Unlocking Solutions: How Dream Hacking Can Help You Solve Complex Problems While You Sleep

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

One of the study participants fell asleep during the experiment.

Mia Lux

Your brain can be gently nudged to tackle complex problems in your sleep, enhancing your ability to solve them upon waking.

Neuroscientists and psychologists are increasingly employing techniques involving sound, touch, movement, and particularly olfactory stimuli to influence dreams. This innovative approach demonstrates potential for applications like helping smokers quit, treating chronic nightmares, and even enhancing creativity.

Now, Karen Koncoly and her team at Northwestern University in Illinois have revealed that this technique may also aid in problem-solving. The researchers enlisted 20 self-identified lucid dreamers—individuals aware that they are dreaming and able to control their narratives—and tasked them with solving puzzles in two sessions within a sleep lab. Each puzzle was associated with unique soundtracks, featuring soothing elements like birdsong and steel drums.

The researchers meticulously monitored participants’ brain and eye movements to pinpoint when they transitioned into the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, which is known for its vivid and imaginative dreams. Upon entering this phase, a selection of unresolved puzzles was paired with the corresponding soundtracks. Participants were prompted to demonstrate lucidity by executing at least two rapid eye movements from left to right, indicating they were aware of the sound cues while striving to solve the puzzles in their dreams.

The following morning, participants reported that those who listened to the soundtracks during sleep found the puzzle features prominently featured in their dreams, significantly boosting their chances of solving them. Approximately 40% of participants who dreamed about puzzles managed to solve them, while only 17% who didn’t dream of the puzzles could achieve the same.

While the exact reasons behind these findings remain unclear, it’s suggested that pairing sound stimuli with learning tasks while awake may activate the memory of the puzzle when hearing the same sound during sleep, through a process known as targeted memory reactivation. This appears to activate the hippocampus—an essential brain region for memory—prompting what may resemble a spontaneous reactivation of memories that facilitates learning.

Although dreams can manifest at any stage of sleep, Konkoly indicates that targeting REM sleep may enhance problem-solving capabilities. “REM dreams are highly associative and atypical, blending new and prior memories with imaginative thought,” she states. “During this stage, your brain is quite active, potentially allowing for unrestricted access to various sections of your mind.”

Researcher Karen Concoly prepares a participant for the study by fitting a cap to their head that records brain activity.

Karen Konkoly

Tony Cunningham and researchers at Harvard University affirm that this study indicates “individuals may consciously focus on unresolved issues while dreaming.”

However, some experts caution that dream engineering could interfere with the critical functions of sleep, such as clearing toxins from the brain. There are concerns about the potential for companies to exploit these findings by placing ads within personal devices, which Cunningham particularly highlights. “Our senses are already bombarded during waking hours by advertisements, emails, and work stress; sleep remains one of the few times of respite,” he notes.

Koncoly plans to explore why certain individuals exhibit varying responses to sound stimuli on different days. “During this study, I stayed up all night monitoring brainwaves and providing cues during REM sleep. Sometimes participants would signal a response, and other times, they wouldn’t. Occasionally, they would wake and incorporate relevant puzzles into their dreams, while at other times, they simply processed the sound without any further reaction. Why do identical stimuli manifest differently in the same state of consciousness?”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking Clarity: How Psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT Mimics Meditation Brain States

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Meditation and Low Doses of 5-MeO-DMT Induce Similar Effects

Janique Bros/Getty Images

Meditation and 5-MeO-DMT Research — Meditation and Low Doses of 5-MeO-DMT Induce Similar Effects

Janique Bros/Getty Images

A master meditator dedicated 15 years to mastering ego quieting. Brain scan studies indicate he may have utilized powerful psychedelics to attain an altered state.

“At low doses, there’s a significant overlap in brain activity between this psychedelic and non-dual meditative states,” explains Christopher Timmerman of University College London.

The realm of psychedelic research is expanding rapidly, revealing how substances like 5-MeO-DMT can enhance our understanding of consciousness and improve mental health. This compound, often sourced from North American toads, is particularly compelling due to its ability to rapidly disrupt mental processing without producing vivid visuals like other psychedelics.

Timmerman and his team conducted a detailed comparison between the altered states induced by 5-MeO-DMT and advanced meditation. They collaborated with lamas, experts in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, amassing over 54,000 hours of meditation data.

During three laboratory sessions, lamas meditated for 30 to 60 uninterrupted minutes, followed by either a placebo or varying doses of 5-MeO-DMT (5 or 12 milligrams). Their brain activity was meticulously measured during each scenario, alongside reports on their thoughts and sense of self post-session.

Findings revealed that low doses of 5-MeO-DMT (5 milligrams) created remarkable similarities in brain patterns to those observed during meditation. Both scenarios exhibited heightened alpha activity, which is often linked to a relaxed state, and a diminished response to external stimuli compared to placebo and baseline conditions. Gamma-ray activity, which relates to cognitive engagement, was also reduced.

Timmerman noted that while both experiences fostered a calm feeling where the lama’s thoughts “came and then vanished,” the meditative state offered a deeper sense of interconnectedness and mental clarity.

In contrast, higher doses (12 milligrams) of 5-MeO-DMT escalated gamma-ray activity, leaving the lama feeling entirely detached from his surroundings and even experiencing an overwhelming bright light. He remarked, “I’m not thinking about anything,” indicating a complete disconnect from awareness of his body and environment.

The higher dosage was linked to increased neuronal firing and entropy, suggesting overwhelming sensory input compared to both placebo and baseline conditions. Conversely, lower doses resulted in decreased neuronal firing and entropy.

Lama Records Brain Activity During Meditation

Christopher Timmerman

Researchers state that these findings are pivotal in connecting neural pathways to the “collapse of the ego” and the sensation of “contentless consciousness.” However, variations in brain activity do not fully capture the lama’s subjective experiences, acknowledges Matthew Sachet from Harvard Medical School.

This study focused on a single seasoned meditator, indicating potential limitations in broader applicability, particularly given the variability in brain activity-related studies. Additionally, ensuring participants are blinded in psychedelic studies poses challenges due to the identifiable side effects of psychedelics; fortunately, lamas reported no such effects.

Nonetheless, Timmerman asserts that if future research confirms safe integration of 5-MeO-DMT enhances the benefits of advanced meditation, it may have significant implications for a wider audience. He is conducting ongoing research to explore if the drug can facilitate faster progress for newbies to meditation but strongly advises against unregulated home use, as 5-MeO-DMT remains illegal in many jurisdictions.

Meanwhile, Sachet suggests that those seeking the mental health advantages attributed to 5-MeO-DMT might find meditation a practical alternative, offering overlapping experiences without the risks of toxicity or addiction.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking Your Personality: What Research Reveals About Your Sexual Fantasies

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

According to recent research, frequent sexual fantasies are linked to neuroticism, a personality trait that can elevate the risk of various physical and mental health issues. A study conducted by Michigan State University reveals intriguing insights.

In this study, researchers surveyed over 5,000 American adults, examining their sexual fantasies and personality traits.

The scientists utilized the Big Five personality framework, a standard tool in psychology, to assess openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Findings indicated that individuals scoring high in neuroticism reported fantasizing about sex more frequently than their non-neurotic counterparts.

Neuroticism is characterized by rumination, self-consciousness, and a propensity for negative emotions like anger, anxiety, irritability, stress, and sadness.

Previous studies have correlated high neuroticism levels with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions.

This personality trait is also associated with a heightened risk of physical ailments, including heart disease, inflammation, immune dysfunctions, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Within sexual contexts, neuroticism can lead to lower satisfaction, heightened negative emotions, and an increased likelihood of dysfunction.

Participants with high neuroticism scores, particularly those experiencing depression or negative emotions, were more prone to report frequent sexual fantasies.

Dr. James Ravenhill, a psychologist at Royal Holloway, University of London, who was not part of the study, noted in BBC Science Focus: “Individuals high in neuroticism often struggle with emotional instability, making it challenging to manage stress.

“Sexual fantasies provide an escape from negative emotions, allowing individuals to experience more rewarding and fulfilling sexual relationships, even if only in their imaginations.”

“Individual differences in personality may help predict variations in the frequency of sexual fantasies,” the authors state. – Credit: Getty Images

Conversely, participants scoring high in conscientiousness and agreeableness tended to fantasize less frequently.

Conscientiousness refers to the traits of being responsible, organized, and motivated, while agreeableness relates to kindness and a desire to cooperate with others.

The authors attribute the lower frequency of fantasies among these individuals to their respect for and responsibility toward their partners.

“People high in agreeableness experience more positive moods and have higher relationship satisfaction, lessening their need to escape into sexual fantasies,” Ravenhill explained.

“Those high in conscientiousness may also fantasize less due to a commitment to their partners, as infidelity often contradicts their values.”

While openness has been traditionally linked to more liberal sexual attitudes, the study found no significant connection between open-mindedness and sexual fantasies.

Participants shared their preferred sexual fantasies, which the researchers categorized into four themes: exploratory (e.g., attending an orgy), intimate (e.g., making love outdoors), impersonal (e.g., watching others have sex), and sadomasochistic (e.g., being compelled to perform a task).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking Australia’s Ancient Past: Study Reveals 230 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Footprints as the Oldest in the Country

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Unearthed in 1958 by a young fossil hunter in Albion, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, dinosaur footprints have been officially recognized as the continent’s oldest, dating back approximately 230 million years to the late Triassic period. This discovery indicates that dinosaurs inhabited the Brisbane region far earlier than previously thought by paleontologists.

Living fossils unearthed from Petrie Quarry, Albion, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Image credit: Anthony Romilio & Bruce Runnegar, doi: 10.1080/03115518.2025.2607630.

The 18.5 cm (7 in.) long dinosaur footprint was discovered at Petrie’s Quarry, part of the Aspley Formation, alongside a slab featuring narrow linear grooves interpreted as possible tail traces.

Both specimens were extracted before the quarry site was redeveloped, passing through several university collections since then.

“This is the only dinosaur fossil discovered in an Australian capital, highlighting how significant finds can remain hidden in plain sight,” stated Dr. Anthony Romilio, a palaeontologist from the University of Queensland.

“Urban development has rendered the original site inaccessible, leaving behind these footprints as the only evidence of dinosaurs in the area.”

The footprints show impressions of three forward-facing toes, with the central toe demonstrating a faint fan-shaped outline, characteristics typical of a bipedal dinosaur.

Advanced 3D modeling and morphometric analysis revealed that this footprint closely resembles the Ichnogenus Evazoum, commonly linked to early sauropod dinosaurs found elsewhere.

Based on the dimensions of the footprints, Dr. Romilio and Professor Bruce Rannegar estimated that the corresponding dinosaur stood about 78 centimeters (31 inches) tall at the waist and weighed around 144 kilograms (89 pounds).

Utilizing established scaling equations, researchers calculated the maximum potential running speed to be about 60 km/h (37 mph).

While no dinosaur skeletons have been found in the Aspley Formation, these footprints serve as the only direct evidence of dinosaur presence in this time and place.

“Dinosaurs may have walked along waterways, leaving their tracks preserved in sandstone that was later cut to build structures across Brisbane,” Dr. Romilio explained.

“If not for the foresight to conserve this material, the history of Brisbane’s dinosaurs would have remained completely unknown.”

“These footprints were made in sediment by large animals and exemplify a unique kind of trace fossil,” stated Professor Rannegar.

