A Sunken Ship With Hidden Treasure Was Just Discovered

It's known as the “Holy Grail” of shipwrecks and we’re now getting a look at just how bountiful the booty might be. New pictures are out of the San Jose Galleon, which sunk off the coast of Columbia in 1708. Some believe the treasure, estimated to include 200 tonnes of gold, silver and emeralds, could be worth billions.

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New Sleep Database Reveals Your Brain is Dreaming Far More Than You Think

Dream research just got its biggest leap forward in decades — and it’s turning some long-held sleep science myths upside down. In a landmark collaboration led by Monash University, scientists have created the DREAM database, the first large-scale, standardized collection of brain recordings tied to dream reports. The open-access project combines data from 2,643 awakenings across 505 people in 20 different studies — making it the largest and most consistent snapshot of what actually happens in the human brain during sleep. “Understanding how, when, and why we dream could help us answer a fundamental scientific question: how can we determine whether someone is conscious when they are unable to communicate?” said Nao Tsuchiya, one of the project’s lead researchers at Monash. The database shatters the old assumption that dreams only occur during REM sleep. Brain activity linked to dream recall appeared in: • 88% of awakenings during light sleep • 56% during moderate sleep • 48% during deep, slow-wave sleep In other words, your brain is far busier while you sleep than scientists once thought. Even during stages considered the most “unconscious,” people reported vivid and complex dreams — including some with brain wave patterns that closely resemble wakefulness. That’s the kind of insight that wasn’t possible before. Until now, dream research was stuck in silos: isolated studies, inconsistent methods, and small sample sizes that couldn’t be easily compared. The DREAM database solves that, offering a centralized, high-quality set of EEG data with strict technical standards — including consistent sampling rates, quality control measures, and detailed documentation for each awakening. It’s already paying off. Using machine learning, researchers trained algorithms to detect whether someone is dreaming — just from their brain activity — with up to 70% accuracy during REM, and still well above chance in other stages. The tech is not only exciting for dream science, but it could eventually be used to detect consciousness in people who can’t communicate, such as coma patients or those with severe brain injuries. “This could be a game-changer for sleep medicine and consciousness research,” Tsuchiya said. Beyond the science, the implications are broad: the findings may help improve sleep-tracking devices, inform new treatments for sleep disorders, and pave the way for tools that can better measure internal experiences — like pain, emotion, or awareness — in patients who are otherwise unresponsive. Researchers can now stop reinventing the wheel with every small study and instead build on a shared foundation. The DREAM database isn’t just a tool — it’s a turning point for understanding what the sleeping brain is truly capable of. And, as it turns out, that strange dream you had last night? It might be far more real, and far more meaningful, than anyone thought.

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Elijah Wood Surprises Guests At Hobbiton Wedding, Leaves Ring Intact

A lucky couple were surprised by an unexpected guest during their Lord of the Rings themed wedding in New Zealand on Monday, October 27. Footage posted by the official Hobbiton Movie Set account shows Hollywood star Elijah Wood gatecrashing the ceremony at the iconic tourist spot to the joy of the bride and groom. The couple’s wedding photographer Cath Ullyett recounted the moment in an Instagram post. “While Sharik and Jessica were signing their wedding documents, Elijah and his family were escorted past the ceremony garden, and had stopped to watch,” she wrote. “After the couple had finished signing, I rushed around to meet him and asked him to come and have a few photos with the couple. Being the gentleman he is, he didn’t want to interfere, however, with some friendly encouragement he stepped in and was welcomed by all.”

