Tiny pieces of plastic were found lodged in blood vessels in the brains of mice. Credit: Nature / Sinclair Stammers / SPLShareMicroplastics are everywhere, both across nature and inside our bodies. And while evidence shows these synthetic particulates arent great for you, the medical community still isnt entirely sure how the plastic specifically affects health, as well as its influence on preexisting conditions like an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. For the first time, however, experts succeeded in visually tracking the movement of microplastics through brain blood vessels in miceand the pile-ups resembled a microscopic car crash.The findings, published in the journal Science Advances by a team at Beijings Peking University, expand on existing research already showcasing microplastics potential neurotoxicity.Nanoscale plastics can breach the blood-brain barrier, [but] how [microplastics] cause brain functional irregularities remains unclear, wrote the studys authors.Researchers relied on a fluorescence imaging technique known as two-photon microscopy to get a clearer look on ingested microplastic movements in real-time. In order to do so, however, they first needed to create a small, transparent window into the skulls of lab mice. They then trained the tool on the direct cranial opening after providing their test subjects with water mixed with tiny spheres of fluorescent polystyrene. Previous studies have recorded an estimated 12 nanograms of microplastics per milliliter of blood in humans, so researchers approximated a proportional amount of polystyrene to deliver to the mice. Still one of the most common plastics, polystyrene is found in many toys, packaging, and home appliances. From there, they waited and watched.According to the study announcement, glowing cells began appearing in brain blood vessels around three hours later. Closer examination suggested they were a combination of neutrophils and phagocytes, two immune system cells responsible for eating harmful foreign objects. Some likely got stuck in the many curves of the smaller blood vessels around the brains cortex. But more plastic-laced cells also stacked like a car crash, explained Peking University biomedical researcher and study co-author, Haipeng Huang.These pile-ups eventually resembled blood clots, similarly minimizing blood flow to the brain anywhere from days to weeks. While some of these microplastic-cell concentrations cleared over time, others were still discernible at the end of the four-week experiment. 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.Researchers cautioned in their study, however, that it is still premature to directly apply this mechanism to human research systems. They noted that humans and mice possess different immune, coagulation, cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular systems. The human bodys blood circulation volume is around 1,200 times larger, with wider vascular diameters that likely reduces the potential for microplastic obstructions.At the same time, our narrowest capillary microvessels measure 8-10 nanometersnot far off from the 8-9 nanometer diameters in mice venous vessel terminal branches. Knowing this, some microplastic obstructions are likely to have detrimental consequences for cardiovascular health and may result in more severe adverse effects, especially in patients with underlying conditions similar to myocardial infarction, the researchers caution.Nature noted that previous studies support the latest observations, particularly one that discovered tiny, weathered plastic shards in brain tissue, including blood vessel walls and immune cells, in human bodies donated to research. Experts hope their imagining approach will continue to be used to study how microplastics travel through the body, and what that means for long-term health.

ShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Klipsch, SVS, KEF, PolkThe best subwoofers are the unsung heroes of your sound system, delivering deep, impactful bass that you dont just hearyou feel. Whether youre glued to an explosive action scene, grooving to your favorite music, or diving into a virtual battlefield, a quality subwoofer adds depth and weight to your sound stage for a more complete and thrilling audio experience. The right subwoofer doesnt just add visceral bassit improves the performance of your entire system, taking some of the heavy lifting off your loudspeakers for cleaner, more balanced sound, from the deepest lows to the highest highs. If youre here for all you can hear, weve curated the best subwoofers for 2025, balancing performance, features, and value to help you find the perfect match for your system.Best overall: KEF KC62Best value: Polk Signature Elite ES12Best splurge: SVS PB17-Ultra R | EvolutionBest design: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SWBest evolution of a classic:MartinLogan Dynamo 