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Score (92)
Blobfish Makes a Splash: From 'Ugliest Animal' to Fish of the Year
A unique beauty contest in New Zealand is turning heads and changing perceptions. Since 2021, the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust has hosted the “Fish of the Year” competition, inviting public votes to spotlight marine life and conservation efforts. The eagle ray claimed victory in 2021 and 2022, with giant oceanic manta rays taking the title in 2023. This year, however, a surprising contender emerged victorious: the blobfish. Radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn championed this underdog. "We and the people of New Zealand had had enough of other fish getting all the headlines," they said in a press release. "The blobfish had been sitting patiently on the ocean floor... we thought, 'Stuff this, it’s time for the blobfish to have his moment in the sun.'" Often labeled as “aesthetically challenged,” the blobfish was named “world's ugliest animal” at a British Science Festival in 2013. Yet Simon Watt of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society argues that such titles highlight overlooked species needing protection. “Our traditional approach to conservation is egotistical,” Watt told BBC News after its win. He emphasized that focusing solely on charismatic animals like pandas misses broader ecological threats. Marine biologist Russell Arnott has long defended the blobfish’s reputation. He explained that its infamous appearance results from rapid depressurization when brought to surface level. In its natural deep-sea habitat, Arnott told National Geographic, it resembles any ordinary fish. The blobfish narrowly defeated orange roughy by just 277 votes this year. Despite backing orange roughy, spokesperson Aaron Packard acknowledged it as a win for deep-sea ecosystems awareness. Participation surged with over 5,500 voters compared to last year's turnout of 1,021—an encouraging sign for marine conservation advocacy efforts across New Zealand waters.
Score (97)
How The James Webb Telescope Is Unveiling Secrets Of Dying Stars
Astronomers are using the James Webb Space Telescope to explore the dusty cocoons surrounding dying stars. This effort aims to shed light on cosmic dust origins, which play a role in forming new stars. The focus is on Wolf-Rayet stars, massive aging stellar bodies that have exhausted their hydrogen and are close to supernova explosions. These spectacular events scatter elements across space, contributing to the birth of new stars. Noel Richardson from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University explains, "Wolf-Rayet stars are essentially highly evolved massive stars that don't show hydrogen at all." The stars lose hydrogen in their outer layers and fuse helium in their cores as they near life's end. When these stars die, they release strong stellar winds. If another massive star is nearby, these winds condense into carbon dust shells. Until now, scientists had only observed such shells around WR-140. Richardson’s team expanded their study to four more Wolf-Rayet systems and found similar dust formations around each one. Richardson noted, "Not only did we find that the dust in these systems is long-lived and making its way out into space, we discovered this is not unique to just one system." By observing multiple Wolf-Rayet systems instead of just one, researchers can better understand these aging stars. Ryan Lau from NOIRLab added, "It confirmed that we are seeing the same pattern of surviving dust shells that we did around WR-140 in other systems." These findings suggest that the carbon dust created by Wolf-Rayet stars can withstand harsh conditions in space for centuries. This discovery might influence how astronomers view the materials that form new stars. Lau also raised an intriguing question: "Where does this dust go?" To answer this, scientists aim to examine spectra and identify specific grain compositions. Understanding chemical contributions to the interstellar medium could reveal much about star formation processes. This research was published in The Astrophysical Journal on July 7.
