Researchers believe this 3D-printed structure will react to chemicals similarly to human skin.Credit: Manisha Sonthalia, Vellore Institute of Technology Chances are, you or someone you know has used a cosmetic product that was tested on animals. Though once a common practice, it has faced fierce backlash from animal welfare organizations, who argue that animal testing is unnecessarily cruel. At least 44 countries and 12 U.S. states have already passed legislation banning the practice, with some also prohibiting the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. At the same time, testing on animal cells can be particularly useful in determining whether microparticles found in creams, gels, and other common products might seep into human skin and potentially pose health risks.Researchers from Graz University of Technology and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in India are working on what they believe could be a compromiseoffering the reliability of animal testing without the suffering. Their proposed solution: artificial skin made of 3D-printed hydrogel layers held together by living human cells. Though still in the early stages of development, the researchers believe this bioengineered solution could mimic human skin accurately enough to one day help replace animals in cosmetic testing experiments. In theory, the same approach could also be expanded beyond cosmetics to applications such as drug testing and wound healing.Image: Manisha Sonthalia, Vellore Institute of Technology Building artificial skin with room to growThe researchers initially sought to create a skin imitation that could accurately mimic the three layers in human skin: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Karin Stana Kleinschek, a researcher at the Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Biobased Systems, said in a statement that they ultimately chose hydrogel as the base for their artificial skin due to its high water content. According to the researchers, this high water concentration creates optimal conditions for integrating living human cells, allowing them to grow and multiply more effectively over a shorter period.A video demonstration of the process shows a 3D-printing machine globing on layers of hydrogel skin substitute onto a square surface. In another image, the hydrogel skin scaffold is arranged in a checkered pattern across a circular platform, resembling a Chex Mix-like design. In theory, these coin-sized constructs should react to cosmetics and other foreign substances in ways similar to human skin.The researchers are currently working toward a goal of keeping their bioengineered material viable for two to three weeks. Once they achieve that milestone, the artificial skin will be considered durable enough for cosmetic testing.All of this could be welcome news for opponents of animal testing. Though precise figures are difficult to pin down, the Humane World for Animalsa group advocating against the practice estimates that around 500,000 animals globally suffer or die each year due to cosmetic testing. Advocates argue that some of the most common procedures, such as applying potentially harmful chemicals directly to animals skin and eyes, are particularly inhumane. In most cases, test animals are euthanized after experiments. But the issue also extends far beyond cosmetics. An estimated 20 million animals die each year in the U.S. alone due to testing related to pharmaceutical drugs and medical research.Researches are 3D-printing everything from kidneys to blood vesselsThe crossroads between 3D-printing and bioengineering is already having an impact on the medical industry and will likely play a much larger role in the coming years. Scientists have experimented with 3D-printed human livers composed of real human cells with the idea that they could one day be used to address a shortage of viable organ donors. Theres signs that vision is well on its way to reality. Last year, a South Korean woman became the first person to benefit from a 3D-printed organ transplant after she received a printed windpipe following surgery to address thyroid cancer. More recently, researchers at Harvard developed 3D-printed blood vessels which they say could make manufacturing a wide range of implantable organs much more viable.

