What are the most bizarre science experiments ever conducted?
While science typically progresses through systematic methods, some researchers employ innovative techniques to validate their hypotheses.
Here are five of the most unsettling science experiments ever carried out.
Floating Frog Experiment
Even frogs have a magnetic side – Photo credit: Robin Boyden
Every object, no matter how small, possesses its own magnetic field, meaning that any object can be pushed away by a sufficiently strong magnet.
In 1997, scientists showcased this phenomenon with an experiment involving a floating live frog.
While the frog was unharmed, the study of this effect, known as “diamagnetic levitation,” holds promise for various fields, including medical imaging and space technology.
Turning Water into Metal
Beware of the metallic storm – Photo credit: Robin Boyden
While metals conduct electricity due to “free electrons,” pure water does not due to tightly bonded electrons.
Under extreme pressure, water becomes conductive, but scientists managed to create metallic water without such conditions. By exposing sodium and potassium droplets to water vapor, they induced electron donation, forming shimmering golden spheres with metallic properties.
Slowing Down Light
Scientifically slowing light is a mind-bending feat – Photo credit: Robin Boyden
In 1999, researchers successfully slowed down light to just 17 meters (56 feet) per second, equivalent to around 61 km/h (38 miles per hour).
Typically, light slows down when passing through transparent materials, but a portion is absorbed, which limits the slowing effect. To counter this, researchers cooled sodium atoms close to absolute zero (-273.15°C or -459.67°F) and used a polarized laser beam to prevent absorption.
This led to light pulses traveling at 1/20,000,000 of their usual speed, enhancing our understanding of light’s interaction at the microscopic level.
Painting Cows
Striped cows may dodge flies better – Photo credit: Robin Boyden
The results showed that striped cows were bitten 50% less than solid black cows, providing a potential method for safeguarding livestock from insect bites without relying on harmful chemicals.
The Mystery of Wombat Poop
The unique cubic shape of wombat poop is truly intriguing – Photo credit: Robin Boyden
Wombats are uniquely known for their cube-shaped feces. To explore how this occurs, researchers in 2018 examined the gastrointestinal tract of two wombats.
The findings revealed that their intestines possess regions with alternating hard and soft tissues. Mathematical modeling showed that this pattern leads to the formation of the distinctive cubical shape in wombat feces.
This research could inspire innovative manufacturing techniques in the future.
This article addresses the popular question (by Bernie Reid of Litchfield): “What is the creepiest experiment we’ve ever done?”
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A Two Swedish automotive brands, Volvo and Polestar, are spearheading an initiative to urge Brussels to adhere to the established timeline, especially as tensions escalate with Germany increasing its calls on the European Commission to reconsider the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.
They contend that such a decision is merely a temporary fix for the fractures within Germany’s automotive sector, arguing it would both delay the transition to electric vehicles and inadvertently grant an edge to China.
“Delaying the 2035 target is simply a terrible idea. There’s no other way to put it,” stated Michael Loescherer, the CEO of Polestar, Europe’s sole manufacturer of fully electric vehicles.
“Make no mistake, if Europe fails to spearhead this shift, other nations will take the lead.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to reconsider the 2035 deadline. He advocated for permitting the production of new hybrid and high-efficiency internal combustion engine vehicles beyond the cutoff, noting consumer reluctance towards EVs.
“We are sending the right message to the commission with this letter,” Merz asserted, claiming the German government aims to address climate issues in a “technology-neutral manner.”
From Polestar’s transparent office in Gothenburg, Sweden, Loescherer is astounded by the current situation.
His attempts to engage in the EU’s year-long “strategic dialogue” concerning the future of the automotive industry were ignored. “I sent two letters and I’m not even sure if there was a response to the second one,” he shared.
Nearby, viewing the expansive Volvo assembly facility in Gothenburg, Håkan Samuelsson, the 74-year-old CEO of Volvo Cars, reflects on the industry landscape.
“I don’t perceive any reason to slow our progress,” he remarked.
Samuelsson compares the opposition faced by the lucrative automotive sector today to the backlash that greeted catalytic converters and seat belts half a century ago.
“If not mandated, probably 30% of our vehicles wouldn’t come equipped with seat belts, and without a requirement, we likely wouldn’t have seen the adoption of catalytic converters either,” he explained.
Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson indicated that reversing the 2035 petrol car ban lacks rationale.
Photo: Josefin Stenersen/Guardian
Volkswagen and BMW can pursue their own paths, Samuelsson noted, but easing up on electrification will only widen the gap with China.
“China will establish factories in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania… countries with low labor costs. I doubt we can isolate China from the EU through tariffs. We need to compete directly with them,” he added.
Samuelsson suggested that von der Leyen need not make an immediate decision and could defer it until closer to the deadline. “We have time. Another 10 years is at our disposal.”
Michael Bross, the Green Party’s representative in the European Parliament, remarked that Merkel’s requests would “significantly dilute” contentious EU legislation and “essentially grant a free pass” to internal combustion engines.
