Life reconstruction of the Portuguese snow leopard hunting an Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica). Artwork by Jianhao Ye. (Credit: Jianhao Ye)NewsletterSign up for our email newsletter for the latest science newsContemporary snow leopards are rare and fossils of their ancient ancestors are even more scarce. Researchers have now identified and examined million-year-old bones of the big cat and have come to some surprising conclusions about how it adapted to the Ice Age and survived as a species since then. Their analysis has been published in the journal Science Advances.Learning About Snow Leopard SurvivalThe skull of the leopard of Algar da Manga Larga, deposited at the Geological Museum of Lisbon. (Credit: Daro Estraviz-Lpez, 2019)Common leopards appear engineered to hunt quick, nimble prey. Features like large teeth, domed skulls, and strong jaws and paws maximize their ability to take down strong, agile prey such as mountain goats.But leopards who lived in rocky, barren terrains including snow leopards needed even more specialized skills. Those include strong binocular vision, a skull shape that maximizes hearing, powerful limbs to absorb the impact of steep jumps, and a long tail for balance. Read More: Top 10 Snow Animals and How They Survive the ColdIce Age AdaptationsResearchers have long thought those adaptations started during the last period of the Ice Age. Until this study, the best example of ancient leopard evolution came from a partial leopard skeleton, discovered in Portugal by amateur cavers, dispersed westward to the Iberian Peninsula.The new study, which examines fossils of five snow leopards from China, France, and Portugal now connects the leopard of Algar da Manga Larga to the ancient snow leopard lineage in Western Europe. It also challenges the conventional wisdom of how and why the big cats adapted to a harsh environment.The study proposes that glaciation in Eurasia around 900,000 years ago created more open spaces. That literally gave the big cats more room to roam. This theory goes against the notion that ancient snow leopards adapted to high, rocky places.The analyses we have carried out lead us to conclude that surely the high altitude and snow would not have been the limiting factor for the distribution of the species, but rather the presence of open and steep spaces, Joan Madurell Malapeira, a researcher with Universitat Autnoma de Barcelona (UAB) and an author of the paper, said in a press release. In other words, the snow leopard has always been adapted to live in the mountains, but not necessarily at high altitudes and with snow.Read More: Are Snow Leopards Endangered?Hope for the Species' SurvivalIf those reasons for adaptation prove true, it may be a positive sign for the species' survival of which only about 4,000 remain despite a warming world. If they do, indeed depend more on flat rocky hunting grounds, rather than higher, steeper, snowy ones, they may have a better chance of surviving a warming world.This, in a context of climate change like the current one, is encouraging to ensure their survival, said Malapeira in the 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:Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. He began his career in newspapers, but switched to scientific magazines. His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.

ShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Its easy to underestimate the convenience and freedom that comes with a reliable power lift recliner. These comfortable chairs use motorized systems to help people go from sitting to standing with minimal exertion. Thats crucial for people with limited mobility, injuries, surgeries from which they need to recover, and a variety of other situations. Weve chosen the MCombo Electric Power Lift Reclineras our best overall option for its mixture of features and price. Its also exceptionally well-reviewed, offers a robust return policy, and comes in a number of colors. Keep reading for more options that fit your specific needs, space, and budget.Best overall: MCombo Electric Power Lift ReclinerBest splurge: Irene House Large Lay Flat ReclinerBest design: Signature Design by Ashley YandelBest value: Best Choice Products Electric Power Lift ChairBest budget: CANMOV Large Power Lift ReclinerHow we chose the best power lift recliners Without the luxury of sitting in every possible chair, weve combined our experience with chairs for seniors, for back pain, and more with impressions from trusted critics and top-rated reviewers. We search for the chairs that stand out, surveying stats, stars, and positive reviews. Theres also a little price hunting in there as well. We try not to choose variations of the same chair for all categories, as variety offers better alternatives for all buyers. Each chair has something unique about it while still being recommended by satisfied customers and product reviewers.The best power lift recliners: Reviews & RecommendationsFinding the