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The Surprising Risk Songbirds Take for a Genetic Jackpot
Songbirds embarking on their epic journeys from northern boreal forests to tropical winter havens may gain more than just warmth—they might also enjoy greater genetic diversity. A University of Michigan study reveals that these long-distance migratory birds boast higher genetic diversity compared to their less adventurous counterparts who stay closer to home. Lead author Benjamin Winger, an associate professor at U-M, explains, "Long distance migration has evolved to be a very successful strategy for birds because even though it's difficult and requires extraordinary physiology, it allows them to spend the northern winter in a place where they enjoy a higher survival rate." The research team examined the genomes of 35 bird species, including hermit thrushes and Swainson's thrushes. They discovered that while some species exhibit extensive gene flow across populations, others maintain distinct genetic patterns tied to specific breeding locations within the boreal forest. First author Teresa Pegan was surprised by the findings: "I almost fell out of my chair when I found it—there's actually a really remarkably strong relationship between migration distance and the amount of genetic diversity in the population." These insights are crucial for conservation efforts as climate change and human activities threaten bird habitats. Winger notes that deforestation poses significant risks: "We're showing that some species probably have a lot of gene flow... But others really come back to the same patch of forest every year, and those might be more susceptible to deforestation." This study highlights how understanding migratory patterns can aid in protecting these resilient travelers as they navigate an ever-changing world.
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This Telescope is Set to Capture More Cosmic Data in 1 Year Than All Past Telescopes Combined
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, collecting more astronomical data in its first year than all other telescopes combined. Named after the late astronomer Vera Rubin, who provided key evidence for dark matter, this observatory will embark on a decade-long mission to map the sky from Chile's Cerro Pachón. Equipped with the largest camera in astronomical history, the observatory will survey the entire Southern Hemisphere sky every three nights. This ambitious project aims to capture 20 terabytes of data nightly, 350 times more than what the James Webb Space Telescope collects each day. "The potential for discovery is immense," said Christian Aganze, a galactic archaeologist at Stanford University. Originally conceived as a dark matter hunter, the Rubin Observatory has broadened its scope to include various cosmic phenomena. Its unique three-mirror design allows it to quickly and accurately capture images without losing focus, a crucial feature given its rapid scanning capabilities. Transporting and assembling this technological marvel was no small feat. The telescope components traveled from California and Arizona to their mountaintop home in Chile via a Boeing 747 freighter jet and a challenging truck journey. Engineers like Guillem Megias Homar have been instrumental in ensuring that every aspect of the optics system functions flawlessly. For astronomers worldwide, this open-ended survey offers unprecedented opportunities for discovery. "Bringing this amount of data to the community is just extremely rich," said Sandrine Thomas of NOIRLab.
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Nero, Nox and Nancy: Meet The Adorable Lion Cubs Bringing Hope for a Vulnerable Species
Three playful lion cubs have made their debut at the West Midlands Safari Park in the UK, delighting visitors and staff alike. Born to 12-year-old Amber on April 13, these adorable additions—two males named Nero and Nox, and a female named Nancy—are already winning hearts as they explore their new surroundings under their mother's watchful eye. At just over eight weeks old, the cubs recently underwent their first health check, confirming their sexes. The park's tradition of naming newborns with names starting with "N" continues with this trio. Their birth is considered a significant step for the conservation of African lions, which are classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Senior carnivore keeper Shauna Jenkins praised Amber's maternal instincts. “Amber has been a fantastic mother after giving birth to her three cubs,” she said. The keepers initially monitored the cubs via CCTV to minimize disturbance but now enjoy watching them playfully interact with Amber. The next milestone for these young lions will be exploring an outdoor area adjacent to the lion house. Before venturing out fully, they'll receive another round of vaccinations and health checks. Nancy is already showing signs of independence, often leading her brothers in exploration. “Amber is very relaxed with her cubs exploring,” Jenkins noted, highlighting the trust between Amber and her caretakers. Despite being iconic animals featured in stories and zoos worldwide, lions face threats from habitat loss and human conflict. Research officer Katie McDonald emphasized that having lions at safari parks helps keep awareness alive about their plight. The arrival of these lion cubs follows a recent baby boom at the park, including Sumatran tiger cubs and other rare species births.