The Greens and the Sweden Party argue that extending the lifespan of hybrid vehicles sends a signal to consumers that electric cars aren’t necessary, thus validating the automobile industry’s stance.
Loescherer shares similar thoughts. “China will not remain static. They will assert dominance. If Brussels opts to suspend this; [target] when they state, ‘We’ll grant you five extra years, stop,’ they are genuinely jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
Polestar CEO Michael Loescherer asserts that abolishing the 2035 deadline is misguided.
Photo: Josefin Stenersen/Guardian
The articulate, marathon-running executive finds it ludicrous to even contemplate abolishing the 2035 target established just three years prior.
Loescherer was involved in the initial discussions that led to the EU’s 2022 resolution to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engines by 2035, a move celebrated by then-Vice President Frans Timmermans as a crucial step toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“During my tenure at Opel, I participated in these meetings and visited Brussels biannually. We debated this extensively,” said the Polestar president.
“I’m a marathon runner; I’ve completed 126 marathons throughout my life. Would I train and decide to run a half marathon because it’s difficult? No.”
Mr. Loescherer, with extensive experience as former CFO of VW and ex-CEO of Opel and Vietnamese car manufacturer Vinfast, states that Germany, amidst economic challenges, must learn to adapt quickly.
“It’s about mindset, it’s about attitude. Recently, I traveled to China and South Korea and have returned home to Germany.”
“In Germany, the sentiment is clear: everyone wants to safeguard the past, resisting change and striving to maintain the status quo. I’m German, so I can assert this with conviction. In China or the US, the focus is on, ‘What’s the next breakthrough? What’s the next initiative? What’s the next enterprise to launch?’ It’s a significant contrast. The mindsets are fundamentally different.”
Polestar, initially a racing car manufacturer in 1996, was acquired by Volvo in 2015, restructured in 2017, and relaunched as an independent EV manufacturer. Geely Automobile, Volvo’s Chinese stakeholder, now holds a majority stake.
When questioned if Chinese ownership might create unease in Brussels regarding Volvo’s stance, Mr. Samuelsson reiterated that Volvo remains a Swedish entity. “We’ve been part of Ford for 11 years, now we’re in our 14th or 15th year at Geely, and we’re experiencing significant growth. We’re listed on the Swedish stock exchange, adhering to European regulations. We’re Swedish. We are no more Chinese than we are American. We are as Swedish as Ava or IKEA.”
He emphasized that the EU must continue to expedite electrification, asserting its vital role in the future. Polestar has developed a vehicle capable of traveling 560 miles (900 km) on a single charge.
Samuelsson revealed that Volvo has five fully electric vehicles and is on the verge of introducing the EX60, an electric version of its top-selling XC60, already offering a range of 310 to 370 miles.
This approach addresses one of the three primary concerns consumers have when purchasing EVs, noted Samuelsson. The second concern pertains to charging time, which he believes should be reduced to 15 to 20 minutes—akin to the brief breaks drivers typically take for coffee, restroom, or stretching at a rest stop. “In the future, there will be no issue,” he asserted.
“The third obstacle hindering consumer adoption is price,” he continued.
“[If] we in the automotive sector can address these three necessities, the adoption rate for EVs will escalate. Therefore, I see no reason to question whether 2035 is too early. We’ve got time. Our goal should be to accelerate, not decelerate.”
Samuelsson also criticized the ongoing discourse surrounding net zero, arguing that it’s not reflective of real-world progress.
“As I follow the debates in Brazil concerning police issues, I can’t help but ponder whether all this discussion is genuinely advancing climate improvement?”
“I find myself increasingly inclined to believe that technological advancement and innovation are what we truly need to facilitate progress. Mere discussion won’t suffice.”
“Electrification is the effective solution. It benefits the environment, which is crucial. Moreover, it also appeals to customers. It’s one of the rare green innovations that consumers are enthusiastic about as well.”
Prime Minister Tony Blair asserted that “history will not permit” Britain to lag behind in the quantum computing race. This advanced technology is anticipated to ignite a new era of innovations across various fields, from pharmaceutical development to climate analysis.
“The United Kingdom risks losing its edge in quantum research,” cautioned the former Labor prime minister at the Tony Blair Institute, a think tank supported by tech industry veterans such as Oracle founder Larry Ellison.
In a report advocating for a national quantum computing strategy, Mr. Blair and former Conservative leader William Hague drew parallels between the current situation and the evolution of artificial intelligence. While the UK made significant contributions to AI research, it has since surrendered its leadership to other nations, particularly the US, which has triggered a race to develop “sovereign” AI capabilities.
“As demonstrated with AI, a robust R&D foundation alone is insufficient; countries with the necessary infrastructure and capital will capture the economic and strategic advantages of such technologies,” they noted. “While the UK boasts the second-largest number of quantum start-ups globally, it lacks the high-risk investment and infrastructure essential for scaling these ventures.”