12How we chose the best subwoofersWe looked at dozens of subwoofers across a range of price points, zeroing in on factors like deep, clean bass response, solid build quality, and practical features like room correction and flexible connectivity. We leaned on trusted audio brands with proven track records, prioritizing models that deliver powerful, precise sound whether youre listening to music or watching movies. By blending our own experiences with expert reviews and insights from fellow audiophiles, we landed on subwoofers that stand out for their performance and versatility.The best subwoofers: Reviews & RecommendationsFrom value-packed performers to high-end heavyweights, these subwoofers bring room-shaking bass and refined sound to your entertainment setupperfect for building an epic home theater, enhancing a two-channel hi-fi system, or giving your favorite playlists the low-end punch they deserve.Best overall: KEF KC62Tony Ware Why it made the cut: This tiny sub packs astonishingly deep bassdown to 11 Hz!into a sleek, compact form factor that defies expectations.SpecsDriver: Dual 6.5 Uni-Core force-canceling driversFrequency response: 11 Hz200 HzEnclosure type: SealedAmplification: 1,000W RMS (2x500W RMS)Dimensions: 9.7 H x 10.1 W x 9.8 DPrice: $1,499ProsCompact size with room-filling performanceDual force-canceling drivers eliminate vibrationsUni-Core technology minimizes distortionConsDSP makes integration with KEF powered speakers seamless and almost plug-and-play, but it requires more adjustments with other speakersThe KEF KC62 is a marvel of engineering that proves that big bass can come in small packages. Based on KEFs patented Uni-Core technology (also found in the LS60 Wireless, the surprisingly slimline, persuasively powered towers we love), this ultra-compact 1000W subwoofer packs back-to-back force-canceling 6.5-inch drivers into an enclosure the size of a basketball. This unique design, in which the two drivers share a single magnet system withconcentrically arranged voice coils,conserves space and minimizes cabinet vibrations while producing clean, effortless lows down to an astonishing 11 Hz. A sealed enclosure keeps the bass tight and articulate, prioritizing musicality over sheer physicality, which is ideal for both music and mood-driven movies.Smart features include KEFs origami-inspired P-Flex driver surround (for improved low-frequency performance) and Intelligent Bass Extension (iBX), which dynamically adjusts output to achieve maximum depth without distortion. Add room EQ, accessible through the KEF app, and the KC62 adapts seamlessly to your listening space for optimal results (weve tucked the KC62 in a cubby, flipped a toggle, and it still sounds amazing with the KEF LS50 Wireless II powered speakers). Versatile connectivity options include line- and speaker-level inputs and a line-level out with highpass filtering. Alternately, cut the cord with the optional KEF KW1 wireless adapter kit. (Tricking out a wireless surround system? Our guide will help you get started.)The sleek, modern design blends into any setup without sacrificing impact. While its compact size makes it ideal for apartments and smaller listening rooms, its performance can rival much larger subs. For audiophiles and movie lovers looking to supercharge their audio setup without overwhelming their space, the KC62s combination of precision, power, and stunning design makes it the best all-around choice.Best value: Polk Signature Elite ES12Polk Why it made the cut: Affordable, powerful, and punchy, this solid sub delivers impressive performance that outshines its price tag.SpecsDriver: 12 long-throw wooferFrequency response: 22 Hz250 HzEnclosure type: Ported (dual front-facing ports)Amplification: 300WDimensions: 19 H x 14.3 W x 19 DPrice: $849ProsPorted design produces clean, effortless bassSophisticated phase control allows precision system blendingFront-firing port allows versatile placementConsNo room correction featuresPolks Signature Elite ES12 proves you dont need to break the bank to get great bass. Coming in under a grand, this 12-inch subwoofer, ideal for medium-sized rooms, features Polks Power Port technology, in which its two front-facing ports are engineered to minimize air turbulence by guiding airflow into the listening space using flares and a diffusor. This promotes a more streamlined flow, which means less port noise.DSP nerds will be impressed by the ES12s high-resolution 32-bit floating point processing with group delay-minimizing filters and precision limiters, which produces clearer bass with crisper transients.While the ES12 doesnt offer advanced room correction features found in pricier models, its Time-Smart Phase Control lets you adjust phase from -135 degrees to 180 degrees in 45-degree increments, making system blending effortless for smooth, even sound. And with a narrow, acoustically optimized cabinet and