Lego sets really do make for the perfect gift. Youre not just giving your friend or family member a cool display, but also the experience of putting the set together themselves. And because of the wide range of media Lego covers from Star Wars to Marvel to Harry Potter and more, you can always find the perfect match for your loved one based on their particular interests and fandoms they follow. Or you can find the perfect match for your own interests. The holidays have passed on by, its time to put that gift card money to good use. Amazon has the Lego Star Wars Droideka model for build and display available at 20% off. Its normally going for $65, but after the discount, you can grab it for just $52. Thats a $13 savings.See at AmazonWhats so fun about Star Wars as a franchise is that every little creature, robot, or weirdo that ever stepped in front of the camera has a toy based around it. Somewhere out there is the worlds biggest Droideka and they have been graciously given their favorite line of destroyer droids in Lego form. My fondest memories of the Droideka, better known as rollies, involve rolling around as one of them in Star Wars Battlefront 2. That is the originalStar Wars Battlefront 2 for Xbox and PlayStation 2not the one that released in 2017.Channel the Force of Your CreativityThis buildable Droideka Lego droid figure as seen in both Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: The Clone Wars during the invasion of Naboo. contains 583 pieces. When fully assembled, the arms move back and forth in a realistic shooting motion. And of course, yes, it can transform into the iconic ball shape. Just remove and reattach the legs following the instructions. Though I wouldnt recommend rolling your Lego Droideka on its own as you might find yourself having to reassemble the 583 pieces.Also included in a second Droideka! Youll get a tiny Lego droid figure in addition to the main Droideka. Plus the box comes with a Lego Star Wars 25th Anniversary Brick to commemorate 25 years of Lego Star Wars toys.For a limited time, Amazon has the Lego Star Wars 25th Anniversary Droideka model for build and display going for a discounted price. Normally, the Lego destroyer droid goes for $65, but right now, you can get yours for 20% off, saving you $13 and bringing the price down to just $52.See at Amazon

Celebrations at Universal Studios, Disney Parks, and more will transport you into the new year with exciting experiences to set the vibe for the next 365 days.Heres how to ring in 2025 with thrills at theme parks and immersive themed NYE events. Universal Studios Hollywood EVE Universal Studios Hollywood will host EVE, its New Years bash with fireworks, energetic DJs, and themed photo ops in addition to its usual theme-park fun. Its all included in the price of a one-day theme park admission. Youll have access to a full day of rides and shows and a nighttime party starting at 9 p.m. with a special fireworks presentation at midnight. For tickets visit here. Before Epic Universe opens in 2025, you can ring in the new year at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk with live entertainment, DJs, and midnight countdowns at the Universal Orlando Resort. Both theme parks will include their NYE offerings with their day ticket and will be open until 1 a.m., with Citywalk as part of the fun till 2 a.m. More info here. Walt Disney World View this post on Instagram A post shared by ABC (@abc) Mickey and friends will be part of televised NYE celebrations but youll be able to ring in 2025 with them at Walt Disney World with celebrations at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and newly added fun at Hollywood Studios (opting out of the fun is Animal Kingdom). Heres a rundown of the events you can head to at the three Disney destinations on the East Coast. Tickets here.Epcot: World Showcase gets in on the fun all day as various countries celebrate when their respective time zones jump into the new year. And at midnight Orlando time, the park will light up with Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration. CommuniCore Plaza a family-friendly celebration with Latin flair United Kingdom Pavilion Silent Groove party complete with headphones Japan Pavilion dance to todays popular hits and international music Italy Pavilion dance away to EDM China Pavilion party with todays popular hits Magic Kingdom: A special presentation of Fantasy in the Sky will lead into a countdown at 11:50 p.m. along with the parks holiday magic. Disneys Hollywood Studios:Join in the fun with live entertainment and DJs all night long plus the Pixar Dance Party. There will also be special character interactions throughout, capped off with a New Year countdown fireworks show. DJ Party at Center Stage near Mickey & Minnies Runaway Railway from 6 p.m. to midnight Seasonz Jukebox marching band near Baseline Tap House at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. Pixar Party with Pixar Pals at Pixar Plaza from 7-11:25 p.m. Holiday Spirit Band performing on Sunset Boulevard at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 p.m. Street Party with a Latin Flair featuring the Rundown at Coaster Courtyard by Rock n Roller Coaster (before the Muppets take over) at 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 p.m. AREA15 NYE 2025 Masquerade Travel to a Galactic Ball or Venetian period fantasy at AREA15 for its NYE 2025 Masquerade, which brings to life realms from across time and space in Las Vegas immersive entertainment hub. Before the party takeover be sure to check out Meow Wolf: Omega Mart and its latest collab, Superplastics D.I.P.R. (Dopeameme Institute for Pleasure Research) participatory pop-up installation, which brings to life the artists toys in a clever commentary about our addiction to social media. For NYE Masquerade tickets visit here.Metropolis Ball at Los Angeles Historical Landmark Cliftons Digging into its sci-fi roots, Cliftons is evoking its history as the birthplace of ideas from sci-fi luminaries such as Ray Bradbury and Jules Verne as it faces the future of 2025. At the Metropolis Ball youll be able to journey into that retro future of innovation with mid-century flair in the many themed rooms with live entertainment and a midnight toast. There are various packages available to experience the fun with GA and more for purchase here. Meow Wolf Adulti-verse NYE Cosmic Cabaret: Meow Wolf Grapevine, TX: Cosmic Cabaret, a 21+ New Years Eve Multi-Dimensional Party at Meow Wolf in Grapevine, Texas, will take place Tuesday, Dec 31 at 8 p.m. Tickets here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