Quantum computing operates in unusual and fascinating ways that contrast sharply with classical computing. Traditional computers process information through transistors that switch on or off, representing 1s and 0s. However, in quantum mechanics, entities can exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to a phenomenon called quantum superposition, which allows transistors to be in an on and off state concurrently.
This leads to a dramatic boost in computational capabilities, enabling a single quantum computer to perform tasks that would typically require billions of the most advanced supercomputers. Although this field is not yet mature enough for widespread application, the potential for simulating molecular structures to develop new materials and pharmaceuticals is vast. The true value of quantum computing lies in its practical delivery. Estimations suggest that industries such as chemicals, life sciences, automotive, and finance could represent about $1.3 trillion.
There are increasing fears that extraordinarily powerful quantum machines could decipher all encryption and pose serious risks to national security.
Prime Ministers Blair and Hague remarked: “The quantum era is upon us, whether Britain chooses to lead or not.” They added, “History will not excuse us if we squander yet another opportunity to excel in groundbreaking technology.”
This alert follows the recent recognition of British, Cambridge-educated John Clarke, who received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to quantum computing, alongside the continued growth of UK quantum firms supported by US companies.
In June, the Oxford University spinout Oxford Ionics was acquired by US company IonQ for $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, Cyclantum, a spinout from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London, primarily thrived in California, discovering that its most enthusiastic investors were located there, where it developed its first large-scale quantum computer. These advancements can be made in Brisbane, Australia.
A report from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change critiques the UK’s current quantum approach, highlighting that both China and the US are “ahead of the game,” with countries like Germany, Australia, Finland, and the Netherlands also surpassing the UK.
A government representative stated: “Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize sectors ranging from healthcare to affordable clean energy. The UK currently ranks second globally for quantum investment and possesses leading capabilities in supply chains such as photonics, yet we are resolute in pushing forward.”
They continued: “We have committed to a groundbreaking 10-year funding strategy for the National Quantum Computing Center and will plan other aspects of the national program in due course.”
In June, the Labor party unveiled a £670 million initiative to expedite the application of quantum computing, as part of an industrial strategy aimed at developing new treatments for untreatable diseases and enhancing carbon capture technologies.
As carbon emissions continue to climb, is geoengineering our best hope to hinder the melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, preventing significant sea level rise? A recent analysis of five major geoengineering proposals suggests otherwise.
Martin Seegert from the University of Exeter in the UK warns that promoting unworkable geoengineering solutions distracts from pressing issues. “This undermines our urgent need for decarbonization,” he asserts.
Seegert and his team assessed each polar geoengineering proposal using six criteria: effectiveness, scalability within a reasonable timeframe, affordability, international consensus, potential to create false hope for decades, and environmental risks.
In Antarctica, various ice sheets rest on the seabed, and they are melting from below due to warm seawater. One proposed solution involves erecting large “curtains” to block warm currents from reaching these ice sheets and the floating ice shelves that protect them.
The team warns that the effectiveness of these curtains is uncertain, as noted by Stephen Chaun from Monash University, Australia. “If hot water is diverted away from one ice shelf, where does it go next? Redirecting it to a nearby shelf just shifts the problem,” he states.
These curtains would need to be anchored to the seabed at depths of up to 1 kilometer, rising hundreds of meters and extending for tens of kilometers.
A significant portion of the research voyage to Antarctica is being refocused due to the hazards posed by icebergs and sea ice. “That presents considerable danger,” he notes.
Chown mentions that currently, only a single ship is capable of reaching the area where ocean curtains are required to safeguard Thwaites’ “Doomsday” glacier.
Concerns arise for glaciers that sit on land rather than floating on the seabed, as increased liquid water underneath the ice can act as a lubricant, speeding up the flow and leading to heightened sea level rise.
One proposed intervention is to drill holes in the ice and pump out any water beneath it.
“This approach necessitates a multitude of holes drilled into potentially thick ice. However, we lack precise knowledge of where the water lies,” says Sammy Buzzard from Northumbria University, UK. “Even with an understanding of the science, scalability, cost, and power supply issues make this an impractical solution.”
Another concept involves covering the Arctic Ocean’s surface with tiny hollow glass beads to reflect solar heat back into space. However, Chaun warns, “[This] could backfire completely.”
Sustaining this coverage would require the production of 360 megatons of glass beads annually—comparable to global plastic output. Following lab tests revealing the beads were toxic, the project aimed at testing this idea was discontinued.
Stratospheric aerosol injection is another proposed method, which involves releasing substances like sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere to form aerosols that reflect sunlight. This method poses significant challenges beyond just polar regions. Aerosols would not only fail to stay within the polar stratosphere but also provide minimal effectiveness during the dark polar winters against reflective ice and snow.
The scale of aerosol deployment would necessitate vast quantities, potentially damaging the ozone layer and disrupting climates in other regions, as noted by Valérie Masson-Delmotte from Paris-Saclay University, France. Affected countries may even seek compensation.
