TWIS 31-06 AUG 25 EN

Meta Shares Soar as Q2 Results Beat Forecasts, Overcoming High AI-Related Expenses

▶ Credit: AP Photo_Michael Dwyer, File

Meta’s aggressive investment in artificial intelligence seems to be winning over investors, as the company’s stock jumped in after-hours trading Wednesday following a stellar quarterly earnings report.

Meta, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, surpassed Wall Street’s second-quarter expectations with ease, thanks to a boost in advertising revenue and a growing user base across its core social media platforms. These gains are fueling the company’s significant investments in AI and the recruitment of top-tier talent at strikingly high salaries.

Forrester research director Mike Proulx said Meta is actively advancing in AI and positioning itself for long-term growth, even as antitrust challenges and changing attitudes toward social media threaten its app ecosystem.

Antitrust Ruling Could Force Meta to Spin Off WhatsApp and Instagram

Meta is currently awaiting a ruling in an antitrust case that could potentially require it to divest WhatsApp and Instagram—two platforms it acquired over a decade ago that have since become major players in the social media landscape.

In the April–June quarter, Meta reported earnings of $18.34 billion, or $7.14 per share—a 36% increase from $13.47 billion, or $5.16 per share, during the same period last year.

Meta’s revenue surged 22% to $47.52 billion, up from $39.07 billion.

According to a FactSet survey, analysts had projected earnings of $5.88 per share on $44.81 billion in revenue—figures Meta handily exceeded.

The company’s suite of apps—Facebook, Mes-

senger, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Threads—saw daily active users climb to 3.48 billion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year.

Meta Forecasts Sharp Rise in 2025 Spending as AI Push Intensifies

Meta announced that its expenses are expected to rise as the company pours billions into infrastructure and attracts top-tier talent with high salaries to advance its AI goals. It projects total spending in 2025 to reach between $114 billion and $118 billion, representing a year-overyear increase of 20% to 24%.

In a fresh display of his commitment to AI, CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared a post on Wednesday outlining his vision for “personal superintelligence,” which he believes will help accelerate human progress. While he claimed this level of intelligence is now “within reach,” he didn’t provide specifics on how it would be achieved or clearly define what he means by “superintelligence.”

The concept Zuckerberg refers to aligns with what other tech firms call artificial general intelligence (AGI)—a new focus for the CEO who, in 2021, rebranded the company to emphasize the metaverse and committed billions to developing virtual and augmented reality.

“Our goal at Meta is to

make personal superintelligence available to everyone,” Zuckerberg wrote. “We want individuals to be able to shape it according to their own values and needs. This differs from others in the field who envision superintelligence as a centralized force designed to automate all useful work, leaving people to live off its output.”

Zuckerberg Bets on AI Glasses as Gateway to Superintelligence

During a conference call, Zuckerberg said he envisions AI-powered glasses as “the primary way we’ll interface with superintelligence” in the future.

In June, Meta invested $14.3 billion in the AI firm Scale and brought on its CEO, Alexandr Wang, to join a team focused on developing superintelligence. The company also signed a 20-year agreement earlier that month to secure nuclear energy, aiming to support the growing power demands of AI and other computing infrastructure.

At the end of the quarter, Meta had 75,945 employees—a 7% increase from the same period last year.

Following its strong earnings report, Meta’s stock jumped $81.87, or 11.8%, in after-hours trading to $777.08, setting the stage for a potential all-time high when markets open Thursday.

How Collaborating AI Agents Could Unleash the Full Potential of the

Technology

▶ Credit: Singularityhub

If you had to pinpoint one key factor behind humanity’s success, it would be collaboration. Increasingly, researchers believe that enabling AI systems to work together could significantly enhance their effectiveness as well.

While large language models have shown impressive capabilities, companies are still struggling to find practical, impactful ways to deploy them. Tech giants are integrating AI into various products, but a game-changing application that drives mass adoption has yet to emerge.

Autonomous

AI Agents Show Promise, But Reliability Remains a Challenge

One promising direction gaining traction is the development of autonomous AI agents that can handle tasks on their own. However, a major hurdle remains: LLMs are still prone to mak-

ing mistakes, making it difficult to rely on them for complex, multi-step processes.

As with people, it turns out that two AIs can be better than one. An increasing number of studies on “multi-agent systems” suggest that having chatbots collaborate can overcome many of their individual limitations, enabling them to take on tasks that would be too complex for a single AI to handle.

This area saw major momentum last October when Microsoft released AutoGen, a software library that streamlines the creation of LLMbased teams. AutoGen offers tools to easily deploy multiple AI agents and facilitate communication between them using natural language.

Since its release, researchers have showcased a range of promising experiments using the platform.

Collaborative AI Agents

Boost Performance in Reasoning, Math, and Accuracy

In a recent piece, Wired spotlighted several research papers presented at a workshop during the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR) last month. The studies demonstrated that having AI agents collaborate can improve performance in areas where large language models typically fall short, such as math problems, reasoning, and factual accuracy.

The Economist highlighted another example where three LLM-driven agents were tasked with defusing bombs in a series of virtual rooms. The team of AIs outperformed individual agents, with one even taking on a leadership role—directing the others in a way that enhanced overall team efficiency.

Chi Wang, the Microsoft researcher heading the AutoGen project, explained to The Economist that the approach works well because most tasks can be broken into smaller, manageable components. Multiple LLMs can then tackle these in parallel, rather than one model processing them step by step.

Until recently, creating multi-agent AI teams was a complex task, mostly limited to expert researchers. But earlier this month, Microsoft introduced AutoGen Studio, a new “low-code”

interface designed to make building AI teams accessible to non-experts.

AutoGen Studio Lets Users Customize AI Agents with Skills and Behaviors

The platform offers a selection of preconfigured AI agents with different traits, or users can customize their own. This includes choosing the underlying language model, assigning specific “skills” like pulling data from external apps, and writing short prompts to guide the agent’s behavior.

According to the researchers, users have already employed these AI teams for a variety of tasks, including travel planning, market research, data extraction, and even video creation.

That said, the multiagent approach comes with some drawbacks. Running large language models is costly, so allowing multiple AIs to chat with one another for extended periods can quickly become impractical. It’s also uncertain whether having several agents reduces the risk of errors or if it might instead amplify mistakes across the group.

There are still plenty of practical challenges to address, such as figuring out the best way to organize AI teams and assign roles within them. Another key issue is how to effectively integrate AI teams into human

workflows. Despite these hurdles, the idea of combining AI capabilities is gaining momentum and showing strong potential.

New Transmitter Could Make Wireless Devices More Energy-Efficient

mediate performance improvements, while also aligning with the stricter energy demands anticipated in future 6G networks.

Thanks to its flexibility, the chip is ideal for energy-sensitive communication applications, such as industrial sensors that constantly track facto-

▶ Credit: iStock

MIT researchers and their collaborators have developed an innovative transmitter chip that greatly enhances the energy efficiency of wireless communication. This advancement could extend both the range and battery life of connected devices.

The chip uses a distinctive modulation technique to encode digital data into wireless signals, which helps minimize transmission errors and results in more dependable communication.

Its compact and adaptable design allows it to be integrated into current internet-of-things (IoT) devices for im-

ry conditions or smart appliances that send real-time alerts.

“We took an unconventional approach and built a smarter, more efficient circuit for nextgen devices—one that even outperforms legacy systems,” says Muriel Médard, NEC Professor of Software Science and Engineering at MIT.

“This demonstrates how a modular, adaptable design strategy can foster innovation across all levels.”

Médard co-authored the study with lead author Timur Zirtiloglu, Arman Tan, Basak Ozaydin, Ken Duffy, and Rabia Tugce Yazicigil. The research was recently showcased at the IEEE Radio Fre-

quency Circuits Symposium.

Enhancing Transmission Efficiency

In wireless devices, transmitters convert digital information into electromagnetic signals that travel through the air to a receiver. This involves a process called modulation, where digital bits are mapped to symbols that define the signal’s amplitude and phase.

Conventional systems use uniformly spaced symbols to create a consistent pattern, which helps reduce interference. However, this regular structure isn’t flexible and can be inefficient because wireless environments are often unpredictable and change quickly.

To address this, more advanced modulation methods use non-uniform patterns that can adjust in real time to shifting channel conditions. This allows for higher data throughput with lower energy consumption.

Despite these benefits, optimal modulation techniques are more prone to errors—particularly in noisy or congested wireless environments. The uneven spacing of symbols makes it harder for receivers to accurately separate useful signals from background noise.

MIT Team Adds Symbol Padding to Ensure Consistent Transmission Lengths

To address this challenge, the MIT team designed their transmitter to insert a small amount of padding—extra bits placed between symbols—so that each transmission maintains a consistent length.

The padding helps the receiver identify message boundaries, reducing signal misinterpretation. At the same time, the system retains the energy-saving advantages of using a non-uniform, optimal modulation scheme.

This method builds on a previously developed technique called GRAND—a universal decoding algorithm that works by guessing the noise that may have distorted the transmission.

In this application, a GRAND-based algorithm is used to estimate the added padding bits, allowing the receiver to reconstruct the original message accurately.

“Thanks to GRAND, we can now use a transmitter that supports these more efficient, non-uniform data constellations—and we’re seeing the performance benefits,” says Médard.

An Adaptable Circuit

The new chip features a compact design that allows researchers to incorporate additional techniques for improving efficiency. It enabled transmissions with roughly one-fourth the signal error compared to systems using standard

optimal modulation.

Remarkably, it also outperformed traditional modulation methods, achieving significantly lower error rates.

“It was hard not to revert to the familiar, since we were challenging assumptions taught for generations,” says Médard.

This cutting-edge design could enhance both the energy efficiency and reliability of today’s wireless devices, while offering the flexibility needed for future systems that rely on optimal modulation.

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand their approach by integrating further strategies to improve transmission efficiency and reduce error rates even more.

“This optimally modulated RF circuit marks a major leap over traditional designs and is poised to power 6G and future Wi-Fi,” says Rocco Tam, NXP Fellow for Wireless Connectivity.

The research received partial support from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Texas Analog Center for Excellence.

Why Animals Are Vital To Forests’ Carbon Storage Capacity

Many studies have fo-

cused on how climate change leads to biodiversity loss—but MIT researchers have now shown that the reverse is also true: declining biodiversity can undermine one of the planet’s strongest natural defenses against climate change.

ment of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “If populations of seed-dispersing animals fall, we risk reducing the ability of these forests to mitigate climate change.”

Fricke’s co-authors

▶ Credit: Christian Ziegler

In a paper published in PNAS, the team found that naturally regenerating tropical forests with thriving populations of seed-dispersing animals can store up to four times more carbon than similar forests where those animals are scarce.

New Insights into Biodiversity’s Role in Strengthening Tropical Forest Carbon Storage

Since tropical forests serve as the world’s largest land-based carbon sinks, the research offers new insight into how biodiversity helps combat climate change.

“These findings highlight the critical role animals play in sustaining carbon-dense tropical forests,” says lead author Evan Fricke, a research scientist in MIT’s Depart-

include MIT’s César Terrer and Charles Harvey, along with Susan Cook-Patton from The Nature Conservancy.

The study integrates extensive data on animal biodiversity, movement patterns, and seed dispersal from thousands of species, along with carbon storage measurements from numerous tropical forest sites.

According to the researchers, their findings offer the strongest evidence to date that seed-dispersing animals significantly influence forests’ capacity to capture carbon. The results emphasize the importance of viewing biodiversity loss and climate change as interconnected challenges within a complex ecological system—not as isolated issues.

“While it’s well known that climate change threatens biodiversity, this research reveals how biodiversity loss can, in turn, intensify climate change,” says Fricke.

“Recognizing this twoway relationship helps us better understand these intertwined crises and how to address them.

Protecting biodiversity and combating climate change aren’t mutually exclusive—this study shows that advancing one can directly support the other.”

