A photograph shows dogs passing by a Ferris wheel in background in the ghost town of Pripyat near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on May 29, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Credit: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty ImagesShareFeral dogs living near Chernobyl differ genetically from their ancestors who survived the 1986 nuclear plant disasterbut these variations do not appear to stem from radioactivity-induced mutations. The new findings are helping experts contextualize how such ecological catastrophes influence the environment around them, and how these effects ripple out over time.Chernobyls reactor meltdown remains historys worst nuclear disaster. The initial explosion killed two facility workers on April 26, 1986, but at least another 28 people succumbed to acute radiation poisoning and associated issues over the next three months. At least 9,000 cancer-related fatalities across Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia occurred in the decades since the meltdown, and a roughly 1,000-square-mile exclusion zone still exists around the facility that includes the abandoned town of Pripyat. In addition to the confirmed deaths, other longterm effects suggested by multiple studies include contaminated water, damage to plantlife, and birth defects in both humans and animals.The ecological damage remains difficult to comprehend, but the region never became completely devoid of life. Many animals survived even after undergoing radiation-based genetic mutationsnotably, a number of pet dogs abandoned by their owners during Chernobyls hasty evacuation orders. Today, several hundred feral dogs are estimated to live in the area, presenting a unique opportunity to study how these populations adapt to immense and sudden environmental degradation.In a study published last year, researchers identified stark genetic differences between the Exclusion Zones feral dogs and dogs living barely 10 miles away in Chernobyl City. These included 391 genetic outlier regions between the two populations, some specifically associated with DNA repair. But according to their follow-up investigation published in the journal PLOS One, the team now says there is no evidence that these contrasts are the result of an increased mutation rate.The researchers reached their conclusion after analyzing samples at the chromosomal level, followed by small genome intervals and differences between individual nucleotides. They were particularly on the hunt for evidence of abnormalities such as accumulated germ line DNA mutationsalterations in reproductive cell DNA passed from parents to offspring over multiple generations. Matthew Breen, an NC State professor of comparative oncology genetics and study corresponding author, likened the overall process to using your phone cameras zoom function.[W]e start with a wide view of a subject and then zoom in, Breen said in an accompanying statement on January 13th. We know that, for example, exposure to high doses of radiation can introduce instability from the chromosomal level on down.Breen noted that while the current dog population is more than 30 generations removed from the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, the team would likely still identify genetic mutations if, for example, they provided some form of survival advantage. Researchers, however, found no evidence of such abnormalities.[M]utation does not appear to be the cause of the previously identified genetic differentiation between these two geographically close populations of free-breeding dogs, the study authors conclude. Considering this, in conjunction with the previous work on breed composition, inbreeding, and comparisons to other free-breeding dog populations, we have yet to identify the definitive cause for this genetic differentiation.Megan Dillon, an NC State PhD candidate and study lead author, believes the first generation of dogs who survived Chernobyl may have done so thanks to certain genetic traits they already possessednot those conferred through radioactive mutation.So perhaps there was extreme selective pressure at the start, and then the dogs at the power plant just remained separate from the city population, she said. Investigating that question is an important next step that we are now working on.Their latest findings extend far beyond dogs, as well. Given the number of canine generations that have lived since the nuclear meltdown, Dillon likened the present-day population to humans centuries removed from the [those] present at the time of the disaster. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.But just because todays Chernobyl dogs lack genetic mutations from radioactive fallout doesnt mean theyor the people still working on cleanup effortsare safe from health issues.Most people think of the Chernobyl nuclear accident as a radiological disaster in an abandoned corner of Ukraine, but the potential adverse health implications are much wider, added Norman Kleiman, study co-author and a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University School of Public Health.Kleiman explained that, in addition to radiation, other toxins such as lead powder, pesticides, asbestos, and heavy metals have been released into the environment over three decades of remediation work undertaken by thousands of people.The importance of continuing to study the environmental health aspects of large-scale disasters like this cannot be overemphasized, said Kleiman.

