We know from ancient texts that Roman gladiators fought lions, but physical evidence has been lacking until nowDEA PICTURE LIBRARY/De Agostini via Getty Images Bite marks on the pelvis of a man who lived in Roman-occupied Britain were probably made by a lion in gladiatorial combat. The findings provide the first physical evidence that people battled animals in gladiator arenas in Europe, says Tim Thompson at Maynooth University in Ireland. Gladiator spectacles involving wild cats, bears, elephants, and other animals are frequently described in Roman…

Climate change can exacerbate droughtsSOPA Images Limited / Alamy Are fossil fuel companies directly responsible for the climate change caused by burning their products – and if so, can they be sued for damages? Yes, say researchers who have developed a new method for tying greenhouse gas emissions from individual firms to specific climate-related economic harm. “I think the answer is unequivocally, yes,” says Justin Mankin at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. His technique, developed with his colleague Christopher Callahan at Stanford University in California, links each of the world’s five largest fossil fuel companies to a loss in…

 Trump's approach to foreign policy has caused transatlantic tensions. Win McNamee/Getty Images 2025-04-24T01:01:02Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Trump has strained US-Europe ties, prompting allies to seek some independence. Europe is considering reducing reliance on US defense, tech, and economic ties amid tensions. Allies are considering counter-tariffs, defense diversification, and tech independence from the US. President Donald Trump has spent the first three months of his second term imposing his will on the rest of the globe, telling longtime allies that they "don't have the cards."But in capitals across Europe and elsewhere, debates are raging over the hands they could play.Proposals under consideration range from minor irritants to extreme actions that could sever defense and economic relationships that have cemented alliances for nearly a century.Those include finding alternative suppliers of military equipment and munitions from US-based defense contractors, enacting stronger counter-tariffs, rolling"There's a change in mindset. We've moved on from seduction to strategy," one EU diplomat said about dealing with Trump. "We'll take decisions to protect ourselves."The diplomat added: "We need to strike a path that works without Washington."Less than three months into Trump's term, his pursuit of a transactional, mercantilist, and imperialist foreign policy has rattled leaders across the globe. It started with the president's persistence in talking about annexing Canada and Greenland, his eagerness to end the war in Ukraine largely on Russia's terms, and Vice President JD Vance's caustic comments describing Europe as freeloaders. But Trump's market-cratering move this month to impose massive tariffs on nearly all US trading partners — based on a formula scores of economists found bizarre — caused many longtime allies to shed any last remnants of magical thinking that they could manage or contain this predictably unpredictable American president as they did during his first term. On April 2, Trump announced "Liberation Day" tariffs. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Leaders from London to Warsaw, Helsinki to Rome, are continuing efforts to de-escalate and maintain productive relationships with Washington, while considering how to "de-risk" by protecting themselves from Trump's havoc. Their initial moves could be the first cracks in a dam that could break wide open, unleashing a torrent of increasingly punitive actions that, ultimately, could unravel a transatlantic alliance that has tied America to Europe for eight decades and refashion the global order.The White House, however, downplayed the potential for a rift, asserting that Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine — which he has undertaken with little input from NATO allies — are aimed at making Europe more secure, even though many of the continent's leaders fear that any potential concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin will make their collective security even more precarious."The President has led in an effort to bring the biggest conflict since WWII in Europe to a peaceful resolution, and he is helping restore international shipping lanes in the Red Sea that will also benefit European markets," said National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes. "We will continue to work with our European allies on ways to improve security cooperation — be that through foreign military sales, encouraging our allies to increase their defense budgets, and holding our adversaries like the Houthis accountable."Of course, private Signal messages during the attack on the Houthis laid bare how some of the president's most senior aides view Europe as "free-loading," with Vance lamenting that he "hated" bailing the continent out. Trump officials "seem to think Europe is this dying continent that has no future and is not capable of independent action, that Russia is the more formidable power," said Minna Ålander, a fellow on transatlantic defense and security at the Center for European Policy Analysis. "They may soon find out that the opposite is true."Shifting defense dollars away from AmericaFew countries across Europe are more indebted or unconditionally loyal to the US than Poland. And yet, posters are now showing up around Warsaw merging two silhouettes: Putin and Trump.It's an indication of the extent to which two months of direct threats and challenges from Washington are rapidly changing public opinion — and the private calculations of government officials — in Warsaw and in other European capitals.Trump has been pushing NATO members to increase their spending on defense, saying that the alliance's requirement that nations allocate 2% of GDP should be raised to 5%. But the result of his pressure may well be that NATO allies shift their defense investments away from American contracts, shrinking a lucrative financial arrangement upon which the US relies.Poland, which borders Ukraine and Russia-aligned Belarus, is already spending 4.7% of its GDP on defense, the most of any NATO member. And it buys more American defense equipment than any other country in the world. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have praised Poland as an exemplary ally. But Warsaw is reconsidering that partnership. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has ruled out the cancellation of any existing contracts, but there are qualms in Warsaw about entering new ones."Confidence in the USA has been severely shaken," said Pawel Kowal, the Ukraine envoy in Tusk's office. "I don't think we will be placing any more major orders with the American arms industry for the time being after analyzing our experiences with what is happening now."That's no small statement given how much Poland's procurement of American defense equipment, Kowal added, has helped to solidify relations with Washington, and the Trump administration in particular. Poland plans to spend $47.1 billion on defense in 2025, more than half of which will go to US contractors. But Kowal says Poland now needs "to diversify our arms purchases" and "to buy in Europe or rely more on our own Polish arms industry."Cezary Tomczyk, Poland's deputy defense minister, said that maintaining strong ties to the US remains important, noting that Trump has encouraged Europe to be more self-reliant and saying investing more in production in Poland is part of that. But Tomczyk offered a word of caution, noting that the US has tangible interests in Poland as well. "If the US alienates Poland, it would not be good for the US," he said.As Trump prepared to take office for the second time, European leaders strategized that they could keep him engaged with NATO by meeting his demand that they increase defense spending with commitments to direct most of their outlays to American companies. Now, they're moving in the opposite direction."Europe is now going to heavily increase its investments to defense. And it will be very logical that Europe is turning this money to its own economy," said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who also referred to the sudden questions about the reliability of American-made weapons systems. "There must be a political trust that if you buy something, you must be sure that you can use them as well."Many of the countries determined to boost defense spending are loath to invest in America's defense industrial base — and newly aware that placating Trump isn't as simple as it was during his first term."In previous years, under Trump 1.0 and even afterward, we said, yes, we can appease him. He wants to make deals, he wants us to go on a big shopping spree from him: Buy F-35s, Patriots, liquified natural gas, and all sorts of other things … and then he'll be appeased," said Peter Beyer, a member of Germany's Bundestag from the conservative Christian Democrats, the party expected to lead Germany's incoming government. "I think that's a much too simplistic calculation. It all doesn't add up, at least not today. It won't work."Trump's willingness to use US-controlled weapons systems as leverage over Ukraine in the midst of a war has given rise to new worries. Canada, Portugal, Denmark and Germany have publicly expressed reservations about continuing to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US given that Trump, in the event of a political disagreement, could block access to spare parts and software upgrades needed to keep the aircraft flying and combat-ready. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has said Berlin will honor its F-35 contracts. Sean Gallup/Getty Images German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has asserted that Berlin will continue to honor its F-35 contracts, calling the US "an important ally for us." But he has also made clear that's at least partly due to a lack of other options when it comes to upgrading a current fleet that is about to age out.Beyer, a former transatlantic coordinator for the German government, said that even if concerns about an F-35 "kill switch" aren't reality-based, it would be "daft" for Berlin to continue relying so heavily on America's security backing given the administration's approach."If we purchase weapons systems, be it Patriot, F-35 or whatever, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, we have to be aware that it's like a Damocles sword that a shutdown could occur," Beyer said. "This thought is now there in people's minds, also in connection with Starlink, Elon Musk and the data for Ukraine — this discussion is in full swing."Given that Europe is so integrated into America's defense industrial base after decades of procurement, finding European alternatives to US systems won't happen overnight.But even the US-made Patriot system has its challengers. The French-Italian SAMP/T, which takes only two years to produce, is now going through upgrades to put its range on par with Patriots. And confidence about it being a viable alternative has grown after its widespread usage by Ukraine over the last few years.Targets on specific productsOn April 2, Trump levied 20% tariffs on the EU as part of a sweeping policy shift aimed at erasing trade deficits, only to abruptly hit the pause button less than a week later to halt a global economic panic that was starting to affect even America's bond market.Some countries — and their citizens — are now looking at how to hit back at individual companies or industries to cause pain or grab headlines in the United States.Some EU governments are considering weaponizing agricultural and environmental standards to discriminate against American products. They could ban specific products from certain Trump-supporting states, like Kentucky bourbon or Florida orange juice.As boycotts of Tesla have already shown — European sales were down 45% in January — public sentiment alone could drive people to stop buying American products on their own.Across the continent, Facebook groups devoted to organizing boycotts of American products have amassed tens of thousands of followers. In Denmark, a survey showed that roughly half the population has avoided buying American products since Trump's inauguration. And the country's largest grocery store operator now marks whether products sold are from European companies on its electronic price tags. Price tags marked with a black star help consumers identify and buy European-produced groceries as some activists call for a boycott of goods and services made in the US to protest against Trump's policies. Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images There's also tourism. Canada is among a handful of countries that have issued advisories warning about traveling to the US, going as far as to ask citizens to "reconsider" visiting the States. Passenger bookings on airline routes between the US and Canada are down 70% compared to the same period a year ago, a shift that industry analysts believe will cost $2 billion in lost travel and business revenue. Similarly, travel from Europe to the US has dropped by 35% in the last two months. If Trump imposes tariffs he is weighing on pharmaceuticals coming into the country, the EU might decide to add export controls on top of that — making Americans pay even more for popular drugs like Ozempic, Novo Nordisk's obesity and diabetes drug, which is largely produced in Denmark.Disrupting supply chainsSome countries are also looking at ways to limit — or make more costly — essential products or services the US depends on.The EU could impose export tariffs on EU-produced machinery, electrical equipment or pharmaceuticals — creating immediate price pressure on US supply chains. That would come at a high cost for European countries, but some officials and analysts aren't ruling it out."Europe can have some chokepoints vis à vis America. Europe trades in machinery and optical equipment, we can effect a standstill of American production," Swedish economist Frederik Erixson said. "These products are not easily substitutable."For instance, Europe could impose export controls on products made by Dutch company ASML, the world's biggest provider of photolithography machines which are used to produce computer chips. This would force US manufacturers that use ASML technology — American consumers — to pay more. Other choke points could be highly advanced technology products made by Nokia and Erikson that are essential to network operators.Erixon described such moves as "the nuclear option" in a transatlantic trade war, given how intertwined their supply chains are. But, he said, "America is in a predicament because it wants to impose general tariffs, whereas the EU has the possibility of rearranging trade flows."Some European companies have taken to disrupting supply lines on their own. A Norwegian fuel supplier refused to refuel the US Navy warships and submarines after Trump and Vance berated Ukraine's president in the Oval Office. It was an isolated incident, but illuminated how much American interests rely on and benefit from strong alliances — and what stands to be lost if relationships deteriorate.And allies closer to home have other levers to pull. Canada supplied 27,220,531 megawatt hours of electricity to the US last year, not to mention 59% of the crude oil America imports — a point of leverage, some leaders have noted, in the event of a protracted trade war. The premier of Canada's largest province threatened last month to shut off the electricity that powers much of New England and the Great Lakes. states, vowing that Americans "need to feel the pain" from Trump's trade war.At the same time, the premier of Nova Scotia said American companies would no longer be able to bid on provincial procurement contracts and could see their existing contracts cancelled, remarking that "some people need to touch the hot stove to learn."Sticking it to Silicon ValleyMusk's involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency and the presence of a raft of tech CEOs at Trump's inauguration have highlighted the extent to which US tech leaders are increasingly in league with Trump. The EU had already been in the lead on regulating tech companies and attempting to curb the spread of misinformation on privately owned platforms like Musk's X. But there had been a sense of wanting to work together with the US on policies and standards.That's changing.In the Netherlands, lawmakers last month approved funding for a new Dutch-controlled cloud services platform to reduce the country's reliance on US tech companies.That followed a call from Dutch Prime Minister Alexander De Croo for the EU to "take action" in response to Musk's involvement in recent European elections where he advocated for far-right candidates. The EU has been investigating X, the social media platform Musk owns, for nearly a year and a half over suspected breaches of Europe's Digital Services Act, which requires platforms with over 45 million monthly users to comply with a raft of stringent rules designed to keep users safe and curb the spread of