Connecting The Dots

The next time you watch a monkey or bird nibble on fruit, remember they’re doing more than just snacking—they’re performing a key ecological service. Research shows that by consuming fruit and later depositing the seeds elsewhere, these animals support plant germination, growth, and longterm survival.

Fricke, who has spent nearly 15 years studying animal-driven seed dispersal, has previously found that trees without animal help face reduced survival rates and struggle more to adapt to changing environments.

“We’re increasingly exploring how animals might influence the climate through seed dispersal,” Fricke explains. “In tropical forests—where over 75% of trees depend on animals

to spread their seeds—a drop in seed dispersal doesn’t just threaten biodiversity. It also weakens the forest’s ability to recover from deforestation. And globally, animal populations are declining.”

While reforesting is widely promoted as a strategy to combat climate change, the role of biodiversity—particularly the presence of seed-dispersing animals—in boosting forests’ carbon absorption has been largely overlooked, especially on broader scales.

Comprehensive Analysis Reveals How Human Impact Alters Seed Dispersal in Tropical Forests

For their research, the team drew on data from thousands of individual studies and applied new methods to quantify complex, interrelated ecological processes. After examining over 17,000 vegetation plots, they chose to focus on tropical regions, analyzing where seed-dispersing animals live, how many seeds each species disperses, and the impact of that activity on seed germination.

They also factored in data on how human activity affects the movement and presence of these animals—finding, for instance, that animals tend to travel shorter distances when consuming seeds in areas with significant human disturbance.

Using this information, the researchers developed a seed-dispersal disruption index, which revealed a clear link between human activity and reductions in animal-driven seed dispersal. They then examined how this index correlated with long-term carbon accumulation in naturally regrowing tropical forests, while accounting for variables like drought, fire frequency, and grazing.

“Bringing together data from so many field studies to map disruptions in seed dispersal was a major undertaking,” Fricke says. “But doing so allowed us to move beyond identifying which animals are present—we were able to measure their ecological functions and see how human pressures interfere with those roles.”

The researchers acknowledged that limitations in the available data on animal biodiversity introduce some uncertainty into their conclusions. They also pointed out that other ecological factors—like pollination, seed predation, and competition—affect seed dispersal and may influence how forests regenerate. Nonetheless, their results align with recent estimates in the field.

“What sets this study apart is that we’re now able to quantify these effects,” Fricke explains. “The fact that disruptions in seed dispersal

account for a fourfold variation in carbon uptake across thousands of tropical forest regrowth sites highlights the significant role seed-dispersing animals play in regulating forest carbon.”

Measuring Carbon Loss

In forests identified as suitable for natural regrowth, the researchers found that declines in seed dispersal were associated with an average yearly reduction of 1.8 metric tons of carbon absorbed per hectare— representing a 57% drop in regrowth potential. Their findings suggest that natural forest recovery is most effective in areas where seed-dispersing animals remain relatively undisturbed. These include recently deforested regions, places near well-preserved forests, or landscapes with substantial existing tree cover.

“When comparing tree planting with natural regrowth, the latter is essentially free, while planting is costly and often results in less diverse ecosystems,” says Terrer. “Thanks to these findings, we can now better identify areas where natural regrowth is likely to succeed because animals are ‘planting’ seeds on their own—and where, due to animal decline, active tree planting becomes necessary.”

To help maintain healthy populations of seed-dispersing animals, the

researchers recommend strategies like protecting habitats, creating wildlife corridors, and regulating wildlife trade. They also suggest reintroducing lost species or planting tree species that attract seed dispersers to restore their ecological role.

“Failing to account for the effects of disrupted seed dispersal could lead to overestimating natural regrowth potential in some regions and underestimating it in others,” the authors note.

Findings Highlight Urgency to Study Declining Carbon Uptake in Tropical Forests

The team sees their findings as opening new directions for research.

“Forests offer a massive climate benefit by absorbing around onethird of human-generated carbon emissions,” says Terrer. Tropical forests are the world’s most vital carbon sink, yet their carbon uptake capacity has declined in recent decades.

Our next step is to investigate how much of that drop is due to increasing droughts and wildfires versus the loss of animal-driven seed dispersal.

More broadly, the researchers hope this work deepens understanding of the intricate relationships that sustain Earth’s ecosystems.

“When we lose animals, we’re dismantling the ecological framework Page. 7

that supports the health and resilience of tropical forests,” Fricke adds.

The study was funded by the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium, the Government of Portugal, and the Bezos Earth Fund.

Low Iodine Harms Pregnant Women and Their Babies

iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production, which supports the baby’s nervous system development. A deficiency during pregnancy can lead to hypothyroidism, miscarriage, premature birth, and restricted fetal growth.

Researchers found that poor iodine intake is linked to dietary, environmental, social, and public health factors. Low-income, less-ed-

▶ Credit: Jornal.usp.br

A study by USP’s Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP) revealed that many pregnant women using the public health system (SUS) in Ribeirão Preto have inadequate iodine levels—a vital nutrient for fetal development.

Ana Carolina Momentti’s study of 266 pregnant women at public clinics found 38% had low iodine, 28% had excess, and only 34% were within the ideal range. Iodine concentrations were measured through urine samples.

The Role of Iodine in Fetal Development and Pregnancy Health

Momentti explains that

ucated, and Black or Brown pregnant women were less likely to use iodized salt. Those with more children or short pregnancy intervals also faced higher deficiency risks due to greater iodine needs.

Since diet is the main source of iodine, both food and environmental factors play a role in its availability. The iodine content in foods can vary widely—even within the same region—due to climate and geographic conditions. Factors like soil mineral content, fertilizer use, animal feed supplementation, and iodized salt all affect iodine levels in food.

Iodine-Rich Foods and Their Accessibility Chal-

lenges

Fish, seafood, seaweed, milk, and dairy products are considered good iodine sources. However, access is limited—fish and seafood are coastal, and milk’s iodine content varies with farming practices and environment.

Anvisa sets iodine in salt at 15–45 mcg/kg, but pregnant women need 200–250 mcg daily— about 50% more—due to higher nutritional demands.

Higher iodine needs are vital, as deficiency increases risks of miscarriage, prematurity, growth issues, hypothyroidism, and delayed brain development. Yet, excessive iodine can also cause complications, including thyroid dysfunction and increased chances of miscarriage and premature delivery.

Brazil’s

Public

Policies for Iodine Deficiency Prevention

To support iodine intake, Brazil has mandated iodization of table salt since the 1950s and established the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (Pro-Iodine), coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Anvisa.

Despite these efforts, FMRP research found that many pregnant women still lack sufficient iodine. Risk factors include alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the use of industrialized seasonings instead of iodized salt, and improper salt storage. Notably, women who drank alcohol were

6.59 times more likely to have iodine deficiency. While only 20.3% of participants used iodized salt regularly, 74.3% relied on processed seasonings, contributing to inadequate iodine levels.

Strengthening Fortification Programs and Raising Public Awareness

Ana stresses the need to strengthen salt fortification programs to ensure pregnant women have adequate iodine access. She also calls for public awareness campaigns promoting iodized salt use and healthy pregnancy habits, such as avoiding excess salt and processed seasonings.

The study underscores the importance of nutritional monitoring during prenatal care and urges stronger public policies to guarantee proper iodine intake for all pregnant women.

Advisor Anderson Marliere Navarro notes that while current iodization policies have reduced deficiency overall, they fall short for pregnant women. He recommends improved salt monitoring, proper storage education, and targeted supplementation when needed.

Navarro states that the research is ongoing, aiming to assess the perinatal, neonatal, and infant outcomes—up to six months of age—of the pregnant women from the initial study who showed signs of iodine deficiency or excess during pregnancy.

NASA Identifies Key Unanswered Questions In The Study Of Exoplanets

▶ Credit: Pixabay

Science is fueled by our curiosity to comprehend the world. When understanding something new demands major effort and resources, it helps to have a strategic framework that researchers in a specific field can collectively support—even if they differ on specific points. In astronomy and space science, such strategies often come as Decadal Surveys from the National Academies, which outline priorities and guide progress within a particular area of study. Follow-up reports often translate Decadal Survey recommendations into concrete action plans that guide expert efforts over the following decade. One such plan, recently posted on arXiv (though internally released in January 2025 as Rev H), was authored by Drs. Karl Stapelfeldt and Eric Mamajek, the leads of NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP). It outlines 17

scientific objectives for ExEP to pursue over the next 3 to 5 years.

Precursor Science and Tech for the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Many of these objectives focus on what the authors call “precursor science” for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO)—a mission concept combining elements of the earlier LUVOIR and HabEx proposals. HWO was a central recommendation of the 2020 Decadal Survey, with the ambitious aim of characterizing 25 potentially habitable exoplanets. The survey also proposed a “Technology Maturation Program” to reduce risk and accelerate the development of the cutting-edge technologies required for such flagship missions.

To determine what HWO will need to accomplish its goal of studying 25 potentially habitable exoplanets, a foundational understanding of its target planets is essential. This includes

estimating how often temperate, rocky planets occur (Gap #5) and assessing how many exoplanet types different telescope designs can detect (Gap #6). These yield estimates are further influenced by other knowledge gaps—such as the amount of exozodiacal dust present around target stars (Gap #11).

Gaining insight into exoplanet atmospheres ahead of HWO’s launch is crucial to the mission’s success, as highlighted by three specific gaps. The first—spectroscopic observations of small exoplanet atmospheres—is the core objective of HWO itself. However, supporting efforts like atmospheric modeling (Gap #2) and understanding the spectral characteristics of atmospheric atoms (Gap #13) will also be vital to ensuring the mission achieves its goals.

Interpreting Spectra and Planet-Star Formation

Many of the remaining goals focus on interpreting spectroscopic data and understanding how both exoplanets and their host stars form. This includes identifying the physical characteristics of the planets (Gap #3) and determining detailed properties of their stars (Gap #7). Essentially, having a solid grasp of what HWO will observe—even before it begins—will be essential for accurately analyzing

its findings.

The report is also practical, listing current mitigation strategies and linking to ongoing initiatives aimed at closing these knowledge gaps—like the Exoplanet Opacity Database (Gap #2) and a data analysis challenge for high-contrast ground-based imaging (Gap #3). For those interested in contributing, it offers several clear entry points.

Of course, knowledge gaps are only part of the broader challenge in space exploration. “A 47% budget cut to the Science Mission Directorate threatens to severely disrupt missions like HWO.” Notably, the authors of the report appear to have stayed at NASA, despite 4,000 employees recently choosing to leave under the deferred resignation program. As funding and staffing shifts continue, those invested in the search for habitable worlds will be watching closely—and may find in this report a useful roadmap to keep advancing toward the ultimate goal: discovering a potentially life-supporting planet.

Joby Aviation, L3Harris to Test

Autonomous Hybrid Aircraft

Joby Aviation is known for electric air taxis but has also pursued a parallel path through a long-term U.S. military

partnership. Department of Defense. That partnership may now be bearing fruit.

Federal Aviation Administration, with plans to use the aircraft for short-distance passen-

▶ Credit: Joby Aviation

Joby announced a deal with L3Harris to explore developing a gas-turbine hybrid VTOL aircraft with autonomous capabilities for military use.

Adapting the S4 Platform for Extended

Range and Military Use

Joby will base the hybrid VTOL on its existing S4 platform. The company later converted the all-electric S4 into a hydrogen-electric hybrid, which flew 521 miles— more than double the range of its battery-powered version.

The L3Harris partnership could lead to a DoD contract, pending flight tests and demonstrations. Joby plans to begin flight testing in the fall, with demonstrations anticipated in 2026.

Joby has dedicated years to developing its all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft and pursuing Type 1 certification from the

ger transport in urban settings.

Joby’s Strategic Partnership with the Department of Defense

Joby has spent nearly a decade working with the DoD, helping it understand key requirements for successful military collaboration, said executive chairman Paul Sciarra.