Another suggestion includes thickening Arctic sea ice by pumping seawater over it. “This would necessitate deploying millions of devices across drifting, fragile ice,” remarks Heidi Sevestre from Norway’s Arctic Surveillance and Assessment Program. “Such a scenario is technically, logistically, and economically unfeasible.”
The final concept evaluated by the researchers revolves around fertilizing the Southern Ocean to boost phytoplankton growth, thereby absorbing carbon as organic matter settles to the seabed. However, out of 12 small tests, none effectively reached the seabed. Furthermore, this approach could accelerate ocean oxygen depletion and release potent greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide, warns Masson-Delmotte.
“I’m deeply worried about the overly optimistic views presented by some proponents of these strategies, which often gloss over the challenges,” states Masson-Delmotte. “I believe this article highlights that gap.”
Seegert argues that pursuing further research into these ideas squanders valuable resources. “The scale challenges are insurmountable,” he asserts.
Yet, not all researchers agree. “I believe it’s premature to dismiss any of these approaches entirely,” comments Shawn Fitzgerald from the Climate Restoration Centre in Cambridge, UK.
The impact of social media polarization transcends mere algorithms. Research conducted with AI-generated users reveals that this stems from fundamental aspects of the platform’s operation. It indicates that genuine solutions will require a re-evaluation of online communication frameworks.
Petter Törnberg from the University of Amsterdam and his team created 500 AI chatbots reflecting a diverse range of political opinions in the United States, based on the National Election Survey. Utilizing the GPT-4o Mini Large Languages Model, these bots were programmed to engage with one another on simplified social networks without commercial influences or algorithms.
Throughout five rounds of experiments, each consisting of 10,000 actions, the AI agents predominantly interacted with like-minded individuals. Those with more extreme views garnered greater followership and reposts, increasing visibility for users attracted to more partisan content.
In prior research, Törnberg and his colleagues explored whether different algorithmic approaches in simulated social networks could mitigate political polarization. However, the new findings appear to challenge earlier conclusions.
“We expected this polarization to be largely driven by algorithms,” Törnberg states. “[We thought] the platform is geared towards maximizing engagement and inciting outrage, thus producing these outcomes.”
Instead, they found that the algorithm itself isn’t the primary culprit. “We created the simplest platform imaginable, and yet we saw these results immediately,” he explains. “This suggests that there are deeply ingrained behaviors linked to following, reposting, and engagement that are at play.”
To see if these ingrained behaviors could be moderated or counteracted, the researchers tested six potential interventions. These included time series display only, diminishing the visibility of viral content, concealing opposing viewpoints, amplifying sympathetic and rational content, hiding follower and repost counts, and obscuring profile bios.
Most interventions yielded minimal effects. Cross-partisan engagement shifted only by about 6% or less, while the prominence of top accounts changed by 2-6%, but some modifications, like concealing bios, worsened polarization. While some changes that reduced user inequality made extreme posts more attractive, alterations aimed at softening partisanship inadvertently drew more attention to a small group of elite users.
“Most activities on social media devolve into toxic interactions. The root issues with social media stem from its foundational design, which can accentuate negative human behavior,” states Jess Maddox of the University of Georgia.
Törnberg recognizes that while this experiment simplifies various dynamics, it provides insights into what social platforms can do to curb polarization. “Fundamental changes may be necessary,” he cautions. “Tweaking algorithms and adjusting parameters might not be sufficient; we may need to fundamentally rethink interaction structures and how these platforms shape our political landscapes.”
The well-known FileSharing Service Wetransfer has clarified that user content will not be used for training artificial intelligence, following a backlash over recent changes to their terms of service.
The company, widely utilized by creative professionals for online work transfers, had suggested in the updated terms that uploaded files might be utilized to “enhance machine learning models.”
The initial provision indicated that the service reserved the right to “reproduce, modify, distribute, publish” user content, leading to confusion with the revised wording.
A spokesperson for Wetransfer stated that user content has never been utilized internally for testing or developing AI models and mentioned that “specific types of AI” are being considered for use by companies in the Netherlands.
The company assured, “There is no change in how Wetransfer handles content.”
On Tuesday, Wetransfer updated its terms and conditions, eliminating references to machine learning or AI to clarify the language for users.
The spokesperson noted, “We hope that by removing the machine learning reference and refining the legal terminology, we can alleviate customer concerns regarding the updates.”
Currently, the relevant section of the Service Terminology states, “We hereby grant you a royalty-free license to utilize our content for the purpose of operating, developing, and enhancing the service in accordance with our Privacy and Cookie Policy.”
Some service users, including a voice actor, a filmmaker, and a journalist, shared concerns about the new terms on X and threatened to terminate their subscriptions.
The use of copyrighted material by AI companies has become a contentious issue within the creative industry, which argues that using creators’ work without permission jeopardizes their income and aids in the development of competing tools.
The British Writer’s Guild expressed relief at Wetransfer’s clarification, emphasizing, “Never use members’ work to train AI systems without consent.”
Wetransfer affirmed, “As a company deeply embedded in the creative community, we prioritize our customers and their work. We will continue our efforts to ensure Wetransfer remains the leading product for our users.”