CADFEM Head Office / nbundm*Save this picture! Sebastian SchelsOffice BuildingsGrafing, GermanyArchitects: nbundm*AreaArea of this architecture projectArea:4400 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2020 PhotographsPhotographs:Sebastian SchelsManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: KEIM, Lamilux, FSB Franz Schneider Brakel, ADLER, Kone, Mosa, Renz, Warema Productstranslation missing: en-US.post.svg.material_descriptionMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. CADFEM needed a new head office in the Schammach business park in Grafing near Munich. It wanted its HQ to reflect its company philosophy and values, and enable modern working with a balance of work, relaxation, sports and inspiration. The office building is constructed in solid wood on a skeleton frame.Save this picture!Save this picture!The expressionistically shaped building looks narrow or long, pointed or flat, depending on the viewer's position; changing its appearance with the point of view.Save this picture!Save this picture!At the same time, it divides up the surrounding outdoor spaces into varying functional areas, which are organically arranged in contrast to the polygonal shell of the building. So the building nestles, as it were, in nature, the colors of which communicate with the wooden faade.Save this picture!Save this picture!In the interior, two naturally lit atriums with stairs, social areas, bistro and lounges form the beating heart of the building. All inbuilt furnishings, such as the tea and lounge kitchen, bar and corner benches, etc., are custom designed, as are all the other smaller fixtures, such as railings, sink cabinets, changing rooms and the mail room, all the way down to the WC pictograms, which were created using the building's shape.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:85567 Grafing, GermanyLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officenbundm*OfficeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on December 31, 2024Cite: "CADFEM Head Office / nbundm*" 31 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1012737/cadfem-head-office-nbundm-star&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?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

Whooping cough cases are increasing in the United States, having hit their highest point in a decade, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Based on the data, there were around 32,000 cases of whooping cough in the U.S. by mid-December in 2024, but around 6,000 cases by mid-December in 2023. There were also more cases of whooping cough in 2024 than in any other year since 2014 (and more cases than in all of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 combined).The increase represents a return to the typical, pre-pandemic prevalence of whooping cough, which tended to surge in cyclical patterns of over 10,000 cases a year prior to the appearance of COVID-19. According to the CDC, the return is tied to the reduction of pandemic precautions, including masking and social distancing, which fended off whooping cough as well as COVID-19. Whooping Cough CasesWhooping cough, also called pertussis, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Its initial symptoms are mild similar to those of the common cold and tend to last for one to two weeks, while its later symptoms are more severe and typically last for one to six weeks or more. In about a third of all cases, whooping cough causes coughing fits that are associated with a whooping sound, produced as patients inhale air after coughing. These coughing fits tend to worsen as the disease continues, increasing in intensity and frequency throughout the course of the disease. Whooping cough can also cause sneezing, stuffiness, fever, and fatigue, as well as difficulties with breathing. Whooping cough can be contagious for weeks after the start of its symptoms, and is spread when a person with the disease coughs or sneezes, sending out a spray of bacteria that others then breathe in themselves. As such, the disease is most transmissible when people spend time together, sharing space and touching the same surfaces.Whooping cough cases have increased in the U.S. since 1990, and are increasing again in 2024, hitting a high point after a drop in cases during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. So why are whooping cough cases surging today?Increasing Whooping CoughThe increase in whooping cough cases since 1990 is attributable to a combination of causes, including a change in whooping cough vaccines and an increased awareness of the disease, as well as an increased availability of diagnostic testing, according to the CDC. Mutations to the bacteria B. pertussis are also fingered for the increase in whooping cough cases, as these mutations make the bacteria a more formidable foe against whooping cough vaccinations. Reductions of pandemic precautions are also connected to the recent rise in whooping cough. CDC data shows that cases dropped from their pre-pandemic levels between 2020 and 2023, in part due to the preventative actions taken during the pandemic, which dulled the transmission of whooping cough as well as COVID-19. Thus, as the preventative actions taken during the pandemic decline, whooping cough cases are again increasing, returning to their pre-pandemic cycles and patterns of more than 10,000 cases a year.According to the CDC, the strongest protection against whooping cough is vaccination, which is suggested for infants, children, and adults, as well as during pregnancy. While infants and younger children receive doses of the DTaP vaccine, older children and adults receive doses and booster doses of the Tdap vaccine, both of which reduce the spread and severity of whooping cough, while also targeting tetanus and diphtheria.While vaccination reduces the risk of whooping cough, vaccinated individuals of all ages can still contract the disease, though their symptoms tend to remain mild. As such, both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are affected as the U.S. returns to its typical cycles of whooping cough.Article Sources:Our 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:Sam Walters is a journalist covering archaeology, paleontology, ecology, and evolution for Discover, along with an assortment of other topics. Before joining the Discover team as an assistant editor in 2022, Sam studied journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

