A 30,000-year-old vulture feather represents a two-for-the-price-of one discovery: the fossil itself, and the first evidence that volcanic ash can preserve such soft tissues in exquisite detail.The feather itself is not a new find; a Roman landowner in 1889 came across evidence of entire bird preserved as a three-dimensional impression. Its details included eye lids and wing feathers. However, new research published in the journal Geology demonstrates that preservation extends to microscopic feather pigment structures. That level of detail was maintained over millennia due to zeolite in the ashes surrounding the fossil.Zeolites rich in silicon and aluminum are minerals common in volcanic and hydrothermal geological settings. This discovery of its preservation properties has important implications for paleontology and archeology.This new mode of soft tissue preservation has the capacity for a remarkable quality of preservation, extending to the microscale and three dimensions, according to the paper.The Search for Ancient FeathersFossil feathers are often found in ancient mudrocks associated with lakes or lagoons. This specimen was preserved in ash deposits, which is considered extremely unusual.When analyzing the fossil vulture plumage, we found ourselves in uncharted territory, Valentina Rossi, a University College Cork (UCC), Ireland research an author of the paper, said in a press release. These feathers are nothing like what we usually see in other fossils.The researchers analyzed the feathers with electron microscopy as well as chemical tests to both observe the details and how the minerals preserved the feathers."The alteration of the ash due to passage of water induced the precipitation of zeolites nanocrystals that, in turn replicated the feathers to the tiniest cellular detail," according to the press release.Unusual PreservationThe conditions that led to this level of preservation are unusual, but not unprecedented. Volcanic deposits are often associated with pyroclastic flow a hot, fast-moving current of gas and debris. Those conditions generally burn soft tissue, because their temperature can exceed 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.Instead, the vulture was probably buried under much cooler conditions. Settings following volcanic eruptions can be complex, with some areas being decimated by pyroclastic flow, others by lava, and still others by cooler ash deposits.This vulture feather will not only teach scientists more about that bird but represents an indicator of where to look for more such specimens.We never expected to find delicate tissues such as feathers preserved in a volcanic rock, Maria McNamara, UCC researcher and an author of the paper, said in a press release. "Discoveries such as these broaden the range of potential rock types where we can find fossils, even those preserving fragile soft tissues.Now that scientists know that specific types of volcanic rocks hold potential for more soft-tissue fossil finds, expect paleontologists to broaden their search and dont be surprised to hear about more fur and feather finds.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. He began his career in newspapers, but switched to scientific magazines. His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.

ShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Youd be shocked how much a garage door opener can improve your life, especially when it can tie into your smart home. Its more than a little convenience. It can provide essential access during cold weather and to people with limited mobility. While there are a number of very solid models on the market, weve chosen the LiftMaster 8500W as our best overall pick. It offers a unique mix of power, features, and value that earn it the top spot in our list. Check out our whole list to find out which model best fits your needs.Best overall: LiftMaster 8500WBest smart: Chamberlain B4613T Garage Door OpenerBest quiet: Genie Stealth 500 EssentialsBest with battery backup: BeamUP Everlift Garage Door Opener with Battery BackupBest budget: CRAFTSMAN 1/2 HP Smart Garage Door OpenerHow we chose the best garage door openersOur garage door opener recommendations are based on extensive research. We surveyed peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions to create a list of contenders and then put them through their paces. We considered a wide variety of garage door openers suitable for a range of needs and users to develop a comprehensive list of the best garage door openers on the market today.The best garage door openers: Reviews & RecommendationsThe best garage door opener should work so well that you forget its even there. When choosing a model, know how much horsepower you need. Power and durability may be at the top of your list if you have a solid wood garage door, or you may have a house design that requires a less obtrusive wall-mounted garage door opener. Then, look for a design thats within your budget and has convenient features, allowing you to enter and exit without needing to give much thought to the garage door at all.Best overall: LiftMaster 8500 Elite SeriesThe wall-mounted LiftMaster is compact, quiet, and easy to maintain.ProsImpressive security featuresSpace-saving designQuiet operationConsIsnt compatible with all door typesSpecsOpener Type: Direct driveMotor Power: 0.5 HPSmart Home-Compatible: YesWe chose the LiftMaster 8500W as our best overall garage door opener due to its space-saving, wall-mounted design, super quiet operation, additional security features, and powerful performance. Its the perfect choice for large vehicle owners, including trucks and vans, as it accommodates doors up to 14 feet tall and 650 pounds. Rest assured, your property is secure with a new code sent every time you click the remote, ensuring the door only opens for you. It also includes a motion light that comes on when you enter the garage for added security and safety. It comes with a remote control and can be connected to smart devices with the optional purchase of the Internet Gateway. The smart functions allow you to monitor and control the garage door from your smartphone, create schedules, and get real-time notifications and alerts.Youll have to check for compatibility as this model wont be suitable for roll-up doors or low-headroom tracks, and youll need a separate front-mount torsion bar system for it to work, which isnt included.Best smart: Chamberlain B4613T Garage Door OpenerProsComes with battery backupSyncs with multiple usersConsHard to installSpecsOpener Type: Belt driveMotor Power: 1.25 HPSmart Home-Compatible: YesConnected to your home WiFi network and compatible with the Chamberlain MyQ app, which you can use with either Android or iOS devices, the Chamberlain B4613T garage door opener lets you remotely control the device from anywhere and allows you to give access to up to three different users so that other family members or visitors can get into the garage and property. Controlling the garage door through the app is easy with one-touch controls. You can choose to receive email or app notifications if your door is opened and closed, which comes time-stamped so you can understand exactly whats happening at your home.This smart-home device is quite tricky to install, so if youre not handy, you might want to leave it to someone more experienced or hire someone to complete the task for you.Best quiet: Genie Stealth 500 EssentialsProsVery quiet operationEasy installationConsNo smart home device compatibilitySpecsOpener Type: Belt driveMotor Power: 0.5 HPSmart Home-Compatible: NoConsNo smart home device compatibilityIf youre looking for a super quiet garage door opener, the Genie Stealth 500 Essentials deserves your attention. Perhaps you leave the house early in the morning and dont want to disturb neighbors, or you have young children or pets to worry about in garage adjoining rooms. This model comes with a pre-programmed remote with one button and is easy to install yourself. Its one of the more basic models tested, so dont expect a range of smart home-connected add-ons or additional features. However, if a quiet operation is important to you, the Genie Stealth 500 Essentials could be just the ticket.Best with battery backup: BeamUP Everlift Garage Door Opener with Battery BackupProsEasy to installProvides peace of mind during power outagesConsOnly has one remoteApp doesnt timestamp notificationsSpecsOpener Type: Chain driveMotor Power: 0.75 HPSmart Home-Compatible: YesBattery backup garage door openers provide continuous functionality even during power outages. This is particularly important during emergencies or when you need to leave your home quickly. It will also prevent unauthorized access to your garage and home during vulnerable moments when the power is down.Youll also avoid the problem of potential damage to your garage door if a power outage occurs while the door is partially open. This model can be used with both single and double garage doors and comes with a wall-mounted controller and one remote control. The backup battery is long-lasting to give you peace of mind no matter what.Best budget: CRAFTSMAN 1/2 HP Smart Garage Door OpenerCraftsman ProsVery affordableConnectivity allows for smart home supportEasy to installConsMay not be powerful enough for some usersApp-control range is limitedSpecsOpener Type: Chain driveMotor Power: 0.5 HPSmart Home-Compatible: YesPrice: $219This sturdy, 1/2 HP chain-drive lift offers solid specs for its price. As a bonus, however, it can connect to a smart home setup. That allows users to check the status of and control the door on a companion app. Of course, the package also contains a three-button remote, but you can use this purely with the app if you desire. This lift is easy to install on your own if youre feeling handy. It doesnt require professional installation. You will need to set up the wireless connectivity, however. Overall, this is an extremely sturdy and reliable garage door opener with more bells and whistles than its price would otherwise suggest. How do garage door openers work?There are several types of garage door openers: chain-drive, belt-drive, screw-drive, direct-drive, and wall-mounted. Chain and belt drives come with a stationary motor that moves the chain or belt to open and close the door. Direct-drive garage door openers have a stationary chain with a motor that moves along the length of the chain to open the door. Screw-drive garage door openers have a threaded rod along with a trolley that moves and opens the door. Wall-mounted models are designed with a torsion bar and put the motor on the wall next to the garage door rather than on the ceiling.Chain and screw-drive models work well for heavy doors, but they tend to be noisy. Belt and direct-drive models are quieter but are often more expensive. Wall-mounted garage door openers are quiet and take up less space, but theyre not as strong as the other types.A garage door opener shouldnt hesitate to lift a standard-size garage door. Standard aluminum doors require a one-half horsepower residential door opener. One-piece and oversized garage doors need more power, three-quarters to one horsepower. (Commercial garage door openers can have up to one and a half horsepower, but thats not usually needed for residential use.)Think about backup power, too. Youll still need to get into (or out of) the garage during power outages. Models with a backup battery will take the heavy lifting out of your handsliterallyno matter the power status.What to consider when choosing a garage door openerWhen choosing a garage door opener, keep these points in mind:Type of driveChain drives offer better durability and strength over belt-drive, wall-mounted, and direct-drive openers. The downside is that chains are noisy, but if youve got a big, heavy door, these models wont give out under a big load. Chain drives are more affordable but can be noisier compared to other options.Belt-driven openers use a rubber belt for operation, making them quieter than chain drives. They are ideal for attached garages where noise might be a concern.Screw drive openers use a threaded rod to move the trolley that lifts the door. They are known for their reliability and require less maintenance, but they can be noisier than belt drives.Horsepower (HP)Consider the size and weight of your garage door when choosing the horsepower of the opener. Single-car doors generally require less horsepower than double-car doors or heavy wooden doors.Safety featuresLook for safety features such as sensors that detect obstructions and stop the door from closing, preventing accidents or damage.Smartphone integrationMost garage door openers come with remote controls, but some also offer smartphone integration through dedicated apps. This can allow you to control your garage door remotely, check its status, and receive alerts. You can let in guests when youre away from home or get notifications if the garage door opens unexpectedly.Many models can also link to smart hubs to interact with the rest of the smart devices in your home. With some models, that means voice control over the garage door, too. Some models include valuable add-ons that include speakers, parking assist modules, or carbon monoxide detectors. It all depends on the model and the extras offered by the manufacturer.Battery backupA battery backup system ensures that your garage door can still be operated during power outages. This can be crucial for convenience and security.Noise levelDepending on the location of your garage, even a well-functioning garage door opener can disturb sleeping babies, guests, or family members if the garage is near a bedroom.Belt-drive and wall-mounted garage door openers offer quieter operation than chain and screw-drive models. If you go the belt-drive route, there are two motor optionsDC and AC. Of the two, DC motors are a little quieter. Stay away from chain-drive models if noise is an issue. Even a well-lubricated chain-drive model will be louder than a belt-drive or wall-mounted garage door opener.InstallationSome garage door openers might require professional installation due to their complexity. If youre not comfortable with DIY installation, factor in the cost of professional installation.LocationWall-mounted garage door openers (also known as jackshaft or side-mount garage door openers) are installed on a wall on either side of the garage door. These models use a torsion bar to open and close the door. Theyre commonly used in garages that have high or unusual roof and ceiling lines. You might also want to consider a wall mount if you have a large vehicle or use a carrier on top of your car.Wall-mounted models offer quiet operation, and theyre easy to access for maintenance. However, because of their location and how they operate, theyre not designed for heavy doors. They also need to be installed near an electrical outlet.SizeVariations in garage-door design may necessitate the use of a more powerful garage door opener. A couple of factors come into play when buying an opener for a heavy door. First, consider the openers horsepower. A standard aluminum garage door only needs an opener with one-half horsepower. Solid wood doors, however, may require three-quarters horsepower. You can find models with up to one and a half horsepower, but these are typically used in commercial settings rather than in residential areas.PriceBudget-friendly garage door openers offer excellent power and sometimes a few extras like built-in lights and battery backups. There are a few smart garage door openers that fall under $200 that give you added remote options. The differences are typically in noise level and installation limitations.Most of the lower-priced garage door openers are chain-drive models. That inherently makes them louder, though the ones with a DC motor are quieter than those with an AC motor. Wall-mounted, direct-drive, screw-drive, and belt-drive models dont typically fall in the affordable category.FAQsQ: Are belt or chain garage door openers better? Belt-drive openers run quieter but tend to be pricier. Chain-drive models can handle heavier loads, but theyre noisier. If noise matters to you and your household, go for a belt drive. If you have a big garage door, a chain drive might be more suitable for its strength and durability. Q: How do I know if I need a new garage door opener? -Making increasingly loud noises -Becoming noticeably slow in its operation-Refusing to open at all-Intermittently stopping and starting-You want to upgrade to a smart home-compatible garage door opener Q: How long should a garage door opener last? Most garage door openers last about 10-15 years. Of course, how often its used, regular maintenance, and the opener type make a difference in longevity. Some models may last well past 15 years, while others may exhaust before the 10-year mark. Best overall: LiftMaster 8500WBest smart: Chamberlain B4613T Garage Door OpenerBest quiet: Genie Stealth 500 EssentialsBest with battery backup: BeamUP Everlift Garage Door Opener with Battery BackupBest budget: CRAFTSMAN 1/2 HP Smart Garage Door OpenerOur top pick for the best overall garage door opener is the LiftMaster 8500W. We chose it for its powerful performance, enhanced security features, and smart-home functions, making it a great choice.