The associated tail print, approximately 13 centimeters (5 inches) long, aligns with structures interpreted as a dinosaur’s tail track. However, the authors caution that without preservation of the corresponding footprint in an appropriate location, its origin remains uncertain.

“The shallow linear grooves found in the tail block closely match reported tail drag traces, yet lack any remaining evidence of Manus or Pes. Their true identity remains ambiguous,” they noted.

“These grooves could have resulted from caudal contact in the orbits of prosauropods, but typically on-site and near the midline of such orbit, which isn’t applicable in this case.”

The team’s research paper has been published this week in The Alcheringa, Australian Journal of Paleontology.

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Anthony Romilio and Bruce Rannegar. Australia’s oldest dinosaur: Reproductive fossils unearthed from the Carnian Aspley Formation in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Alcheringa published online on February 1, 2026. doi: 10.1080/03115518.2025.2607630

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring the Universe: Unlocking Fundamental Quantum Secrets Yet to be Discovered

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

We May Never Know the Universal Wave Function

Victor de Schwanberg/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Conceptual diagram of quantum fluctuations — We May Never Know the Universal Wave Function

Victor de Schwanberg/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

From the perspective of quantum physics, the universe may be fundamentally agnostic in some respects.

In quantum physics, every object, such as an electron, corresponds to a mathematical entity known as a wave function. This wave function encodes all details regarding an object’s quantum state. By combining the wave function with other equations, physicists can effectively predict the behavior of objects in experiments.

If we accept that the entire universe operates on quantum principles, then even larger entities, including the cosmos itself, must possess a wave function. This perspective has been supported by iconic physicists like Stephen Hawking.

However, researchers like Eddie Kemin Chen from the University of California, San Diego and Roderich Tumulka from the University of Tübingen in Germany, have demonstrated that complete knowledge of the universal wave function may be fundamentally unattainable.

“The cosmic wave function is like a cosmic secret that physics itself conspires to protect. We can predict a lot about how the universe behaves, yet we remain fundamentally unsure of its precise quantum state,” states Chen.

Previous studies assumed specific forms for the universal wave function based on theoretical models of the universe, overlooking the implications of experimental observations. Chen and Tumulka began with a more practical inquiry: Can observations help in identifying the correct wave function among those that reasonably describe our universe?

The researchers utilized mathematical outcomes from quantum statistical mechanics, which examines the properties of collections of quantum states. A significant factor in their calculations was the realization that the universal wave function depends on numerous parameters and exists in a high-dimensional abstract state.

Remarkably, upon completing their calculations, they found that universal quantum states are essentially agnostic.

“The measurements permissible by the rules of quantum mechanics provide very limited insight into the universe’s wave function. Determining the wave function of the universe with significant precision is impossible,” explains Tumulka.

Professor JB Manchak from the University of California, Irvine states that this research enhances our understanding of the limits of our best empirical methods, noting that we essentially have an equivalent to general relativity within the framework of quantum physics. He adds that this should not come as a surprise since quantum theory was not originally designed as a comprehensive theory of the universe.

“The wave function of a small system or the entire universe is a highly theoretical construct. Wave functions are meaningful not because they are observable, but because we employ them,” remarks Sheldon Goldstein from Rutgers University. He further explains that the inability to pinpoint a unique, accurate universal wave function from a limited range of candidates may not be problematic, as any of these functions could yield similar effects in future calculations.

Chen expresses hope to connect his and Tumulka’s research with the exploration of large-scale systems smaller than the universe itself, especially through techniques like shadow tomography, which aim to determine the quantum state of such systems. However, the philosophical consequences of their work are equally crucial. Tumulka emphasizes the need for caution against over-relying on positivist views that deem non-experimental statements as meaningless or unscientific. “Some truths are real, but cannot be measured,” he asserts.

This rationale might influence ongoing debates regarding the interpretation of quantum mechanics. According to Emily Adlam from Chapman University in California, the new findings advocate for incorporating more components into the interpretation of quantum equations, such as wave functions, emphasizing the relationship between quantum objects and individual observer perspectives, moving away from the assumption of a singular objective reality dictated by a single mathematical construct.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking the Best Idea of the Century: Why Smartphones Are Here to Stay

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Explore science news and lengthy articles by seasoned journalists on our website and in our magazine, covering breakthroughs in science, technology, health, and environmental studies.

“Every so often, a groundbreaking product emerges that reshapes our reality.” Steve Jobs during the 2007 Apple presentation. Tech executives often hype their innovations, but this proclamation was substantiated. The iPhone not only popularized apps but also introduced compact, powerful computers into our daily lives.

However, this transformation comes with drawbacks. Much like a snail retreating into its shell, we can retreat into our devices at any moment, breeding social anxiety. Coupled with safety issues, numerous countries have restricted mobile phone use in educational settings, and Australia has implemented a total ban on social media for users under 16 as of December 2025. Additionally, reliance on a constantly connected device can diminish our sense of privacy, according to data scientists like Mar Hicks of the University of Virginia. “This technology is acclimating users to significantly less privacy, not only in public spaces but also within the privacy of their own homes.”

Smartphones transcend their basic function, emphasizing their role in our lives, as anthropologist Daniel Miller from University College London notes. “They’ve expanded our personal space,” he articulates. These handheld digital environments allow for seamless access to the virtual worlds of our friends and family, resulting in a continuous navigation between our physical and digital existence.

The global influence of smartphones is undeniable. According to GSMA, the mobile operators’ industry association, over 70% of the global population now owns a smartphone. In many low-income countries, people increasingly bypass traditional desktop computers altogether. Smartphone-driven fintech platforms facilitate transactions for 70 million users across 170 countries, removing the necessity for conventional banks. Furthermore, farmers utilize smartphone applications for crop monitoring, and doctors employ them in hospitals to reduce reliance on costly machinery.

Moreover, the ramifications of smartphones extend far beyond their immediate use. The rapid miniaturization of electrical components like cameras, transistors, and motion sensors has enhanced processing power and introduced new potentials. This technological evolution has spurred numerous 21st-century innovations, including versatile drones, smart wearables, virtual reality headsets, and miniature medical implants.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking Epigenetics: The Century’s Most Revolutionary Concept

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

As we entered the new millennium, discussions surrounding the number of genes in our genome were highly debated. Initial estimates were significantly lower than anticipated, spurring a movement towards re-evaluating evolutionary processes.

The Human Genome Project revealed in 2001 that we possess fewer than 40,000 protein-coding genes — a number that has since been adjusted to around 20,000. This finding necessitated the exploration of alternative mechanisms to account for the complexity of our biology and evolution; epigenetics now stands at the forefront.

Epigenetics encompasses the various ways that molecules can interact with DNA or RNA, ultimately influencing gene activity without altering the genetic code itself. For instance, two identical cells can exhibit vastly different characteristics based purely on their epigenetic markers.

Through epigenetics, we can extract even greater complexity from our genome, factoring in influences from the environment. Some biologists are convinced that epigenetics can play a significant role in evolutionary processes.

A notable study in 2019 demonstrated how yeast exposed to toxic substances survived by silencing specific genes through epigenetic mechanisms. Over generations, certain yeast cultures developed genetic mutations that amplified gene silencing, indicating that evolutionary changes began with epigenetic modifications.

Epigenetics is crucial for expanding our understanding of evolutionary theory. Nevertheless, skepticism persists regarding its broader implications, particularly in relation to plants and other organisms.

For instance, Adrian Bird, a geneticist at the University of Edinburgh, expressed doubts, arguing in a recent paper that there is no clear evidence linking environmental factors like drought to mammalian genomes. Though epigenetic markers may be inherited, many are erased early in mammalian development.

Some researchers dispute these concerns. “Epigenetic inheritance is observed in both plants and animals,” asserts Kevin Lara, an evolutionary biologist from the University of St. Andrews. In a comprehensive study published recently, Lara and colleagues proposed a wealth of research indicating that epigenetics could play a role across the entire tree of life.

So, why is there such division in the scientific community? Timing may be a factor. “Epigenetic inheritance is an evolving area of study,” observes Lara. While epigenetics has been recognized for decades, its relevance to evolutionary research has only gained traction in the past 25 years, making it a complex field to assess.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking Molecule Creation: Why Click Chemistry is the Century’s Most Innovative Concept

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Explore the latest science news and in-depth articles by expert journalists on developments in science, technology, health, and the environment.

Chemistry can often be a complex and slow process, typically involving intricate mixtures in round-bottomed flasks that require meticulous separation afterward. However, in 2001, K. Barry Sharpless and his team introduced a transformative concept known as click chemistry. This innovative approach revolutionizes the field, with a name coined by Sharpless’s wife, Janet Dueser, perfectly encapsulating its essence: a new set of rapid, clean, and reliable reactions.

Though the idea appears straightforward, its elegance lies in its simplicity. Sharpless, along with colleagues Hartmas C. Kolb and MG Finn, described their creation as “spring-loaded.” This concept hinges on applying these reactions to various starting materials, assembling them akin to Lego blocks, thereby enabling the swift construction of a vast array of novel and beneficial molecules. Sharpless’s primary focus? Pharmaceuticals.

The overarching principle guiding these reactions was to steer clear of forming carbon-carbon bonds, which was the norm among chemists at the time, and instead to create bonds between carbon and what are known as “heteroatoms,” primarily oxygen and nitrogen. The most recognized click reaction involves the fusion of two reactants to create a triazole, a cyclic structure of carbon and nitrogen atoms. This motif proves to be highly effective at binding to large biomolecules such as proteins, making it invaluable in drug development. Sharpless independently published this specific reaction concurrently with chemist Morten Meldal, who researched it at the University of Copenhagen. This reaction has since been instrumental, notably in the production of the anticonvulsant drug Rufinamide.

Chemists like Tom Brown from the University of Oxford describe this reaction as simple, highly specific, and versatile enough to work in almost any solvent. “I would say this was just a great idea,” he asserts.

Years later, chemist Carolyn Bertozzi and her team at Stanford University developed a click-type reaction that operates without toxic catalysts, enabling its application within living cells without risking cellular damage.

For chemist Alison Hulme at the University of Edinburgh, this research was pivotal in elevating click chemistry from a promising idea to a revolutionary advancement. It granted biologists the ability to assemble proteins and other biological components while labeling them with fluorescent tags for investigation. “It’s very straightforward and user-friendly,” Hulme explains. “We bridged small molecule chemistry to biologists without necessitating a chemistry degree.”

For their groundbreaking contributions, Bertozzi, Meldal, and Sharpless were awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry—an outcome that surprised no one.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking the Mystery: Why Did Magic Mushrooms Evolve? Discover the Answers Here!

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Many mushroom species produce the psychoactive compound psilocybin

YARphotographer/Shutterstock

Magic mushrooms have been providing transformative experiences for thousands of years. Researchers suggest that fungi developed hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin as a biological defense against insect herbivores.

Psilocybin is the main psychoactive component in magic mushrooms, present in various species found on every continent except Antarctica. Historically, these mushrooms have been utilized by shamans in traditional cultures. Recent studies are investigating psilocybin’s potential as a therapy for mental health disorders, including depression and PTSD.

This psychedelic compound primarily interacts with serotonin receptors in the human brain. However, the evolutionary reasons that lead fungi to produce compounds similar to animal neurotransmitters remain unclear. As John Ellis from the University of Plymouth points out, “There’s speculation that psilocybin serves a protective role against invertebrate fungivores, but these ideas need further exploration.”