Founded in 2009, the company enables users to send large files via email without the need for an official account. Today, the service caters to 80 million users each month across 190 countries.
In France, where kindergarten begins at age 3, there is a debate on whether staff should allow children to nap. “Although naps are widely acknowledged to positively impact cognitive development, some parents and educators worry that daytime resting might disrupt nighttime sleep or diminish essential learning opportunities,” notes Stephanie Mazza from the University of Lyon, France.
Mazza and her team researched whether naps interfere with nighttime rest by observing 85 children aged 2-5 years across six French kindergartens using wrist sleep trackers for about 7.8 days.
The findings, combined with sleep diaries maintained by parents, showed that an hour increase in napping was linked to a reduction of roughly 13.6 minutes in nighttime sleep, delaying bedtime by about 6.4 minutes. However, children who napped gained an overall 45 minutes of additional sleep.
“Parents need not worry if their child still requires a nap before turning six,” asserts Mazza. “Our results imply that naps can boost total sleep, even if they slightly delay bedtime. Instead of viewing naps as detrimental, they should be seen as a valuable source of rest, particularly in stimulating environments.”
“I believe this indicates—if they can nap, let them nap,” says Rebecca Spencer from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She emphasizes, considering that sleep duration during early childhood varies globally, further research is necessary to assess the broader applicability of these findings.
IF Adam Dorr is right, robots and artificial intelligence may soon dominate the global economy, effectively displacing humanity from the workforce. Social scientists also foresee a drastic, rapid, and relentless tech transformation, likely rendering most human jobs obsolete within the next two decades.
Dorr leads a team of researchers studying technological change over millennia and predicts that by 2045 not only will the labor market be shaken, but even horses, in a metaphorical sense, will be affected. “In the realm of technology, we’ve become the next targets. That’s our labor we’re discussing.”
Whatever your profession, machines will soon be able to perform those tasks. “Costs have continually decreased, and capabilities have continually improved. I’ve observed this trend before. If you can achieve the same results for less, the switch becomes inevitable. We are akin to horses, and to traditional film cameras.”
Adam Dorr: “We’re horses, we’re movie cameras.” Photo: Andrew Watchhorn Photography
Dorr, 48, is a technology theorist with a PhD in Public Service from UCLA. He leads Rethinkx, a nonprofit focused on analyzing and forecasting technological disruptions, primarily established and funded by tech entrepreneurs James Albib and Tony Seba.
In a conversation with the Guardian, Dorr discussed his recent visit to Ireland for the Dargan Forum, a two-day event in Dún Laoghaire, South Dublin, that emphasized green and digital transitions.
Dorr combined his foreboding forecasts, asserting that humanoid robots equipped with advanced AI are poised to permeate nearly every industry, leaving humans unable to compete. This situation will lead to increased inequality and extreme societal divides.
The pace of this transition is faster than most anticipate, according to Dorr. “We’ve tracked over 1,500 instances of technological change throughout history. Our theoretical framework has revealed consistent patterns occurring repeatedly.”
When new technologies capture even a slight percentage of market share or public attention, they tend to quickly gain overwhelming dominance within 15 to 20 years. This indicates that both robots and AI could soon eradicate human labor, as Dorr claims.
“The machines we envision are expanding daily, and we have limited time to brace ourselves for this. Turbulence is unavoidable.”
Some sectors allow for fruitful human-robot collaboration, reminiscent of chess grandmasters working alongside chess programs, but Dorr believes such coexistence is becoming less viable.
While roles that depend on human judgment, like sports coaches, politicians, sex workers, and ethicists, may still exist, these too face fierce competition from machines. “There will always be some niche areas for human labor, but the reality is we aren’t close to enough job opportunities to employ 4 billion people.”
As traditional institutions may no longer serve their intended purposes, Dorr emphasizes the urgent need for society to create new guidelines and reassess concepts like value, pricing, and distribution. “I don’t have the answers. I’m not even sure if I’m asking the right questions. What I do know is that we must experiment with new ownership models and stakeholder structures.”
Adam Dorr at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin; Photo: Andrew Watchhorn Photography
He is the author of the book *Bright: The Future of Optimism, Progress, and Environmentalism*, which envisions a future of sustainability and hope. He recognizes the risks of economic disruption, rising populist sentiments, and misinformation, yet he insists this evolution is inevitable. The potential for productivity gains and abundance is staggering, and by emulating models like open-source software, equitable distribution can be achievable. “This could be one of humanity’s most significant transformations to date.”
While past futurists anticipated an era of leisure but missed the mark, current insights suggest that such a transformation may actually be on the horizon, with a smaller segment of society, previously unengaged in work, offering guidance on how to fill their time.
“We can draw comparisons with affluent individuals who seem directionless and possibly unhappy, while others find ways to lead meaningful and purposeful lives. I believe our connections with friends, family, and community play a crucial role in this fulfillment.
