Unusual Temperature Rules: Exploring the Bizarre Phenomena of the Quantum Realm

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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One of the most paradoxical aspects of science is how we can delve into the universe’s deepest enigmas, like dark matter and quantum gravity, yet trip over basic concepts. Nobel laureate Richard Feynman once candidly admitted his struggle to grasp why mirrors flip images horizontally instead of vertically. While I don’t have Feynman’s challenges, I’ve been pondering the fundamental concept of temperature.

Since time immemorial, from the earliest humans poking fires to modern scientists, our understanding of temperature has dramatically evolved. The definition continues to change as physicists explore temperature at the quantum level.

My partner once posed a thought-provoking question: “Can a single particle possess a temperature?” While paraphrased, this inquiry challenges conventional wisdom.

His instinct was astute. A single particle cannot possess a temperature. Most science enthusiasts recognize that temperature applies to systems comprising numerous particles—think gas-filled pistons, coffee pots, or stars. Temperature is essentially an average energy distribution across a system reaching equilibrium.

Visualize temperature as a ladder, each rung representing energy levels. The more rungs, the greater the energy. For a substantial number of particles, we expect them to occupy various rungs, with most clustering at lower levels and some scaling higher ones. The distribution gradually tapers off as energy increases.

But why use this definition? While averages are helpful, one could argue the average height in a room with one tall person could misleadingly imply everyone else is six feet tall. Why not apply the same logic to temperature?

Temperature serves a predictive role, not merely a descriptive one. In the 17th and 18th centuries, as researchers strove to harness the potential of fire and steam, temperature became pivotal in understanding how different systems interacted.

This insight led to the establishment of the 0th law of thermodynamics—the last yet most fundamental principle. It states that if a thermometer registers 80°C for warm water and the same for warm milk, there should be no net heat exchange when these two are mixed. Though seemingly simple, this principle forms the basis for classical temperature measurements.

This holds true due to the predictable behavior of larger systems. Minute energy variances among individual particles become negligible, allowing statistical laws to offer broad insights.

Thermodynamics operates differently than Isaac Newton’s laws of motion, which apply universally regardless of how many objects are involved. Thermodynamic laws arise only in larger systems where averages and statistical regularities emerge.

Thus, a single particle lacks temperature—case closed.

Or so I believed until physics threw another curveball my way. In many quantum systems, composed of a few particles, stable properties often evade observation.

In small systems like individual atoms, states can become trapped and resist reaching equilibrium. If temperature describes behavior after equilibrium, does this not challenge its very definition?

What exactly is temperature?

fhm/Getty Images

Researchers are actively redefining temperature from the ground up, focusing on its implications in the quantum realm.

In a manner akin to early thermodynamics pioneers, contemporary scientists are probing not just what temperature is, but rather what it does. When a quantum system interacts with another, how does heat transfer? Can it warm or cool its neighbor?

In quantum systems, both scenarios are possible. Consider the temperature ladder for particles. In classical physics, heat always moves from a system with more particles to one with fewer, following predictable rules.

Quantum systems defy these conventions. It’s common for no particles to occupy the lowest rung, with all clustered around higher energy levels. Superposition allows particles to exist in between. This shift means quantum systems often do not exhibit traditional thermal order, complicating heat flow predictions.

To tackle this, physicists propose assigning two temperatures to quantum systems. Imagine a reference ladder representing a thermal system. One temperature indicates the highest rung from which the system can absorb heat, while the other represents the lowest rung to which it can release heat. This new framework enables predictable heat flow patterns outside this range, while outcomes within depend on the quantum system’s characteristics. This new “Zero Law of thermodynamics” helps clarify how heat moves in quantum domains.

These dual temperatures reflect a system’s capacity to exchange energy, regardless of its equilibrium state. Crucially, they’re influenced by both energy levels and their structural arrangement—how quantum particles distribute across energy levels and the transitions the overall system can facilitate.

Just as early thermodynamicists sought functionality, quantum physicists are likewise focused on applicability. Picture two entangled atoms. Changes in one atom will affect the other due to their quantum link. When exposed to external conditions, as they gain or lose energy, the invisible ties connecting them create a novel flow of heat—one that can be harnessed to perform work, like driving quantum “pistons” until the entanglement ceases. By effectively assigning hot and cold temperatures to any quantum state, researchers can determine ideal conditions for heat transfer, powering tasks such as refrigeration and computation.

If you’ve followed along up to this point, here’s my confession: I initially argued that a single particle could have temperature, though my partner’s intuition was spot on. In the end, we realized both perspectives hold some truth—while a single particle can’t be assigned a traditional temperature, the concept of dual temperatures in quantum systems offers intriguing insights.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Top 7 Unusual Discoveries of 2025 You Need to Know About

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

While the internet buzzed with diss tracks, explored high-profile jewelry heists, and followed love bus journeys, groundbreaking scientific advancements quietly transformed our world.

For better or worse, here are the top 7 game-changing events and breakthroughs of 2025. (Spoiler: Katy Perry’s space journey isn’t on this list).

1. Introducing the World’s Fastest Supercomputer

In January, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California unveiled the world’s fastest supercomputer, El Capitan. This marvel became the third computer ever to achieve exascale computing speeds, boasting a peak performance of 2.79 exaFLOPS (equivalent to 2.79 quintillion floating-point operations per second).
El Capitan will be pivotal in organizing the United States’ nuclear arsenal and exploring advanced nuclear designs. Its construction, which began in May 2023, cost around $600 million.

2. Significant Planetary Changes

According to a recent study, 2024 marked the first year on record when global average temperatures soared to 1.6°C (2.8°F) above pre-industrial levels. This troubling statistic emerged nearly a decade after 195 nations signed the Paris Climate Agreement, committing to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In June, scientists reported that ocean acidification has surpassed tolerable limits for Earth, marking the seventh of nine “planetary boundaries” crossed since 2009. Exceeding all nine could result in severe environmental collapse.

Ocean acidification, often termed “marine osteoporosis,” weakens the calcareous structures of marine species like crabs and corals. – Photo credit: Getty

3. Groundbreaking HIV Research

In May, researchers from Melbourne, Australia, made a significant breakthrough in the quest for an HIV cure by unveiling a method to extract the virus from human cells. This landmark discovery addressed a major challenge in HIV treatment, where the virus hides within white blood cells, awaiting reactivation.

Utilizing advanced mRNA technology, the researchers achieved what was once considered impossible. Approximately 40 million people globally live with HIV, requiring ongoing medication to suppress the virus and prevent infection. Researchers believe these insights may also pave the way for treatments of other diseases linked to white blood cells, including cancer.
Learn more about this breakthrough.

4. Evidence of Life on Mars

In September, NASA’s acting administrator, Sean Duffy, declared that a detailed analysis of unique “leopard spot” patterns in Martian rocks revealed compelling evidence of past life on Mars. Discovered by NASA’s Perseverance spacecraft in July 2024 in Jezero Crater, the rock is estimated to be about 3.5 billion years old.

Scientists theorize that these distinctive patterns may result from ancient Martian microbes. Perseverance has preserved the rock fragments, which will eventually be returned to Earth for in-depth examination.

Initial discovery of the rock in 2024 gave us a unique chance to study its intriguing markings. – Credit: NASA

5. Observable Neutrino Scattering

After 50 years of research, July brought a thrilling observation: the detection of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEvNS). This phenomenon, first proposed in 1974, involves neutrinos scattering coherently against nuclei within a nuclear reactor, yielding small nuclear recoils.

Scientist describe measuring CEvNS as akin to tracking a ping-pong ball’s trajectory after bouncing it off a moving car. The Swiss detector has captured CEvNS events with unprecedented clarity, potentially heralding a new era of neutrino detectors with applications in discovering new forces and particles that interact solely with neutrinos.
Explore this groundbreaking research.

6. First Human Fetus Video

September also witnessed a historic moment as scientists successfully captured video footage of a human fetus implanting in an artificial womb for the first time. The visual documentation provides unique insights into critical stages of human development.

Since implantation failures account for 60% of miscarriages, the researchers aim for these images to enhance our understanding of the process, potentially improving natural conception and IVF outcomes.

Video footage of implantation in mouse embryos (left) and human embryos (right).

7. The Universe’s Expansion Slows

Research published in March confirmed that while the universe is indeed expanding, its rate of acceleration appears to be gradually slowing. In June, findings from the Supernova Cosmology Project provided further evidence supporting this theory.
Explore the data and implications.

If the universe’s expansion slows, profound implications for our understanding of particle physics may arise. Scientists could be compelled to revisit established models, with potential consequences such as a dramatic “big crunch” scenario, where expansion reverses and the universe collapses back on itself.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

An Unusual Lemon-Shaped Exoplanet That Challenges Planet Formation Theories

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

Artist impression of PSR J2322-2650b

NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralph Crawford (STScI)

Astronomers have identified what could be one of the most peculiar known exoplanets. This planet orbits a rapidly spinning neutron star known as a pulsar, which is just the beginning of its unusual characteristics.

Michael Chan and his team at the University of Chicago discovered this strange exoplanet located more than 2,000 light-years away from Earth using the James Webb Space Telescope. They quickly recognized that something was off when they analyzed the spectrum of light emitted by the planet. Instead of detecting the typical signatures of water or carbon dioxide, they unexpectedly found carbon molecules.

Carbon molecules are not commonly seen in planetary atmospheres as they typically bond with other elements rather than themselves. “For carbon to exist in the atmosphere, we would need to eliminate nearly all other elements, including oxygen and nitrogen, which is something we don’t understand how to achieve,” Zhang stated. “There aren’t any other known planetary atmospheres like this one.”

Due to its proximity to its star and the star’s significant mass, the pulsar’s gravity is believed to have distorted the planet into an elongated, lemon-like shape. A year on this exoplanet lasts just 7.8 hours, and even its coldest regions reach temperatures of approximately 650°C (1202°F). Unlike most gas giants, the winds on this planet blow contrary to its rotation. “You can envision this planet having graphite clouds in its atmosphere, giving it a striking red appearance, reminiscent of an ominous lemon,” Zhang remarked. “I consider it to be undoubtedly the most bizarre exoplanet known.”

These numerous anomalies pose a challenge in explaining the formation of PSR J2322-2650b, running counter to established models of planetary formation. For now, this utterly bizarre and remote world remains an enigma.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unusual Elements in Supernova Explosions May Influence Extraterrestrial Life

Posted on December 9, 2025 by

Supernova remnant Cassiopeia A

NASA/JPL-California Institute of Technology/O. Krauss (Steward Observatory)

Within Cassiopeia A, the youngest known supernova in our galaxy, scientists have uncovered unexpectedly high concentrations of chlorine and potassium. These elements, which possess an odd number of protons, are believed to be relatively rare in the universe but are crucial for the emergence of planets and life. Consequently, the findings regarding Cassiopeia A may influence our understanding of the potential locations for extraterrestrial life within the Milky Way.

Supernova remnants, or exploded stars, typically contain elevated levels of elements like oxygen and magnesium, with their cores being comprised of even-numbered protons. Elements with odd-numbered protons (often referred to as “odd Z” elements) are inherently less stable, leading to a reduced likelihood of being created via stellar nuclear fusion. This observation aligns with models of galactic chemical evolution that generally estimate meager quantities of odd Z elements.

“[As it stands] The source of these odd Z elements has been elusive.” Matsunagaumi from Kyoto University in Japan.

Matsunaga and his team recognized that high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy might shed light on the enigma. At the high temperatures prevalent in a supernova remnant, atoms lose electrons and emit unique X-ray signatures that sensitive instruments can detect. The X-ray Imaging Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), launched in September 2023, is equipped to capture such data and conducted two observations of Cassiopeia A in December 2023.

To determine the abundance of each element, the researchers compared the faint signals from the odd Z elements against the stronger signals from even Z elements, like sulfur and argon, using them as stable reference points for more accurate measurements of the odd Z elements.

The findings revealed that the Cassiopeia A supernova generated significantly more chlorine and potassium than traditional models had anticipated. This indicates that theorists might need to reassess how large stars synthesize these uncommon elements, as certain widely accepted models fail to accommodate the specific conditions of Cassiopeia A.

“While the authors note that their observations diverge from previous models, the reality is more intricate,” says Stan Woosley of the University of California, Santa Cruz, who did not participate in the study. “Not all of our models are incorrect; some perform better than others, and certain ones correlate quite well. Importantly, these observations present astronomers with new, definitive data to refine their models and enhance our comprehension of massive stellar explosions.”

The recent measurements also empower Matsunaga and his colleagues to start evaluating various longstanding theories regarding the formation of odd Z elements in massive stars, including stellar rotation, interactions between binary star pairs, and the merging of diverse combustion layers deep inside stars. Up until now, there was no method to validate these theories against actual data.

“We still lack a complete understanding of which star types contributed to this,” states Katarina Rodders from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, who was not involved in the study. “Specifically, we lack clarity regarding the source of chlorine, an element abundant in our oceans.”

If these discoveries hold true for other supernova remnants, they could reshape our perceptions of how life-essential elements are distributed throughout the Milky Way. Depending on the star that seeded a planet, some areas may have a more favorable supply of life’s foundational materials than others. This raises the possibility of uneven distribution of extraterrestrial life across the galaxy.

“That is certainly a possibility,” Matsunaga remarked. “However, we cannot definitively assert this based on the current data.” It remains uncertain whether Cassiopeia A is singular in its production of such substantial quantities of odd Z elements or if it is indicative of supernova remnants in general. “Future observations of additional supernova remnants with XRISM and other upcoming instruments will be pivotal in addressing this issue.”

World capital of astronomy: Chile

Discover Chile’s astronomical marvels. Explore the world’s most advanced observatory and gaze at the stars beneath the clearest skies on the planet.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hurricane Season Concludes in a Week: Researchers Call It Unusual.

Posted on November 23, 2025 by

This year’s hurricane season was marked by three Category 5 storms—some of the most potent hurricanes ever documented—yet there were no landfalls on U.S. soil, leading to an unusual lull during the typically active period. These elements contributed to what many are calling a “screwball” season.

Atmospheric scientist Phil Klotzbach made this observation.

“It’s been quite an unusual year,” noted Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University. “Characterizing this year’s patterns has been challenging.”

The official end of hurricane season is November 30th. Notably, the year 2025 aligns with anticipated increases in storm frequency as climate change progresses. Late-season hurricanes formed, some escalating rapidly and producing some of the most intense storms recorded.

In many respects, it was simply puzzling. Although fewer hurricanes developed than anticipated, nearly all that did reached major storm status. For the first time in a decade, the U.S. mainland avoided any landfalls, underscoring the unpredictable nature of hurricane seasons, despite improvements in forecast accuracy. This is particularly true in a warming climate.

Hurricanes will occur less frequently but with greater intensity.

In May, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters predicted a stronger-than-usual season, estimating six to ten hurricanes, including at least three major storms classified as Category 3 or higher, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

Klotzbach independently confirmed this forecast, as did other hurricane monitoring organizations. We were on the same page.

Ultimately, while the number of hurricanes was lower than expected, four out of the five that formed (Erin, Gabriel, Humberto, Imelda, and Melissa) were classified as major.

Hurricane Imelda impacted Bermuda on October 1st.NOAA

“This marks the highest rate seen in the past 50 years,” remarked Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Ocean, Atmospheric and Earth Sciences.

Additionally, three of those storms reached the Category 5 level, the pinnacle of hurricane intensity.

Despite the limited number of storms, forecasters’ predictions of an above-average season held true, as measured by a metric called accumulated cyclone energy, which gauges the total intensity and duration of tropical cyclones throughout the season.