illegal, harmful content.Cutting against the grain, Britain is considering a cut to the digital services tax levied on tech giants, although the optics of doing so would be extremely uncomfortable at a time when the government is also drawing up plans to reduce welfare payments for disabled people.In a sign of how countries can leverage their own tech markets and companies that are important to the US, China is harnessing its control over TikTok's future in the US. Trump has been forced to delay the enforcement of a law requiring that TikTok find a new owner in the US or be banned over security concerns. That's because Beijing, upset about being hit with additional tariffs, scuttled a tentative deal giving a group of American investors a 50% stake in the company.Going it aloneWhether allies in Europe or the Americas end up implementing some of the more aggressive responses they're now discussing, Trump's unilateral approach and disregard for the interwoven economic and security interests at the core of longstanding alliances has heightened the urgency of lessening their dependence on Washington.No one put it in more stark terms than Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, responding to Trump's tariffs: "The old relationship we had with the United States, based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation, is over," he said in late March.Increasingly, Europe's sudden seriousness about defense spending isn't driven by the idea that placating Trump will help maintain American hard power as a backstop for the continent's defense — but by the realization that in many ways Europe is already on its own.That's a message Hegseth and Vance have conveyed directly both in private meetings and public statements.Following his election two months ago, Germany's new chancellor, Freidrich Merz, declared his top priority to be strengthening Europe to "achieve independence from the USA," lamenting that Trump has made clear that "the Americans … are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe."To that end, Merz succeeded in winning the Bundeswehr's approval to skirt Germany's "debt brake" and dramatically boost defense spending, a striking about-face for a country that has been wary of greater militarization since the end of World War II.And as more countries follow suit, there is growing interest in forming new coalitions. Several countries in Europe's north and east appear interested in joining the six-member Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, or OCCAR, which manages armament programs on behalf of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Belgium. Denmark has joined the European Sky Shield Initiative to create a multi-layered air defense system in Europe. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is seen aboard the Danish Navy inspection vessel Vaedderen. Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP Denmark, which has long contributed more to NATO defenses than many larger member countries, has joined the European Sky Shield Initiative to create a multi-layered air defense system in Europe."In three to five years, we need to be totally able to defend ourselves in Europe," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told POLITICO last month.Similarly on the trade front, allies are eager to insulate themselves from Trump's erratic approach by replacing trade with the US with new partners. French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin said last week that Paris was suddenly re-thinking its opposition to a massive EU trade pact with several South American nations, calling on leaders in Brussels to address French concerns so that the "Mercosur" deal could be finalized. Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement, Saint-Martin said, was "a wake-up call."After Trump's reversal on tariffs left China as his primary target under an increased 145% tariff, Beijing opened negotiations with the EU to abolish the bloc's tariffs on imported vehicles from China. Those discussions, if successful, could dramatically reduce the volume of American-made vehicles sold in the European market.In the long run, Trump's belief that he has better cards could weaken America's hand, reducing its leverage over longtime allies once they're more independent from Washington."We need to take advantage of the crisis with the US, to rebuild our economic, defense and energy sovereignty," said a former French minister. "And we need to carry on hitting back."Stokols reported from Washington; Fritz reported from Warsaw; Caulcutt reported from Paris and Schultheis reported from Los AngelesNicholas Vinocur in Brussels and Esther Webber in London contributed to this report.This text is a collaboration of the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network. It has been edited and condensed from its original version. Recommended video

Being invited to the Met Gala is one thing, but being named a co-chair of the annual event is an even bigger honor.In 1995 — 30 years ago! — Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour began cohosting the event alongside fellow editors, socialites, and even European royalty.She then began passing the job on to designers, actors, musicians, and even athletes in recent years.But what do the Met Gala co-chairs do, and who's previously held the title?While Wintour has never revealed their exact role, it's rumored that co-chairs help plan the event's dress code, dinner, and performances.They're also some of the first stars to arrive on the red carpet each year, helping to exemplify the night's dress code, and their names are used to promote the annual event in the months leading up to it.The 2025 Met Gala co-chairs are Lewis Hamilton, PharrellHere's a look back at who's held the honor in the past. 2024: Wintour, Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth, and Bad Bunny Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Zendaya, and Chris Hemsworth onstage during the 2024 Met Gala. Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue The theme of 2024's celebration was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," which brought back vintage looks and styles that hadn't been seen in years. 2023: Michaela Coel, Dua Lipa, Roger Federer, and Penélope Cruz Co-chairs Michaela Coel, Dua Lipa, Roger Federer, and Penelope Cruz pose at The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 Cindy Ord/MG23/Getty Images The theme honored Chanel icon Karl Lagerfeld, with "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty." 2022: Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Regina King The 2022 Met Gala theme was "In America: An Anthology of Fashion." John Shearer/Getty Images; Mike Coppola/Getty Images; Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images The 2021/2022 Met Gala was a two-part event, with the first part held in September 2021 and the second in May 2022.In 2022, the Met Gala returned for the culmination of the American-themed two-part celebration.Lin-Manuel Miranda, who missed out on the chance to co-chair in 2020, helmed the event alongside husband-and-wife duo Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds and overall icon Regina King, who didn't walk the carpet at the big event. King's son died in January 2022, so she was likely still mourning the loss. 2021: Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman, Timothée Chalamet, and Naomi Osaka The Met Gala returned from its pandemic hiatus in September 2021. Kevin Mazur/MG21/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue Part one of the two-part Met Gala, which was held in September 2021, was sponsored by Instagram and themed in "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion." 2020: Meryl Streep, Nicolas Ghesquière, Emma Stone, and Lin-Manuel Miranda The 2020 Met Gala was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then returned in September 2021 for the first of a two-part event. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images The 2020 Met Gala was, of course, canceled due to the pandemic. But had it taken place as scheduled on May 4, the theme would've been "About Time: Fashion and Duration," sponsored by Ghesquière's Louis Vuitton. 2019: Serena Williams, Harry Styles, then-Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, and Lady Gaga The 2019 Met Gala's dress code was "camp." Kevin Mazur/MG19/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue 2019's theme was "Camp: Notes on Fashion," and it was sponsored by Gucci. 