The concept of negative or zero-calorie foods, while popular on diet platforms, remains a topic of debate. The premise suggests that our bodies expend as much energy, if not more, digesting certain fruits and vegetables than the energy they provide.
However, there is no scientific backing for this notion. Even the foods lowest in calories, like celery and watercress, contain essential energy for their digestion.
In 2019, a researcher at the University of Alabama conducted a study involving celery and a bearded dragon. You can read the study here. Although the choice of a reptile may seem peculiar, bearded dragons have an omnivorous diet and a digestive process akin to humans.
The large lizard consumed 5% of its body weight in celery. Researchers monitored metabolic rates, gathered fecal and urinary samples, and assessed energy expelled through excretion.
The findings revealed that lizards only utilized about three-quarters of the energy provided by celery, which challenges the idea of negative calorie foods.
Nonetheless, some nutrition experts contend that emphasizing calorie count is not the best strategy for weight management, as the body employs different biological processes for digesting various food types.
For example, our bodies expend considerably more energy breaking down proteins compared to fats and carbohydrates, which are more easily accessible for energy. Thus, the type of food is more crucial than merely the calorie content.
Ultra-processed foods are often high in fats and carbohydrates, offering quick satisfaction but packing a lot of energy, much of which gets stored in fat cells.
In contrast, whole foods, particularly those rich in protein and fiber, generally require more energy for digestion than their processed counterparts.
Fruits and vegetables, often branded as negative or zero-calorie foods, are vital components of a balanced diet.
However, relying solely on these could deprive you of essential nutrients and lead to significant hunger and frustration.
This article addresses the inquiry (from Dani Sherman via email) regarding “Are Negative Calorie Foods Real?”
Feel free to email us your questions at Question@sciencefocus.com or message us onFacebook,Twitter, orInstagram(please include your name and location).
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From molten lava coursing through ice-covered landscapes to sharks gracefully swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters, viewing nature from an aerial vantage point provides a breathtaking perspective on our planet’s terrain and wildlife.
Welcome to the inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year Competition. This contest invited both professional and amateur photographers from around the globe to submit their entries, which were judged against high standards (yes, pun intended).
The first prize was awarded to Joanna Steidle, a professional drone pilot and artist. Her remarkable photograph, along with other prominent entries from the competition, can be explored below.
plane! plane! – David Mielowski
The airplane’s shadow dances over the vibrant waters of the Hat Lagoon in Western Australia. Photo: David Mielowski/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Flamingo and Pelican – David Swindler
A pelican wades through a sea of flamingos. Photo by David Swindler/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Smoking Skull – Daniel Binigarcia
The cooling lava of Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano created a skull-like formation, evoking a spooky scene. Photo: Daniel Bini Garcia/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Elephant of Flow – Murray Evans
A herd of elephants roaming the Basanga plains in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Photo: Murray Evans/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Austfonna Ice Cap – Thomas Vijayan
An aerial view showcasing the Bråsvellbreen glacier, part of the Austfonna ice cap in Svalbard, Norway. Photo: Thomas Vijayan/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Laguna Hedionda – Ignacio Palacios
Laguna Hedionda in Bolivia, notable for its diverse flamingo species, beautifully captured from the sky. Ignacio Palacios Photography/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Salt Works IV Eye – Daniela Tonmar
A drone capture showing salt extraction operations along Australia’s coral coast. Daniela Tommasi/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
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Tahogait Volcano – Javier Garcia
The Tahogait Volcano (Montañarajada) in La Palma, Spain erupted on September 19, 2021, leading to widespread destruction. Photo: Javier Garcia/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
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Twisted Owl – Colin Leonhardt
An aerial perspective of the Alumina Mine Tapered Dam near Collie, Western Australia. Photo: Colin Leonhardt/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Tidal Flora – Peter Harrison
Joseph Bonaparte Bay Marine Park in Australia’s Northern Territory is sculpted by formidable tides that flow through shallow, muddy flats. Photo: Peter Harrison/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Recover – AelKermare
An aerial snapshot capturing a volcano’s energy as lava engulfs icy pathways in Iceland—documenting the nation’s sixth volcanic eruption in three years. Photo: Ael Kermare/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
read more:
Celestimpur – Daniel Writer
The colorful hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pots of Yellowstone National Park, USA, create intriguing patterns. Photo: Daniel Reiter/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Eternal Harmony – Rositsa Dimitrova
The rugged terrains and rivers of Iceland are beautifully showcased in this stunning aerial capture. Photography by Rositsa Dimitrova/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Sunrise on Mars – Taylor Duncan
This image of Bentonite Hills in Utah, USA, unveils a landscape reminiscent of Mars, shaped by time and water. Photograph by Taylor Duncan
International Aerial Photos of the Year – Ignacio Palacio
The mesmerizing anti-crepuscular rays in Cono de Arita, Argentina created by the sun’s light converging due to atmospheric phenomena. Ignacio Palacios Photography/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Winner of International Aerial Photographer of the Year – Joanna Steidle
A dynamic aerial shot of a spinner shark creating a gateway amidst a school of menhaden fish in the Atlantic Ocean near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the YearHumpback whales gracefully submerge beneath the Atlantic’s surface after surfacing for air. Captured near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the YearA captivating aerial image of rays stirring the sand as they glide along the ocean floor near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
The ITER project is an experimental fusion power reactor
iter
Nuclear fusion holds the promise of nearly limitless energy, but achieving this goal requires the world to produce a significant amount of concentrated lithium fuel from the ground up.