Skip to contentReviewsEnvironmentA podcast challenges us to reassess our relationship with wildfiresUnited by Fire explores lessons from the two largest blazes in Colorado history Flames devoured pines and other vegetation in the Arapaho National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park during the East Troublesome Fire in 2020. The blaze, the subject of a new podcast, is the second largest wildfire in Colorado history.milehightraveler/istock/getty images plusBy Nikk Ogasa1 hour agoUnited by FireDenver Museum of Nature & ScienceAvailable wherever you get your podcastsFor hundreds of millions of years, wildfires were directed solely by the weather, vegetation and terrain. But in the last century in the United States, people have sought to suppress even those beneficial fires that would otherwise clear out dead vegetation, which can fuel wildfires, and stimulate new growth. Now, catastrophic megafires erupt each year, and in some places, climate change has extended the fire season. Clearly something has to give our society must change its relationship with fire.

Nature, Published online: 14 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00049-8Natures survey of hiring in science has revealed a gulf between the expectations of people looking for jobs in science and those who hire.

The giant isopod has been named Bathynomus vaderi due to its resemblance to Darth Vader's iconic helmet from "Star Wars."

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This week looks like it could be a big one for Nintendo fans, as several reports have claimed that the Switch successor will be officially revealed on January 16. While this first look at the new Nintendo console is reported to be focused entirely on the hardware, several games for the system have also reportedly been leaked so far.According to Podcaster NateTheHate, a brand-new Mario Kart game will launch alongside the Switch 2, while a 3D Mario game will arrive during the holiday season. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is Nintendo's best-selling game of all time, having sold 64.27 million units as of September 30, 2024. The next game in the series has some big boots to fill, but with an established fanbase and a "new twist" on its gameplay, it's likely that there'll still be plenty of interest in it.Meanwhile, Mario fans haven't exactly been starved of games starring Nintendo's plumber, but it has been eight years since we last saw him in a proper 3D adventure. Super Mario Odyssey earned rave reviews when it was released in 2017, and since then, Nintendo has scratched the itch for 3D Mario games by remastering his older GameCube and Wii U games for the Switch, while also releasing Bowser's Fury in 2021.On Nintendo's official upcoming games page, it also lists as Metroid Prime 4, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam for a 2025 release, so this looks to be a stacked year for the Switch. While these games aren't confirmed to be cross-gen titles, the Switch will be backwards compatible with Switch games, in case you purchase these titles and want to enjoy them on newer hardware.On the third-party side, Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are rumored to be making an appearance on the Switch 2. Both games are visually impressive on PC and PS5--Final Fantasy 7 Remake was released first on PS4--so it'll be interesting to see how they run on the newer Nintendo hardware if these leaks turn out to be true. Even Konami is said to be preparing Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater for the Switch 2, so it looks like several genres will be covered.Ubisoft is also reportedly bringing several of its games to the Switch 2, starting with ports of its Switch Mario + Rabbids games and including other games like The Division, Assassin's Creed, and Rainbow Six Siege. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously mentioned that Nintendo suggested that Ubisoft should have waited to release the Mario + Rabbids sequel on the Switch successor, as the game reportedly had poor sales despite being critically acclaimed.The Switch 2 could also be home to even more Microsoft games, following the release of Pentiment and Grounded on the Switch recently. NateTheHate added that Microsoft will be a "very big supporter" and that games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Sea of Thieves, and Hi-Fi Rush will find their way onto the system. We've gathered up all the leaked games so far, but until Nintendo, Microsoft, and various third-party partners officially confirm them, you might want to remain skeptical. Assassin's Creed Mirage"There are a lot of other third-party games that are being considered or will be coming to Switch 2. One title that will be there within the launch window comes from Ubisoft, and it's going to be Assassin's Creed Mirage."Source: NateTheHate Assassin's Creed Shadows"To my understanding, Assassin's Creed Shadows is one of those in-development ports it just won't be ready for launch and probably won't be ready for the launch window."Source: NateTheHate Final Fantasy 7 Remake"I think third-parties are going to show up quite strong, and we can go to the third-party prediction speculation segment. I've already discussed some of the third party games that will be coming to Switch 2. One title coming in 2025 is going to be Final Fantasy 7 Remake."Source: NateTheHate Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth"[Final Fantasy 7] Rebirth will follow in 2026."Source: NateTheHate Halo: The Master Chief Collection"Expect a lot of Microsoft games on Switch 2 and PS5 moving forward, but Flight Simulator and Halo: Master Chief Collection are two games I have heard about that should be making their way over in 2025."Source: NateTheHate Microsoft Flight Simulator Hi-Fi Rush"Microsoft is going to be a very big supporter of the Switch 2 when it does come out, they will be porting and patching the current Switch lineup. So games like Grounded, Pentiment, the Ori games will eventually find their way to Switch 2, be patched with 4K support and I wouldn't be surprised if you see Sea of Thieves, maybe Hi-Fi Rush, also find their way over."Source: NateTheHate Ori and the Blind Forest Ori and the Will of the Wisps Sea of Thieves Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle and Sparks of Hope"[We] had already released a Mario Rabbids game [on Switch], so by doing another we had two similar experiences on one machine. On Nintendo, games like this never die. There are 25 Mario games on Switch. Nintendo [has advised] that it's better to do one iteration on each machine. We were a bit too early, we should have waited for [the next console]. Because you could play a great game. And we think it will last for 10 years, because we will update it for the new machine that will come in the future."-- Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot"There was also some consideration of doing a Mario + Rabbids collection so it would have one and two in a single package."Source: NateTheHate Rumored 3D Mario Game"We have heard stuff like a new 3D Mario [game]."Source: NateTheHate Rumored Mario Kart 9 Game"I do think they'll probably sneak in Mario Kart 9 before the end of this year."Source: NateTheHate Metroid Prime 4: BeyondCurrently scheduled to launch in 2025 for Switch. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater"Some other third-party games I have heard, include Metal Gear Solid Delta, which is coming out in 2025. Right now it lacks a release date for all platforms and I'm hopeful that maybe it is a day-and-date release when it does come to Switch 2."Source: NateTheHate Pokemon Legends: Z-ACurrently scheduled to launch in 2025 for Switch systems. Professor Layton and the New World of SteamCurrently scheduled to launch in 2025 for Switch. Rainbow Six Siege"I've been told that Ubisoft is doing more than half-a-dozen games for the Switch 2, and a lot of them are going to be late ports. These are from a range of franchises, like The Division, Rainbow Six Siege."Source: NateTheHate The DivisionNote: It's not clear yet which Division game--or games--will be headed to Switch 2.

According to a new rumor, 2024's critically-acclaimed Metaphor: ReFantazio could be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in the console's launch window. Nintendo has not officially revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 just yet, but there have been no shortage of leaks about the highly-anticipated next-generation system.