2018: Donatella Versace, Amal Clooney, and Rihanna The dress code for the 2018 Met Gala was "Sunday best," prompting celebrities to don Catholic-themed attire. Dimitrios Kambouris/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue Rihanna's Met Gala looks had long earned her the title of "Queen of the Met Gala," and in 2018, she added the title of co-chair. The year's theme was a bold one: "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." It was sponsored by Versace and Christine and Stephen Schwarzman, who also served as co-chairs.Stephen Schwarzman is a cofounder and CEO of The Blackstone Group, a private equity firm that has a stake in Versace. 2017: Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen, Pharrell, and Katy Perry As the theme was based on her designs, Rei Kawakubo was an obvious choice for honorary chair, along with Caroline Kennedy. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; Neilson Barnard/Getty Images; Karwai Tang/WireImage The 2017 theme was "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between," celebrating the Japanese brand, and was a joint sponsorship between Apple, Condé Nast, Farfetch, H&M, and Maison Valentino. 2016: Idris Elba and Taylor Swift The evening's third host was Apple Chief Development Officer Jonathan Ives. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; Larry Busacca/Getty Images The event, fittingly sponsored by Apple, was themed "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology."The evening's honorary hosts were returnees Nicolas Ghesquière, Karl Lagerfeld, and Miuccia Prada.It's believed that Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn met at the 2016 Met Gala. A lyric in Swift's song "Dress" describes each of their looks from the event. Swift and Alwyn's relationship would last for six years. 2015: Jennifer Lawrence and Gong Li The 2015 Met Gala theme was "China: Through the Looking Glass," and it was sponsored by Yahoo. Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic; Larry Busacca/Getty Images In addition to the actresses, then-CEO of Yahoo Marissa Mayer and entrepreneur/movie producer/third wife of Rupert Murdoch, Wendi Murdoch, also hosted the event, plus honorary chair and Hong Kong billionaire Silas Chou. 2014: Bradley Cooper and Sarah Jessica Parker The 2014 Met Gala was sponsored by Aerin Lauder's lifestyle brand, AERIN. Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Larry Busacca/Getty Images The other hosts for the "Charles James: Beyond Fashion"-themed night were Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch, Aerin Lauder, and Oscar de la Renta. 2013: Former Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci, Rooney Mara, and Vogue editor Lauren Santo Domingo The evening was sponsored by Modus Operandi, which Santo Domingo co-founded. Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; Karwai Tang/FilmMagic This year's theme, "Punk: Chaos to Couture," remains one of the most iconic Met Gala themes. In addition to these four, Beyoncé was an honorary co-chair. 2012: Carey Mulligan As Amazon was the sponsor of the 2012 Met Gala, Jeff Bezos was an honorary chair. Randy Brooke/WireImage; Stephen Lovekin/FilmMagic "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" was the theme of 2012's Met Gala, which was also chaired by Miuccia Prada. 2011: Colin Firth and Stella McCartney Also in 2011, Salma Hayek got to join her husband, François-Henri Pinault, as an honorary chair. Dimitrios Kambouris/FilmMagic; Larry Busacca/Getty Images; Kevin Mazur/WireImage That year's theme was "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" to honor McQueen after his death in February 2010. 2010: Former Gap Vice President Patrick Robinson and Oprah Winfrey In honor of the "American Woman" theme, many of the outfits for the 2010 Met Gala incorporated reds, whites, and blues. BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images The night, which was sponsored by Gap, was themed "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity." 2009: Justin Timberlake and Kate Moss Marc Jacobs served as honorary chair and also sponsored the 2009 Met Gala. BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images The 2009 Met Ball was themed "The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion." 2008: Julia Roberts and George Clooney The 2008 Met Gala was sponsored by Giorgio Armani, who also served as honorary chair. BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images The gala's theme was "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy." 2007: Cate Blanchett and Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga's creative director Balenciaga sponsored the 2007 event. BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images The evening was themed "Poiret: King of Fashion," dedicated to legendary designer Paul Poiret. 2006: Burberry design legend Christopher Bailey and Sienna Miller The honorary chairs were former Burberry CEO Rose Marie Bravo and Peregrine Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire. Burberry sponsored the 2006 Met Gala. Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Fittingly, the Burberry and British-heavy night was themed "AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion." 2005: Nicole Kidman and Karl Lagerfeld In addition to Lagerfeld, Caroline, Princess of Hanover, was also an honorary chair. Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Of course, as the night's theme was "House of Chanel," no one but Lagerfeld could've been a chair. 2004: No co-chairs Anna Wintour hosted the 2004 Met Gala on her own. Evan Agostini/Getty Images The 2004 Met Gala had no co-chairs beyond Wintour. The year's theme was "Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century." 2003: Tom Ford and Nicole Kidman At the time, Ford was the creative director of Gucci, which sponsored the 2003 Met Gala. Gucci via Getty Images The evening's theme was "Goddess: The Classical Mode." 2001: Oscar de la Renta and his wife Annette, and designer Carolina Herrera As the 2001 Met Gala was centered on her, Jacqueline Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, and her husband, Edwin A. Schlossberg, were honorary chairs. Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images; Evan Agostini/Getty Images; George De Sota/Newsmakers L'Oréal CEO Lindsay Owen-Jones and his wife, Cristina, also chaired the "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years"-themed event, as L'Oréal was the night's sponsor.The Met Gala was canceled in 2002 in the wake of 9/11, and next occurred in 2003. 1999: Estée Lauder's style-and-image director Aerin Lauder and Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Hilfiger was flanked by Aerin Lauder (left) and Vogue editor Anna Wintour at the 1999 Costume Institute Gala. Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images The last Met Gala of the 20th century was themed "Rock Style." There was no Met Gala in 2000, so the first Met Gala of the 21st century wasn't held until 2001. 1998: Designer Miuccia Prada and socialite Pia Getty. They also shared chairing duties with actor and socialite Paula Cussi. Rose Hartman/Archive Photos/Getty Images; Jim Spellman/WireImage; Steve Eichner/Getty Images The theme was "Cubism and Fashion," and it was sponsored by the Prada brand. 1997: Socialite Julia Koch, and W and Women's Wear Daily editorial director Patrick McCarthy Wintour resumed Met Gala co-chairing duties in 1997, after skipping 1996. Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images; Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images; Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images That year's theme was "Gianni Versace," dedicated to the designer after his death in July 1997. 1996: Harper's Bazaar editor in chief Elizabeth Tilberis, Marie-Chantal, the Crown Princess of Greece, and philanthropist and socialite Helene David-Weill David-Weill is the wife of powerful New York investment banker Michel David-Weill. Evan Agostini/Liaison/Getty Images; Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images; THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images The theme of the 1996 Met Gala was simply "Christian Dior." 1995: Annette de la Renta and Clarissa Bronfman 1995 was the year Wintour became the chairwoman of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images The first Met Gala chaired by Anna Wintour occurred on December 4, 1995. Legendary designers Gianni Versace and Karl Lagerfeld were honorary chairs that year, and the theme was "Haute Couture."Annette de la Renta was the wife of the late designer Oscar de La Renta, while Bronfman is the wife of Edgar Bronfman Jr., a legendary businessman, producer, and former CEO of Warner Music Group.