Score (96)
Revolutionary One-Minute Scan Could Save Limbs By Detecting Hidden Artery Disease
Imagine having blocked arteries in your legs and not even realizing it. At first, you might just feel a bit tired or have some cramping, symptoms that are easy to dismiss as getting older or being out of shape. But as blood flow worsens, a small cut on your foot might not heal and could turn into an ulcer. In severe cases, this can lead to amputation. This condition is called peripheral artery disease (PAD), and it's more common than people think. In the UK, about one in five people over 60 has PAD. It's especially prevalent among those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. PAD rarely occurs alone; it's usually a sign of widespread atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits narrow arteries in the heart and brain, too. This raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes significantly. Research indicates that many diagnosed with PAD may die within five to ten years due to these complications. Early detection of PAD can reduce its impact significantly. Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey, along with his colleagues, is working on a faster, simpler way to diagnose it. Currently, doctors can check circulation in the feet by comparing blood pressure in the toe with that in the arm—a method known as the toe–brachial index (TBI). However, this test requires special equipment and expertise that many GP surgeries lack. Moreover, in people with diabetes or stiff arteries, results aren’t always reliable. Heiss's research team asked themselves if they could use routine ultrasound scans to measure blood flow in the foot quickly and reliably. Most hospitals have handheld ultrasound probes that use Doppler sound to track how blood flows through vessels. As blood moves, it changes the pitch of sound waves: healthy blood flow creates a strong “swoosh,” while blocked arteries produce faint sounds. Doctors already use these sound patterns to spot circulation issues like PAD. But Heiss's team wondered if computers could convert these Doppler wave shapes into numbers mirroring TBI results. They scanned 150 feet of patients treated for PAD using Doppler ultrasound to measure how quickly blood surged with each heartbeat—the acceleration index—and compared these results to standard TBI tests. The findings were promising: The acceleration index predicted TBI results with 88 percent accuracy. This approach works with widely available equipment; even basic pocket Dopplers used by GPs showed strong results despite lacking hospital-grade precision. With software refinement, doctors could assess foot circulation accurately using existing tools without adding clinic time.
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Score (96)
Unveiling Secrets of the Deep: How Underwater Archaeology Is Rewriting History
Underwater archaeology might sound like it's all about shipwrecks and sunken treasures, but it has a lot more to offer. This field is opening up stories of long-lost civilizations and extinct species through submerged artifacts. One of the latest exhibitions bringing this fascinating subject to light is "Mysteries From the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology" at New York City's Intrepid Museum. The show features a 3D-printed model of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to reach American shores in 1860. This wooden vessel infamously smuggled 110 enslaved people from West Africa to Alabama, despite a nationwide ban on such practices since 1808. The ship’s captain, William Foster, tried to destroy evidence by burning and sinking it after unloading his human cargo. In 2019, researchers identified the wreck with assistance from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Jeremy Ellis, a descendant of two Clotilda survivors, played a role in shaping this exhibit. He reviewed exhibit language and shared insights about his ancestors' experiences. “I was able to proofread the language that you see in the exhibit around Clotilda,” he shared. But this exhibition isn't just about one ship; it's an exploration of underwater archaeology's potential to tell human history. Jay Brown from Flying Fish exhibition company explained that initially focused solely on artifacts, they've now expanded to highlight the science behind these discoveries. Sections of the exhibition mimic stages of archaeological dives, showcasing ancient cities like Pavlopetri in Greece and exploring Indigenous sites beneath water bodies. Stephanie Hanson from Flying Fish noted their goal was to emphasize the people making these discoveries happen: “These experts do amazing work.” Interactive elements throughout allow visitors hands-on engagement with replicas and tools used in underwater archaeology. There are even games simulating diving experiences, such as exploring Hoyo Negro cave in Mexico where Naia's skeleton provided insight into early Americans. The exhibition also shines a light on conservation efforts necessary for preserving artifacts brought up from underwater sites. Guest curator Megan Lickliter-Mundon highlighted how each item needs careful treatment due to saltwater exposure. Community-driven projects form another key part of this story. Diving With a Purpose (DWP) trains Black divers in maritime archaeology techniques. Founding board member Jay Haigler emphasized its significance beyond technical recovery: “It’s about awareness.” DWP helped authenticate Clotilda’s wreckage while connecting descendants like Ellis directly with their heritage.