“Range proved to be one of the most critical factors,” Sciarra said. “We realized we had to adapt accordingly.”

Sciarra emphasized the need to demonstrate the “missionization” of Joby’s aircraft—showing how the platform integrates sensors, autonomous systems, communications, and payloads to meet specific DoD requirements.

“We had two options: either develop all of this capability in-house or team up with a strong partner who already has extensive expertise and

proven technologies in these areas,” he explained.

That’s where L3Harris enters the picture.

Hybrid VTOL to Support Diverse Low-Altitude Military Missions

L3Harris’ Jon Rambeau said the hybrid VTOL will enable long-range crewed and uncrewed missions. Sciarra added it could support low-altitude operations like contested logistics, electronic warfare, and C-UAS.

Your Dog Seems To Sense What’s On Your Mind

speech, and making eye contact triggers a surge of oxytocin—the “love hormone”—wiring them to sense our emotions.

This emotional awareness is rooted deep in their neurology. Like humans, dogs have specific brain regions attuned to vocal cues. Brain imaging study show that their temporal cortex lights up when they hear voices, especially emotionally charged ones. Sounds like laughter, crying, or yelling trigger activity not only in their auditory cortex but also in the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center.

Dogs are also surpris-

Your dog tilts its head when you cry, paces when you’re anxious, and shows up beside you during your toughest times. Coincidence? Hardly.

After thousands of years of co-evolution, dogs have developed remarkable abilities to read our voices, faces, and even brain chemistry. Specialized areas in their brains respond to human

ingly good at reading human faces. When they see images of people, their brains show heightened activity—especially when the face is familiar. One study found that a known human face activates both the emotional and reward centers in a dog’s brain, suggesting they interpret our expressions not in words, but through emotions. But dogs don’t just notice your emotions—

▶ Credit: Pixabay

they can absorb them too. This phenomenon, known as emotional contagion, is a basic form of empathy where one being reflects the emotional state of another. A 2019 study showed that some dogs and their humans had synchronized heart rates during moments of stress, their heartbeats aligning in real time.

This kind of empathy doesn’t rely on complex thought—it’s more instinctive, shaped by close relationships. Emotional bonding and learned responses likely prompt your dog to yawn when you do or whine when you’re upset—not any ability to literally read your mind.

The Power Of Oxytocin

One of the most fascinating findings in the human-dog bond is the chemical connection we share. When you and your dog engage in gentle eye contact, both of your oxytocin levels—the so-called “love hormone”—rise.

In a study, owners who spent more time gazing into their dogs’ eyes had a noticeable boost in oxytocin afterward— and so did their dogs. This mutual oxytocin surge strengthens the emotional bond between you, similar to the bonding that happens between parents and infants.

Remarkably, this effect appears to be exclusive to domesticated dogs.

Even hand-raised wolves didn’t show the same hormonal response to human eye contact. As dogs evolved alongside humans, they developed this oxytocin feedback loop to forge emotional ties with us. So when your dog locks eyes with you, it’s not just adorable—it’s chemically connecting you both.

Dogs impressively read our body language and facial expressions, in addition to making eye contact. Studies show they can even tell the difference between a smiling face and an angry one—just from photographs.

Dogs have a subtle preference for using the right side of their brain when reading emotional signals, which makes them more likely to focus on the left side of a person’s face—similar to how humans and other primates interpret expressions.

To understand how you’re feeling, dogs draw on several senses.

A light, upbeat “Good boy!” paired with a calm stance gives off a very different vibe than a harsh tone and stiff posture. Impressively, dogs can even smell emotions. In a 2018 study, dogs exposed to sweat from frightened people showed higher stress levels than those that smelled sweat from happy individuals. In short, your stress has a scent that unsettles your dog, while your calm happi-

ness can help soothe them.

Born To Bond With Humans

What made dogs so sensitive to human emotions? The key lies in their shared evolutionary path with us. Although their brains are smaller than those of their wild wolf ancestors, domestication may have rewired dogs’ brains to better handle social and emotional cues.

Insights come from a Russian experiment with foxes, where those selectively bred for tameness developed more gray matter in brain areas tied to emotion and reward. This challenges the belief that domestication dulls intelligence—on the contrary, selecting for sociability can strengthen neural pathways involved in bonding.

Over thousands of years living alongside people, dogs have developed brain systems highly attuned to human social signals. Despite having smaller brains than wolves, dogs’ brains may be specially adapted for forming close emotional ties with us.

Dogs likely don’t understand the reasons behind your emotions or grasp that you have separate thoughts. Instead, they’re remarkably skilled at sensing what you’re feeling and responding appropriately.

So while they might not truly “read minds,” dogs

connect with us emotionally through behavior and expression. In today’s fast-paced world, that kind of intuitive connection goes beyond mere cuteness—it’s a powerful, evolved form of empathy that shows how friendship can cross the boundaries between species, even without words.

Can Video Games be Good for Your Health? A new Study Explores the Question

Excessive video game play has raised concerns among medical and scientific experts regarding its impact on mental health. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified video game addiction as a disorder. However, a recent study suggests that moderate gaming may actually support adolescents’ mental well-being.

Researchers at Nihon University in Japan discovered this and published their findings in the prestigious journal Nature Human Behavior. The authors note that previous research on video games and mental health has been inconsistent, often based on studies that can’t prove cause and effect.

Uncertainty Surrounds the Mental Health Effects of Video Games

“Due to significant disagreement in existing

research and various methodological limitations, the true impact of video games on psychological well-being remains unclear,” the study authors noted.

Linked to Slight Mental Health Boost, Study Finds

Researchers asked participants about their gaming habits and

do Switch experienced more benefits than older users.

Console Type, Gender, and Parenthood Influence Gaming’s Mental

To study cause and effect, researchers surveyed 8,192 people in Japan (ages 10–69) who entered lotteries for PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch consoles during a supply shortage from 2020 to 2022.

“Winning the lottery became the main factor determining whether someone could buy a console,” the researchers explained.

Moderate Gaming

psychological distress—a key indicator of mental health. The study showed that lottery winners with console access reported slightly better mental well-being after about three hours of daily play.

Using a machine learning model, researchers found that gaming effects varied by console type and players’ sociodemographic factors. They observed that younger individuals who played on the Ninten-

Health Impact

Additionally, the study found that PlayStation 5 users without children reported greater improvements in well-being than those with children. The PS5 had a stronger impact on men, while the benefits of owning a Switch appeared more balanced between genders, with a slight advantage for women.

“This underscores the importance of being

specific and nuanced when studying the effects of video games,” said Peter Etchells of Bath Spa University in the UK, in an interview with New Scientist.

However, the study has some limitations. One limitation is that participants self-reported their gaming time, which may not be entirely accurate. Another is the timing— researchers collected the data during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced gaming and well-being. Researchers recommend conducting further studies using the same approach to confirm the findings.

WHO Recognizes Video Game Addiction as a Medical Disorder

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified video game addiction as a medical condition, adding it to the updated International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

According to the classification, gaming addiction involves a pattern of behavior marked by poor control over gaming, placing gaming above other daily responsibilities and interests, and continuing to play despite harmful consequences.

According to the WHO, gaming disorder must cause serious life disruptions and typically last at least 12 months to be diagnosed.

▶ Credit: Pixabay

Station for drone first responder

The DFR station is a game-changer for autonomous drone operations, acting as a smart base that integrates with police systems and secures flight clearance automatically. It transforms drones into rapid responders for emergencies, not just routine patrols, while solving battery limitations to enable continuous missions. By maximizing uptime and reliability, it sets a new benchmark for drone efficiency across highdemand industries

733 Massage Chair

The most advanced healthcare robot, embodying the pinnacle of robotics technology BODYFRIEND proudly presents the 733, a groundbreaking innovation that redefines wellness, rehabilitation, and daily healthcare. Combining advanced AI healthcare technologies with a stunning biomimicry-inspired design.

Buy now

Putting View : On-device AI based Putting Training Device

Putting View is the world's first device designed to help golfers practice putting accurately anywhere, eliminating the need for bulky mats.

Weighing just 12g, Putting View attaches to your putter grip hole and instantly analyzes your putting motion. It provides real-time data on estimated putting distance and putter head angle at impact directly on its OLED display, no smartphone app needed.

Climate & Environment

Plastic Treaty Talks in Geneva Wildfires, Climate, and the Cost of Denial

Global delegates meet in Geneva to restart negotiations on a treaty to tackle plastic pollution, amid sharp divides on production limits. While some nations want strong, binding rules, oil producers resist caps, favoring waste treatment.

With 460 million tons of plastic produced yearly and under 10% recycled, the stakes are high. UNEP warns of surging pollution if no deal is reached. Advocates urge a bold, full-lifecycle treaty that curbs production, not just manages waste.

The Dragon Bravo Fire’s scale and intensity underscore how climate change worsens wildfire risk through hotter, drier conditions and longer fire seasons. Despite scientific consensus, many leaders still avoid linking climate to disasters, instead focusing on shortterm blame.

With nearly $3 trillion in climate-related disaster damage since 1980, experts warn that ignoring climate’s role only deepens future losses. As iconic areas burn, scientists urge public understanding: climate change is a clear, compounding threat — not the sole cause, but a major one.

Photosynthesis Shifts: Land Gains, Oceans Struggle

Between 2003 and 2021, Earth saw a rise in global photosynthesis, mainly due to land plant growth in warmer regions, while marine phytoplankton declined. Land gains outpaced ocean losses, leading to a net global increase in carbon absorption.

Still, declining ocean productivity in the tropics poses risks to food webs and carbon storage. Researchers urge continued monitoring of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems to track longterm impacts and guide climate response.

Digital Twins in Renewable Energy

AI-powered digital twins offer a game-changing way to optimize clean energy systems, from wind and solar to hydro and biomass. Though current models face limitations like data gaps and system complexity, researchers believe improved versions could significantly speed the shift away from fossil fuels.

To realize this, scientists propose better data collection, modeling, and computing capabilities. Their research highlights both the promise and technical hurdles of digital twins, urging continued innovation to make energy systems smarter, more efficient, and climate-ready.

Image Credits: Karuvadgraphy from Pixabay

Image Credits: Kirsten Mang from Pixabay

Image Credits: Yulong Zhang, et al, 2025

Image Credits: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

Artificial Intelligence

AI Blind Spots in Medical Ethics

A Mount Sinai-led study reveals that large language models like ChatGPT can make serious ethical reasoning errors, defaulting to familiar but flawed responses. When familiar medical dilemmas were subtly changed, AI systems often ignored new facts—mirroring human cognitive shortcuts. While these tools can support healthcare, the study emphasizes they require careful human oversight. AI is most effective when used to augment—not replace— expert clinical judgment, especially in ethically complex decisions.

The

Lasting Value of Com-

puter

Science in the Age of AI Coding

Despite AI’s growing role in code generation, OpenAI chairman Bret Taylor believes a computer science degree is more valuable than ever. He says systems thinking—the core of product creation—can’t be automated and is best developed through formal study.

Even as tools like Codex reshape engineering workflows, leaders across Microsoft and Google agree: coding knowledge remains essential. Taylor envisions engineers as operators of intelligent code generators—but their success depends on understanding complex systems, not just prompting machines.

The AI Paradox – Progress or Cognitive Decline?

AI is increasingly replacing cognitive effort, eroding critical skills and judgment. A 2023 study on automation in Finnish finance revealed that even effective software was scrapped to preserve accountants’ expertise. Researchers now warn that widespread AI use leads to mental disengagement and memory decline.

From call centres to classrooms, users are offloading thought to machines, resulting in homogenized output and diminished creativity. Though governments push AI for efficiency, critics argue it risks long-term intellectual decay. As AI grows omnipresent, the real threat may not be what it does—but what it convinces us to stop doing.

