivering appropriate medications and guidance to the right patients,” she cautioned. “Available products are frequently unregulated and present significant mental health risks, particularly among young users, as well as cardiovascular concerns, necessitating greater caution.”

A Major Shift in Cannabis Policy After 55 Years

The regulatory barriers that researchers face have roots extending back over fifty years. Under the Nixon administration, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 categorized marijuana as a Schedule I drug.

Almost six decades later, much regarding marijuana’s medicinal potential remains undiscovered. Currently, from a legal standpoint, it is viewed merely as a substance of abuse, Wurster noted.

Susan Ferguson, director of the Institute on Addiction, Drugs and Alcohol at the University of Washington School of Medicine, anticipates that obtaining cannabis research licenses will soon become easier for scientists. Presently, researchers can broadly license drugs classified from Schedule II to V, while those exploring Schedule I substances must secure individual licenses for each.

“This necessitates a detailed written protocol,” she explained. “It involves DEA personnel visiting to review research and experimental strategies, which complicates the process considerably.”

Ferguson believes that reclassifying marijuana would “open the floodgates” for clinical research. Participants may be more willing to engage in Schedule III studies than in those involving Schedule I drugs.

Ferguson compared cannabis to alcohol and tobacco, which, although common, are not benign. Due to medical research, their risks are well documented.

“We have yet to conduct that level of research on cannabis,” Ferguson concluded. “Ultimately, we aim to inform people more comprehensively about the risks and benefits associated with its use.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Google Unveils Quantum Computers’ Ability to Unlock Molecular Structures

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Google’s Quantum Computing Willow Chip

Google Quantum AI

Researchers at Google Quantum AI have leveraged Willow quantum computers to enhance the interpretation of data sourced from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy—an essential research method within chemistry and biology. This significant advancement may open new horizons for the application of quantum computing in various molecular technologies.

While quantum computers have been most effectively demonstrated in cryptographic contexts, current devices face limitations in scale and error rates that hinder their competence in decryption tasks. However, they show promise in expediting the discovery of new drugs and materials, which align with the fundamentally quantum nature of many scientific procedures. Hartmut Neven and colleagues at Google Quantum AI have showcased one instance where quantum computers can mimic the complex interactions found in natural processes.

The investigation centered on a computational method known as quantum echo and its application to NMR, a technique utilized to extract detailed information regarding molecular structures.

At its core, the concept of quantum echoes is akin to the butterfly effect. This phenomenon illustrates how minor perturbations—like the flap of a butterfly’s wings—can trigger substantial changes in broader systems. The researchers exploited a quantum approach within a system made up of 103 qubits in Willow.

During the experiment, the team executed a specific sequence of operations to alter the quantum state of a qubit in a manageable way. They then selected one qubit to disrupt, acting as a “quantum butterfly,” and employed the identical sequence of operations, effectively reversing time. Finally, the researchers evaluated the quantum characteristics of the qubits to extract insights regarding the entire system.

In a basic sense, the NMR technique applied in the lab also hinges on minor disturbances; it nudges actual molecules using electromagnetic waves and examines the system’s reactions to ascertain atomic positions—similar to using a molecular ruler. If the operations on qubits can replicate this process, the mathematical scrutiny of the qubits can likewise be translated into molecular structural details. This series of quantum computations could potentially enable the examination of atoms that are relatively distant from one another, said team member Tom O’Brien. “We’re constructing longer molecular rulers.”

The researchers believe that a protocol akin to quantum echoes would require approximately 13,000 times longer on a conventional supercomputer. Their tests indicated that two distinct quantum systems could successfully perform a quantum echo and yield identical outcomes—a notable achievement given the inconsistencies faced in previous quantum algorithms supported by the team. O’Brien noted that enhancements in the quality of Willow’s hardware and reduced qubit error rates have contributed to this success.

Nonetheless, there remains ample opportunity for refinement. In their utilization of Willow and quantum echoes for two organic molecules, the researchers operated with a mere 15 qubits at most, yielding results comparable to traditional non-quantum methods. In essence, the team has not yet demonstrated a definitive practical edge for Willow over conventional systems. This current exhibition of quantum echo remains foundational and has not been subjected to formal peer review.

“Addressing molecular structure determination is crucial and pertinent,” states Keith Fratus from HQS Quantum Simulations, a German company focused on quantum algorithms. He emphasizes that bridging established techniques such as NMR with calculations executed by quantum computers represents a significant milestone, though the technology’s immediate utility might be confined to specialized research in biology.