To explore the effects of psilocybin on insects, Ellis and his team fed fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) larvae with dried magic mushrooms (Cylocyber cubensis). The researchers monitored the larvae’s survival rates, growth rates, and adult size and development.

Additionally, the team created liquid extracts from the mushrooms, combined them with a minimal amount of sucrose, and observed the larvae’s movements after exposure. “It resembled immersing them in a sweet magic mushroom solution,” says team member Kirsty Matthews Nicholas.

“By quantifying how rapidly the insects crawled, the distances traveled, and their overall movement coordination, we assessed the immediate impacts on their nervous systems,” Nicholas explains.

Results showed that larvae exposed to a magic mushroom diet exhibited significantly reduced survival rates. At lower doses, more than half of the larvae did not survive to adulthood. At higher doses, survival rates dropped to just about 25%.

“Among the flies that did reach adulthood, the consequences were evident. Adult flies were smaller, had shortened bodies, and asymmetrical wings – all indicators of developmental stress,” Nicholas reported. “They crawled shorter distances, moved less overall, and displayed erratic movement patterns, leading to slower and less coordinated motion.”

However, it is unlikely that insects experience psychedelia as humans do. “Our findings imply that compounds like psilocybin disrupt essential insect physiology and behavior in ways that could be detrimental rather than psychedelic,” she notes.

The research team also collected and analyzed seven mushroom species from Dartmoor, UK, and found that the DNA of invertebrates present varied according to the psilocybin-producing fungi—indicating a specific interaction pattern between these fungi and their insect hosts.

Unexpected outcomes highlighted the complexity of psilocybin’s ecological role. For instance, fruit flies with decreased serotonin receptor counts, typically impacted by psilocybin, were found to be more affected. Furthermore, the flies also showed adverse reactions to extracts from control mushroom species devoid of psilocybin.

Fabrizio Alberti from the University of Warwick indicates that their findings demonstrate that non-psilocybin mushrooms also generate other metabolites that harm insects’ speed and survival.

“Ongoing research utilizing pure psilocybin on insects will be essential to clarify its ecological significance and explore whether this psychedelic compound evolved as an insect deterrent,” Alberti emphasizes.

This study raises critical challenges in understanding the evolutionary implications of psilocybin-producing fungi. Bernhard Rupp from the University of Innsbruck, Austria, suggests, “Mushrooms producing psilocybin and similar compounds may have significant evolutionary advantages, such as deterring consumption by insects and snails.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking the Secrets of Jupiter and Saturn: How Polar Cyclones Expose Hidden Interiors

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study by planetary scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reveals how the significant differences in polar vortex patterns between Jupiter and Saturn are influenced by the unique properties of their deep interiors. These findings offer valuable insights into the structure of these gas giants.

This composite image, captured by the JIRAM instrument aboard NASA’s Juno satellite, depicts a central low-pressure system at Jupiter’s north pole along with eight surrounding low-pressure systems. The colors in this image represent radiant heat, revealing temperature variations in their cloud layers. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / ASI / INAF / JIRAM.

“Our study shows that the internal properties, including the softness of the vortex base, influence the fluid patterns observed at the surface,” explained Dr. Wang-Ying Kang from MIT.

The research was inspired by stunning images of Jupiter and Saturn obtained from NASA’s Juno and Cassini missions.

Since 2016, Juno has been orbiting Jupiter and revealing astonishing details about its north pole and intricate spiral formations.

The data suggest that each vortex on Jupiter is immense, measuring around 5,000 km (3,000 miles) in diameter.

Meanwhile, Cassini documented Saturn’s iconic polar vortex, which spans a singular hexagonal shape approximately 29,000 km (18,000 miles) wide, before its controlled descent into Saturn’s atmosphere in 2017.

“Despite their similarities in size and primary composition of hydrogen and helium, deciphering the differences in polar vortices between Jupiter and Saturn has been challenging,” noted MIT graduate student Jial Shi.

Researchers aimed to uncover the physical mechanisms behind the formation of either a single vortex or multiple vortices on these distant planets.

To achieve this, they employed a two-dimensional model of surface fluid dynamics.

While polar vortices are inherently three-dimensional, the fast rotation of Jupiter and Saturn leads to uniform motion along their rotational axes, allowing the team to effectively analyze vortex evolution in two dimensions.

“In rapidly rotating systems, fluid motion tends to be uniform along the axis,” Dr. Kang added. “This insight allowed us to convert a 3D challenge into a 2D problem, significantly speeding up simulations and reducing costs.”

With this in mind, researchers created a two-dimensional model of vortex behavior in gas giants, adapting equations that describe the evolution of swirling fluids over time.

“This equation is commonly used in various situations, including modeling cyclones on Earth,” Dr. Kang stated. “We tailored it for the polar regions of Jupiter and Saturn.”

Scientists applied the two-dimensional model to simulate fluid dynamics on gas giants in various scenarios, adjusting parameters such as planetary size, rotational speed, internal heating, and the characteristics of the fluid.

They introduced random “noise” to simulate initial chaotic fluid flow on the planets’ surfaces.

By analyzing how this fluid evolved over time across different scenarios, the researchers found that some conditions led to the formation of a single large polar vortex, akin to Saturn’s structure, while others resulted in multiple smaller vortices, similar to those on Jupiter.

Through careful examination of the parameters affecting each scenario, the study identified a unifying mechanism: the softness of the vortex base constrains the size that vortices can attain.

The softer and lighter the gas at the bottom of the vortex, the smaller the resulting vortex, enabling multiple smaller vortices to exist at Jupiter’s poles. Conversely, a denser and harder base permits the growth of sizable vortices, manifesting as a singular entity like Saturn.

If this mechanism holds for both gas giants, it could suggest that Jupiter has a softer internal composition, while Saturn may contain denser materials.

“The fluid patterns we observe on the surface of Jupiter and Saturn may provide insights into their interior compositions,” Shi remarked.

“This is crucial because Saturn’s interior likely harbors richer metals and more condensable materials, leading to stronger stratification than that found in Jupiter,” Shi added. “This will enhance our understanding of gas giant planets.”

The team’s findings will be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Gial Sea & One In Can. 2026. Polar vortex dynamics of gas giant planets: Insights from 2D energy cascades. PNAS in press.

Source: www.sci.news

Unlocking the Universe: Discovering RELHIC – A New Type of Celestial Object

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have verified the presence of a starless, hydrogen-rich object primarily composed of dark matter. These intriguing entities, referred to as reionization-limited HI clouds (RELHICs), are remnants of the early Universe. They pose challenges to traditional theories of galaxy formation and may indicate undiscovered populations of similar cosmic structures.

This image illustrates the location of RELHIC object Cloud-9. Image credits: NASA / ESA / VLA / Gagandeep Anand, STScI / Alejandro Benitez-Llambay, University of Milan-Bicocca / Joseph DePasquale, STScI.

The RELHIC object, known as Cloud-9, was detected using the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) and its existence was independently verified by the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT).

“This is the narrative of a failed galaxy,” states astronomer Alejandro Benítez Lambay from the University of Milano-Bicocca.

“Scientific advancements often arise from failures rather than successes. In this case, the absence of stars confirms our theoretical framework,” he adds.

“This discovery reveals primordial components of galaxies yet to form within our local universe.”

The core of Cloud-9 consists of neutral hydrogen and spans approximately 4,900 light-years in diameter.

This object is positioned in proximity to the spiral galaxy Messier 94, shares its recession velocity, and is approximately 14.3 million light-years away from Earth.

“Cloud-9 represents a crucial glimpse into the enigmatic dark universe,” remarked Dr. Andrew Fox, an astronomer at ESA’s Association of Universities for Astronomical Research/Space Telescope Science Institute (AURA/STScI).

“Theoretical models suggest that a majority of the universe’s mass is composed of dark matter, which does not emit light, thus making it challenging to detect.”

“Cloud-9 offers a rare opportunity to study clouds dominated by dark matter.”

Astronomers employed Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) to search for bright stellar components within Cloud-9.

The findings discount the presence of dwarf galaxies with detectable stellar masses.

“The lack of observable stars reinforces the interpretation of this system as a RELHIC—a starless dark matter halo filled with hydrostatic gas in thermal equilibrium with the cosmic ultraviolet background,” stated the researchers.

Cloud-9 stands as a prime candidate for a compact HI cloud and offers robust empirical support for the ΛCDM (lambda cold dark matter) model, a leading cosmological framework.

This model predicts the existence of a starless dark matter halo filled with gas on subgalactic mass scales that have yet to form stars.

“The discovery of Cloud-9 also refines the current thresholds for halo mass required for galaxy formation, bringing us closer to understanding why some dark matter halos host galaxies while others remain barren,” concluded the researchers.

For detailed findings, look for the upcoming publication in the Astrophysics Journal Letter.

_____

Gagandeep S. Anand et al. 2025. The first RELHIC? Cloud-9 is a starless gas cloud. APJL 993, L55; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae1584

Source: www.sci.news

Unlocking Quantum Computer Success: The Role of Unique Quantum Nature

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Google’s Willow Quantum Computer

Credit: Google Quantum AI

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.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking Kama Muta: Discover Hidden Emotions and Learn to Feel Them Deeply

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Imagine cradling your newborn baby, deeply gazing into their eyes. You’re at the airport, eagerly awaiting your family’s return from a year-long journey, and suddenly, you spot them approaching. Or perhaps you’re in a packed stadium, witnessing your team lift a long-awaited trophy. Each moment evokes a profound sense of connection, sending chills down your spine and bringing tears to your eyes.

Does this resonate with you? Although you might not know it yet, you’re experiencing an emotion referred to as “kama muta.” This phenomenon is gaining traction in psychological circles for its critical role in our relationships with family, friends, and community. By actively seeking to evoke this feeling, you can enhance your life’s purpose and strengthen your social bonds.

This article is part of a series on simple changes to boost your health in the new year.
Read the complete series here.

The term kama muta emerged from research initiatives starting in 2012 by Alan Fisk, an anthropologist, with contributions from colleagues at UCLA and the University of Oslo. They began exploring why happy ending scenes in movies bring us to tears. Prior to this, emotional research mostly focused on tears as indicators of sadness.

Initial discussions evolved into formal research involving extensive interviews and surveys about strong emotional responses to positive events. They identified common descriptors such as “being moved,” “stirred,” and “uplifted,” often accompanied by physical sensations like watery eyes, goosebumps, and warmth in the chest. Most importantly, this emotion appeared linked to the enhancement of social relationships.

And it’s not exclusive to happy situations; it can arise in diverse scenarios, including parental care, reunions, and even Alcoholics Anonymous meetings where individuals experience a powerful sense of acceptance.

“Instead of feeling isolated or ashamed of your past, you realize your challenges connect you to others,” says Fisk.

This emotional response can also manifest during religious practices such as prayer, conveying a connection to the divine. Additionally, communal events like sports victories often evoke profound feelings of pride and admiration for teams that have faced adversity.

Live music inspires emotional connections

Andrew Chin/Getty Images

Despite the richness of the English language, we lack a term that encompasses these impactful experiences. Thus, we often overlook the emotional parallels across various situations. “Our premise is straightforward,” Fisk asserts. “These experiences share a common feeling.”