front-firing orientation, the ES12 sounds great even next to walls and on shelves.Got a tiny space and tiny budget to match? Check out Polks Signature Elite ES8 8-inch subwoofer, which will run you a very wallet-friendly $299.Best design: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SWTony Ware Why it made the cut: The RP-1600SW combines bold Klipsch aesthetics with powerful, dynamic bass, with a design that demands attention.SpecsDriver: 16 Cerametallic wooferFrequency response: 14.5 Hz175 HzEnclosure type: Ported (slot port)Amplification: 800W RMSDimensions: 23.4 H x 23.5 W x 27.4 DPrice: $1,399ProsDeep, dynamic bassQQQStylish design with premium materialsConsLarge footprint may not suit smaller roomsIf you want a subwoofer that delivers both jaw-dropping sound and eye-catching style, this flagship model in Klipschs revamped Reference Premiere series, the Klipsch RP-1600SW, hits the mark.Built for large rooms and bold systemsand weighing in at a beefy 110 poundsthe RP-1600SW pairs equally well with movie soundtracks and bass-heavy music, filling your space with low-end power that you can feel. Anchored by a massive 16-inch Cerametallic woofer, designed for exceptional rigidity and feather-light weight for minimal cone breakup and distortion, this stylish sub delivers bass thats as dynamic as it is deep, reaching down to a floor-shaking 14 Hz. Its high-efficiency amplifier features an analog preamp design, which preserves the original signal for cleaner, truer sonic reproduction.The front-firing RP-1600SWs proprietary internal geometry and an Aerofoil front slot port minimize air turbulence for cleaner, tighter output while offering flexibility in placement. Controls are simple: a gain knob, low-pass filter), phase switch, and an on/auto/off toggle.Visually, the RP-1600SW stands out with its sleek black finish and copper driverKlipschs hallmark style. (Install its matte black grille for more subdued visual vibes.) While its large footprint may require some strategic placement (and what subwoofer doesnt if you want it to sound its best, as you can read in our things to consider), the RP-1600SW rewards the effort. With room-shaking performance and stunning style, this is an ideal choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who demand power and precision in a premium package.For added flexibility, the RP-1600SW supports both RCA and wireless inputs (with the optional WA-2 Wireless Kit), so you can connect it to multiple systems in the same room.Best splurge: SVS PB17-Ultra R | EvolutionSVS Why it made the cut: With thunderous power, sophisticated DSP, and versatile tuning options, this 165-pound bass beast sets the gold standard for high-end performance.SpecsDriver: 17 front-firing high-excursion driverFrequency response: 14-220 Hz (with all ports open)Enclosure type: Ported (three front-facing ports)Amplification: 2,800W RMSDimensions: 25 H x 21.7 W x 30.9 DPrice: $2,999ProsGround-shaking bass with exceptional clarityExtensive tuning options for optimal performanceStunning build quality with premium materialsConsLarge and heavyIf youre looking for a subwoofer that can move mountains, your search ends here. The SVS PB17-Ultra R | Evolution, a reimagined version of the venerable PB16-Ultra,features a massive 17-inch high-excursion driver equipped with dual 8-inch voice coils, each powered by its own mono-block amplifier. This unique design ensures maximum power and precise control, allowing the sub to deliver seismic low-end impact that transforms movies, music, and games into unforgettable experiences.Capable of reaching depths down to 13 Hz, this subwoofer dives into the realm of subsonic bass that you feel as much as you hear. Its powerful 1,600-watt RMS amplifier (with 4,800 watts peak) effortlessly handles even the most demanding audio dynamics, producing thunderous bass that remains distortion-free, even at high volumes. Built for large rooms and demanding listeners, it strikes the perfect balance between raw power and refined control.What makes the PB17-Ultra R | Evolution stand out is its versatility. With its triple-ported enclosure and a trio of port tuning plugs, you can customize performance for your space and listening preferences. A smartphone app controls parametric EQ and DSP settings, letting you dial in crossover, phase alignment, and room presets, using your phones built-in mic to calibrate the sub to your rooms acoustics.While its substantial size and weight can pose challenges for placement, the PB17-Ultra R | Evolution is a statement piece for any audio setup. Available in premium Piano Gloss and Black Oak Veneer finishes, it looks as stunning as it sounds.PB17-Ultra R | Evolution too much boom? Consider its sealed sibling, the SB17-Ultra R | Evolution, which fits in slightly tighter spaces and prioritizes accurate rendering over pure output.Best evolution of a classic: MartinLogan Dynamo 12Tony Ware Why