A few years ago, I picked up a Carhartt Mens Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt during a sale much like the one currently happening on Amazon. Since then, I havent found much reason to wear any other t-shirt. This is Carhartts bread-and-butter shirt, so it rarely goes on sale. Right now, however, every size and color is 25 percent off. That makes most sizes $15 and the extended sizes (of which Carhartt makes a ton) roughly $18. You can choose between the loose fit and the relaxed fit (see below for the difference). These shirts last forever and come in a ton of different hues, so grab the one that works for you and live in it. Then maybe grab one of the companys classic work jackets that it recently re-engineered.Carhartt Men's Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt $15 (was $20)This is how a T-shirt should be. Its made from 100 percent jersey knit cotton, so it wont pill or stink like polyester blends. The color will also patina much better than a synthetic fabric. It has a ribbed neckline that resists stretching and the pocket on the front is basically indestructible. I crammed my heavy tape measure in there for more than an hour and it went right back to the right shape without distorting. Compared to the Relaxed Fit shirt below, the Loose Fit is boxier with more room through the chest, shoulders, and body, giving it a more traditional workwear shape. Its designed to be roomy and has a drop shoulder. Its available in every size from extra-small up to 5X with tall versions of each size. These run a little big, so consider sizing down one if you dont want a baggy shirt.You can find the womens size and color options here. Carhartt Men's Relaxed Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt $15 (was $20)Carhartt This shirt is made from the same burly materials with toughness in mind. The only real difference is the fit. The relaxed fit still has some room to it, but it tapers slightly more through the sides and arms, making it feel a bit more modern and closer to a standard t-shirt fit without being tight. This is a more common look for people buying it purely for fashion. Its available up to size 4XL with tall versions thrown in as well.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Whether youre a lifelong vinyl lover or just starting to explore the format, theres something special about the turntable experience. Maybe its the tactile ritual of flipping through album sleeves or how warm analog sound makes even your most well-loved music feel inviting. No matter what draws you to the format, youre in good companywith the vinyl revival in full swing, nows a great time to embark on your audio explorations. And the best beginner turntables let you experience the magic of LPs without the complexity of an elaborate hi-fi setup or frequent maintenance (though there are some basic accessories you should consider).Thats where we come in. Whether youre after an all-on-one vinyl record player with speakers, a Bluetooth-enabled setup for modern convenience, or a fully manual deck for a more hands-on experience, weve rounded up starter decks to get you spinning in style. So, before you go raiding the nearest record store in search of an elusive White Album first pressing or the exclusive remastered edition ofBarrio Fino, pick one of our top turntableslike the Fluance RT85Nfor a great experience that doesnt require a PhD in sound systems.Best overall: Fluance RT85NBest splurge: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVOBest value: U-Turn Orbit PlusBest connectivity: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USBBest budget: Crosley CR8005F-WO CruiserHow we chose the best entry-level turntablesFinding the perfect turntable is like crate diggingyou have to know what to look and listen for. Selecting the best entry-level turntables wasnt about finding the cheapest options or the models with the most bells and whistles. Instead, we focused on sound quality, ease of use, build quality, and features that make life easier for new vinyl enthusiasts, such as:User-friendly design We prioritized turntables that wont require a weekend of YouTube tutorials to set up.Models with and without built-in phono preamps A turntables signal is much quieter than most audio sources, so it needs a phono preamp to boost it to line level. Some turntables have a built-in preamp for plug-and-play convenience, while others require an external one for more customization. Weve included both models here.Solid performance Your records should sound good, whether youre spinning a $1 bin find or a 180-gram rare audiophile pressing. That requires a turntable that offers smooth, stable playback and minimal distortion without unnecessary wear.Modern conveniences While purists may turn their noses down at Bluetooth, we know many beginners want the option to stream to wireless speakers. Weve got recommendations for that, too.Value for your dollar You shouldnt have to take out a second mortgage to enjoy good sound. We made sure every pick offers serious value at its price point.The best beginner turntables: Reviews & RecommendationsWe tested and researched a range of turntables, leaning on expert reviews, feedback from our vinyl-obsessed coworkers and friends, and our own hands-on experience. Whether youre looking for a budget-friendly starter model, a splurge-worthy setup, or something in between, weve got a deck for you. (We can even show you how to DIY your own wind-powered turntable if thats your jam.)Best overall: Fluance RT85NThe Fluance RT85 is a record player built for music fans who want to get the absolute most out of their vinyl collection.ProsDeep, defined bassUltra-stable acrylic platterBuilt like a tankConsNo built-in phono preampGlossy fingerprint can be a mirror and fingerprint magnetSpecsTurntable operation: Semi-automaticBuilt-in phono preamp: NoDrive mechanism: Belt drivePlayback speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 RPMWhy it made the cut: This all-around performer punches above its price class by combining high-end componentsincluding an acrylic platter and a Nagaoka MP-110 cartridgewith thoughtful engineering that minimizes vibrations for clear, detailed sound.Fluance has built a reputation for delivering high-quality turntables at budget-friendly prices, and the RT85N is a standout in its lineup. Designed for vinyl lovers who want audiophile-grade performance without breaking the bank, this $499 belt-driven turntable is packed with premium materials and smart design choices, including an acrylic platter, an isolated motor, and a Nagaoka MP-110 cartridgea combination that delivers warm, detailed, and immersive sound. (The original Fluance RT85, one of our favorite turntables under $500, comes with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge shown above, which is still an excellent moving magnet.)Its acrylic platter isnt just for looksit adds mass and dampens resonances, helping to reduce distortion and improve clarity. The servo-controlled belt drive ensures consistent speed stability, while height-adjustable, vibration-isolating feet keep external interference at bay. The Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge is known for its smooth, balanced tone, making it a great choice for those who want natural sound with plenty of depth.Unlike some beginner turntables, the RT85N does not include a built-in preamp, meaning youll need an external phono stage or a receiver with a phono input. While this adds an extra step, it also lets you fine-tune your setup now and upgrade individual components over time.For those ready to invest in a turntable that bridges the gap between entry-level and audiophile sound, the Fluance RT85N delivers premium performance at an unbeatable value.For a more budget-friendly alternative, consider Fluances popular RT81, which comes with a lighter aluminum platter and an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, delivering impressive sound at just $249. If you want even more convenience, an RT81+ version includes a built-in phono preamp for $299, making it an easy, all-in-one solution for beginners who want great sound without extra gear. (We have one of these in our home, and it performs like a champ.)Best splurge: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVOPro-Ject ProsUpdated materials significantly upgrade performanceOne-piece carbon-fiber tonearm improves trackingEasy speed switchingConsCostRequires external preampSpecsTurntable operation: ManualBuilt-in phono preamp: NoDrive mechanism: Belt drivePlayback speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPMWhy it made the cut: The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO upgrades a beloved turntable with a heavier, dampened platter, improved vibration resistance, and a high-quality Sumiko Rainier cartridge, making it a top choice for beginners who want audiophile-level performance from the start.Pro-Ject has spent a decade perfecting its Debut Carbon line, and the Carbon EVO is its most refined version yet. This manual belt-driven turntable eschews unnecessary mechanical components to minimize noise and maximize clarity, making it a favorite among those who want pure, uncolored sound.One of its biggest upgrades is the heavier steel platter, now lined with a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) damping ring that reduces unwanted resonances for more stable, distortion-free listening. A vibration-resistant plinth with height-adjustable metal feet isolates the turntable from external vibrations, keeping playback smooth. (You can improve the playback of any turntable on this list by investing in pucks by IsoAcoustics, which we have and use because they audibly tighten up the soundstage.)The tonearma lightweight yet rigid one-piece carbon fiber designhas also been refined and comes factory-equipped with a pre-installed Sumiko Rainier cartridge for better detail retrieval and improved tracking. Unlike in previous models, speed change is controllable via a switch, eliminating the need to manually move the belt.The Debut Carbon EVO does not include a built-in phono preamp, so youll need to pair it with an external phono stage or an A/V receiver/DAC-amp with a dedicated phono in (and then maybe a pair of flagship headphones while youre at it). But for those who want a turntable built for long-term sonic satisfaction, this upgrade-packed model delivers exceptional performance at a reasonable splurge price of $599. With sleek styling and a choice of nine hand-painted finishes (high-gloss and satin options), it looks as good as it sounds.Best value: U-Turn Orbit PlusSarah Jones ProsHand-assembled in the U.S.A. with great build quality and attention to detailCan choose a built-in preamp for plug-and-play convenienceCustomizable design: choose color, add a cue lever, or upgrade the cartridgeConsChanging speeds requires moving the beltFully manual operation; cue lever sold separatelySpecsTurntable operation: ManualBuilt-in phono preamp: Available with or withoutDrive mechanism: Belt drivePlayback speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 RPMWhy it made the cut: This style-y spinner delivers high-quality sound, solid craftsmanship, and upgradeabilitywithout the high price tag.The U-Turn Orbit Plus is a minimalist turntable with a maximalist sound, perfect for those who want high-quality playback without unnecessary complications. Hand-assembled in the U.S.A., this $399 belt-driven deck ($479 with built-in preamp) features a low-noise AC synchronous motor and an acrylic platter, which helps maintain speed stability and reduces resonance for cleaner sound.Its OA3 precision gimbal tonearm, made from ultra-light magnesium, improves tracking accuracy and reduces distortion, while the pre-installed Ortofon OM 5e cartridge delivers balanced, detailed playback no matter what musical genre youre grooving to. Built-in phono preamp? Check. That means you can plug it straight into powered speakers or an amplifier without extra gear.The manual speed change (which requires physically moving the belt) may be a minor inconvenience. Still, overall, Orbit Plus offers excellent performance at an approachable price, with the added bonus of customizable colors and upgradesmaking it an ideal first turntable that can grow with you. For a seamless, stylish setup, pair the Orbit Plus with U-Turns Ethos powered speakers (shown above), which deliver rich, analog sound in a sleek, minimalist designavailable in multiple finishes to match your space. (Need more ideas for turntable speakers? Weve got you.)Best connectivity: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USBTony Ware ProsConnect wirelessly to speakers, headphones, and receiversUse USB to digitize your vinyl collectionDJ-style pitch shifting and stroboscopic dotsConsManual operationSpecsTurntable operation: ManualBuilt-in phono preamp: Yes (switchable)Drive mechanism: Direct drivePlayback speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPMWhy it made the cut: The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB combines classic DJ-style design with modern conveniences like Bluetooth streaming, USB connectivity, and a built-in phono preampall at a competitive price.If you like your vinyl retro but seek 21st-century conveniences, the AT-LP120XBT-USB delivers. This fully manual, direct-drive turntable delivers the flexibility to connect via Bluetooth, USB, or standard RCA cables, making it a great fit for casual listeners and anyone looking to digitize their vinyl collection. Audio-Technica even produces its own cartridges, so you know the signal path is optimized.Aesthetically and, in ways, mechanically inspired by the iconic Technics SL-1200, its direct-drive motor ensures speed stability, while pitch control lets you fine-tune playbackperfect for casual listeners and budding DJs alike. A built-in phono stage allows plug-and-play operation, and aptX Bluetooth support ensures better-than-basic wireless audiobut if youre after the purest analog experience, you can save some money by opting for the wired-only AT-LP120XUSB model. Still, at $399, the AT-LP120XBT-USB is a solid investment in both sound quality and convenience.Of course, before this turntable, you might have done all your listening streaming on a wireless surround sound system, which is typically a single brandlets say Sonos. With Bluetooth or the right adapters, this turntable will fit right in. Or, if you want full fidelity with less leads, Victrola has a turntable specifically for that Wi-Fi ecosystem.Best affordable portable: Crosley CR8005F-WO CruiserTony Ware ProsLightweight and portableBuilt-in speakers for an all-in-one listening experienceBluetooth streamingInexpensiveConsBasic-at-best sonic qualitiesHeavy tracking can wear down records fasterSpecsTurntable operation: ManualBuilt-in phono preamp: YesDrive mechanism: Belt drivePlayback speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPMWhy it made the cut: The Crosley Cruiser is a cute, compact, ultra-portable turntable that makes it easy for kids (and just the young at heart) to explore the world of vinyl without a complicated setup or a hefty price tag.The Crosley Cruiser is all about fun. This lightweight, suitcase-style turntable with speakers built-in is designed for easy, plug-and-play vinyl enjoyment. Theres even Bluetooth connectivity wrapped in a colorful retro aesthetic. Its a nostalgic, low-stakes way to get into vinylno extra gear required. The Cruiser supports three speeds to spin everything from modern LPs to old-school singles. Will it deliver audiophile-grade sound? Not even close. But for less than the price of a single (nosebleed) concert ticket, your kid can play all the music they want, anytime they want. And when theyre ready to upgrade, theyll already have the vinyl bug. Were showing the white ostrich option (its vinyl; no real ostriches were harmed), but there are dozens more colorways.For another fun suitcase-style option, Victrolas Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Record Player ($50) offers a similar all-in-one package with funky flair. If you want something just as beginner-friendly but with a bit more sonic power, consider the 1 by ONE High Fidelity Turntablea more stationary all-in-one that trades portability for bigger built-in sound.What to consider when choosing the best beginner turntableManual vs. automatic operationTurntables come in manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic varieties. Manual models require you to place the needle on the record and lift it when its donegreat for the full vinyl experience, but it takes a little practice. Automatic turntables do the heavy lifting, starting and stopping playback with the push of a buttonperfect for those who are new to spinning records or rocking jittery caffeine hands.Built-in preamp vs. external preampA phono preamp boosts your turntables signal so it can be heard through speakers. Some turntables have a built-in preamp for plug-and-play convenience, while others require an external preamp (either standalone or built into a receiver). If youre just getting started, a turntable with a built-in preamp simplifies thingsthough going with an external preamp lets you customize your rig for better sound quality down the line.Belt drive vs. direct driveBelt-drive turntables use a belt to spin the platter. This setup isolates motor vibrations, which improves sound quality, and belt drive turntables tend to be more affordable and easier to maintain than direct-drive turntables. With direct-drive turntables, the motor is directly under the platter, offering faster spin-up time and better speed stability and durability, making them popular with DJs.Are you a vinyl purist, or do you want modern conveniences? Bluetooth turntables let you stream wirelessly to speakers or headphones, while USB models let you digitize your records. Many portable turntables, such as the Crosley Cruiser profiled here, even have built-in speakers, though theyre usually best for casual listening. Decide whether you want a fully analog experience or features that make your sound system more flexible.It pays to get the best turntable you can affordIf youre serious about vinyl and plan to build a collection of expensive or rare records, investing in a high-quality turntable is worth itbetter components mean better sound and less wear on your records over time. But if youre just spinning thrift-store finds or have inherited a stack of albums and want a fun, casual listening experience, a budget-friendly model will still let you enjoy the magic of vinyl without overcommitting.FAQsQ: Does vinyl sound better? Whether vinyl sounds better depends on your ears and what youre comparing it to. Vinyl has a warmer, more organic sound that many people love, thanks to its analog nature and subtle imperfections. However, a poorly pressed record or a low-quality turntable can sound worse than a well-mastered digital file. If you want the best vinyl experience, a good turntable, cartridge, and speakers make all the difference. Q: Do I need to buy speakers for my turntable? Whether you need to buy speakers for a turntable depends on the type of turntable you choose. Some models have built-in speakers, but theyre usually small and lack depth. If your turntable has a built-in preamp, you can connect it directly to powered speakers. If it doesnt have a preamp, youll need both an external preamp and a set of speakersbookshelf or floor-standing, whatever fits your spaceto get the best sound. Q: Are there any dangers with cheap turntables? Yes, cheap turntables can be dangerous for your records if they have poorly made tonearms and exert heavy tracking force. Some budget turntables can wear out vinyl quickly because the needle applies too much pressure, damaging the grooves over time. Think of it like this: You wouldnt put premium gas in a clunker car, so why spend $50 on a pristine vinyl record just to play it on a $50 turntable? If you want your collection to last, invest in a beginner-friendly turntable with an adjustable counterweight and a replaceable cartridge to protect your records and improve sound quality. Final thoughts on the best beginner turntable for youBest overall: Fluance RT85NBest splurge: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVOBest value: U-Turn Orbit PlusBest connectivity: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USBBest kid-friendly all-in-one: Crosley CR8005F-WO CruiserGetting into vinyl is about much more than listening to musicits a truly immersive experience. The satisfaction of dropping the needle, the rich, dynamic sound, the thrill of discovering a hidden gem in a dusty record binits all part of the magic. But perhaps the best part is how vinyl brings you closer to the music. Unlike playlists running in the background of your life, vinyl listening is an active experience that puts the music front and center. It invites you to slow down, sit back, and truly listen.Whether you want a plug-and-play turntable or something with room to grow, theres a perfect option out there for you. Just remember: Your records are an investment, so treat them right with a turntable that wont grind them into dust. Start with something solid, upgrade when youre ready, and, most importantly, enjoy the music.