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Trust Is the Secret Ingredient to a Long, Happy Life, New Study Reveals
Trust might just be the secret ingredient to a happier, longer life, according to a new study published in Psychological Bulletin. Researchers found that individuals who generally trust their neighbors, institutions, and society report higher levels of well-being. This sense of well-being is closely linked to mental health and satisfaction with life, which can contribute to longevity. "Our findings show that trust plays a key role in how happy and satisfied people feel, across all ages, especially so for children, adolescents, and older adults," said Catrin Finkenauer, one of the study's authors and a professor at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. The research team examined three types of trust: interpersonal trust between acquaintances, institutional trust in entities like governments and banks, and social trust, the belief that most people are honest and reliable. They discovered that higher levels of any type of trust correlated with greater well-being. Interestingly, this connection was more pronounced among children and teenagers than adults up through middle age. The study also suggests that trust and well-being reinforce each other over time. While it's unclear if well-being directly influences health outcomes, it has been associated with longer lifespans, adding four to 10 extra years, and better mental health. However, not everyone benefits equally from this boost. A previous study across 38 European countries found racial and ethnic minorities often report lower levels of trust. Yet fostering trust within these communities can enhance their overall well-being. "Trust can't be forced—it has to be earned," Finkenauer noted. "When we build trust, we also support mental health and stronger communities."
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Bangladesh's Bold Mission: Bringing Back Five Nearly Lost Plants
Bangladesh is embarking on a groundbreaking mission to save five critically endangered plant species from the brink of extinction. These rare flora, including the bulborox orchid and dwarf date palm, are currently found only in specific regions of the country. The Bangladesh Forest Department has launched an initiative to cultivate these plants at the National Botanical Garden and National Herbarium before reintroducing them into their natural habitats. This effort marks Bangladesh's first attempt to protect multiple species by bolstering their populations in the wild. The targeted species—bulborox (Bulbophyllum roxburghii), small-bulb orchid (Bulbophyllum oblongum), dwarf date palm (Phoenix acaulis), chaulmoogra (Hydnocarpus kurzii), and bash pata (Podocarpus neriifolius)—are listed as critically endangered in Bangladesh's inaugural Plant Red List. The Red List assessed 1,000 plant species, identifying 395 as threatened, including five critically endangered ones. Notably, bulborox and small-bulb orchids exist only in parts of the Sundarbans, while chaulmoogra trees are scattered across several districts. To increase numbers, researchers are employing tissue culture methods for orchids and developing seedlings for other species. "Our team is working to protect these species from extinction," said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment. The conservation project involves collaboration with national institutions and aims to address biodiversity loss. "About 40 percent of assessed species are threatened," noted A.B.M. Sarowar Alam, Red List project coordinator.
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Majestic Return: Rare Golden Eagle Spotted in England After a Decade
A golden eagle has been spotted in northern England for the first time since 2015, raising hopes that these majestic birds may be expanding their range south from Scotland into England, where they are currently considered locally extinct. Conservationists and scientists working in rural Northumberland, a county bordering Scotland, have reported multiple sightings of the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) since April 2025. The exact location remains undisclosed to protect the eagles and other wildlife. Ian Glendinning, a conservationist focused on red squirrels in the area, described his encounter with the bird: “I saw to my right, about 30 meters [100 feet] away, the golden eagle sitting on the end of the crag,” he said. “I immediately stopped, and it just spread its wings and lifted off into the wind and soared off behind the rocks. There was no doubt at all that it was a Golden Eagle.” The bird has been identified as Talla by Restoring Upland Nature (RUN), a charity dedicated to recovering eagle populations in the U.K. RUN has relocated more than 28 eagles from northern to southern Scotland to expand their population. Catherine Barlow, RUN’s chief executive, noted that Talla is one of eight birds tracked venturing into northern England. However, she cautioned against assuming they will settle permanently. “Young eagles explore far and wide... It is too early to say [Talla] will settle in the area … but hopefully in the future,” Barlow said. Golden eagles were wiped out in England and Wales by targeted killings and pesticide poisoning in the 19th century. Their return could help restore local ecosystems. “It is exciting to see young eagles exploring northern England," Barlow added.