Designers trained the device on around 20,000 ASL words. Credit: Cornell UniversityShareAmerican Sign Language (ASL) has long enabled real-time conversations for English-speaking people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. But discussions often face significant lags when one or more conversants arent fluent in the language system. But by combining deep learning artificial intelligence and micro-sonar technologies, researchers at Cornell University are developing a new wearable to help overcome the communication barriers. With further refinement, SpellRing may one day facilitate entire conversations regardless of your ASL comprehension skills.ASLs earliest iterations developed in the early 18th century at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. Today, around 400,000 people in the US utilize modern ASL, including a large number of children of deaf adults (CODA). Like any language, ASL often takes years of education and practice to reach fluency. Given that the majority of Americans dont regularly occupy spaces requiring it, however, the language still remains mostly relegated to populations that are deaf and hard-of-hearing. In the meantime, technological innovations havent caught up with them.Many other technologies that recognize fingerspelling in ASL have not been adopted by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community because the hardware is bulky and impractical, Hyunchul Lim, a Cornell information science doctoral student, said in a university profile on March 17. We sought to develop a single ring to capture all of the subtle and complex finger movement in ASL.Lim and his colleagues previously worked on similar inventions through Cornells Smart Computer Interfaces for Future Interactions (SciFi) Lab, including interpretational tools for facial expressions, virtual reality hand poses, and silent speech recognition.SpellRing builds off a previous iteration called Ring-a-Pose and relies on multiple inputs to analyze, interpret, and translate ASL fingerspelling gestures. The principle component is a quarter-sized 3D-printed ring casing that contains a small microphone and speaker, and is worn around the thumb. When the user begins fingerspelling, the microphone emits inaudible soundwaves that are subsequently detected by the microphone as a miniature gyroscope measures the hand motions. Meanwhile, a computer featuring a deep-learning algorithmic program analyzes and translates the resultant sonar images into individual letters in real-time on a computer screen.Researchers trained SpellRing with the help of 20 experienced and novice ASL signers as they spelled out over 20,000 words. Depending on length and difficulty, SpellRings accuracy eventually ranged from 8292 percent.Theres always a gap between the technical community who develop tools and the target community who use them. Weve bridged some of that gap, said Cheng Zhang, an assistant professor of information science paper co-author. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.Despite the advances, SpellRings designers know it is only an early phase. The wearable is currently limited to fingerspelling. ASL relies on a wider set of upper body movements, facial expressions, and other physicalities, and has more than 4,000 word signs.Fingerspelling, while nuanced and challenging to track from a technical perspective, comprises but a fraction of ASL and is not representative of ASL as a language, said Jane Lu, study co-author and a linguistics doctoral student. We still have a long way to go in developing comparable devices for full ASL recognition, but its an exciting step in the right direction.Moving forward, the team plans to expand on SpellRings capabilities to adapt the micro-sonar system for eyeglasses that assess a users face and upper body.