To describe this, the researchers adopted sanskrit‘s term Kama Muta, which translates to “moved by love.” Fisk notes, “The Sanskrit expressions have a poetic quality.”

Fisk explains it as “love igniting,” suggesting it may have evolved to deepen our care for those closest to us. In ancient times, shared bonds were vital for survival, and emotions fostering these ties significantly benefited our ancestors. Today, social connections are equally crucial for human health. Emotions like kama muta may help broaden our perspectives on life, thereby enhancing overall well-being.

Discovering Kama Muta

Thanks to our innate empathic abilities, we can experience kama muta by viewing emotional videos, transcending cultural boundaries. For instance, Fisk’s studies revealed that participants from diverse backgrounds reacted similarly to videos depicting profound connections.

Such experiments indicate that experiencing kama muta can significantly inspire you to cultivate and maintain relationships. After feeling this emotion, subjects expressed greater commitment to their relationships and a heightened desire to connect intimately with others.

Concerts often provoke kama muta due to music’s beauty and strength of unity it fosters among strangers; experiences like Taylor Swift sharing friendship bracelets with fans exemplify this unique bond.

People who exhibit higher levels of empathy may be more susceptible to kama muta. However, anyone can learn to nurture this emotion by actively listening to those around them.

“When individuals feel truly heard, they tend to feel more connected to the listener,” suggests Kenneth Demaree, a psychologist based in New York. He believes that this connection leads to deeper self-disclosure and greater emotional revelations.

Additionally, many secret pathways exist for experiencing kama muta, even in solitude. Whether through reading or watching love stories, you can evoke such feelings, with watching cute animal videos striking a chord often.

Cultivating your emotional experiences changes your perception, shifting from suppression to appreciation. “You may think it’s a disaster to feel emotional,” shares Fisk, “but by understanding that everyone goes through these feelings, you’re more inclined to embrace them.”

Like any emotion, kama muta consists of various components, including physical sensations, mental interpretations, and motivations to act. Researchers have developed a
kama muta multiplex scale to measure your experience. Explore our research-driven quizzes to evaluate your feelings while watching a kitten video—just one example. Or view heartfelt images of loved ones or engage in meaningful discussions with friends. Then rate your experience by how closely these statements resonate with you, on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 6 (very often).

Section 1

Have you experienced it?

Moist eyes
Tears
Goosebumps or hair standing on end
Chills or shivers
Warm sensation in the middle of your chest
Feeling of warmth in the chest area
Feeling breathless
Lump in throat
Difficulty articulating
Smiling
Feeling buoyant and light
Feeling refreshed, energized, and uplifted

Section 2

Did you feel it?

Incredible bond
A profound sense of intimacy
A unique love that rises
A special feeling of being welcomed or embraced

Section 3

Did you feel it?

Urge to express care for someone
Desire to hug someone
Impulse to do something special for someone
Increased commitment to the relationship

Section 4

How did you feel overall about the experience?

It was heartwarming
It left a lasting impression
It touched me deeply

While there are no absolute indicators to determine if you felt kama muta or not, researchers affirm that the higher your aggregate scores across these sections, the more intense your kama muta experience is likely to be.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Is This New Book the Key to Unlocking Neuroscience’s Toughest Challenges?

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring Complex Neurological Effects of Drinking Water

Book Review: Neural Mind: How the Brain Thinks

This is a comprehensive two-part review of an intriguing book. The first part delves into the concepts presented in Neural Mind: How the Brain Thinks, while the second part shares my impressions post-reading.

Understanding Neuroscience’s Fundamental Questions

This book confronts a major inquiry in neuroscience: how do neurons facilitate the vast range of human thoughts—from executing motor actions to articulating sentences and contemplating philosophy?

Distinct Perspectives from the Authors

The authors, George Lakoff and Srini Narayanan, offer unique viewpoints. Lakoff, a retired linguist and cognitive scientist from the University of California, Berkeley, has extensively studied metaphor’s role in human cognition. Narayanan, a senior research director at Google DeepMind in Zurich, focuses on how AI learns languages.

Central Thesis: Interconnectedness of Brain Functions

The central premise of Neural Mind is that the brain employs similar processes for motor functions, language acquisition, and abstract thinking. Lakoff and Narayanan suggest that evolution repurposed existing neural circuits for various types of thinking, revealing profound similarities beneath apparent differences.

Learning Concepts Without Language

This notion becomes clearer when examining how infants and non-verbal animals comprehend basic concepts. Despite individual experiences varying, they universally grasp ideas like up and down, motion and rest, force and resistance—essential for brain representation.

Metaphors Shape Our Understanding

In works like Metaphors We Live By, co-authored with Mark Johnson, Lakoff posits that these foundational concepts underpin the metaphors we use. For instance, emotions are often expressed in physical terms, equating happiness with “up” and sadness with “down.” This metaphorical framework explains why we describe communication as a “conveying” process.

Physical Metaphors and Abstract Thinking

A simplistic interpretation suggests that physical metaphors assist in comprehending complex ideas. However, Lakoff and Narayanan argue that these metaphors are the essence of our thought processes. Given the brain’s evolutionary timeline, early neural circuits initially designed for motor control have adapted for advanced language and thought processing.

The Complexity of Simple Actions

Consider the action of drinking a glass of water—a simple task involving multiple stages. From reaching for the glass to sipping water, each phase requires intricate neural coordination. This complexity is mirrored in our language structure, where simple actions and tenses are systematically categorized.

Metaphors and Creative Thinking

Physical metaphors also influence abstract thoughts. For instance, relationships can be described as “separated,” while state failure might be “collapsing.” While clinging to a single metaphor can constrict thinking, embracing new metaphors fosters creativity and innovation.

Future Research and Challenges

Testing these theories is challenging. Lakoff and Narayanan propose models of the brain’s circuit architecture, yet we lack a complete neuron-level map of the human brain. It may take years before their hypotheses can be rigorously validated.

Final Thoughts on Neural Mind

Despite its complexities, Lakoff and Narayanan present compelling arguments worth considering. However, the readability of Neural Mind is debatable, with its repetitive structure and disjointed thoughts making it a demanding read. Important ideas sometimes feel rushed, and the prolonged sentences can be overwhelming. Ultimately, while the book is insightful, it may be better to explore summaries rather than tackle the original text directly.

— Michael Marshall, Writer based in Devon, England

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking Secrets of Dark DNA: Insights from Human-Plant Hybrid Cells

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Groundbreaking Discovery: Plant and Human DNA Interaction

Image Credit: S Saraus/Shutterstock

How crucial is our genome? While some researchers argue that most of our DNA is active and thus essential, others suggest that even random DNA could show high activity levels. Current studies focus on human cells that incorporate substantial segments of plant DNA, shedding light on this topic. According to New Scientist, the largely random plant DNA exhibits nearly equal activity to human DNA.

This research indicates that much genomic activity may lack purpose, further supporting the theory that a significant portion of the human genome is ‘junk DNA.’

“Most activity can be attributed to background noise,” says Brett Aidy, a researcher at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. “This aligns with the concept of junk DNA.”

The primary role of DNA is to encode instructions for protein synthesis, which are essential molecular machines responsible for cellular functions. This genetic blueprint is transcribed into messenger RNA, which transports the instructions to ribosomes, the cellular machinery for protein production.

Previously, it was assumed that nearly all DNA was involved in coding proteins, but now we understand that just 1.2% of the human genome directly encodes proteins. What, then, is the destiny of the remaining DNA?

Since the 1960s, biologists have claimed that much of it is unproductive. While it’s true that some non-coding DNA plays vital roles, ongoing discoveries of functional elements won’t redefine the overarching notion that non-coding DNA is largely inert.

For instance, a 2011 study revealed that: only about 5% of the genome is evolutionarily conserved. Evolution appears indifferent to the rest. Proponents of the junk DNA theory highlight the variability in genome sizes among species. Why, for example, does an onion require five times more DNA than a human? Additionally, why do lungfish possess genomes that are thirty times larger?

In contrast, other scientists explore whether human DNA has functional roles, even if converted RNA lacks known applications. The ENCODE project’s 2012 findings suggest that over 80% of the human genome is active in some form. This raised questions about its classification as junk DNA. Some researchers have coined the term “dark DNA” for non-coding regions whose purpose remains unclear.

In reaction to ENCODE’s claims, in 2013, Sean Eddy from Harvard University proposed a controversial random genome project, hypothesizing that injecting synthetic random DNA into human cells would yield similar activity as noted in ENCODE’s findings.

“If this holds true, the results will call into question the interpretation of activity as indicative of functionality,” he posits. Austin Ganley, also from Auckland University, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for baseline comparisons in the research of functional versus non-functional DNA.

However, synthesizing DNA is resource-intensive. So far, only limited attempts at random genome projects have focused on small DNA segments.

Yet, when Adey and Ganley discovered that Japanese researchers had successfully created human-plant hybrid cells with DNA segments from Thale cress (Arabidopsis), they recognized it as potentially the most extensive random genome experiment to date.

Eddy, though not directly involved, acknowledges the significance. Plants and animals diverged from a common ancestor over 1.6 billion years ago, allowing time for random mutations to accumulate within non-coding DNA segments of Arabidopsis.

Following initial validations that plant DNA behaves as random DNA in human cells, Adey and Ganley assessed DNA-to-RNA conversion rates per 1000 base pairs of non-coding DNA. If DNA to RNA conversion implies functionality, plant DNA should minimal undergo this transformation. Surprisingly, they observed slightly less activity—about 80% of the starting sites per kilobase when compared to human non-coding DNA from Arabidopsis.

This strongly indicates that the genomic activity detected by ENCODE is merely background noise.

“This illustrates the inherent noise in biological systems,” comments Chris Ponting from the University of Edinburgh, UK. “This sequence’s biochemical activity holds no function within human cells.”

“Sophisticated investigations like this were essential,” asserts Dan Graul from the University of Houston, Texas. “This adds experimental evidence confirming the long-held belief that a majority of the human genome is unnecessary. The term ‘dark DNA’ is simply a fantasy created by those envious of physics.”

Although imperfect biological systems produce noise, this noise can lead to beneficial variations that natural selection may target, notes Ganley.

The research team remains puzzled about a 25% increase in human DNA activity. “We still need to investigate the cause behind this finding,” Ganley states.

While some additional RNA generated might serve functional purposes, this does not diminish the overall perspective of junk DNA. Ongoing research is employing machine learning techniques to identify potentially meaningful activities amidst the noise.

The research team intends to publish their outcomes, though they have yet to complete their findings.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking Net Zero: UK Battery Companies Driving Change in the Energy Sector

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

tIt may conjure images of battery production lines and the extensive “gigafactory” projects of Elon Musk and Tesla across the globe, or thoughts of batteries powering everything from electric toothbrushes to smartphones and vehicles. However, at Invinity Energy Systems’ modest factory in Basgate, near Edinburgh, employees are nurturing the hope that Britain will also contribute to the battery revolution.

These batteries, which are based on vanadium

tIt may conjure thoughts of battery production lines and the expansive “gigafactory” projects of Elon Musk and Tesla worldwide, or images of batteries powering devices from electric toothbrushes to smartphones and cars. However, at Invinity Energy Systems’ modest factory in Basgate, near Edinburgh, employees are fostering hope that Britain will also play a pivotal role in the battery revolution.