The 'danger tourist' Mykhailo Polyakov previously visited Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Credit: Screenshot, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov / YouTubeAn aspiring YouTube influencer and self-described danger tourist was arrested by authorities in India after allegedly attempting to contact one of the worlds last uncontacted Indigenous tribes. The 24-year-old US national Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov was taken into custody on March 29 at 10am local time after returning from his overnight journey to North Sentinel Island, home to an estimated 100 Sentinelese inhabitants. His meticulously planned trip involved multiple scouting excursions and required sailing across 23 miles of notoriously dangerous Indian Ocean waters in an inflatable raft he modified with an outboard motor.Authorities said Polyakov then spent an hour floating offshore in his boat, blowing a whistle in an attempt to signal the Sentinelese. Afterwards, he landed on the beach for about five minutes to record footage on a GoPro camera, collect souvenir sand samples, and leave a coconut and a can of Coke as gifts. No one ever emerged to meet him, but this was potentially to Polyakovs benefit. He was at risk of becoming the fourth confirmed intruder killed by the Sentinelese over the past two decades.North Sentinel Island (seen above) is home to around 100 remaining members of the Sentinelese tribe. Credit: DirectGlobe via Getty Images An estimated 100200 uncontacted Indigenous tribes are believed to still exist around the world, arguably the most famous of which are the internationally protected, voluntarily isolated Sentinelese people. Around 100 inhabitants split across three main groups are thought to remain on North Sentinel Island, located about 740 miles from the Indian mainland. Part of the broader Andamenese people, the Sentinelese have lived on the Manhattan-sized island for as long as 55,000 years.While reports of Sentinelese violence occasionally veer into sensationalism, its still illegal to attempt meeting them. It also can be dangerousand not just for the visitors. History and immunology has shown repeatedly that communities in isolation from one another are extremely vulnerable to unfamiliar pathogens.Its very well known by now that uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common outside diseases like flu or measles, which could completely wipe them out, Caroline Pearce, director of the nonprofit advocacy group Survival International, said in a statement.As such, any interactions are done when only necessary, with care, and with respect. Earlier this year, a member of an uncontacted Amazonian tribe voluntarily visited the rural Brazilian village of Bela Rosa. After contacting authorities, experts from Brazils Fundao Nacional dos Povos Indgenas (National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples) arrived to escort him to a nearby hospital in order to ensure his health and safety.It beggars belief that someone could be that reckless and idiotic, Pearce continued on Wednesday. This persons actions not only endangered his own life, they put the lives of the entire Sentinelese tribe at risk.Despite current restrictions on interactions, uncontacted tribes around the world face increased threats from encroaching business interests, deforestation, and land-grabbing. Although she commended Indian authorities apprehension of Polyakov, Pearce explained the nations government poses problems for its own isolated Indigenous communities.Get our daily newsletter. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday.The uncontacted Shompen of Great Nicobar Island, not far from North Sentinel, will be wiped out if India goes ahead with its plan to transform their island into the Hong Kong of India, argued Pearce, referring to controversial plans to construct a multibillion-dollar, 650,000-resident town from scratch that includes a shipping port, international airport, and power plant.The common factor in all these cases is governments refusal to abide by international law and recognize and protect uncontacted peoples territories.Its currently unclear what will ultimately happen to Petrykov, whose most recent YouTube uploads document a trip to Taliban-governed regions of Afghanistan. Not only is it illegal to contact isolated tribes in India, but its also against the law to photograph or record videos of them. If found guilty, Poryakovs latest danger tourist excursion could result in a 35 year prison sentence.

