After a surprisingly delightful, Barbenheimer-themed Oscars in 2024, this years nominations are a return to form. As per usual, the nominees are a mix of the past years most tasteful blockbusters, like Wicked: Part 1 and Dune: Part 2; a handful of smaller but buzzy films that the average moviegoer is at least partly familiar with, like Conclave and Anora; and the sort of stereotypical Oscar bait that earns the awards show its out-of-touch label, like the years most nominated film Emilia Prez.Compared to last years ceremony, which honored both populist and surprise indie hits, this current slate of nominees feels like a bit of a digression. Its not that the years frontrunners dont have their enthusiasts, although mostly on Letterboxd. Rather, this years Oscars are noticeably lacking in movies that mass audiences can strongly agree are masterpieces. Sure, plenty of contenders have compelling premises, but its still debatable whether many of these movies, like The Brutalist or Anora, actually succeed in their execution. Nevertheless, this years sometimes curious nominations have plenty to tell us about 2024 in cinema. While the opinions of the mostly white, male Academy dont necessarily account for the average moviegoer, they provide an interesting recap of the past year and reveal some trends that could persist over the next few years. The strikes made things weird Despite receiving five Oscars nominations, including Best Picture, Dune: Part 2 was surprisingly easy to forget throughout awards season. It was certainly much less of a conversation-starter than other buzzy movies that came out this year. Star Timothe Chalamets turn as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, plus his overbearing press tour for that role, totally overshadowed his part in Denis Villeneuves film. The timing of its release also made it a bit of a nonfactor by last summer. Due to the 2023 writers and actors strikes, the sequel was pushed from its October 2023 release date to March 1, 2024. One wonders whether the movie wouldve been a bigger talking point this awards season if not for its Q1 release. Perhaps then Austin Butler actually wouldve had a shot in the Best Supporting Actor category. Austin Butler and Stellan Skarsgrd in Dune: Part 2 Warner Bros. PicturesOn the other hand, it seems like Challengers, which received zero nominations, also may have made a bigger splash if it hadnt been repeatedly rescheduled. Like Dune: Part 2, the strikes also prevented the movie from its original release in fall 2023. It was also set to premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival before it was released in theaters, which maybe wouldve given the film more prestige. Instead, most of Luca Guadagninos Oscar buzz went to the middlingly reviewed Queer, which the Academy also neglected. One wonders if either of these films, as well as Guadagnino, who has yet to receive a Best Director nomination, wouldve had a stronger foothold in the race had they been released in separate years. Middlebrow movies are back After a decade of redundant superhero franchises and other CGI-laden IPs, 2024 felt like a much-needed reset for movie culture. Specifically, it was a return to the sort of box office lineup you would regularly see in the 90s and 2000s. Likewise, the year provided a number of mid-budget, middlebrow movies, like eight-time nominee Conclave, triple nominee The Substance and two-time nominee A Real Pain, with compelling but accessible premises for the average person looking to have a memorable time at the multiplex. These now-Oscar-nominated films, plus similarly fun fare that were firmly in the awards conversation but didnt end up receiving nods, like Babygirl and Challengers, all managed to exceed expectations at the box office. They also became major talking points and references in pop culture, offering the polarizing characters and unpredictable endings that are typically lacking in Marvel fare. The treatment of these movies by awards bodies, like the Oscars, seems notable, too. In a piece for Vulture, writer Louis Petizman referred to the celebration of these films as the year in elevated trash. For all intents and purposes, Conclave is an adaptation of an airport novel; The Substance is a satirical body horror film where Demi Moore turns into a blob. Conclave, in particular, seemingly managed to meme its way into the awards conversation, gaining the affection of younger Letterboxd users in addition to its anticipated senior audience. It may be a bit debatable whether some of these movies are artistic feats worthy of recognition by the Academy. Still, their dominance in pop culture might just be a net good for the industry and the range of interesting options audiences might have at the movie theater in the future. Musicals are still hit-or-miss The jury is still out on whether audiences are craving movie musicals, although 2024 seemed like a notable step forward. Four splashy movies within the genre Wicked: Part 1, Joker: Folie Deux, Emilia Prez, Better Man were released this year with big marketing pushes. (There was also the barely promoted A24 musical called The End starring