Scientists Discover Powerful New Antibiotic Hidden In Plain Sight For Decades

In a major step forward against antibiotic resistance, scientists have discovered a potent new antibiotic compound — not by exploring unknown microbes, but by taking a second look at one that’s been studied for decades. The new compound, called pre-methylenomycin C lactone, was identified by researchers from the University of Warwick in the UK and Monash University in Australia. It comes from Streptomyces coelicolor, a bacterial species that has served as a model organism for antibiotic research since the 1950s. “Finding a new antibiotic in such a familiar organism was a real surprise,” said Lona Alkhalaf, a chemist at the University of Warwick. What makes the discovery even more striking is that the compound isn’t a newly evolved molecule. It’s actually an intermediate — a chemical step in the natural production of another antibiotic, methylenomycin A. Until now, no one had thought to test this intermediate for its own antibiotic properties. Turns out, it's remarkably effective. In lab tests, pre-methylenomycin C lactone was found to be 100 times more potent than methylenomycin A against Gram-positive bacteria — a group that includes some of the most dangerous drug-resistant pathogens. Specifically, the compound proved effective against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus), both of which are responsible for severe hospital-acquired infections. Even more promising: the bacteria didn’t develop resistance to it, even after 28 days of continuous exposure. That resilience is rare — and increasingly valuable in a world where antibiotic resistance is rendering many existing treatments useless. “Methylenomycin A was originally discovered 50 years ago, and while it has been synthesized several times, no one appears to have tested the synthetic intermediates for antimicrobial activity,” said Greg Challis, another researcher from Warwick. The discovery came after the team decided to genetically tweak the bacterium’s biosynthetic pathway — essentially modifying the genetic assembly line that produces methylenomycin A. By isolating and testing each step in the process, they identified the intermediate compound with unexpectedly powerful antimicrobial properties. This approach could signal a new direction in the search for antibiotics. “By identifying and testing intermediates in the pathways to diverse natural compounds, we may find potent new antibiotics with more resilience to resistance,” said Challis. “This discovery suggests a new paradigm for antibiotic discovery.” With antibiotic resistance now causing millions of deaths worldwide each year, the pressure to find new treatments is higher than ever. While pre-methylenomycin C lactone still needs further preclinical testing before it can be developed into a usable drug, the early signs are promising — and suggest there may be more hidden gems waiting to be uncovered in even the most familiar bacteria. The research was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

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World's Largest Museum Dedicated To Ancient Egypt Opens This Week

The wait is nearly over. This Saturday, Egypt will officially unveil the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. Located just outside Cairo near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the massive complex will display more than 100,000 ancient artefacts, from the famed golden mask of Tutankhamun to pharaoh Khufu’s full-sized ‘solar boat’ — a 4,600-year-old cedar vessel buried beside the Great Pyramid and rediscovered in 1954. The centrepiece of the opening will be the long-anticipated Tutankhamun Galleries, showcasing over 5,000 objects from the boy king’s tomb — many of which have never been seen by the public. These include dazzling jewellery, ceremonial chariots, and life-size statues, all offering a glimpse into the life and death of one of Egypt’s most legendary pharaohs. Visitors will enter the museum through the Grand Hall and Grand Staircase, flanked by towering columns inscribed with hieroglyphs and colossal statues of ancient rulers. These lead to the Main Galleries, first previewed by a select group of 4,000 visitors in October 2024. The public will be able to visit the museum starting 4 November. Tickets for adult foreign visitors will cost 1,450 Egyptian pounds, or about €30. The opening ceremony, expected to draw leaders and dignitaries from around the world, will be live-streamed on TikTok — a nod to the museum’s efforts to bridge ancient history with modern technology. In total, GEM offers 22,000 square metres of exhibition space and aims to attract up to five million visitors annually. But it’s not just a display space; the museum also houses one of the world’s most advanced conservation and research facilities. An underground tunnel links the main exhibition halls to 19 state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to preserving everything from fragile papyri to mummified remains. Architecturally, the GEM is as ambitious as the treasures it holds. Designed by Irish architect Roisin Heneghan, the building mirrors the pyramids in both form and spirit, blending geometric structures with cutting-edge sustainability features. Reinforced concrete helps regulate internal temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning. Outside, triangular gardens designed with Dutch landscape firm West 8 draw inspiration from the lush flora of the Nile Valley. The Grand Egyptian Museum has been in development for over two decades and faced several delays. But with its doors finally opening, it’s set to become one of the world’s most significant cultural landmarks — a modern tribute to an ancient civilization.