Doris Sels, a professor at New York University, remarked that their team’s experiments involve larger quantum computers and more complex NMR protocols and molecules than prior models. “Quantum simulation is often highlighted as a promising application for quantum computers, yet there are surprisingly few examples with industrial relevance. I believe model inference of spectroscopic data like NMR could prove beneficial,” she added. “We’re not quite there, but initiatives like this inspire continued investigation into this issue.”

O’Brien expressed optimism that the application of quantum echo to NMR will become increasingly beneficial as they refine qubit performance. Fewer errors mean a greater capability to execute more operations simultaneously and accommodate larger molecular structures.

Meanwhile, the quest for optimal applications of quantum computers is ongoing. While the experimental implementation of quantum echoes on Willow is remarkable, the mathematical analysis it facilitates may not achieve widespread adoption, according to Kurt von Keyserlingk at King’s College London. Until NMR specialists pivot away from traditional methods cultivated over decades, he suggests that its primary allure will lie with theoretical physicists focused on fundamental quantum system research. Furthermore, this protocol may face competitive challenges from conventional computing methods, as von Keyserlingk has already pondered how traditional computing might rival this approach.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Skeleton ‘Pregnancy Test’ May Unlock Secrets of Ancient Maternal Lives

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Skeleton of a woman holding a baby in her left arm, interred in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Screnby, England

Dr Hugh Wilmot, University of Sheffield

Researchers are now investigating ancient pregnancy tests undertaken on women from centuries past.

For the first time, scientists have identified levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in remains of women from the 1st to the 19th century. Some of these women were entombed with their unborn children. This revelation indicates that historic bones and teeth can retain identifiable traces of specific sex hormones, which might aid in discerning which individuals at archaeological sites were pregnant or had recently given birth at the time of their demise, according to Amy Barlow from the University of Sheffield, UK.

“The physiological and emotional impacts of pregnancy, miscarriage, and childbirth carry profound significance for women, yet they remain largely unexplored in archaeological records,” she notes. “This technique could revolutionize how we comprehend the reproductive narratives of ancient populations. We’re genuinely excited about it.”

Establishing pregnancy in ancient individuals can be challenging, particularly if the fetus lacks a visible skeleton. Even second- and third-trimester fetuses may be overlooked due to their bones resembling those of the mother’s hands, often placed on the abdomen during burial.

Contemporary pregnancy tests evaluate hormone levels such as hCG in blood or urine. However, hCG degrades rapidly, leaving minimal evidence in the body.

In contrast, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone can persist in tissues for extended periods. Recent studies have demonstrated that these steroid hormones are also present in human blood, saliva, and hair. Samples from long-buried Egyptian mummies.

To explore the likelihood of identifying ancient pregnancies, Barlow and her team analyzed rib fragments and one neck bone from two men and seven women interred in four British cemeteries. They also examined teeth from another male.

Two of the women had fetal remains discovered within them, and another two were buried alongside their newborns. The gender of the others was established through DNA analysis.

The research team ground each sample into powder and employed chemical techniques to extract the steroid hormones. Laboratory tests subsequently identified the estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels in each of the 74 samples.

Estrogen was only found in four samples, without a discernible pattern. This may be due to its quicker breakdown compared to progesterone or testosterone, which may not accumulate as efficiently in tissues.

However, between the 11th and 14th centuries, heightened levels of progesterone were discovered in the spines of young women who died while carrying full-term fetuses. A later pregnant woman interred in the 18th or 19th century also exhibited elevated progesterone in her ribs. Moderate progesterone levels were noted in the dental plaque of two women buried with their infants during the 5th or 6th century.

Interestingly, no testosterone was detected in the bones or teeth of these four women. However, one woman who was buried with her premature infant had trace amounts of testosterone in her dental plaque. In contrast, three unrelated women from 8th- to 12th-century sites and Roman tombs showed testosterone in all layers of their ribs and teeth.

Low testosterone levels are known to play a crucial role in women’s health, so its discovery in these samples isn’t unexpected, Barlow states. “However, the absence of testosterone may indicate that she was recently or currently pregnant at the time of her death,” she adds.

“This intersection of archaeology and hormone science is exhilarating and unforeseen,” states Alexander Komninos from Imperial College London. “These methods will enhance our ability to detect pregnancy in human remains with greater precision, providing deeper insights into ancient pregnancies.”

Nevertheless, while the findings show promise, additional research is essential to clarify many aspects, according to Barlow. For instance, moderate progesterone levels were frequently found in the bones and inner teeth of men, but the reasoning behind this remains unclear, she comments. “Interpretation is quite cautious at this junction.”