By TREVOR HOGGImages courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesMany attempts were made to bring The Lord of the Rings to the big screen with the most famous being John Boorman co-writing a script in 1970 that laid the foundation for his Arthurian classic Excalibur. Escape from development hell finally happened in 1978 when Ralph Bakshi did an adaption that covered half of the trilogy, which combined roto and hand-drawn animation. The franchise is returning to its animation roots with New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation bringing The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim to theaters under the direction of acclaimed anime filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama, who is making his first visit to Middle-earth after spending time in New Port City and Los Angeles in 2032 for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Blade Runner: Black Lotus. The project takes place 183 years before the original trilogy helmed by Peter Jackson and revolves around the childhood friends Hra and Wulf becoming sworn enemies after their fathers engage in a hand-to-hand combat with each other resulting in one of them being killed. Serving as a producer alongside Joseph Chou and Jason DeMarco is Philippa Boyens, who developed the story with Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews and has been a frequent writing partner of Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh ever since The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.When the studio came to us and asked, What about anime? this story seemed to fit what we were looking to do, which is to tell a standalone story with fresh characters who we had not come across before and didnt involve any dark lords or rings of power. When they told us that Kenji Kamiyama was interested in directing it, that got me even more excited.Philippa Boyens, ProducerHra (Gaia Wise), Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox), Haleth (Benjamin Wainwright and Hama (Yazdan Qafouri) hold court in a scene that makes use of a live-action sensibility but in the style of anime.When it comes to horse riding, motion-capture footage was given to animators as reference so they could heighten the level of realism in their hand-drawn animation.From the beginning, the desire was to tell an animated tale that was a new take on Middle-earth while still having an air of familiarity. We did actually look at other forms of animation and other stories, states Producer Philippa Boyens while attending New York Comic Con to promote the feature with Kenji Kamiyama and Joseph Chou (who served as a translator for Kamiyama). When the studio came to us and asked, What about anime? this story seemed to fit what we were looking to do, which is to tell a standalone story with fresh characters who we had not come across before and didnt involve any dark lords or rings of power. When they told us that Kenji Kamiyama was interested in directing it, that got me even more excited. Shifting from television productions to a feature film did not radically change the animation process. A lot of anime directors set out to be a filmmaker, but in Japan the most freedom you get and the easiest path to directing is to go through the medium of anime, Kamiyama explains. Ive done a few films, but my prominent works have been series where the times demanded it; we either want more DVDs or episodes on streaming. But the filmmaking process and techniques are what I take to every single one of them when crafting and telling the story. When taking on this project [which started as 90 minutes and became 2 hours and 10 minutes], it was a different muscle that I had to use. I was so used to the 30-minute format that I had to change my way of thinking to be able transition into a two-hour format where you have a complete story told within that limited amount of time. Making a movie is like a 400-meter run while a series resembles a marathon. You have to pace yourself and hit your goal throughout that whole period. A movie is not a 100-meter dash, but you do need to move fast and get there by pacing yourself; it is quite an intense experience.Its mature storytelling and deserves a mature visualization. Thats one thing I wanted to do by taking on this film. It presented me with the opportunity to create that kind of visual and film that perhaps breaks the mold for anime in how its presented to audiences outside of Japan.Kenji Kamiyama, DirectorThe intention was always to do an animated film.There is no longer a divide between 2D and 3D animation as the best of both techniques are being creatively fused together in a large part by the growing popularity of adult animation. Animation targeted or appealing to adults is not something new for Japanese anime, Kamiyama observes. If you have seen my work, it has a lot of mature themes and storytelling. But there is definitely a shift in the West where theatrical animation is not just for kids but can also be enjoyed by adults as well. However, when you say animation, there is still this perception that it is for kids. But, for me, I believe that animation has the potential to elevate certain types of storytelling as a visual medium that can appeal to a general audience. One of the motivations for taking this film was this was a chance to do that and have that platform where the audience will be able to come in and at least check out how this kind of storytelling can be done by animation. Its not only about how attractive the drawing is or how good the art is, but its about how people are moving within the frames of the animation; that connects with the technique of how you would want to do this.Hra is modeled in a large part on owyn, with Mirand Otto, who played her in the original trilogy, serving as the narrator.An unconscious agreement exists between animation filmmakers and audience members. Explains Kamiyama, The reason why I took on motion capture and CG animation [is because] even though animation is not as detailed as live-action, audiences come in understanding that it does exist and fill in certain gaps. By adding some element of reality, it heightens the experience so much that it actually makes them appreciate what is happening on the screen even more. That is something which can be done differently from live-action where