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Breathprint? The Surprising New Way Scientists Can ID Your Physical and Mental Health
Breathing may hold the key to understanding anxiety and depression, according to a new study that suggests our breath is as unique as a fingerprint. Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have discovered that individual breathing patterns can identify people with 96.8 percent accuracy, offering insights into both physical and mental health. The study, published in Current Biology, emerged from an interest in how mammals process odors during inhalation. The team developed a lightweight wearable device that tracks nasal airflow for 24 hours using soft tubes placed under the nostrils. This approach provided more detailed data than traditional short-term breathing tests. "You would think that breathing has been measured and analyzed in every way," said Professor Noam Sobel. "Yet we stumbled upon a completely new way to look at respiration." The research involved 100 healthy young adults who wore the device while going about their daily activities. Despite varying routines like running or resting, participants' breathing patterns remained distinct enough for accurate identification. Study co-author Timna Soroka noted, "I thought it would be really hard to identify someone because everyone is doing different things... But it turns out their breathing patterns were remarkably distinct." Findings also linked respiratory fingerprints with body mass index (BMI), sleep-wake cycles, and levels of anxiety and depression. Participants with higher anxiety scores had shorter inhales and more variability between breaths during sleep. Sobel suggested that changing how we breathe might influence mental health conditions: "Perhaps the way you breathe makes you anxious or depressed." While promising, the current device faces challenges such as discomfort and issues with mouth breathing. The team aims to create a more discreet version for everyday use and explore whether mimicking healthy breathing can improve emotional well-being. "We definitely want to go beyond diagnostics to treatment," Sobel added optimistically.
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Astronaut's Stunning Time-Lapse Reveals Earth's Dazzling Auroras from Space
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim has shared his first time-lapse video of Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), capturing breathtaking views of auroras, lightning storms, and city lights illuminating the planet's night side. Kim, a former U.S. Marine, launched to the ISS on April 8 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He is serving an eight-month stint as flight engineer for Expedition 73. Before creating his time-lapse footage, Kim received guidance from fellow crewmember Nichole "Viper" Ayers, known for her astrophotography. "Thanks to some instruction and tips from @Astro_Ayers, I caught my first aurora," Kim wrote in a Twitter post accompanying the video. "After seeing the result, I told her this felt like fishing... And after catching my first fish, I think I'm hooked." The video showcases a mesmerizing blend of natural phenomena and city lights as the space station's solar panels adjust to capture sunlight. It begins with a sunset behind Earth's disk, marking the start of night aboard the ISS—a 45-minute period when it passes through Earth's shadow. Stars twinkle above while city lights and lightning storms dance below. Towards the end of the video, vivid green auroras ripple across the sky as the station flies over southeastern Asia and Australia. These displays occur when solar wind particles collide with Earth's atmosphere, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The time-lapse concludes as daylight returns to Earth’s surface and solar panels soak up sunlight once more. The ISS orbits Earth 16 times daily at an average speed of 17,500 mph.