(Credit: CHIEW/Shutterstock) NewsletterSign up for our email newsletter for the latest science newsBack in 1998, astronomers made a curious discovery. By studying the behavior of distant supernovas, they concluded that the universe is not just expanding, but that this expansion is accelerating. The cosmos, they concluded, is exploding. The discovery rocked cosmology. It implied that the universe would probably experience a long cold death as its components raced inexorably away from each other. It also raised the question of what was causing this acceleration. Cosmologists eventually decided that the expansion was being driven by a force they called dark energy and began to develop a cosmological model that could account for it, called the Lambda-Cold Dark Matter (CDM) model. The story reached a climax in 2011 when the astronomers behind the discovery were awarded the Nobel Prize for physics. But important questions remain and understanding this enigmatic phenomenon has since been a central challenge for modern cosmology. Dark IllusionNow the puzzle may finally be drawing to a close thanks to the work of Antonia Seifert and colleagues at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. This group has analyzed the most recent and most comprehensive observations of type-Ia supernovas and say the evidence is consistent with a model of the universe that isnt exploding after all. In other words, dark energy is merely an illusion.These results provide evidence for a need to revisit the foundations of theoretical and observational cosmology, say the team. At the heart of this debate is the distinction between the Friedmann-Lematre-Robertson-Walker model and a different model called timescape cosmology put forward by David Wiltshire and others in 2007 (Wiltshire is one of the authors of the new paper). The Friedmann et al model assumes the universe is homogeneous on the largest scales so that light propagates evenly in all directions. But various theorists have pointed out that the universe is far from homogeneous and instead peppered with high density galaxies and giant voids that form into giant filamentary-type structures on an even larger scale. Galaxies are well known to bend and distort light waves, and some cosmologists say the voids must do as well and have developed the mathematical tools to study how this might make the universe look to observers on Earth. Wiltshires contribution is a model based on this thinking called timescape cosmology that explores how the variations in gravitational forces across the universe can make time slow down for light waves. The effect is to make type-Ia supernovas look further away than expected and so appear to be moving faster. All this, he said, would create the illusion that the universe was exploding when, in actuality, the expansion of the universe might be slowing. Crucially, this perspective eliminates the need for dark energy. Of course, the ultimate test for cosmological theories is whether they are backed by observational evidence. So to test the timescape hypothesis, Seifert, Wiltshire, and co-conducted a model-independent analysis of the most extensive compilation of type-Ia supernovae observations to date, called the Pantheon+ dataset. Type-Ia supernovae are crucial here because they have a consistent intrinsic brightness that allows astronomers to determine their distance accurately.Seifert and co compared the predictions of the CDM model and the timescape model. The analysis revealed strong evidence favoring the timescape model. Notably, the Bayes factor a statistical metric used to compare models indicated a decisive preference for the timescape cosmology over CDM. When considering the entire Pantheon+ sample, we find very strong evidence in favor of timescape over CDM, say Seifert and co. Nuanced TheoryOf course, other groups will need to validate and repeat these findings. But if validated, the implications are profound. Dark energy, the distinct force driving the universe's acceleration, would be rendered unnecessary. Instead, the observed effects would stem from a nuanced understanding of general relativity applied to a clumpy, inhomogeneous universe.That means cosmologists will need to revise the CDM model, which has been the cornerstone of modern cosmology for decades. The CDM model incorporates dark energy using the cosmological constant, , but it also attempts to account for the powerful gravitational effects thought to be generated by cold dark matter, even though they have yet to observe dark matter directly. If dark energy is indeed an illusion, cosmologists will have to revisit this paradigm.That will be a relief for physicists who have long pondered how the universe can create so much energy dark or otherwise seemingly from nowhere.The paper by Seifert and co is by no means the last word. But they emphasize that their results are a compelling case for reevaluating the foundations of theoretical and observational cosmology. Our results imply profound consequences for cosmology and astrophysics, say Seifert and co. Whether dark energy will ultimately remain a cornerstone of cosmology or fade into history as an illusion of perception remains to be seen, but either way, the journey ahead looks exciting. Ref: Supernovae evidence for foundational change to cosmological models: arxiv.org/abs/2412.15143cosmology1 free article leftWant More? 