These batteries, utilizing vanadium ions, can be housed within a 6-meter (20-foot), 25-ton shipping container. While they may not be used in vehicles, manufacturers aspire for this technology to find its place in the global storage rush, propelling a transition to net-zero carbon grids.

Renewable electricity represents the future of a cleaner and more economical energy system compared to fossil fuels. Its primary challenge lies in the fact that renewable energy generation is contingent on weather conditions—sunshine and wind may not be available when energy demand peaks. Battery storage allows for the shift of energy production, enabling it to be saved for later use, which is essential for a well-functioning electric grid.

“What has suddenly become apparent is that people have recognized the necessity of energy storage to integrate more renewable energy into the grid,” stated Jonathan Mullen, CEO of Invinity, at the factory where a series of batteries are stacked and shipped.

For a long time, experts have explored various methods for storing renewable electricity, but the issue of grid reliability gained political attention in April when Spain and Portugal experienced the largest blackouts in Europe in two decades. While some rushed to criticize renewable energy, a Spanish government report clarified that it was not the cause. Nonetheless, battery storage assists grids worldwide in avoiding similar complications as those seen in the Iberian Peninsula.

Power blackouts in Spain and Portugal in April highlighted the issues of energy security. Photo: Fermín Rodríguez/Nurphoto/Rex/Shutterstock

Much of the attention in battery research has focused on maximizing energy storage in the smallest and lightest containers suitable for electric vehicles. This development was crucial for the transition away from carbon-intensive gasoline and diesel, which are significant contributors to global warming. It also led to substantial reductions in the costs associated with lithium-ion batteries.

As with many aspects of the shift from fossil fuels to electric technologies, China is driving demand at an incredible scale. According to data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, China has installed batteries with a capacity of 215 gigawatt hours (GWh).

China’s battery installations are expected to nearly quadruple by the end of 2027 as new projects are completed. For instance, the state-owned China Energy Engineering Corporation recently bid on a 25GWh battery project utilizing lithium iron phosphate technology, typically used in more affordable vehicles.

Global battery storage capacity by country

Iola Hughes, research director at a Benchmark subsidiary, Rho Motion, stated that declining prices and increased adoption of renewable energy are propelling the rise in demand. By 2027, total global battery storage installations could increase fivefold, Hughes noted, adding, “This figure could rise even further as technological advancements and reduced costs enable developers to construct battery energy storage systems at an unprecedented pace.”

The majority of this growth (95% of current figures) will involve projects utilizing lithium-ion batteries, including a site in Aberdeenshire managed by UK-based Zenobē Energy, which claims to have “the largest battery in Europe.”

Energy storage companies harnessing various technologies must navigate a challenging landscape to secure early-stage funding while proving that their technologies are economically viable. Invinity’s flow batteries use vanadium, while U.S.-based rival EOS Energy employs zinc. However, flow batteries often excel in applications requiring storage durations of over 6-8 hours, where lithium batteries typically fall short.

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Cara King, an R&D scientist at Invinity Energy Systems, holds a vial of vanadium electrolyte in various states of charge. Photo: Murdo Macleod/The Guardian

Flow batteries leverage the unique properties of certain metals that can stably exist with varying electron counts. One transport unit contains two tanks of vanadium ions, each with different electron counts—one is “Royal Purple” and the other “IRN-Bru Red.” The system pumps the vanadium solution through a membrane stack that allows protons to pass, while electrons travel around the circuit to provide power. If electrons are driven in the opposite direction by solar panels or wind turbines, the process reverses, charging the battery, which can support a charge of up to 300 kilowatts.

A significant benefit of flow batteries is their relative ease of manufacturing compared to lithium-ion counterparts. Invinity managed to assemble a battery stack with just 90 employees, primarily sourced from Scottish parts.

Throughout the project’s lifespan, Mullen has maintained that “on a cost-per-cycle basis, it offers more value than lithium.” While the upfront costs are higher than those for lithium batteries—Invinity estimates around £100,000 per container—the longer lifespan without capacity loss and the absence of flammability means no costly fire safety equipment is necessary. The shipping container is already deployed next to Vibrant Motivation in Bristol, Oxford Auto Chargers, casinos in California, and solar parks in South Australia.

“We can commission the entire site within a few days,” Mullen remarked.

Invinity is valued at just over £90 million in the London AIM junior stock market and aspires for the UK to spearhead the flow battery niche.

UK manufacturing could be favorably considered in government contests for support under a “cap and floor” scheme that ensures electricity prices remain within a specified range. Should they succeed, the company anticipates a substantial increase in production from its current rate of five containers per week. Mullen envisions the possibility of employing up to 1,000 workers if the company flourishes.

“The potential for growth is immense,” Mullen stated. “Have we moved past the question of whether technology can scale effectively?”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unlocking Emotions: Uncovering Hidden Indicators of Brain Aging

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

As we age, it’s common to perceive others as more content, as revealed by a recent study.

Researchers have discovered that older adults often exhibit a “positive bias” in interpreting facial expressions. This suggests they are more inclined to classify neutral or negative faces as happy rather than sad or angry.

“This indicates they tend to interpret vague or ambiguous expressions as ‘happy’ instead of ‘sad’ or ‘angry,'” noted Dr. Noham Wolpe in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “Crucially, this bias correlates with subtle cognitive decline and alterations in the specific brain circuits responsible for emotional processing and decision-making.”

Using data from over 600 adults, the research team examined this phenomenon through emotion recognition tasks along with brain imaging techniques.

They found structural variations in the hippocampus and amygdala—key regions for memory and emotion—and changes in connectivity with the orbitofrontal cortex, which plays a role in weighing emotional information and guiding decisions.

“These regions form crucial networks that aid in interpreting emotional signals and informing decisions,” Wolpe explained, highlighting how the relationship between the orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala strengthens in adults facing cognitive decline.

“This enhancement may lead them to perceive ambiguous or neutral emotional signals as positive, a phenomenon known as positive bias,” he remarked, noting that the reason behind this increased connectivity associated with cognitive decline is still unknown.

Researchers remain uncertain why the interamygdala connectivity and orbitofrontal cortex, highlighted in red, strengthen in individuals with cognitive decline – Trust: Getty

Although this research is in its nascent stages, its implications are significant. Positive biases might one day serve as early indicators of dementia, as changes in emotional processing frequently precede memory impairment.

“While emotion recognition tests are not yet ready to replace current cognitive assessments, in the future they could be combined with standard screening methods to enhance early detection,” Wolpe stated.

Wolpe and his team are already investigating innovative approaches, such as immersive virtual reality tasks, to better understand how people instinctively respond to emotional signals.

The next objective is to determine if this positive bias can actually forecast cognitive decline. The team has recently concluded a follow-up evaluation of participants in the Cambridge Aging and Neuroscience Research, approximately 12 years after the original assessments. Participant data is also being linked to GP records to monitor dementia diagnoses.

“A crucial takeaway,” Wolpe mentioned, “is that subtle biases in how we perceive others’ expressions can signal early brain changes, long before the typical signs of dementia manifest.”

“Grasping these connections could pave the way for quicker detection and ultimately more effective interventions.”

read more:

About our experts

Noham Wolpe is a senior lecturer at the Sagol School of Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University. His research focuses on understanding the interplay between cognition, mental health, and behavior, both in health and disease.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking Rich Chocolate Flavors: The Role of Cocoa Bean Microbiota

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Chocolate is produced through the fermentation of cocoa beans sourced from cacao tree fruits.

Mimi Chu Leon

With the identification of fungi and bacteria that generate fruity caramel notes from cocoa beans, we were able to immediately experience a novel type of chocolate.

Typically, chocolate is crafted through the fermentation of cocoa beans extracted from the fruits of cocoa trees, followed by drying, roasting, and grinding them into a paste that is divided into cocoa butter and cocoa solids, mixed in varying ratios with different ingredients to create dark, milk, or white chocolate.

Throughout the fermentation process, surrounding microorganisms break down the cocoa fruit and create various compounds that enhance the chocolate’s flavor. This often results in a rich, earthy taste, according to David Salt from the University of Nottingham, UK. However, finely crafted chocolate can also exhibit fruity characteristics, which are frequently found in products from artisanal chocolate makers.

To investigate which microorganisms are responsible for these flavors, Salt and his team gathered samples of fermented beans from a cocoa farm in Colombia. By analyzing the genetic information within the samples, they discovered five types of bacteria and four fungi consistently present in batches of beans known for their exceptional flavor.

The researchers then introduced sterile cocoa beans to various microorganisms, fermented them with nine different microbial agents, and subsequently processed the beans into a liquid referred to as cocoa liquor. A panel of chocolate flavor experts assessed this liquor and noted the presence of fruity notes absent in samples made from beans without these microorganisms. “The infusion of these microorganisms imparted citrus, berry, floral, tropical, and caramel flavors,” says Salt.

The research indicates that incorporating these microorganisms into the fermentation blend may help cocoa growers enhance the flavor profile of their cocoa, leading to increased profits from their beans.

“We don’t necessarily need to introduce all nine microorganisms. There’s likely a practical approach to influence the microbiota favorably. For instance, we can confirm that specific fungi are naturally present outside of the cocoa pod,” he notes.

However, the group of microorganisms responsible for superior flavors may vary based on distinct cocoa farms, especially where environmental conditions differ. Further investigation is warranted, Salt advises.

Nonetheless, the study highlights that specific microorganisms can significantly amplify chocolate flavor, a finding that may also apply to varieties created from lab-grown cocoa, says Salt. Moreover, introducing a new microbial mix could even yield an entirely new type of chocolate.

topic:

Microbiology/
Food and drink

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking the Mysteries of Earth’s Extraordinary Deep Biosphere: Our Next Great Frontier

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Microbial life thrives in this thermal vent in the Pacific Ocean

Galih/Alamy

Within the Earth
Karen G. Lloyd (Princeton University Press)

While many shelves are filled with titles about forests, oceans, and deserts, the deep biosphere, an important and intriguing habitat beneath our feet, is often overlooked. Despite a few notable exceptions, literature on ecosystems ranging from the Amazon to Antarctica largely ignores this underground world.

Not anymore. Within the Earth: Discover the Strangest Life on Earth by Karen G. Lloyd serves as a crucial field guide to the underground life we’ve started to uncover. “In fact, we have yet to find the limits of where life ceases to exist,” she states.

The general unawareness of the deep biosphere’s existence reflects our surface-centric worldview. However, Lloyd, a microbial biogeochemist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, argues that learning about this life can profoundly change our understanding of existence itself.

She defines the deep biosphere as areas below the seafloor or beneath land where life thrives without sunlight, the primary energy source for most surface organisms. These environments encompass a variety of metabolic processes, from methane production arising from decomposed plants beneath a few centimeters of marsh mud to chemical processes with microbes three kilometers underground.

Discussing these microorganisms, she notes, “It’s as if there are millions of small, low-energy suns scattered throughout the Earth’s crust, each supporting its own underground ecosystem.”

How much life is present? It’s difficult to say. However, Lloyd contends that all estimates are likely underestimated. One claim suggests that marine sediments alone could hold 2.9 x 10²⁹ cells, potentially twice as many as those in continental fractures and pores, presenting astonishing figures.

Advances in genetic sequencing and field research are illuminating these rich ecosystems. Lloyd helps researchers differentiate between microbial species and deduce metabolic functions through DNA alone. This is especially helpful since many deep-dwelling bacteria and archaea have proven impossible to cultivate in surface laboratories.