Tilda Swinton.) Only two of these films earned major Oscar nominations, which isnt saying nothing. Emilia Prez earned the most nods with 13, while Wicked: Part 1 earned 10. Better Man, presumably thanks to a strong word-of-mouth campaign more than its performance at the box-office, also earned a surprising sole Visual Effects nomination. Out of all four films, only Wicked managed to become a blockbuster, earning over $700 million internationally. At the very least, Wicked: Part 1 proved that audiences are willing to sit through a bunch of showtunes with the help of a $150 million marketing budget and Ariana Grande. However, it turns out that huge pop stars alone arent enough to get even their own fans to sit through musical movies. The Golden Globe-winning Emilia Prez, which co-stars Selena Gomez, seemed to make much more of an impression with festivalgoers and awards bodies than the average person with a Netflix account. Despite all of the critical buzz surrounding the film at the last years Cannes Film Festival, the musical, about a cartel leaders gender transition, quietly landed on the streaming platform and selected theaters this past December. Meanwhile, questionable parts of the movie like a song where a doctor explains gender-affirming surgeries to Zoe Saldaa by belting out man to woman, penis to vagina or a scene of Selena Gomez poorly speaking Spanish that made their way to social media didnt seem to inspire more people to watch it. Selena Gomez in Emilia Prez. Page 114/Why Not Productions/Path Films/France 2 CinmaThen there was highly anticipated but poorly received Joker: Folie Deux, starring Lady Gaga. The sequel hardly reaped any rewards at all, bombing at the box office and getting panned by critics. The fact that it was shut out from awards was even a joke at this months Golden Globes. Better Man, the Robbie Williams musical biopic, was another commercial disaster, presumably due to Americans general lack of knowledge of the former Take That member and perhaps the outwardly confusing decision to portray Williams as a CGI chimpanzee. However, it managed to earn good reviews and a strong cult following among Letterboxd devotees, in addition to its surprise Oscar nod. Overall, it seemed that Wicked, one of the most popular musicals of all time based on one of the most popular IPs of all time, would inevitably earn tons of money. It also helped that it was being promoted as a huge cultural event on the level of 2023s Barbie, even borrowing its exact marketing agenda. Although, that didnt work for every movieLong, epic movies are still in Along with Wicked and Dune: Part 2, the surprising box office success of 10-time nominated epic The Brutalist proved that moviegoers are willing and maybe even excited to sit down for a long, spectacular movie. While Wicked has a more bearable runtime of two hours and 40 minutes, the excitement around seeing both of these lengthy films in theaters is most obviously a side effect of Barbenhiemer, which seemed to promote the concept of movies as events on par with concerts. The release of Killers of the Flower Moon in 2023 also presumably primed audiences for movie outings that take up your entire afternoon. Particularly, Oppenheimer convinced audience members that, if a movie is important or visually impressive enough, it should be seen in a large-format such as IMAX or 70mm. Likewise, The Brutalist is also being presented in 70mm with much of its marketing focusing on the fact that it is a visual spectacle. Theres only one Barbenheimer 2024 proved that Barbenheimer is not as easily replicable as studios had probably hoped. Despite all the efforts by actors and film journalists to make Glicked the same-day release of Wicked and Gladiator II back in November a thing, it was hardly comparable to the more organic excitement surrounding Barbie and Oppenheimer the year prior. Arguably, Wicked, a musical, and Gladiator II, a sequel to a 20-year-old movie, were less appealing to the public than a movie about the worlds most famous toy and a Christopher Nolan flick. Thus, they each made less money although, not insignificant numbers. Gladiator II, in particular, didnt seem to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, earning mixed reviews and criticism for its leading man Paul Mescal.Even the most outstanding aspect of the movie, Denzel Washingtons performance, was snubbed by the Academy, although it did earn a nomination for Best Costume Design. Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine. Marvel Studios, Walt Disney StudiosIn general, these nominations are a reminder that the biggest blockbusters dont always overlap with taste, nor are they immediately destined for Oscars glory or even consideration based on how well they perform. For example, despite Ryan Reynoldss efforts to campaign the years second highest-grossing movie, Deadpool & Wolverine, the third Marvel sequel where Reynolds and Hugh Jackman mainly exchange gay jokes never really had a chance amongst more prestigious offerings. And the years highest-grossing film, Inside Out 2, didnt transcend its expected Best Animated Feature category to receive other major nominations. While movies like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and even 2023s Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All at Once seemed to impress Academy voters with their box office numbers, its clearly and maybe thankfully not all it takes. Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

