The dusty crayfish is native to New Guinea. Ji PatokaShareWhen a team of scientists studying the brightly colored and common New Guinea crayfish ordered some new animals for their lab, they were in for a bit of a surprise. They uncovered a species of the lobster-like crustacean that is completely new to science. This species is called the dusty crayfish (Cherax pulverulentus) and is described in a study published January 9 in the journal Zootaxa. 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.These crayfishalso called crawfish or crawdadsare native to New Guinea. Their cool hues have made them popular aquarium pets in Europe, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States over the past two decades. Pet traders have been selling the crayfish under several different names, but scientists had yet to formally classify most of them.Among others, my team monitors the pet trade (aquarium trade) because wild-captured crayfish are exported from the island of New Guinea to the rest of the world in huge quantities, Ji Patoka, a study co-author and zoologist at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, tells Popular Science. Some of them are formally undescribed and assessment of their population trend is thus impossible.In the new study, Patoka and his colleagues bought a shipment of Indonesian crayfish in March 2023. While they were sifting through their shipment, they found several of the brightly-colored crayfish. They took a closer look at six of these crayfish and analyzed their DNA. The genetic analysis revealed that these were a new species: the dusty crayfish.A blue-form adult female dusty crayfish (Figure a). A purple-form adult male (Figure b). CREDIT: Ji Patoka. Dusty crayfish generally have smooth bodies, large eyes, and claws. They also have two general color formspurple and blue. The purple form crayfish have turquoise bodies and purple spots, with joints and tails in a pale white hue. The blue form crayfish are darker and their joints and tails are orange.Like the other members of this genus, this crayfish is aggressive, strictly freshwater (inhabiting streams and maybe also lake ecosystem), probably moderately burrowing, omnivorous, and gonochorist, explains Patoka. Its estimated lifespan is 5 to 10 years, estimated total body length is 12-17 cm [4.7 to 6.6 inches].[ Related: These self-cloning crayfish ladies could take over the world. ]They are also a burrowing species and are found on the Indonesian part of New Guinea. THis island north of Australia also includes mainland Papua New Guinea. Other than that, not much else is known about how this species lives in the wild. The team did find one dusty crayfish in a thermal spring in Hungary. They believe that this stray fish either escaped from its aquarium or was released there by its owner.Patoka says that his team will continue to monitor the pet trade. They are also working with Institut Pertanian Bogor and Universitas Terbuka in Indonesia to arrange a research trip to study the dusty crayfish in its natural habitat and possibly collect some more scientifically undescribed species.Crayfish are just one group of awesome animals native to New Guinea, the island facing many environmental risks. In this regard, we believe that our findings will help to highlight the importance of this island from a biodiversity perspective and more conservation activities will apply there, says Patoka. Last but not least, I would like to alert aquarium owners: do not release your pets outdoors!

NewsHealth & MedicineU.S. dementia cases may rise to 1 million per year by 2060Previous estimates of dementia risk may have been too low Nearly half of people in the United States will develop dementia after age 55, a new study predicts.adamkaz/E+/Getty Images PlusBy Meghan Rosen5 seconds agoBaby Boomers may drive a bigger-than-expected boom in dementia cases.By 2060,1 million U.S. adults per year will develop dementia, scientists predict January 13 inNature Medicine. Dementia is a broad term encompassing many symptoms, including memory, reasoning and language difficulties that interfere with peoples daily lives. Researchers estimate that it currently affects more than 6 million people in the United States.This is a huge problem, says Josef Coresh, an epidemiologist atNew York Universitys Grossman School of Medicine.A rise in the projected number of dementia cases is not surprising, given the aging U.S. population but the extent of the rise stands out, he says.

Nature, Published online: 13 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00034-1Cutting-edge simulations reveal a new potential mechanism by which Pluto trapped its biggest satellite, Charon.

A woman buried with archery equipment in 10th-century Hungary is unusual but may not necessarily have been a warrior.