Klotzbach estimated the stored energy would be 125% of the 30-year average; the season concluded at 108%. This indicates that, given the fewer storms, each one was particularly powerful.

“It wasn’t about quantity this season; rather, it was about intensity,” he commented.

Klotzbach noted that nine of the last ten Atlantic hurricane seasons have been warmer than average, attributing this trend to rising ocean temperatures and the La Niña cycle, which generally weakens upper-level winds that inhibit hurricane formation.

McNoldy, who meticulously tracks Atlantic Ocean temperatures, stated that 2025 is expected to be “unusually warm.”

“Regardless of the storms we experienced, there was undoubtedly a significant amount of fuel available,” McNoldy said. Heat from the ocean promotes evaporation, driving warm, moist air upward and leading to convection. For hurricanes to develop, ocean temperatures must be at least 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

6 Unusual Innovations That Might Transform Your Life

Posted on November 1, 2025 by

Here at BBC Science Focus, we have a deep appreciation for inventive creations – particularly those that are bizarre, imaginative, and exceptionally cool (extra credit if they’re genuinely practical).

During our time at GITEX Global and Expand North Star, two of the largest conferences focusing on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in Dubai, we set out to uncover the most astonishing innovations poised to enter the market soon.

From tangible holograms to intelligent contact lenses and airborne taxis, here is a glimpse into some of the most groundbreaking technologies showcased.

1. The Fusion of Flying Taxis and Autonomous Vehicles

Since the days of Blade Runner and Futurama, the concept of flying cars has occupied our imagination. With advancements in drone technology, we may finally be approaching the reality of soaring over urban landscapes in our own aerial pods.

However, the idea of a flying car that interacts with standard vehicles is unprecedented. Yet, this is exactly what the Guangzhou Automobile Group is unveiling with its new GOVY AirCab concept.

Indeed, GOVY is capable of taking off and landing vertically from an autonomous ground chassis, thus functioning both as a conventional taxi and an aerial transport.

GAC GOVY exhibited at GITEX Global – Credit: Tom Howarth/BBC Science Focus

What does this unusual combination signify? According to Hanxuan Liu, a product specialist involved with GOVY, it embodies the “ultimate vision of the future of mobility.” The blend of drone technology and vehicle chassis enables “one-click journeys” without the hassle of vehicle transitions. Essentially, you can call it, board it, fly where feasible, and drive where necessary.

The company has conducted test flights and is in pursuit of safety certification. Liu anticipates public demonstrations by next year and a rollout across China in two years. As for the U.S. and Europe? Liu believes we might see GOVY operational both on the roads and in the skies within five years.

2. Sports Enhanced by Augmented Reality

Participants in HADO evade and defend using mixed reality that merges physical movement with digital gameplay – Credit: Hado

Imagine if dodgeball and Pokemon GO had a child; it would likely be something akin to HADO. This augmented reality sport is gaining traction globally.

Players wear headsets and wrist sensors to launch virtual energy balls, create shimmering shields, and avoid incoming attacks, all while standing on a real-world court. The experience feels part video game, part high-energy exercise.

Devised in Japan in 2014, HADO has matured into a legitimate technosport with professional leagues, educational programs, and even a World Cup. Its creators champion it as “a means to encourage physical activity through technology, and a powerful way to engage younger audiences.”

3. Healing Hearts with Spider Silk

PrintyMed’s biomimetic spider silk could revolutionize healthcare, from artificial organs to advanced wound dressings – Credit: PrintyMed

Spider silk, when weighed against steel, exhibits superior strength. Its production is also sustainable and adaptable. So, why not harness these extraordinary natural materials for our use?

Latvian biotech firm PrintyMed has manufactured synthetic spider silk that imitates the natural spinning process, yielding fibers that are remarkably strong, flexible, and compatible with living tissue.

The research team partnered with the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis to devise a protein that can be spun into silk using a biomimetic approach similar to that utilized by spiders to craft webs. The outcome is a sustainable material that can be produced at scale and applied in innovative ways.

Synthetic spider silk generated through PrintyMed’s biomimetic spinning technique – Credit: PrintyMed

The company plans to utilize its lab-created silk to transform healthcare, from creating hyper-realistic “organs on chips” for drug trials to developing long-lasting, clot-resistant heart valves and advanced wound dressings that enhance healing.

But that’s just the beginning. PrintyWeb is also exploring the use of silk to fabricate artificial organs and tissue scaffolds, which might one day alleviate the global shortage of transplantable organs.

4. Revolutionary Smart Lenses Aiming to Replace All Screens

XPANCEO’s experimental contact lenses aspire to replace mobile phones and wearables with invisible, AI-powered interfaces – Credit: XPANCEO

Resembling something from a spy thriller, XPANCEO aims to develop the world’s first truly smart contact lenses, a cutting-edge gadget that could eventually replace mobile phones, smartwatches, and glasses.

“Today’s computers are bulky and disposable. They’re detrimental to your health, harmful to the environment, and inefficient. We require the ultimate interface,” stated Roman Axelrod, co-founder of XPANCEO to BBC Science Focus.

“Everyone can agree that the next frontier of computing is AI. Then comes augmented reality (XR) computing powered by AI. AI serves as the brain; XR as the interface, whether through glasses, helmets, or contact lenses. We believe contact lenses could become the ultimate interface.”

It’s an ambitious vision: an invisible lens in zero gravity, unifying all your devices into one, featuring capabilities like real-time liveness detection, health tracking, night vision, and zoom.

However, it’s still in the nascent phase. Co-founder Dr. Valentin S. Volkov indicates that XPANCEO intends to have a fully integrated prototype ready by the end of next year, a simple monochrome display capable of yielding basic data and gathering biosignals from the eye.

Smart lenses, categorized as medical devices, will advance gradually under strict regulation. However, if XPANCEO succeeds, smart glasses may soon become obsolete.

5. Actual Holograms

Voxon VX2 operates by projecting volumetric holograms visible from 360 degrees without the need for headgear – Credit: Voxon/Gavin Smith

Participating in a morning meeting styled like the Jedi Council may no longer belong solely to a galaxy far, far away. Australian firm Voxon is pioneering science fiction with its VLED technology, producing live, three-dimensional images that appear to float in mid-air.

Differing from standard flat 3D projections, Voxon’s volumetric displays consist of millions of floating points of light, creating 360-degree visuals that can be navigated and viewed from any angle.

For instance, the Voxon VX2 is a tabletop apparatus that employs a rapidly spinning LED array to generate a hologram within a cylinder measuring around 25 cm in diameter and height.

Within its illuminated columns, you can observe everything from medical scans and molecular structures to game avatars and architectural models in full three dimensions.

6. High-Tech Doghouse for Safe Shopping

Leaving your dog unattended outside a store or in your vehicle might soon become outdated. Serbian startup Smartsy has designed an innovative dog kennel that offers pets a secure, climate-controlled environment while their owners shop at supermarkets or dine in cafes.

Smartsy’s sleek pods include automatic safety locks, real-time video monitoring (perfect for dogs with separation anxiety), and soundproof, insulated walls to ensure your furry friend stays calm and cozy.

A silent airflow system guarantees ventilation, and an integrated heater maintains optimal temperatures whatever the weather. Each cabin is disinfected with a UV lamp after every use, preparing it for the next furry visitor.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Unusual Connection Between Increased Rest and Enhanced Strength, Speed, and Health

Posted on November 1, 2025 by

Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has long emphasized the significance of sleep. “People grow when they sleep, not when they train,” he asserts. Professional athletes often adhere to meticulous sleep regimens tailored to their chronotypes (natural sleep-wake preferences) and synced with their training schedules.

For amateur athletes, the emphasis tends to be on nutrition and training protocols for optimal results. Elite coach Nick Littlehales was among the first to champion sleep as a crucial component of success, stating, “You can train as hard as you want, but without sleep, you can’t adapt. No adaptation means no progress.”

Let’s delve deeper into what occurs in your body during sleep and why it’s a vital aspect of your training regimen and performance strategy.

What occurs in your body during sleep?

Photo credit: Getty

Sleep is not merely a passive phase of training. When you exercise vigorously, your body engages in recovery during sleep. Deep (slow-wave) sleep enables your body to reset, repair, and regenerate. Cellular repair takes place as microtears from your workout are fixed through protein synthesis. If you’ve ever dealt with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), you understand the significance of quality sleep for recovery.

During this sleep phase, human growth hormone (HGH) is released. The pituitary gland generates HGH, which facilitates muscle growth and healing. Furthermore, deep sleep enhances immune system function, reducing the risk of illness—an evident concern for anyone in the midst of a training routine.

What else is happening in our bodies while we sleep?

Glycogen levels are restored, and anti-inflammatory cytokines assist in muscle recovery.
Your heart rate decreases, blood pressure falls, allowing your cardiovascular system a chance to recuperate.
Quality sleep has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity. Improved glucose metabolism boosts energy levels and aids body composition.
Sleep also regulates significant hormones like testosterone, which is crucial for endurance and recovery.

Brain recovery process during sleep

Not only does physical recovery occur during sleep, but mental rejuvenation takes place as well. During REM sleep, typically experienced in the latter half of the night, your brain engages in “housework,” organizing, filing, and tidying up. Motor memory consolidation reinforces neural pathways established during training. Did you execute the perfect tennis serve today? It’ll be etched in your mind tonight.

Additionally, emotional regulation contributes to managing stress, enhancing focus, and boosting motivation—key components for achieving peak performance.

Optimize your sleep quality

Swedish bed manufacturer Hästens recognizes the significance of quality sleep. This luxury brand has been handcrafting beds since 1852, with each piece meticulously created in the Swedish town of Köning and taking up to 600 hours to complete using only natural materials.

Hästens has launched the collaborative campaign “Sleep to Perform,” teaming up with champions from both creative fields and sports, including five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova. She acknowledges that success begins with prioritizing rest, stating, “No matter where you are in your career, sleep is vital for your performance. It’s not just about rest; it’s about being able to present the best version of yourself every day.”

To explore our full range of beds and accessories, and to discover the benefits of a restful night’s sleep, please visit: here.

To schedule a bed test at a sleep spa near you, use the following resources: www.hastens.com or contact your nearest authorized retailer.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

This Unusual Optical Illusion Could Reveal Insights into Animal Thought Processes

Posted on October 21, 2025 by

A recent study reveals that certain optical illusions can deceive some animals, though not all. This emerging research may offer fresh insights into how perception influences survival and evolution in different species.

The optical illusion examined in this research is known as the Ebbinghaus illusion, where two identical circles appear different in size because one is encircled by a larger circle, while the other is surrounded by a smaller one.

When observing the illusion overall, the outer circle misleads our brain into perceiving the inner circle as a different size. However, focusing solely on the inner circles reveals that they are indeed the same.

Our susceptibility to this illusion hinges on how our brains interpret visual information, whether as a cohesive whole or detailed parts.

To investigate how various animals perceive their surroundings, scientists at the University of Vienna in Austria recreated the Ebbinghaus illusion using bait, arranging circles of differing sizes around a central bait area.

The two orange circles are identical, yet the left one seems smaller due to the larger circle surrounding it. Conversely, the right circle appears larger – Credit: Getty Images

Next, they observed the responses of two fish species: guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and ring doves (Streptopelia risoria).

The findings indicated that guppies are reliably deceived by optical illusions, similar to humans; they often preferred to consume fish flakes within a smaller circle, perceiving them as larger food items.

In contrast, ring doves exhibited varying responses; some birds chose millet seeds surrounded by a smaller circle, while others opted for those within a larger circle.

The researchers concluded that these choices highlight how each species is uniquely equipped to interact with its environment and tackle its challenges.

For instance, guppies inhabit shallow tropical rivers, where they encounter flickering lights, thick vegetation, swift predators, and numerous other guppies.

Guppies might be influenced by an illusion, suggesting they perceive their environment contextually rather than focusing on minute details – Credit: Getty Images

Researchers believe that for guppies, quick judgment of which fish are safe in a visually cluttered environment is crucial for survival. Thus, making rapid decisions could be advantageous.

Conversely, wood pigeons spend their lives on the ground, foraging for seeds. For them, noticing fine details could be more beneficial than analyzing the broader scene.

Nevertheless, scientists have observed that some pigeons react as if they are misled by a hallucination, indicating variability within species, much like humans.

Overall, the team concluded that optical illusions can provide a valuable lens through which to explore the diverse perceptions across species.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Tamisa Skov, Space Weather Expert, Discusses the Unusual Aurora Phenomenon in This Solar Cycle

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Unexpectedly bright aurora illuminated the British skies in 2024

John Hayward/SWNS

If you have an interest in the Aurora Borealis, you’re in for a treat. Last year was a spectacular one, as auroras dazzled observers worldwide, even being visible far south with remarkable brightness. With a peak in solar activity, more stunning displays are anticipated, potentially leading to extreme geomagnetic storms. To grasp the phenomena behind these celestial light shows, one must look to the fiery depths of the sun.

Comprehending the sun’s workings is crucial to explaining various phenomena occurring in the Earth’s atmosphere and the solar system, not limited to auroras. Space Weather Physicist Tamitha Skov has been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of the sun’s mysterious operations through auroras and space weather forecasts on television and social media.

Skov discussed with New Scientist the reasons for the extreme auroras we’re witnessing and the increased frequency of space weather events. She noted that high-energy particles emitted by the sun present real risks to astronauts and spacecraft venturing beyond the protections of Earth’s magnetosphere. Scientists are continually searching for better prediction methods for these potential hazards. “Good sailors know to heed the weather; the same applies to space,” she remarked.

Alex Wilkins: What inspired you to study the sun and space weather?

Tamitha Skov: The sun is an incredibly captivating entity, maintaining its integrity for billions of years. However, my primary fascination comes from our connection to our planet. As a longtime admirer of Carl Sagan, I recall his words: “We are all made of star stuff,” which frames my curiosity about our origins and the elements that compose us.

Initially, I rekindled my interest in solar phenomena from a physical perspective, which shifted my focus to space weather. At that time, we were only beginning to understand that solar activity impacts Earth, making this area of research incredibly engaging. I’ve become absorbed in exploring the unseen electric and magnetic fields that influence the dynamics of the sun and the universe.

Recently, we’ve observed a rise in auroras, largely due to heightened solar activity. What’s happening with the sun?

We are experiencing a solar cycle. The sun goes through several cycles, with the dominant one being the Schwabe cycle, which lasts about eleven years. During the low phase, the sun is relatively quiet, resembling a hibernating bear before awakening to produce an array of solar activity.

This phenomenon is characterized by the sun’s magnetic field reversing. Imagine a lava lamp—when it’s off, the liquid remains still, showcasing a calm and orderly state. However, once activated, bubbles rise, creating a chaotic fusion of materials. This defines our sun’s state during its peak activity, when magnetic fields become disconnected, resulting in massive energy releases. Such instability breeds numerous solar eruptions as the sun reorganizes its magnetic field.

Tamitha Skov notes the recent surge in solar activity marks a return to normalcy

ng images/aramie

Are we witnessing a different phenomenon compared to prior solar cycles, given the auroras are now appearing much farther south?

To a degree, yes. It seems like various factors have come together to create an intriguing moment in time. After two solar cycles characterized by quiet activity and advancements in technology since the 1990s, we now have social media to share auroral experiences globally. Previously, during significant storms, there were no sensitive cameras available to capture these events.