Score (97)
The Tiny Implant is Revolutionizing Diabetes Safety in Unexpected Ways
In a significant development for people with Type 1 diabetes, MIT engineers have crafted an implantable device that could offer a lifeline when blood sugar levels plummet to dangerous lows. This small reservoir, designed to sit under the skin, can release glucagon—a hormone that raises blood sugar—when glucose levels drop too low. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a major concern for those with Type 1 diabetes. It can cause confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, be fatal if not treated swiftly. Patients usually counteract this by injecting glucagon, but recognizing the onset of hypoglycemia isn't always easy. Some individuals may not notice their dropping blood sugar levels until it's too late. "This is a small, emergency-event device that can be placed under the skin where it is ready to act if the patient's blood sugar drops too low," said Daniel Anderson from MIT's Department of Chemical Engineering and senior author of the study. He emphasized that the goal was to create something always ready to protect patients from low blood sugar and alleviate fears associated with hypoglycemia. The device could also prove beneficial during sleep or for children unable to administer injections themselves. The team, led by Siddharth Krishnan, who is now at Stanford University, published their findings in Nature Biomedical Engineering on July 9. Here's how it works: The device resembles a quarter and contains a drug reservoir made from 3D-printed polymer. A shape-memory alloy seals this reservoir and is designed to open when heated to 40 degrees Celsius. Inside is powdered glucagon, which remains stable longer than its liquid counterpart. Each implant holds up to four doses and includes an antenna that responds to specific radio frequencies. This allows for remote activation via wireless signals or by connecting with existing glucose monitors when levels dip dangerously low. "One of the key features of this type of digital drug delivery system is that you can have it talk to sensors," Krishnan explained. During tests on diabetic mice, researchers saw promising results; glucagon release stabilized blood sugar within minutes. They also tested delivering epinephrine—used during heart attacks and allergic reactions—and noted quick increases in heart rate after its release. While currently effective for up to four weeks in testing, researchers aim to extend this duration up to a year before needing replacement due to potential scar tissue interference around implants over time.
Score (96)
Are Emojis Secretly Boosting Your Relationships?
Have you ever wondered why some text messages feel warmer and more engaging than others? The answer might lie in the emojis we use. According to a study led by Eun Huh at The University of Texas at Austin, these small digital icons play a significant role in enhancing connections through digital communication. The study involved 260 adults who were asked to read identical text conversations with one difference: the presence or absence of emojis. Participants then rated how responsive and engaged their conversation partner seemed. The findings revealed that messages featuring emojis made people perceive their partners as more attentive and emotionally engaged. This perception led to feelings of closeness, higher relationship satisfaction, and even increased likability. Emojis function as digital body language in our text-based exchanges. In face-to-face interactions, we rely on tone, facial expressions, and gestures to convey emotions and show care. Emojis fill this gap in textual communication by adding emotional nuance and clarity. They help make intentions clear, reduce misunderstandings, and infuse messages with a personal touch. "Emojis signal attentiveness," the study explains, suggesting that including an emoji in your reply shows you're engaged with the conversation rather than merely skimming it. These little icons also add emotional context; whether it's a heart, laughing face, or thumbs-up, they convey feelings instantly. Interestingly enough, the type of emoji used doesn't significantly affect perceived responsiveness, as long as it aligns emotionally with the message's tone. This means there's no need to worry about picking the "perfect" emoji; just ensure it matches your text’s mood. While emojis can sometimes be ambiguous or misunderstood, especially in sarcastic or complex exchanges, their overall impact remains positive. They're akin to traditional methods like underlining or using exclamation marks that add nonverbal cues to written messages. In our screen-dominated communication era, staying emotionally connected is increasingly important. Emojis offer a straightforward way to express attentiveness and warmth in texts, strengthening relationships along the way. For those curious if not sending enough emojis could mean missing out on deeper connections, consider experimenting with them in your next message exchange. After all, billions of these colorful characters are shared every day across various platforms—emphasizing their enduring presence in our digital communications arsenal.