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JWST captures cosmic ‘Red Spider’ in stunning Halloween-ready image

If there were ever a perfect Halloween stop in space, the Red Spider Nebula might be it. At first glance, it sounds like something crawling out of a haunted house. In reality, it’s the dazzling wreckage of a dying star — and it’s just been imaged in rich detail by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Don’t be fooled by the name. Planetary nebulas, like the Red Spider, have nothing to do with planets. The term comes from a centuries-old mistake, when astronomers using early telescopes mistook the round shapes for distant planets. That naming error stuck, even as astronomers learned they were actually looking at the ghostly remains of sun-like stars. Viewed through JWST’s infrared eye, however, the trick becomes a treat. This new image, built from invisible infrared light and then color-coded to highlight various structures, shows the Red Spider Nebula in all its gory beauty. At its core is a single star, nearing the end of its life. But scientists believe there may be a second star hidden in the frame, based on the nebula’s hourglass shape — a pattern often linked to binary systems. Surrounding that central star is a glowing shroud of hot dust, stretching into enormous lobes on either side. Each lobe spans about three light-years across — roughly 30 trillion kilometers — inflated by stellar gas pushed outward over thousands of years. The reddish lobes visible in the image contain streaks shaped like an “S” from northeast to southwest. That shape comes from iron atoms that have been ionized — in other words, stripped of electrons. Elsewhere, the cooler, blue-toned lobes highlight light emitted by molecular hydrogen (H₂). The visual result is a complex, colorful display — the final fireworks of a star’s life before it fades into a white dwarf. This is also a preview of Earth’s distant future. Our sun will one day bloat into a red giant, swelling over 200 times its current size. When that happens, it could engulf Mercury, Venus, and possibly Earth before shedding its outer layers in a display not unlike what we see in the Red Spider. While the nebula is the star of the show, the background isn’t just filler. The JWST’s deep-space clarity reveals an entire tapestry of stars beyond the nebula. Some shine with eight-pointed patterns — a visual signature of JWST’s hexagonal mirror design. That iconic starburst shape has become a recognizable feature of Webb’s images, and a reminder of just how much the telescope sees, even when it’s not looking for anything in particular. Scientists were thrilled by that level of detail when the telescope’s first images were released, and the excitement hasn’t worn off. The Red Spider Nebula, located in the constellation Sagittarius, is a vivid example of what JWST was built to do — unveil the structure, chemistry, and evolution of the universe with unprecedented clarity. It might not be a real spider, or a planet, or a door to knock on — but in the spirit of Halloween, it’s exactly the kind of cosmic trick that comes with a treat.

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Researchers Uncover Striking Fish-Made Geometric Patterns on Antarctic Seafloor