best power lift chair recliner for your life is more than just reading power lift recliner reviews. Since we all order everything online these days, its about putting your trust in our picks because what you order is what you get. Weve narrowed it down to recliners with features that are straightforward and not exaggerated so you can get closer to power-lifting yourself into a healthy future.Best overall: MCombo Electric Power Lift ReclinerProsComes in 7 colorsVibration and massageCup holdersConsRemote instead of embedded controlsOnly reclines to 140 degreesSpecsMaterial: Faux leatherWeight capacity: 320 poundsControl type: Wired remotePrice: $529The MCombo Electric Power Lift Recliner is one of the most well-reviewed and oft-chosen No. 1 power lift recliners, so theres no reason to swim against the current on this one. A classic recliner look with side pockets for your old Popular Science print magazines, it also has embedded cup holders, a USB port, full-body vibration and lumbar heating.Eight vibration points relax you into the chair, and a motor-powered lift will get you out of it. Did we mention it comes in seven different colors? One of them is red. Thats a nice upgrade to something we generally expect to be ugh brown. The color selection is the final piece that puts the MCombo Electric Power Lift Recliner solidly on the top of the list with its range of features and price point.Best splurge: Irene House Large Lay Flat ReclinerProsMultiple color optionsDual lift motorFull 180-degree reclineConsRequires assemblyNo USB portSpecsMaterial: Faux leather/ChenilleWeight capacity: 300 poundsControl type: Wired remotePrice: $1,199The Irene House Large Lay Flat Recliner comes in 10 colors and two materials, as well as offering smaller and larger versions of the chair. The point is, youve got some options here. But all sizes of this chair have a few things in common, including a dual motor that splits duty between the lift mechanism and the recline mechanism. This means less wear and tear on the motorized parts for a longer-lasting chair.It does have a higher price point than most chairs, but youre splurging for the dual motor and full recline (great for sleeping), as well as a vibrating massage with eight modes and three intensities. Theres also lumbar heating but no cup holders or USB port. If you are looking for a lift recliner with a classy, actual chair and not a couch look, the Irene House Large Lay Flat Recliner should be top of your list.Best design: Signature Design by Ashley YandelProsEasy to cleanModern, but classic lookFull reclineConsTakes time to break inFootrest is a bit shortNo massage optionsSpecsMaterial: Faux leatherWeight capacity: 300 poundsControl type: Wired remotePrice: $795The Signature Design by Ashley Yandel lift recliner doesnt have a built-in massager or heated lumbar. It doesnt have cup holders or a USB port. But what it lacks in features it makes up for in a classy, clean look with inlaid stitching and a leathered appearance (without actually being leather). This is a chair you buy to simply sit in.It is, of course, a lift chair, so aside from its aesthetic and full recline, it can set you up on your feet with ease. It does take a while before this recliner is truly comfy though, as the faux leather needs to be broken in by some butt action. If you arent concerned with all the odds and ends and just want a nice-looking recliner lift chair, the Signature Design by Ashley Yandel is that chair.Best value: Best Choice Products Electric Power Lift ChairProsLightweight chairThree Massage modesTwo heat settingsConsCheaper constructionNot a full reclineSpecsMaterial: Faux leatherWeight capacity: 330 lbsControl type: Wireless remotePrice: $429The Best Choice Products Electric Power Lift Chair has all the things packed into this chair for a reasonable price. That means a USB port, stuffed armrests, side pockets, a wireless remote that controls heat and massage, side buttons for recline and lift, and cup holders. Throw in six color options and an anti-tipping base, and youve got a heck of a deal here.And this isnt a massive recliner. Its fairly standard-sized and lightweight at only 94 lbs. But thats because the wood used in its construction is engineered wood. Lighter, but not the sturdiest over time. So, this probably isnt the best chair to choose if youre at or above the weight limit. Regardless, with all its features and colorways, the Best Choice Products Electric Power Lift Chair is the best choice for the best value.Best budget: CANMOV Large Power Lift ReclinerProsLumbar heatingFive massage modesUSB chargingConsCup holders can get stuckMuted color optionsSpecsMaterial: PolyvinylWeight capacity: 350 poundsControl type: Wireless remotePrice: $399For under $400, the CANMOV Large Power Lift Recliner is certainly a budget buy without sacrificing features. It has eight points of massaging relaxation, with five different modes and lumbar heatingperfect for nesting under a cozy blanket. And its all controlled with