It’s like a movie. Be careful not to slip on the volcanic glass shards. Don’t fall into the acid lake!

The fieldwork section discusses how scientists obtain new DNA samples—whether from hydrothermal vents, excavated continental rocks, or dripping water in deep mines. “To understand limits, one sometimes must become the explorer,” Lloyd notes.

Through engaging prose, she recounts her adventures tracking microorganisms from the high deserts of the Andes to the perilous peaks of Costa Rican volcanoes. These stories resemble scenes from action films—caution is essential to avoid slipping on volcanic glass fragments or falling into acid lakes!

Fortunately, this book transcends a mere expedition narrative. It features an extensive and approachable explanation of the chemistry that enables a deep biosphere. Although the equations involved can be complex, Lloyd adeptly guides readers to grasp the chemical frameworks that support these creatures living on the “edge of energy.”

To facilitate this challenging learning curve, she draws parallels between surface ecosystems and our dietary habits to illuminate the underground world. For instance, bacteria that metabolize sulfides are likened to “couch potatoes,” competing with methane-producing “freeloaders” by preserving hydrogen, a universal nutrient—a dramatic ecological narrative reminiscent of the Serengeti. Sulfate-reducing agents in Svalbard’s fjords “have access to a permanently stocked refrigerator.” Engaging and thrilling, her exploration of biogeochemistry is no small feat.

However, the highlight of Lloyd’s book is her assertion that certain forms of deep life may possess a sluggish metabolism, allowing individuals to survive for thousands, or even millions of years. These “eonophiles” (once confirmed to have extraordinarily long life spans) “redefine our preconceived notions about the nature of life,” she asserts. Truly, these lifestyles are alien, and how fortunate we are to uncover more about them right here on Earth!

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Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Science of Friendship: Unlocking Ways to Enhance Your Life

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Building strong friendships may seem like a natural process—finding joy in each other’s presence, sharing laughter, and bonding over common interests. However, the unspoken dynamics of different types of friendships can often be complex. Recent research has shed light on the significance of these relationships in our overall happiness. Yet, there are strategies for nurturing meaningful connections.

This article is a part of our special series that explores how experts view some of the most intriguing concepts in science. Click here for additional information.

Jeffrey Hall, Director of the Relationships and Technology Labs at the University of Kansas, is among the researchers examining ways to cultivate friendships. He suggests viewing friendships as a spectrum—from mere acquaintances to our closest confidants who remain by our side.

“The fundamental requirement is mutual liking and a communication frequency that allows the relationship to develop,” he states. “Trust and a sense of safety in sharing secrets are expected, along with prioritizing each other above others.”

Time invested in a friendship is crucial, as highlighted by Hall’s research. In a series of studies, he had participants recently relocated to a new city map out their social lives. He found that individuals must spend about 57-164 hours with someone before they are deemed “friends,” while developing “good” or “best” friendships typically requires around 200 hours together.

The quality of time spent together is also vital. “Engaging in daily activities—eating, drinking, playing, exploring—helps cement these bonds because we want to share those moments with them,” says Hall, co-author of the upcoming book Social Biome, which delves into these themes. Conversely, being compelled to interact through work or study does little to foster genuine friendships.

It’s common to find ourselves gravitating toward individuals who share common traits. Over the last decade, anthropologist Robin Dunbar from Oxford University identified seven key attributes in “pillars of friendship.” These pillars represent deep connections stemming from shared language, culture, education, career experiences, interests, worldviews, humor, and musical tastes.

He notes that we may share only one or two of these pillars with around 150 people we identify as friends, while only five close companions and about six to seven truly good friends exist in our lives, as mentioned in his book Friends: Understanding the Influence of Our Most Important Relationships.

Interestingly, friends may even share similar brain activity patterns. In a 2018 study, Carolyn Parkinson at UCLA had students watch a series of videos in an fMRI scanner. The results showed that she could predict friendships based on similarities in their brain responses to the clips, indicating that closer friends often have synchronized neural activity.

As discussed in my book, Connection Law, Parkinson’s research explores the concept of shared reality. This idea suggests that having a mutual perspective on the world enhances relationships. “These individuals focus on similar aspects of life and share similar emotional responses to their experiences,” she notes.

Can these connections exist digitally? Hall believes they can. “Communicating via phone or video with loved ones is likely just as beneficial as in-person interactions,” he asserts. “Creating regular opportunities for digital communication can help maintain and enrich these relationships.”

Explore more articles in this series by following the links below:

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking Enthrallment: 6 Fascinating Insights from Science

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Absolutely, you possess beauty in every form. It shines through in your attractiveness, charm, intelligence, grace, and charisma (at least when you’re not in the midst of a nose-picking session).

However, there may be times when you don’t feel wonderful. For those trapped in that “ugly duckling” phase, numerous trends and products—from skin-taping to turmeric gargling—might seem to provide a way forward. Regrettably, many of these beauty hacks lack substantial evidence to support them.

So, what actually enhances your allure? And which myths should we ignore? Here’s what scientific research reveals: and spoiler alert—it fundamentally revolves around not being a jerk.

1. Charm is Truly Relative

The science behind charm is a bit complex. It’s become trendy for certain “podcast men” to either misuse or twist “scientific facts” regarding what people consider attractive.

Yet, beneath the chatter, there is an established scientific discipline that investigates appeal—delving into the characteristics that psychologists deem attractive to romantic and sexual partners.

Dr. Ed Morrison, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Portsmouth, elucidates that many charming traits often mirror a person’s underlying biology. “That’s evolution,” he notes. “When selecting your peers, you assess their biological markers: hormones, health, and genes.”

However, it’s essential to highlight that charm isn’t always that straightforward. As Dr. Veronica Lamart, a senior lecturer in psychology at Essex University, points out, isolating biology from culture can be challenging.

“Attractiveness is a somewhat subjective experience,” she shares. “At any given moment, certain physical traits deemed attractive might simply reflect advantageous characteristics or indicate social desirability.”

Across culture and history, concepts of beauty have varied widely, ranging from traditional Chinese foot binding and Japanese blackened teeth to the elongated skulls appreciated by ancient Mayans, along with practices among certain Tajikistani women emphasizing integration. Although these customs may seem foreign to outsiders, they represent culturally specific ideals of beauty and identity.

To sum up, beauty is not universal, objective, or static. It is profoundly shaped by culture—and some individuals may find themselves attractive while others are left bewildered.

Nonetheless, countless studies, primarily targeting white heterosexual individuals in Europe and North America, have attempted to uncover what traits people generally find appealing. The findings may come as a surprise to many…

2. You’re More Attractive on a Roller Coaster

Riding roller coasters can enhance attractiveness as adrenaline tricks the brain, misinterpreting fear as romantic attraction—Credit: Skynesher via Getty

There’s an abundance of tips for creating the ideal date, but Lamarch argues that incorporating healthy elements of fear and danger can amplify your emotions.

“Classic research was conducted on unstable bridges,” states Lamarche—research from 1974. “On unstable bridges, individuals rated others as more attractive due to the misattribution of fear stemming from their precarious situation.”

This phenomenon is termed the “misattribution of arousal” theory. Thus, LaMarch advises taking your date to an amusement park or watching a horror film (but maybe not both).

3. Attraction Isn’t About Income

The so-called “Manosphere” often perpetuates the idea that women are gold diggers, solely valuing men for their financial assets. However, Lamarche contends that much of the research leading to this conclusion is outdated and mirrors the patriarchal norms of its time.

“Fifty or sixty years ago, seeking someone who could provide financially meant something entirely different,” she explains. “In that era, when physical safety and happiness were at stake, it wasn’t as shallow as it may appear.”

In today’s context, there’s no compelling evidence that wealth is inherently attractive. Your efforts would likely be better invested elsewhere.

Money may be nice, but it doesn’t mean others will find you attractive. – Credit: westend61 via Getty

4. Vegetables Can Make You Shine

Though it may seem peculiar, consuming orange-hued vegetables can indeed enhance one’s appearance, as studies have demonstrated that specific plant pigments can improve skin quality.

Carotenoids—antioxidants found in yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, mangoes, and oranges—are key players here.

A researcher at St. Andrews University has discovered that increasing the intake of these foods can lead to a healthier glow in skin tone.

“When you observe someone’s skin, you’re essentially gauging their underlying health,” Morrison states. The study involved manipulating skin tone in photographs and asking individuals to rate the attractiveness of each image.

“In all instances, softening the skin tone tended to enhance appeal.”

You are what you consume, and if you indulge in plenty of orange vegetables, expect a hint of that vibrant hue to emerge. – Credit: Science Photo Library via Getty

5. Physical Appearance Matters Less Than You Think (Especially for Men)

Regardless of what Jim’s brother might insist, physical appearance isn’t the sole determinant of charm, especially concerning heterosexual men, as noted by Morrison.

Conversely, women tend to prioritize personality traits over mere physical attraction.

Lamarche notes, “People aren’t simply focused on who looks the hottest,” emphasizing that they often pursue those they view as most physically appealing.

6. Be a Good Person

All the most crucial captivating traits that both Lamarch and Morrison identify as universally appealing are interestingly simple.

Cross-culturally, individuals value kindness, dependability, intelligence, and honesty, while traits like aggression are generally viewed as unattractive.

Also, honor those close to you. According to the principle of proximity, “We tend to be more drawn to people who are in close proximity to us,” says LaMarch.

Morrison adds:

“The primary factor you can modify is how you present yourself. If your goal is to become appealing, cultivating an attractive, engaging, and interesting persona is likely the best approach.”

Read more:

About Our Experts

Dr. Ed Morrison serves as a senior lecturer and doctoral supervisor at the University of Portsmouth. As a member of the Center for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, he focuses on evolutionary models of behavior. Morrison’s research interests lie within the realm of human partnership initiation, particularly regarding movement and facial attractiveness.

Dr. Veronica Lamart is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Essex. She completed her PhD in Working Psychology at the University of Buffalo, New York, in 2017. Lamart’s research involves understanding how individuals manage trust and dependence in romantic engagements, as well as how feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability impact relationship stability.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking Your Creativity: Insights from Your Memory

Posted on May 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

While creative thinking may seem entirely novel, recent studies indicate that our imagination is intricately linked to memory more than we realize.

The latest research reveals that individuals who can recall small, seemingly trivial details excel in generating creative ideas.

“This indicates that creative thinkers perceive and interpret the world in a unique way,” stated Dr. Felix Chan, an assistant professor at the University of Birmingham. BBC Science Focus. Chan was not part of this study.

“They might follow the same narrative, but they retain elements that most people overlook as insignificant.”

In this investigation, 220 participants listened to one of four audio narratives, which varied from Hitchcock’s thrillers to true crime, romance, and fantasy. Throughout the listening process, researchers monitored participants’ brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Afterwards, participants were prompted to recall the story and devise their own alternative endings. These creative outcomes were evaluated by four independent judges trained in storytelling.

Ultimately, researchers found that certain participants (those who remembered details not central to the plot) received higher ratings for their original, imaginative story endings.

Brain scans supported these findings. Specifically, creative thinkers exhibited distinctive activity in the emotionally engaged region of the brain (the anterior cingulate cortex), along with robust and sustained activity in the hippocampus, the brain’s center for memory, particularly during the less pivotal segments of the story.

This suggests that creativity may stem from reconfiguring memories, implying that new ideas are often built upon previous recollections.