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Looking for Allergy Relief? Scientists Just Unveiled a ‘Molecular Shield’ Against Allergy Season
Every pollen season feels like a marathon, doesn't it? You’re sneezing, your eyes are itchy, and all the antihistamines in the world don’t seem to cut it. But vaccine experts have been busy working on a new solution that could make life during allergy season a little more bearable. Researchers have developed an antibody treatment that can be applied as a nasal spray, intercepting allergens before they trigger reactions. This innovative approach was led by Kaissar Tabynov at the International Center for Vaccinology at Kazakh National Agrarian Research University. The team focused on mugwort pollen, a major culprit behind pollen allergies in Central Asia and Europe. Their findings were published in Frontiers in Immunology, showing promising results with mice. Tabynov explained that while allergies may seem minor to some, they significantly affect millions of people. "We believe this could be the beginning of a new class of anti-allergy interventions—smart, fast, and easy to use—that could protect people during allergy season in a way no existing therapy does," he told Gizmodo via email. The process involves creating monoclonal antibodies—lab-made proteins designed to target specific molecules. In this case, they zeroed in on proteins found in mugwort pollen. When these antibodies are sprayed into the nose, they grab onto allergens before our natural antibodies can react with them and cause symptoms. Adjusting the treatment so it didn't interfere with the immune systems of mice was challenging. Mugwort pollen is composed of multiple allergenic particles, so identifying clinically relevant parts was critical. After several tweaks, researchers succeeded in crafting an antibody treatment that reduced nasal inflammation and asthma symptoms without affecting natural antibodies. Although the treatment didn’t last as long as desired, Tabynov says his team plans to extend its duration. "Our approach is non-invasive, needle-free, and fast-acting," Tabynov added. This method aims to lighten the allergen load on the immune system and might prevent conditions like allergic rhinitis from progressing into bronchial asthma. For those suffering from allergies who can't take standard antihistamines or don't want lengthy immunotherapy sessions, this nasal spray could be a game-changer. It offers potential relief by stopping allergens dead in their tracks before they cause problems. So, when can we expect this breakthrough at our local pharmacies? That’s still up in the air. Tabynov estimates human trials could begin within two to three years, but acknowledges further work is needed to enhance its effectiveness for human use. For now, lifelong allergy sufferers have something new to look forward to—a fresh take on tackling seasonal misery straight from nature's source.
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Bionic Breakthrough: Scientists Integrate Prosthetic Knee Directly Into Bone, Revolutionizing Movement
A major leap forward in prosthetics is bringing science fiction closer to reality. Researchers in the U.S. have developed a new bionic knee that helps people with above-the-knee amputations walk more naturally, climb stairs more easily, and even feel like their prosthetic is part of their own body. Unlike traditional prosthetics that sit in a socket, this new system is anchored directly into the bone and connected to the user’s muscles. That means more control, better balance, and—for many—the first time their artificial limb truly feels like a part of them. MIT scientist Dr. Hugh Herr, a lead researcher on the study, says the breakthrough transforms a prosthetic from a “tool” into an “integral part of self.” The key is a special surgical technique called AMI (agonist-antagonist myoneural interface), which reconnects muscle pairs during amputation so they can still send and receive signals like before. The new system, called OMP (osseointegrated mechanoneural prosthesis), goes even further by inserting a titanium rod into the leg bone, which links to sensors in the muscles and sends those signals to a robotic knee. When tested, people with the full system were better at climbing stairs, stepping over obstacles, and bending their knees than others using standard prosthetics. They also reported feeling more connected to their limb, as if it were part of their own body, not a machine. The technology is still in clinical trials, but Dr. Herr believes it could be widely available within five years. And for people with limb loss, that could mean not just better mobility, but a better quality of life.
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Why Sending Cute Animal Pics Is the New Love Language
Sharing cute animal pictures online is more than just a way to brighten your day. A recent study suggests that these adorable images help people connect on a deeper level. This activity, informally dubbed "pebbling," draws inspiration from Gentoo penguins, which offer pebbles to potential mates as tokens of affection. Professor Ghalia Shamayleh, who led the study at ESSEC Business School, explained the concept in an interview with BBC Science Focus. "Our research observes a similar behaviour in humans interacting on social media," she said. In this digital age, animal posts serve as modern-day pebbles, tokens of affection shared to strengthen relationships. Why are animal posts so effective? They're universally appealing and have an uncanny ability to bring people together. In real life, animals often act as social catalysts; online, their influence only amplifies. The study noted that pet-based social media accounts infuse love and joy into their content through visual cues and 'Petspeak'—a playful blend of language unique to pet lovers. You might think sharing an animal picture with someone you don't know well is like giving them a generic gift. But Shamayleh's research discovered the opposite: people carefully select which animal posts to share based on their recipients' tastes and shared experiences. For instance, sending a video of clumsy baby pandas accompanied by a personal joke can recall fond memories or inside jokes between friends. To reach these conclusions, Shamayleh and co-author Professor Zeynep Arsel from Concordia University monitored several pet-based media accounts and interviewed content creators and fans. They found that when people send these images or videos, they aren't just sharing something cute; they're saying, "This reminded me of us." Shamayleh emphasizes that sharing such content strengthens interpersonal connections by drawing on shared history or personal knowledge about someone's preferences. So next time you spot an endearing doggo or kitten online, consider sharing it with someone special—it might say more than words ever could. Shamayleh specializes in socio-cultural consumer phenomena and examines how digital interactions impact both human and interspecies relationships.