Could they not have found a more generic name? (Team17 Group)Theyve been making games since the Amiga days but thankfully the name Everplay isnt going to totally replace the old one.British gamers who grew up during the 90s will be very familiar with Team17, the company responsible for the Worms series of tactics video games.Unlike some less fortunate British studios of that time, such as Sensible Software and Psygnosis, Team17 has not only managed to remain open but has expanded to the point where its been acquiring other studios and become a public company on the London Stock Exchange.So, it will take some getting use to when the company starts operating under the new name of Everplay next month, although the higher-ups have assured fans that the Team17 name will still be used in some places.Team17 has long since been more than just a developer, having expanded into publishing both video games and educational apps. As such, its been decided the company needs a new name that better represents that.This rebrand not only creates an ideal backdrop to foster greater cross-collaboration internally but also reflects our aspirations to expand our reach across complementary sectors within the broader indie market, explains CEO Steve Bell, who took over in January 2024.The rebranding doesnt apply to the companies divisions, though. The Team17 name will be used for Everplays video games label, so future releases will still be listed as being developed and/or published by Team17.The other two divisions simulation games publisher Astragon Entertainment and educational apps studio StoryToys will also be keeping their names intact.In fact, it doesnt seem like the Everplay name is going to be used much at all in public and is more of a corporate rebrand.Team17 emerged out of the early 90s Amiga demo scene (a homebrew concept that focused on making technically impressive animated sequences but not necessarily actual games) and was founded in December 1990 through a merger between British publisher 17-Bit Software and Swedish developer Team 7.It made a name for itself creating games for the Amiga and other 16-bit formats, such as 2D shooter Project-X, platformer Superfrog, the Aliens inspired Alien Breed top-down shooters, and Worms.Nowadays, the company is better known for publishing popular indie games such as Overcooked, Dredge, and the first two Yooka-Laylee games and rarely makes new titles itself.Thats not to say Team17 doesnt make any new games of its own, but theyve certainly become less frequent. For the last several years, its only put out one or two games a year, with its last release being a 2023 horror game called Killer Frequency.More TrendingAt the time of writing, it hasnt announced any new games in development, but it has loads of projects from other developers that it intends to publish throughout 2025 and beyond.The company has also experienced its fair share of controversy in recent memory. In 2022, it jumped on the NFT wagon in a move that was so unpopular with fans and even Team17s own partners that it abandoned those plans only a few days later.Afterwards, an extensive Eurogamer report highlighted dissatisfaction among employees within Team17. Aside from the company ignoring its staffs concerns with the NFT plan and not even apologising to community managers that had to bear the brunt of the backlash, numerous complaints were made about long work hours and poor wages.Then CEO Debbie Bestwick, who was among the companys founders, was also criticised for her leadership, particularly for failing to do anything about harassment allegations occurring within Team17. Fans are still waiting for a traditional Worms sequel (Team17)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Looking for some help to achieve your 2025 fitness goals? A solid smartwatch can help you track your workouts, monitor your heart rate, and keep you motivated to stay active. Late last year, Samsung announced a number of new products and upgrades, and were already seeing some significant discounts. The durable, outdoorsy Galaxy Watch Ultra is going for $100 off at the moment, but thats not all. With a trade-in credit from handing in your old watch, you can save an additional $350.Thatll bring the price of the smartwatch down to just $200 down from $650.See at SamsungRugged, Reliable, and ReadyFor runners, swimmers, cyclists, hikers, and just about anyone who likes to get their workouts done in the great outdoors this is truly a fitness-first smartwatch.No need to worry if the watch gets tossed or banged around thanks to the tough titanium 47mm face which can handle it no problem. You can even get that titanium in different colors. Choose between titanium gray, titanium white, or titanium silver. Additionally the watch band has a few options to select