When scientists launched a 2019 expedition to the Weddell Sea in search of the famed shipwreck Endurance, they didn’t expect to stumble onto a biological marvel instead: thousands of carefully arranged, geometric fish nests covering the icy seafloor. The nests were spotted in an area that had only recently become accessible, after a colossal iceberg the size of Delaware — dubbed A68 — broke off from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in July 2017. That event opened up a rarely seen section of Antarctica’s western Weddell Sea, giving researchers the opportunity to study its untouched ecosystem for the first time. The Weddell Sea Expedition set off in January 2019 aboard the South African research vessel SA Agulhas II. But just like Endurance over a century earlier, the ship encountered thick sea ice that made it impossible to reach the presumed wreck site. Instead, scientists focused on what lay beneath the ice-choked waters — and ended up discovering a seafloor full of surprises. “The sea ice in particular was a challenge,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, senior lecturer in life sciences at the University of Essex. “We were heading directly towards this, playing chicken with icebergs as we went.” Using a remotely operated vehicle nicknamed Lassie, the team began surveying the seafloor. What they saw stunned them: over a thousand fish nests, meticulously spaced out in various shapes — circles, crescents, lines, even U-shapes — dotting the muddy bottom. “Over a thousand maintained nests within the areas studied goes to show that exploration of our world is still underway,” said lead author Russ Connelly, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Essex. The nests belong to the yellowfin notie (Lindbergichthys nudifrons), a species of rockcod found in the Southern Ocean. These hardy fish are extremophiles, thriving in frigid, high-pressure environments where few others can survive. Male yellowfin noties build and guard these circular nests in fine sediment for months, protecting their eggs from predators like brittle stars and ribbon worms. Researchers believe the elaborate nest arrangements are more than just chance — they’re a sophisticated survival strategy. In the study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, researchers documented 1,036 active nests across five sites. They found six distinct patterns: some nests were clustered closely together, others arranged in lines, crescents, ovals, or U-shapes. Some stood alone, larger than the rest. Clustered nests were by far the most common, making up more than 42% of the total. That’s likely not a coincidence. The scientists believe the fish are using a well-known biological tactic called the “selfish herd” strategy. By grouping together, each fish reduces its own chances of being picked off by a predator. Fish in the middle of the cluster are the safest, while those on the edges are more vulnerable. “In the absence of refuge, they can group together to form greater levels of protection,” said Connelly. The researchers also noticed that individual nests on the outskirts were larger. These may belong to bigger, stronger fish capable of fending off predators on their own. Meanwhile, the dense clusters could confuse ribbon worms — one of the primary egg predators — by creating a chaotic sensory environment that makes it harder to zero in on a single nest. The footage also revealed that about 15% of the nests included pebbles, which scientists believe may have been dropped by drifting icebergs. These small rocks play a vital role: they provide oxygenation to the eggs and physically shield them from predators burrowing in the seafloor mud. “(The rocks) are ideal to lay eggs on as they allow good oxygenation of the eggs, helping to prevent rotting on the seafloor,” said Dr. Autun Purser, a senior researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, who wasn’t involved in the study but previously led similar research in the region. Purser said new underwater camera technology is allowing scientists to detect large-scale fish nesting behavior that previously went unnoticed. “With mobile camera systems, we can now investigate larger structures and areas of seafloor in studies than was possible in the past,” he said. In 2021, Purser’s team discovered a sprawling colony of icefish — with transparent skulls and blood — in the same sea. Together with the yellowfin notie nests, the discoveries point to a much more complex and active marine ecosystem than previously assumed. That’s why scientists are now calling for legal protection of the Weddell Sea. The area is part of a proposed Marine Protected Area by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. If approved, it would limit human activity in the region to preserve its vulnerable biodiversity. “If successfully designated as [a Marine Protected Area], it would mean these vulnerable marine ecosystems are protected,” Connelly said. “It is incredibly important to explore and study these unique environments before we lose something we never knew we had.” In the end, while the Endurance shipwreck was later found in 2022 by a separate mission, the 2019 expedition may have uncovered something just as valuable: proof that even in Earth’s most extreme and remote corners, life continues to adapt, innovate — and surprise us.

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Nine-Year-Old Tackles 100-Day Litter Challenge, Raises Over £1,200 for Environmental Charity

