By Margherita Bassi Published February 28, 2025 | Comments (0) | A Neanderthal reconstruction in London's Natural History Museum. Neil Howard DNA studies suggest that Neanderthals underwent a steep decline in genetic diversity around 110,000 years agoa forbidding omen of the species disappearance approximately 70,000 years later. Recent research has reexamined this so-called bottleneck phenomenon by analyzing an unexpected feature: Neanderthal ears. An international research team, led by Universitat Autnoma de Barcelona paleontologist Alessandro Urciuoli, studied Neanderthal semicircular ear canalsthe three tiny tubes in the inner ear that control balanceacross different time periods to detect significant changes in genetic diversity. Their analysis confirmed that our now-extinct relatives did, in fact, undergo a bottleneck event, as detailed in a study published February 20 in the journal Nature Communications. This genetic bottleneck (i.e. a loss of genetic diversity due to small population size) did not immediately result in the extinction of the Neanderthals, but it potentially set them in that fateful direction, according to the research. The development of the inner ear structures is known to be under very tight genetic control, since they are fully formed at the time of birth, Rolf Quam, a Binghamton University anthropologist who participated in the study, explained in a university statement. This makes variation in the semicircular canals an ideal proxy for studying evolutionary relationships between species in the past since any differences between fossil specimens reflect underlying genetic differences. The present study represents a novel approach to estimating genetic diversity within Neandertal populations. Quam and his colleagues analyzed three groups of Neanderthals, comparing the semicircular canals of pre-Neanderthal and early Neanderthals to those of classic Neanderthals. The 400,000-year-old Atapuerca fossils, belonging to pre-Neanderthals (or proto-Neanderthals), were discovered in Spain. The early Neanderthal remains, called the Krapina fossils, date back approximately 130,000 years and were unearthed in Croatia. The classic Neanderthal remains come from different regions and time periods.The comparison revealed that the morphological diversity (the variation in physical features) of classic Neanderthals semicircular canals was noticeably lower than that of their forebears. This confirms previous DNA studies, which had identified a substantial loss of genetic variation between early Neanderthals and classic Neanderthals. By including fossils from a wide geographical and temporal range, we were able to capture a comprehensive picture of Neanderthal evolution, said Mercedes Conde-Valverde, a paleontologist from the Universidad de Alcal and co-author on the study. The reduction in diversity observed between the Krapina sample and classic Neanderthals is especially striking and clear, providing strong evidence of a bottleneck event.However, the researchers also made an unexpected discovery. According to the study, paleontologists widely agree that Neanderthals also experienced a significant loss of diversity at the beginning of their evolution. Consequently, the team expected to find clear differences in morphological variation between the pre-Neanderthal semicircular canals and the early Neanderthal semicircular canals. However, we were surprised to find that the pre-Neanderthals from the Sima de los Huesos exhibited a level of morphological diversity similar to that of the early Neanderthals from Krapina, Urciuoli explained. This challenges the common assumption of a bottleneck event at the origin of the Neanderthal lineage. The inconsistency will likely prompt further study of early Neanderthal demographics, specifically into whether or not their separation from our ancestors could have been impacted by such an event.Neanderthals went extinct around 40,000 years ago and for reasons that arent entirely clear. We know that anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens) and Neanderthals interbred, resulting in their eventual absorption into our species. That Neanderthals suffered from a lack of genetic diversity and low population sizes fits in with this latest finding. Bottlenecks happen when thered a sudden and dramatic decline in population due to factors such as environmental disasters, climate change, and poor access to food, among other things. The study doesnt specify a potential cause for this Neanderthal bottleneck 110,000 years ago, but the lower genetic diversity likely made them more vulnerable to ongoing stressors and less able to adapt from an evolutionary perspective.It took a while for Neanderthals to go extinct after this unexplained population crash, but it potentially sealed their fate, as the new research suggests. Ultimately, the new study sheds light on the demographic evolution of our ancient relativeswhose genetic impact on modern humans is still visible today.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Passant Rabie Published February 7, 2025 By Margherita Bassi Published January 31, 2025 By AJ Dellinger Published January 23, 2025 By Passant Rabie Published January 23, 2025 By Margherita Bassi Published January 17, 2025 By Margherita Bassi Published January 14, 2025