In the current solar cycle, we are hitting G4 and G5 levels of storms—among the most extreme—and the availability of modern cameras enhances our ability to witness auroras, even from less vibrant displays. This may create an illusion that auroras have never appeared in the past, but science tells us they have been frequent, just not documented.

Furthermore, the Earth’s magnetic field is changing, altering the position of the auroras as particles penetrate deeper due to its weakening, which naturally slows the stirring in the Earth’s core.

Does the increased auroral activity indicate the sun is at its peak in this solar cycle?

As we reach the climax of this solar cycle, the observations lead many to believe the sun is behaving unusually. However, this notion simplifies what we’ve come to know; the previous cycles (24 and 23) were indeed the anomalies. Currently, our sun is displaying a behavior consistent with its historical patterns.

We’re now experiencing what constitutes an average cycle, not particularly intense. Previous cycles have exhibited even more activity than this one, making the notion of a prolonged inactive phase the true anomaly.

How concerned should we be about solar eruptions surpassing the intensity of the Carrington event of 1859, which resulted in widespread disruptions?

We’ve enhanced our knowledge about these events and their impacts on our infrastructure, accompanied by improved warning systems. The power grid remains a significant concern. During such storms, the Earth’s magnetic field generates strong fluctuations, creating currents similar to traffic jams in highways. When these currents encounter grounded power lines, it can overload systems that were not designed for such energy spikes.

To mitigate risks during storms, we can temporarily disconnect transformers from the ground. While this tactic carries potential dangers, it can be safer than leaving the grid fully connected. Some of these methods were validated during a G5 storm in May 2024, yielding promising results despite minor issues.

Our attention is also shifting towards GPS and navigation systems, particularly after storms during planting season last October created headaches for precision agriculture, notably impacting peanut farmers reliant on accurate geographical data. Rapidly deploying new technologies becomes crucial to address impending challenges.

Solar activity at its peak leads to the release of charged particles

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/SDO

These challenges apply to Earth, but how do they differ for spacecraft and astronauts bound for the moon or Mars?

Our atmosphere provides crucial protection that is absent on other celestial bodies. When viewing photos of the sun from the ground, one sees merely a bright orb because our atmosphere absorbs harmful radiant energy. This energy can cause radiation sickness if it reaches the surface. However, on a lunar body devoid of atmosphere, astronauts must shield themselves from radiation storms—high-energy particles unleashed from the sun. Researchers are exploring protective measures, such as constructing deep lunar bases and creating artificial magnetic fields.

Astronauts are already exposed to radiation during low Earth orbit missions, but exposure increases significantly on the moon.

Space weather has been remarkably fortunate historically. During the Apollo era in 1972, there was a severe particle radiation storm that could have been fatal for astronauts on the moon. Prolonged exposure to such radiation might have been lethal while confined in spacesuits. If that incident had unfolded differently, it would have dramatically altered the course of space exploration. Even today, these threats often go unnoticed.

While Mars possesses a weak atmosphere, radiation storms can still reach its surface. Thus, astronauts can’t just hide behind surface features; instead, they must live underground, introducing various complications to missions.

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Universe’s Most Unusual Black Holes Could Soon Be Awakened

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In February 2024, astronomers observed a peculiar phenomenon occurring in a galaxy located 300 light-years from Earth.

An enormous flare of X-ray light erupted from the ultra-massive black hole at its center, reaching brightness levels 10 times higher and emitting 100 times more energy than previously recorded.

Whatever unfolded in that distant black hole was nothing short of extraordinary.

After meticulously monitoring the situation for over a year, astronomers have come to realize they may have witnessed one of the universe’s most dramatic events.

Bright Light, Black Hole

According to the study, the flare observed in April 2025 could indicate that the black hole (dubbed Ansky) has begun to consume surrounding gas and dust.

This scenario may evoke the image of a colossal vacuum in the universe, but the reality is somewhat different.

While nothing can escape from the black hole’s grasp, this intense hold reaches only up to the event horizon.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/08/black-hole.mp4

An abundance of black holes comes to life in this artist’s impression. In 2024, astronomers noted similar flares from distant galaxies.

Beyond that limit, gravity draws gas and dust towards the black hole, creating what are known as accretion disks.

Typically, these disks orbit quietly around black holes, as seen at the heart of our galaxy, but they lack excitement.

That changes when something disrupts the disk. Environments near black holes are incredibly extreme, so even minor turbulence can cause gas to overheat, producing a bright glow.

In certain instances, black holes transform into active galactic nuclei, gathering more dust and gas from their surroundings and funneling some towards the event horizon.

This resulting chaos leads to excessive heating of the gas, which shines brilliantly, overshadowing the stars in its host galaxy.

The Black Hole Awakens

Astronomers have observed shifts in black holes from one state to another, particularly noting those that were previously dormant now burning brightly.

This is when scientists, like Lorena Hernandez Garcia from Valparaiso University in Chile, first detected flares emanating from Ansky, initially suspecting a tidal disruption event.

“These eruptions typically correlate with interactions between compact objects like stars and other black holes, or dense rings of gas and dust circling the black holes,” Hernandez Garcia stated in BBC Science Focus.

If an object nears the event horizon, the extreme gravity can tear it apart, resulting in a brilliant flash as each fragment approaches the black hole.

However, Hernández-García notes that “Ansky does not exhibit typical signs of tidal disruption events seen in other systems. There’s no evidence of such chaotic disruption. While we can’t entirely rule out the possibility of stars being torn apart, it would certainly be an unusual case.”

As something falls towards a black hole’s event horizon, time appears to slow down and freeze from a distant observer’s perspective. – Photo credit: Getty

Instead, Hernández-García believes that Ansky’s unusual behavior offers a unique glimpse into a small black hole transitioning into an active galactic nucleus.

“We think we are witnessing galaxies undergoing the ‘on-switch.’ That central black hole is starting to feed again,” stated Hernandez Garcia.

If accurate, Ansky presents astronomers with an unparalleled opportunity to observe one of the universe’s most significant transformations.

Catching a Waking Black Hole

One challenge astronomers face in capturing this phenomenon is the need for the right telescope at the right place and time.

Fortunately, Ansky had been under scrutiny by astronomers. Previously, it was merely another quiet, unremarkable black hole that received little attention.

However, it falls within the range of the Zwicky Transient Facility, a telescope that scans the sky nightly, documenting the brightness and position of stars and galaxies, and monitoring changes.

In December 2019, the galaxy housing Ansky notably brightened. Hernández-García explains, “We observed an increase in optical brightness of approximately 20% over just six months. Since then, the brightness has remained above its original level until 2025.”

Subsequently, astronomers have been monitoring Ansky for changes, including with NASA’s rapid X-ray telescopes.

Initially, there were no X-ray signals, but in February 2024, a bright flare was detected emanating from the black hole.

What remains unclear is the possible connection between the two events.

“We still don’t know if the 2019 optical brighter burst and the 2024 X-ray flare are part of the same process—essentially the black hole ‘waking up’—or if they represent separate phenomena,” says Hernández-García.

Ansky provides significant insight into what occurs when a black hole awakens, but astronomers need to observe more such events to truly understand the dynamics at play.

If all goes well, it won’t be long until the powerful Vera Rubin Observatory scans the sky for signs of unusual activities in the cosmic depths.

With more eyes on the sky than ever before, astronomers can capture even more of these dormant giants as they stir from their long, deep slumber.

About Our Experts

Lorena Hernández-García specializes in ultra-massive black holes, focusing on their feeding habits and the impacts on the surrounding galaxy environments.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Junho Observes Unusual Plasma Waves in Jupiter’s Aurora

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary researchers, utilizing data from NASA’s Juno spacecraft, have identified a novel type of plasma wave in the Aurora Zone above Jupiter’s North Pole.

This image merges observations from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope with optical images and ultraviolet observations of Jovian Aurora. Image credit: NASA/ESA.

“While the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has supplied some infrared images of the Aurora, Juno is unique as the first spacecraft to take a polar orbit around Jupiter,” stated Dr. Ali Suleiman from the University of Minnesota.

“The regions surrounding a magnetized planet like Jupiter are filled with plasma, a superheated state where atoms dissociate into electrons and ions.”

“These particles are propelled towards the planet’s atmosphere, causing the gas to illuminate as auroras.”

“On Earth, this phenomenon manifests as the recognizable green and blue lights.”

“However, Jupiter’s auroras are generally not visible to the naked eye and require UV and infrared instruments for observation.”

The research team discovered that the polar plasma density on Jupiter is so low, in combination with its strong magnetic field, that the plasma waves exhibit very low frequencies, unlike those observed around Earth.

“Plasma behaves like a liquid but is influenced by both its own magnetic field and external fields,” remarked Professor Robert Rysack from the University of Minnesota.

“Our study also sheds light on how particles inundate the polar regions, in contrast to Earth, where Jupiter’s intricate magnetic fields give rise to auroras arranged in a donut-like pattern around the poles.”

“As Juno advances its mission to further investigate this new phenomenon, we aim to collect additional data.”

The team’s findings were published in the journal on July 16th, 2025, in Physical Review Letters.

____

R. Lysak et al. 2025. A new plasma regime in Jupiter’s Aurora Zone. Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 035201; doi:10.1103/fn63-qmb7

Source: www.sci.news

The Unusual Microbial Alliance Reveals the Evolution of Complex Life

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Stromatolites are rock-like structures formed by bacteria in shallow water

Lkonya/Shutterstock

SEI 262018132 — Stromatolites are rock-like structures formed by bacteria in shallow water

Lkonya/Shutterstock

Microorganisms in the remote bays of Western Australia are interconnected through tiny tubes, suggesting early stages of complex life evolution.

In Shark Bay, known by the Indigenous name Gathaagudu, microbes create slimy, multi-layered assemblages called microbial mats. This challenging environment, buffeted by tidal shifts and temperature fluctuations, has fostered bacterial communities alongside another single-celled organism known as Archaea, which have thrived here for tens of thousands of years. These microorganisms often coexist symbiotically, forming layered sedimentary structures known as stromatolites.

“The mats develop under hypersaline conditions with elevated UV levels. It withstands cyclones. Despite facing numerous threats, they persist,” comments Brendan Burns from the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

He posits that these contemporary microbial communities may resemble those that existed billions of years ago when complex life first emerged. This evolution might have been driven by a mutual dependence between bacteria and Archaea, leading to the formation of more complex cells known as eukaryotes.

Burns and his team returned some of these microbial mat communities to the lab to cultivate the organisms in high-salinity, low-oxygen conditions.

They successfully cultured only one type of bacterium, stromatodesulfovibrio nilemahensis, and a newly identified archaeon named Nearachaeum marumarumayae, a member of the Asgard Archaea group. These archaeal bacteria, named after the gods’ abode in Norse mythology, are regarded as the closest relatives to the eukaryotic cells that comprise the bodies of animals, plants, and humans.

According to team members, “These organisms seem to directly interact and share nutrients,” states Iain Duggin of the Sydney Institute of Technology. Although there is no direct evidence yet, the complete genomic sequence obtained allows for speculation regarding the metabolic processes of both organisms.

The genomic analysis indicated that bacteria synthesize amino acids and vitamins, while the Archaea produce hydrogen and various compounds, such as acetic and sulfuric acids. Both sets of products are unique, indicating a dependency on each other.

The researchers also observed indications of direct interaction between the two species. “We have observed what we refer to as nanotubes,” notes Duggin. “These microscopic tubes, seemingly produced by bacteria, establish direct connections to the surface of the Asgard cells.”

3D reconstruction based on electron microscope images showing cell membranes of Archaeon (blue) and bacteria (green), with nanotubes (pink) between them

Dr. Matthew D. Johnson, Bindusmita Paul, Durin C. Shepherd et al.

In addition to their interactions, the Archaeon cells generate vesicle chains that resemble SAC-like structures utilized for transporting molecules along extracellular fibers. Duggin notes that these nano-sized vesicles appear to engage with the nanotubes formed by the bacteria.

“While nanotubes may be too slender for conduits, they facilitate a type of multicellular binding that enhances resource sharing,” asserts Duggin.

The researchers identified a protein similar to human muscle proteins, a genomic sequence coding for a previously unknown protein, and a protein consisting of about 5,500 amino acids, which is substantial for ancient species. “While I can’t claim it’s directly connected to human muscle proteins, it suggests that their evolutionary origins may trace back much further,” says team member Kate Mischey from the University of New South Wales.

“What fascinates me most are the direct connections formed by nanotubes between bacteria and archaea,” comments purilópez-garcía from Parisa Clay University, France. “Such interactions have not been documented in prior cultures.”

However, discerning the exact behaviors of bacteria and Archaea is challenging, remarks Buzz Baum from the MRC Institute of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK. “It’s a complex relationship of conflict and cooperation,” he notes. “They interact, share, and sometimes clash, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of each other’s presence.”

Duggin believes the prevalent dynamic is more cooperative than combative. “These organisms coexisted in our culture for over four years, suggesting a level of harmony rather than contention,” he adds.

Burns and his colleagues propose that their findings may reflect an early stage in the evolution of eukaryotic cells within microbial mats. Roland Hatzenpichler at Montana State University aligns with this perspective.

“The study’s outcomes indicate that the newly identified Asgard Archaea engage directly with sulfate-reducing bacteria,” he remarks.

However, Lopez Garcia cautions that these interactions may not date back beyond 2 billion years. “While these archaeal and bacterial forms are modern, the microbial environments they inhabit may provide insights into ancient ecosystems,” he explains.

According to Hatzenpichler, we may be on the verge of better understanding the similarities between recent microorganisms and the cells they collaborate with to form primitive nucleated cells. “We’re now in an advantageous position to uncover deeper truths,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Research Discovers Unusual Glow Emitted by the Human Brain

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Our brains are glowing. While this phenomenon isn’t visible to the naked eye, scientists have the ability to detect faint light that permeates the skull. Recent studies indicate that this light varies based on our activities.

All living tissues generate a subtle light known as Ultraweak Photon Emissions (UPE). This emission ceases once the organism dies. The human brain, however, emits a considerable amount of this light due to its high energy consumption, accounting for around 20% of the body’s total energy.

“Ultraweak photon emissions, or UPE, are extremely faint light signals produced by all types of cells throughout the body—trillions of times weaker than the light from bulbs,” stated Dr. Nirosha Murugan, an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. BBC Science Focus.

“Although UPE is a weak signal, the energy expenditure of the brain generates more light than other organs,” she explained. “Consider the hundreds of billions of brain cells; each one emits a weak light signal, but together they create a measurable collective glow outside the head.”

Murugan’s research team aimed to explore whether this glow fluctuated with brain activity and if it could be utilized to assess brain functions.

To investigate, scientists equipped participants with caps containing electrical sensors to track both electrical impulses and light emitted from the brain. Twenty adults were invited to sit in a darkened room.

Participants were directed to open and close their eyes and follow simple audio instructions.

Comparisons were made between the captured electrical signals and UPEs, revealing notable correlations.

“We discovered that the optical signals detected around the head correlate with electrical activity in the brain during cognitive tasks,” Murugan noted. “These patterns of light emission from the brain are dynamic, intricate, and informative.”

The brain emitted this light in a slow, rhythmic pattern, occurring less than once per second, creating the illusion of stability throughout the two-minute tasks.

All living cells emit ultrawave light as a byproduct of chemical reactions such as energy metabolism – Credit: Sean Gladwell via Getty

Murugan indicated that measuring this brain light could offer scientists and medical professionals a novel method for brain imaging, potentially identifying conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and depression.