Deep Think: Google’s Most Advanced Gemini AI Yet

Deep Think, Google’s elite AI model for Gemini 2.5, is now live for $250/month AI Ultra subscribers. It supports multi-modal input, uses parallel thinking, and reportedly outperforms leading models like o3 and Grok 4 on benchmarks. While limited in daily prompts, the model brings near Olympiad-level reasoning to users through the Gemini app — a bold move into high-performance, subscription-based AI.

Google

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Image Credits: Peter Middleton from Pixabay

DJI Osmo 360 Review: A Strong Entry in the Panoramic Action Cam Arena

DJI’s Osmo 360 challenges Insta360’s X5 with 8K 50 fps video, a unique square sensor, built-in storage, and solid low-light performance. Though the DJI Studio app lags behind Insta360’s, the camera’s compact design and video quality make it a top-tier 360 contender.

With superb stabilization, dual-mic support, and excellent battery life, the Osmo 360 is a confident step into the panoramic action cam market—well worth considering despite a few software quirks.

Battlefield 6 Launches This Fall with

Revamped Multiplayer

Battlefield 6 arrives October 10 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, featuring returning modes like Conquest and Team Deathmatch, plus a new mode called Escalation. Maps include Egypt, Gibraltar, Brooklyn, and a revamped Operation Firestorm. Classic classes return alongside new features like Drag and Revive and wall-mounted weapons.

Two open beta weekends are set for August 9–10 and August 14–17. Despite early development concerns, the latest reveal has reinvigorated excitement among fans, promising a strong multiplayer focus and modern enhancements.

Image Credits: Ascendo Immersive Audio Ascendo Unleashes

World’s Largest Home Cinema Subwoofers

Ascendo’s new 64- and 100-inch subwoofers mark a leap in home cinema sound, replacing the previous 80 Sub with even deeper and more powerful bass. The 100 Sub Pro’s driver alone weighs 260 kg, and upgrades like a 21-inch voice coil and optimized suspension ensure unmatched performance. These massive subs are built for elite installations and use advanced materials, refined cabinets, and precision engineering. Ascendo is currently showcasing the tech at Audio Advice Live in Raleigh, offering an early look at this game-changing audio experience.

Top Netflix Psychological Thrillers — Quick Picks

Image Credits: Netflix

From Watcher’s eerie paranoia to Don’t Move’s relentless suspense, these five Netflix thrillers deliver high-stakes, emotionally charged storytelling. Each film explores the fragile human psyche through intense, often terrifying scenarios.

Standouts like The Call (2020) and Red Eye (2005) use clever setups and strong performances to sustain edge-of-your-seat tension. Whether you crave mystery, fear, or psychological depth, these thrillers won’t disappoint.

Image Credits: Battlefield Studios _ DICE _ Electronic Arts

Image Credits: Steve Dent for Engadget

DID YOU KNOW?

The fuel inside a single golf ball–sized piece of uranium contains roughly as much usable energy as three million tons of coal — but without producing greenhouse gases while it’s generating electricity.

That’s why nuclear power is sometimes called “energy density on steroids” — it’s incredibly compact compared to fossil fuels.

COMING UP NEXT

Global Count of IVF Births Uncovered by New Study

▶ Credit: Jill Lehmann Photography_Getty Images

More than 13 million people around the world have been born thanks to in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to the first global estimates of their kind.

Since the birth of the first “test tube” baby in 1978, the use of IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has surged, resulting in millions of births.

A Baby Born Every 35 Seconds Through ART, with IVF Leading the Way

Currently, a baby conceived through ART is born roughly every 35 seconds, with IVF—the process of fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body—being the most widely used technique.

To determine the total number of ART-conceived births since the technology’s early days, an international team of researchers analyzed health data from 101 countries.

As of 2018, researchers estimate that between 10 and 13 million babies had been born through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), with early data from 2018 to 2023 suggesting an additional 3 to 4 million births.

“We provide annual estimates of ART births from the previous year, but we’ve never applied a consistent method and data extrapolation to calculate the total number of ART births globally,” explains lead author Georgina Chambers, an epidemiologist at the University of New South Wales.

While the estimates aren’t exact, Chambers and her team consider them “a reasonable and sound approximation” derived from “the most reliable data currently available.”

The figures are based on data from the International Committee Monitoring Assisted

Reproductive Technologies (ICMART), where Chambers serves as the data custodian.

Australia Pioneered IVF Registries in the 1980s, but Global Reporting Remains Uneven

In the early 1980s, Australia became the first nation to create an IVF registry. Since then, many high-income countries have implemented similar systems. However, others, such as Singapore, either lack official registries that report to ICMART, or have experienced long delays in reporting, as seen in China.

Even when national registries exist, some regions or clinics—like those in the U.S., India, and parts of Africa— do not submit data to ICMART.

To address these data gaps, researchers estimated ART usage by counting the number of clinics in each country and using that coverage rate to project national ART figures. They also adjusted for miscarriage rates when only pregnancy data—not birth outcomes—were available.

Based on these methods, the team estimates that between 9.4 million and 12.4 million babies were born using ART in 101 countries over the past 40 years, with a sharp rise in births beginning around the early 2000s.

Europe Leads IVF Births

as Two Decades Boost Access and Success

Europe leads globally with an estimated 3.6 to 4.5 million babies born through IVF, followed by Asia with 3 to 4 million, and North America with 1.4 to 1.6 million.

Over the past 20 years, IVF has advanced significantly—becoming more affordable, safer, and increasingly effective.

While IVF still doesn’t guarantee success, UK health data show that the average pregnancy rate using frozen embryos has risen from 7% in the 1990s to 36% by 2021. It’s no longer necessary to transfer multiple embryos to boost success rates. As a result, the number of IVF-related twin and triplet births has dropped sharply.

“Today, over 93% of IVF procedures involve transferring just one embryo, leading to a multiple birth rate of under 3%,” notes Chambers.

“The majority of IVF births in Australia now result from frozen embryo transfers.”

“As the number of IVF births continues to add,” Chambers says, “we hope to see more equitable access to safe, high-quality care globally—guided by principles of human rights.”

Scientists Discover Natural Molecule that Reduces Cavities and Plaque by Up To 90%

▶ Credit: Pixabay

The bisindole molecule breaks down the biofilm structure created by the bacteria that cause cavities. Scientists anticipate that future toothpastes will already include DIM. In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that the molecule 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), also known as bisindole, can significantly improve dental health by reducing the biofilms responsible for plaque and cavities by up to 90%.

Molecule Shows Cavity-Fighting and Anti-Cancer Potential

This scientific breakthrough, published in Antibiotics, also highlighted the molecule’s anti-cancer properties, opening up revolutionary possibilities in dental hygiene.

A collaborative research team from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sichuan University, and

the National University of Singapore has achieved this milestone, outlining the promising role of DIM in addressing persistent problems linked to plaque and cavities that affect a significant fraction of the global population.

DIM’s potent effect stems from its ability to disrupt biofilms generated by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, the main culprit behind tooth decay. This bacterium thrives in the sugary, moist environment of the mouth after food consumption, forming a biofilm that not only creates plaque but also erodes enamel, paving the way for cavities.

DIM effectively intervened by breaking down this biofilm structure by 90%, significantly preventing the growth of S. mutans, writes SciTech Daily.

Researcher Touts DIM’s Safety and Dental Care Potential

Study leader Ariel Kushmaro emphasized DIM’s low toxicity, which makes it a viable component to incorporate into toothpastes and mouthwashes to significantly improve dental hygiene.

The incorporation of DIM into dental hygiene products is expected to not only revolutionize dental health maintenance routines but also significantly reduce the incidence of cavities and plaque.

In light of this discovery, the oral health industry is awaiting a paradigm shift, hoping that products utilizing the power of DIM will soon grace the shelves.

Study Finds Venting Doesn’t Ease Anger, But Another Strategy Does

through venting might feel intuitive, but many believe it works like releasing pressure from a cooker, helping us calm down.

However, a 2024 meta-analysis challenges that idea. Researchers from Ohio State University reviewed 154 studies on anger and found little support for the notion that venting is beneficial. In fact, in some cases, it can actually intensify anger.

“It’s important to debunk the myth that you should let anger out to feel better,” said Brad Bushman, senior author and communication scientist. “Venting might seem helpful, but there’s no scientific backing for catharsis theory.”

That doesn’t mean anger should be suppressed. Thoughtful reflection

▶ Credit_ Pixabay Expressing anger

can help uncover the root causes of our an-

ger and address deeper issues. It also plays a role in emotional validation— an important early step in processing feelings in a healthy way.

The Study Warns That Venting Can Lead to Rumination, and Physical Activity May Not Immediately Soothe Anger

Venting, by contrast, often shifts from reflection to rumination. The study also found that people frequently try to burn off anger through physical activity. While exercise has health benefits, it may not improve mood in the short term.

The review analyzed data from 154 studies involving 10,189 participants across different ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities. The researchers concluded that the key to managing anger lies in reducing physiological arousal—not just from the anger itself, but also from stimulating activities that may seem helpful.

“To actually lower anger, you need to do things that calm your body down,” said Bushman. “Contrary to popular belief, even something like running isn’t helpful in the moment, because it raises arousal and can actually make things worse.”

The idea for the study was partly sparked by the growing trend of “rage rooms,” where people pay to smash objects as a supposed outlet for their anger, said lead

author Sophie Kjærvik, a communication scientist at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Kjærvik Aimed to Challenge the Idea That Venting Anger Is Helpful, Emphasizing the Need to Reduce Physiological Arousal

“My goal was to challenge the entire notion that expressing anger helps you cope with it,” Kjærvik said. “We wanted to highlight the importance of lowering arousal specifically the physiological side of emotion regulation.”

The research team structured their review around the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, which defines emotions, including anger, as having both a physical (physiological) and mental (cognitive) component.

Earlier Research Focused on the Psychological Roots of Anger and the Role of CBT in Thought Reframing

According to Kjærvik and Bushman, earlier studies have mostly concentrated on the mental side of anger—such as how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals reframe the thoughts that fuel their anger.

While CBT has been shown to be effective, the researchers emphasize that their review highlights another valuable approach: targeting the body’s physiological response. This is espe-

cially important since traditional CBT doesn’t work equally well for everyone, depending on differences in brain function.

Their study compared activities that either raised or lowered physical arousal—including boxing, jogging, and cycling versus deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.

They found that calming activities consistently helped reduce anger in both lab and real-world settings, regardless of how they were taught or who the participants were. The most effective techniques included slow-paced yoga, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, and taking short breaks to cool down.

“It’s fascinating that relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation can be just as effective as mindfulness and meditation,” said Kjærvik.

She noted that even yoga, while slightly more stimulating, still helps reduce anger by promoting calm breathing and focus.

Rather than venting, the researchers recommend using calming strategies to lower arousal and manage anger—many of which also reduce stress.

The study found that high-arousal activities like jogging often made anger worse, while playful physical activities, like

ball games, had a calming effect.

“High-intensity exercise may benefit your heart, but it’s not the best way to cool down anger,” Bushman explained. Venting might feel good in the moment, but it can reinforce aggression.

Simple techniques like taking a break or counting to ten remain the most effective tools. “You don’t always need a therapist,” Kjærvik added. “Apps and online videos can be great resources.”

Cars & Gadgets

Best GPS Trackers for Kids: Safety and Features

GPS trackers for kids provide real-time location updates, two-way communication, and emergency alerts, helping parents ensure their child’s safety. Popular devices include Jiobit for durability and caregiver connectivity, Lil Tracker for affordable two-way calling, Apple Watch SE for advanced features and crash detection, and Fitbit Ace LTE for fitness and location tracking.

Choosing the best tracker involves weighing features, accuracy, design, ease of use, cost, and security. These devices help parents stay connected with their kids while offering peace of mind during busy school days.

Streamlined Yet Familiar: Car Door Handle Innovation

While door handle tech has modernized—adding flush designs, electronic actuators, and aerodynamic tweaks—the core function remains unchanged. Styles like pull-out, push-button, and flush handles all still rely on time-tested rods or cables to unlatch the door.