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Title: Expression of Interest - Character Artist | Company: AGBO | Location: Los Angeles, CA

Starfield was originally planned to have a gore and dismemberment system like Fallout, with players being able to more gruesomely kill foes. However, these features were ultimately left out of Starfield.In an interview with Kiwi Talkz, former senior character artist Dennis Mejillones said that there were technical considerations when it came to the space suits. "There's a lot that has to go with it. You have to cut the helmet in a certain way, and it's got to come off; you have meat caps to the bottom where the flesh is," he explained. "We had systems for all of that, and it turned into a big rat's nest of all these things you have to count for."With the feature of being able to customize body size in the character creator, that added more complications. Mejillones also said that gore and dismemberment didn't fit with Starfield's themes as opposed to Fallout's over-the-top presentation.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Solo Leveling stands out as a captivating anime not just for its high-stakes battles and stunning visuals, but also for its emotional storytelling. The series weaves a compelling story that balances the protagonist Jinwoo Sung's struggles with his rise to power.

If your takeaway from Robert Eggers Nosferatu was Damn Ellen is lowkey a freak , I need you to know that Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) is far from the freakiest character in a Dracula adaptation.[Ed. note: Spoilers for Nosferatu (2024), Bram Stokers Dracula (1992), and Dracula in general.]Ive seen split reactions to Ellens desire to get down with vampiric Count Orlok. Some people think Nosferatu was just the right amount of horny. Others think it was too horny. And some, like myself, think it couldve been hornier!Maybe thats just because the entire time I was thinking about Bram Stokers Dracula (1992) in all its horny, campy glory.Starring Keanu Reeves in what is widely regarded as one of his worst roles (along with Winona Ryder and Gary Oldman), Bram Stokers Dracula is unabashedly campy and over the top something I personally believe all Dracula adaptations ought to strive for. Director Francis Ford Coppola played up the decadence and hedonism in the film, with gorgeous set design, lush costumes, and a lot of characters getting their freak on.Unlike in Eggers Nosferatu, almost every character in Dracula (1992) is horny. Theres Miss Lucy Westenra and her three prospective suitors that she cannot possibly choose between (one of them is a cowboy; not that its important for the horniness meter, but I just need to emphasize that there is a cowboy in Dracula). She and Mina also have a deep, intimate, homoerotic friendship. Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) has a strange ghost orgy with Draculas monstrous brides.But the scene that I think best represents the difference between Nosferatu (2024)s horniness and Bram Stokers Dracula is the one where Dracula (Oldman) visits Mina Harker (Ryder).In this version of Dracula, the Count believes Mina is the reincarnation of his beloved bride Elisabeta. His fixation on her isnt just because he hungers for her blood, but because he wants to turn her into his immortal lover. Its a bit like Orlok and Ellens psychic connection in Eggers version, but what makes it even juicier is that Mina doesnt have any link to Dracula. He just swooped in all suave, charismatic, and European to woo her, and even though Mina loves Jonathan, shes entranced by this mysterious stranger and falls under his spell.So when he comes to her room late at night to feast on her blood and change her into a vampire, its intense and tortured and just delicious and they never even actually have sex. But they writhe in bed as Mina moans in his arms. Dracula has second thoughts, not wanting to damn the woman he loves to this unlife. But she begs him to make her his and then looks him right in the eye as she lowers her head and licks blood out of an open wound in his chest!MAN!Compared to Mina and Dracula, Orlok and Ellens scene in Eggers Nosferatu is almost tame. Which is wild, because Mina and Dracula dont even actually bang. But theres more mutual obsession, more heightened fervor, more focus on both of the characters internal struggles. This isnt a sacrifice Mina makes to save the world; its a selfish decision that could possibly spell doom, but one shes making because she wants it so damn bad.Eggers Nosferatu is more in line with F.W. Murnaus original 1922 silent film (itself a loose-ish adaptation of Dracula), where the ending is more elegiac and sad. In this case, the scene with Orlok isnt supposed to be a culmination of her desires. Making it super horny would undermine the poignance.However, Coppolas Dracula really leans into the horniness all around. So it makes sense that the night Mina and Dracula share is built on reciprocated infatuation and desire, even in the face of certain doom. Thats what makes it so intriguing!And Im saying this as someone who normally dislikes modern adaptations that lean into the Dracula x Mina of it all (justice for Jonathan Harker, wife guy). The 1992 Dracula scene was just so erotic that it completely sold me.The horniness in Dracula isnt a modern perversion. Its actually the right way to adapt the source material. Vampires have historically represented the taboo, especially when it comes to sexuality, and Stokers original Dracula was no exception. Different filmmakers will play up different aspects of the themes in the story. But Coppola nailed that specific vibe of mutually destructive horniness that caters oh so specifically to me and to anyone else who may have wanted the Eggers version to more openly embrace the indulgent sexuality threaded through the source material.Bram Stokers Dracula is available to rent on Amazon Video and YouTube.Nosferatu is now in theaters.