This light is not merely a by-product; it might also play a functional role in the brain. Murugan emphasized that examining it could “uncover hidden dimensions” of our cognitive processes.

“I hope that the possibility of detecting and interpreting light signals from the brain will inspire new questions previously deemed unfathomable,” she stated. “For instance, can UPEs permeate the skull and influence other brains within the vicinity?”

This study serves as a preliminary exploration, suggesting that plenty remains to be uncovered about our illuminating brains.

Nonetheless, Murugan expressed hope that the team’s discoveries will “ignite a new discussion regarding the significance of light in brain functionality.”

read more:

About our experts

Dr. Nirosha Murugan is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada. She was recently appointed as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Biophysics at the University of Algoma in Ontario.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Physicists Uncover Unusual Quantum Echoes in Niobium Superconductors

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers from Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University have unveiled the emergence of Higgs echoes in niobium superconductors. These findings shed light on quantum behavior that could influence the development of next-generation quantum sensing and computing technologies.

Using Higgs Echo Spectroscopy, Huang et al reveal unconventional echo formation due to non-uniform expansion and soft quasiparticle bands, dynamically evolving under THZ drive. Image credit: Ames National Laboratory.

Superconductors are materials known for conducting electricity without resistance.

These superconducting materials exhibit collective oscillations referred to as the Higgs mode.

The Higgs mode represents a quantum phenomenon that occurs when the electronic potential fluctuates similarly to a Higgs boson.

Such modes manifest when the material experiences a superconducting phase transition.

Monitoring these vibrations has posed challenges for scientists for many years.

Additionally, they interact complexly with quasiparticles, which are electron-like excitations arising from superconducting dynamics.

By utilizing advanced terahertz (THZ) spectroscopy, the researchers identified a new type of quantum echo known as Higgs echo in superconductive niobium materials utilized in quantum computing circuits.

“Unlike traditional echoes seen in atoms and semiconductors, Higgs echoes result from intricate interactions between Higgs modes and quasiparticles, generating anomalous signals with unique properties.”

“Higgs echoes can uncover and reveal hidden quantum pathways within a material.”

By employing precisely-timed THZ radiation pulses, the authors were able to detect these echoes.

These THZ radiation pulses can also facilitate the encoding, storage, and retrieval of quantum information embedded in the superconducting material via echoes.

This study illustrates the ability to manipulate and observe the quantum coherence of superconductors, paving the way for innovative methods of storing and processing quantum information.

“Grasping and controlling these distinctive quantum echoes brings us closer to practical quantum computing and advanced quantum sensing technologies,” stated Dr. Wang.

a paper detailing these findings was published in the journal on June 25th in Advances in Science.

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Chuankun Huang et al. 2025. Discovery of unconventional quantum echoes due to Higgs coherence interference. Advances in Science 11 (26); doi:10.1126/sciadv.ads8740

Source: www.sci.news

This Unusual Underwater “Blue Dragon” Battles Stolen Jellyfish Venom

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Far from the shore, in the immense stretches of the open ocean, resides an uncommon assembly of creatures known as “Neustons.”

This environment is a vast, two-dimensional layer of the ocean that bridges the atmosphere with the sea.

Among this group, one of the most fascinating beings is the blue dragon, a kind of sea slug, or naujibrance, more widely recognized as the blue dragon, the sea swallow, or Glaucus atlanticus.

Blue dragons float on the surface, buoyed by the air bubbles they have ingested. To evade predators, they employ a unique biological strategy called countershading.

The underside of their body, positioned upside down, exhibits a bright blue hue that camouflages it against the ocean below, concealing it from aerial hunters above.

Conversely, the side that hangs from the surface boasts silver stripes that mimic the shimmering ocean surface, aiding swimming predators in their upward gaze.

Overall, the blue dragon appears peculiar owing to its sea slug nature. The main body, measuring about 3cm (0.4 inches), seems somewhat sluggish, but it features elongated appendages resembling fingers of varying lengths.

These appendages are not used for waving or swimming; they are anatomical structures called ceratha, essentially serving as a secondary gill by extending the intestines and respiratory system to facilitate breathing.

Like many sea slug species, the Blue Dragon utilizes its ceratha as a weapon. They are notorious hunters, primarily targeting other blue-hued Neustons, including Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis) and jellyfish-like creatures like blue buttons (Porpita porpita) and by-the-wind sailors (Velella velella).

Blue dragons can inject venom into these organisms without fear of being stung.

‘They are vicious hunters, and their main prey is the other members of Neuston’ – Photo credit: Matty Smith Photo

Remarkably, these sea slugs can recycle their prey’s toxins, maintaining them intact and incorporating them into their ceratha.

When threatened by predators, they can launch these toxins as a potent defense mechanism.

Modern challenges pose threats to Blue Dragons and their fellow Neuston inhabitants. A study conducted between Hawaii and California reveals that they inhabit the same remote regions of the infamous Pacific Ocean, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where floating plastic debris accumulates due to swirling ocean currents.

One approach to combat this plastic pollution involves placing a net between two vessels to retrieve debris from the surface. However, this method could inadvertently capture a significant number of Neustons.

The complete ecological consequences of this method remain unclear, but it may have significant repercussions on the marine food web. These creatures serve as crucial food sources for a variety of marine species, such as sea turtles and seabirds.

Please email us to submit your questions at question@sciencefocus.com or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (please include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Quirky Dates, Bisexual Mix-Ups, and Game-Changing Kisses: The Most Unusual Moments in Video Games

Posted on June 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Charming Dates in Life Are Weird

Life, as a series, is peculiar, but for me, it blends seriousness with a touch of whimsy, leaving me committed to showcasing queer characters prominently. This has proven fruitful in many respects. While the ambiguous relationship between timid blue-haired Chloe and the enigmatic Chloe from 2015’s Original Life is Strange remains partially undefined, Alex Chen stands out as the oddity in life. However, my favorite queer moment from the series surfaced in last year’s double exposure.

Max Caulfield has grown up and now holds a photography residency at a small-town university. She has come to accept herself. She is attractive but takes a leap with Vince, the not-so-great IT guy on campus. But what about Amanda, the cool lesbian bartender at a local pub? She is both intriguing and complicated. I adore the fact that all bisexual people can find the cool lesbians both intimidating and alluring. If you successfully navigate a date with Amanda, you’re in for one of the most delightful scenes in gaming. They attend an imaginary concert, sharing riffs and laughter over nostalgic chaotic shows. It’s reminiscent of how Nathan Drake and Elena played Crash Bandicoot together in Uncharted 4, creating one of the most genuine relationship moments in the game. (And yes, even after the date goes well, Max stays hesitant to kiss her.)
— Keza McDonald, Video Game Editor for The Guardian

Ellie and Dina from The Last of Us Part II

Our Last Ellie and Dina: Part II Photo: Sony/Naughty Dog

Ellie and Dina’s relationship in The Last of Us Part II has garnered much attention, and rightfully so. There are not many narratives in media that steer clear of trauma. While recognizing the difficulties faced by marginalized groups is vital, it also highlights the importance of joy. It’s remarkable that in a game heavily laden with deep themes and tragic character arcs, these two can engage in a lighthearted, collaborative relationship. They aren’t solely defined by their challenges, but rather by the choices they make. The narrative evolution and eventual conflict stem directly from Ellie’s actions and decisions.
— Amanda Hafford, Producer (and voice of Ducky) Date Everything!, Now

Same-Sex Marriage in Fable

No Cheat Codes Required… Fable Photo: Lionhead

As a teenager, I discovered a game called Fable. I played through the tutorial and sought to enhance my experience using cheat codes, buffing my character considerably.

However, I soon felt uneasy, not because of cheating, but due to not fully identifying with my character.

Does this character truly reflect me? Am I allowed to act this way? I wasn’t sure.

Upon reaching my first town, I met a merchant, bought everything he had, and returned all my items.

I sensed my thoughts beginning to crystallize. Can I genuinely do this? I thought so.

I gifted him a wedding ring. The gay married. I acquired a house and never revisited the game.

–

I was a closeted teen, and everyone around me seemed to know, except for me.

I was a chubby child, a fact frequently pointed out by others.

It’s amusing now, as I was caught in the game’s narrative, yet I never revealed my own truth. How oddly our teenage minds operate.
— Tanat Boozayaangool, Developer at Tan Ant Games Building Relationships, Coming This Year

Bisexual Mayhem in Thirsty Suitors

Mischief and Sincerity… A Thirsty Suitor Photo: Annapurna Interactive

My passion for queer games exists on both ends of the spectrum. At one end is the “delicate nuance and subtlety,” while the other revels in “delightful confusion.” It resonates with my experience as a bisexual individual.

In the realm of nuance, my initial affection was for the catharsis found in going home and recognizing the peculiarities of my sister Sam and her struggles after being rejected by their parents. There was also the narrative growth that allowed space for new relationships after hardship. More recently, I saw beautiful development in the relationship between Henry and Hans within their kingdom.

On the flip side, there’s ample mischief and sincerity. Thirsty Suitors captures the messy interconnectedness of peculiar dating scenarios and the aftermath when someone is caught up in their own world. As for my game, Crescent County, it leans towards the chaotic side. There’s often a pressure to portray “perfect” queer expressions, which detracts from the characters’ depth and humanity. I get the allure of pure chaos, but we shouldn’t homogenize ourselves for acceptance!
— Anna Hollinlake, Creative Director Crescent County, Coming Next Year

A Wholesome Queer Family Unpacking

Experience Dantel’s Masterpiece… Unpacked Photo: Witch Beam

Reflecting on my journey through the gaming era, my kids affectionately refer to it as the “late 1900s” (I feel Dust accumulating on my bones), I recall that villains were often the only characters coded with diversity. Healthy, quirky moments were as uncommon as writers crafting new, original narratives.

That’s why I absolutely cherished Unpacking. While the game revolves around unpacking belongings as you transition between places, it’s a brilliant show-don’t-tell piece. You leave your parents’ home, share a space with a roommate, eventually move in with your boyfriend, who quickly minimizes your space and expression. I turned to my wife, exclaiming, “She’s gay!” But she didn’t take note because I often relate to characters I admire. However, I was right. As the narrative progresses, she encounters her new partner, grows closer, and eventually they have a child and unpack the nursery together. It concludes with what I believe to be the healthiest representation of a lesbian relationship I’ve seen in any video game.
— Nikkijay, Author Quantum Witch, Now

Source: www.theguardian.com

These Unusual “Bears” Have the Power to Halt Aging—Here’s What We’re Discovering

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Commonly referred to by fans as “water bears” or “moss pigs,” the tardigrade is arguably the cutest microscopic creature on Earth.

These tiny beings have even been sent to the International Space Station. Scientists have successfully launched them into the vacuum of space.

Remarkably, they survived for days without air, water, or any protection from intense solar radiation, showcasing their resilience. Researchers believe these little animals possess extraordinary survival capabilities.

In extreme situations, tardigrades enter a state known as cryptobiosis, essentially drying out and halting their metabolism.

Once conditions improve and water is reintroduced, they can rehydrate and start functioning again as if nothing ever happened.

Recent research has revealed new insights into these remarkable organisms. For instance, scientists have identified a protein called “DSUP” that shields their DNA from radiation, acting like molecular armor.

Researchers from the University of Stuttgart have provided evidence supporting the “sleeping beauty” hypothesis.

This theory posits that in their dormant state, tardigrades may not only pause their metabolism but also their biological clocks.

They survived for days without air, water, or protection from intense solar radiation. – Image credits: Scientific Photo Library via Sebastian Kauritzki/Getty Images

Interestingly, water bears that undergo freezing thrive for twice as long while awake compared to a control group that never sleeps.

In their natural habitats, tardigrades might only be active for a few months, yet they can enter a state of suspended animation and survive for decades.

A 2024 study focused on the recently discovered tardigrade, Hypsibius henanensis, which provided further insights.

The research revealed a gene responsible for producing betalain, which counteracts the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

Additionally, they uncovered proteins that enhance DNA repair mechanisms. The next step is to determine whether these proteins offer protection across any of the 1,300 known tardigrade species.

This article answers the question posed by Madison Halladay: “Why are tardigrades so indestructible?”

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This Unusual Miniature Frog Defies Nature’s Greatest Laws

Posted on June 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The world is full of fascinating paradoxes. For instance, does this article even exist before you’ve read it? If I traveled back in time and eliminated my grandfather, would I still be here writing this? And why is it that two socks can fit into the washing machine, yet only one emerges? Perhaps one of the grandest paradoxes is how a frog can shrink as it matures.

Meet the paradoxical frog (Pseudis Paradoxa). These frogs lay their fertile eggs in South America’s lakes and lagoons, where they hatch into tadpoles that begin to consume the eggs.

The voracious larvae feed mainly on algae and begin to grow quite rapidly. Initially, they develop like ordinary tadpoles, but…

If conditions are ideal, these tadpoles can grow remarkably large. Bigger than blueberries, larger than strawberries—think of it as if “satsuma stuffed into ankle socks.” That gives you a sense of their size, and perhaps you’ve even located your missing socks.

The tadpoles of the paradox frog, with their plump, rounded bodies and long muscular tails, can reach lengths of up to 22cm (8.6 inches). Rearrange the movie Jaws, and you’ll need a bigger jam jar!

This size is about three times more significant than the adult frogs they eventually become, with much of the necessary development already complete.

By the time they morph from tadpoles to frogs, males possess well-formed testes and can produce sperm, while females create mature eggs.

This is distinct from typical frog tadpoles, which take longer to reach sexual maturity during the male frog phase of their life cycle.

Paradoxical frog tadpoles can grow up to 22cm (8.6 inches). – Photo credit: Aramie

So, how does a giant tadpole transform into such a small frog? It’s remarkably simple! At least half of the paradoxical frog tadpoles are made up of tails. Once they lose their tails, they undergo a normal transformation into relatively small adults, measuring about 7cm (approximately 2.5 inches).

This “contraction” of the amphibians explains the phenomenon often referred to as frog shrinkage.

The paradox appears resolved. Yet, as one riddle is solved, another emerges: Why do the tadpoles expend such energy in growing so large in the first place?

One possible explanation lies in the timing and location of their birth. Paradoxical frogs time their spawning for the rainy season.

In Trinidad, this occurs around May.

Some eggs are laid in permanent bodies of water, while others are deposited in fleeting ponds that eventually dry up. Those born in small, temporary locations with limited food and aquatic predators do not grow much. In contrast, tadpoles born in larger, more stable ponds with abundant food and fewer predators tend to thrive.

In these circumstances, growing larger can enhance survival since larger tadpoles are less likely to be consumed by predatory fish and other animals.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Paleontologists Discover Unusual New Species of Erasmosaurus: Traskasaura Sandrae

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Traskasaura Sandrae, a 12 m long Erasmosaurus (a type of plesiosaurus) that inhabited the Cretaceous Sea 85 million years ago, showcases an unusual combination of primitive and advanced traits, setting it apart from other Erasmosaurus. This distinctive set of adaptations enabled the marine reptile to hunt its prey from above.

Traskasaura Sandrae. Image credit: O’Keefe et al., doi: 10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938.

The first Traskasaura fossil was unearthed in 1988 within late Cretaceous strata in the Haslam Formation on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Since then, additional fossils have been excavated from the same layers, including isolated right humeri, as well as components of the chest, guard bones, limbs, and a preserved juvenile skeleton.

Initially described in 2002, the fossil gained recent prominence when it was adopted as the official crest fossil of British Columbia.

“Fossils of Prisiosaurus have been recognized in British Columbia for decades,” states Professor F. Robin O’Keefe from Marshall University.

