Moving to a walkable city can add 1,100 steps to your day

Researchers found that walkable city design—not personal motivation—was the key factor behind people taking 1,100 more steps per day

The human brain processes spoken language in a sequence that closely mirrors the layered architecture of advanced AI language models

Using electrocorticography data from participants listening to a narrative, the research shows that deeper AI layers align with later brain responses in key language regions such as Broca’s area. The findings challenge traditional rule-based theories of language comprehension and

People with a higher object recognition ability are better at distinguishing AI-generated faces from real ones

A new study from Vanderbilt University reveals that a person’s object recognition ability can predict their ability to detect AI-generated imagery. The study, which developed the AI Face Test, found that individuals with stronger object recognition skills consistently outperformed others in identifying AI-generated faces. This ability, which is not tied to faces or technology experience, suggests that some people are better equipped to navigate the challenge of distinguishing real from synthetic images.

How Old Is Our Solar System? - Sassy Feeds

Our Solar System is 4.6 billion years old — and scientists know this thanks to ancient meteorites and radioactive dating. Here’s the fascinating story of how our cosmic neighborhood was born.

The Quantum Computer Dream is Falling Apart

This content discusses the diminishing prospects of quantum advantage in quantum computing and highlights emerging challenges in the field.

An Evidence Based Comparison of HIV/AIDS and COVID-19

Interesting read

Scientists discover the enzyme that lets cancer rapidly rewire its DNA

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified the enzyme N4BP2 responsible for chromothripsis, a process where chromosomes break into fragments and reassemble incorrectly, seen in about one in four cancers. This chaotic reshuffling allows cancer cells to evolve rapidly and develop resistance to treatment. Blocking the enzyme significantly reduced genomic destruction in cancer cells, offering a potential new strategy for treating aggressive cancers.

NASA has a new problem to fix before the next Artemis II countdown test

NASA is facing fueling issues with the Space Launch System rocket, which have delayed the Artemis II mission. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the importance of safety and the need to address the leaks before the Artemis III mission. Engineers are working to redesign the propellant loading interfaces and cryoproof the vehicle to prevent future leaks.

Ancient Mars was warm and wet, not cold and icy

A recent study published in Ars Technica reveals that ancient Mars was warm and wet, not cold and icy, during the Noachian epoch. The discovery, based on kaolinite pebbles showing evidence of alteration under high rainfall conditions, contrasts with the prevailing theory that this era was mainly cold and icy. This finding has implications for the potential habitability of Mars during this time and is being further investigated by the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover.

Scientists want to put a super laser on the moon

Scientists propose placing an ultrastable laser in a lunar pole crater to enable precise timing and navigation on the moon. The stable environment of these cold, dark craters could allow the laser to remain coherent for at least a minute, potentially serving as a reference for lunar activities and even some Earth-based applications.

Scientists restore knee cartilage using targeted injection

Scientists have developed an experimental inhibitor that successfully regenerated knee cartilage in aged mice, offering a potential alternative to arthritis and prosthetics. The inhibitor, which blocks an age-linked protein, led to cartilage regrowth in mice even when they were already old. Human knee tissue exposed to the same blocker also showed signs of new cartilage formation. The study suggests that this approach could provide a new treatment option for knee osteoarthritis, which affects about one in five adults in the United States and leads to significant direct medical costs. The research, published in Science, highlights the potential of targeted injections to delay joint replacement and improve quality of life for those suffering from knee-related issues.

Space Station returns to a full crew complement after a month - Ars Technica

The International Space Station has returned to a full crew complement of seven astronauts after a month with only one NASA astronaut, Chris Williams, on board. The arrival of four new astronauts as part of the Crew 12 mission, Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev, brought the crew back to full strength. This was made possible by the quick response of NASA and SpaceX to bring Crew 12 forward and the talented workforce at NASA and its partners.

What If a Star Exploded Near Earth? (Simulation)

Brain imaging study found that gambling disorder is linked to brain networks involved in self-control and brain reward functions

A new doctoral dissertation from the University of Turku reveals that gambling disorder is linked to disruptions in brain networks responsible for self-control and reward. The research, conducted using multiple brain imaging techniques, shows that people with gambling disorder have weaker connections between the frontal cortex and subcortical regions, which may make it harder to resist gambling urges. The findings suggest potential targets for future treatments, such as non-invasive brain stimulation and medication targeting serotonin and opioid functions.

Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice and human cells - PubMed

Psilocybin, a compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, shows potential in extending cellular lifespan and increasing longevity in aged mice, suggesting it may have geroprotective properties.

Briefing Chat: Caffeine slows brain ageing, suggests decades of data

This article from Nature Briefing discusses a study that suggests caffeine consumption may slow brain aging, based on data from 130,000 participants.

Scientists have found a weird 'inside out' planetary system. Here's what it looks like | Space

Astronomers have discovered a rare 'inside-out' planetary system around the red dwarf LHS 1903, where a small rocky planet orbits beyond two gas giants, challenging traditional theories of planetary formation.

Only Humans Have Chins — and They Emerged as an Evolutionary Accident

A recent study published in PLOS One suggests that the human chin, a unique feature not found in other animals, emerged as an accidental byproduct of long-term evolution of the jaw in early hominins. Contrary to previous beliefs, the chin did not evolve as an adaptation to enhance survival but rather as a spandrel, a term describing a feature unintentionally produced by other adaptations. The research challenges the notion that every animal feature conferring a positive effect must have been achieved by natural selection.

Daily soda consumption linked to cognitive difficulties in teens

A recent study published in Nutritional Neuroscience suggests that daily consumption of sugary beverages like soda and sports drinks can lead to cognitive difficulties in adolescents. The research, conducted by Shuo Feng from Texas A&M University, found that sleep duration acts as a mediator, with reduced sleep being a primary factor linking sugary drinks to cognitive struggles.

Wild Parrots May Follow Language-Like Rules — Including Syntax

A study published in the Journal of Avian Biology reveals that Yellow-naped Amazon parrots in Costa Rica use structured vocal exchanges during territorial disputes, following syntactic rules similar to human language.

Cognitive Speed Training Linked to Lower Dementia Incidence Up To 20 Years Later

Adults age 65 and older who completed five to six weeks of cognitive speed training — in this case, speed of processing training, which helps people quickly find visual information on a computer screen and handle increasingly complex tasks in a shorter time period — and who had f

Archaeology Students Unearth an Early Medieval Burial Pit During a Training Dig in England

Cambridge University archaeology students discovered an early medieval burial pit in England, containing the remains of ten individuals, possibly linked to clashes between the kingdoms of Mercia and East Anglia. The pit, dating back to the ninth century, includes four complete skeletons and dismembered bodies, some showing signs of violence and others possibly victims of ancient surgical practices.

Engineers Just Developed a Perfect Material for a Truly Unsinkable Ship

Engineers have developed a superhydrophobic metal inspired by the diving bell spider, creating a material that could lead to the development of an unsinkable ship. This material, detailed in a study published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, maintains buoyancy even when severely damaged, making it potentially useful for large loads or green energy technologies.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 Launches to International Space Station

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission successfully launched four crew members to the International Space Station on Friday, February 14, 2020. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, will conduct scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth.

Exposure to intense wildfire smoke during pregnancy may be linked to increased likelihood of autism

A new study from UC Davis Health and UCLA suggests that exposure to intense wildfire smoke during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of autism in children. The study, which is the largest to date examining the impact of wildfire-specific air pollution on early neurodevelopment, found stronger associations during high-intensity smoke events. The researchers emphasized that while the findings do not prove a causal link, they highlight the importance of targeted policies to mitigate air pollution during pregnancy.

Earth's Core Might Hold Dozens of Oceans Worth of Hydrogen, Hinting at the Origins of the Planet's Vast Water Supply

A recent study suggests that Earth's core may contain between 9 and 45 times the amount of hydrogen as the ocean, which could explain the origins of the planet's vast water supply. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that Earth's water came from icy comets and suggests that the water may have been present since the planet's formation.

An Elephant's Trunk Is Covered in Whiskers—and They're Unlike Those on Any Other Animal, a New Study Suggests

A new study reveals that elephants have unique whiskers on their trunks that differ significantly from those of other animals. These whiskers, which are rigid at the base and softer at the tip, help elephants sense their environment and manipulate objects despite their poor eyesight.

When Human Activity Dropped During Covid-19, Methane Levels Surprisingly Spiked. Now, a Study Points to Two Reasons Why

A study published in Science explains the paradoxical increase in methane levels during the Covid-19 lockdowns, attributing it to reduced air pollution decreasing the creation of hydroxyl radicals, which destroy methane, and increased methane emissions from natural wetlands due to the La Niña climate event.