it made the cut: The next-gen Dynamo 12 builds on MartinLogans legacy with refined low-end performance and deep optimization features.SpecsDriver: 12 high-excursion aluminum cone wooferFrequency response: 22 Hz200 HzEnclosure type: SealedAmplification: 800W RMSDimensions: 16.3 H x 15.1 W x 17.4 DPrice: $1,499ProsBalanced, clean bassVersatile forward- or down-firing designAdvanced DSP and room optimization settingsConsDoesnt delve quite as deep as the other models featured hereThe MartinLogan Dynamo 12 updates a beloved subwoofer with a modern twist, combining precise bass performance with advanced digital processing and deep optimization features. Its stiff, lightweight 12-inch anodized aluminum driver, powered by MartinLogans proprietary dual-architecture Magnitude amplifier, delivers bass thats robust and clean, making it equally at home in music systems and home theaters.At the core of its performance is the Vojtko DSP engine, a 64-bit, 500MHz digital signal processing engine that fine-tunes the subwoofers output in real-time. Pair it with optional Anthem Room Correction software for even more precision, adapting response to your rooms unique acoustics. (This requires an ARC calibration microphone and a PC or Mac computer, sold separately).The Dynamo 12s flexible design allows it to function as a front- or down-firing sub, making it easier to fit into your space. Built-in wireless connectivity cuts down on cable clutter, while MartinLogans app lets you adjust settings like volume, DSP mode, and phase right from your couch. Integrated feet improve bass performance while reducing floor and wall vibrations.With its understated design, compact size, and thoughtful engineering, the Dynamo 12 strikes a balance between honoring MartinLogans legacy and meeting the demands of modern audio setups.What to consider when choosing the best subwooferFinding the perfect subwoofer starts with understanding your space, preferences, and technical needsand a little bit about how speakers work. Here are key factors to keep in mind when making your decision:Driver sizeIts all about physics: The lower the sound, the bigger the sound wave, and the larger the driver needed to physically reproduce that sound. Larger drivers produce deeper bass and are better suited for bigger rooms, but they require bigger enclosures. Smaller drivers work well in compact spaces and can still deliver impactful bass, especially when in advanced multi-driver arrangements and paired with advanced technologies like digital signal processing (DSP).Room sizeThe size of your room directly influences your subwoofer choice. Larger spaces with high ceilings or open layouts benefit from subs with bigger drivers (12 inches or more) and higher wattage to move enough air for deep, room-filling bass. Smaller rooms, on the other hand, are well served with compact (8- to 10-inch) subwoofers that deliver tight, balanced sound without overpowering the space or muddying the audio. (Or, of course, you can set up a system that includes two subwoofersan arrangement that doesnt always mean more bass so much as more even distribution.)Power handlingPower handling measures how much wattage a subwoofer can manage, whether its powered (with a built-in amp) or passive (driven by an external amplifier). Higher wattage means more headroom, letting bass stay clean, tight, and distortion-free, even at louder volumes. For both types, focus on continuous (RMS) wattage rather than peak power to get a true sense of performance. Just be sure the power matches your room size and listening habitstoo little wont fill the space, and too much can overwhelm it.Type of enclosureSubwoofers come in sealed or ported (bass reflex) enclosures, each with unique advantages. Sealed enclosures tend to deliver tighter, more controlled bass, the kind preferred by music lovers who value precision. Ported (or vented) designs, on the other hand, generally move more air to produce louder, deeper bass, bringing deep impact to movie soundtracks or bass-heavy tracks. (Some ported models, like the SVS PB17-Ultra R | Evolution, profiled above, come with port plugs that let you customize sonic performance.) Both styles can deliver incredible results, depending on the subs design and your setupat the end of the day, its all about your preferences and how you want bass to shape your sound experience.Room EQ and tuning featuresRoom EQ features help subwoofers adapt to your space, smoothing out peaks and dips caused by tricky room acoustics. Built-in calibration toolsfound in higher-end modelstake some of the guesswork out of placement and deliver clean, balanced bass wherever you set up.Your listening preferencesAre you chasing chest-thumping bass for hip-hop and EDM, ultra-precise low end to elevate acoustic music, or explosive impact on movie night? Subwoofers vary in how they deliver basssome emphasize clarity and tightness, while others