Residential Architecture in Ecuador: 8 Contemporary House Projects That Respect Their Natural SurroundingsSave this picture!Un hospedaje en el Pigue / Mestizo Estudio Arquitectura. Image Punto Dos StudioEcuador, though a relatively small country in terms of land area, boasts a vast and diverse range of ecosystems and natural landscapes, including the Andes mountains, the Pacific coastline, and the Amazon rainforest. This makes the natural environment a key player, shaping its relationship with the built environment and demanding that architecture seamlessly integrate with and respect its context.Over the years, Ecuadorian architecture has developed its own identity, successfully adapting to these diverse settings. Various construction techniques have been implemented, relying on locally sourced materials to create spaces and shelters in complete harmony with the landscape. Amid the growing trend of seeking a closer connection with nature, architecture in different regions of Ecuador has had to adjust to these conditions.Save this picture!In recent years, Ecuadorian architecture has gained recognition for its ability to integrate ancestral knowledge, community participation, and the use of local materials, combining them with contemporary technologies to create innovative and sustainable proposals. Various firms have led this evolution, demonstrating how these principles can be applied in diverse contexts. A notable example is Al Borde, which has developed high-impact projects with minimal resource use. Natura Futura, on the other hand, has worked in low-resource environments, achieving architectural solutions with strong local impact and international projection. Likewise, La Cabina de la Curiosidad was recently recognized with the ArchDaily Building of the Year 2025 award for its Chaki Wasi project, reaffirming the value of these approaches. These types of initiatives have not only enriched Ecuadorian architecture but have also influenced new generations of architects in the country. Related Article Craftsmanship Made Architecture: The Chaki Wasi Project by La Cabina de la Curiosidad Save this picture!Save this picture!On this occasion, we will specifically focus on residential architecture immersed in the natural environments and landscapes of Ecuador, where the combination of vernacular constructions with contemporary techniques is evident in adapting to current needs. Vernacular constructions, which use local materials and ancestral methods, have endured over time and have been enriched with contemporary design innovations. This approach has allowed for the development of solutions that respect the environment and meet the demands of the present, ensuring that the homes are fully integrated into the surrounding natural landscape. An example of this is the use of earth walls, stone partitions, and eucalyptus wood structures, among others, which reflect an intriguing fusion of traditional construction techniques and modern technologies.A Shelter in the Forest / Espacio & Luz ArquitectosSave this picture!Save this picture!A Lodge in the Pige / Mestizo Estudio ArquitecturaSave this picture!Save this picture!House 1.5-3 / Baquio ArquitecturaSave this picture!Save this picture!Guabo House / Ese ColectivoSave this picture!Save this picture!Cantera House / Taller GeneralSave this picture!Save this picture!Irori Refuge / Baquio ArquitecturaSave this picture!Save this picture!House El Pastizal / Diez + Muller ArquitectosSave this picture!Save this picture!House of the Forest / Abel Guzman Larriva + Juan VintimillaSave this picture!Save this picture!Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorPaula PintosAuthorCite: Pintos, Paula. "Residential Architecture in Ecuador: 8 Contemporary House Projects That Respect Their Natural Surroundings" [Arquitectura residencial en Ecuador: 8 proyectos de casas contemporneas que respetan su entorno natural] 28 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027473/residential-architecture-in-ecuador-8-contemporary-house-projects-that-respect-their-natural-surroundings&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

Shell Restaurant / Pablo Luna StudioSave this picture! Tommaso RivaArchitects: Pablo Luna StudioAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:265 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Tommaso Riva Lead Architect: Pablo Luna More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The Shell Restaurant is an integral part of Intaaya Retreat, a project designed and built by Pablo Luna Studio on the cliffs of Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali. Conceived as an architectural response to its surroundings, it integrates seamlessly with the landscape while prioritizing sustainability. Every design decision was made with a commitment to minimizing environmental impactadapting the construction to the terrain and using locally sourced materials.Save this picture!The retreat is self-sufficient in water, drawing from a deep well and incorporating rainwater collection, efficient water appliances, and low-irrigation landscaping to reduce consumption. To ensure a regenerative water cycle, Waste Water Gardens, developed in collaboration with the Biosphere Foundation, treat all wastewater and redirect it for garden irrigation. Environmental responsibility also extended to the construction process, with a Sustainable Construction Plan in place to prevent pollution, control erosion, and manage waste. A large portion of the project's electricity demand is met by photovoltaic solar panels, reinforcing its commitment to energy efficiency.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Intaaya's design is deeply inspired by the ocean and the marine species that inhabit it. For the Shell Restaurant, marine shells and the movement of the waves served as direct inspiration to create an organic and welcoming structure. The curved roof of yellow Petung bamboo, evoking the ribs of a shell, emerges naturally from the ground at the rear of the building, with 13 structural axes composed of 13 trusses made entirely from Dendrocalamus asper bamboo. These trusses, arranged at alternating heights, serve as the foundation of the organic roof. The roof is crafted from a hand-woven bamboo weave, complemented by wood shingles that maintain the natural materiality of the design. The trusses extend toward the front, where they are supported by steel pillars complemented by tree-like columns composed of paired bamboo poles. These front columns not only provide structural support but also allow natural light to enter the space, enhancing the interior atmosphere and reducing the need for artificial lighting.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!From its entrance, the structure gradually expands both vertically and horizontally, following the span of the trusses and the increasing height of the front columns. This spatial progression provides a sense of openness and guides visitors seamlessly through the space. The curved trusses, oriented toward the oceanic horizon, establish a visual flow through their gentle lines, offering a gradual and harmonious experience as one moves through the building.Save this picture!The bamboo trusses enable an open and adaptable interior layout, free from intermediate supports, optimizing both functionality and the interaction between users and the surrounding environment. The tree-like columns at the front enhance the architectural rhythm, fostering a purposeful connection between the structure and its natural setting. This design reflects the principles of Intaaya Retreat: employing sustainable materials and thoughtful architectural strategies to create a structure that harmonizes with its natural environment.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Nusa Penida, IndonesiaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePablo Luna StudioOfficeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on February 28, 2025Cite: "Shell Restaurant / Pablo Luna Studio" 28 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027474/shell-restaurant-pablo-luna-studio&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