“Nevertheless, despite its designation as a fossil in 2023, the identity of the organisms that produced it has remained enigmatic.”

“Our recent research published today will finally clarify this enigma.”

“I comprehend the scientific uncertainty surrounding this taxa.”

“It exhibits an odd mix of primitive and advanced features. Notably, the shoulders are unlike any other plesiosaur I’ve encountered, and I’ve seen quite a few.”

With the naming of Traskasaura Sandrae, the Pacific Northwest can finally claim a distinct Mesozoic reptile.”

“Thus, this area, known for its rich contemporary marine biodiversity, was once home to a variety of extraordinary marine reptiles from the dinosaur age.”

In the original description of the fossil in 2002, experts were hesitant to classify a new genus based solely on the discovered adult Erasmosaurus skeleton.

The skeletal remains presented a relatively limited number of discernible traits.

However, the newly discovered, well-preserved partial skeleton allowed the research team to illuminate much about the Erasmosaurus morphology found in the Pantledge River, ultimately categorizing it as a new genus and species.

Traskasaura Sandrae possessed a notably lengthy neck, with at least 36 well-preserved cervical vertebrae, comprising at least 50 bones in total.

“And there is no significant knowledge yet; Traskasaura Sandrae boasts an impressive array of autodynamic bones that exhibit its strong ability to swim downward,” remarked Professor O’Keefe.

“This peculiar blend of features is linked to its hunting techniques. It utilizes this capability for descending swimming to ambush its prey from above.”

“The prey included abundant ammonites known from the region.”

Survey results will be published in Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

____

F. Robin O’Keefe et al. 2025. Taxonomy of a remarkable new Erasmosaurus from the Santonian of Vancouver Island: British Columbia’s official province fossil name. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 23 (1); doi:10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938

Source: www.sci.news

Doctors say Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis is unusual, but not unprecedented.

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New information regarding former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis indicates that while his case is not common, it is not entirely unheard of, according to the healthcare professionals who treated him.

At 82, Biden received a diagnosis of aggressive cancer on Friday after a nodule was found in his prostate, his personal staff announced. The cancer has spread to his bones, but his office stated that he is likely to respond well to treatment.

Most prostate cancer diagnoses occur at an early stage through routine screenings, which may include blood tests or rectal exams.

However, approximately 8% of cases have already metastasized to other organs by the time of diagnosis. In such instances, oncologists believe the patient may have had prostate cancer for several years, possibly up to a decade.

“We’ve encountered numerous patients facing significant health challenges,” stated Dr. William Dahoot, chief science officer at the American Cancer Society.

That said, exceptions exist.

“While most prostate cancers are slow-growing, some can develop rapidly and pose a high risk of metastasis,” explained Dr. Aron Weiser, a urologist and chief medical officer. “Is it common? No. But it can occur, dependent on the unique biology of that cancer.”

Screening facilitates early detection, yet there is disagreement among healthcare professionals regarding who should be screened for prostate cancer.

Many physicians refrain from screening men in their late 70s or 80s, as these individuals are generally more likely to die from other medical issues than prostate cancer. Nevertheless, with increasing life expectancies, some doctors consider screening appropriate for healthier older men.

According to the American Cancer Society’s recommendations, men in their 50s and 60s should be screened every two years. Men with elevated levels of prostate-specific antigens—a protein made by the prostate—should undergo annual screenings. Additionally, men at higher risk for prostate cancer, such as African Americans or those with a family history of the disease, should begin screening in their 40s.

However, current guidelines from the U.S. Task Force on Preventive Services, an independent panel that advises on practices often covered by insurance, state that men aged 55 to 69 should only consider discussing blood tests with their physicians. The task force is currently reviewing new screening guidelines for prostate cancer, with many healthcare providers advocating for a broader recommendation.

Weiser noted that there was a broader screening approach in the late 1980s and early 1990s, leading to premature diagnoses and treatments that may not have impacted patients’ lives. The 2012-2018 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended blood tests to help identify prostate cancer, resulting in decreased screening rates.

“Prostate cancer behaves differently; many cases are benign, not causing issues for individuals,” Weiser remarked. “The goal should be to identify aggressive cancers.”

In recent years, there has been a shift back toward increased screening as doctors have improved their understanding of which cases require treatment versus those that should be monitored.

Nevertheless, Dahut expressed ongoing concerns among patients and physicians about whether the benefits of screening outweigh the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Screening rates have declined steadily since 2012, and Dahut notes that this trend has led to a 5% increase in diagnoses of more advanced prostate cancer.

It remains unclear whether Biden has undergone prostate cancer screenings in recent years. His annual physical examination in February 2024 did not indicate a screening was performed, which is not unusual for someone of his age. A physical exam in 2019 revealed an enlarged prostate but did not lead to a cancer diagnosis at that time.

Dr. David Shusterman, a urologist based in New York, stated that Biden’s advanced diagnosis is atypical among patients who are screened regularly.

“It is rare for metastasis to have occurred in someone who regularly sees a urologist,” he said.

Diagnosis is often more prevalent in individuals who do not maintain regular medical consultations. Rick Gum is one such case; he was never screened before his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2018. Gum, a 73-year-old trucking company owner from Big Rock, Illinois, initially sought care for a hernia but was found to have aggressive cancer that had spread to his bones.

“I learned the hard way,” he remarked. “I should have visited the doctor.”

Gum noted that his cancer was too advanced for standard treatment, prompting his participation in various clinical trials at Northwest Medicine, which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and treatments involving radioisotopes.

“I’ve enjoyed seven excellent years since my diagnosis,” he reflected. “They’ve been quality years. I ride motorcycles, travel a bit, and love my work. I’ve been able to do it all.”

According to the American Cancer Society, around 37% of patients with metastatic prostate cancer survive at least five years post-diagnosis.

Dr. Peter Nelson, vice president of precision oncology at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, mentioned that patients like Biden could have over a 90% response rate to treatments that lower testosterone—a hormone that can promote cancer growth. These hormonal therapies are typically administered through injections or tablets.

“He may start with multiple medications and anticipate several years of effective treatment before any resistance develops,” Nelson noted. Some patients also receive chemotherapy or radiation in conjunction with hormone therapy, he added.

According to sources familiar with the family’s perspective, Biden and his family are exploring “multiple treatment options,” including hormone therapy.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Capuchin Monkey Snatches Baby Howler Monkey in Unusual Trend

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Capuchin monkey with white face of a man carrying a baby howler monkey

Brendan Barrett/Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior

Capuchin monkeys on a remote island in Panama are gaining attention as they acquire infants from the Howler monkey species.

A wild group of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus imitator) residing on Zikaron Island has been under observation with 86 motion cameras since 2017. Researchers are studying their complex use of stone tools to open hard fruits, nuts, and shellfish. By 2022, five years into their study, they observed one young male capuchin, nicknamed Joker, frequently carrying a baby howler monkey (Alouatta coibensis) for over four months, sometimes for weeks at a time.

Initially, researchers speculated this might be an unusual behavior. According to Zoë Goldsborough from the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, “I didn’t think we would find this.”

Months later, after observing Joker with the baby, four other young capuchins were spotted carrying howler infants as well. Over a span of 15 months, the capuchin group acquired 11 howler babies under four weeks old.

Researchers believe this behavior may spread through social learning, likening it to “primates and fashion,” notes Andrew Whiten, who was not involved in the study, from St Andrews University in the UK.

Baby Howler Monkey and two white-faced capuchins

Brendan Barrett / Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior

Mature female monkeys might adopt abandoned infants from other species as a way to practice nurturing. However, in this case, it’s immature male capuchins engaging in the behavior. Instead of merely adopting abandoned young, they appear to be actively taking howler infants from their families. Although there is no direct footage of theft, researchers documented a capuchin preventing a howler baby from escaping, while howler parents called out to find their infants, showcasing the capuchins’ defensive behavior.

The abducted infants are likely too young to survive without maternal care, leading to their eventual death from malnutrition. Investigators have observed at least three howler infants being carried even after they have died.

Learning from peers can be advantageous. Even if the behavior does not yield any tangible benefits, Whiten suggests it may simply be an expression of curiosity.

The capuchins on Jikarón Island face little competition and lack natural predators, allowing them to explore new behaviors, perhaps as a response to ennui. Goldsborough notes that Joker, who is frequently seen utilizing tools, may embody this trend. “If a tradition exists, individuals are likely to imitate other behaviors as well.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unusual Events on the Moon: Our Team is Left Scratching Their Heads

Posted on May 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study by NASA has uncovered an unexpected and curious fact about the moon’s deep interior.

Utilizing data from the Grail Spacecraft, researchers found that the side of the moon facing Earth is “bending” more than the far side, indicating a remarkably unstable internal structure between the two hemispheres.

“We have long believed the moon to be spherically symmetrical deep down, so encountering clear evidence to the contrary was both surprising and challenging,” said Dr. Ryan Park, the study’s lead author and head of the Solar System Dynamics Group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

Published in Nature, the study reveals that the moon visible from Earth deforms more significantly under the gravitational influence of Earth than on its far side, measured using ultra-precision gravity techniques.

This finding relies on a metric known as the “Love number,” which quantifies the extent to which a celestial body deforms due to tidal forces. After nearly a decade of intricate calculations involving millions of parameters, the team found that the Love number was approximately 72% greater than what would be expected for a symmetrically spherical moon.

“When we first calculated higher Love numbers than anticipated, our team was genuinely perplexed,” Park noted. However, the calculations confirmed it: the moon exhibits instability both internally and externally.

These views of the near and far side of the moon are compiled from observations by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. -NASA/JPL-Caltech

The cause? The mantle on the near side is warmer and less rigid compared to the far side, attributed to radioactive heating early in the moon’s history.

This phenomenon is likely due to ancient geological activities. The near side contains a significantly higher concentration of radioactive materials, including up to 10 times more thorium. These elements emit heat as they decay.

Billion years ago, this heat led to the formation of pockets of partially melted rock, sparking massive volcanic eruptions. These eruptions resurfaced the near side with dark plains known as “Mare,” while the far side remained rugged and cratered.

This study generates the most comprehensive gravity map of the moon to date. Future missions, such as NASA’s Artemis program, aim to enhance navigation on the lunar surface and aid in developing lunar navigation systems.

Looking to other regions of the solar system, Park plans to apply a similar methodology to investigate the metal-rich asteroid Psyche and the icy moons of Jupiter, particularly Europa.

“The most astonishing aspect was how pronounced the asymmetry was,” Park added. “This compelled us to examine the intricacies of the moon’s thermal and structural evolution, ultimately yielding new insights into how the moon—and potentially other celestial bodies—develop internal disparities over billions of years.”

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About our experts

Ryan Park is the supervisor of the Solar System Dynamics Group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. His research has been featured in prestigious journals, including Science, Journal of Astrophysics, and Nature.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Archaeologists Uncover Unusual Rectal Preservation Techniques Used on Mummies

Posted on May 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent archaeological findings indicate that well-preserved mummies were air-dried using long chips, twigs, cloth, and zinc chloride inserted into the rectum.

The 280-year-old remains belong to an Austrian priest and represent the first documented case of such an unusual but effective preservation method.

“The remarkably preserved mummy found in the Church District of St. Thomas am Brassenstein is that of Franz Zaber Sidler von Rosenage, a local pastor who passed away in 1746,” said Professor Andreas Nellich, a pathologist from Ludwig Maximilians University, Germany, involved in the Frontiers of Medicine study.

“Our investigation revealed that excellent preservation was achieved by packing the abdomen with wood chips, twigs, and dough, coupled with zinc chloride for internal desiccation.”

The mummy’s body walls were entirely unharmed, though more decay was evident on the head and legs. – Credit: Andreas Nellic

The upper body of the mummy remained largely intact, while significant collapse was observed in the head and lower body.

Nerlich, along with a global team of researchers, conducted thorough analyses, including computed tomography scans (using X-rays and computers to construct detailed body images), radiocarbon dating, and chemical assessments.

These studies confirmed Sidler’s identity, indicating he died between 1734 and 1780 at the age of 35-45.

Further discoveries of unique fabric tissues from materials found in the mummy’s abdominal cavity. Left: A piece of cotton with an intricate floral pattern. Right: A silk fabric fragment. – Credit: Andreas Nellic

In their efforts, scientists removed preservatives from Sidler’s body, uncovering that the abdominal and pelvic cavities were filled through the rectum with family and spruce chips, along with linen, hemp, and flax fabrics.

These materials were readily available in the small Austrian village where Sidler lived. Additionally, silk and embroidered linen were discovered within his remains, suggesting that the stuffing absorbed much of his abdominal fluids.

Toxicological examinations indicated that zinc chloride, a potent drying agent, was used to maintain the body’s condition.

Moreover, researchers found a small glass bead, likely lost within Sidler during the preservation process.

Left: The removal of some foreign materials from the dorsal abdominal wall revealed a mix of white fabric, plant matter, and brownish amorphous tissue residues. Right: A round object found in the left pelvis had a small hole with raised lips. – Credit: Andreas Nellic

Nerlich stated that the extent of rectal preservative use among mummies remains unknown, and other well-preserved bodies may have previously gone unreported.

The reasons behind Sidler’s preservation method remain unclear, though Nellich suggested:

“It’s possible the pastor was intended for transportation to his home monastery, but for reasons unknown, that plan may have failed.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

This unusual spiked mammal is like a real-life Pokemon

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Visualize this scenario: it’s 1976 at Camden’s electric ballroom. The Sex Pistols are on stage, bringing “British anarchy” to a pogo mosh pit filled with punk rockers. The floor is sticky with lager, the air heavy with attitude, and in the midst of it all, a Tenrek with a striped lowland pattern blending in…

Imagine an animal perfectly fitting into a Sex Pistols concert – that would be the lowland striped Tenrec. This small mammal from Madagascar’s rainforest sports a yellow quill crown reminiscent of John Lydon.

With stripes running along its black body, the Tenrec can raise its spines as a defense mechanism. For instance, non-receptive females may use these sharp spines to ward off unwanted advances. Even predators like snakes and fossas are cautious around these punk rockers of the animal kingdom.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/03/GettyImages-1874621590.mp4

Lowland striped tenrek

Similar to Lydon, the lowland striped Tenrec is a bit of a musician itself. It has quills on its back that vibrate when the muscles contract, producing high-pitched sounds for communication. This makes them unique among mammals.

There are 36 varieties of Tenrecs, all part of the family Tenecidae. They vary in size, with the lowland striped Tenrec being breakfast sausage-sized. Despite their appearance, they are closely related to elephants and sea cows due to their evolutionary history.

Living in large family groups, lowland striped Tenrecs are social animals that use their long noses to forage for earthworms and invertebrates. This behavior helps make earthworms more active and easier to detect.

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Exploring the Unusual Legacy of Xbox Kinect: Ghost Hunting, Porn, and Interactive Art | Games

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

rBundle in 2010 with ELESHEST and XBOX 360, Kinect looked like the future, at least for a moment. Kinect, a camera that detects gestures and can reproduce on-screen in games, allowed players to control video games with their own body. It was a bit of a sense at first, and we were selling 1M units in the first 10 days. It remains The best-selling gaming peripherals ever.

However, the lack of games already dominated by the Nintendo WII, the unreliable performance and the motion control market have brought Kinect enthusiasm for it to cool down quickly. Microsoft released a new version of Kinect on the Xbox One in 2013, but only to become an embarrassing flop. Kinect Line was like that It was suddenly cancelled in 2017. The Guardian reached out to several people involved in the development of the surrounding area. Instead, people who were keen to discuss Microsoft’s Motion Featured Cameras didn’t use it in the game at all.