from as well. A synthetic peakform band, the slightly bulkier marine band, and then the fabric-based trail band. Each are available in orange, white, or black with the exception of the trail band which is only in white or black.Sleep and energy levels can be tracked throughout the daywith the Galaxy Watch Ultra, calculating a score of your physical readiness based on your sleep from the previous night, heart rate, and steps. The heart rate tracing is precise to help optimize your workouts with the help of Galaxy AI which can filter out the physical movements of your body. You can stay on top of your health by following the personalized Wellness Tips based on insights collected by your Watch and analyzed by your phone daily.Able to hold a charge for up to 60 hours, this battery is super long-lasting. This is great to make sure you have a charge left before starting your workout, but its particularly beneficial for sleep tracking. A lot of watches tout what they can while you sleep, but a lot of those smartwatches cant even last a full day when do they expect you to charge them? Not a problem with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which can help you get better rest each night and even detect sleep apnea.The Galaxy Watch Ultra normally goes for $650, but right now with the $100 discount and a trade-in of up to $350, you can get yours for just $200.See at Samsung

Castlevania: Nocturnes second season released last weekend, and critics and fans are over the moon about it. Thats not surprising; from the very beginning, both the original Castlevaniaand this spinoff have garnered acclaim for its writing and animation, and for successfully adapting the games to television. This is reflected in the viewership; Netflix hasnt put out any numbers or milestones, but fans and Powerhouse Animation staff have shared screenshots of the show hitting the top 10 in territories like the United States and the Philippines, which theyre more than proud of. Whatissurprising is how, at time of writing, Nocturnes future is more unclear than youd expect. Late last year, Powerhouse said itd go dark ahead of the second seasons debut as it waited to learn if the show would be renewed, and individuals at the studio have pretty explicitly called on fans to watch the new season. By comparison, Netflix announced renewals for the original Castlevania just days after a season had launched. (Season four, for example, was greenlit a full year ahead of season threes release.) Whether that series already had a four-season deal locked in, or they were actually just two seasons split across multiple parts, you at least got the impression the streamer saw something in it and wanted to foster that. By now, Netflix is more than aware that Castlevaniais a flagship brand for its animation slate, and that Powerhouses name carries some weight. The studios proven to be a reliable partner, and these two adaptations have benefitted both studio and streamer. For Powerhouse, the show has let it adapt other properties like Masters of the Universe and Tomb Raider, plus tackle original ventures Seis Manos and Blood of Zeus. Meanwhile, Netflix has managed to use Castlevanias clout to snag other franchises under its umbrella, from League of LegendstoCyberpunk 2077andBioShock.Even its general focus on YA and adult animationJentry Chau,Big Mouth, and whatever elseand anime can be traced back to how the originalCastlevaniablew up back in 2017. For an enterprise thats played such a hand in the new boom of game adaptations, and from a streamer thats previously franchised out hits right away, the entire situation aroundCastlevania: Nocturnesmore than a little odd. Netflix Yknow what else is strange? Konami not responding to the Castlevaniahype by not having much of anything game-related on hand. After 2014s Lords of Shadow 2, the series has basically been on ice, save for recent remasters and crossover expansions with Dead CellsandVampire Survivors. As Konamis been getting back into the game development swing with remakes and new games for Silent HillandMetal Gear Solid,theres been nothing concrete about its vampiric franchise making a full-on comeback. We know game adaptations bring attention to their source material and lead to people picking up those games, for the first or tenth time. Its certainly a missed opportunity to not jump on the momentum of these two animated series with a game project, or even an announcement that somethings in the worksfans were clamoring for a new Castlevaniagame even before the show dropped, so its not like Konami was completely in the dark here. Again, the collective lack of support from both sides ofCastlevania is weird when you think about its overall significance. The games were beloved for decades and helped spawn an entire genre that persists to this day, while the shows kicked off the new wave of transmedia enterprises Hollywood is very keen on continuing. Before we know it, that original Netflix series will be a decade old, and itll feel wrong for it to have made strides for one medium, but not the one it originated in. 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.