there is already so much visual detail. Its about how people move, how they get on a horse or how people put things in pockets. The depiction of those little things needed to be done by human hands, but in order to get it done by human hands you need the assistance of CG animation. For me to visualize, set the timing, decide on the camera lens and how the angle should be, all of that was done with motion capture data in an Unreal Engine setting. Then I would go and do the acting for certain actors in specific situations in CG animation. That would be provided completed as a film to the animators to use as a guide to create the hand-drawn animation. Tolkien does not write childrens fairy tales. Its mature storytelling and deserves a mature visualization. Thats one thing I wanted to do by taking on this film. It presented me with the opportunity to create that kind of visual and film that perhaps breaks the mold for anime in how its presented to audiences outside of Japan, Kamiyama remarks.You have this familiar landscape of that valley, which you have seen from the live-action films, but now set against the backdrop of the Long Winter] it has this beautiful, frozen quality. Even when you get a bit of sunlight coming through, you still see the sheets of ice on the side of the cliff faces, and that frozen quality that Kamiyama brings to it visually makes it feel different. We know that silhouette and have seen that long ramp before, but this is different. The subtle changes are beautifully done.Philippa Boyens, ProducerJ.J.R. Tolkien does not write childrens fairy tales, so a mature approach was taken towards the storytelling and the animation.Animation is not simply about drawing pretty pictures but also how characters move within the frame.The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim takes place 183 years before the original trilogy helmed by Peter Jackson.Childhood friends Hra (Gaia Wise) and Wulf (Luke Pasqualino) become sworn enemies after their fathers engage in a hand-to-hand combat with each other resulting in one of them being killed.Assisting with concept design was the Wt Workshop.Serving as the narrative spine of the story is the father/daughter relationship between Helm Hammerhand and Hra.Even with the big battle sequences, it is the subtle details that immerse audiences in the world-building and characters.I believe that animation has the potential to elevate certain types of storytelling as a visual medium that can appeal to a general audience. One of the motivations for taking this film was this was a chance to do that and have that platform where the audience will be able to come in and at least check out how this kind of storytelling can be done by animation. Its not only about how attractive the drawing is or how good the art is, but its about how people are moving within the frames of the animation; that connects with the technique of how you would want to do this.Kenji Kamiyama, DirectorRather than have a well-known character as the protagonist, the decision was to explore the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand and the ancient stronghold of Hornburg, which figures prominently in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers as Helms Deep, through the eyes of Hammerhands daughter Hra. Hra is in the story, so shes not created from whole cloth, Boyens explains. I examined a lot of the characters in that story who didnt necessarily out-live it. When you look at the story and what sparks the conflict, it centered around her. Who might actually see through this conflict to its final ending? You begin to realize that its this character, potentially. Hra is not without precedent within Professor J.R.R. Tolkiens world. Obviously, we are distinctively drawing upon owyn, but if you go back even further to the first Haleth, who was a woman, you could see that there is this tradition of quite strong women existing in the Rohirrim culture. Also, having an unnamed character does give you more freedom to be able to say, What happens to this character? Why is she so pivotal to this story? What is her relationship not only to her father but this antagonist? Once you start delving into that, the story came into focus fairly quickly. The thing that Kamiyama found and works beautifully on an emotional level is theres a level of father/daughter story in this that is interesting and beautifully played by Brian Cox and Gaia Wise.The Oliphaunt causes battlefield mayhem, just like in the original trilogy.Helms Keep is revisited, but in a different way. This is a much longer siege that were dealing with in this film, set against the backdrop of the Long Winter, which is an event that affected all of Middle-earth, and a lot of people suffered through it, Boyens states. For the Rohirrim, its one catastrophe on top of another. You have this familiar landscape of that valley, which you have seen from the live-action films, but now it has this beautiful, frozen quality. Even when you get a bit of sunlight coming through, you still see the sheets of ice on the side of the cliff faces, and that frozen quality that Kamiyama brings to it visually makes it feel different. We know that silhouette and have seen that long ramp before, but this is different. The subtle changes are beautifully done. Obviously, the gates are destroyed somewhere in this film because the gates are different than the ones you see in the live-action movies. Kamiyama pushed it even further with other settings, like Isengard, which we are so familiar with in connection with Saruman who inhabited it. Now were seeing it well before that, when the Orthanc is locked up, so what has risen around it are deserted guard towers, which have been taken over by another force of people. You get to see Isengard that was once familiar, but he uses it in a much different way. Then you actually get to see even more details in stuff that we didnt get to see in the live-action films. We get to spend more time in the stables, weirdly. We get to see Edoras alight, which is quite shocking when you see that happen. We get to see the ruins of that city. Again, familiar, but then with this twist that Kamiyama brings to it, which is so beautifully done and visually stunning. The mood that he is able to capture in the film, youve got to see it in a big cinema. Im telling you!