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This Dinosaur Museum Just Uncovered a Fossil Treasure Beneath Its Own Parking Lot
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science found a dinosaur fossil right under its parking lot. The discovery came from drilling more than 230 meters below the surface to evaluate geothermal heating potential. What they pulled up was a small piece of a dinosaur bone, shaped like a hockey puck. The chance of hitting a fossil in such a narrow borehole, only 5 centimeters wide, is incredibly slim. James Hagadorn, the museum’s curator of geology, described it as "like hitting a hole in one from the moon." This rare find is one of only two or three similar discoveries globally. The fossil is believed to be part of a vertebra from a small plant-eating dinosaur that roamed the area about 67.5 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period. Back then, an asteroid impact ended the age of dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. In addition to the bone, scientists also found fossilized vegetation in the borehole, suggesting that this dinosaur lived in a swampy environment rich with plants. Patrick O'Connor, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the museum, noted that past finds in Denver have included parts of Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops-like fossils. However, this latest discovery sets records for being both the deepest and oldest yet found in Denver. Opinions on the significance of this find vary among experts. Thomas Williamson from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science acknowledged it as surprising but not particularly exciting scientifically, due to the difficulty in identifying its exact species. On another note, Erin LaCount from Dinosaur Ridge near Denver expressed enthusiasm via email, calling it "absolutely legit and VERY COOL." LaCount speculated that the fossil might belong to either a duck-billed dinosaur or thescelosaurus, a smaller species with some similarities. Currently displayed at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, there are no plans for further excavation under their parking lot despite curiosity about what else might lie beneath. Hagadorn joked about wanting to dig deeper but admitted practicality prevails: "I don't think that's going to fly because we really need parking."
Score (97)
Are Blue Sharks the Ocean's Unexpected Chameleons? Study Uncovers a Color-Changing Secret
Scientists at the City University of Hong Kong have revealed something intriguing about blue sharks, known scientifically as Prionace glauca. While their name might suggest a straightforward color story, these creatures can potentially change color in a manner reminiscent of chameleons. Researchers focused on the role of nanostructures in the shark's skin. These structures are responsible not only for the shark's distinct blue appearance but might also enable it to alter its hue based on its surroundings. Animals tend to produce color through different methods. Some use pigmented cells that reflect specific colors by filtering wavelengths from light around them. Others rely on microscopic structures that scatter light and manipulate which wavelengths are visible, much like peacock feathers do. A select few animals can adjust their color-producing features in response to environmental changes, altering how they absorb or scatter light. The recent study suggests that blue sharks possess this ability. Blue sharks are typically dark blue on their backs with lighter undersides. Their skin is covered with dermal denticles—tiny tooth-like scales—that contain pulp cavities key to their coloring. Inside these cavities, scientists found guanine crystals reflecting blue light and melanin sacs absorbing other colors. “These components are packed into separate cells, reminiscent of bags filled with mirrors and bags with black absorbers, but kept in close association so they work together,” explained Viktoriia Kamska, a molecular biologist at CUHK. The research team used advanced imaging techniques such as optical and electron microscopy and spectroscopy to study these denticles. They discovered that altering the spacing between layers of guanine crystals could change the shark's color from blue to green or yellow as needed. Chameleons also change colors by adjusting guanine crystal arrangements. In the case of blue sharks, this feature could enhance camouflage abilities. For instance, when descending into deeper waters where it's darker, pressure could compress these crystal layers, darkening their skin accordingly. While these effects have been simulated in laboratory conditions, researchers plan to investigate how this mechanism works in wild sharks' natural settings. Understanding this process could shed light on nature's engineering feats at the nanoscale level. The findings were presented at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference held in Belgium.