Savonarola Residence / Romano TinazziSave this picture! Federico VillaHousesVerona, ItalyArchitects: Romano TinazziAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:160 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Federico VillaManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Cunego termoidraulica, Edilmorselli di Morselli Massimo, Enecom, Tech srlMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The project involved the renovation of a single-family house, part of the urban fabric along Via Savonarola. Originally built in the early 20th century to house railway workers' families, the building is classified under a protection grade as specified in the Municipal urban guidelines. Any transformation of the property requires preserving its original form and distinctive features.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Working within this constraint, the project combined the conservative restoration of the historic building envelope with a radical redesign of its layout and structural system. Within the two curtain walls, the new addition creates a deliberate contrast with the existing structure, showcasing its material and constructive aspects. The new structure consists of a lightweight metal frame paired with an in-situ cast concrete staircase. To minimize floor-to-floor height, the floors are constructed using corrugated metal sheeting, optimizing thickness without compromising strength.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!In the common areas, the exposed textures of the original stone walls highlight the building's historical character. The ground floor serves as a communal space, featuring a living room, kitchen, and a small outdoor patio. The two upper floors are dedicated to private areas, including bedrooms and bathrooms.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeRomano TinazziOfficePublished on January 23, 2025Cite: "Savonarola Residence / Romano Tinazzi" 23 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025927/savonarola-residence-romano-tinazzi&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

The Swiss Pavilion at 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale Examines Historical Gender DynamicsSave this picture!Pavilion of Switzerland at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia. The project team of the exhibition Endgltige Form wird von der Architektin am Bau bestimmt. in their studio in Zurich (from left to right): Elena Chiavi, Amy Perkins, Myriam Uzor, Kathrin Fglister, Axelle Stiefel, Emma Kouassi.. Image Keystone/Gatan Bally via Pro HelvetiaThe Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, represented by Sandi Paucic and Rachele Giudici Legittimo, has announced that the Swiss Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 will host the exhibition "The final form is determined by the architect on site," curated by Elena Chiavi, Kathrin Fglister, Amy Perkins, Axelle Stiefel, and Myriam Uzor. This all-female team poses the question: What if Lisbeth Sachs, rather than Bruno Giacometti, had designed the Swiss Pavilion? The exhibition will explore this question by reviving one of the iconic works of Lisbeth Sachs, one of the first registered female architects in Switzerland and a contemporary of Giacometti.Save this picture!The current Swiss Pavilion, located in the Giardini della Biennale, was designed by architect Bruno Giacometti in 1951 and inaugurated during the 26th Architecture Biennale. This modern building occupies a corner of the garden and features two main volumes with adjoining galleries and an enclosed courtyard. While the previous edition of the exhibition focused on the architecture of the building itself, this year's proposal takes a speculative turn, addressing the historical underrepresentation of women architects in the Venice Biennale pavilions. The curatorial team, composed of five women with expertise in communications, space renovation, and teaching, plans to recreate the art hall designed by Lisbeth Sachs for the 1958 Swiss Exhibition for Women's Work (SAFFA) in Zurich, presenting it as a multi-sensory experience.Save this picture!The exhibition seeks to immerse the visitor in Sachs' vision to explore her influence on the design of the building. The experience consists of an immersive spatial memory, where the architect's original project is linked to a sound system, described by Pro Helvetia as "resounding architecture." Thus, past and present voices aim to evoke both the ethical and aesthetic themes of the mid-twentieth century, with a particular focus on Sachs. Through sound navigation, the curatorial project promises to foster an intimate and deep bond with her work and "reveal a vibrant dimension" of architecture and landscape. Related Article The French Pavilion Explores Concepts of Living With at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale Juxtaposing Sachs' work with Giacometti's brings two architectural visions into coexistence, encouraging visitors to reflect on the need for inclusivity in architectural history and today's practices. This intervention is not just physical but also temporal, connecting architectural legacies while engaging the visitor's perceptions of continuity. - Curators Elena Chiavi, Kathrin Fglister, Amy Perkins, Axelle Stiefel, and Myriam Uzor Save this picture!Save this picture!The 19th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia 2025, curated by Carlo Ratti and centered around the theme "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective," will be open to the public from May 10 to November 23, 2025. The Swiss exhibit will be accompanied by a side program at both the Swiss Pavilion and Palazzo Trevisan degli Ulivi. Other Giardini pavilions have already announced the themes of their exhibitions, including France, with a project focused on architecture's ability to address global challenges, and Spain, with a proposal centered on the decarbonization of Spanish architecture.We invite you to check out ArchDaily's comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Venice Biennale.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Antonia Pieiro. "The Swiss Pavilion at 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale Examines Historical Gender Dynamics" 23 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026092/the-swiss-pavilion-at-2025-venice-architecture-biennale-examines-historical-gender-dynamics&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