Walking through Hadrian’s Wall and Rome’s innovations: England

Join this immersive walking tour along Hadrian’s Wall, one of Great Britain’s most iconic ancient structures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Unlock the Genome of Sweet Potatoes

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Researchers have successfully created a chromosomal-level genomic assembly of a sweet potato cultivar known as “Tanzania.”

“Tanzania” sweet potato variety. Image credit: Benard Yada from the National Crop Resources Institute in Uganda.

The sweet potato is a crucial global staple crop that supports millions of people, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Its inherent resilience to harsh climates significantly contributes to food security.

Despite its importance, this humble root vegetable has hidden its genetic complexities for many years.

Sweet potato DNA is exceptionally intricate. While humans have two sets of chromosomes from each parent, sweet potatoes possess six sets.

This phenomenon, known as Hexaploidy, involves deciphering genetic codes that aim to piece together a set of six distinct, albeit similar, encyclopedias mixed together.

Utilizing advanced DNA sequencing and other state-of-the-art technologies, Professor Zhangjun Fei and his team at the Boyce Thompson Institute have produced the first complete genetic blueprint of “Tanzania,” which is widely appreciated in Africa for its stress tolerance and high dry matter content.

The key challenge was organizing the 90 chromosomes of the plant into six original sets known as haplotypes.

The researchers succeeded in either completely or incrementally separating this intricate genetic puzzle.

“Having this complete gradual genome provides an unprecedented level of clarity,” Professor Fei noted.

“This allows us to explore remarkable details of the sweet potato’s genetic narrative.”

The research team found that the sweet potato genome is a mosaic formed from various wild ancestors, some of which remain unidentified.

Approximately one-third of the genome is derived from ipomoea aequatoriensis, a wild species from Ecuador believed to be a direct progenitor of sweet potato cells.

Another significant portion is similar to the wild species of Central America, Ipomoea batatas 4x, though actual wild donors have yet to be discovered.

Dr. Shan Wu, a researcher at the Boyce Thompson Institute, stated:

“In sweet potatoes, ancestral sequences are intermixed within the same chromosome, resulting in a unique genomic structure.”

This complex genetic heritage suggests that sweet potatoes can be tentatively classified as segmented allopolyploids—hybrids that effectively function as though derived from a single species while originating from different ones.

This genomic merging and recombination grant sweet potatoes exceptional adaptability and disease resistance, essential for subsistence farmers globally.

“The six sets of chromosomes in sweet potatoes also contribute to their resilience,” Professor Fei added.

“With multiple versions of key genes, these plants can retain backup copies that assist them in surviving droughts, resisting pests, and adapting to diverse environments. This phenomenon is referred to as the polyploid buffer.”

“However, to fully comprehend the genetic capabilities of sweet potatoes, we need to decode multiple varieties from various regions, as each can possess unique genetic traits absent in others.”

Survey results were published this month in the journal Nature Plants.

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S. Woo et al. Gradual chromosomal level assembly provides insight into the genomic architecture of hexaploid sweet potatoes. Nature Plants Published online August 8, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41477-025-02079-6

Source: www.sci.news

Could fossilized excrement unlock the secrets of dinosaur dominance on Earth?

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We now know that dinosaurs were giant reptiles that dominated the Earth, but scientists have long wondered why it took them 30 million years to reach their peak. New research on their fossilized poop and vomit may have found the answer suggests that there was food in their waste.

Carnivorous dinosaurs like tyrannosaurus may have their herbivore ancestors to thank for their enormous size. The researchers propose that if these plant-eating animals hadn’t ingested so many plants, dinosaurs might not have evolved into the giant creatures we know today.

The fossilized poop and vomit, known as bromalite or copralite, dates back to around 230 to 200 million years ago, a time long before the reign of the tyrannosaurus and the Chicxulub asteroid impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Scientists reconstructed a “food web” from the undigested meals of early dinosaurs, revealing the intricate relationships between different species during the Triassic period. By scanning over 500 fossils, they found evidence of various organisms, including beetles, bones, and partially digested fish.

Combining this information with climate data and other fossils provided insights into the diverse flora and fauna coexisting with dinosaurs on Earth.

“Sometimes seemingly ordinary fossils contain remarkable information that cannot be found anywhere else,” said Dr. Martin Kvarnström, a study co-author from Uppsala University in Sweden, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

Dr. Grzegorz Niedzwicki, another co-author from Uppsala University, added, “Understanding the diet of early dinosaurs may help us grasp why this group thrived. The evolution of life on Earth hinges on predator-prey dynamics and feeding habits.”