focus on deep, room-shaking impact. The best subwoofers, like those profiled here, strike a balance, delivering clean, dynamic bass for music, movies, and more.How to place your subwoofer for the best soundProper subwoofer placement is key to achieving smooth, even bass throughout your room. And finding the ideal spot for your subwoofer isnt always straightforward. You might have heard that you can place a subwoofer anywhere in the room, and thats partially true, but the reality is that your subwoofer will perform better in some spots than others. Bass travels in long waves and interacts with your rooms walls, floors, and layout, creating peaks (boomy spots) and nulls (dead zones) in your room. Finding the sweet spot in your unique space usually involves a bit of trial and error. Thats where the infamous subwoofer crawl comes in.Start by placing your subwoofer in your primary listening spotideally on a chair at ear leveland play a bass-heavy track or movie scene. Then get on the floor (yes, you read that right) and crawl around with your head at subwoofer height, listening for spots where the bass sounds tight, balanced, and consistent. Mark these locations and try moving the sub to each one, testing for the cleanest, most powerful bass. Its a hands-on way to find the placement that delivers smooth, even low-end throughout the room. (Wondering where to put a sub with a soundbar? Weve got you.)FAQsQ: Do subwoofers improve bass? Yes, subwoofers significantly enhance bass by handling low frequencies that regular loudspeakers cant reproduce. They bring bass impact to music, movies, and movies while taking pressure off your main music speakers, allowing those to focus on delivering clearer mids and highs for more balanced overall sound. Q: Do I need an amp if I install a subwoofer? Whether you need an amp depends on the type of subwoofer. Passive subwoofers require an external amplifier to power them, while powered (or active) subwoofers have built-in amplifiers, so you can plug them directly into your system. Most modern subwoofers, like all of the models profiled here, are powered and dont require additional components other than a quality shielded RCA cable, like the AudioQuest Irish Red. Q: Does a bigger driver mean more bass? In general, yes, a bigger driver means more bass. Larger drivers can produce deeper bass because they move more air. However, driver size alone doesnt guarantee better performancefactors like power handling, enclosure design, and room placement all play a role, and a well-designed small sub can still deliver impressive low-end. Final thoughts on the best subwoofersBest overall: KEF KC62Best value: Polk Signature Elite ES12Best splurge: SVS PB17-Ultra R | EvolutionBest design: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SWBest evolution of a classic:MartinLogan Dynamo 12A great subwoofer doesnt just bring the bassit transforms the way you hear everything. It adds depth, energy, and detail to your favorite songs and scenes, making every note hit harder and every beat land deeper. Whether youre rumbling the room with an SVS monster or optimizing a small space with KEFs compact powerhouse, the best subwoofers strike the perfect balance of power, precision, and performance. Choose the right one and youll experience that clean, powerful bass you crave, taking even the most mindful and demure bookshelf speakers to the next level.

Nature, Published online: 27 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00245-6H5N1 is adapting to new mammal hosts, raising the possibility of the virus spreading between humans.

A hoard of over 400 coins dated to the first century is a rare mix of Roman and British money.

3D Artist Kushiro, known for various Blender add-ons such as Quick Fillet, Safe Inset, andmore, has released a new retopology tool that builds upon the one we featured a while back. This quad tool offers simple retopology functionality and is designed to work with N-gons.Delta Quad lets you slice selected N-gon faces into quads and offers two modes for arranging quad flow. It handles low quad count more efficiently than previous versions and includes progressive quad conversion: select a few faces, use Delta Quad, and then repeat for nearby faces.As the developer explained, using Python ensures compatibility across all platforms and CPUs. Unlike other tools that apply uniform quads to simplify the mesh, this one preserves the original faces and edges. Additionally, it lets you convert individual faces to quads while keeping the surrounding faces untouched, giving you full control over the process, step by step.If you already own Beta Quad, you can get Delta Quad for 75% off. Learn more and grab it here. Join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us on Instagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Simple Blender Tool For Converting N-Gon Faces To Quads appeared first on CG SHARES.