In Somerset, a nine-year-old boy named Theo is making waves with an impressive environmental challenge. He's on day 53 of his 100-day litter-picking quest and has already collected over 130 kilograms of rubbish. That's roughly equivalent to the weight of a female lion. Theo, who hails from Wiveliscombe, is passionate about protecting wildlife. His motivation? An obsession with animals and a desire to keep their habitats clean. "I find it horrible how people can just drop litter; it's not right," he said, expressing frustration at seeing discarded items like footballs and unopened jam jars. Theo doesn't work alone. Some of his friends join him in this litter-picking mission, which takes them around Wiveliscombe, Milverton, Wellington, and Taunton. They often focus on lay-bys, parks, and roads where trash accumulates. According to Theo's mother Molly, he's been incredibly determined. "He wanted to do this and he's made it happen," she proudly shared. What's remarkable is that Theo's efforts are also raising money for Surfers Against Sewage. This charity works to ensure clean oceans, rivers, and lakes to help protect wildlife—a cause dear to Theo's heart and backed by his hero Steve Backshall, a naturalist and explorer. Initially setting out to raise £100 for the charity, Theo has surpassed expectations by collecting £1,200 so far. His dedication isn't just making the environment cleaner but also contributing significantly to the charity's mission. As Theo continues his challenge for another 47 days, he remains committed to cleaning up his local environment while inspiring those around him with his dedication and love for animals.

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Spanish Photographer Captures World's First Ever White Iberian Lynx On Camera

In a surprising find deep within the mountainous terrain of Jaén, Spain, Ángel Hidalgo, an amateur nature photographer, captured images of a rare Iberian lynx with leucism. This genetic condition results in a partial or total lack of pigmentation in its skin, setting it apart from its typically spotted counterparts. However, unlike albinism, leucism doesn’t affect the eyes. Hidalgo discovered this unique feline while reviewing footage from his photo-trapping cameras on October 22. The sighting is significant as it highlights the ongoing conservation efforts for Lynx pardinus in the Iberian Peninsula. Despite these efforts, the species remains listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The location where this leucistic lynx was spotted is being kept confidential to protect it from human interference. Notably, this lynx did not have a tracking collar, indicating it was likely born and thriving in the wild without direct human management. Since conservation releases began in 2011, when the species was teetering on extinction’s edge, there has been marked progress. As of 2023, Spain's Ministry of Ecological Transition reports that over 2,000 Iberian lynxes roam freely across various regions in Spain and Portugal. These include Sierra Morena and Montes de Toledo in Spain and areas along the Spanish-Portuguese Guadiana basin. The reintroduction efforts have also extended to other regions like Doñana and even new territories such as Sierra Palentina—places once considered unlikely habitats for these big cats. The expansion underscores successful efforts to provide suitable environments for their survival and reproduction. Iberian lynxes are crucial predators within Mediterranean ecosystems. They primarily prey on rabbits; without them controlling rabbit populations, ecological balance could be disrupted due to lack of competition at higher levels of the food chain. This recent sighting serves not only as an exciting moment for wildlife enthusiasts but also as tangible evidence of effective conservation strategies at work across both Spain and Portugal.

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Scientists Reverse Alzheimer's In Mice With Groundbreaking Nanotech

Scientists from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia and West China Hospital Sichuan University have reported a breakthrough using nanotechnology to reverse symptoms in mouse models. This innovative approach involves bioactive nanoparticles designed to act as "supramolecular drugs," which aim to restore the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The brain, accounting for 20 percent of an adult's energy consumption, relies heavily on a dense network of capillaries. Each neuron receives its nutrients through these tiny vessels, emphasizing the importance of vascular health in preventing neurological conditions like Alzheimer's. The blood-brain barrier is essential in this process; it acts as a protective filter that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain while allowing necessary molecules to pass through. The researchers targeted a specific mechanism that allows harmful "waste proteins" to be cleared from the brain into the bloodstream. In Alzheimer's, amyloid-β is the primary protein causing disruption. By focusing on this clearance process, they witnessed significant reductions in amyloid-β levels shortly after treatment. Junyang Chen, co-author and researcher at West China Hospital and University College London, noted, "Only 1h after the injection we observed a reduction of 50-60% in Aβ amount inside the brain." Their study involved mice engineered to overproduce amyloid-β, mimicking cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's patients. Results showed not just decreased protein levels but also behavioral improvements. One mouse treated at twelve months old—equivalent to a sixty-year-old human—displayed behaviors akin to healthy mice by eighteen months. Giuseppe Battaglia from IBEC explained how restoring vasculature plays a critical role: "When toxic species such as amyloid-beta accumulate, disease progresses. But once the vasculature is able to function again, it starts clearing Aβ and other harmful molecules." The nanoparticles are designed to mimic natural processes within the body by imitating ligands that help transport waste proteins across cell membranes. These nanoparticles aren't just passive carriers; they're active agents engineered with precision. They engage receptors at cellular membranes effectively, helping recalibrate receptor activity so waste-clearing functions resume their normal roles. This method could pave new paths for clinical strategies combating Alzheimer's by addressing its vascular components directly. Lorena Ruiz Perez from IBEC highlighted their success: "Our study demonstrated remarkable efficacy in achieving rapid Aβ clearance." The collaboration involved multiple institutions including University College London and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences among others.