a wireless remote, a rarity with these types of chairs.One of the better features of this chair is the lift mechanism itself, which is controlled by a button on the side of the chair rather than through the remote. Pressing a button to lift or recline means that when you lose the remote, you can still stand up to find it. If you have mobility issues along with budget issues, the CANMOV Large Power Lift Recliner might be the right chair for you.What to consider before buying the best power lift reclinersBefore you run out (or click) and buy a new lift recliner, youll want to pay close attention to the description and how it matches your wants and needs. There are three things to check for, at least. Does it have your desired features like massage or heat? What kind of material is it made from? And does it have a single motor or dual motor?FeaturesSome chairs have no features, while others are packed with them. A lift recliner should at least have a lift option; otherwise, its not a lift recliner. Additionally, features such as built-in massage, lumbar heating, cup holders, USB ports, and side pockets are all available options in a variety of styles. And dont forget about color. Most chairs come in the basic brown and black, while other brands offer many different colorways.MaterialAnd those colors are often dependent on material. Some brighter colors can only be found in chenille or fabric chairs, while faux leather is generally reserved for the classic brown and black. Both materials are easy to clean, which is the most important bit.MotorAll lift recliners have at least one motor. This motor generally controls both the lift and recline functions. However, some lift chairs have dual motors. This enables the lift function and recline functions to operate independently. That helps prolong the life of each motor, reducing the need for replacement or maintenance.FAQsQ: Do power recliners use a lot of electricity? No more than any other home appliance, perhaps about as much as a toaster. These arent things that are going to tax your electric bill like the hot water heater. They use standard voltage and standard 110 outlets. Q: Do power lift recliners come with a lumbar support? Some have extra lumbar support, while others have lumbar heating. Naturally, lift recliners are built with a moderate amount of lumbar support, as the same people who need a lift often need back support. Q: Are power lift recliners heavy? Not usually. Most weigh around 100-200 pounds. This makes them easier to push around the room into that perfect spot. The lighter lift recliners are usually made with cheaper materials, which can affect their longevity. Final thoughts on the best power lift reclinersBest overall: MCombo Electric Power Lift ReclinerBest splurge: Irene House Large Lay Flat ReclinerBest design: Signature Design by Ashley YandelBest value: Best Choice Products Electric Power Lift ChairBest budget: CANMOV Large Power Lift ReclinerIf you are dealing with mobility issues or just need a bit of a kick to stand up without sliding off your chair, then a power lift recliner is just what you need. And with the market so saturated with brands making similar chairs, its easy to find one with the features and price point you want.

NewsArchaeologyAncient, engraved stones may have been buried to summon the sunIce cores hint at a volcanic eruption around the time of the burial in Stone Age Denmark More than 100 engraved stones unearthed in Denmark depict images of the sun. The stones, including the two shown here, may have been buried as part of a ritual to bring back the sun after a volcanic eruption, researchers say. John Lee/National Museum of Denmark, R. Iversen et al/Antiquity 2025By Richard Kemeny4 minutes agoAs a volcanic eruption darkened the sun roughly 4,900 years ago, a Stone Age culture sacrificed hundreds of decorated stone plaques to try to coax it back.A trove of engraved stones unearthed from ritual gathering sites on Bornholm, an island in Denmark, display motifs that most commonly represent the sun and croplike plants. Whats more, an analysis of ice cores points to a volcanic eruption around the time the stones were intentionally buried. Taken together, the evidence suggests the stones burial may have been linked to the potentially cataclysmic event, archaeologist Rune Iversen and colleagues report January 15 in Antiquity.

Nature, Published online: 15 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04143-1A brain structure called the amygdala, and its connections with another region, the prefrontal cortex, shape peoples experiences and social interactions. The discovery of a key molecular mechanism that controls the development of these structures uncovers principles about how cortico-amygdala circuits form, and shows how this connectivity might be altered in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Hundreds of stone artifacts discovered on a Danish island may have been offered to the gods to ward off a climate crisis.