Phoenix Labs, the developer behind Fae Farm and Dauntless, has announced that has gone through another round of layoffs, which has impacted an unspecified but large portion of the studio."We have made the tough decision to part ways with the majority of the studio as part of unfortunate but necessary changes to our operations," Phoenix Lab explained in a statement on LinkedIn. "We will share more details in the coming weeks about what this means for Dauntless and Fae Farm."Phoenix Labs has already laid employees off through several rounds over the past few years. In 2023, Phoenix Labs let go of 9% of its employees and then did another series of layoffs in 2024, weeks before its next game was set to be announced. According to former Phoenix Labs employees, it was an open-world sandbox game called Everhaven, which was supposed to be revealed during the PC Gaming Show on June 9, 2024 and enter early access sometime in September.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The Middle-earth Six-Film Collection 4K $210 | Releases March 18 Preorder at Amazon Fans of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies can soon own all six movies in a single box set thanks to the upcoming The Middle-earth Six-Film Collection, which launches on March 18. The massive collection will include theatrical and extended cuts of all six movies in 4K and Blu-ray, plus a smattering of bonus features, making this ideal for anyone who wants to add the full saga to their collection. Preorders are available for $210 at Amazon. The Middle-earth Six-Film Collection 4K $210 | Releases March 18 The Middle-earth Six-Film Collection is a massive 30-disc box set that includes 4K UHD and Blu-ray versions of all six of Peter Jackson's film adaptations of author J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novels, including:The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingThe Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingThe Hobbit: An Unexpected JourneyThe Hobbit: The Desolation of SmaugThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five ArmiesTheatrical and Extended Cuts of each film are included, as well as commentary tracks for each Extended Edition. The collection also includes download codes for digital versions of each film. Preorder at Amazon Preordering at Amazon locks you in for the retailer's preorder price guarantee, so if the price changes between now and release, you'll only pay the lowest price. Amazon does not charge for preorders until the order ships.The Middle-earth Six-Film Collection looks to be a great way to get the entire Peter Jackson Middle-earth saga in one package. However, if you don't feel like waiting until March 18, it's not the only option. If you're just looking to grab The Lord of the Rings trilogy by itself, you can grab The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Theatrical & Extended Cuts 4K Collection for $69 at Amazon (was $90). Collectors will also want to check out the recently-released Fellowship of the Ring Steelbook Edition that's available for $35 at Walmart, which includes the first film and a special edition steelbook case with unique cover art.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 is great news for all fans of Nintendo games, but could be most welcome among the Pokemon community. One of the most exciting parts of the Switch 2 is the rumored hardware it packs that would elevate its performance capabilities far beyond its predecessor. As such, it's likely that future games for the console will look and run significantly better than games on the original Switch, making one highly-requested feature for Pokemon Gen 10 within arm's reach.

Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket has issued a warning to players against engaging in "inappropriate conduct," including various forms of cheating. The timing of this announcement suggests it may be linked to Pokemon TCG Pocket's upcoming trading feature, the practice of Wonder Pick farming, or both.