Even with smart keys and voice access, most door handles operate on principles developed over 50 years ago—proving that the best designs evolve, but never disappear.

Nothing Phone 3 Review Summary

The Nothing Phone 3 aims to be a flagship with standout design, a 6.67-inch HDR10+ display, a redesigned Glyph Matrix, and a triple 50MP camera system. Its transparent aesthetics and dot-matrix notifications add charm, but inconsistent camera results and a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip leave some flagship expectations unmet.

Still, the 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery, fast 65W charging, and software cohesion make it a compelling option for those seeking style and substance. While it doesn’t outshine rivals like the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 in all areas, its uniqueness is undeniable.

The Most Forgettable Cars, According to Drivers

Readers named the Chevrolet Equinox, Buick Cascada, and Cadillac ELR as top forgettable models, citing bland design and lack of excitement. Even GM employees admitted to forgetting the Cascada, while the ELR’s low sales confirmed its quiet disappearance.

Other forgettable vehicles included the Dodge Stratus, Mercury Mystique, and non-Escalade Cadillac SUVs. Despite production numbers, these cars left so little impact that many readers hadn’t seen them—or thought about them—in years.

Image

Image Credits: Jiobit

Image Credits: Mat Smith for Engadget

Image Credits: Aaron Turpen _ New Atlas

Credits: Chevrolet

Mathematics

Unlocking the Hidden Symphony of Black Holes

Using the exact WKB method, Kyoto University researchers uncovered new patterns in black hole vibrations—quasinormal modes—that traditional methods missed. These insights improve gravitational wave analysis and refine how we measure black hole properties.

The team now aims to study rotating black holes and explore quantum gravity connections. This breakthrough turns abstract math into a precise tool for decoding the deepest mysteries of the universe.

Teen Math Prodigy Disproves 40-Year-Old Conjecture

Hannah Cairo, age 17, disproved the Mizohata-Takeuchi conjecture, a key problem in harmonic analysis, by constructing a function with unexpected energy behavior. Her elegant counterexample, verified by experts, overturned decades of assumptions.

Entirely self-taught, Cairo bypassed high school and college to start a PhD at the University of Maryland. Her discovery also refutes Stein’s conjecture, shifting the foundations of wave analysis research.

Google’s AI Solves Longstanding Math Conjecture

Google’s Gemini Deep Think AI proved a complex math conjecture that had baffled experts for years, using a novel method and exploring far more ideas than a human could. Mathematician Michel van Garrel confirmed the breakthrough.

With Deep Think now offered through Google’s $250/month Ultra plan, this may signal a new era where AI accelerates major scientific and mathematical advances at scale.

Mary Everest Boole and the Art of Mathematical Curves

Mary Everest Boole pioneered learning geometry through creative activities like stitching thread between points to form curves. This inspired her belief in hands-on mathematical learning, especially for children.

Her work foreshadowed Bézier curves now used in design. Boole’s legacy lives on in playful, exploratory math that combines structure and imagination.

Image Credits: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Image Credits: Valerie Plesch for Quanta Magazine

Image Credits: Peter Rowlett via newscientist.com

Image Credits: Google DeepMind from YouTube

Quantum Realm

Imaging Atomic Vibrations for Quantum Device Design

Using electron ptychography, scientists visualized atomic thermal vibrations and confirmed the existence of moiré phasons in 2D materials. This achievement offers a new way to study heat and electron transport at atomic scales.

Led by Yichao Zhang, the research enables precision design of future quantum and nano-electronic devices, with potential breakthroughs in thermal management and material engineering.

Quantum Gravity Test Using Atomic Clocks and Quantum Computers

Researchers propose testing if gravity alters quantum mechanics using a three-node network of quantum computers with optical atomic clocks at different elevations. The setup could reveal how gravitational time dilation influences entangled quantum states.

By using W-states and quantum teleportation, the experiment seeks to detect deviations from the Born rule. This would indicate whether space-time curvature affects quantum systems, offering the first direct evidence of gravity’s role in modifying quantum theory.

What Quantum Mechanics Really Means

Quantum mechanics revolutionized technology but remains conceptually unresolved. A Nature survey of 1,100 physicists shows strong disagreement on what it reveals about reality. The Copenhagen interpretation, favored by 36%, suggests observation defines outcomes, while others prefer the many-worlds view, where all possibilities occur across parallel universes.

Despite precise predictions, most physicists believe a deeper theory is yet to come. Only 24% have confidence in current interpretations, and major questions—like whether a quantum-classical boundary exists—are still hotly debated.

AI Unlocks New Physics in Dusty Plasmas

Emory physicists used a neural network to discover new non-reciprocal forces in dusty plasma, correcting major assumptions in the field. Their AI model achieved over 99% accuracy in describing particle interactions.

This framework, built with minimal data, may now be applied to other many-body systems—from industrial colloids to living tissues—revealing new physical laws beyond conventional approaches.

Image Credits: Image courtesy Yichao Zhang et al

Image Credits: SciTechDaily.com

Image Credits: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Image Credits: Burton lab

Biotech & Genetic

Uncovering Hidden Microproteins with ShortStop

Microproteins, long overlooked due to their size, may play crucial roles in health and disease. Salk Institute researchers developed ShortStop, a machine learning tool that identifies and prioritizes these small proteins in the genome by analyzing smORFs.

Using ShortStop, the team discovered 210 new microprotein candidates in lung cancer data, including one linked to tumors. This method accelerates research and may uncover biomarkers or therapies for conditions ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s.

New Genetic Tool Sharpens Detection of Disease-Causing Genes

Researchers at Case Western Reserve developed TGVIS, a tool that enhances gene discovery for cardiometabolic diseases by integrating GWAS and tissue-specific data. It identifies causal genes with improved precision, even revealing ones missed by earlier methods.

TGVIS can potentially be adapted for other conditions like Alzheimer’s or breast cancer, helping scientists focus their efforts and speed up medical breakthroughs.

Reducing the Genetic Code: Syn57 Pushes the Boundaries of Synthetic Biology

Scientists engineered Syn57, an E. coli strain with only 57 codons, down from the universal 64, by swapping redundant codons with synonymous ones. This major redesign involved over 101,000 genomic edits and rigorous testing. Though Syn57 grows slower, it may enable virus-resistant organisms and new biomaterials. The project demonstrates how genome synthesis can push biology into unexplored territory.

Cancer Cells Use Mitochondrial Power Surges to Survive Physical Stress

Cancer cells deploy a stress response called NAM, where mitochondria move to the nucleus and boost ATP production under pressure, helping repair DNA and survive damage. This process, seen in aggressive tumor edges, depends on actin filaments anchoring the mitochondria.

Disrupting actin halted the NAM effect, hinting at a new therapeutic path. The finding could apply to all cells, suggesting a universal energy safeguard for genome protection during physical stress.

Image Credits: Salk Institute

Image credits: Furiosa-L from Pixabay

Image Credits: Larissa Ulisko

Image Credits: Rito Ghose and Fabio Pezzano_Centro de Regulación Genómica

Wellness

How to Celebrate National Wellness Month

Wellness habits like daily gratitude, proper hydration, fiber intake, and screen-free evenings can significantly enhance mental and physical health. These small changes, when practiced consistently, help maintain overall well-being year-round.

Meditation, breathing exercises, and intentional self-care routines are proven strategies to lower stress and support long-term wellness. Starting with simple actions can lead to lasting improvements.

Irregular Sleep Patterns Strongly Linked to Disease Risk

Sleep irregularity—not just duration—raises the risk of over 170 diseases, with stable bedtimes and circadian rhythms playing a major role. Poor habits accounted for over 20% of the risk in many cases, including a 2.57 times higher chance of liver cirrhosis from late bedtimes.

The study debunks myths about long sleep being harmful and highlights the health benefits of consistent routines. With evidence from UK and U.S. populations, scientists now aim to test if improving sleep patterns can reduce chronic disease risk.

Credits: Shutterstock via scitechdaily.com

The Science and Caution Behind Contrast Therapy

Contrast therapy—switching between sauna heat and cold exposure—can support circulation, recovery, and resilience. Experts emphasize starting slowly, following structured protocols, and using breathwork to manage cold shock, especially for beginners or those with health conditions.

While generally safe, its effects vary based on fitness, stress levels, and hormones. Benefits come from consistency and listening to your body—not extremes. It’s a tool, not a test.

Health Benefits of Fast Walking in Underserved Communities

Fast walking as little as 15 minutes daily lowers mortality risk by nearly 20%, especially in low-income and Black populations. This simple, accessible activity improves heart efficiency, controls cardiovascular risks, and offers benefits even when other physical activity is present.

Given limited healthcare access and higher environmental stressors, communities facing inequities can greatly benefit from brisk walking. Public health programs should promote this practice as a powerful, low-cost way to improve overall health.

Image Credits: Stock via scitechdaily. com

Image Credits: Jill Heyer from Pixabay

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Image Credits: Saunum Sauna from Pixabay

Nutrition

Grapes as a Superfood: A Scientific Case

Dr. John M. Pezzuto’s article in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry highlights grapes as a scientifically backed superfood. Containing over 1,600 bioactive compounds, grapes support heart, brain, gut, skin, and eye health.

They also influence gene expression, confirming benefits at the molecular level. With strong clinical support and broad health effects, grapes rightfully earn a place among top superfoods.

Fibermaxxing: The Social Media Trend with Real Health Benefits

Fibermaxxing, the viral trend encouraging strategic fiber intake, promotes gut and metabolic health by emphasizing fiber-rich foods like beans, seeds, whole grains, and vegetables. It involves eating 25–35 grams of daily fiber— both soluble and insoluble—without rigid rules.

Experts say it’s safe when introduced gradually with adequate hydration. Benefits include better digestion, blood sugar balance, and heart health. But those with digestive disorders should consult a doctor first. Focus on diverse, whole-food sources rather than supplements for sustainable results.

Three Diets That Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

A large meta-analysis has shown that the DASH, AHEI, and Mediterranean diets cut type 2 diabetes risk by up to 23%, thanks to their focus on whole foods like vegetables, grains, and healthy fats. These eating patterns are also linked to heart, brain, and metabolic health.

Though the studies mostly involved people of European descent, benefits were consistent across ethnic groups. Experts suggest these diets could be broadly recommended for preventing type 2 diabetes worldwide.

30-Day High-Protein, GutHealthy Meal Plan

This plan offers 1,800 calories daily (with 1,500 and 2,000 options) and prioritizes high-protein, fiber-rich meals that support gut health. Each day includes a balance of plant and animal proteins, probiotics, and prebiotics.

Meal-prep tips, rotating recipes, and snack swaps make it easy to follow. With foods like chia pudding, tuna salad, and cottage cheese bowls, this plan strengthens the gut microbiome and supports long-term health.

Image Credits: jacqueline macou from Pixabay

Image Credits: Olga Rolenko _ Getty Images

Image Credits: Recipe photos_ Brie Goldman, Jen Causey, and Ali Redmond. EatingWell design

Image Credits: Dominic Alberts from Pixabay

Fitness

Top 10 Fitness Tips for 2025 Backed by Science

In 2025, fitness studies show you don’t need long workouts—just a few heavy sets, lifting before cardio, and two short strength sessions weekly can improve results. Morning workouts and earlier bedtimes also boost health and daily activity.

Mind-body routines like yoga and Tai Chi benefit brain health and sleep. Matching workouts to personality increases consistency, while tools like the sitting-rising test gauge longevity and fitness effectively.

5 Compound Exercises to Burn Fat After 50 What Makes Lagree More Than “Pilates on Steroids”

After 50, muscle loss accelerates, slowing metabolism and increasing injury risk. Strength training, particularly compound movements like squats, deadlifts, pushups, rows, and bench presses, can counteract these changes effectively by building muscle, burning fat, and boosting metabolic health. Do 3–4 sets of 6–12 reps, progressively increasing volume every few weeks. These multi-muscle exercises strengthen the whole body, enhance mobility, and support long-term wellness without needing cardio overload. Just consistency, form, and smart progression.