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Hood ornaments started as a disguise for homely radiator caps more than a century ago. Once upon a time, radiator caps were featured on the outside of the car so drivers could keep an eye on the coolant water vapor temperature. Those caps werent particularly fetching as a design feature, so automakers started getting creative by adding car mascots.Early cars were not equipped with coolant temperature gauges. One enterprising company created the Moto-Meter, a temperature gauge mounted on the radiator. As manufacturers began to incorporate coolant temperature gauges, the Moto-Meter disappeared, but the hood ornament remained for some brands.Today, only a few high-end manufacturers still offer these gorgeous hood jewelry, like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. What happened to these mobile works of art?Ultra luxury brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce retain their hood ornaments, with a twist: they retract.Image: Kristin Shaw / Popular Science Pushed out for safety and designAccording to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automotive Museum in Auburn, Indiana, safety experts began to scrutinize hood ornaments as a potential hazard in collisions during the 1960s. Hood ornaments were omitted in subsequent designs during the same era; think Mustang, Corvette, Camaro, or a streamlined Plymouth Superbird. As cars got faster, automakers could see that anything that increased the coefficient of drag and affected its fuel efficiency was a liability. Hood ornaments like the whimsical Bugatti bear or Rolls-Royces Spirit of Ecstasy, sadly, can certainly affect a cars aerodynamics.In Europe, car regulations pushed out hood ornaments because of the risk they pose to pedestrians who get hit by cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says pedestrian fatalities increased 57 percent from 4,779 to 7,522 between 2013 and 2022. In September of 2024, the organization proposed a new rule that would establish test procedures simulating a head-to-hood impact and performance requirements to minimize the risk of head injury. Protruding sculptures like Leaper, Jaguars mascot, could ostensibly act as a spear in a collision with a pedestrian, I suppose, although finding statistics on actual injuries by hood ornament have been elusive.Not all car companies erased the mascots from their front ends back in the 60s, however. Cadillac kept its crest on the hood on some models even into the early 2000s, following a law that required the piece to bend on impact. Unfortunately, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz hood ornaments were stolen fairly often, and one prominent rapper wore them as neck ornaments instead (Im looking at you, Rick Ross). Rolls-Royce and Bentley have all but eliminated the vandalism and safety hazard issues with a cool trick: their mascots electronically disappear into a special compartment in front of the hood opening.Hood ornaments of the past, into the futureOne of my favorite hood ornaments of the past is Chryslers winged mascot, which looks quite a bit like a golden snitch from Harry Potters quidditch games. I have a 1956 Buick Roadmaster hood ornament on my desk, a ridiculously heavy chrome jet. Pierce-Arrows Archer adorned the bonnets of its pre-war cars, and its a sculpture worthy of an art museum.You might remember Cadillacs three-dimensional crest, however, the American brand also created two distinctive hood ornaments with the iconic flying Goddess and a heron in the 1930s. The Goddess returns in the GM luxury brands Celestiq as a glass-encased piece inside the cabin and the front fender, and it will be good to see her back. Perhaps more automakers will find ways to bring back their ornaments of the past as an emblem on the side of the car or integrated into the cabin.Hood ornamentsalso known as car mascotswere points of pride for automakers. L-R: Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Packard.Images: Kristin Shaw / Popular ScienceFifty years ago, car bling was also presented as a useful tool before in-car cameras came into play. In the December 5, 1972 issue of the New York Times, writer Jerry M. Flint said that automaker executives in Detroit believe [hood] ornaments give the driver an aiming point toward the center of the road, possibly making for easier and safer car handling. Dick Macadam, a chief stylist at the Chrysler Corporation, called the hood ornament a driving tool.William Mitchell, vice president for styling at GM, defended the use of car mascots as a style differentiator.I cant stand a hood that looks like a turkey roaster or a bedpan, Mitchell said. I can only imagine what Mr. Mitchell would say about some of the lozenge-shaped cars on the market today. The next time youre wandering along the rows of classic vehicles at a museum or car show, take note of the ornaments throughout history. And join me to mourn their decline.This story is part of Popular SciencesAsk Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know?Ask us.

Nature, Published online: 18 December 2024; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08333-9Motif grammar on nucleosome fibres acts as signpost elements, directing TF combinatorial binding to enhancers.

Nature, Published online: 18 December 2024; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04225-0Games, seasonal science songs, and Natures 10.

Nature, Published online: 18 December 2024; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04227-yIn a fiendish quiz our contestants battle to remember the details of the science stories that made 2024 special.

From arachnid-like formations and mysterious blobs to an underground ocean and a giant volcano, here are our 10 favorite things scientists discovered on Mars this year.