On Jan. 24, the hit D&D actual play series Dimension 20 made its sold-out Madison Square Garden debut. How did they prepare for The Gauntlet in the Garden, where cast members brought back their characters from the Unsleeping City arc of the show in front of 20,000 screaming fans? The answer varied from cast member to cast member. With the crew in New York City, Polygon asked them to each sound off with their pregame ritual.Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.Lou Wilson (Kingston Brown)The thing I drive most with when it comes to performance is that your body has to meet your mind, and so both of those things need to be warmed up. So I really like to work out before a show. If I cant get to a gym, Ill just go on a long walk, try and get my heart rate up, try and get my body hot, and knowing that theres something coming.And then I also like to get my mind right, so that is intense music-listening. Isolation. Space to hit the rhythm I would like from my brain, the patter Id like to be at going into the show. But then also I think, especially for this kind of work especially D&D its hanging out with my friends a little bit to get us all together and feeling like were on the same page, doing bits, feeling natural and comfortable with the group before we bring the audience into that space with us.[In terms of music] I like to listen to stuff that is thematically tied to either the energy that I want to emerge onto the stage with, or is just the kind of stuff that gets me going. I think Ill probably listen to Hypnotize by Notorious B.I.G. a thousand times [before Madison Square Garden]. Ill listen to that song that The Alan Parsons Project did [Sirius] that was the Chicago Bulls song Ill listen to that about a thousand times. Ill probably listen to some opera. Things that are epic in scale. Carmina Burana, Ill probably listen to that a bunch. And just imagine the gates of heaven opening up as I step on the stage of Madison Square Garden. I think thats what it feels like when 20,000 people get go bananas when you walk out on the stage.Ally Beardsley (Pete Conlan)To get ready for a show, I have an old crabs shell that I think contains the soul of my past uncle. I touch that. I have it on a small altar. I like wearing a really specific black-pepper-scented lotion, and so I always put that on my chest and stomach early in the morning. Its really important to delay caffeine and see natural light as soon as possible. And if you can, get direct sunlight on your stomach and chest. Its really important. I usually grind my own coffee beans, and Ill do that outside in the sun.I touch the crab shell, I put on the pepper lotion. I like to drive to shows so that I can listen to music, but I try to listen to this thing called Healing Tones. And its like this specific frequency, and they all have really embarrassing names like Forgiveness for Yourself its so hippie, its ridiculous. But now Im just really addicted to the feeling of calm that I get.I feel like with performing, its hard to take a full, deep breath and get the kind of groundedness that you need. With all of our specific style of comedy, we really like playing things as normally as possible, to highlight how crazy someone will go. And thats what I like to do too, just show up to a show almost as if I had just meditated and Im ready to just be as top of intelligence and normal as possible, so that Lou can say something completely insane. @polygon We asked D20 how they get ready for a live show because uh, theyre doing Madison Square Garden or whatever. Brennen Lee Mulligan, Lou Wilson, Zac Oyama, and Ally Beardsley were happy to enlighten us. #d20 #dimension20 #dndtiktok #dnd original sound Polygon Zac Oyama (Ricky Matsui)I really ignore it. I really ignore the show. I really try not to think about it. I am one of those people that will just turn into an anxious tailspin if I overprepare. And so really underpreparing to the point of deeply underpreparing is my answer. This is bad for me. Im already starting to spin out.I do like a little downtime almost like just in a parallel way. If we were in a space where we could play some games or something Like, if we were playing Mario Kart. Weve never done that to prepare for a show, ever. But if we were playing Mario Kart before, I think that would be my ideal version.Brennan Lee Mulligan (Dungeon Master)The way I prepare for a live show is: I get my laptop computer. I open it up and I open up my campaign notes. I create a set of [burps] Oh, chicken sandwich! bullet points of plot-significant stop laughing! I had a chicken sandwich and I burped a little bit! This is also part of how I prepare. I prepare by having my wonderful and beloved friends laugh at my completely normal behaviors. As I try to stay locked in and do my job, America.Ill have a large coffee with half-and-half, and then I will drink that. And then Ill have another large coffee with half-and-half. I will hear the middle of someones funny anecdote, look up, go, That sounds fun, see if I can chime in. I cant.Back to the bullet points. I will look at my campaign on D&D Beyond. Ill run over the stat blocks of the various monsters that need to be there. Ill look at Slack. Theres a problem. Something has to change. Or there will be a tug-of-war: Theres a technical problem; theres a possible artistic fix. A producer might offer something that will protect my time at the expense of some other technical aspect. And then Ill go, Guys, the shows made up. Its about gnomes. Ill make the gnomes different. And then everyone goes, Oh my God, he can just make the gnomes different. And then I make the gnomes different. And then thats the problem solved.Fun is overrated, and its important to stay strapped in. There is nothing that I take more seriously or more gravely than the enjoyment and frivolity of the audience. And that has to rest on a foundation of extremely stern, brick-by-brick foundation-building. Hey, anyone can say, Oh, its a corn gremlin. Whats the armor class? Whats the hit dice? Whats the attack bonus? And that is the math of fun. And thats what Im doing before the show.