With Corona 12 update 1 we've introduced to your workflow. This new functionality can speed up the rendering of your preview imagery or animations and it also works with Interactive Rendering. In this tutorial we'll learn more about it. Try Chaos Corona: https://chaos-corona.com/try 00:00 Introduction00:27 The basics of how it works00:56 The benefits of the new AI upscaling02:51 Things to note about AI upscaling03:11 When to use it03:26 How to use it04:30 AI upscaling and Interactive rendering07:01 Outro

With Corona 12 update 1 we've introduced to your workflow. This new functionality can speed up the rendering of your preview imagery or animations and it also works with Interactive Rendering. In this tutorial we'll learn more about it. Try Chaos Corona: https://chaos-corona.com/try 00:00 Introduction00:27 The basics of how it works00:56 The benefits of the new AI upscaling02:49 Things to note about AI upscaling03:10 When to use it03:24 How to use it04:27 AI upscaling and Interactive rendering07:03 Outro

Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay In this tutorial, well break down the full process of creating 3D Gaussian Splats from 2D images or video footage, then rendering them in 3ds Max using V-Ray. Gaussian splatting is a new technique for generating photo-realistic 3D environments, and well show you exactly how to do it!---------------------------------------------------------------------------Imagine. Design. Believe.Chaos provides world-class visualization solutions helping you share ideas, optimize workflows and create immersive experiences. Everything you need to visualize your ideas from start to finish. From architecture and VFX to product design and e-commerce, Chaos empowers creators to bring their projects to life.Our industry-leading tools, including V-Ray, Enscape, and Corona, are built for architects, designers, AEC professionals, and CG artists. Whether youre crafting photorealistic visuals, immersive real-time experiences, or cinematic VFX, Chaos delivers the power and flexibility to render anything. Explore Chaos products https://bit.ly/ExploreChaos Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay Learn more & get free tutorials https://bit.ly/ChaosWebinars Subscribe for the latest updates! Follow us: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ChaosLinkedIn Instagram: https://bit.ly/ChaosIG Facebook: https://bit.ly/Chaos_Facebook #Chaos #Vray #3DRendering #Visualization

In college, the only item I needed on my keychainaside from my house keys!was a bottle opener. Those days (unfortunately) are behind me, and I need a whole lot more than a keychain bottle opener to get through my day smoothly.These days, power is king since my iPhone doesnt stay charged up all day like it used to. Thats why Im obsessed with the GoCable, anall-in-one keychain that acts as a charger, bottle opener, and cutter. Another reason why I love it? I got it on sale for only $20.99 (down from $44.99).This keychain lets me bring a reliable charging solution pretty much anywhere I go. Its come in clutch more than once, saving me from driving home without directions or running errands without my favorite Spotify list playing. Since its just six inches long, it takes practically no room in my pocket and tote bag.I canfinally ditch the annoying 3-foot charging cord Ive been toting around like a weirdo since I added theGoCables EDC phone cable to my keychain with the included carabiner clip. It even comes withUSB-C to USB-C or Lightning ends, meaning I can charge various devicesincluding my friends Android phone (shudder).Another reason why I love this keychain addition: The GoCablekeychains cord supports up to 100W fast charging. I can also see exactly how my trusty iPhone 13 Pro (nope, Ill never trade it in) is doing while its powering up with the integrated LED display.Not only can I give my devices a power boost, but this keychain lets me crack open a crisp Corona without cracking a toothor my beer bottlewhen Ive forgotten my usual bottle opener. Plus, the safe-proofed cutter makes for yet another handy addition, letting me tear through my Amazon packages easily the minute they arrive at my door.Want to make your keychain so much more helpful?Grab theGoCable keychain with a charging cord, bottle opener, and cutter for just $20.99 before inventory runs out!StackSocial prices subject to change.GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W CableOnly $20.99 at Popular Science

Nature, Published online: 28 February 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00473-wHaving access to funding through EU initiatives is a huge boon for Ukrainian researchers, but many are also hoping for cultural changes in their institutions.

Nature, Published online: 28 February 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00489-2Evidence suggests that risky play provides a wide-range of benefits to children, despite opportunities to do it becoming more restricted than ever.

Walvis Bay in Namibia is home to the largest solar sea-salt production plant in sub-Saharan Africa. The plant is famous for its brightly colored evaporation ponds.