Lagree, created by Sebastien Lagree, is a high-intensity, low-impact workout using machines like the Megaformer. Unlike Pilates, it builds strength and endurance through deep muscle work, slow reps, and tension-based training. Even pro athletes feel its intensity. Originally confused with Pilates, Lagree now stands apart with over 1,000 locations. Rooted in bodybuilding science and optimized for results, it reshapes even elite bodies. The “Pilates on steroids” label is fading—Lagree is its own science-backed method.

The Simplest Way to Grow Stronger Legs

You only need two movement patterns—squats and deadlifts—to effectively grow strong legs, says Dr Pak. Squats target the quads, glutes, adductors, and lower back, while Romanian deadlifts work the hamstrings, glutes, and erectors. Both exercises are ideal if you’re short on time and want maximum results.

Barbell squats and Romanian deadlifts done weekly in 4 sets of 5–12 reps provide excellent muscle engagement. To fill any muscle gaps, add leg extensions or curls if possible. With proper form and progressive overload, you’ll build strength, balance, and performance efficiently.

Image Credits: Alexandra Tran from Unsplash

Image Credits: Anastase Maragos from Unsplash

Image Credits: Corey Young from Unsplash

Image Credits: DIEGO ALVES from Pixabay

Women Health

Making Women’s Health Work

Women’s health deserves evidence, not excuses. Despite its centrality in daily life, the medical system continues to downplay women’s concerns. But the solution doesn’t start in policy memos—it starts with informed patients.

From using SHE MD’s risk calculator to preparing for appointments with timelines and goals, women can take tangible steps now. Dr. Aliabadi and Haney emphasize the power of education, data, and clear advocacy in shifting clinical culture. When women come prepared, outcomes improve— not just for individuals but for the whole system.

Protecting Patients’ Sterilization Rights

New Hampshire has passed the first U.S. law requiring doctors to perform sterilizations for qualifying adults, eliminating denial based on age, marital status, or personal beliefs. The law promotes medical autonomy amid growing national restrictions on reproductive choices.

Spearheaded by Rep. Ellen Read, the law stems from both her personal health struggles and broader concerns about barriers to voluntary sterilization. The measure also addresses the historical misuse and present-day inaccessibility of sterilization procedures in the U.S.

Image Credits: Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research (2025). DOI_ 10.1111_ acer.70094

Biological Sex and Alcohol Stress Response

Biological sex shapes how the body reacts to binge drinking, influencing hormones and involuntary responses. A study found women had a weaker cortisol and ACTH response than men, despite similar alcohol levels. Men also showed higher blood pressure.

Even after accounting for contraceptive use and GI symptoms, these sex-based differences remained. The findings may explain varying alcohol tolerance and health outcomes, suggesting a need for sex-specific approaches to alcohol treatment and prevention.

Strength, Science & Smarter Fitness

Alyssa Olenick, Ph.D., challenges outdated narratives in women’s fitness, shifting the focus from being smaller to becoming stronger. On the mindbodygreen podcast, she dispels myths about carbohydrates, creatine, and high-intensity training.

She highlights the value of “strict carbs” for sustained energy, supports creatine for muscle and cognitive health, and advocates for balanced training that includes rest and resistance work. Her mission: empower women to fuel well, train smart, and recover effectively.

Image Credits: Jonathan Borba from Unsplash

Image Credits: Adina Voicu from Pixabay

Image Credits: Pixabay

Colosseum

Country: Italy

Men Health

Optimise Fitness After 35

As men age past 35, maintaining health requires more intentional choices. Strength training, cardio, clean eating, and regular health checks are essential. These habits counter age-related changes and promote long-term vitality. Prioritising flexibility, hormonal health, and mental well-being is equally crucial. Consistent effort now can delay or prevent chronic conditions, ensuring a healthier, more energetic life.

A Promising Breakthrough for Men

YCT-529, a non-hormonal oral male contraceptive, showed early signs of safety in human trials, with no significant side effects. Unlike past hormonal methods, this compound targets a receptor in the testes, avoiding testosterone disruption.

If proven effective in upcoming trials, YCT-529 could offer the first safe, reversible, and convenient birth control option for men without surgery or hormone-related issues.

Encourage Early Health Checks

A Vista Health study shows many UK men delay discussing prostate issues, often due to embarrassment or lack of routine check-ups. Dr. Maire Finn attributes this to men having fewer early-life interactions with healthcare, unlike women who typically establish GP relationships young.

With no formal male health screenings and easy access to over-the-counter treatments, many men avoid doctors. A caller urged men to overcome hesitation, sharing a story of a friend who died at 36 from untreated bowel cancer. He recommends starting with a simple blood test.

Image Credits: National Cancer Institute from Unsplash

Hormones Influence Social

Decision-Making

Testosterone influences brain regions related to empathy and decision-making. Research from Prof. Yin Wu’s team at PolyU shows it reduces generosity and alters state self-esteem based on social feedback.

Their studies suggest testosterone therapy could support mental health, especially when paired with positive social reinforcement. Ongoing research explores its broader implications, including applications in aviation training.

Image Credits: Keifit from Pixabay

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Gerontology & Life Extension

Targeted Tech for Fall Prevention

Researchers at Penn’s School of Nursing developed Sense4Safety, a nursing-led, tech-based system that uses depth sensors and coaching to help predict and prevent falls among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The system includes environmental risk assessments, the Otago Exercise Program, and a privacy-conscious data collection method that avoids wearable devices.

In a three-month pilot, participants reported greater safety awareness and engagement. With future clinical trials planned, the team envisions scaling the intervention to broader vulnerable populations, potentially improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Efficient Deprescribing for Seniors

MedSafer, developed by McGill researchers, helps identify and reduce risky or unnecessary medications in older adults. In a clinical trial, it tripled deprescribing success in long-term care residents compared to standard reviews. The software fits seamlessly into existing practices, offering clinicians automated guidance. It’s especially useful for avoiding prescribing cascades and minimizing side effects like confusion and falls—supporting safer care for seniors.

Epigenetic Aging Insights

This study shows that Nasonia vitripennis can slow biological aging through diapause, extending lifespan by altering DNA methylation patterns. These findings highlight that aging is flexible and environmentally influenced.

As a result, this wasp species offers a valuable model to explore molecular aging mechanisms and potential interventions, advancing the broader understanding of how aging might be delayed or controlled in more complex organisms.

Slowing Aging Through Developmental Pause

Jewel wasps can press “pause” on aging by entering a dormancy stage during early development, significantly slowing their biological aging and extending lifespan. This natural pause alters their epigenetic clock, offering new insights into how aging can be modulated at the molecular level.

Scientists at the University of Leicester found that this effect is not only measurable but lasting, tied to conserved pathways like insulin signaling. The study positions Nasonia vitripennis as a promising model in aging research and offers a new perspective: that timing in development could be the key to longevity.

Image Credits: cottonbro studio from Pexels

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Psychology

Understanding Misokinesia: Key Insights

Misokinesia is a common condition causing strong negative emotional responses to repetitive movements like fidgeting, affecting about one-third of people. Unlike misophonia, which is sound-triggered, misokinesia is mainly visual.

Research suggests the phenomenon may involve mirror neurons, leading sufferers to empathize with the anxiety behind fidgeting. While the exact cognitive cause remains unclear, misokinesia is a widespread, real challenge that many face daily.

Neural Synchrony in Optimists

Optimists’ brains exhibit remarkably similar patterns when imagining the future, unlike the diverse patterns seen in pessimists. This neural similarity could explain why optimists connect more easily in social contexts.

Kuniaki Yanagisawa’s research suggests that this shared brain activity reflects a common future outlook, possibly fostering better communication and social cohesion among optimists. Understanding this mechanism may help address loneliness and improve interpersonal connections.

Communication That Defuses Conflict Fast

In tough moments, asking “What do you need right now?” can shift the tone instantly. This question brings attention to underlying needs and opens the door for genuine resolution.

Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication approach emphasizes empathy, clarity, and actionable dialogue. Learning to pause, listen, and respond from a place of understanding can defuse tension and build stronger, more respectful connections.

Future Brain Therapy for OCD

Scientists have discovered specific brainwave patterns linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder using deep brain stimulation in 11 patients. These alpha and delta signals appear during compulsive behavior, revealing a new biological marker for OCD.

This research may lead to smarter brain stimulation devices that activate only during compulsive episodes, making treatment more effective and less invasive.

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DID YOU KNOW?

The universe’s expansion is accelerating.

Scientists discovered in 1998 that distant galaxies are moving away from us at an ever-increasing speed. This is thought to be caused by a mysterious force called “dark energy,” which makes up most of the universe.

Coming Up Next

August 1

Historical Events:

1960 – TIROS-1 Transmits First Full Earth-View Weather Image: NASA’s first weather satellite, TIROS-1, completed its mission after 78 days, having transmitted the first images of global weather systems. It revolutionized meteorology and climate science.

1981 – First Personal Computer Introduced by IBM (Model 5150): IBM completed internal development of the first IBM PC, which would launch later that month. It set the foundation for the personal computing era and software standardization.

Scientist Anniversaries:

1819 – Birth of Herman Melville (influence on science writing): Although primarily a novelist, Melville’s attention to natural history and maritime science inspired many scientific essays and studies of oceanography.

1942 – Birth of Jerry Goldstein: Space physicist known for studies of the Earth’s ring current and the behavior of charged particles in the magnetosphere. He contributed to NASA’s IMAGE and Van Allen Probes missions.

Scientific Discoveries:

2011 – Discovery of Dark Lightning: Scientists using NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope detected gamma-ray bursts from thunderstorms, a phenomenon dubbed “dark lightning.” It unveiled high-energy radiation occurring naturally on Earth.

2006 – Confirmation of Liquid Methane Lakes on Titan: Data from Cassini’s radar instruments showed dark, flat areas consistent with liquid lakes, confirming that Titan has stable surface liquids and a methane cycle similar to Earth’s hydrologic system.

August 2

Historical Events:

1939 – Completion of Harvard Mark I Design Begins Construction: One of the first electromechanical computers, the Harvard Mark I began construction. It played a pivotal role in automated computation for engineering and scientific problems during the 1940s.

2004 – Launch of NASA’s MESSENGER Spacecraft: MESSENGER was launched to explore Mercury. It became the first mission to orbit the planet, providing detailed maps and uncovering key data on its magnetic field and geological history.

Scientist Anniversaries:

1835 – Birth of Elisha Gray: American inventor and electrical engineer best known for early work on the telephone and the development of telegraph technology. His advancements supported the future of communications engineering.

1924 – Birth of James Baldwin: Though known primarily as a writer, Baldwin’s essays often engaged with topics of technological change, science education, and the relationship between scientific progress and society.

Scientific Discoveries:

2018 – Discovery of First Water Cloud on Exoplanet K2-18b: Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapor in the atmosphere of K2-18b, marking the first time water was found on a potentially habitable exoplanet.

1990 – Measurement of Antarctic Ice Core CO₂ Levels: Scientists published data from the Vostok ice core showing historical CO₂ variations spanning 160,000 years, providing essential context for understanding past climate cycles.

August 3

Historical Events:

1958 – USS Nautilus Becomes First Submarine to Reach North Pole Under Ice: The U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine completed a historic submerged voyage beneath the Arctic ice cap, showcasing the power of nuclear propulsion and advanced navigation technologies.

2004 – Launch of MESSENGER Mission to Mercury: NASA launched the MESSENGER spacecraft, which became the first to orbit Mercury. It mapped the planet’s surface, revealed volcanic activity, and provided insights into Mercury’s magnetic field and exosphere.