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New Study Finds Art Has Instant Health Benefits—Especially in Person

A new study out of the UK has confirmed something many people have long suspected: looking at art isn’t just emotionally moving—it’s good for your body, too. Researchers from King’s College London found that viewing original artworks in person significantly reduces stress and triggers a measurable boost in biological activity tied to better health. The study, which monitored everything from heart rate to hormone levels in real time, is the first to show how art impacts three key body systems at once: the immune, endocrine, and autonomic nervous systems. In short, art may be more than just a cultural experience—it might be a kind of workout for your health. “We were genuinely surprised to see such a strong impact on three different systems,” said Tony Woods, a researcher at King’s College London. “In essence, art doesn’t just move us emotionally—it calms the body too.” The experiment involved 50 participants who either viewed famous works of art at London’s Courtauld Gallery—including pieces by Van Gogh, Manet, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec—or looked at high-quality reproductions elsewhere. While participants engaged with the art, scientists monitored their heart rate and skin temperature using wearable devices, and collected saliva samples to test for stress hormones like cortisol and immune markers known as cytokines. The results were clear: cortisol levels dropped by an average of 22 percent for those viewing original works in person. For those looking at reproductions, the drop was only 8 percent. Heart rates in the gallery group also showed more variation—an indicator of positive arousal or emotional engagement. These physiological changes matter. Elevated cortisol, along with inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha, are linked to conditions ranging from heart disease and anxiety to chronic inflammation and depression. “The fact that viewing original art lowered these markers suggests that cultural experiences may play a real role in protecting both mind and body,” Woods said. The artworks used in the study weren’t random. Participants viewed some of the most iconic paintings in Western art history, including Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. The study showed that the setting mattered just as much as the art itself. Being in a gallery created a stronger impact than looking at the same images elsewhere. That distinction is what makes the findings particularly relevant for public health and urban planning. In recent years, doctors in Switzerland have begun prescribing museum visits for mental wellness, and hospitals around the world have integrated art into their facilities. The new study provides a data-backed rationale for those efforts. The study, The Physiological Impact of Viewing Original Artworks vs. Reprints: A Comparative Study (2025), was led jointly by King’s College London, the Art Fund (the UK’s national charity for museums and galleries), and the Psychiatry Research Trust. While the research has not yet been peer-reviewed, it’s been published in full on the Art Fund’s website. “This study proves for the first time what we’ve long felt at Art Fund—that art really is good for you,” said Jenny Waldman, Art Fund’s director. “What’s particularly exciting is that the findings show these benefits are universal—they can be experienced by anyone.” The Art Fund hopes the study will encourage more people to take advantage of its National Art Pass, which offers free or reduced admission to hundreds of museums, galleries, and historic sites across the UK. As the debate continues over how to improve mental health and reduce stress in modern life, the researchers say this kind of evidence points to a simple, accessible intervention—one that doesn’t involve medication or therapy. “In short, our unique and original study provides compelling evidence that viewing art in a gallery is ‘good for you’ and helps to further our understanding of its fundamental benefits,” said Woods. So if you’ve been thinking about a trip to the gallery, you might want to bump it up your to-do list. Your body just might thank you for it.

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