“This is an exceptionally creative exploration of creativity,” Chan concluded. “Researchers aimed to uncover how our brains are capable of producing original thoughts. Essentially, what elements in our brains fuel our imagination.”

Read more:

About our experts

Dr. Felix Chan is a neuroscientist specializing in training to comprehend brain activity and function. His expertise lies in understanding what energizes our brains and how this translates into cognitive activity. He figuratively understands “food for thought.” Currently, he serves as an associate professor of pharmacology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Pharmacy, University of Birmingham.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking the Importance of Chronotype in Determining Your Ideal Sleep Duration

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Would I feel better if I got some more sleep? Maybe – but that's not guaranteed. We know how much sleep the average person needs, but the amount varies widely. Let's start with the basics to better understand how many hours you need and when and how to get them.

This article is part of a special series exploring important questions about sleep. Click here for details.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a typical adult needs between 7 and 9 hours Newborns sleep between 14 and 17 hours, but this gradually decreases throughout childhood. What teenagers need is 9 hours a night People over 65 tend to need about 7 to 8 hours. Sex can also be a factor. “There are some studies that show that women need about 20 minutes more on average than men.” Veena Kumari at Brunel University, London. And there is evidence that humans, like many animals, are also prone to: Sleep a little longer during the wintertoo.

Of course there are exceptions. A rare genetic trait called familial spontaneous short sleep causes people to habitually go to bed late and wake up early, growing up in as little as four to six hours. “We don't know how widespread this is,” he says liza ashbrook At the University of California, San Francisco, many genetic mutations is involved in the trait, but “it's in the minority.”

Most of us aren't so lucky, but the occasional disturbed or shortened night doesn't really matter. “We can more or less get through the night without sleep…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unlocking the potential of your brain community could hold the key to anti-aging. Here’s why.

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Good neighborhoods are defined by the people who reside there. The presence of a helpful individual can enhance the community, while a negative neighbor can detract from its overall quality. The same concept applies to the brain, as revealed in a recent study indicating that brain cells behave like communities. Some cells contribute to a nurturing environment, promoting health and resilience in adjacent cells, while others spread stress and damage like bad neighbors.

Throughout one’s life, the composition of this brain community influences the aging process. Negative relationships can accelerate aging and lead to issues such as memory loss, while a healthy brain community can work collectively to combat aging. Researchers at Stanford University believe that these findings could potentially inform the development of treatments to slow or reverse aging.

Published in the journal Nature, the study identified 17 cells that influence aging positively or negatively. Notably, T cells and neurons were highlighted for their significant impact as bad and good neighbors, respectively. T cells, typically involved in fighting infections, can contribute to inflammation in the brain and hasten aging, while neural stem cells play a vital role in rejuvenation and maintaining a youthful brain.

The researchers conducted gene activity mapping across 2.3 million cells in the mouse brain, constructing a “spatial aging clock” to predict the biological age of individual cells. This innovative approach could lead to new biological discoveries and interventions, such as inhibiting pro-aging factors released by T cells or enhancing the efficacy of neural stem cells.

These findings have implications for understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s and potential strategies to strengthen the brain’s natural repair mechanisms and prevent cognitive decline. The research offers hope for uncovering ways to support brain health and combat aging-related challenges.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking the Mystery of Dinosaur Dominance: Fossilized Poop Holds Clues

Posted on November 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

We now know that dinosaurs were large reptiles that ruled the Earth, but scientists have always been curious about why it took them 30 million years to reach their peak. New research on fossilized poop and vomit may have found the answer – food.

According to the study, carnivorous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus may owe their massive size to their plant-eating ancestors. If these herbivores hadn’t consumed so many plants, researchers suggest that dinosaurs might not have evolved into the colossal creatures we know today.

The fossilized poop and vomit, dated back to about 230 to 200 million years ago, provide insights into the ancient food web. By studying over 500 fossils, scientists identified various prey items from beetles to bones, shedding light on the evolving food chains during the Triassic period.

By combining this information with climate data and other fossils, researchers gained valuable knowledge about the prehistoric environment and the species that coexisted with dinosaurs on Earth.

“Sometimes seemingly ordinary fossils hold extraordinary information that is invaluable,” said study co-author Dr. Martin Kvarnström from Uppsala University in Sweden, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

Co-author Dr. Grzegorz Niedzwicki added, “Understanding the dietary habits of early dinosaurs can offer insights into their success as a group and the importance of predator-prey relationships in shaping Earth’s evolutionary history.”

The study, featured in Nature magazine, analyzed digestive samples from south-central Poland, providing clues about the Late Triassic period and the changes in vegetation during that time.

By employing advanced scanning techniques, researchers were able to visualize intricate details of the fossils, unveiling significant discoveries about the size and distribution of vertebrate populations before the dominance of dinosaurs.

Scientists scanned more than 500 fossils for the study. – Illustration: Qvarnström et al., Nature, 2024

This research model opens up opportunities to explore ancient species in different regions worldwide, emphasizing the importance of analyzing fossilized remains beyond just skeletal findings.

“We aim to highlight the significance of saprolites in reconstructing ancient ecosystems, moving beyond their conventional perception as mere curiosities,” noted Kvarnström.

“While everyone focuses on fossilized skeletons, it is the organic remains that provide crucial insights into the ancient ecological dynamics,” added Niedzwicki.

About our experts:

Dr. Martin Kvarnström, a researcher at Uppsala University, specializes in using fossils to study reptilian diets, particularly dinosaurs.

Dr. Grzegorz Niedzwicki, also a researcher at Uppsala University, focuses on the early evolution of dinosaurs and quadrupeds.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hannah Fry reveals how technology can empower us in health, but cautions that data alone is not the full picture | Unlocking Hannah Fry’s Formula for Life

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Throughout history, there have been many individuals who meticulously monitored their weight, but one of the most intriguing figures is Santorio Santorio. In the 1500s, he devoted his life to tracking his body, weighing everything he consumed and everything he excreted.

For a particular scientific investigation, he created what he called a sanctorian weighing chair – a chair placed next to the dining table on a steel scale that closely monitored one’s weight.

His theory was based on the idea that individuals could maintain their weight by consuming the same amount that their bodies expelled (urine, feces, sweat, or what he referred to as “insensible sweat”). If it detected overeating, the chair would lower, making it impossible to reach the food. This would prevent further consumption until the end of the meal.

Despite being mocked at the time, Santorio’s concept had merit. The notion of a personalized, experimental, and quantitative approach to health is undeniably appealing.

Nearly two centuries later, Benjamin Franklin, inspired by Santorio, meticulously recorded his dietary intake and compiled a list of all 13 of his virtues. He marked them whenever he committed an immoral act, monitoring and quantifying his life in great detail.

In the modern era, individuals have pushed boundaries with technology to track various aspects of their lives. For instance, a Reddit user created a beautiful visualization depicting a baby’s sleep and wake times during the initial months of life.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Take your health tracking to the next level with Galaxy AI
If you want to stay healthy, pairing Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip6 with a Samsung Galaxy wearable is easy. and free samsung health The app allows users to track sleep patterns, heart rate, blood pressure, and calories. This information can be used to manage your health condition. energy score – Daily measurements of your physical and mental energy and readiness with Galaxy AI. Alternatively, you can engage in a calming meditation program on mindfulness and relaxation.

The advancement of wearables has made monitoring our health easier than ever. With technology, we can now effortlessly track various health metrics. AI-powered wearables connected to smartphone apps can monitor sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Having access to objective numbers and data can be reassuring. It can serve as a motivator for achieving our health goals and connecting with communities that prioritize health tracking and accountability. However, it’s essential not to prioritize tracking numbers over happiness and well-being.

When it comes to fitness, remember that numbers are merely proxies for what truly matters. Each individual is unique, and responses to external stimuli vary. While trackers can provide insights into what is “normal” for a person, this data should be used to inform rather than dictate health status. Human bodies are complex and should not be reduced to mere data points.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unlocking the Power of Aura: Aristotle’s Influence on the New Currency of Cool | Life & Style

Posted on July 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

yes
You can track your calories, steps, and even the number of streams on your favorite songs. Now, you can also quantify your awesomeness with Aura Points, which determine your level of attractiveness. (It’s basically charisma, and if you didn’t know that, you just lost 100 Aura points.)

Asking someone out and getting a “yes” results in losing 100 aura points. Using Snapchat after the age of 19 is frowned upon and leads to a deduction of 1,000 aura points. Answering a question confidently in class, even if it’s wrong, puts you in the negative.

According to a TikTok explanation, this trend has caused a 378% spike in posts with the hashtag #aurapoints between May and June. It’s all about exuding a positive, carefree, and confident attitude to earn points and gain entry into the cool-kids club.

The concept of Aura Points is a modern twist on the elusive “it” factor, popularized by stars like Clara Bow and Evelyn Nesbitt, now reimagined for the younger generation. Gain your Aura Points to join the cool club, or risk losing them and facing consequences.

Stories on TikTok illustrate how people earn and lose points. Acting breezy and confident in tough situations earns you points, while staying with a cheating partner results in a deduction that no aura person would accept. Some scenarios are absurd but entertaining.

While Aura Points are mostly light-hearted, some creators use them to symbolize personal growth moments. It can be a way to reflect on important life choices and behaviors that define one’s character positively.

Young TikTok users share anecdotes of their point-earning and losing experiences. The trend aligns with Gen Z’s interest in cosmic belief systems like astrology. It offers a playful yet insightful approach to evaluating personal growth and character development.

Aura Points may seem like a modern TikTok fad, but they draw parallels to ancient virtue ethics from Greek and Roman philosophy. It’s more than just a superficial trend; it encourages self-reflection and moral alignment with personal values.

The concept of Aura Points also relates to moral credit, where positive actions counterbalance potential negative ones. It serves as a gamified system to assess behavior and invite constructive criticism.

Just like Alain de Botton’s notion of “status anxiety,” Aura Points reflect the ongoing concern for how others perceive us and our quest for self-worth. It’s a way for individuals to navigate social evaluation and engage in status transactions.

Understanding the philosophy behind this TikTok trend? Congratulations, you’ve earned 1,000 Aura points!

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unlocking Iceland’s Secret Weapon in the Battle Against Climate Change: The Hidden Carbon Factory

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Is removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere one of the best weapons against climate change? Climeworks, a Swiss company, believes so, as they have recently unveiled the world’s largest direct carbon capture and storage plant.

The new facility, Mammoth, will be located in Hellisheiði, Iceland, and will be nine times larger than Climeworks’ original plant, Orka. Mammoth’s goal is to extract 36,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equivalent to removing approximately 8,600 cars from the road.

Powered by renewable energy, Mammoth captures carbon dioxide from the air and transports it to a facility where it is combined with water and injected deep underground. The carbonated water reacts with porous basalt rocks, transforming them into solid carbonate minerals that securely sequester the carbon underground for thousands of years.

The Mammoth Power Plant aims to have 12 of its 72 heat collection containers installed and fully operational by the end of 2024.

Climeworks co-founders and co-CEOs Christoph Gevaert and Jan Wurzbacher oversee the early stages of construction of the mammoth factory. Photo courtesy of Climeworks

Swiss mechanical engineers and Climeworks founders Christoph Gevaert and Jan Wurzbacher introduced the concept of a direct air capture plant in 2015. Since then, the company has expanded rapidly, with Orka and Mammoth just the beginning of their efforts to reduce atmospheric carbon levels.