Suddenly everyone remembers they like Oblivion (Bethesda) The Thursday letters page hopes that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the success it deserves to be, as a reader tries to puzzle out Ghost Of Yōtei’s release date. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk Nostalgia is the answer I don’t understand the rapturous reception to The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remaster.It’s the same game we’ve all played before, with a nice new lick of paint and some mechanical tune-ups. Are people misunderstanding it to be a full remake with updated content? Am I misunderstanding and it actually is that? I’ve very recently returned to modern gaming after a fair amount of time out playing retro consoles instead, so I’m a bit out of the loop, but I expected widespread condemnation of Bethesda yet again asking fans to pay for a game they’ve already bought. The general response I’m seeing out there though, more measured comments in Wednesday’s Inbox apart, seems to be one of utter delight. Theresa May was the Prime Minister when that Elder Scrolls 6 teaser was released, surely a lot of fans would rather Bethesda spend their money on getting that game done than regurgitating old content, but the response to the remaster seems to send the opposite message.Charlie GC: Well, for starters Bethesda didn’t really make it; they farmed out most of the work to Virtuos. It’s not quite a remake but it is one of the most substantial remasters we’ve ever seen. That said, we do agree it’s odd in that we’ve barely heard anyone ever mention the game in the last 10 years or more. Maybe that’s part of the reason: it got forgotten and people are now happy to be reminded of it. What’s wrong with this face? RE: Bosley’s submission to the Inbox and their disappointment with Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion’s facial animations. The best I’ve seen so far in a game are there in L.A. Noire. I’m pretty sure that an engine was designed around it but that went belly up when Team Bondi fell out with Rockstar. I’m not too sure about the ins and outs of it all.It’s still mighty impressive to this very day and we are about 14 years down the line now. Surely, we can expect better by this (my) idiot’s estimation of unfathomable tech. I’m starting to think it’s some kind of conspiracy at this point. It all just looked and felt so organic. It still holds up.D Dubya GC: We’d say there’s plenty that have surpassed L.A. Noire by now, including the likes of The Last Of Us, Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, and Mortal Kombat 1. Although anything’s better than Bethesda’s facial animation. Support the change you want to seeClair Obscur: Expedition 33 always looked good, but I don’t think many expected the universal high praise it’s receiving. It looks and sounds very interesting. It’s caused me to pre-oder it on PlayStation 5 and I have it downloading now, ready for the weekend. Although I have a ridiculously long wishlist, and back catalogue of ridiculously good games to already play or buy, I do try to support the things I want more of in the industry with day one buys like I did with Astro Bot, Silent Hill 2, and Stellar Blade last year. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the sort of quality, unique double-A-like game at a sensible price we need more of. I felt a bit guilty with the price in all honesty. It’s £45 in the PSN store but a combination of a 10% PS Plus discount and ShopTo PSN vouchers it cost me £35.62. It’s also day one on Game Pass.Simundo GC: That kind of stuff doesn’t matter; the developer will still get the same cut. Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk A month out I lucked out on securing an Argos pre-order for the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle a couple of weeks ago and have since sold my Switch and PlayStation 5 to fund it (and a pre-order of Donkey Kong Bananza).This means I have no means of playing video games until June 5th, seeing as I’ve also let my Netflix subscription expire and am living my gaming life through GC’s content and eagerly awaiting the next nuggets of info on the Switch 2 and its games. After last week’s Mario Kart World Direct, have Nintendo announced whether there will be any more Directs before the Switch 2 release date? I wonder if they plan on having a not-E3 Direct this year, as that’d usually land the week of/after the Switch 2 launch but I’m not sure they’d want to distract any publicity away from the new console launch. Especially if it’s as successful as Japan’s My Nintendo lottery suggests it might be.Hubert GC: They haven’t said anything yet, but their not-E3 Direct is usually happens in the third week of June. The question is whether they keep that date or have one or more before it. Either way, unless they’ve got a secret Christmas game, we don’t think they’re going to announce any other major first party titles this year. Maybe if there was some evidence that they’d been shaken by fan backlash, but we don’t see any real sign of that. Public demand Hang on, Nintendo has had 2.2 million pre-order requests in Japan? And the previous best was the PlayStation 2 at less than 1 million? That is a staggering number, no wonder they ran out of stock.I know Nintendo has made some odd mistakes with the reveal, but I don’t think any of them are very serious and, at least in Japan, this thing is going to be huge. And if it’s huge there I can’t imagine it’s going to be anything close to a flop in the US or Europe. With so much misery still in the games industry, in terms of how it treats its developers and its brainless short-sightedness over things like live service titles, we need a win, and everyone should hope the Switch 2 is a hit. GTA 6 too.Ashton Marley Alternate dimensions Just want to say to Charlie H in Wednesday’s inbox, if they ‘must’ go for a Mario sports game, I’d personally go with Mario Golf: Super Rush. Or if you can stomach a lot to remember (in a way) the Tokyo Olympics game with Sonic – though it’s not worth full price in my eyes.Also, and I know this will be a hot take, but I’d grab Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury or Wonder over Odyssey – but that’s based on a few things. I personally found Odyssey way too big and never really got on with it (I’m a heathen, I know!); Wonder however is obviously 2D and is pure-old-school-with-a-new-twist platforming perfection. That said, if you like a real challenge in a 3D platforming world, go for either of those two – Odyssey, I believe, is harder overall. So really, pick your style – 2D or 3D! Can always buy one first and then get another later!Andy F. GC: We agree Super Rush is the best of the sports games. They’re all fine, but none are great. Insider knowledge So I guess there’s two possibilities with Ghost Of Yōtei’s release date: Sony is taking a risk about GTA 6/don’t care about it or Sony know GTA 6 isn’t out in October. Considering how weird they’ve been all generation I’m not sure that’s an easy guess to make, but I’ve got to plump for the idea that they know.So do they know it’s another month in the autumn or do they know it’s delayed? There’s no way to guess but I find it easy to believe the rumours about Sony having a marketing deal with the game and that there’ll be bundles with the PS5 Pro. So I think they know. Whether they’ll do anything sensible with the information remains to be seen.Gabbo Sweet week It is truly one of the most savoury weeks in gaming history. We’ve had a shadow release of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, which has released on Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation. I’m currently using the second option and it is everything we desired it to be. The majesty of Unreal Engine 5 is honestly what was needed for Starfield. We see that