Theo Watson Co-founder of Design I/O a creative studio specializing in interactive installations – many of them use depth cameras including Kinect. “When Kinect came out, it was really like a dream situation,” he recalls. “There are probably more than 10 installations around the world, and now Kinects tracks people, but Kinect’s use of the game was blip.”

The assistant will show the Xbox 360 game Kinect Adventures during the 2010 media briefing. Photo: Mario Anzuoni / Reuters / Reuters

Watson turns 15 this year and speaks about Kinect with a rare joy. (“I can’t stop talking about depth cameras,” he adds. “That’s my passion.”) As part of a collaborative effort, Watson has contributed to making Microsoft’s gaming cameras open source, based on the work of Hector “Malkan” Martin. It quickly became clear that Kinect didn’t become the future of video games, as Microsoft originally wanted. Instead, it was a game changer in other ways: for artists, robot players, and… ghost hunters.

Kinect works with a structured optical system. In other words, it creates depth data by projecting an infrared dot cloud, reads the transformations of that matrix, and identifies the depth. From this data, its machine learning core was trained to “see” the human body. In games like Kinect Sports, the camera was able to convert the body to a controller. Meanwhile, for those who create interactive artwork, they cut out much of the programming and busy work needed by more basic infrared cameras.

“The best analogy is like going from black and white TV to color,” Watson says. “There was this whole extra world that was open for us.” The powerful depth camera, which was previously present, retailed for around $6,000 (£4,740), but Microsoft condensed it into a robust, lightweight device for $150 (£118).

Robotocists were also grateful that accessible sensors allowed vision and movement to create. “Previously, only plane 2D LIDAR information was available to detect obstacles and map the environment,” he said. Stereo LoveWe plan to release the latest version of our advanced depth detection camera and software soon. 2D LIDAR detects objects by projecting a laser and measuring the time it takes for light to reflect. However, Kinect can create detailed and accurate depth maps that provide more information. what Obstacles are a way to navigate it. “Before sensors like Kinect, Lucetti says, “Grass clusters are not perceived unlike rocks, and they have all the consequences associated with navigation.”

This type of depth camera now drives many autonomous robotics. Perseverance of the 2020s Mars Rover’s Autonav System and Apple’s facial identification technology. (Apple purchased Primesense, the Israeli company behind Kinect’s structured optical system in 2013.)

NASA’s Mars Patience Rover in 2020. Photo: NASA/UPI/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

Kinect’s technology was quickly digged into by open source sensors and more advanced motion sensing devices that are free to use. However, since Microsoft stopped manufacturing its Kinect line in 2017, the small cameras have enjoyed something vibrant and not vibrant, not completely violated after death. have Looking at South Korea’s unarmed zone And we worked on adjusting the topography and patient. With a CT scanner; It has been revealed that it is being used in a baggage hall at the airport. Newer Liberty International Airport terminal security camera c (United Airlines declined to comment on this), and Gamify Training for the US Military. Attached to drones, rescue robots, easy uses found in porn.

“I don’t know if anyone has a solid vision of what interactive sex Kinect is involved with,” says Kyle Machulis, founder of buttplug.io Another member of the OpenKinect team. The camera is deployed primarily as a complex controller for 3D sex games, and plays “a futuristic marketing role more than anything in actual consumer use,” says Matulis. In that role, it was a success. It attracted a surge in attention from Microsoft to somehow ban porn containing Kinect. It was an interesting experiment, but it turns out that the addition of novelty devices is not a turn-on for many porn users. What’s more, as Matulis says, when the camera malfunctions, “it looks pretty scary.”

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There is less concern for ghost hunters who thrive on the ambiguity of aging technology and rebranded Kinect as a “SLS” (structured light sensor) camera. They unfold a body tracking to find numbers that are invisible to the naked eye. Ghost Hunters are excited by the Kinect’s habit of “seeing” a body that is not actually there, believing that the numbers on these skeletal sticks are unequivocal expressions of spirits.

The paranormal investigator industry doesn’t care much about false positives as long as those false positives are perceived as paranormal. Freelance Science Performance They have a show dedicated to researching ghost hunting technology. “It’s very normal for a ghost hunter to use an infrared camera and torch to photograph himself in the dark. He bathes the scene with an IR light, using sensors that measure a specific pattern of infrared dots,” he says. Given that Kinect is specifically designed to recognize the human body with the data it receives, Kinect becomes a stranger. It didn’t do it Pick up unusual numbers in this context.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/M_6E_envpPA?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Connected Worlds" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Kinect has a living poem among people looking for evidence of life after death. On the right hand, the camera is still strong. Theo Watson points to me Connected Worldan exhibition held in the New York Science Hall of Fame since 2015. Of the many Kinect devices that enhance installation, they had to be replaced within 10 years of opening. One of them was a few weeks ago. Watson began stockpiling devices when Microsoft stopped production.

“Half of the projects on our website do not exist without Kinect,” he says. “If this camera had another decade, it still wouldn’t be running out of anything related to it.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Pushing the Boundaries of Light Speed: Unusual Particles Impacting the Laws of the Universe

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

We've all seen it frequently in science fiction films, so the concept seems completely plausible. Characters enter commands, and spacecraft reverse speed, jump to hyperspace, and create wormholes through space and time.

Whatever the terminology, the outcome is always the same. They fly through fictional universes faster than the speed of light, so travel between star systems is not only possible, but practical.

But in the real universe we live in, a huge barrier appears to forbid this. According to Albert Einstein's special theory of relativity, it cannot travel faster than light.

The light travels at an incredible speed of approximately 3 x 108 meters per second. This means that when you look at the universe, you won't see the heavenly objects as they are currently appearing. You can see how light from them first emerged when they departed across the universe.

Within the solar system, these delays are relatively short. For example, it takes only one second of sunlight to bounce off the surface of the moon and reach the Earth, but it takes eight minutes to cover the distance between the sun and our world.

Due to the enormous distance from us, if the sun suddenly disappears, you won't notice until 8 minutes later – Photo Credit: Getty

The more visible the longer the delay, which gives rise to the light-year concept as a measure of distance. Our closest star, Proxima Centauri, is about 4.25 light years away. In other words, it takes 4.25 years to get there from there. Therefore, the stars are not as they are now, and look like 4.25 years ago.

Beyond the vast expanse of the universe, distance is ultimately measured in billions of light years. This is what makes cosmology possible. The more we see the universe, the older the objects we see, and we can diagrammaticize today's evolution into stars and galaxies.

But if you can travel there and see what those objects look like now, wouldn't that be great?

Having a warp drive may sound like it, but it has some pretty weird results. For one thing, it would ruin the notion of causality.

Causality is our common sense perception that precedes effectiveness. But if you saw a faster spaceship trip towards you, you will see the ship in two places at once. The light carrying information about the ship's departure would not have reached the eye before the ship could be seen along the way.

Worse, the mathematics of relativity shows that if the speed exceeds the speed of light, literally time travel is possible.

This creates a full-scale causal paradox such as the famous “grandfather's paradox.” And how does it work – will you just no longer exist?

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Negative energy inside

At first glance, Einstein's theory appears to protect us from such head-envelope challenges, as it appears to make it impossible to move faster than light. Masu.

According to the equation, the energy required to accelerate the ship to such a speed is infinite. However, researchers then began to look at mathematics in more detail.

A general theory of relativity – Einstein's extension of his special relativity – he proposes that the universe is made of adaptive fabrics called the space-time continuum, and he uses gravity to make this fabric I explained that it was distorted.

Who knows if tachyons exist, but if so, the theory suggests that it travels faster than light. – Image credits: Science Photography Library

1994, Physicist Dr. Miguel Alcubière At the University of Wales, and at Cardiff, we showed that solutions exist within the theory of general relativity that can be interpreted as warp drives. The problem was that it requires an exotic substance known as “negative energy” to make it work.

Astronomers have toyed using the concept of negative energy to explain why the universe appears to be accelerating, but with an understanding of physics, matter is comfortable to exist It cannot be done.

Then in May 2024, A group of researchers reexamined mathematics We will use only the types of particles and energy that make up the planet and people to see if the Alkbiere Warp phenomenon can be generated.

Their conclusion: Yes, they did. Dr. Jared Fuchs And colleagues at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, USA, discovered that they could arrange for normal material and energy to create warp phenomena and transport people through space. But there was a catch: they could only make it work at sub-light speed.

“It takes a lot of energy to make small changes to the space,” Fuchs says. To move the passenger seat, the size of a small room requires a small house-sized “warp bubble” for the size of a small room. And to make it, you need to narrow the mass of Jupiter several times. It becomes the volume that is the size of a small asteroid.

“now, [is that] Is it possible? perhaps. [Is it] Practical? I wouldn't say that,” says Fuchs. Even if it was possible to create such a device, the old boundaries still exist. To accelerate faster than the speed of light, you need an infinite amount of energy.

“We will not resolve the future of rapid transportation like Star Trek,” admits Fuchs.

Trouble with Tachon

Other researchers have conducted their own research into relativity. Professor Andrzej Dragan Collaborators at the University of Warsaw in Poland decided to consider possible solutions within the equation of particles that travel faster than light.

Physicists have previously messed with such concepts. They even called such virtual particles “tachyons,” but essentially considered them more than mathematical curiosity. However, Dragan and her colleagues found an equation explaining Tachyon's behavior.

“Mathematically, they make perfect sense,” says Dragan. In other words, our familiar world of secondary particle particles could coexist with the upper heart family of the second family, the tachyon.

Unfortunately, this does not mean that spacecraft can speed faster than light. To do that, Dragan explains that it requires the infinite energy that Einstein predicted, as well as the infinite energy to slow the Tachyon down to a sub-blue-minal speed.

“You can't exceed the speed of light in either direction,” says Dragan.

Nevertheless, the study We have proposed some fascinating results that may explain some of the most inexplicable observations physicists are working on.

When dealing with Tachon, Dragan and his colleagues encountered the causal issues they had been expecting. But the more I looked into these details, the more I realized that something surprising was happening. The strict lack of causes and effects was very similar to the behavior of normal, everyday subatomic particles.

The theory of relativity explains the behavior of the universe at its largest scale, while quantum theory describes the subatomic domain as a very different location.

Quantum theory introduces probability into particle interactions. For example, we know that an atom can absorb photons of light and at some stage it will re-emit that photon, but we cannot predict when or in which direction it will take.

In other words, the exact cause is hidden from us, and all we have left is an observable effect. Dragan suggests that when tachyon interacts with normal substances, the outcome of that interaction is unpredictable – like the emission of photons.

So, while these latest ideas do not seem to open a route to practical warp drives, they may only show a deeper look at the nature of the cosmos and the origins of quantum behavior.

About our experts

Dr. Jared Fuchs He is the CEO of Celedon Solutions Inc. and works in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, USA. His work has been published Classical and quantum gravity.

Professor Andrzej Dragan He is a filmmaker and professor of physics at the University of Warsaw in Poland, and a visiting professor at the National University of Singapore. His work has been published Physical review, Classic and Quatnam Gravity and New Journal of Physics.

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The Daily 3pm Thunderstorm: Unusual yet Consistent, The Explanation

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Meteorologists typically only name weather systems that are likely to have widespread and significant impacts. Think hurricanes and the massive winter “nor’easters” that hit the Atlantic Ocean in the United States and Canada. Hector is an exception. A simple thunderstorm, named after his reliability, not his power.

You can set your watch alongside Hector as it forms over the Tiwi Islands off the coast of Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory. Hector appears at 3pm almost every day during the snowy and rainy seasons from September to March.

Map of the Tiwi Islands – Photo credit: Getty

His clockwork consistency is the result of the local microclimate created by sea breezes and Tiwi’s pyramid-like topography.

The islands are surrounded by tropical ocean air. When the morning sun hits, dry air on land warms up faster than moist air over the ocean. As the dry air heats up, it expands, creating a low-pressure system above the island that sucks in ocean air over land as the afternoon sea breeze.

Sea breezes blow in from all directions. When they gather at the top, they have nowhere to go but to rise, carrying moisture from the ocean with them. As the air column rises, it cools and condenses, forming water droplets and clouds, creating instability in the atmosphere and rapidly forming deep convective storms. Hence, Hector’s nickname is “Hector the Convector”.

It was named after World War II pilots who used its giant cumulonimbus thunderclouds as navigational aids when flying between Darwin and Papua New Guinea.

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Hector is one of the most persistently large thunderstorms on Earth, regularly reaching heights of more than 12 miles (19 km) and sometimes reaching the stratosphere.

He is also one of the most well-studied figures. Thunderstorms tend to be unpredictable and short-lived. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where they occur, but since the 1980s scientists have used Hector’s exceptional reliability to investigate how storms form and to investigate phenomena such as lightning and updrafts. I’ve been investigating.

This article answers the question (asked via email by Dawn Greer): “What is Hector the Convector?”

If you have any questions, please email us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor send us a message facebook, ×or Instagram Page (remember to include your name and location).

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The US Military’s Most Secret and Unusual Weapon

Posted on December 28, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Military forces worldwide work diligently to safeguard the latest technological advancements for security reasons. However, the secrecy surrounding these innovations often sparks intense curiosity and speculation among the general public.

Despite efforts to keep military secrets classified, some information becomes public knowledge even if it was developed relatively recently. For instance, fog banks, a covert material used in the creation of nuclear warheads, were so classified that the manufacturing process details were lost over time.

When the U.S. National Nuclear Security Agency needed to refurbish old warheads using similar materials, they had to invest substantial resources to rediscover the manufacturing process. Although the existence of fog banks is now known publicly, the specific composition remains undisclosed.

According to weapons experts, fog banks are airgel materials designed to generate superheated plasma when the fission stage detonates, triggering the final fusion stage explosion of the weapon.

The production of fog banks took place in Tennessee from 1975 to 1989. After the last batch of warheads was manufactured, the facility ceased operations. Nearly two decades later, when the decision was made to refurbish old nuclear warheads, project officials realized that few records of the manufacturing process survived.

Furthermore, most knowledgeable staff with expertise in manufacturing these materials had retired or left the agency, making it necessary to undergo an expensive reverse engineering process that concluded in 2008.

It is uncertain whether fog banks are still utilized in new nuclear warheads. Furthermore, a recent classified military report by the Department of Defense shed light on America’s military secrets once again, dismissing sightings of extraterrestrial technology.

Tank surrounded by binary code – Credit: Anton Petrus

The report attributed the majority of UFO sightings to earthly objects, many of which turned out to be classified military technology. For instance, UFO sightings in the 1950s and 60s were linked to the testing of advanced reconnaissance aircraft by the United States, including high-altitude balloons and fighter jets. Some of these secret projects involved saucer-shaped aircraft like the Canadian VZ-9AV Avrokar fighter-bomber designed for vertical takeoff and landing.

The Pentagon report thoroughly scrutinized archives and classified documents from all official investigations into unidentified anomalous phenomena and found no evidence of extraterrestrial technology on Earth.

The U.S. Department of Defense is contemplating declassifying information about certain covert space programs, aiming to deter potential adversaries by showcasing defense capabilities.

In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Space Force disclosed details about its capabilities, with the silent barker satellite monitoring satellites and spacecraft orbiting Earth ahead of its launch in September 2023. Such disclosures may become more prevalent if Pentagon officials advocating for increased transparency in military space technology have their way.

This article was prompted by the question, “What is the most secret weapon we know about?” submitted by Adam Costello via email.

