NewsParticle PhysicsCosmic rays could help reveal how tornadoes formMuons could gauge pressure changes caused by twister-generating supercell thunderstorms Measuring conditions within supercell thunderstorms and their tornadoes (pictured) is a challenge. Subatomic particles called muons could help reveal pressure changes within storms.Ryan McGinnis/Moment/Getty Images PlusBy Emily Conover54 seconds agoSupercell thunderstorms are known for their devastatingly gnarly tornadoes, but exactly how the twisters form is poorly understood. A new study suggests that scientists could glean hints with a little help from the cosmos.Muons, subatomic particles that are like heavy versions of electrons, could reveal the atmospheric pressure within a thunderstorm and resulting tornado, researchers report in a paper accepted inPhysical Review D. The particles are produced by cosmic rays, which are an assortment of high-energy particles from space, including protons. When cosmic rays careen into the atmosphere, they produce muons that rain down on Earth including through tornadoes.

Nature, Published online: 08 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04108-4The enzyme nitrogenase fixes nitrogen gas to form bioavailable ammonia, a vital process for life. Two studies solve a long-standing mystery: how a small protein saves nitrogenase from destruction by oxygen.

Nature, Published online: 08 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08351-7Tripotential intermediate progenitor cells are responsible for the local production of GABAergic neurons, oligodendrocyte precursor cells and astrocytes in the human neocortex.

Nature, Published online: 08 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00015-4In a few decades, gene-editing technologies could reduce the likelihood of common human diseases. Societies must use this time to prepare for their arrival.

New research suggests that most of the atoms within the human body likely spent part of their lives drifting beyond the Milky Way on a cosmic "conveyor belt," before eventually returning to our galaxy.

The grandfather paradox is just one of the thorny logical problems that arise with the concept of time travel. But one physicist says he has resolved them.

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Marvel Rivals will soon kick off Season 1: Eternal Night Falls on January 10, and it wouldn't be a proper season start without a wide-range of balance changes to spice up the game's still in flux meta.In a blog post, developer NetEase outlined some of its philosophy in regards to the game's upcoming buffs and nerfs, stating it looked to adjust certain heroes in the name of "enabling a broader roster to partake in more intricate gameplay, ensuring a richer, more engaging, and diverse gaming experience for all." It outlined a number of different team compositions and strategies players are employing, and overall seems happy with what it calls a "vibrant diversity of lineups." That lineup is certain to change with the addition of the Fantastic Four this season, with heroes Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman joining the roster at the season's start. As for the changes themselves, there are a number of buffs and nerfs to heroes in each role, with a significant number of changes to Duelist heroes. Popular damage dealers Hawkeye and Hela are being brought down a peg, with Hela having her health slightly decreased while Hawkeye will no longer be doing quite as much damage at longer ranges. On the flipside, Black Widow (one of the game's least-picked heroes according to NetEase), is getting a number of buffs. Moon Knight's ultimate ability will be more effective in Season 1, while Psylocke's will be a little less effective as it will have to cut through enemy shields as well. Storm is getting much-needed buffs, with increased projectile speed and damage, as well as more bonus health upon finishing her ultimate ability. Winter Soldier, another popular Duelist pick, is losing a little damage but gaining more survivability.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The Lenovo Legion Go S will become the first PC handheld not named Steam Deck to run on Valve's SteamOS when it launches this May. On paper, the $500 handheld is more powerful than the Steam Deck. That said, it doesn't have an OLED display or trackpads, so you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of the Steam Deck vs. Legion Go S to make your choice.If you want a handheld running on SteamOS, that is. If you're interested in a Windows portable, you can get the Legion Go S sooner. Slated to release in the coming weeks for $730, the high-end Lenovo Legion Go S with Windows has double the RAM and storage space as the SteamOS edition and is available to preorder at Best Buy. Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows Version) $730 | Releases February 14 At CES 2025, Lenovo said the Windows version of the Legion Go S would be available this month, but Best Buy's listing has the new handheld marked for February 14.The Legion Go S is fitted with the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It has an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 LCD display with 120Hz variable refresh rate. Other features include adjustable RGB light rings around the analog sticks, two back buttons, one trackpad, and a pair of levers on the back that modify trigger tension.Unlike the original Legion Go, this one doesnt offer detachable gamepads or a kickstand, opting instead for a solid, streamlined design built specifically for handheld play. Lenovo increased the battery capacity from 49.2Wh to 55Wh with the Legion Go S.Lenovo will also launch a second Windows configuration in May for $600. This lower-priced model has 16GB RAM instead of 32GB. Preorders aren't live for the $600 model just yet. Preorder at Best Buy Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS Version) $500 | Releases in May The SteamOS edition isn't available to preorder yet, but it'll launch in May for $500. The Legion Go S will be the first third-party handheld that uses Valve's Steam Deck operating system. This model will receive the same updates as Valves Steam Deck. That means you wont have to worry about Valve abandoning SteamOS on the Legion Go S, as the team is treating SteamOS as a unified platform regardless of which handheld youre playing on.While it retains the Ryzen Z2 Go chip and the 8-inch 1200p display, the SteamOS edition is limited to 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. You can upgrade your SSD or expand the storage capacity via microSD.For comparison, the Steam Deck starts at $399 for the 256GB model with a 7-inch LCD display. The 512GB model with a 7.4-inch OLED display costs $549, and the 1TB OLED edition goes for $649.If you opt for the Legion Go S, you'll get a faster processor and a larger 8-inch screen with higher resolution--1200p compared to the Steam Deck's 800p resolution. That said, the Legion Go S uses an LCD panel, whereas the 512GB and 1TB Steam Deck models have better OLED screens.Lenovo went with a more conventional control layout with offset sticks, while the Steam Deck's two sticks, D-pad, and face buttons are essentially aligned. The layout admittedly looks odd, but the Steam Deck is a lot comfier than it looks. Valve's handheld has four remappable back triggers, while Lenovo's new handheld only has two. The Steam Deck also has two large trackpads, whereas the Legion Go S has one small pad. Adjustable trigger tension is unique to the Legion Go S.With these differences, it'll be interesting to see how the Legion Go S stacks up against the Steam Deck. Expect to learn more about the handheld as we get closer to its May release date. We'll update this article when preorders are available. See Lenovo handhelds at Best Buy The Legion Go S isnt the only upcoming handheld from Lenovo, as the brand is also working on a Legion Go 2. Itll arrive sometime this year (an exact date is yet to be announced) and features a more powerful Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, an 8.8-inch, 144Hz OLED display with VRR, and a 74Wh battery.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Call of Duty's big Squid Game crossover event is in full swing, and the newest DLC has landed in the store. Players can now buy the VIPs bundle, which allows players to don special masks inspired by the TV show.The VIPs Tracer Pack, as it's called, includes two Operators--the Panther Mask VIP and the Lion Mask VIP. The bundle also includes the "Choicest" launcher, the "Lacquered" sniper rifle, and the "Satin Slayer" SMG. A new frag grenade skin, "Death Plated," is included in the bundle as well.What's more, players get a new finishing move, "Pinky Up," as well as the "Gilded" emblem, "List Required" calling card, and "Very Important Player" loading screen. You can see this content in action in the video below. The bundle costs 2,400 COD Points, or about $20.Continue Reading at GameSpot