Contemporary artist Sam Van Aken (center) planting the Tree of 40 Fruit at Temple University. CREDIT: Photography by Ryan S. Brandenberg/Temple University.Agriculture and art are joining forces in the City of Brotherly Love. Contemporary artist Sam Van Aken is bringing the Tree of 40 Fruit to Temple Universitys main campus in Philadelphia. This art project is a single grafted tree that produces 40 varieties of apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, and other stone fruits. Over the next two years, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the fusion of horticulture and art and Van Aken plans to plant an additional Tree of 40 Fruit in Temples Ambler Arboretum. Students will also learn about the cultural history of fruit in the Philadelphia region including indigenous and introduced varieties.During a recent lecture, Van Aken shared his passion for grafting and its deep historical roots potentially dating back to 1800 BCE. Grafting is a way to propagate fruit trees by combining one plants qualities of flowering or fruiting with the roots of a more vigorous or resilient species. It is used for two main reasons, according to the University of New Hampshire Extension. Firstly, most fruit trees dont come true to seed. For example, the seeds from a McIntosh apple wont grow into McIntosh trees. Secondly, cuttings dont root very easily. Grafting joins together a piece of vegetative wood (called the scion) from a more rigorous tree. It is a difficult skill that requires a lot of practice, but can go a long way.For me, whats become really interesting in my discovery process is that these heirloom fruits arent just agricultural products, Van Aken said in a lecture. They are cultural objects and embedded in them arent just nutritional aspects or tastes, its actually the history of civilizations around the world.While taking in the history that each fruit holds, the students attending the lecture grafted their own pit fruit tree. It offered a way to practice this delicate skill of splicing branches in order to create new life.Bringing an artist to campus whose medium is trees is such an exciting opportunity, said Sasha Eisenman, associate professor of horticulture and chair of the Architecture and Environmental Design Department, said in a statement. Seeing how art, science and nature intersect is valuable for our students as they navigate their careers and align their passions with their professional pursuits. Horticulture, in its many forms, provides opportunities to positively impact both the environment and peoples lives.Van Aken also led a workshop on creating botanical cyanotypes. These cyan-blue prints are created by a photographic process that uses a light-sensitive solution and exposure to UV light. Students used natural light to expose their cyanotypes on both fabric and paper and experimented with blending artistic techniques and organic materials.A botanical cyanotype. CREDIT: Photography by Ryan S. Brandenberg/Temple University. Ive been working with cyanotype in class for a few months now, preparing for this visit, but seeing someone so masterful with the process was incredible, Jami Deluca, a junior photography major, said in a statement. Talking with Sam, I realized hes almost like a detectivetracking down rare plants, researching their history and preserving them through his work. We see the finished cyanotypes, but behind them is this deep scientific process, from gathering materials to the chemistry of printing. Its a whole new way to think about art.As far as the Tree of 40 Fruit, it generally takes one year to know if the graft has succeeded. Then, it will take another two to three years to know if it produces fruit.It takes up to eight years to create just one of the trees, Van Aken told NPR in July. Each of the varieties grafted to the Tree of 40 Fruit has a slightly different form and a slightly different color.

Our voice is like any other muscle. CREDIT: Richard Drury/Getty ImagesMost of us will never have to speak in public for 25 hours and 5 minutes straight the way that Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) did from March 31 into April 1. During his recording-breaking speech, the Garden States senior senator was not permitted to leave the floor without risking both the control and continuation of his speech. Even for an experienced politician or voice actor, this is simply a lot of time spent talking.According to voice actor Bernie Wagenblast, speaking for long durations, whether in the recording studio or standing at a podium, can feel like cheering during an exciting event such as a basketball game.It feels like when you go to a sporting event and youve been screaming at your team, Wagenblast, whose voice can be heard across several transit systems including the New York City subway, tells Popular Science. Your voice can feel strained and doesnt have the same ability to project that it had before you were screaming at the game.How water is like engine oilThe voice is like any other muscle that can be trained and prepared for high usage events the same way that marathon runners train their legs and core. Proper hydration and resting before giving a long speech or performing are generally the most basic ways to prepare.Just like when youre running a marathon, you dont want to be doing a marathon the day before, Dr. Nicholas P. Generales tells Popular Science. Its the same principle, you want to make sure your vocal cords are well rested. But hydration is the main one.The water we drink doesnt actually touch the vocal cords. However, when the body is dehydrated, the vocal cords are more likely to become irritated and there is a higher risk of injury. Any situation that strains the voice like belting out high notes when singing or long speeches also makes vocal cord injury more likely.[ Related: Why do people hate the sound of their own voice? ]The vocal cords are constantly vibrating. Just like cylinders and an engine, theyre constantly going up and down. Water lubricates our bodies the way oil lubricates an engine, says Generales. The majority of the body is water anyway, so if youre not hydrating well, youre not going to be functioning optimally in every aspect of your body, not just the vocal cords.In addition to lots of water, professional voice actors will also deploy various tongue twisters, vocal scales, and other exercises to wake up the vocal muscles and brain.Monitoring vocal doseHowever, taking control of the Senate floor without bathroom breaks for more than a full day is a whole different animal. A spokesperson for Sen. Booker told NBC News that he was not wearing a catheter or a diaper to assist. To prepare, he stopped eating on Friday March 28 and stopped drinking water on Monday March 31 to prepare for all of the time without a bathroom break the next day.Your voice is one reflection of your general physical condition, and Sen. Bookers situation was kind of a perfect storm of factors that will challenge anyones vocal quality and vocal stamina, Leigh Carrico Mann, a speech-language pathologist, tells Popular Science. We always look at factors like getting enough rest, drinking plenty of water, and your vocal dose.Vocal dose considers how long you are using your voice and how strenuous the vocal activity is.Sen. Booker raised his voice and expressed intense emotions at various times during his speech. These contexts can be very taxing on the voice, especially when compared to quietly speaking for the same period of time.But 25 hours of talking would be a major feat even if done quietly; there was nothing normal about what he did here, says Carrico Mann.He had to do counter intuitive things for someone who is going to be speaking for a long period of time. To me, that was perhaps one of the more amazing things about what he had to do, adds Wagenblast.Emotion and recoverySen. Booker did have some breaks from speaking when other senators asked him questions. During those brief interludes, saliva likely would help lubricate the vocal chords and take some small sips of water, but not too much so that he didnt need to use the bathroom. While that was no substitute for a large, cold glass of water, these breaks also may have provided him with an emotional boost and chance to regroup.According to Carrico Mann, there is a strong relationship between our emotions and mental state and our vocal function.I noticed that Bookers voice sounded more tired and raspy when he was expressing heavier emotions as the hours dragged on. In those moments, he sometimes leaned on the podium and dropped his breath support a bit, which contributed to sounding more hoarse, says Carrico Mann. When he stood back up, his breath support was probably a bit more robust, and he got clear again. Analyzing the voice can get complicated: these are my assumptions.Fortunately, the vocal cords do tend to recover fairly well from extended periods of use with the same principles that can help them prepare: vocal rest and hydration.Advice we can all useWhile most of us will never have to talk for over 25 hours, we can still benefit and use some of the same tactics that went into a marathon speech like this.Many people have to give speeches, whether youre in high school or college or if youre a politician or a voice actor. It affects a wide variety of population, says Generales. Whether youre giving speeches or youre living your daily life, just stay adequately hydrated. It will be much better off in more ways than one.[ Related: These public speaking techniques can help you look smart on video calls. ]Becoming hoarse, whether from speaking or something like allergic rhinitis or a cold, is a clear sign from your body that it is time to rest your voice.Gently inhaling steam (with a hot shower, facial steamer, under a towel draped over a steaming pot of water) can also help rehydrate the vocal cords and soothe your vocal tract, says Carrico Mann.Aside from the physical preparation, honing in on what types of emotions and feelings you want to get across when speaking can go far regardless of the context.Even with something like the subway or AirTrain announcements, I try to come across with a smile in my voice, because I think that gets communicated to the listeners, says Wagenblast. They may not be able to put their finger on it, but it sounds just a little more friendly.