“A major challenge is the concentration phase, where specific lithium types are concentrated,” explains Samuel Ward from Woodruff Scientific Ltd, a British firm dedicated to nuclear fusion. “There is currently no scalable solution capable of providing the fuel required for future fusion reactors.”
Lithium is essential for the most prevalent fusion technology being developed, which combines two forms of hydrogen to generate energy. Moreover, the rare lithium-6 isotope, constituting only 7.5% of naturally occurring lithium, is the most effective for sustaining the fusion process. Consequently, many fusion power projects depend on “enriched” lithium, increasing the lithium-6 content to over 50%, and occasionally as high as 90%.
Only one demonstration fusion plant is set to outpace experimental reactors by delivering net electricity to the grid. Ward and his team require between 10 to 100 tons of concentrated lithium to initiate and sustain operations. The emergence of a new demonstration plant is expected to heighten this demand.
The initial such plants are projected to be operational by around 2040, allowing time for the enhancement of lithium supplies. However, the enrichment strategy must accelerate—one report indicates that the current lithium-6 supply is nearly non-existent. The U.S. amassed stockpiles during the Cold War, producing approximately 442 tons of enriched lithium from 1952 to 1963 to support nuclear weapon fabrication. This process utilized toxic mercury, leading to environmental pollution that needed remediation for decades.
At present, low-purity lithium for fusion is transitioning from the scarce amounts of highly enriched lithium required for nuclear armaments, according to EGEMEN KOLEMEN at Princeton Plasma Physics Institute, part of the U.S. Department of Energy.
For early integration of power, researchers are advocating for a modernized, eco-friendly version of the enrichment process—yet it still relies on mercury. Last year, the German government allocated funds for a project aimed at advancing this form of lithium enrichment while improving cost-effectiveness. “We plan to launch the first concentration facility in Karlsruhe by 2028,” says Michael Frank, who is participating in this initiative at Argentum Vivum Solutions, a German consultancy.
“The only viable approach for supplying adequate lithium concentrate [in the] short and medium term relies on mercury-based methods,” asserts Thomas Giegalich from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, also a collaborator on the project. However, this type of method will not suffice for the extensive requirements of hundreds or thousands of commercial fusion reactors.
“There is broad recognition that mercury-dependent processes cannot sustainably support the widespread deployment of fusion energy,” states Adam Stein from the Breakthrough Research Institute, a research center based in California.
Various mercury-free concentration techniques are under exploration, but they are not yet suitable for immediate application. This is also the case with the UK’s Atomic Energy Agency, which is funding the development of a clean lithium enrichment process, including efficient lithium-6 separation through microorganisms.
“Given the current lack of demand and the need for further innovation, other techniques have yet to be demonstrated at a commercial level but must succeed,” says Stein.
A prominent British-Canadian computer scientist often referred to as the “godfather” of artificial intelligence has reduced the likelihood of AI causing the extinction of humanity in the next 30 years, stating that the rate of technological advancement is “much faster” than anticipated. I warned you.
Professor Geoffrey Hinton, the recipient of this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to AI, suggested that there is a “10% to 20%” probability of AI leading to human extinction within the next three decades.
Hinton previously expressed that there was a. 10% chance that technology could result in catastrophic outcomes for humanity.
When asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today program if he had revised his assessment of the potential AI doomsday scenario and the one in 10 likelihood of it happening, he replied, “No, it’s between 10% and 20%.”
In response to Hinton’s estimate, former Prime Minister Sajid Javid, who was guest editing Today, remarked, “You’re going up,” to which Hinton quipped, “You’re going up. You know, we’ve never had to confront anything more intelligent than ourselves.”
He further added, “And how many instances do you know of something more intelligent being controlled by something less intelligent? There are very few examples. There’s a mother and a baby. In evolutionary theory, the baby controls the mother. It took a lot of effort to make it possible, but that’s the only example I know of.”
Hinton, a professor emeritus born in London and based at the University of Toronto, emphasized that humans would appear infantile compared to the intelligence of highly advanced AI systems.
“I like to compare it like this: Imagine yourself and a 3-year-old. We’re in third grade,” he stated.
AI can broadly be defined as computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence.
Last year, Hinton resigned from his position at Google to speak more candidly about the risks associated with unchecked AI development, citing concerns that “bad actors” could exploit the technology to cause harm. This issue gained significant attention. One of the primary worries of AI safety advocates is that the progression of artificial general intelligence, or systems that surpass human intellect, could enable the technology to elude human control and pose an existential threat.