Today, we're starting our series on Custom Lighting Models with the most basic and simple type of lighting - vertex lighting. I show 3 simple ways to create ambient light and also how to create Lambert diffuse light.Take a look at the playlist for the whole series:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL78XDi0TS4lGnGa7L2X4o3UV-XYZEKNwj Here's last week's video that introduces the series:https://youtu.be/wI0YdkiduYY Shader Book Recommendationshttps://www.bencloward.com/resources_books.shtml ------------------------------Theme MusicPeace in the Circuitry - Glitch Hophttp://teknoaxe.com/Link_Code_3.php?q=1526 Background MusicSpeo - The Little Thingshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvCYuyyLgC0 #UnrealEngine #shadergraph #Unity

One of the last things you'd think could be lost is a volcano. Yet, when we look at the record of volcanic activity, even in the past few hundred years, there are signals that a large eruption occurred ... we just don't have any other evidence of the source of that big blast. Slowly but surely, through geochemical sleuthing, some of those mystery eruptions have been matched up with volcanoes. It turns out that many times, that source is more surprising than anticipated.A recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) by William Hutchinson and others may have found the smoking gun for a mysterious event recorded in the planet's ice cores. If we look at the signal of climate-altering eruptions since 1800 captured by ice core records on both poles, many famous eruptions show up: Tambora (1815), Krakatau (1883), Pinatubo (1991) and many others. However, certain peaks didn't have obvious matches in the known geological or historical records."Missing" VolcanoesRinjani caldera in Indonesia. Credit: Wikimedia Commons / DhmlombokOne of the most famous "missing eruptions" was one that occurred around 1257-58 CE. It was one of the largest sulfur-deposits events in the last few thousand years but up until recently, it had no known source. Work by Franck Lavigne and others in 2019 determined using geochemical comparisons of ash from a hitherto unmapped eruption of Samalas in the Rinjani caldera of Indonesia as the culprit. So, this "missing" eruption was hiding in plain sight.However, it sometimes isn't that simple. Rinjani is in Indonesia and currently has over 3,000,000 people living near it. Back when it erupted in the 1200s, the population wasn't nearly as high, but the regional capital at the time was located near the volcano. Records show that the capital was destroyed by ash and the locals could definitely point out the copious ash deposits all around the area. It just took the geochemical analyses of the ash near the volcano and in the ice core to correlate these two events.Now, suppose a volcano erupted and no one was watching? Hutchinson and others' choice for the most probable source of sulfur spike in the ice core record in 1831 is potentially a volcano that no one saw erupt. Using similar geochemical methods to compare ash fragments, they have pointed to the remote Zavaritskii caldera in the Kuril Islands south of Kamchatka in the western Pacific. The Middle of NowhereA Sentinel-2 image taken March 3, 2024 of Simushir Island in the Kuril Islands between Japan and Russia. The four volcanoes on the island are labeled. Credit: ESA, annotated by Erik KlemettiIf you've never heard of the volcano, you're not alone. Looking at the Global Volcanic Program's database, Zavaritskii has 118 people currently living with 100 kilometers of the volcano. That is no typo: 118 people. Back in the mid-1800s that number was likely closer to nobody ... and unlike today, where ships and jets pass near the region everyday, there was likely almost no ships in the area at the time as well. You have the perfect situation for a large eruption that no one saw happen.It isn't surprising that in such a remote location, there hasn't been much research done on the eruption history of Zavaritskii. There were a few small eruptions in the 1900s, but the history prior to that was pretty vague. Before this new research, the caldera and dome forming eruption was thought to have occurred "in the Holocene" ... which means the last 10,000 years or so. Not exactly the precision you want to match with a big sulfur spike. However, Hutchinson and others were able to collect some new radiocarbon ages for material caught up in this last major eruption and found it was less than 300 years ago.Up until now, the best guess volcanologists had for the source of the sulfur in the ice cores around 1831 was a very small eruption of Ferdinandea (part of the Campi Flegrei Del Mar di Sicilia) off the coast of Sicily (not to be confused with Fernandina in the Galpagos Islands). Even though it was a small event, the magma incorporated sediments rich in anhydrite, a mineral formed by the evaporation of water that is rich in sulfur. So, without a better source, that was the guess.Isotopic FingerprintsCompositional data of Zavaritskii Caldera Ash showing the composition match of ice core ash and material from the Zavaritskii caldera. Credit: Hutchinson and others, PNAS.However, Hutchinson and others were able to use the sulfur isotopic composition of the ice core and ash from Zavaritskii to show that Ferdinandea couldn't be the source. The ratio of sulfur isotopes in anhydrite, the supposed source of sulfur in the Ferndinandea eruption, is very different than that in normal magma erupting in a place like the Kuril Islands. The mismatch of sulfur isotopes from that of anhydrite and the close match between the ice core sulfur isotopes and Zavaritskii ash put the nail in the coffin of the 1831 sulfur spike source.It turns out that this eruption that doesn't appear to show up in any known historical record was likely comparable to the 1991 eruption of Pinatubo. There were plenty of associated climate and atmospheric impacts recorded at the time, including dimmed sunlight, blue hazes and changed weather patterns. The amount of sulfur thrown into the atmosphere played a role in crop failures that led to famines in the mid-to-late 1830s in Japan and India. This isn't the last "missing" volcanic eruption. There are a pair of sulfur spikes in ice core records in the early 1800s that have yet to be conclusively linked to a specific volcano. When you look back at some of the most significant explosive eruptions over the past few centuries, many have come from volcanoes that weren't recognized to have the potential: Pinatubo, El Chichn, Chaitn, Huaynaputina and more. This is why any list of the "next" volcanoes to cause such an eruption are dubious at best. Many of the volcanoes that caused climate havoc were ones that hadn't had a big eruption in millennia, so they weren't closely studied. This goes to show how vital basic mapping, geochemical analyses and dating of volcanoes is to understanding potential volcanic hazards. You never know when that seemingly obscure and quiet volcano could be the next big one.

Fighting is actually not as big a stressor as other aspects of alpha male life. Credit: Deposit PhotosShareAlpha male baboons may earn the right to preside over their troops, but evidence indicates all that power takes its toll. A past study from Duke University research scientist Laurence Gesquiere, for example, indicated that alpha male baboons exhibit much higher stress hormone levels than their beta counterparts. At the time, however, the source of all that stress remained a mystery. According to a followup study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the top ranking primates not only are significantly more stressed outtheyre also expending more energy than those around them. But not necessarily for the reasons you might think.The first evidence pointing to the unique daily problems faced by alpha male baboons arrived in 2011, when Gesquiere and colleagues identified that the animals displayed higher amounts of glucocorticoids. These and other hormones are released by the brain to help boost energy during tough situations.Since then, Gesquiere and others from both Duke and Stony Brook University have looked more closely at baboon hormonal levels while also reviewing their daily habits. They focused on 14 years worth of behavioral records collected from 204 wild male baboons by the Amboseli Baboon Research Project in Kenya. The team then supplemented that information by analyzing their droppings to better understand how their hormone levels changed over time.Consistent with previous data, the glucocorticoid levels of alpha baboons measured around six percent higher than their fellow males. At the same time, the team also noticed the top baboons had lower levels of the thyroid hormone T3a sign they burned more calories than they consumed.Being alpha really has energy consequences, Gesquiere said in an accompanying statement on Wednesday.But all that energy expenditure isnt entirely the result of baboons many brawls. The data showed that regardless how often the alphas scrapped with rivals or betas, both their stress and thyroid hormones remained at consistent levels.That was a big surprise, said Gesquiere.The team theorized there may be a couple explanations for this. One is that aggressive episodes between the males may be too short or minor to trigger a hormonal response. Another possibility may be that, once established, an alpha male simply doesnt need to spar as intensely or as often as before.So what actually is the reason behind all that extra stress and energy use? According to researchers, its likely often due to the amount of time they spend guarding and monitoring their mates. 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.Theyre essentially staking a claim; preventing other males from gaining access, added Susan Alberts, a Duke University professor and study lead author.Alberts explained that all that surveillance means an alpha males other needsnamely eatingis constantly interrupted by following their consorts around and preventing other males from getting too close. Alberts offered a common scenario in which an alpha baboon begins foraging for food, but then the female gets up and walks away, and they have to abandon it.While being high ranking has benefits for males in terms of mating and paternity success, our analysis demonstrates that it also imposes costs, the studys authors write in their conclusion.Gesquiere added that for alpha males, all that stress definitely has long-term consequences. These costs appear to speed up their epigenetic aging, and even shorten their overall lifespans. But dont think its any easier for the beta baboons in these communities.Low-ranking males, while being less energetically challenged than high-ranking (non-alpha) males, are probably exposed to more psychosocial stressors, the authors wrote in their study.Basically, its tough out there for baboons, no matter their social standing.