Scientist Anniversaries:

1851 – Birth of George Whipple: American pathologist and Nobel laureate who studied liver function and anemia. His work on treating pernicious anemia with liver therapy laid the groundwork for understanding vitamin B12.

1904 – Birth of Clifford Shull: American physicist awarded the Nobel Prize for pioneering the use of neutron scattering to study the atomic structure of matter. His technique became a foundational tool in materials science.

Scientific Discoveries:

1996 – Identification of Martian Meteorite ALH84001 Features: NASA scientists presented findings suggesting possible fossilized microbial life in Martian meteorite ALH84001, sparking ongoing debates and investigations into extraterrestrial life detection techniques.

2008 – Discovery of Cholesterol’s Role in Immune Response: A Nature Immunology study revealed that cholesterol metabolites regulate immune cell function,

linking lipid metabolism with autoimmunity and opening new pathways for treating inflammatory diseases.

August 4

Historical Events:

2007 – Phoenix Mars Lander Begins Final Testing Before Launch: NASA confirmed readiness for the Phoenix lander, which later confirmed water ice on Mars. The mission advanced astrobiology and robotic sampling technologies.

1977 – Launch of OSO-8 (Orbiting Solar Observatory): The final spacecraft in NASA’s OSO series launched to study solar flares and ultraviolet/X-ray radiation, providing data that improved understanding of solar variability and space weather.

Scientist Anniversaries:

1901 – Birth of Louis S. Goodman: American pharmacologist who co-developed the first chemotherapy treatment for cancer. His work using nitrogen mustards led to the modern era of cancer pharmacotherapy.

1965 – Birth of Barack Seeyave: French-Indian bioinformatician whose early research on genome-wide association studies and gene-environment interactions influenced predictive models in human health and disease.

Scientific Discoveries:

2003 – First Near-Earth Asteroid Tracked from Moon: The Moonbased laser ranging experiment successfully measured the position of a near-Earth object. This milestone was key for planetary defense and lunar-based observation systems.

2014 – Discovery of Superconducting Properties in Iron-Based Compounds: Physicists demonstrated that specific iron selenides retain superconductivity under

extreme conditions, deepening understanding of high-temperature superconductors.

August 5

Historical Events:

2011 – Launch of NASA’s Juno Spacecraft to Jupiter: Juno launched aboard an Atlas V rocket, beginning its journey to study Jupiter’s atmosphere, magnetic field, and interior composition. It provided unprecedented insight into gas giant dynamics.

1930 – Neil Armstrong’s Birthday (First Moonwalker): Though not an event itself, this date marks the birth of Neil Armstrong, whose Apollo 11 mission was a defining moment in human space exploration and engineering achievement.

Scientist Anniversaries:

1802 – Birth of Niels Henrik Abel: Norwegian mathematician known for his work in algebra, including the proof that general quintic equations cannot be solved by radicals. His work paved the way for group theory.

1891 – Birth of Erwin Schrödinger: Austrian physicist and Nobel laureate best known for the Schrödinger equation, a foundational element of quantum mechanics. His thought experiment involving a hypothetical cat remains iconic in discussions of quantum theory.

Scientific Discoveries:

2012 – Curiosity Rover Lands on Mars: NASA’s rover landed successfully in Gale Crater using a revolutionary sky crane system. It began analyzing Martian rocks, found evidence of ancient water, and assessed habitability for microbial life.

2005 – Discovery of ‘Xena’ (Eris), a Dwarf Planet Beyond Pluto: Astronomers announced the discovery of Eris, a trans-Neptunian object more massive than Pluto.

This led to the redefinition of what constitutes a planet and spurred classification of dwarf planets

August 6

Historical Events:

2012 – Curiosity Rover Begins Mars Exploration: One day after its landing, NASA’s Curiosity rover began operations in Gale Crater. It used its ChemCam laser for the first time to analyze Martian rock composition, a milestone in planetary geochemistry.

1961 – First Manned Spaceflight by a Soviet Cosmonaut to Complete Multiple Orbits: Cosmonaut Gherman Titov became the second human to orbit Earth and the first to remain in space over 24 hours, contributing to human spaceflight endurance studies.

Scientist Anniversaries:

1881 – Birth of Alexander Fleming: Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin in 1928, revolutionizing modern medicine by introducing the era of antibiotics. His work reshaped infection control and public health.

1928 – Birth of Andy Thomas: Australian-American astronaut and aerospace engineer who contributed to several space shuttle missions and helped develop microgravity science experiments aboard the ISS.

Scientific Discoveries:

2018 – Discovery of Neutrino Emission from a Blazar: The IceCube Neutrino Observatory traced a high-energy neutrino to the blazar TXS 0506+056, marking the first time a neutrino source was pinpointed in the cosmos.

2007 – Identification of Carbon Nanotubes’ Role in Brain Interfaces: Researchers at UC Berkeley showed that carbon nanotubes can record neural signals with high precision, advancing brain-computer interface technology.

Archeology

Image Credits: Shutterstock via scitechdaily.com

Ancient Fish, New Revelations

A recent study on coelacanth skull muscles led by USP and the Smithsonian Institution reveals that most prior anatomical assumptions were incorrect. Only 13% of earlier reported muscle structures held up to scrutiny, with major implications for understanding vertebrate evolution. The research corrected key misidentifications, such as mistaking ligaments for muscles. These insights clarify how coelacanths differ from ray-finned fish and align more closely with cartilaginous fish and tetrapods. Using rare specimens and advanced imaging, the study reshapes our view of how early jawed vertebrates evolved mechanisms for feeding and respiration.

Ancient Symbols Beneath the Earth

Archaeologists in Türkiye’s Diyarbakır province uncovered a 1,500-year-old mosaic during a routine grave dig, featuring a unique Star of David with a Christian cross and a six-line Greek inscription. Experts believe the site dates back to the late Roman or early Byzantine era. Now protected, the mosaic hints at deep cultural exchanges and rare religious symbolism in ancient southeastern Anatolia. Further excavation may reveal more about the site’s historical and spiritual significance.

Image Credits: DHA

Digital Tools Suggest Artistic Origins

Recent 3D simulations suggest the Shroud of Turin’s image aligns better with a low-relief statue than a human body. This supports the idea that the artifact was a medieval artistic rendering, not a burial cloth.

Though inconclusive about its age, the study highlights the value of digital technologies in reexamining historical mysteries through a modern scientific lens.

Image Credits: Archaeometry (2025). DOI_ 10.1111_arcm.70030

Ancient Chancay Tomb Discovered

Two pre-Incan tombs were unearthed in Lima during gas line work. One held 1,000-year-old remains, linked to the Chancay culture by archaeologist José Aliaga. Cálidda, the gas company, has made over 2,200 such finds in past decades.

Lima is rich in buried history, with more than 400 archaeological sites. The find amazed locals and added to Peru’s reputation for frequent coastal discoveries of ancient burials.

Image Credits: AP Photo_Guadalupe Pardo

Space Exploration & Cosmology

Life’s Ingredients Found in Space

Image Credits: ESO_L. Calçada_T. Müller (MPIA_HdA)

Astronomers using ALMA have detected complex organic molecules, including glycolonitrile and ethylene glycol, in the planet-forming disc of V883 Orionis. These molecules, crucial to prebiotic chemistry, were revealed as outbursts from the star heated icy regions, releasing hidden compounds.

The discovery suggests such molecules survive from earlier interstellar stages and may even form during the protoplanetary disc phase. This finding supports the idea that life’s building blocks are widespread in the universe, challenging the notion that a chemical reset occurs during star formation.

Stunning Deep-Space Insights Revealed

Image Credits: ESA_Webb, NASA & CSA, G. Östlin, P. G. Perez-Gonzalez, J. Melinder, the JADES Collaboration, M. Zamani (ESA_Webb)

The James Webb Space Telescope revisits the Hubble Ultra Deep Field with its MIRI and NIRCam instruments, offering one of the deepest and most detailed views of the universe. Observing the MIDIS region for nearly 100 hours, Webb reveals over 2,500 distant galaxies—many from the earliest cosmic eras.

The image uses color to indicate infrared wavelengths, exposing features like dust, star formation, or AGNs. Some galaxies appear greenish-white due to their extreme distance and redshift. This observation continues the legacy of deep-field exploration, uncovering hidden galaxies and enriching our understanding of galactic evolution.

Image Credits: NOIRLab_NSF_AURA_J. da Silva (Spaceengine)_M. Zamani

Unexpected Origins of Retrograde Planet

The nu Octantis planet is believed to be a second-generation world, either captured or formed from material ejected by its now white dwarf companion, nu Oct B. This process would have occurred about 2 billion years ago after nu Oct B lost over 75% of its original mass.

This discovery offers new insight into planetary formation in evolved binary systems. It challenges conventional models and suggests planets can arise in harsh environments, possibly long after their host stars were formed. The nu Octantis system may be the first confirmed case of such a planetary origin.

Unusual Orbit in Binary System

A retrograde planet orbiting within the nu Octantis binary system has been confirmed, marking a breakthrough in exoplanet science. Researchers found the planet using HARPS and SPHERE at ESO, showing it moves opposite to its host stars and likely formed after significant stellar evolution.

The system’s secondary star, nu Oct B, is now a white dwarf, suggesting the planet could be second-generation—either captured or formed from expelled material. This rare finding may change how astronomers understand planet formation in binary systems.

Image Credits: SciTechDaily.com

Engineering, Robotics & IT

More Strength with Less Weight

University of Maine researchers developed a technique to predict the strength of lightweight 3D-printed parts more precisely. Using gyroid infill structures, they combined simulations and experiments to improve structural reliability while reducing material use.

The approach, led by engineers Bean, Vel, and Lopez-Anido, could transform how industries design components. Applications in aerospace, automotive, and medical fields are expected to benefit from this efficient, strength-optimized design method.

Next-Gen Piezo Film Breakthrough

Image Credits: Empa

Researchers at Empa have pioneered a method to create high-quality piezoelectric thin films using a modified HiPIMS process. This technique works even on insulating substrates and at low temperatures—an achievement previously considered impossible. These films are crucial in electronics, from sensors to quantum technologies.

Microchips Power Fundamental Discoveries

Precise Lighting Control Unlocked

New relighting tool from SFU researchers offers direct control over lighting in photos, bypassing black-box generative AI models.

Unlike current AI-based tools, this method provides realistic lighting changes using a physically accurate 3D simulation. The result is a controllable, intuitive relighting process ideal for creatives in photography and film.

Columbia University engineers created specialized ADC microchips that function within the LHC’s extreme radiation, helping physicists study the Higgs boson and related phenomena. These chips digitize signals from particle collisions captured by the ATLAS detector’s liquid argon calorimeter.

Using CERN-approved semiconductor processes, the team designed circuits resilient enough to last over a decade inside the collider. Their contributions—now embedded in ATLAS’s trigger and data acquisition systems—allow researchers to isolate and analyze key events. This cross-disciplinary work between engineering and physics is essential for pushing the boundaries of modern science.

Image Credits: University of Maine

Image Credits: Simon Fraser University

Image Credits: ATLAS Experiment © 2025 CERN

New Glenn

Seven-Meter Fairing

Twice the volume of traditional five-meter class fairings means room for bigger constellations and larger payloads.

Upper Stage

Hydrogen-powered upper stage designed for demanding, highly energetic missions to low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geosynchronous orbit (GEO).

BE-3U

Built on New Shepard’s BE-3PM flight heritage, the BE-3U is optimized to operate in the vacuum of space. Its high thrust and high specific impulse enable New Glenn’s upper stage to accomplish a wide variety of missions.

Fins

Four actuated aerodynamic control surfaces for attitude adjustment during the first stage’s descent and landing.

Reusable First Stage

Designed for reuse and minimal maintenance in between flights.

Strakes

Wing-like to provide lift and cross-range for the reusable first stage during its descent back to Earth.