A study published in Nature analyzed digestive samples from south-central Poland during the Late Triassic period when the region was part of the Pangea supercontinent.

According to experts, increased volcanic activity and humidity favored the growth of moisture-loving plants during this time, potentially influencing the evolution of dinosaurs.

The study utilized advanced scanning techniques to reveal detailed information from the fossils, highlighting changes in vertebrate populations leading up to the dominance of dinosaurs.

The researchers aim to apply this model to study ancient species in other regions and emphasize the importance of fossilized waste in reconstructing ancient food webs.

“Everyone is focused on finding fossilized skeletons, but it’s the waste that offers valuable insights into events from millions of years ago,” remarked Niedzwicki.

About our experts:

Dr. Martin Kvarnström is a researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden, focusing on using fossils to understand reptile diets, including dinosaurs.

Dr. Grzegorz Niedzwicki, also from Uppsala University, specializes in the early evolution of dinosaurs and other quadrupeds.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

This Surprising Find in the Universe Could Finally Unlock the Dark Matter Mystery

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Evidence of antimatter in cosmic rays has been discovered by scientists, suggesting the potential existence of a new type of particle. These particles could be a part of dark matter, a mysterious substance that makes up 85 percent of the universe’s mass but has never been directly observed.

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A recent study indicates that antihelium particles, the antimatter form of helium, detected by instruments on the International Space Station may have originated from a new class of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). It is believed that dark matter could be made up of WIMPs.

“WIMP is a theoretical particle that could potentially be a perfect candidate for dark matter,” explained lead author Pedro de la Torre Luque, a physicist supporting research at the Institute of Theoretical Physics in Madrid. “Many proposed models have been ruled out, leaving only a few surviving theories.”

The antihelium core observed during cosmic ray research on the space station’s alpha magnetic spectrometer (AMS-02) may have been the result of two WIMPs colliding and annihilating each other. This collision could have generated matter, antimatter, and energy.

Antimatter is essentially the “mirror image” of normal matter, with the same mass but opposite properties such as charge.

While some antimatter may have been created during the Big Bang, researchers believe that additional antimatter is continuously generated by specific cosmic events, although it is challenging to observe.

“The observation of antihelium was thrilling because it indicates an unusual phenomenon occurring in the interstellar medium, where the production of antiparticles is unexpected,” stated De La Torre Luque.

“Theoretical forecasts suggest that even though cosmic rays interact with interstellar gas to produce antiparticles, the presence of antinuclei, particularly antihelium, should be extremely rare.”

“We anticipated discovering an antihelium event once every few decades, but the approximately 10 antihelium events observed by AMS-02 resulted from standard cosmic ray interactions. Therefore, these antihelium occurrences provide a promising clue to WIMP annihilation.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

This robot can autonomously unlock nearly any door.

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A wheeled robot released on a college campus has discovered how to roll around the real world and open all kinds of doors and drawers.

Robots have adapted themselves to new challenges, paving the way for machines that can independently interact with physical objects. “We want the robots to be able to operate autonomously, without having to rely on humans to keep giving them examples of all new kinds of scenarios during testing,” he says. Deepak Pathak at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pennsylvania.

Pathak and his colleagues initially trained the robot through imitation learning, which provided visual examples of how to open objects such as doors, cabinets, drawers, and refrigerators. They then unleashed it around CMU's campus, opening doors and cabinets they had never encountered before. This required the robot to adapt to each new object using artificial intelligence that rewards the robot for understanding things.

The robot typically spent 30 minutes to an hour learning how to open each object consistently. Haoyu Shion CMU Ph.D. built a robot to scout various testing locations on campus. The team included his 12 training objects for practice, and then he included eight additional objects to test the robot's abilities.

Initial success rates averaged about 50%, but the robot sometimes completely failed to open new objects when first started. Eventually, that success rate increased to about 95%.

In addition to learning on the fly, he said he had to be able to physically handle heavy doors. Russell Mendonca At C.M.U. Achieving both goals will cost him $25,000, which he says is much cheaper than other robotic systems with adaptive learning capabilities.

Demonstrating the robot outside the lab “represents a concrete step towards more general robotic manipulation systems,” he said. Yunju Lee At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Opening a door or a drawer is a seemingly simple task for humans, but it's actually surprisingly difficult for robots,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com