Nyasasaurus is one of the earliest known dinosaurs or else a close relative of early dinosaurs. Mark Witton/The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, LondonShareDespite decades of digging and discovery, paleontologists still have not found fossil evidence of some of the planets earliest dinosaurs. Most of the specimens we have found like the T.rex all represent species that were significantly bigger and more advanced than early dinosaurs like Nyasasaurus. The earliest species of dinosaur are likely buried deep within the Earth and are incredibly difficult to reach. However, some research offers a suggestion of where to look. These bones may lie within the Amazon and other equatorial regions of South America and Africa. The findings are detailed in a study published January 23 in the journal Current Biology. 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.What are the oldest known dinosaurs?Currently, the earliest known dinosaurs include Nyasasaurus, Eoraptor, Herrerasaurus, Coelophysis, and Eodromaeus. A group of fossils belonging to an unknown dinosaur in the Herrerasauridae family were described last year and date back about 231 million years. Similarly old fossils have all been unearthed in countries located south of the equator including Argentina, Brazil, and Zimbabwe, but there are likely even older specimens that have not been uncovered yet.These early dinosaurs were also initially vastly outnumbered by their reptile cousinsa group of enormous crocodile ancestors called the pseudosuchians and pterosaurs who grew to the size of fighter jets. By comparison, Earths earliest dinosaurs were much smaller than their descendants. They were about the size of a dog or chicken, not 33,000 pounds like a Brontosaurus. Early dinosaurs were also bipedal and are believed to have been omnivores.The physical differences between the earliest known fossils and those from the dinosaurs that lived much later suggest that animals had already been evolving for some time. Paleontologists believe this means that they could have evolved years earlier, pushing back the fossil record by millions of years.Dinosaurs are well studied but we still dont really know where they came from, study co-author and University College London (UCL) PhD student Joel Heath said in a statement.The fossil record has such large gaps that it cant be taken at face value.Into LaurasiaIn the new study, a team of paleontologists examined the known fossils and evolutionary trees of dinosaurs and their close reptile relatives and compared them with changes to the Earths geography. To account for the numerous gaps in the fossil record, they treated the parts of the world where fossils have not been uncovered as missing information rather than designating them areas where no fossils exist.Based on the results from this computer simulation, the team believes that Earths earliest dinosaurs likely emerged in a hot and dry equatorial region in the former supercontinent Gondwana. This massive continent began to break apart due to tectonic activity about 175 million years ago. The Amazon basin in South America and Congo basin and Sahara Desert in Africa today are what remains of Gondwana.So far, no dinosaur fossils have been found in the regions of Africa and South America that once formed this part of Gondwana, said Heath. However, this might be because researchers havent stumbled across the right rocks yet, due to a mix of inaccessibility and a relative lack of research efforts in these areas.Dinosaurs also started to outnumber other reptiles after a series of volcanic eruptions about 201 million years ago. The study suggests that after the surviving dinosaurs and reptiles that originated in low-latitude Gondwana. They spread outwards into southern Gondwana and to Laurasiathe supercontinent next to Gondwana that later split up into Europe, Asia, and North America.According to the team, this spot is a midpoint of where the earliest known dinosaurs have been found and where many of their closest relatives have been discovered in what was north Laurasia.Family tiesTo piece together how these dinosaurs were related, the team ran their computer model of where dinosaurs originated on three potential evolutionary trees. They found a tree that included the silesauridscousins of dinosaurs but not dinosaurs themselvesas ancestors of a later group of ornithischian dinosaurs.Ornithischians are one of the three main dinosaur groups that would later include Stegosaurus and Triceratops. They are absent from the fossil record of these early years of the dinosaur era. If the silesaurids are the ancestors of ornithischians, it will help fill in gaps in their evolutionary tree and pinpoint when certain traits emerged.Our results suggest early dinosaurs may have been well adapted to hot and arid environments. Out of the three main dinosaur groups, one group, sauropods, which includes the Brontosaurus and the Diplodocus, seemed to retain their preference for a warm climate, keeping to Earths lower latitudes, study co-author and UCL paleobiologist Philip Mannion said in a statement.In turn, theropods and ornithischians may have developed the ability to generate their own body heat millions of years ago. This change during the Jurassic period would have allowed them to thrive in colder regions, as many species did.Only by digging deeper in the right areapotentially in parts of South America and Africawill paleontologists find the earliest dinosaurs to walk the Earth.