looking like a 2008 release and out of nowhere, Cyrodill is a majestic beauty.Hopefully this is Bethesda teasing us, with the usage of this engine for the Elder Scrolls 6. Heaven knows we need it. We’ve also seen the debut JRPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 release to stellar reviews and a reasonable price tag. 92 on Metacritic currently, which is just a miracle. I’ve already installed it, from Game Pass, and I’m just raring to dive into this world. Just as soon as I’ve wrapped up Oblivion. Thirdly, the US is opening up pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, when the clock strikes midnight. It’s long overdue, factoring Trump’s tariffs causing a delay. I hope to see many citizens securing their pre-orders tonight. When I secured mine, it was without the luxury of a pre-set time. At least the US has that heads-up, to know when to be ready and present. Lastly, Sony have literally conjured up a cocktail of excitement, surprise, and confusion. Ghost Of Yōtei has been officially announced, for October 2025. With no fanfare or even a showcase announcement. That’s baffling to say the least. You unveil a deeply anticipated sequel, and the release date is just handed to us, like that. I’m absolutely pumping my fist and I’m slightly worried it’ll be overshadowed by the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, since that’s apparently scheduled for an autumn release and I possibly can see Sucker Punch making a mistake with this. We saw it with Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West. It was released at the worst time possible. So, this may turn out to be quite an interesting time of the year. All in all, we’ve been spoiled rich this week and it’s a fantastic time to be a gamer, or a lover of gaming.Shahzaib Sadiq GC: It wouldn’t have been Sucker Punch’s decision; it would be Sony’s. Inbox also-rans So what is the betting that there’ll be a new F-Zero game on Switch 2? We already have the GameCube game coming, so is that just throwing us a bone or a sing of things to come?NoahJust finished Indiana Jones And The Great Circle and loved it, even though the ending wasn’t the best. Is there any DLC planned? I saw there’s a secret ending, that I didn’t get myself, that seems to hint at it.Billy GC: Yes, there’ll be at least one slice of story DLC, called The Order Of Giants. More Trending Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk The small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content. You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot. You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter. Arrow MORE: Games Inbox: Will GTA 6 be on Nintendo Switch 2? GameCentral Sign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

The Nintendo Switch 2 is generating massive hype but if you haven’t preordered yet, you may want to know that stock is already very low at most retailers. Most retailers have limited allocations and not every customer is going to be guaranteed a unit at launch. Among the handful of stores still regularly stocking, Walmart is one of the sole retailers where you can still preorder and with some added perks that make it your best option. Preorders start on April 24 at midnight Eastern Time (12:00 a.m. ET), the equivalent of 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time on April 23. The sale allows gamers nationwide to place orders from home but the demand is so robust that most retailers will sell out immediately. Walmart has a steady supply of both the standard Nintendo Switch 2 console at $449 and the Mario Kart World bundle at $499, and it guarantees the delivery on launch day (June 5). Preorder Switch 2 at Walmart Preorder Switch 2 + Mario Kart at Walmart Launch Day Delivery The offer that truly sets Walmart apart from the other retailers is the guarantee of launch-day delivery which is June 5. Customers preordering through Walmart by 8 a.m. local time on June 4 will have their console delivered for free by 9 a.m. local time on June 5—launch day, no less. That guarantee is a valuable benefit especially when you know that many other retailers can’t promise launch-day delivery due to low inventory. If you don’t want to suffer the frustration of waiting in endless lines or indefinite shipping dates, Walmart is a great choice. The Nintendo Switch 2 console itself is ready with everything necessary for a seamless gaming experience: The box contains the console, Joy-Con 2 controllers (left and right), Joy-Con 2 Grip, Joy-Con 2 Straps, Nintendo Switch 2 Dock, ultra high-speed HDMI cable, AC adapter, and a USB-C charging cable. This means that you can play immediately without the need to make additional accessory purchases. As you probably know the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade from the original: It features a larger, crisper 7.9-inch 1080p display for handheld play and 4K output when docked to a TV which offers stunning visuals, and HDR support. The console also boasts improved processing capabilities for smoother gameplay and faster load times, along with improved audio for a better overall experience. With demand through the roof and supplies limited, most retailers will sell out shortly after preorders open. Walmart is one of the few places accepting preorders but make sure you get yours before it runs out of stock (like it’s the case in the UK). If you want to reserve your place as one of the earliest to receive the Switch 2 when it’s released on June 5, your best bet is to act quickly and go with Walmart. Preorder Switch 2 at Walmart Preorder Switch 2 + Mario Kart at Walmart

The slate of animation coming to France’s annual Annecy Festival, running June 8-15, has been announced. And with it comes a lot of exciting presentations from global studios big and small celebrating the timelessness and reach of the medium around the world. Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. Animation, DreamWorks, and Sony Animation are among the larger studios making a splash at the festival, including anticipated projects from Star Wars, Stranger Things, Marvel, and DC. None other than Bugs Bunny himself, drawn in classic 2D by Warner Bros.’ Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, presented the Annecy trailer this year. The delightful short ad was directed by Grant Orchard (Hey Duggee) with executive producer Ben Bocquelet (The Amazing World of Gumball) with Eric Bauza voicing WB’s iconic character. It’s got us really excited for the annual international event and hopeful for more of the Looney Tunes’ presence during the ceremonies. Here are some of the titles we’re most excited to see and learn more about. Star Wars: Visions Fans of the anthology series will get an early peek at season three, which arrives in October and is led by Japanese animation houses. The specific short getting an Annecy spotlight, “Black,” is directed by Shinya Ohira and centers “a psychedelic battle between past and present, light and dark, and life and death plays out in the haunted psyche of an Imperial trooper who is on the cusp of defeat.” Pixar Animation Studios Spotlight Pixar CCO Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc., Up, Inside Out, Soul) will be presenting a showcase of the studio’s upcoming slate including Elio, Hoppers, and Toy Story 5. The festival will also celebrate 30 years of Toy Story with new behind-the-scenes look at the CG animated film that started it all. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2 Walt Disney Animation Studios’ CCO and award winning director-writer Jared Bush (Encanto, Zootopia, Moana) will appear at Annecy for the first time to give a sneak peek at Zootopia 2. Marvel Animation – Eyes of Wakanda Marvel Animation will host a special “making-of session” that will double as an exclusive premiere screening of the first episodes of its Black Panther universe series Eyes of Wakanda. “The story follows the adventures of brave Wakandan warriors throughout history. In this globe-trotting adventure, the heroes must carry out dangerous missions to retrieve Vibranium artifacts from the enemies of Wakanda. They are the Hatut Zaraze and this is their story.” The series hits Disney+ in August. A Legendary Encounter: Icons of Animation Celebrate The Simpsons The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, executive producer and showrunner Matt Selman, and animator David Silverman are set to be honored at the festival for the longest-running animated show’s achievements in the arts. A panel will “offer a rare insight into the groundbreaking legacy of The Simpsons in animation,” among other events that will take attendees behind the scenes of modern pop culture’s first family of animation. WB Animation’s Bat-Fam © WB Animation The creators behind Merry Little Batman including director Mike Roth will lift the lid on the caped crusader and son’s continuing adventures with Bat-Fam. Creating Creativity: Celebrating 25 Years of Cartoon Network Studios A conversation between creators of Cartoon Network’s most formative animation shows during its first 25 years, including Gendy Tartakovsky (Dexter’s Laboratory), Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls), Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time), Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe), J.G. Quintel (Regular Show), and  Adam Muto (Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake). Netflix Animation’s Stranger Things and In Your Dreams Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 showrunner Eric Robles will be on hand to give the world a first look at the animated show in the universe of Stranger Things. The streaming platform will also give a peek at  brother and sister adventure feature fantasy film In Your Dreams, which centers around the siblings going dream-hopping to find the sandman. Animal Farm Andy Serkis’ adaptation of  George Orwell’s ever-so timely Animal Farm will make its debut at Annecy as an official selection screening event. The film is directed by Serkis, written by Nick Stoller, produced by Aniventure and Imaginarium with CG production by Cinesite. Naruto x Oasis © Annecy Festival This looks unhinged as beloved anime Naruto sees a collab with Oasis “celebrating manga culture with an animated film inspired by the openings, taking the audience into an epic adventure alongside the Oasis mascots. This project pays tribute to the aesthetic and narrative codes of anime, captivating manga fans.” Sony Animation The all-animal animated sports feature Goat from Tyree Dillihay and co-director Adam Rosette will be featured at the festival. No word on any Spider-Verse action, however. DreamWorks The Bad Guys 2 will make its debut at the festival. We’re hoping there will be some sort of update on The Wild Robot 2, which we’re eagerly anticipating. For more information about Annecy 2025 visit the festival’s official site here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

House of After Image / ULTRA STUDIOSave this picture!© Yurika Kono Architects: ULTRA STUDIO Area Area of this architecture project Area:  82 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2023 Photographs Photographs:Yurika Kono Lead Architects: Yuji Mukaiyama, Yushi Sasada, Alyssa Ueno More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. This is a house for a young couple and their child, built in a typical Tokyo residential neighborhood in Tokyo. The site faces a relatively busy front street on the east side and a narrow alley less than two meters wide on the other. While the street side lacks any features, the alley side has a more intimate atmosphere created by neighboring houses cultivating gardens and plants. Therefore, the "facade" of the house was shifted toward the alley, where a garden and window were added to contribute to this atmosphere.Save this picture!The front, stripped of its facade, presents a quiet exterior that conceals the internal layout. Inside, the ceiling on the second floor was kept low, while the first floor was given a ceiling height of about four meters, creating a sense of vertical expansion within the limited floor area. In contrast to the expressionless exterior, the interior is defined by a symbolic black cylinder that divides the space.Save this picture!Around this black cylinder are various decorative elements, each with different origins. For instance, a silver horizontal cylinder above the window facing the alley serves both as a reflective surface to diffuse light from the high window and the garden view, and as a space for piping. A mirror affixed to a blue column allows someone in the kitchen to observe the living room. Elements on the north side, such as the kitchen and the cylinder, are mirrored and transposed onto the interior south wall as painted forms.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Meanwhile, on the upper floor, divided into small rooms, the black cylinder appears in each, indicating their relative positions. When sliding doors are opened, the cylinder connects the spaces, generating a sense of rotational movement. Additionally, color is scattered throughout the house as decorative elements. Illuminated by different lights over time, the house reveals a fresh appearance depending on the time and place. Amid all this, the black cylinder always appears as an "unseen area" within one's field of vision.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!This decorated space, only partially perceived due to the visual void created by the black cylinder, generates an infinite series of fragmented images as the perspective shifts. Meanwhile, through daily life, these images accumulate in the mind, making the residents' perception of the space increasingly concrete, while the black cylinder gradually fades from consciousness. The symbolic nature of the architecture recedes behind the cluster of fragmented images. It is perhaps at this point that the cylinder becomes part of the identity of the house and its residents. Just as people do not consciously notice their own nose within their field of vision, the residents, too, may one day come to see this black cylinder as transparent.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less About this officeULTRA STUDIOOffice••• Published on April 23, 2025Cite: "House of After Image / ULTRA STUDIO" 23 Apr 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1029350/house-of-after-image-ultra-studio&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

This tardigrade is sporting a new “tattoo” — represented in this magnified image by the highlighted dots, and visible in the inset image. (Image Credit: Adapted from Nano Letters 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c00378)NewsletterSign up for our email newsletter for the latest science newsTardigrades take extreme living to another level, thriving in the toughest conditions. These animals (nicknamed “water bears” for their rotund figure) live practically everywhere and can endure any ordeal thrown their way, from subzero temperatures to cosmic radiation. This unparalleled durability is what makes them the perfect candidate for microscopic tattoos, as shown in a new study published in the American Chemical Society’s Nano Letters.In this study, researchers have revealed a way for tardigrades to be tattooed, but not just for style points. The tiny tattoos given to the creatures were meant to test a procedure that could create micro- and nanoscale devices for living matter, a crucial advancement for biomedical fields.Read More: Can the Cute Tardigrade Survive in Space?Creating Micro-Tattoos on TardigradesThe researchers involved with the study depended on tardigrades’ top-notch survivability to see how a living creature would react to a manufacturing process at the microscopic level, called microfabrication.  