Nature, Published online: 18 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00767-zGenomic analysis suggests that the ancestors of lizards on Fiji today rafted from North America some 30 million years ago.

Nature, Published online: 18 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00768-yThe protein keratin, the principle ingredient of wool and feathers, can be repurposed as strong, flexible plastic.

A king's tomb dating back around 3,600 years has been discovered at Abydos, Egypt.

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This teaser trailer gives you a sneak peek into the upcoming series on creating environments in Houdini, where youll learn how to build a Tatooine-inspired desert city diorama from scratch. With a beginner-friendly approach, WTTR Labs will dive into procedural modeling, layout, materials, lighting, and more, all within the context of a full scene.Throughout the series, youll also explore common workflows and techniques and learn plenty of practical tips and tricks. Depending on how long the lessons are once theyve been edited and organized, the release is expected within a week or two.So far, it looks like there will be around 12 key lessons spread across potentially 20 videos. The aim is to keep each video relatively short so it can be easily watched in one sitting. Subscribe to WTTR Labs YouTube channel to catch the first part when its released, and check out some of their other videos:As WTTR Labs puts it, the goal of their educational projects is simple: to help you avoid frustrations and wasted time. By applying proven workflows to real-world projects, youll be able to create complex Houdini scenes without feeling overwhelmed or lost, escaping the trap of tutorial hell and bringing your ideas to life faster.Dont forget to join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Free Beginner-Friendly Houdini Star Wars-Inspired Environment Course Coming Soon appeared first on CG SHARES.

RTsidOpened 54 apps at ONCE on the new MacBook Air. All super smooth with zero lag.Show me at least ONE Windows laptop that can do this.

RTGrumpiiMothra sculpted in Uniform app @sparseal