For inquiries, please contact us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (include your name and location).

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Discover the unusual pathways microplastics can enter your body

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Studies have shown the alarming extent of microplastics traveling through our bodies.

Scientists have discovered tiny plastic particles in various parts of the human body, such as the lungs, testicles, placenta, and even breast milk. The ingestion and inhalation of microplastics can lead to allergic reactions, inflammation, and an increased risk of certain diseases. You can find more information here.

There are concerns about the possibility of absorbing plastic through the skin when washing synthetic clothing, as it emits microplastics that are smaller than 5 mm. Research is ongoing to determine if there are any risks associated with skin contact with plastic fibers. While the skin is a natural barrier that protects us from the outside world, there is evidence suggesting that some chemical additives in certain products can be absorbed into the skin. Learn more here.

It is generally believed that microplastics cannot penetrate the outermost layer of the skin – Credit: Svetlozar Hristov

While microplastics can get trapped in hair follicles and wrinkles, they are not thought to be able to reach other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Some flame retardants in various products have been shown to pass through the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream, albeit in low levels. Find out more here.

This article addresses the question posed by Natalie Reid from London: Can plastics and chemicals be absorbed through the skin?

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

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Unusual dental structure discovered in Triassic lizard-like quasi-reptile

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have identified a new species of procolophonid reptile from fossilized skull and jaw fragments found in southwest England.

rebuilding the life of Treodatos casmatos. Image credit: Mark Whitton.

The newly discovered species Treodatos casmatoslived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 220 to 210 million years ago.

The ancient creature is a member of Leptopleuroninaean extinct lizard-like quasi-reptilian subfamily within the clade Procolophonidae.

Luke Mead, a palaeontologist at the University of Birmingham, said: “Procolophoids appeared in the late Permian, persisted until the end-Permian extinction event, and were a notable element of the post-extinction fauna in the Triassic, on the supercontinent. They were small quasi-reptile species that were diverse throughout Pangea.” his colleagues.

“Procolophonid diversity decreased during the Late Triassic and is represented only by the late-divergent clade Leptopleuroninae, known for small occurrences in Brazil, North America, Scotland, England, and possibly Wales. ”

“Leptopleuronin procolophorids typically have a reduced number of laterally expanded bicuspid maxillary teeth and are often characterized by cranial decorations such as enlarged spines of the quadrate zygoma.”

“Leptopleuronins appear to be well adapted to a high-fiber herbivore, omnivore, or entomovore diet, and this group may represent the latest surviving clade of Parareptilia.” There is.”

Fossilized remains are Treodatos casmatos It was discovered at Cromhall Quarry in southern Gloucestershire, south-west England.

“The teeth and jaws of this small reptile exhibit features never before seen in this group,” said Dr. Mead, lead author of the paper. study Published in a magazine Paleontology Papers.

“They probably fed differently than their relatives, raising new questions about how these animals interacted with their environment during the Late Triassic. ”

Reptiles have tricuspid teeth in their upper jaws, each with three distinct points. The lower jaw, on the other hand, has compressed unicuspid teeth with unusual edentulous (toothless) tips.

These adaptations may have facilitated unique methods of food processing.

Dr Mark Jones, curator of fossil reptiles at the Natural History Museum, said: “The interaction between the upper and lower teeth is interesting and there are some mammalian similarities in the shape of the teeth.”

“The mandible was not fused at the jaw area; instead, the connection was held by soft tissue and was probably flexible.”

“This flexibility may have allowed the lower jaws to make contact in a way that made it easier to masticate food.”

“This feature is not seen in closely related species and may indicate a specialized diet or feeding strategy.”

“The Late Triassic was a period of dramatic environmental change when Pangea began to collapse.”

“The unique adaptation of teeth is Treodatos casmatos This suggests that they may have carved out a unique ecological niche in a changing climate, feeding on plants, insects, or other small prey that required specialized oral food processing. ”

“Treodatos casmatos “They lived at a time when solar radiation was much lower than it is today, but there was much more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,” Dr. Jones said.

“It has become generally hotter, global average sea levels have risen, and extreme rainfall events have occurred.”

“therefore, Treodatos casmatos And the communities it lived in may provide perspective on today's threatened ecosystems and the global emergency we face. ”

_____

Luke E. Mead others. 2024. A new protocolophonid with complex tooth rows that lived in the Late Triassic of southwestern England. paleontology papers 10 (6): e1605;doi: 10.1002/spp2.1605

Source: www.sci.news

Unusual Explanations for Why Your Dog Consumes Grass (and Poop)

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

dog. Love them as much as you want, but you can't stop them from rampaging all kinds of mud, slugs, stones, non-existent homework, and yes, poop. But have you ever wondered why do they eat anything? For example, why do dogs eat grass?

I'm glad you asked. This canine conundrum has some interesting answers. Well, at least in theory. Canine neuroscience is a growing field of research, but scientists have yet to uncover the exact motivation behind this mysterious behavior.

Dr Emily Blackwell, lecturer in companion animal behavior and welfare at the University of Bristol, explains: “The few studies that have investigated this question are inconclusive.'' “There are many possible reasons for dog herding, and there is more than one correct answer.”

That being said, what are the valid explanations for why dogs eat grass? Here's everything you need to know.

Why do dogs eat grass?

First, it is thought that eating grass can be a sign of anxiety or conflict in dogs, perhaps suppressing the urge to perform another behavior.

“It could be migratory behavior, which is what happens when animals have conflicting motivations,” Blackwell explains. “It's like when we're sitting in the dentist's waiting room. We might really want to escape, so we do something else, like bite our nails, to relieve our anxiety.”

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However, for many dogs, eating grass can be a way to chase you for affection.

“If the owner responds to this behavior, the dog quickly learns that it's a good way to get attention,” Blackwell says.

“Admittedly, this is not one of the most common attention-seeking behaviors, but it can develop for that reason. And if they don't get a response from you, they'll look elsewhere.” They may just be grazing because they don't have much to do.”

But what if your dog is feasting on your front lawn when you're not around? Surely that's not howling for attention, right? In fact, it could be because your dog is trying to supplement his diet.

“Some people have theorized that dogs do this to get more fiber in their diets,” Blackwell says. “But this is just a theory; it has not been tested whether dogs with less fiber are more likely to eat grass.”

Most dogs do not get sick from eating grass. – Photo credit: Getty

What about the most worrying possibility? Is your pup guzzling grass with an upset stomach?Again, potentially. After all, there's a theory that wolves also eat grass to get rid of parasites in their intestines.

But grass is unlikely cause Your dog gets sick. One 2008 study found that while 68% of dogs ate grass regularly; Only 22 percent of them subsequently become ill.. All in all, there's a pretty good chance you'll never have to remove dog vomit from your lawn.

And what if they were sick? Well, be thankful they didn't eat something even worse…

Why do dogs eat poop?

We are all friends here. It's okay to admit that you've seen your dog eat its own poop or the poop of other animals.

Fortunately, Blackwell says feces are unlikely to harm puppies unless they come from an animal with a serious illness.

But, unfortunately, just like with grass, we don't know exactly why dogs want to crawl into feces. However, dog behavior experts believe that doo-doo dining may be due to a dog's curiosity at a young age.

“Puppies are naturally exploratory and will taste everything,” Blackwell says. “Puppies don't find the taste or smell of feces as unpleasant as we do.”

But even if the taste isn't the selling point, you can inadvertently encourage your dog to eat feces when you're trying to prevent the behavior itself.

“Usually, this behavior results in the dog owner running up to the fecal area during a walk and trying to get there first to stop the dog. However, this is a signal that the fecal matter is important to the owner. “And that may make the dog more determined to get there before the owner.”

“So many dogs actually eat poop because it's mostly trained by their owners. It's all about how you react.”

Bottom line: If you spot an unsuspecting number two while walking in the park, the most important reaction is not to rush towards him. Especially if you don't have a dog (which will look really weird).

About Dr. Emily Blackwell

Dr. Emily Blackwell He is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Bristol. Much of her research focuses on why our animals behave the way they do and how to improve their lives.

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The Top 9 Most Unusual Robots Currently in Existence

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Pop culture has been warning us about robots for years. Isn’t that interesting? iRobot or terminator, you probably have nightmares about rogue machines taking over the Earth. But what’s the real concern? That dystopian vision is starting to become a reality.

Today’s futuristic bots don’t have shotguns, Austrian accents, or even the dexterity of most sci-fi automatons. Instead, they are slowly learning to mimic human behavior.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/sciencefocus/wp-admin/post.php?post=194894&action=edit

They can talk, express “human emotions,” perform everyday tasks, and some can even walk, albeit like babies taking their first steps. We are witnessing the emergence of a world where humanoid robots will coexist with us, creating an unprecedented uncanny valley.

But with numerous robots being developed, which strange and fascinating robots are leading the way? Here are 10 of the weirdest ones to keep an eye on.

Ameca: “The world’s most advanced humanoid robot”

Credit: Engineered Arts

With a strong reputation in America, this robot developed by Engineered Arts has been dubbed the “world’s most advanced humanoid robot.” That’s quite a claim in the realm of eerie humanoid robots, so what makes it stand out?

Ameca may not sprint, do backflips, or crush bricks with its hands like some robots, but it does something even more peculiar. Ameca exhibits emotions…in a way. This robot is designed to convey emotions through its facial expressions and body movements.

It can smile, laugh, and express emotions through its entire body. In essence, Ameka is the most human-like robot in terms of movement. It won’t harm you or take your job, but it might just be the most captivating dinner guest at the table.

Boston Dynamics ATLAS: Athletic

When it comes to robotics, Boston Dynamics is a well-known name. Even if you’re not familiar with the brand, you’ve likely seen videos of their robots performing parkour, climbing ladders, and working on simulated construction sites.

While the company likes to showcase the agility of its robots in videos, most of these bots are intended for practical applications in industries such as oil and gas, energy, and surveillance.

After years of development, they’ve reached the current ATLAS model. A tall humanoid robot, ATLAS is fully electric-powered (as seen in the video above, it stands up in a remarkably human-like manner).

With its eerie circular face and large illuminated eyes, it resembles a walking Sauron, capable of smashing obstacles in its path and overcoming hurdles…quite unsettling, to say the least.

Unitree G1: Jack of all trades, master of none.

Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, offers a variety of products. Despite having an assortment of robot dogs, arms, and sensors at their disposal, it’s the Unitree G1 that truly embodies their innovative chaos.

The ‘Humanoid Agent AI Avatar’ comes with a price tag of $16,000 (approximately £12,500), which is surprisingly affordable in the world of humanoid robots.

However, it’s not entirely clear what purpose this robot serves. Unitree showcases videos of the robot twirling sticks like lightsabers, crushing chestnuts with its fists, popping coke bottle caps, and inexplicably hitting its own hands with hammers.

Watching the G1 run, jump, and contort into various positions feels like observing an exuberant child shouting, “Look what I can do!” over and over again.

Menteebot: A teachable robot

Menteebot is peculiarly affable, especially for its intended tasks. Its creators envision this lanky robot serving as an assistant to ordinary individuals, aiding them in completing challenging tasks.

Tasks include lifting and moving heavy boxes, sweeping, and even pushing a cart around the supermarket.

With arms and legs that swing disproportionately to its body and lacking agility, speed, or aesthetic appeal, Menteebot seems eager to experiment and acquire new skills that can simplify your life. May it bring blessings.

Figure AI: Multitasking

While numerous humanoid robots are designed for single purposes, Figure AI stands out for its versatility. Developed in collaboration with OpenAI, this robot excels at accepting voice commands and engaging in conversations with individuals.

Combined with training in various factory tasks, Figure can navigate through a typical workday while receiving verbal guidance on changing priorities.

In theory, this all sounds promising. In reality, there’s still much progress to be made. Like many other humanoid robots, Figure moves at a sluggish pace, as if wearing pants (or circuits?) that are slightly too tight. Its presence may be less intimidating than a robot from iRobot, but it could potentially lead to armies of Figure bots bustling around workplaces in the future.

Artemis: Messi of robots

The soccer-playing robot ARTEMIS carries high expectations from its creators. In fact, due to its exceptional performance, it has earned the moniker “The robot that beats Messi in soccer” (Artemis for short).

Developed by a team at UCLA, this remarkable footballer has been in development for years. Currently participating in RoboCup, an international autonomous robot soccer tournament, ARTEMIS and its fellow robots aspire to join a World Cup-winning team by 2050.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2023/10/ARTEMIS-football.mp4

Video of the ARTEMIS robot attempting to kick a soccer ball back and forth with Dennis Hong (the robot’s creator).

With such high aspirations, ARTEMIS is expected to be a phenomenal soccer player, right? Not entirely. Displayed at GITEX 2023, a major tech convention, ARTEMIS seemed to struggle with kicking the ball forward, often sending it airborne or simply slightly nudging it. Rumors have even emerged about a potential contract with Chelsea.

Neo Beta: Expensive new friend

Neo Beta is both remarkable and unsettling. Developed by 1X, it’s touted as a “significant advancement in robotics.”

The company envisions Neo as the first robot capable of assisting with household chores and daily tasks around the home. Thus far, it has been demonstrated making coffee, folding laundry, hugging individuals, and even picking up backpacks before they leave the house.

On paper, it sounds amazing, but in practice, any physical interaction may leave you on edge, and even a hug might provoke uneasiness.

In the coming years, Neo is likely to be a major breakthrough in home robotics, albeit one of the creepiest. Get ready to see more of that expressionless face staring back at you.

Slothbot: an intentionally slow robot

Designed to be cute, Sloth Bot conceals advanced robotics within a friendly appearance. Despite its cheerful demeanor, this sloth-like robot has a somewhat eerie vibe with its lifeless eyes and perpetual smile.

However, Sloth Bot’s capabilities are limited. Running on solar power, it requires cables for movement.

So what’s the purpose? Beyond its endearing appearance? The robot is intended to operate for extended periods in natural ecosystems, particularly under tree canopies, to collect microclimate data autonomously without human intervention.

VERO: Beach cleaning robot

VERO serves a singular purpose that may not be glamorous but is essential. VERO spends its time cleaning up cigarette butts on the beach. With a vacuum cleaner attached to each of its four legs, it uses cameras and sensors to identify and collect trash along the shore.

While many robots aim to replace or surpass human capabilities, VERO is refreshingly simple in its mission, and that’s what makes it endearing.

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What is the unusual sound emanating from Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft?

Posted on September 2, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft carried astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to the International Space Station.

NASA/Johnson Space Center

update: A statement was sent to SpaceNews’ Jeff Faust.NASA said the sound had stopped and explained why: “The feedback from the speakers was the result of an audio configuration between the space station and Starliner,” NASA said. “The space station’s audio system is complex, with multiple interconnected spacecraft and modules, and it is common for noise and feedback to occur.” They added that the feedback had no technical impact to the crew or spacecraft operations.

The ill-fated mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has run into trouble once again. The two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who only recently learned they would be staying on the ISS until at least February, began hearing strange noises coming from the Boeing spacecraft over the weekend.

“We’re hearing some strange noises coming from the speakers,” Wilmore told Mission Control in Houston, Texas, on August 31. Recorded by an enthusiast“We don’t know what caused it.”

Mission Control told Wilmore they would investigate the regular pulsating noise. New ScientistBoeing referred requests for comment to NASA, which did not immediately respond.

The Starliner spacecraft delivered Wilmore and Williams to the ISS on June 5, but a thruster failure and helium leak made the planned return trip with passengers deemed too risky.