Nestled amid the serene woodlands of Lake Arrowhead, California, the Arrowhead Double A-Frame House also known as Bern Double-A is an artful transformation of a 1970s cabin. Designed by Dan Brunn Architecture (DBA), this structure elegantly melds the nostalgia of vintage architecture with modern aesthetics, offering a unique retreat that balances luxury with eco-consciousness.The renovation re-envisions the original A-frame as a double A-frame, a novel approach that combines the firms distinctive minimalist aesthetic with warm, inviting elements. The cabins original T-shaped footprint proved ideal for expanding the A-frame structure in two perpendicular directions, creating a dynamic geometry that feels both familiar and bold. Central to this renovation is the addition of a glass wall on the short axis of the structure, a feature that allows ample light into the lofted areas and visually connects the indoors to the forested landscape beyond.Inside, DBAs characteristic restraint in material selection is clear, ensuring an effortlessly timeless feel. Existing woodwork, including the cabins original beams and ceilings, was meticulously restored through a unique sandblasting process with walnut shells, preserving the woods natural texture while harmonizing with new floors. This thoughtful treatment emphasizes the continuity between the cabins past and its revitalized design.The living room serves as the focal point of the home, where a tall, glass-framed A-frame ceiling contrasts with a rustic fireplace clad in tumbled stone. Designed for relaxation and connection, this space offers sweeping forest views and a cozy semicircular sofa centered around the hearth. Hidden cove lighting enhances the ambiance by casting a warm, inviting glow across the vaulted ceilings, further enhancing the cabins connection to nature.The design unfolds across three levels, each carefully orchestrated to suit distinct functions. The ground floor provides a tranquil zone for bedrooms and utilities, while the second floor brings a social, open layout that includes a guest suite, living and dining spaces, and a kitchen that flows seamlessly into the surrounding scenery. The third floor, an airy loft, features high ceilings, cozy carpeted floors, and mid-century-inspired furniture, adding an element of playful sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows strategically placed throughout amplify views of the surrounding woods, inviting nature to become an integral part of the interior experience.A soft, dark navy hue featured prominently in the cabins core elements, cabinetry, and select exterior areas creates contrast against the lighter woods of the bedrooms and living spaces. This choice imbues the cabin with a grounded elegance, echoed by navy exterior siding and decks. The kitchen thoughtfully reflects 1970s design inspiration with dual-toned cabinetry and intricate details, including slim, dark-framed edges and custom wooden pulls. White, soft-touch Fenix laminate blends with dark blue-gray finishes, achieving a modern yet period-authentic feel.Up in the loft, oversized windows provide unobstructed views of the treetops, reinforcing the cabins integration with the landscape. Here, bespoke built-in cabinetry displays vintage records and a turntable, celebrating the cabins mid-century charm. Adding a touch of whimsy, a Noguchi Akari lantern placed in the corner, illuminates the space in soft light.The sleeping areas are designed as intimate retreats, each outfitted with Scandinavian-inspired decor, plush rugs, and soft fabrics. The main bedroom is particularly striking with its vintage-inspired reading nook accented in Irish Green, matched with a plush velvet sofa, creating an inviting spot to unwind. Thoughtful lighting fixtures, including wall sconces and floor lamps, add a gentle, ambient glow that enhances the overall sense of calm.Sustainability is at the heart of DBAs approach. The renovation focused on minimizing waste, retaining as much of the existing structure as possible, and reducing the need for new materials. Upgraded insulation, energy-efficient windows, a high-performance heat pump, and LED lighting all contribute to the homes energy-conscious design. By preserving the existing exterior and implementing sustainable upgrades, the Arrowhead Double A-Frame achieves a balance between environmental responsibility and luxurious comfort.For more information on Dan Brunn Architecture, visit danbrunn.com.Photography by Brandon Shigeta.