2024 YR4 currently has a 0.0017 chance of hitting Earth in 2032. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / A Rivkin (JHU APL)The deep space asteroid that recently made headlines for its potential to collide with Earth received its own photoshoot courtesy of NASAs James Webb Space Telescope. While the images released on April 2 by the European Space Agency provide a faint glimpse at the sizable meteor, the pictures also mark a significant milestone for the most powerful space observatory ever launched into orbit.The asteroid 2024 YR4 caused a stir earlier this year when astronomers announced there was a not-zero chance of it striking Earth in 2032. Although experts calculated the probability of a catastrophic planetary impact at around 3 percent, the revised estimate now stands at roughly 0.0017 percentall but guaranteeing the space rock will harmlessly pass us by in a few years. Prior to receiving the all clear, NASAs James Webb Space Telescope aimed its camera array towards the meteor for a closer inspection of its size, thermal properties, and other details.This image shows Webbs recent observation of the asteroid 2024 YR4 using both its NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). Data from NIRCam shows reflected light, while the MIRI observations show thermal light. On 8 March 2025, the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope turned its watchful eye toward asteroid 2024 YR4, which we now know poses no significant threat to Earth in 2032 and beyond. This is the smallest object targeted by Webb to date, and one of the smallest objects to have its size directly measured. Observations were taken to study the thermal properties of 2024 YR4, including how quickly it heats up and cools down and how hot it is at its current distance from the Sun. These measurements indicate that this asteroid does not share properties observed in larger asteroids. This is likely a combination of its fast spin and lack of fine-grained sand on its surface. Further research is needed, however this is considered consistent with a surface dominated by rocks that are roughly fist-sized or larger. Webbs observations indicate that the asteroid measures roughly 60 meters (comparable to the height of a 15-story building). The new observations from Webb not only provide unique information about 2024 YR4s size, but can also complement ground-based observations of the objects position to help improve our understanding of the objects orbit and future trajectory. Note: This post highlights data from Webb science in progress, which has not yet been through the peer-review process. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, A Rivkin (JHU APL)2024 YR4 may not make catastrophic history, but it did set a new record for the JWST as the smallest object ever targeted by the telescope. Its also one of the smallest space objects to have its size directly measured.But that doesnt mean 2024 YR4 is tiny by everyday metrics. Earlier estimates put the asteroid somewhere between 130-328 feet in diameter, and after examining the JWSTs images, astronomers now believe it to be around 180-feet-wide, or about the height of a 15-story building. Further analysis indicates 2024 YR4 doesnt share some of the attributes of larger asteroids, likely due to its fast spin and lack of fine-grained surface sand. Although further research is required, this assessment aligns with what experts know of asteroid surfaces covered fist-sized or larger rocks.The new observations from Webb not only provide unique information about 2024 YR4s size, but can also complement ground-based observations of the objects position to help improve our understanding of the objects orbit and future trajectory, the ESA explained in its statement.Astronomers will continue to study 2024 YR4 until it fades from view as its orbital path takes it away from Earth. Itll be another four years before the asteroid begins its return towards us, at which point more research will be conducted. With any luck, experts will be able to revise their estimate for a 2024 YR4 rendezvous with the moon. Currently, theres about a 1.7 percent chance of a lunar impactalthough that number is also expected to drop over time.

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Sure, AirTags are great. But when it comes to slipping one into your wallet, theyre bulky, awkward, and basically begging to fall out. Thats why Apple fans are quietly upgrading to the KeySmart SmartCard, a sleek, credit card-sized tracker that works with the same Find My app but fits in places an AirTag never could.Theyre selling for about the same cost as the AirTag, too, at just $30 each when you get a pack of three ($35 when sold separately). Grab your 3-pack of the KeySmart SmartCards for $89.99 with free shipping while we still have some left in stock (reg.$119.97).Why everyones ditching the AirTagThe SmartCards claim to fame is its ultraslim profile. The wallet tracker card is less than 2mm thick and thinner than a Ritz cracker, making it fit right next to your credit cards without creating a bulge. But dont let the size fool youthis tiny powerhouse still does everything youd expect from a premium tracker.Like the AirTag, the SmartCard syncs with Apples Find My app. You can:See your items location on a mapPlay a sound to help find it when its nearbyGet notified if you accidentally leave it behindWhere the SmartCard pulls ahead is in the little things that add up. Unlike AirTags, theres no need to swap out batteriesjust drop the SmartCard on a Qi-compatible wireless charger every five months or so.Plus, its IPX8 waterproof, which is a step above the AirTags IP67 rating. So if your wallet takes an unexpected dive in a puddle, your tracker will keep on ticking.And while the SmartCard was built for wallets, people are using it in all kinds of clever ways: tucked into passports, slipped into luggage, even clipped to pet carriers. With its built-in lanyard slot, its also a smart solution for keeping ID badges and security cards safe.Order your 3-pack of AirTag alternatives for $89.99 with free shipping (reg. $119.97).StackSocial prices subject to change.KeySmart SmartCard Works with Apple Find My (3-Pack)See Deal

This voice synthesizer connected directly to Ann's brain implant constantly translates outgoing neural signals into speech.Image: Noah Berger Researchers have developed a new method for intercepting neural signals from the brain of a person with paralysis and translating them into audible speechall in near real-time. The result is a brain-computer interface (BCI) system similar to an advanced version of Google Translate, but instead of converting one language to another, it deciphers neural data and transforms it into spoken sentences.Recent advancements in machine learning have enabled researchers to train AI voice synthesizers using recordings of the individuals own voice, making the generated speech more natural and personalized. Patients with paralysis have already used BCI to improve physical motor control function by controlling computer mice and prosthetic limbs. This particular system addresses a more specific subsection of patients who have also lost their capacity to speak. In testing, the paralyzed patient was able to silently read full text sentences, which were then converted into speech by the AI voice with a delay of less than 80 milliseconds.Results of the study were published this week in the journal Nature NeuroscienceOur streaming approach brings the same rapid speech decoding capacity of devices like Alexa and Siri to neuroprostheses, UC Berkeley professor and co-principal investigator of the study Gopala Anumanchipalli said in a statement. Using a similar type of algorithm, we found that we could decode neural data and, for the first time, enable near-synchronous voice streaming. The result is more naturalistic, fluent speech synthesis.How researchers analyzed brain signalsResearchers worked with a paralyzed woman named Ann, who lost her ability to speak following an unspecified accident. To collect neural data, the team implanted a 253-channel high-density electrocorticography (ECoG) array over the area of her brain responsible for speech motor control. They recorded her brain activity as she silently mouthed or mimed phrases displayed on a screen. Ann was ultimately presented with hundreds of sentences, all based on a limited vocabulary of 1,024 words. This initial data collection phase allowed researchers to begin decoding her thoughts.Credit: Cheol Jun Cho We are essentially intercepting signals where the thought is translated into articulation and in the middle of that motor control, study co-author Cheol Jun Cho said in a statement. So what were decoding is after a thought has happened, after weve decided what to say, after weve decided what words to use and how to move our vocal-tract muscles.The decoded neural data was then processed through a text-to-speech AI model trained on real voice recordings of Ann from before her injury. While various tools have long existed to help individuals with paralysis communicate, they are often too slow for natural, back-and-forth conversation. The late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, for example, used a computer and voice synthesizer to speak, but the systems limited interface allowed him to produce only 10 to 15 words per minute. More advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) models have significantly improved communication speed, but they have still struggled with input lag. A previous version of this AI model, developed by the same research team, for instance, had an average delay of eight seconds between decoding neural data and producing speech.This latest breakthrough reduced input delay to less than a secondan improvement researchers attribute to rapid advancements in machine learning across the tech industry in recent years. Unlike previous models, which waited for Ann to complete a full thought before translating it, this system continuously decodes speech while simultaneously vocalizing it. For Ann, this means she can now hear herself speak a sentence in her own voice within a second of thinking it.A video demonstration of the clinical trial shows Ann looking at the phrase you love me on a screen in front of her. Moments later, the AI modeltrained on her own voicespeaks the words aloud. Seconds after that, she successfully repeats the phrases so did you do it and where did you get this? Ann reportedly appreciated that the synthesized speech sounded like her own voice.Hearing her own voice in near-real time increased her sense of embodiment, Anumanchipalli said.Brain computer interfaces are leaving the laboratoryThis advancement comes as BCIs are gaining public recognition. Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, has already successfully implanted its BCI device in three human patients. The first, a 30-year-old man named Noland Arbaugh with quadriplegia, says the device has allowed him to control a computer mouse and play video games using only his thoughts. Since then, Neuralink has upgraded the system with more electrodes, which the company says should provide greater bandwidth and longer battery life. Neuralink recently received a special designation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explore a similar device aimed at restoring eyesight. Meanwhile, Synchron, another leading BCI company, recently demonstrated that a patient living with ALS could operate an Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset using only neural inputs.Using this type of enhanced reality is so impactful and I can imagine it would be for others in my position or others who have lost the ability to engage in their day-to-day life, a Synchron patient with ALS named Mark said in a statement. It can transport you to places you never thought youd see or experience again.Though the field is mostly dominated by US startups, other countries are catching up. Just this week, a Chinese BCI company called NeuCyber NeuroTech announced it had inserted its own semi-invasive BCI chip into three patients over the past month. The company, according to Reuters, plans to implant its Beinao No.1 device into 10 more patients by the end of the year.All of that said, it will still take time before BCIs can meaningfully bring back conversational dialogue in day-to-day life for those who no longer have the capacity for speech. The California researchers say their next steps involve improving their interception methods and AI models to better reflect changes in vocal tone and pitch, two elements crucial for communicating emotion. They are also working on bringing their already low latency down even further.Thats ongoing work, to try to see how well we can actually decode these paralinguistic features from brain activity, UC Berkeley PhD student and paper co-author Kaylo Littlejohn said.