Stray Kite Studios--an indie developer that includes veterans from BioShock, Borderlands, and Age of Empires--has debuted the first look at the company's inaugural original title Wartorn. As seen in the trailer below, the game thrusts players into the lives of two elven sisters who are trying to survive long enough to reunite with their family. And they'll have to make some tough decisions along the way. Combat will play a major role in their journey, but it won't be the only thing that impacts their fate. Stray Kite indicated that the sisters will "confront moral dilemmas and battle external and internal threats." Luckily, they aren't powerless in this fantasy world."Wartorn challenges players to navigate the chaos of a divided world while finding purpose and joy in selflessness," Stary Kite Studios creative director Paul Hellquist said in a statement. "We've poured our hearts into creating a game that not only entertains, but also makes players think deeply about sacrifice, survival, and the bonds that unite us."Continue Reading at GameSpot

Playing Dig It, you will take on the role of a treasure hunter, so your best friend will be your Shovel. At first, you will have the most basic tool, but as you progress, players can find new Shovels with better stats. This guide will tell you about all the Shovels and how to get them in Dig It.

After learning of a pivotal skip in speedruns of Alan Wake 2 expansion The Lake House during Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 in early January, developer Remedy Entertainment has promised not to fix the bug that makes the strategy possible.Thanks to [the AGDQ 2025] run by suavepeanut, the Lake House development team found out that you can actually interact with the elevator from the outside and immediately decided thats not something that will be fixed, the studio said through its official Bluesky account. Youre welcome.The skip is basically as Remedy described. At several points during The Lake House, players are required to ride an elevator between the various floors of the titular building. But by manipulating the elevator and choosing their desired floor from outside the transport after the doors close, speedrunners are able to teleport between floors rather than sitting through travel cutscenes.During their AGDQ 2025 performance, current world record holder for The Lake House suavepeanut said that every instance of the skip, which can be tricky due to having to press four buttons at the same time, saves 20-30 seconds. Used successfully up to seven times over the course of the game, this can shave relatively huge chunks of time off a speedrun that takes less than 20 minutes to complete.Its a rare thing for a major studio to leave its game in a less-than-perfect state just to satisfy a small group of diehard fans. Hollow Knight speedrunners, for instance, play a much older version of the game because developer Team Cherry infamously patched out a lot of the bugs they used to beat the game as fast as possible.Remedy Entertainment did not respond immediately to Polygons request for comment.

While Los Angeles County continues to battle devastating wildfires, you may be wondering about the safety of your own home. More specifically, how are you covered when the unthinkable happens?Unfortunately, insurance doesn't function like a gas or electric company; even in the face of disaster, insurers aren't obligated to service your home. And while homeowners insurance isn't legally mandated, choosing to forgo protection in an attempt to save money could prove to be one of the most expensive decisions a homeowner can make.Homeowners insurance is a crucial financial protection for your home and belongings, but many homeowners don't fully understand their coverage. Let's take a look at how exactly homeowners insurance works so that you can make informed decisions about your coverage.What homeowners insurance coversThe main categories of homeowners insurance are structure protections, personal property, liability protection, and additional living expenses.Structure protectionYour policy's dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home from covered perils. This includes:Fire and smoke damageWind and hail damageLightning strikesFalling objectsVandalismTheftVehicle damage to your homeWhen it comes to costs, the coverage should be enough to rebuild your home entirely at current construction costs, not the market value or purchase price. Personal propertyThis coverage protects your belongings inside the home, typically including:FurnitureElectronicsClothingAppliancesOther personal itemsMost policies cover personal property at 50 to 70% of your dwelling coverage. High-value items like jewelry, art, or collectibles often need additional coverage through riders or endorsements.Liability protectionThis crucial coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. It typically covers:Medical expenses for injured guestsLegal defense costsCourt judgmentsProperty damage you cause to othersMost experts recommend at least $300,000 in liability coverage, though many suggest $500,000 or more.Additional living expenses (ALE)If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, ALE