Microfabrication has been used to build miniature structures, like microchips, solar cells, and even biosensors that can detect cancerous cells, according to a statement on the study. It could also play a crucial role in medical technology, aiding drug delivery and tissue engineering. However, efforts to make this technology biocompatible are still underway — and that’s where the tardigrade tattoos come in.To test microfabrication on tardigrades, the researchers turned to ice lithography, a process that uses an electron beam to carve a pattern into a thin layer of ice coating the living tissue. Once the ice sublimates (changes into a gaseous state), the tissue is left bearing the freshly engraved design. “Through this technology, we’re not just creating micro-tattoos on tardigrades — we’re extending this capability to various living organisms, including bacteria,” said co-author Ding Zhao, a researcher at Westlake University in China, in a press release. Tardigrades in CryptobiosisThe researchers started the tattooing process by first dehydrating tardigrades so that they would enter cryptobiosis, a state in which all metabolic processes stop and the organism is rendered entirely inactive. They then put an individual tardigrade on a sheet of carbon-composite paper, which they cooled below negative 226 degrees Fahrenheit before blanketing the dormant water bear with a layer of anisole (an organic compound that smells like anise). As an electron beam hit the anisole and drew a pattern, it created another chemical compound that adhered to the tardigrade at higher temperatures. The tardigrade subsequently warmed to room temperature and was rehydrated, coming back to life with a brand new tattoo. An Exciting Era for MicrofabricationThe resulting tattoos came in several shapes, such as squares, dots, and lines. The ice lithography procedure left around 40 percent of the tardigrades alive, leading the researchers to state that it could improve with more testing. However, it seems the surviving tardigrades weren’t bothered at all by their tattoos, since they displayed no changes in behavior. The success of this technique brings encouraging results for microfabrication on living tissue, even beyond tardigrades. “It is challenging to pattern living matter, and this advance portends a new generation of biomaterial devices and biophysical sensors that were previously only present in science fiction,” said Gavin King, a University of Missouri physicist credited with inventing the ice lithography technique, who was not involved in this study, in the press release.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:American Chemical Society’s Nano Letters. Patterning on Living TardigradesJack Knudson is an assistant editor at Discover with a strong interest in environmental science and history. Before joining Discover in 2023, he studied journalism at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University and previously interned at Recycling Today magazine.1 free article leftWant More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/monthSubscribeAlready a subscriber?Register or Log In1 free articleSubscribeWant more?Keep reading for as low as $1.99!SubscribeAlready a subscriber?Register or Log In

Angel Island Rattlesnake (Crotalus angelensis) from Isla Ángel de la Guarda, Baja California, Mexico. (Image Credit: Jacob Loyacano)NewsletterSign up for our email newsletter for the latest science newsEncountering rattlesnake venom is something many of us would prefer to avoid. But for a research team from the University of South Florida, this venom may hold the key to species evolution and protection.A new study, published in Evolution, has revealed that island rattlesnakes in the Gulf of California adapt their venom depending on their environment and its biodiversity. This discovery comes as a surprise and helps provide new insights into how animals evolve in changing environments.“This isn’t just about rattlesnakes,” says Mark Margres, assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of South Florida, in a press release. “It’s about understanding the fundamental ways life evolves when isolation and biodiversity start to shift.”Read More: 10 of the World’s Deadliest SnakesThe Evolution of VenomFor this study, researchers camped along the beaches of 11 uninhabited islands in the Gulf of California. Once the sun set and temperatures cooled down, they combed the islands and collected venom from 83 different rattlesnakes.After analyzing the venom, they discovered some surprising results. “The Baja California islands are pristine and largely untouched by human activity, making them an extraordinary place to study evolutionary processes in isolation,” says doctoral student Samuel Hirst in the press release. “We initially hypothesized that larger islands, which support greater biodiversity and prey diversity, would be associated with more complex venoms, which are better suited for more diverse prey. However, we found the opposite pattern.”As it turns out, rattlesnakes that lived on the islands with the most space and the most competition had evolved a more specialized type of venom. This simpler venom contained fewer and more focused toxin families, suggesting that these rattlesnakes had evolved to effectively target extremely specific prey.The result surprised researchers and challenged long-standing beliefs about how the presence of other species can influence evolution. It was expected that rattlesnakes living alongside more species would have developed a venom that enables them to hunt a wider range of prey. However, the rattlesnakes studied did the opposite and adapted to competition by honing their venom and becoming the best hunters for their chosen type of prey.This evolutionary change offers a new understanding of how resilient and adaptable traits can be in an ever-changing environment.Changing EnvironmentsIn a world plagued by climate change, environments are constantly changing. Many of these changes are caused by humans, and not only affect species’ environments but can also alter them on the biological and molecular level. This type of research provides a rare glimpse into some of the evolutionary effects of rapid shifts in biodiversity. It also highlights the resilience of certain species and how they can evolve to survive even when their environments change quickly and drastically. Venom, in particular, is vitally important for many aspects of a rattlesnake’s livelihood, including survival, hunting, and reproduction. Due to its importance, it is incredibly valuable to help scientists understand broader evolutionary trends across different species.The team collected a large amount of data thanks to their rattlesnake venom, and hopes to continue exploring shifts in island biodiversity and the subsequent evolutionary changes in the animals that live there.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:As the marketing coordinator at Discover Magazine, Stephanie Edwards interacts with readers across Discover's social media channels and writes digital content. Offline, she is a contract lecturer in English & Cultural Studies at Lakehead University, teaching courses on everything from professional communication to Taylor Swift, and received her graduate degrees in the same department from McMaster University. You can find more of her science writing in Lab Manager and her short fiction in anthologies and literary magazine across the horror genre.1 free article leftWant More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/monthSubscribeAlready a subscriber?Register or Log In1 free articleSubscribeWant more?Keep reading for as low as $1.99!SubscribeAlready a subscriber?Register or Log In