The noise has puzzled space industry experts and mission control. “It’s very strange,” one person said. Martin Barstow Professor at the University of Leicester in the UK. “I’ve never been on a spacecraft, so I have no idea.”

Social media posts have speculated about the possibility of sonar interference, but say such interference couldn’t come from outside the capsule because sound waves cannot travel in space. Jonathan Aitken “I don’t think it’s a big deal,” said the researcher at the University of Sheffield in the UK. “The bigger question for me is whether it’s a single speaker that’s making the noise, or the whole communications system.”

To investigate the source of the noise, Barstow recommends a thorough inspection of the aircraft. “Find out where there are microphones that might be providing input and isolate them,” he says. “But the sound could also be coming from the audio system electronics.”

Barstow noted that the regular but occasionally erratic nature of the pulse may support the idea that this is a problem with electronic interference.

This hypothesis is Phil Metzger “Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is very common and difficult to eliminate,” said John F. Kennedy, a professor at the University of Central Florida who helped test the ISS intercom system as co-founder of NASA’s Swamp Works research facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He wrote to X.

Metzger said: New ScientistIn response to an interview request from SpaceX, astronaut John McClellan explained on social media that the interference could be coming from outside the Starliner: “During one test, we heard a noise that we tracked down to its source and found to be coming from a power inverter that is part of the test facility and not the spacecraft,” he wrote. “We believe that the noise on Starliner was due to electromagnetic interference leaking into something like an audio cable with a loose braid at the connector interface.”

What to do about it is another matter: Wilmore’s radio communications with Mission Control suggest that neither he nor Williams were overly concerned about the noise, but were confused as to its source.

There’s no rush to find out what the problem is, since Starliner is scheduled to return to Earth on its own on September 6. “I don’t think it’s significant since there won’t be a crew on board, but anything unusual should always be investigated,” Barstow said. “It might shed some light on an underlying problem.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unusual Discovery: Dinosaur with Four Horns Unearthed

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Introducing a new addition to the realm of peculiar dinosaurs, this creature dons magnificent (albeit slightly perilous) headgear that can rival any fashion runway creation. Lociceratops rangiformis is the latest discovery in the realm of dinosaurs, described as one of the largest and most ornate ceratopsians ever found.

Among the distinct features of this ceratopsian are elements previously unseen by scientists, notably the immense, curved, blade-like horns located on the underside of its frill, the largest ever observed on a ceratopsian.

This dinosaur sports an unconventional, asymmetrical spike at the center of its frill, and most uniquely, it lacks a nose horn seen in other horned dinosaurs.

The first part of the dinosaur’s name, Lociceratops, pays homage to the blade-wielding Norse god Loki, while the latter part ‘rangiformis’ indicates its antler-like formations, similar to those of a caribou or reindeer.

The name ‘rangiformis’ was chosen to reflect the peculiarity of this dinosaur’s antler-like feature, reminiscent of the asymmetrical spines seen in caribou or reindeer.

Published in the journal Peer J, this fossil was unearthed in 2019 in the badlands of northern Montana, USA, not far from the Canadian border, where ceratopsians roamed over 78 million years ago.

Despite its blade-like horns and status as the largest ceratopsian of its time, this dinosaur was an herbivore and likely fell prey to predators like Tyrannosaurus rex.

Portrait reconstructions of all four centrosaurine dinosaur species that coexisted in the Kennedy Coulee assemblage of northern Montana and southern Alberta. Lociceratops, at top left, is characterized by its large, curved horns, asymmetrical “spikes,” and lack of a nasal horn. – Image courtesy of Fabrizio Lavezzi

Ceratopsians emerged during the Late Cretaceous period, evolving extravagant features and distinct horn patterns, including those of Lociceratops rangiformis. These dinosaurs were part of an isolated lineage on the island continent of Laramidia (modern-day North America) and exhibited rapid evolution. Ceratopsians survived until the mass extinction event that wiped out all dinosaurs.

The paleontologists involved in the study, led by Joseph Sertich from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Colorado State University, noted that this new dinosaur showcases the peak of eccentricity in ceratopsian head adornments, boasting the largest frill horns ever seen in a ceratopsian.

These findings challenge previous assumptions about dinosaur diversity, expanding the known coexisting species of ceratopsians to five during that era, transforming our understanding of dinosaur life at the time.

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The Switched Babies: A Tale of Two Men and an Unusual Turn of Events | Podcast

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

HHave you ever been to Taylor Town? As you know, it’s where The Beatles came from. It’s where you can catch a ferry across the River Mersey. It’s home to two famous football stadiums, Goodison Park and Anfield, the latter of which I think was home to Taylorpool FC. Oh, wait. It’s not. It’s Liverpool, right?

Frankly, you could be forgiven for making that mistake, because the place is getting all hyped up about Taylor Swift’s upcoming concert, with “Liverpool Loves Taylor” posters plastered all over the city and an 11-part art installation trail featuring a grand piano, a throne and “hand-made seagulls” has been created. Rename the town after the star.

But is it too much? When does one musician have too big an impact on the world? Is Taylor Swift (whisper it) boring? These are the topics explored in detail in the latest series of The Guardian’s Pop Culture With Chanté Joseph. Swift’s Elle Hunt takes a deep dive into the artist. This week, we’re joined by a great club history of a Welsh LGBTQ+ venue, a wild tale of people mixed up at birth, and a profile of sporting heroes from Colin Murray and Ellis James. We also bring you a roundup of the best podcasts to get you through the upcoming Euros. And if England doesn’t perform as well as expected, there’s one piece of advice from Liverpool’s new de facto mayor: shake it off.

Alexi Duggins
Deputy TV Editor

This week’s picks

East Block, an LGBT club in London. Photo: PYMCA/UIG/Getty Images

All you need to play for
Wondery+, all episodes will be released on Monday
Just in time for the Euros, Ellis James and Colin Murray launch their Sports Heroes Podcast to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Wayne Rooney’s Euro debut. Their fact-packed commentary is passionate and they have a lot of empathy for the young Rooney’s first appearance as he faced off against the press conferences and tabloids. With Euro 2004 coming up, the pressure is even greater as a nation places its hopes on the talented 18-year-old. Hannah Verdier

Source: www.theguardian.com

Google to enhance AI-generated search summaries after encountering unusual outcomes

Posted on June 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Google announced on Thursday that it is updating the summaries of search results generated by artificial intelligence. Check out their blog post here. The company acknowledged issues with the feature, such as providing strange or inaccurate answers, and plans to limit searches that return AI-generated summaries.

Liz Reid, Google’s head of search, stated that the company has implemented restrictions on the types of searches that trigger AI Overview results, specifically excluding satire or humorous content. Google has also addressed a few cases where AI Overviews violated content policies, which occurred in a small fraction of searches.

Google introduced the AI Overview feature in the US this month, but it quickly encountered problems with misinterpreting information and using sources like The Onion and Reddit for generating answers. This led to widespread mockery and the creation of memes highlighting the tool’s failures.

Despite Google’s initial promotion of the AI Overview feature as a key part of integrating artificial intelligence into its services, the company faced criticism due to its errors. This follows a previous incident earlier this year where Google’s AI tool inserted people of color into historical images incorrectly.

In a blog post, Google explained the issues with AI Overviews, attributing errors to missing information from rare or unusual searches. The company denies deliberately manipulating the feature to produce inaccurate results.

Despite some of the viral posts originating from quirky searches, there were also concerning examples, such as an AI-generated summary perpetuating a false conspiracy theory about Barack Obama. Google has made technical improvements to address these issues.

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Experts in artificial intelligence point out that Google’s AI Overview issues are indicative of broader challenges, including the reliability of AI in assessing factual accuracy and the risks of automating access to information.

Google states that user feedback indicates satisfaction with search results thanks to the AI Summary feature, but the long-term effects of the company’s AI tool changes remain uncertain. Concerns have been raised by website owners about potential impacts on traffic and revenue, as well as researchers worried about Google’s increasing control over online information.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New study shows tardigrades display unusual responses to ionizing radiation

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Tardigrades can withstand amazing amounts of ionizing radiation, about 1,000 times more lethal than humans. How they do so is not fully understood. In a new study, scientists at the University of North Carolina found that tardigrade species Hypsibius exemplaris Gamma irradiation causes DNA damage, but that damage can be repaired. This study shows that this species has a specific and strong response to ionizing radiation. In short, irradiation induces rapid upregulation of many DNA repair genes.

Artist's impression of tardigrade species Hypsibius exemplaris.

First discovered in 1773, tardigrades are a diverse group of microscopic invertebrates famous for their ability to withstand extreme conditions.

Also known as tardigrades or moss piglets, they can live up to 60 years, grow to a maximum size of 0.5 mm, and are best seen under a microscope.

Tardigrades can survive for up to 30 years without food or water at temperatures as low as -272 degrees Celsius (-457 degrees Fahrenheit) or as hot as 150 degrees Celsius (-302 degrees Fahrenheit) and for a few minutes at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. can. Minus 4 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit) continues for decades.

It can withstand pressures from virtually 0 atmospheres in outer space to 1,200 atmospheres at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

It is also resistant to radiation levels up to 5,000-6,200 Gy.

“What we saw surprised us. Tardigrades are behaving in ways we didn’t expect,” said researcher Professor Bob Goldstein from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In their research, Professor Goldstein and his colleagues Hypsibius exemplaris Tardigrades can also withstand strong radiation.

The researchers found that although tardigrades are not immune to DNA damage, and that radiation damages their DNA, tardigrades can repair extensive damage.

They were surprised to discover that tardigrades can increase production of DNA repair genes.

Unlike humans, they are able to produce extremely high levels of DNA repair gene products, making them some of the most abundant gene products of any animal.

“These animals have an incredible response to radiation, and that seems to be the secret to their extreme survivability,” said Dr. Courtney Clark-Hachtel, a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Ta.

“What we’re learning about how tardigrades overcome radiation stress could lead to new ideas about how we try to protect other animals and microorganisms from harmful radiation. “

of findings appear in the diary current biology.

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Courtney M. Clark Hucktell other.Tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris Dramatically upregulates DNA repair pathway genes in response to ionizing radiation. current biology, published online on April 12, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.019

Source: www.sci.news

The Top 10 Most Unusual Animal Eggs You’ve Ever Seen

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The standard chicken egg available in stores is a remarkable natural gift, filled with nutrients and incredibly versatile for cooking. However, they all look the same, even the chocolate ones have the same size and shape.

Fortunately, there are numerous fascinating examples of eggs in nature. From baby toads emerging from their mother’s back like in a sci-fi movie to strange spiral structures washing up on shorelines, eggs have evolved unique methods for various creatures to reproduce and safeguard their offspring.

So, which animal lays the most peculiar eggs? Take a look at our collection.

1. Surinam toad

Surinamese toad eggs formed on the back of a female – Image courtesy of Getty

The Surinamese toad, a fully aquatic frog species primarily found in South America, exhibits a fascinating reproductive process. During breeding, the female releases 60 to 100 eggs, each of which is fertilized individually by the male. These eggs are then formed into a honeycomb structure and attached to the female’s back ensuring their protection until hatching, which typically occurs between 4 to 6 months later.

2. Stink bug

An adult female Antytheuchus stink bug guarding her eggs – Image courtesy of Getty

Stink bugs, also known as shield bugs, are insects with sharp teeth and a defensive spray. Female shield bugs lay eggs of various colors to aid in camouflage. This species produces colorful and intriguing eggs.

3. Whelk

Whelk egg case on the beach – Image courtesy of Getty

Whelks, large sea snails found around the UK coast, lay up to 2,000 eggs in a spongy ball or spiral structure. Once hatched, these unique structures float to the water surface and often wash up on beaches.

Check out the rest of the list for more bizarre eggs!

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Emergency Response Triggered by Unusual Fish Behavior in Florida

Posted on March 30, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Ripley’s Aquarium plans to introduce up to six small-toed sawfish to the facility. A spokesperson said the majority of the company’s animal care team will assist in the effort, including transporting the sawfish to the Marine Science Research Center to care for it.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium also said in a release that a quarantine facility for the rescued sawfish is ready and they are eager to help.

“Solving this mystery will require strong collaboration,” said Kathryn Flowers, Mort postdoctoral researcher and lead scientist on the effort.

The problem affects many species of fish off the coast of Florida, said Dean Grubbs, associate director of research at Florida State University’s Coastal Marine Research Institute.

“It goes all the way from very small prey species like pinfish to things like grouper and some stingrays,” he said.

Brehm said there are several theories about what’s going on, but with this type of event it’s difficult to come to an answer right away.

“I’ve heard to some extent that it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack,” he says. “But it’s very difficult to know which one it is because there are so many different possibilities.”

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said on wednesday They found evidence to rule out several potential causes. The report said the fish did not appear to be suffering from any infectious or bacterial infections, and other factors such as oxygen, salinity and temperature were not suspected to be contributing factors.

The commission’s hotline for sawfish sightings has been in place for years, but the number of calls has increased in the last month.

Shea McKeon, director of marine programs at the American Bird Conservancy, said the group is also closely monitoring the fish situation, but has not yet seen a link to the bird deaths. . To help scientists figure out the root cause, the public can record instances of strange fish behavior they see on the water and upload videos and photos to community science sites like iNaturalist.org he said.

Grubbs said the problem appears to have gotten worse since February.

“We’ve spent the last 15 years studying sawfish, so it’s very sad to see these sawfish die,” he said. “And it’s hard. It’s hard for my students, my graduate students, to see that. It’s definitely painful. We want to get to the bottom of it and find a way to recover from this.” Masu.”

Marissa Parra

Marissa Parra is a national correspondent for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.

Maria Piñero

Maria Piñero is a producer at NBC News.

Jason Abbruzzese contributed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Bat with Unusual Nostrils: A Chirping Hammered Wonder

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Described as a hammerhead bat by the French, this creature’s visage could fit right in with the gargoyles of Notre Dame Cathedral. Jolly Reid‘s phrase, “pretty ugly,” denotes beauty that challenges conventional norms.

A bizarre amalgamation of Yoda’s ears, the face of a desert orchid racehorse, and a hammerhead bat’s facial features akin to a sea creature’s nostrils characterizes this peculiar animal. Yet, this oddly proportioned being is an evolutionary marvel.

Inhabiting the lowland rainforests of West and Central Africa, it primarily feeds on fruit and flies during the night.

This bat is unique in its use of a lek mating system among bat species. In this competitive display, males strive to impress females, exhibiting an X factor.

During the dry season, twice a year, 150 males assemble, hanging from trees along the river as they flap their foot-long wings and honk, creating a peculiar low-frequency noise escalating to a rapid staccato rhythm of up to 120 “beats” per minute.

Male bats “sing” for hours, vying for female attention, with the most melodious suitor earning the chance to mate, akin to an X factor scenario.

Females are selective, with 6 percent of males involved in 79% of mating interactions. To excel in their melodious endeavors, males have developed specialized adaptations, like a large larynx and resonance chamber further amplifying their calls.

Image credit: Dr. Sarah Olson

Females of this bat species do not engage in singing rituals for mating purposes, resulting in significant physical differences, such as a smaller body and fox-like facial features.

Being one of the most sexually dimorphic bat species globally, hammerhead bats follow a true lek mating system, where females solely care for offspring, giving birth after a six-month gestation period.

With a mix of solitary and social behavior, these bats wrap their wings around their noses while sleeping, offering a unique sight. Fortunately, they are currently categorized as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

However, threats like crop theft by farmers and bushmeat consumption in regions like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo pose risks to their population.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com