coverage pays for:Temporary housingAdditional food costsPet boardingOther necessary expensesWhat's not covered by homeowners insuranceUnfortunately, homeowners insurance is not all-encompassing. There are standard exclusions to consider. Most policies don't cover:Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)Earthquake damage (requires separate coverage)Normal wear and tearPest infestationsMold (unless resulting from a covered water damage event)Sewer backup (unless you add specific coverage)Business-related liabilityHow much coverage you needUnderstand that how much your home is worth is a different number than what your insurance covers. Your home's market value includes land value and location premium, while insurance should cover rebuilding costs only. To get an idea of how much coverage you need, use these factors.Dwelling coverageCalculate needed coverage based on:Local construction costs per square footYour home's size and featuresSpecial materials or craftsmanshipLocal building code requirementsAdd 10-20% buffer for unexpected costs or construction price increases.Contents coverageTo determine adequate coverage:Create a home inventory with photos and receiptsConsider replacement cost vs. actual cash value coverageIdentify high-value items needing separate coverageAccount for seasonal items and stored belongingsMoney-saving tipsLike I mentioned at the top, skipping insurance to save money won't be worth it. Any short-term savings can quickly transform into devastating financial losses when disaster strikes. Instead of eliminating coverage, consider these money-saving strategies:Increase your deductible: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can lower premiums by 15 to 20% or more, according to CNBC.Bundle policies: Combining home and auto insurance often yields discounts of 15-25%.Improve home security: Installing security systems and smoke detectors can reduce premiums while protecting your home.Shop around annually: Insurance rates vary significantly between providers. Regular comparison shopping ensures you're getting the best value.Ask about discounts for things like a new roof, smart home devices, or having a claims-free history.The bottom lineRemember that homeowners insurance is not a maintenance policy, but protection against sudden and accidental losses. Update your policy after completing any major renovations, acquiring valuable items, or after life changes (marriage, children, etc). Regular maintenance and proactive risk management remain your responsibility as a homeowner.Insurance policies vary widely. Always consult with a professional insurance agent to understand your specific coverage.

Sony is set to freshen up the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium subscribers with a bunch of new additions in January. The obvious headliner here is God of War Ragnark(PS4 and PS5), one of PlayStation's biggest blockbusters from the last few years.The epic 2022 adventure sees Kratos and his son Atreus attempting to prevent an event that could bring about the end of the world. Studio Santa Monica expanded on the core game in late 2023 with the free addition of a roguelite mode that acts as an epilogue. Kratos can wield permanent upgrades as well as temporary ones that only last for the duration of a given run.If you haven't done so already, we'd highly recommend playing through God of War before delving into Ragnark. The story of the 2018 game feeds directly into that of the sequel (and it's a darn good game too). Thankfully, God of War is also in the Game Catalog.Another new addition that's well worth checking out is the brilliant rhythm action title Sayonara Wild Hearts(PS4). It tells the story of a young woman attempting to repair her broken heart through a series of imaginative levels, all set to an absolutely banging pop music soundtrack. Sayonara Wild Hearts was an Apple Arcade launch title, but it left that service a few months ago. It's one of my two favorite games of all time, and I can't recommend it enough.The highly regarded sci-fi RPG Citizen Sleeper is in the mix as well. It'll hit the Game Catalog a week and a half before the sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, drops on January 31.Other newcomers to the Extra tier include the 2023 Like A Dragon spinoff, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (PS4 and PS5), action RPGs Atlas Fallen: Reign Of Sand (PS5) and SD Gundam Battle Alliance (PS4 and PS5), action-adventure title ANNO: Mutationem (PS4 and PS5), tower defense game Orcs Must Die! 3 (PS4 and PS5) and Poker Club (PS4).Premium subscribers will get access to another two games on top of all of those. Those are Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings (PS4 and PS5), which debuted on PS2 in 2009, and Medievil II (PS4 and PS5), which originally hit the PS1 in 2000.These games will hit the PS Plus Game Catalog on January 21. As a reminder, PlayStation Portal owners can now stream certain PS5 games in the catalog from the cloud.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/god-of-war-ragnarok-headlines-the-playstation-plus-game-catalog-additions-for-january-191024729.html?src=rss