Score (97)
Mountain Lion Comeback? Rare Kittens Spotted in Oklahoma Spark Hope
Once a rare sight in Oklahoma, mountain lions are making a notable return. Recent sightings of two female mountain lions with kittens have sparked excitement among wildlife biologists and conservationists. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation confirmed the presence of these elusive felines after reviewing photos submitted by private landowners. The first family was captured on camera in October in Osage County, near Tulsa. The image shows an adult mountain lion with two kittens nestled in tall grass. In December, another trail camera recorded an adult lion with three kittens in Cimarron County, located at the western tip of Oklahoma's panhandle. These counties are nearly 400 miles apart, suggesting that the big cats are establishing territories across the state. Female mountain lions typically roam areas up to 75 square miles, while males can cover up to 275 square miles. Jerrod Davis, a biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, expressed optimism about these findings. "It’s our first piece of evidence that mountain lions may be breeding in Oklahoma," he said. This development indicates a potentially growing population within the state. Since 2002, there have been 85 confirmed sightings based on tracks and photos; however, many reports lack sufficient evidence for confirmation. Misidentifications often occur with animals like bobcats or coyotes mistaken for mountain lions. Oklahoma has classified mountain lions as a "game species with a closed season" since 1957, prohibiting hunting except under specific circumstances involving threats to livestock or safety. Further research is needed to understand their numbers and distribution better. As Davis suggests deploying more cameras could provide valuable insights into this majestic predator's resurgence in Oklahoma's wild landscapes.
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NASA's Junior Test Pilot School: Where Kids Become Aerospace Innovators This Summer
A new wave of young aerospace enthusiasts is set to take flight this summer with the 2025 Junior Test Pilot School, a hands-on program designed to ignite interest in STEM careers. Hosted by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Flight Test Museum Foundation, this six-week adventure will unfold at Blackbird Airpark and Joe Davies Heritage Airpark in Palmdale, California. From June 16 through July 25, elementary-aged students will dive into the world of test pilots and engineers. The program offers free registration through participating school districts and the Flight Test Museum, providing access to iconic aircraft like the A-12, SR-71, U-2, F-86 Sabre, and NASA's Boeing 747 Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. “This program offers more than a glimpse into aerospace; it provides students a hands-on opportunity to solve real-world problems and see themselves in future STEM roles,” said Dr. Amira Flores of NASA’s California Office of STEM Engagement. The curriculum includes eight core modules covering flight principles, stealth engineering, altitude effects, speed and g-force dynamics, payload impact analysis, maneuverability studies, reconnaissance design strategies, and jet engine systems. Students will also tackle the Wildfire Design Challenge under NASA Armstrong’s Aero Fair program guidance. “Our junior test pilots learn to analyze aircraft design and think like an engineer,” said Lisa Sheldon Brown from the Flight Test Museum. Supported by industry giants Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman alongside local partners like the City of Palmdale, this initiative aims to inspire future aerospace professionals in Antelope Valley, a region rich with STEM career opportunities.
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Lost WWII Memento Reunites With Hero's Family After 80 Years
A World War II soldier's dog tag has been returned to his family 80 years after his death, thanks to a chance discovery and a determined relative. Technical Sergeant Joseph L. Gray was among 31 U.S. servicemen who perished on April 23, 1945, when their B-17G Flying Fortress crashed into a mountain on the Isle of Man during World War II. In 2010, a local metal detectorist found Gray’s dog tag and handed it over to the Manx Aviation and Military Museum for safekeeping. The opportunity for its return arose when Donald Madar, whose great-uncle also died in the crash, visited the site this April from Pennsylvania. Madar had connected with Gray’s family in 2020 through Clare Quinn, Gray’s great-niece, via a Facebook group dedicated to the crash. "When I was visiting and holding the tag, something stuck out about the name," Madar said. He recalled Quinn's post about Joseph and reached out to her with a plan to return the tag through her sister. During his visit to the Isle of Man, Madar met museum historian Ivor Ramsden who entrusted him with both the dog tag and a personal letter for Gray’s family. On May 7, Madar delivered them to Bridgette Daily, Quinn's sister, at Brickville House Restaurant in Pennsylvania. "I could see the emotion rush into her - her eyes began to tear up," Madar said of handing over this piece of history. He expressed thanks towards the museum for facilitating this meaningful reunion.