Construction of the foundations for the maintenance floor at the Mammoth factory in Hellisheiði, Iceland, December 2022. Photo courtesy of Climeworks

Keeling Curve, a daily measurement from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, shows an atmospheric concentration of CO2 around 427 ppm, well above pre-industrial levels below 300 ppm.

An aerial view of the Mammoth Climeworks carbon capture plant as it nears its launch in December 2023. Photo: Climeworks

Workers at the Mammoth factory monitor progress shortly after the start of operations in May 2024. Photo courtesy of Climeworks

A worker stands next to a nearly completed CO2 collection container tower in December 2023. Photo courtesy of Climeworks

Climeworks is developing third-generation direct air capture technology for a large-scale facility in the US, paving the way for additional carbon capture plants worldwide.

Collector containers at Climeworks’ Mammoth Factory in Hellisheiði, Iceland, May 2024. Photo: Climeworks

By expanding with facilities like Orka and Mammoth, Climeworks aims to achieve megatonne-scale carbon removal capacity by 2030 and gigatonne-scale capacity by 2050.

While the impact on atmospheric carbon levels remains uncertain, the technology is expected to play a significant role in shaping the planet’s future over the coming decades.

Rendering of Climeworks’ proposed third-generation carbon capture plant in the United States. Photo courtesy of Climeworks

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking the Power of Your Business Data: 4 Ways Azure Cloud Drives Employee Engagement and Customer Insights

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

As organizations move their computing infrastructure to the cloud, they are harnessing the power of data like never before. Cloud-based services use artificial intelligence (AI) to make data easier to access, search, and understand. Instead of data being the property of a team of data scientists and analysts, new cloud-based tools and technologies are opening up this area of expertise to a wider range of employees across the organization.

Leighton Searle, director of Azure Solutions UK at Microsoft, believes there are significant benefits for businesses running their IT infrastructure. microsoft azure cloud platform. “The huge potential of new generative AI technologies has placed a renewed emphasis on the quality and availability of data in organizations,” he says. When companies move their data to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, they can instantly access tools and services to unlock their value for both employees and customers. This will lead to culture change and deeper embedding of data throughout the business.

Searle identifies four areas where the cloud is accelerating the use of data, empowering employees, and increasing productivity.

1 Empower employees to make data-driven decisions
Searle emphasized that the cloud is helping to democratize data, allowing employees to access data directly in their daily workflows, rather than being locked into administrative reports or separate line-of-business applications. Masu. “To unlock the value of data and realize its potential, data must be accessible to the people who need it,” Searle said. “It provides contact center agents with a scannable overview of all previous customer interactions, transactions, and support calls, as well as instant access to a company-wide knowledge base of specialized information for world-class That could mean providing a better customer experience or enabling mobile mechanics to meet customer needs. Identifying parts and inventory status from a photo taken with a mobile phone.”

Almost every role can benefit from timely, secure and relevant data, Searle says. When staff become responsible for managing data related to their role, they need tools to simplify the process. Data visualization tools help employees create simple representations of data to glean insights and improve customer experiences.For example, Heathrow Airport Microsoft Power BI Use data visualization tools through Microsoft Teams to transform data from management systems into visualizations that are easy for staff to read. These allow employees to see at a glance how airport passenger numbers are changing in real time. Prepare your staff for the peaks and troughs rather than just reacting to them.

2 Breaking down data silos
To achieve a higher degree of data democracy, data must be made available throughout the organization, rather than being locked away in a central repository. “With the right guidance, governance, and guardrails in place, you can enable the rest of your business and provide access to the data you need,” Searle says.

For example, a group of five south London boroughs formed the South London Partnership; Linked with Azure Build a universal data platform. This includes sharing data from “Internet of Things” (IoT) sensors monitoring at-risk populations, and he estimates the partnership has already saved four lives. I am. IoT sensors also monitor air quality and flood risk. “The ability of cloud technology to share data while maintaining data rights and privacy has allowed us to break down data silos,” Searle says.

3 Building AI and modern search to accelerate your business
Customer and employee expectations have changed as AI-driven experiences play a larger role in daily life. Along with a good data foundation and a good data culture, these experiences are quickly becoming critical to both employee and customer retention. Employees can use internal apps to search for data and access historical information in “structured” tables and graphs or in “unstructured” formats from documents, images, and other sources. You need to dig deep into your knowledge.

Mr. Searle points out that: Azure cognitive search The platform and Azure Open AI service allow users to type common natural language queries into the search bar. This is processed by an AI-powered system that looks at all data sources and returns a natural language summary from the most relevant sources. Used for validation or further research. He says this type of his AI-driven experience will help companies derive insights and make data-driven decisions intuitively and at unprecedented speed.

For example, Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust moved its computing infrastructure to the cloud and used Azure Cognitive Search to Make patient records easier to search By the clinician. The trust has uploaded all records to Azure. The records included all kinds of unstructured data, including handwritten notes, doctor's notes, scanned images, and photographs.

Clinicians said they were “blown away” to learn that Azure Cognitive Search enabled them to discover these diverse formats, allowing them to quickly find handwritten notes and records from the previous year.

4 Building a data-driven culture
From frontline workers to boardroom executives, all employees should be open to incorporating data into the way they work, Searle says. He believes they can all learn from and contribute to enriching the data that flows through them. Employees who are involved in managing their own data are also better placed to reduce the risk of bias and incorrect assumptions in data-driven decision-making.

Searle believes that democratizing data requires a significant change in corporate culture. Departments across the organization, such as human resources, marketing, operations, sales, and finance, play a critical role in the data they generate and consume. For example, business users of organizational data are in the best position to set data security and access policies and manage the data so that it can be used with confidence by other parts of the business.

The pace of change can be daunting for leaders at all levels. To help organizations upskill, Microsoft has partnered with European business school Insead to AI Business School.

Searle outlines the steps businesses need to take to get the most out of their data. “We securely bring data into the Microsoft cloud. We lead from the top to build a data-driven culture across the organization and move quickly to projects that deliver business value. This positive experience ripples throughout the business, and this It will help us incorporate data-driven approaches to further scale.”

read more

Source: www.theguardian.com

Tesla issues a recall for 120,000 vehicles over concerns of doors unlocking in the event of a crash

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Tesla is recalling 120,423 vehicles in the United States due to the risk of doors unlocking in the event of a crash, according to a report on Friday.

According to Reuters, the country’s traffic safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on Friday announced a recall affecting 2021-2023 model year Model S and Model It said it did not meet federal safety standards. .

Tesla has released an over-the-air software update to address this issue.

Tesla last week carried out the largest recall ever in the Elon Musk-led company’s 20-year history, recalling more than 2 million vehicles in the U.S. and nearly all vehicles on U.S. roads. Vehicles were targeted.

Federal regulators say Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance system, Autopilot, has “inadequate” safeguards against misuse, and the company is warning drivers to remain on the road even when Autopilot is engaged. A voluntary recall has been launched to carry out “additional inspections” to remind people to be careful.

According to the Washington Post, NHTSA wrote last week that activating the driver-assistance system Autopilot “may increase the risk of a collision,” adding, “The driver is not responsible for operating the vehicle and is at risk of an accident.” “I’m not ready to intervene.” need. “

Other major automakers also announced recalls this week.

Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it is recalling 1 million vehicles due to a defect that could prevent airbags from deploying if a sensor in the passenger seat shorts out. According to the Associated Press, the recall applies to Toyota Avalon, Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, Corolla, and some hybrid versions of these models, as well as some Lexus models such as the ES250 sedan and RX350 SUV. It is said that she is a model.

Honda on Monday said it was shutting down more than 2.5 million vehicles due to fuel pump problems that could cause the engines to not start or stall while driving, increasing the risk of crashes and injuries, NHTSA said. announced that it had been recalled.

General Motors is discontinuing sales of some 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks due to concerns about cracking metal in the passenger-side roof, according to a document released Wednesday by NHTSA. As a result, approximately 3,067 vehicles will be inspected.

Last month, Toyota recalled 1.9 million RAV4 SUVs due to battery deterioration that could cause a fire.

Source: nypost.com

Unlocking the Efficiency of Carbon Capture

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

In the proposed carbon capture method, above-ground magnesium oxide crystals combine with carbon dioxide molecules from the surrounding air, causing the formation of magnesium carbonate. The magnesium carbonate is then heated back to magnesium oxide, releasing carbon dioxide and burying it underground or sequestering it.Credit: Adam Malin/ORNL, U.S. Department of Energy

A study of magnesium oxide for carbon capture by Oak Ridge National Laboratory revealed that the rate of absorption slowed over time due to the formation of a surface layer, posing challenges to economic viability and future This will guide research focused on solutions.

Magnesium oxide is a promising material for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere and injecting it deep underground to limit the effects of climate change. However, for this method to be economical, we need to discover how quickly carbon dioxide is absorbed and how environmental conditions affect the chemical reactions involved.

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) used samples of magnesium oxide crystals that had been exposed to the atmosphere for decades and those exposed for days to months to measure reaction rates. A set of magnesium oxide crystal samples were analyzed. They found that because a reactive layer forms on the surface of the magnesium oxide crystals, carbon dioxide is taken up more slowly over a longer period of time.

“This reaction layer is a complex mixture of different solids, limiting the ability of the carbon dioxide molecules to find fresh magnesium oxide to react with. To make this technology economical, we are currently , we are looking at ways to overcome this armor effect,” said ORNL’s Julian Weber, principal investigator on the project. Andrew Stack, an ORNL scientist and project team member, said: “If we can do that, this process could meet Earthshot’s carbon-negative energy goal of capturing gigaton levels of carbon dioxide from the air for less than $100 per metric ton of carbon dioxide.” ”

Most previous research aimed at understanding how quickly the chemical reaction between magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide occurs, relying on rough calculations rather than materials testing. The ORNL study marks the first time a decades-old test has been conducted to measure reaction rates over long periods of time. The researchers discovered the formation of a reactive layer using transmission electron microscopy at ORNL’s Center for Nanophase Materials Science (CNMS). This layer is composed of various complex crystalline and amorphous hydrate and carbonate phases.

“Additionally, by running computer simulations of reactive transport modeling, we found that as the reactive layer builds up, it becomes better able to block carbon dioxide from finding new magnesium oxide to react with,” ORNL researcher Vitaliy・Mr. Starchenko stated. “So in the future we’re looking at ways to circumvent this process and allow carbon dioxide to find new surfaces to react on.”

Computer simulations help scientists and engineers understand how reactive layers evolve and change the way materials move through them over time. Computer models enable predictions about how materials will react and move in natural and man-made systems, including materials science and geochemistry.

Reference: “Protection of MgO by a passivation layer prevents direct air capture of CO2” Juliane Weber, Vitalii Starchenko, Ke Yuan, Lawrence M. Anovitz, Anton V. Ievlev, Raymond R. Unocic, Albina Y. Borisevich, Matthew G. Bobinger and Andrew G. Stack, September 22, 2023 environmental science and technology.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04690

The DOE Office of Science primarily supported this research. ORNL’s laboratory-directed research and development program supported time-of-flight (TOF), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and preliminary transmission electron microscopy (TEM). His TOF-SIMS and TEM characterization using atomic force microscopy was conducted as part of a user project at CNMS, a user facility of the DOE Science Office of Science at ORNL.

Source: scitechdaily.com

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