This copy of 'The Canterbury Tales' was produced in the 1430s. Credit: Brigade Piron / Wikipedia CommonsEvery book was a laborious project during the Middle Ages. And according to a first-of-its-kind quantitative review, more than a few of them were penned by women.Experts estimate medieval scribes produced over 10 million manuscripts between 400-1500 CE, each one painstakingly copied, illustrated, and bound by hand. Only around 750,000 still exist today, but there is still plenty to learn from the surviving artifacts, as well as the artisans who created them. But while most books were written by monks hunched over desks in monastery scriptoriums for hours at a time, that wasnt always the case. The striking historical revisions are detailed by researchers from Norways University of Bergen in a study published last month in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications.The authors noted that while previous studies examined gender roles in monastic scriptoria, none attempted to calculate how many women contributed to these intense undertakings. To begin their study, the team relied on a common section found in most medieval manuscripts called a colophon. Ostensibly a publishers biography, scribes often included colophons at the end of books to record their name, who commissioned the project, date of production, and sometimes even a short reflection statement.The full text of this colophon reads: Ego Birgitta filia sighfusi soror conventualis in monasterio munkalijff prope Bergis scripsi hunc psalterium cum litteris capitalibus licet minus bene quam debui, orate pro peccatrice (I, Birgitta Sigfuss daughter, nun in the monastery Munkeliv at Bergen wrote this psalter with initials, although not as well as I ought. Pray for me, a sinner). The colophon has entry number 2235 in the Benedictine collection. Credit: . Ommundsen et al., Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (2025) First, researchers turned to an existing catalogue of Benedictine colophons, reviewing all 23,774 entries for linguistic confirmations of gender. A total of 254 were linked to female scribes, with 204 featuring the names of the women themselves. This comes out to roughly 1.1 percent of the Benedictine databases books.Using existing estimates for manuscript production and loss we may infer, under the assumption that the estimates are valid, that at least 110,000 manuscripts were copied by female scribes, of which around 8,000 should still exist, the researchers wrote.While a modest number, researchers cautioned their estimate is likely lower than the actual total. Many women may have purposefully omitted their gender or name in their colophons, or simply did not include them at all. Meanwhile, varying manuscript survival rates across geographies could also have skewed the data.One thing is almost certain: the number of known female scriptoria described in existing records likely could not have produced all of the estimated 110,000 women-penned manuscripts. Because of this, the team believes their investigation strongly suggests that there are female book-producing communities not yet identified. Another possibility is that there simply may have been many more female scribes, than we thought.Our study should be seen as a first step, opening new perspectives, wrote the authors.

A skull of Buettnererpeton bakeri 'sees' the light for the first time in 230 million years. This side of the specimen was uncovered in the fossil preparation lab at the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum. Credit: Dave LovelaceA fossil trove uncovered in Wyoming is providing some of the best examples yet of an ancient species of alligator-sized amphibians. But while paleontologists describe the specimens as exquisitely preserved, the reason behind their rapid die-off remains a mystery. The find is detailed in a study published April 2 in the journal PLOS One.Metoposaurid tenospondyls are some of the earliest ancestors of todays frogs, toads, and salamanders. The oldest known species in North America, Buettnererpeton bakeri, existed exclusively on the continent during the Triassic era around 230 million years ago. The squat, four-legged animal lurked in freshwater ponds, rivers, and lakes, where it fed on essentially anything it could fit into its mouth.Like other metoposaurids, it probably spent most, if not all, of its life in the water eating fish, other amphibians, or anything unfortunate enough to venture too far into the water, University of Wisconsin-Madison paleolontologists and study co-authors Dave Lovelace and Aaron Kufner told Popular Science.Beyond that, not much is known about Buettnererpeton due to the scarcity of fossils. But according to Lovelace and Kufner, that may soon change thanks to their excavation work on the ancient floodplain site Nobby Knob in Dubois, Wyoming. There, paleontologists found dozens of fossilized Buettnererpeton remainsmore than doubling the total number of known specimens. But these Triassic age amphibian fossils didnt accumulate over decades or centuries. Instead, they appear to have died during a single mass mortality event.Dozens of specimens were discovered in Wyoming. Credit: Lovelace, Kufner, et al. It was a local die-off like we see when rivers dry up, or when lakes have influxes of nutrients that cause algae blooms, both of which can kill off aquatic life like fish, Lovelace and Kufner explained.This particular die-off evidence stands out from others due to the rock in which it was found. The fine-grained soil and layered sediments indicate a low energy or calm depositional environment, meaning a lack of strong currents. Thanks to this, many of the skeletons are largely intact and well-preserved.There are some articulated bones that are nearly absent in other metoposaurid bone beds in North America, and completely unknown for Buettnererpeton, said the paleontologists.New details include the discovery of articulated toothy plates that were embedded in the soft tissue of Buettnererpetons mouth, as well as the unique way other fossils formed.They all lack any evidence of the calcium carbonate that would have formed most of their [fossil] shell What seems to have happened is that the calcium carbonate dissolved after they were buried, and the outer organic layer (which helps prevent the shell from dissolving in freshwater during life) left an impression as the mud turned to rock then was later lost, they explained.According to the studys authors, the mass burial was likely due to the existence of a nearby Buettnererpeton breeding colony, or a drought-induced restricted waterway that concentrated them together before they died.This assemblage is a snapshot of a single population rather than an accumulation over time, Kufner said in a separate statement.The research team hopes their excavation work and taphonomic analysis (the study of an organisms death and subsequent preservation) will lead to future examinations of the site. Further studies may also increase our understanding of Buettnererpeton and the environment in which it lived.Taphonomic studies are commonplace today and much more common than they were over 50 years ago thanks to the work of dozens if not hundreds of geologists and paleontologists, said Kufner and Lovelace, adding, There is plenty still to be done!

The minuscule pacemaker also safely dissolves over time. Credit: John Rogers / Northwestern UniversityA dissolvable pacemaker thats smaller than a grain of rice and powered by light could become an invaluable tool for saving the lives of newborn infants., The device can be implanted noninvasively via syringe, and may also be useful for adult patients dealing with certain heart defects. The medical breakthrough is detailed in a study published April 2 in Nature.Roughly one percent of infants are born with heart defects every year. The majority of these cases only require a temporary implant for about seven days to allow time for the heart to naturally self-repair. But for low-resource regions of the world lacking access to advanced medical care, what should be a simple procedure can often end in tragedy. Meanwhile, the current standard for temporary pacemakers in adults also presents difficulties. Most procedures involve surgeons sewing electrodes directly onto the heart, then attaching those electrodes to an external pacing box using wires that exit a patients chest. Doctors remove the electrodes once they are no longer needed, but post-surgery risks include infection, damaged tissue, dislodgment, and blood clots. The wires sometimes also become encased in scar tissue, presenting further complications.Thats actually how Neil Armstrong died. He had a temporary pacemaker after a bypass surgery. When the wires were removed, he experienced internal bleeding, experimental cardiologist and study co-lead Igor Efimov explained in a statement.In 2021, a Northwestern University team including Efimov unveiled a quarter-sized, biodegradable temporary pacemaker without cumbersome batteries, rigid components, or wiring. The device relies on near-field communication protocols similar to those used in RFID tags and smartphones to complete electronic payments. For this to work, however, the pacemaker needed to include a built-in antenna to relay radio frequency commands.When the wearable device (left) detects an irregular heartbeat, it emits light to activate the pacemaker.These short pulseswhich penetrate through the patients skin, breastbone and musclescontrol the pacing. Credit: John Rogers / Northwestern University Our original pacemaker worked well. It was thin, flexible and fully resorbable. But the size of its receiver antenna limited our ability to miniaturize it, said its co-creator and bioelectronics pioneer John Rogers.Rogers, Efimov, and collaborators spent the next few years researching ways to shrink their temporary pacemaker to even smaller proportions. They eventually realized they could swap out the radio antenna for a design that instead relies on light-based data transmission. They also replaced the original devices near-field communication power source with a galvanic cella type of battery that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. In the new version, the pacemaker relies on two metal electrodes that generate an electrical current after interacting with surrounding biofluids. This current is then directed to stimulate and regulate the heart through a miniscule, infrared light-activated switch installed on the batterys opposite side.From left to right: Traditional pacemaker, leadless pacemaker, and new bioresorbable pacemaker. Credit: John Rogers / Northwestern University Infrared light penetrates very well through the body, said Efimov. If you put a flashlight against your palm, you will see the light glow through the other side of your hand. It turns out that our bodies are great conductors of light.Because the human heart requires only a small amount of electrical stimulation, researchers were able to shrink their next-generation pacemaker even smaller. The final result is a 1-millimeter-thick device measuring just 1.8 mm wide and 3.5 mm long that is still capable of delivering as much electrical stimulation as a standard pacemaker.We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the worlds smallest pacemaker, Rogers said.Given its materials safely dissolve over time, the pacemaker also doesnt require any follow-up invasive surgery to remove it. This dramatically cuts down on the potential for post-op complications and trauma.But why stop at just one miniature pacemaker? Efimov, Rogers, and collaborators believe that further advancements could allow the deployment of multiple devices across the heart. Once implanted, designers could coordinate them to move independently or together based on specific light wavelengths. This could lead to more complex synchronization therapies, including those that treat arrhythmias.We also could incorporate our pacemakers into other medical devices like heart valve replacements, which can cause heart block, suggested Efimov.The devices size also means it can be incorporated into other implantable tools such as transcatheter aortic valve replacements, pain inhibitors, as well as nerve and bone restoration techniques. These future possibilities, however, all trace back to the teams original goal.Our major motivation was children, said Efimov. Now, we can place this tiny pacemaker on a childs heart and stimulate it with a soft, gentle, wearable device.