Reflecting on where he anticipated AI development would bring him when he initially delved into AI research, Hinton remarked, “[we are] here now. I thought we would arrive here at some point in the future.”
He added, “Because in the current environment, most experts in this field believe that AI surpassing human intelligence will likely materialize within the next 20 years.” And that’s a rather frightening notion.
Hinton remarked that the pace of advancement was “extremely rapid, much quicker than anticipated” and advocated for government oversight of the technology.
“My concern is that the invisible hand isn’t safeguarding us. In a scenario where we simply rely on the profit motive of large corporations, we cannot ensure secure development. That’s insufficient,” he stated. “The only factor that can compel these major corporations to conduct more safety research is government regulation.”
Hinton is one of three “Godfathers of AI” who were awarded the ACM A.M. Turing Prize, the computer science equivalent of the Nobel Prize, for their contributions. However, one of the trio, Yann LeCun, the chief AI scientist at Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, downplayed the existential threat, suggesting that AI “may actually save humanity from extinction.”
It’s a common belief that it requires 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill, but studies suggest that not everyone possesses the innate talent required to become an Olympian or Paralympian. While practice can enhance performance, genetic factors impacting both physical strength and cognitive abilities likely distinguish between “good” and “great” athletes.
The success in sports is also influenced by factors beyond one’s control, such as birth timing. For instance, in the 2010-11 UEFA Youth Football Tournament, 43% of players were born between January and March (earlier in the selection period). Only 9% of players were born between October and December.
Older children who start school may have a physical advantage over their younger peers in terms of size, strength, and confidence. However, many sports psychologists argue that any birth month advantage is also influenced by social factors, such as how teachers perceive a child’s abilities.
Therefore, the most effective approach to becoming an Olympian may involve exploring a range of interests as a child and then focusing on activities where natural talent and enjoyment are evident.
While this may be the first general election to be decided using TikTok, it won’t be the first election to be decided on TikTok for the simple reason that British users of the video app are already more likely to vote for Labour.
“The problem is that pretty much everyone on TikTok is already on our side,” a Labour campaign source said. “We need to reach out to the swing vote.”
TikTok’s relatively young user base, and Labour’s commanding lead among young voters, give the app a strange role in this election. There’s no doubt that tens of millions of Britons are consuming election content on the platform — a fertile ground for memes to spread, embarrassing videos to go viral, and passionate political opinions to rally support — and all political parties feel they have to be involved.
But within the Labour party, it is also seen as an unreliable way of conveying Keir Starmer’s core messages on economic and education policy to “Whitby women” and other specific undecided voters who will decide the outcome of dozens of close constituencies across the UK.
Just using TikTok is a strong indicator that someone is already inclined to vote Labour, according to Deltapol research, which found that TikTok users are 31% more likely to vote for Keir Starmer’s party than people of the same age and background who don’t use the video app.
“This allows us to conclude that people who use TikTok are more likely to vote Labour,” said Mike Joslin, a veteran digital campaigner who commissioned the research for artificial intelligence start-up Bombe. “Other channels give them more control in reaching undecided voters.”
TikTok’s cultural influence in the UK is undeniable, with 45% of UK internet users spending an average of 28 minutes a day on the app, according to the British Communications Authority. If you’ve ever seen the queues outside a TikTok-inspired restaurant or shop, you know the app can have a huge real-world impact and change behavior. While the typical user is Gen Z, its audience is actually ageing, with much of its recent growth coming from people in their 30s.
Lord Cameron was filmed on a voter's Ring doorbell camera while campaigning for the Conservative party in the general election. Photo: TikTok
Joslin said the app has become “essentially television,” with users endlessly scrolling through videos without necessarily engaging. “You can reach 10 million people, but what impact does that have on their actual willingness to vote? It’s more of a tool for mobilizing voters than necessarily a tool for persuading voters.”
One of the biggest challenges is that TikTok employs an opaque recommendation algorithm that is extremely difficult for political activists and journalists to monitor, meaning that just determining which videos are popular focuses on what political parties are doing on their official accounts, even though much of the conversation is taking place elsewhere and is largely invisible.
Older social networks like X and Facebook were built on the concept of following individuals and sharing content, such as links to news articles, in a way that could be tracked and monitored. TikTok is centered around powerful algorithms that identify users who are likely to enjoy specific content and serve them appropriate video streams.
The end result is highly unpredictable and not necessarily useful for political campaigns: if an ordinary person with no followers produces a particularly compelling political video (such as the 1 million people who watched David Cameron through a Ring doorbell during an election campaign in Hampshire), it can be more effective than a carefully crafted official post by an official channel (such as the 40,000 people who watched Rishi Sunak answer a question about agriculture on the official Conservative party account).
According to one Labour campaigner, the aim of the party’s TikTok strategy is to encourage young people to watch videos (e.g. A post comparing Rishi Sunak to a Magic the Gathering card) and post it to a family WhatsApp group. This way, they say, TikTok content can actually reach swing voters. “The strategy isn’t to target young people, but to connect with friends and family by sharing outside the platform.”
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