Uniqlos collaborations with popular games and media are typically great, and this Dragon Ball Daima collection is no exception. The clothing company recently launched a themed lineup of T-shirts and sweatshirts, with a few of the T-shirt designs even coming in sizes for kids. Prices start at $14.90 for kids shirts, or $24.90 for adult sizes, and go up to $39.90 for the sweatshirts.The shirt designs mainly focus in on Goku from Dragon Ball Daima, who, along with the other Z fighters, was turned into a kid by Gomah in the new series. However, the collection also features some scenes from the original Dragon Ball. Whichever you gravitate to more, its great to have some of the late Akira Toriyamas signature character designs that you can wear around.You can order these shirts online, or check your local store for stock, through the links below.

In the heart of San Sebastin, a compact 861-square-foot apartment has undergone a radical transformation that challenges traditional notions of domestic design. Spearheaded by Spanish architect and designer Ismael Medina Manzano, the project, known as the Unplanned Domestic Prototype, reimagines living spaces to reflect the evolving dynamics of 21st-century life. This experimental intervention serves as both a critique of mid-20th-century housing policies and a bold step toward adaptable, sustainable living environments.Constructed in 1966, the apartment building originally adhered to the rigid design principles of the eras Stabilization Plan, a 1959 Spanish initiative aimed at economic recovery. Housing units were standardized, compartmentalized, and optimized for nuclear family living a reflection of the social norms and efficiencies valued at the time. Medinas design disrupts these conventions, introducing a fluid, multi-functional layout that caters to the diverse needs of modern inhabitants.The project pivots away from rigid boundaries, fostering an environment that integrates flexibility and inclusivity. By breaking free from the constraints of traditional spatial organization, the apartment transforms into a dynamic living ecosystem capable of accommodating various forms of coexistence.At the core of this reimagined space is a striking curved wall, crafted from green glazed ceramic tiles. This feature is both a practical and aesthetic innovation, functioning as a hub for storage and social interaction. Surrounding the wall are strategically positioned storage units, including pantries, closets, and kitchen cabinetry, which dissolve the boundaries between functional and ornamental design.One end of the wall seamlessly integrates with a mirrored showcase, concealing everyday household appliances. In another area, a sandstone portal crafted from locally sourced stone reveals the geological history of the region. This fusion of materials connects the design to its geographical and cultural context, embodying a dialogue between architecture and the environment.Further enhancing the apartments versatility is a collection of mobile elements. A movable kitchen island, constructed from repurposed granite, exemplifies the projects commitment to sustainability and adaptability. Designed to orbit within the space, the island can be reconfigured to suit various activities and social gatherings. Other movable features include stools made from reclaimed tree roots and furniture crafted with materials from local industries, such as recycled aluminum and steel.The incorporation of greenery adds another layer of connectivity with nature. An internal irrigation system sustains mobile vegetation, blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces and fostering a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.The Unplanned Domestic Prototype encapsulates Medinas broader vision of architecture as a means to address societal and ecological challenges. By integrating local materials, sustainable practices, and innovative design elements, the project underscores the importance of contextual reflection in residential architecture. It is a space not merely to inhabit but to engage with a living prototype that invites its users to redefine their relationship with domesticity and the environment.Ismael Medina ManzanoFor more information on Ismael Medina Manzano and his work, visit ismaelmedinamanzano.com.Photography by Hiperfocal.