Landing Gear

Aft module houses six hydraulically-actuated legs to support and secure the first stage during landing on a moving platform.

The Science of Memory Formation and Recall

Let’s begin with something familiar: Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went in there? Or perhaps you vividly remember your childhood dog’s name but can’t recall your Wi-Fi password? Welcome to the spectacularly quirky and complex world of human memory! It’s not just you—memory is a marvelously chaotic and fascinating process that even neuroscientists are still trying to fully understand.

In this issue of Curiosity, we’re diving deep into the science of memory formation and recall. We’ll explore how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved, what happens when they fail, and some of the most fascinating facts that might make you remember this article forever (or forget it immediately—no pressure).

What Is Memory, Exactly?

Memory is the process by which our brain encodes, stores, and retrieves information. It’s not a single thing—it’s a dynamic system with multiple components. Think of it like a library, a hard drive, and a recycling bin all rolled into one, managed by a team of overworked librarians (neurons).

We can divide memory into three broad stages:

• Encoding: The process of transforming sensory input into a form the brain can understand and store

• Storage: Maintaining information over time

• Retrieval: Accessing and using the information when needed

Each of these stages is vulnerable to disruption, which is why your brain may be an excellent trivia vault but terrible at remembering your dentist appointment.

The Many Faces of Memory

Memory isn’t monolithic. There are several types, each serving a unique purpose:

• Sensory Memory: Lasts only a few seconds. It’s the brief trace left by a flash of light or a passing sound

Short-Term Memory (STM): Holds about 7 items for around 20–30 seconds. This is your mental Post-it note

• Working Memory: A type of STM that manipulates information (like doing mental math)

• Long-Term Memory (LTM): Can last from minutes to a lifetime. It’s split into:

1. Explicit (Declarative): Facts (semantic) and events (episodic)

2. Implicit (Non-Declarative): Skills and hab-

its, like riding a bike

Interestingly, while you might consciously forget a childhood phone number, your muscles never forget how to pedal a bicycle.

How Memories Are Made—And Where

Your brain isn’t one giant memory box. Different types of memory live in different neighborhoods:

• Hippocampus: Central to forming new explicit memories

Amygdala: Emotional memories, particularly fear-related ones

• Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia: Procedural memories (skills and habits)

• Prefrontal Cortex: Working memory and decision-making

Memory formation begins with the hippocampus processing incoming information. If deemed important (usually because it’s emotional or repeatedly encountered), it gets stored across various brain areas. Neural connections—called synapses—strengthen with repetition, a concept known as long-term potentiation.

Sleep plays a crucial role here. During deep sleep, especially slow-wave sleep, your brain replays and consolidates new memories. So yes, cramming all night is counterproductive—go take that nap.

The Oddities and Quirks of Memory

Here’s where things get fun. Memory isn’t as reliable as we think—it’s malleable, suggestible, and sometimes just plain bizarre.

• False Memories: It’s alarmingly easy to implant memories of events that never happened. Psychologists have successfully convinced people they met Bugs Bunny at Disneyland (which is impossi-

ble—he’s a Warner Bros. character).

• Flashbulb Memories: Vivid memories of emotionally charged events, like 9/11 or your first breakup. These feel accurate but are often flawed

• Déjà Vu: That eerie feeling of familiarity? It’s likely your brain misfiring in the temporal lobe

• Hyperthymesia:

Some rare individuals (like Jill Price) remember almost every day of their lives in excruciating detail

The Role of Emotion in Memory

Emotion supercharges memory. That’s why you remember your most embarrassing moments better than your grocery list. The amygdala and hippocampus work together to encode emo-

tionally significant experiences more robustly.

Interestingly, stress has a double-edged effect. Mild stress can enhance memory formation (think: adrenaline rush from public speaking), but chronic stress and cortisol overload can impair it. So, if you can’t remember where you put your keys, maybe take a breath.

Memory Disorders— When Things Go Haywire

From Hollywood amnesia tropes to real-life neurodegenerative diseases, memory failure ranges from the fascinating to the heartbreaking:

• Anterograde Amnesia: Inability to form new memories (like Dory in Finding Nemo)

• Retrograde Amnesia: Loss of past memories

Alzheimer’s Disease: A progressive condition causing memory loss, confusion, and personality changes

Korsakoff’s Syndrome: Caused by chronic alcohol abuse and thiamine deficiency

One notable case is Clive Wearing, a musician with both anterograde and retrograde amnesia, whose memory resets every few seconds. Yet, he can still play the piano flawlessly—proof that procedural memory is housed separately.

Can You Improve Your Memory?

Yes! But not with brain-training apps that promise to make you a genius overnight. Instead, science-backed strategies include:

• Chunking: Breaking info into smaller units (like phone numbers)

• Spaced Repetition: Review over increasing intervals—used in language apps like Anki

• Mnemonics: Creating silly but memorable associations (Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge for musical notes)

• Sleep and Exercise: Both enhance memory consolidation and cognitive function

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Reduce stress and improve attention span

Also: eat your blueberries. Antioxidants are brain food.

The Future of Memory Science

We’re on the brink of a memory revolution. Technologies are being developed to map, enhance, and even manipulate memory: Optogenetics: Using light to control neuron activity and potentially implant memories

Memory Prosthetics:

Devices that help restore memory in patients with brain damage

CRISPR and Epigenetics: Editing genes involved in memory formation (like the CREB gene)

AI and Neurointerfaces: Think Neuralink—merging memory storage with machines

While some of this sounds sci-fi, DARPA has already tested memory-enhancing brain implants. The ethical implications? We’ll need

another article for that.

Collective and Cultural Memory

Memory isn’t just individual—it’s collective.

Societies remember through stories, monuments, and traditions. Cultural memory shapes identity and preserves history. Ever wonder why some events are commemorated while others fade? That’s memory on a sociological scale. Interestingly, digital technology is changing this. We outsource memory to phones, cloud storage, and social media timelines. Your digital footprint might outlast your neurons.

Final Thoughts—Memory as a Superpower

Memory defines who we are. It’s our internal autobiography, our knowledge base, our intuition, and our cautionary tale. It lets us learn, adapt, plan, and even daydream.

Despite its flaws, memory is nothing short of magical. And while forgetting is often frustrating, it’s also necessary. Without forgetting, we’d be overwhelmed with trivia (do you really need to remember what you had for lunch three Thursdays ago?).

So, cherish your memories. Nurture your brain. And if you ever forget where your keys are, just remember: it’s probably in the last place you looked.

Or in the fridge.

Parenting & Relationship

Grace Amid Summer Chaos

Midway through summer, kids push limits, and patience wears thin. But their resistance isn’t always rebellion — sometimes it’s overstimulation or distraction. Take a breath, connect intentionally, and keep instructions short. Simplicity helps cut through the noise.

You’re not failing. Messy moments are part of parenting. Through routines, grace, and gentle resets, you’re modeling love in action. Even when it feels unseen, your steady presence shapes their world.

Smaller Talks, Stronger Bonds

Timothy Davis, Ph.D., recommends replacing lengthy parent-child talks with short, intentional chats. His “25 1-minute conversations” method shows that kids respond better when conversations are brief, regular, and non-confrontational.

Instead of lecturing, choose relaxed settings like car rides or bedtime. Prioritize listening, validate feelings, and avoid judgment. When kids resist, don’t push—remain calm and consistent. Emotional intelligence is built gradually through these micro-moments.

A Grace-Filled Parenting Reset

Summer can stretch both time and patience. When kids stop listening, the first step is to calm yourself—deep breath, pause, and reset. Often, they aren’t disobedient, just distracted. Get close, make eye contact, and speak simply. One instruction is often enough.

Supporting Latina IPV Survivors

Researchers from UCR and UW-Madison found that Latina college students who have survived intimate partner violence benefit from culturally tailored mental health support. The study revealed resilient coping and cultural factors like marianismo significantly affect their recovery and educational persistence. Nancy Herrera emphasized the importance of centering cultural identity in trauma healing. With over 450 participants, the study suggests mainstream support systems may fall short unless they integrate culturally informed tools. Herrera’s future work aims to build tailored mental health models for Latinas and other women of color navigating both college and recovery.

Image Credits: Moondance from Pixabay

Image Credits: Pixabay

Image Credits: Jonathan Borba from Unsplash

Image Credits: Vardan Papikyana from Unsplash

Investiments & Finanace

How to Write a Business Plan

A business plan sets financial goals and explains how to reach them. It includes a summary, company overview, goals, product details, market research, and financial projections. This helps guide operations and secure funding.

Include clear financials, team structure, and any licenses or contracts in an appendix. Keep projections realistic and the writing error-free. Use resources like SCORE or SBA for free expert support.

Charitable Giving in Uncertain Markets

Market volatility in 2025 has challenged donors and nonprofits alike, but planning tools like donor-advised funds and diversified asset strategies help sustain giving. Unrestricted donations and recoverable grants provide flexibility, empowering charities to act quickly during unexpected challenges.

Rather than react to short-term shifts, strategic donors are advised to trust their long-term plans. Consistent contributions, especially through vehicles like DAFs, can maintain or even enhance impact in turbulent times.

How Positive Financial Habits Improve Mental Health

Consistent saving and timely debt repayment can significantly boost mental health, regardless of income level. A University of South Australia study using HILDA survey data found those with regular saving habits report higher life satisfaction and reduced stress.

Retail Data Unlocks Credit Access for the Unbanked

Retail transaction data can significantly improve credit access for the unbanked, raising approval rates from 16% to nearly 48%. Notre Dame researchers showed that daily shopping patterns offer reliable indicators of creditworthiness for those lacking formal credit histories.

The data had minimal effect on borrowers with credit histories but proved essential for inclusion. By maintaining existing risk thresholds, lenders can use retail data to safely expand access—bridging the global credit gap with insight and equity.

Image Credits: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Image Credits: 3D Illustrator and Graphic Designer from Pixabay

Image Credits: Andre Taissin via Unsplash

Image Credits: Unsplash

Retirement

Medicare Awareness Is Crucial Missing Piece in Retirement Planning

Retirement planning often overlooks Medicare decisions, leading to penalties and gaps in coverage. Experts like Ari Parker and Christine Simone urge financial advisers to proactively help clients turning 65 understand enrollment rules, compare plans, and treat health care as a core part of budgeting.

With Medicare plans varying widely in cost and coverage, unbiased guidance is essential. Platforms like Chapter and Caribou aim to fill this gap, helping retirees navigate complex options, avoid misinformation, and prepare financially for long-term health care expenses.

Retirees often lack clear advice on how to spend their savings, but the bucket strategy offers a structured solution. It divides funds into short-term (1–2 years), medium-term (2–10 years), and longterm (11+ years) buckets, helping retirees avoid panic selling, control spending, and grow wealth steadily.

The short-term bucket is liquid for daily needs, the medium-term offers steady income with principal protection, and the long-term focuses on market growth. This flexible and disciplined approach works across all savings levels and is best implemented with help from a financial adviser.

Retiring Abroad: How to Travel Europe on a Budget

A weaker U.S. dollar is making European travel harder for retirees, but not impossible. Experts recommend visiting less-known regions like Albania, Umbria, or the Baltics, where costs and crowds are lower. Shorter trips, off-peak travel, and budget lodging can also help.

With smart planning, public transit use, and small spending adjustments, retirees can still enjoy their dream vacation. Talking to a financial advisor or earning extra income may turn your plans into reality — without breaking the bank.

Planning for a Successful Retirement

Planning for retirement should begin about ten years ahead, starting with lifestyle goals and ramping up financial readiness through catch-up contributions and debt reduction. By five years out, build a budget based on expected income and anticipated health care costs, and adjust investments to reduce risk.

Image Credits: Frank Rietsch from Pixabay

Image Credits: David Clode from Pixabay

Image Credits: Robert Balog from Pixabay

Image Credits: Dominick Vietor from Pixabay Retirement Spending and the Bucket Strategy

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