The brain and the but are very connected. CREDIT: Getty Images. If you get food poisoning after eating eggs, theres a good chance that it will take awhile before you can even handle the thought of eating a nice savory omelet again. That food aversion can be really strong. Now, a team of neuroscientists studying mice have found the exact memory hub in their brain that is responsible for this reaction. The findings are detailed in a study published April 2 in the journal Nature and could lead to future clinical treatments.One-shot learning vs. the meal-to-malaise delayInstead of learning through repeated trial and error or experiences, one-shot learning is when a single experience creates a lasting memory in the brain. It is most commonly associated with traumatic events that lead to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis.Something similar can happen with a food poisoning experience and it is all too common. The CDC estimates that food poisoning sickens 48 million people in the United States every year.I havent had food poisoning in a while, but now whenever I talk to people at meetings, I hear all about their food poisoning experiences, Christopher Zimmerman, a study co-author and lead postdoctoral fellow at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute (PNI) at Princeton University, said in a statement.While this kind of one-shot learning is common with food poisoningand makes logical sensethe time gap involved has puzzled scientists. Unlike touching something hot and feeling immediate pain, food poisoning involves a significant delay between when the contaminated food is eaten and getting sick. Zimmerman calls this the meal-to-malaise delay.Drinking the Kool-AidFor a closer look at the brain mechanisms behind avoiding certain sickening foods, Zimmerman turned to an item that might be sitting in your kitchen pantrygrape Kool-Aid. The lab mice had never had this specific flavor and were asked to try it.Its a better model for how we actually learn, Zimmerman said. Normally, scientists in the field will use sugar alone, but thats not a normal flavor that you would encounter in a meal. Kool-Aid, while its still not typical, is a little bit closer since it has more dimensions to its flavor profile.The mice eventually learned that poking their nose in a special area of their cage would deliver a drop of Kool-Aid. Thirty minutes after their first taste, the mice received a one-time injection which caused a temporary food poisoning-like illness.When the mice were offered a choice two days later, the mice strongly avoided the once-appealing purple drink and preferred plain water.Into the central amygdalaWhat stuck out to Zimmerman and study co-author and Princeton neuroscientist Ilana Witten is where in the brain this juice/illness association is found: the central amygdala. This small group of cells towards the bottom of the brain is involved in emotion and fear learning. It also processes a great deal of information from our environment, including both smell and taste.If you look across the entire brain, at where novel versus familiar flavors are represented, the amygdala turns out to be a really interesting place because its preferentially activated by novel flavors at every stage in learning, Zimmerman said. Its active when the mouse is drinking, when the mouse is feeling sick later, and then when the mouse retrieves that negative memory days later.According to the team, these results show how critical the central amygdala is at every step along the way of learning.They then traced how illness signals from the gut reach the brain. Using hints from previous research, they identified specialized hindbrain cells that have a specific protein called Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and is directly connected to the central amygdala. Stimulating these cells 30 minutes after a mouses Kool-Aid experience re-created the same aversion as real food poisoning. Feeling sick also caused the Kool-Aid-activated neurons to reactivate.It was as if the mice were thinking back and remembering the prior experience that caused them to later feel sick, Witten said in a statement. It was very cool to see this unfolding at the level of individual neurons.Leveraging memory recallThe team suspects that new flavors may tag certain brain cells to stay sensitive to illness signals for hours after eating. This tag allows those cells to be specifically reactivated by sickness and connect a cause and effect despite the time delay.According to the team, this type of research opens up new ways of understanding how the brain forms connections between a variety of distant events.Often when we learn in the real world, theres a long delay between whatever choice weve made and the outcome. But thats not typically studied in the lab, so we dont really understand the neural mechanisms that support this kind of long delay learning, Zimmerman said. Our hope is that these findings will provide a framework for thinking about how the brain might leverage memory recall to solve this learning problem in other situations.

TL;DR: A calming, Montessori-inspired app that makes screen time smarterGet a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for 76% offScreen time isnt going anywhere. But not all screen time has to mean loud noises, flashing lights, or kids glued to an iPad watching cartoons. Pok Pok is an award-winning app made by parents, for parentsand its designed actually to help your child grow while they play.Instead of games that hype kids up or frustrate them when they lose, Pok Pok takes a Montessori-based approach. That means kids lead the way, learning through curiosity and problem-solving instead of points, prizes, or timers. Its screen time that feels more like playtimejust quiet, thoughtful, and educational.Why parents love Pok PokNo ads, no stress: There are zero ads and nothing to buy in the app, so your child wont get tricked into clicking anything they shouldntLow-stimulation design: Hand-drawn art and calm sound effects make it peacefulno loud music, jump cuts, or fast-paced actionNo levels or scores: Kids arent pressured to win or beat the app. They explore at their own pace and build confidence naturallyOffline play: Download games ahead of time so kids can play without Wi-Fi; perfect for travel or quiet moments at homeNew content all the time: Regular updates add new toys and activities so the app grows with your childScience-backed learning: Based on Montessori education, which has been shown to support creativity, focus, independence, and lifelong learning skillsWhether youre traveling, working from home, or need a quieter moment than thirty minutes of Paw Patrol can provide, Pok Pok offers screen time you can feel good aboutand your kid will love.Get lifetime access to Pok Pok for $59.99 (Reg. $250) and help your child play smarter, not louder.StackSocial prices subject to change.Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $59.99See Deal

Home printers and scanners had their momentaround the same time flip phones did. But in 2025, nobodys dragging out a giant machine just to digitize a couple forms. Instead, theyre swapping out those dusty relics for a powerful little app called iScanner.This mobile document scanner fits in your pocket, fires up instantly, and doesnt charge you monthly. Even better? You can grab lifetime access for just $24.99 with code SCAN at checkout while codes last (reg. $39.99). Last time we ran this deal, they sold out within the dayso act fast if youre interested.Point, shoot, and scaniScanner turns your iPhone or iPad into a fast, accurate scanner with tools that detect page edges, fix angles, and flatten curves automatically. Honestly, it puts your old scanner to shame.This mobile scanner app only takes three simple steps to digitize any document, receipt, ID card, or contract:Hold your device above the paperThe app automatically grabs a captureAI tools give you a perfect scan every timeEdit PDFs on the goIts the most wonderful time of the year (not): tax season. Youve probably already found yourself needing a mobile PDF editor for tax forms, and now youll always have one. Or, when you get sent a contract to sign, you can do it right from your iPhoneno matter where you are.iScanner also has the unique ability to solve math problems, measure object length, or calculate the area of rooms, only by capturing or uploading photos. Its like having a mini know-it-all in your back pocket.Use code SCAN to get an iScanner lifetime subscription for $24.99 before were sold out of codes (reg. $39.99). Remember: we expect these to sell out fast.StackSocial prices subject to change.iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal

The names for two internet-famous eagle chicks have officially been announced. The eaglet formerly known as Bigger Chick is named Sunny and Smaller Chick is now Gizmo. Sunny and Gizmo joined mom Jackie and dad Shadow on their nest overlooking Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino mountains east of Los Angeles, California in March. The nest is monitored by cameras 24/7 by nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).According to FOBBV, over 54,000 names were submitted. The third, fourth, and fifth grade classes at Big Bear Valley elementary schools voted on the new names on April 1. They chose from 31 names including Skye, Crackle, Talon, Blaze, and Bell. In 2022, Jackie and Shadows chick named Spirit from the 10,000 names that were submitted. The tradition of having these youngsters choose the name goes back to Jackies parents Ricky and Lucy.The third graders always study eagles, FOBBV executive director Sandy Steers tells Popular Science. A biologist who has since retired, but was at the Forest Service, was talking about eagles with the third graders. She had that connection and put this in place.The eaglets are starting to grow into their feathers. CREDIT: FOBBV. According to FOBBV, a DNA test is the only way to positively determine the sex in bald eagles. The team may or may not guess at the sex when the eaglets are 10 weeks of old based on their size, vocal pitch, and other visual characteristics.Eagle parents Jackie and Shadow tending to their new chicks. CREDIT: FOBBV. For the tens of thousands of viewers who have been following this journey via a 24-hour livecam, its been an emotional rollercoaster. After three eggs failed to hatch in 2024, three eggs appeared in the nest. Chick 1 hatched late on March 3, followed by Chick 2 early on March 4, and Chick 3 hatched on March 8. On the evening of March 13, a snowstorm hit the area dumping up to two feet of snow and pummeling the nest with strong winds. On the morning of March 14, only two of the chicks were visible on the live cam. FOBBV later confirmed the passing of one of the chicks.FOBBV believes that Chick 1 died based on foot size and the amount of thermal down feathers in the other two eaglets. The deceased chick has since been named Misty in honor of Kathi Misterly, an FOBBV volunteer who passed away after a battle with cancer.The post Jackie and Shadows eaglets officially named. Meet Sunny and Gizmo. appeared first on Popular Science.

Forget the crouch! Staying outdoors during a thunderstorm only prolongs your risk of being struck by lightning. The best plan of action is to move as fast as you can to a safer place when thunderstorm conditions are present. CREDIT: National Lighting Safety Council and Deposit Photos. As storm season gets underway in much of the United States, the National Lighting Safety Council is spreading awareness about some outdated safety information. The crouchwhere you sit in a crouched squatting position with your hands over your headis not the best course of action during a thunder and lightning storm.If youre caught outside during a thunderstorm, the best plan of action is to move as fast as you can to a safer place, John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist with the National Lightning Safety Council, said in a statement. The sooner you get to a safe place, the less risk youll face. Crouching only prolongs the risk of being struck. The best plan of action is to move as fast as you can to a safer place when thunderstorm conditions are present. CREDIT: National Lighting Safety Council. A 2008 analysis from the National Weather Service and National Lighting Safety Council found that the crouch had no effect in preventing injuries from lightning strikes. The updated guidance is simply When thunder roars, go indoors!When it comes down to it, practicing lightning safety is a minor inconvenience that just might save your life, said Jensenius.According to NOAA, there can be as many as 2,000 thunderstorms occurring across the globe at any given time. This translates to more than 14.5 million storms each year and NASA satellite data indicates that these storms produce lightning flashes about 40 times per second. Lightning kills 20 to 30 people on average and injures hundreds more every year in the US. A total of 12 fatalities were reported to the National Lighting Safety Council in 2024.Some other important safety measures include monitoring weather conditions, planning outdoor events around storms, and getting to a safe place before the weather becomes threatening. Hard topped vehicles and substantial buildings are safe options. Small sheds, rain shelters, and vehicles with open tops are not considered safe.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.If your hair starts to stand up, shows signs of static electricity, or you feel a tingling sensation on your skin, it is a sign that an electrical charge is building and to seek shelter immediately. Other signs that lightning is near is the sound of thunder, a metallic smell in the air, and dark clouds.Once inside, dont touch anything that is plugged into an electrical outlet, plumbing, and corded phones. Stay away from outside doors and windows and do not lie on the floor of a garage.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Finding the right pair of sunglasses isnt just about styleespecially for seniors. As we age, our eyes become increasingly susceptible to UV damage, glare, and other vision challenges. According to Dr. William McLaughlin, an optometrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, UV protection is most helpful in reducing the contributing effects on cataract formation and macular degeneration. This makes choosing the best sunglasses essential for maintaining eye health.Choosing accessories for seniors, from smartwatches to sunglasses, requires considering certain factors. Whether youre selecting sunglasses for yourself or as a gift for a parent, this guide will walk you through the most important features, including UV protection, lens types, frame styles, comfort and coatings, and budget. With the right pair, like our best overall, the Kaenon Truckee ULTRA Glass Polarized Sunglasses, seniors can protect their vision while staying stylish and comfortable in any outdoor setting.Best overall: Kaenon Truckee ULTRA Glass Polarized SunglassesBest budget: TAC Polarized Lens Fit Over SunglassesBest splurge: Flynn by American OpticalBest for sport: Oakley Sutro S SunglassesHow we chose the best sunglasses for seniorsOur best sunglasses for seniors recommendations are based on extensive research. We spoke with eye care experts Dr. William McLaughlin, an optometrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Dr. Esther Ko, an associate optometrist at Walmart in Philadelphia, Pa., to get their recommendations and advice on choosing the best sunglasses for seniors. We then surveyed peer recommendations, reviews, and user impressions to create a list of contenders and put them through their paces. Read on to find the best sunglasses for seniors that offer comfort, UV protection, and affordability for clear vision and eye health.The best sunglasses for seniors: Reviews & RecommendationsPeople often think about sunscreen as the weather warms, but sun damage happens to your eyes, too. Thats why looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses for comfort and eye protection as you age is vital. Weve got you covered with top-rated options specifically for seniors. Let our comprehensive suggestions help you find the best fit for style, UV protection, and all-day wear, tailored to the unique needs of aging eyes.Best overall: Kaenon Truckee ULTRA Glass Polarized SunglassesKaenon ProsComfortable wraparound design with corrosion-resistant spring hingesPolarized glass lenses for enhanced eye protectionDurable and ideal for outdoor activities like boating and beach daysConsDesigned primarily for larger face sizesGlass lenses may be heavier than other materialsSpecsPolarized: YesLens Tints: Ultra Gray 12Lens Material: GlassWhy it made the cut: The Truckee sunglasses offer comfort, durability, and polarized lenses, making them ideal for senior outdoor activities.Our top-rated choice for sunglasses for seniors is the Kaenon Truckee ULTRA Glass Polarized Sunglasses. These stylish frames are handmade in Japan and offer premium comfort and clear vision, thanks to the hyper-clear polarized lenses. They can be worn on any occasion and help eliminate glare to provide unparalleled visual clarity. The lightweight yet durable design ensures all-day comfort, while the wraparound style offers enhanced protection from UV rays. Whether youre driving, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply running errands, these sunglasses deliver top-tier performance with a sleek look.You can choose between blue, green, and gray tints for crystal-clear vision. Different tint colors can enhance vision in various ways, including:GrayMaintains true color perception and reduces overall brightness.Brown/AmberEnhances contrast and depth perception, great for outdoor activities like golfing and fishing.Yellow/GoldImproves contrast in low-light or foggy conditions, often used for driving or sports.GreenEnhances contrast while maintaining some color accuracy, good for general outdoor use.Blue/PurpleReduces glare and enhances contours, often chosen for style.Rose/RedImproves contrast and depth perception, sometimes used for snow sports.However, Dr. Ko reminds us that tints alone do not provide UV protection so, when in doubt, always select sunglasses with UV protection.These frames are on the larger size and may overwhelm people with smaller faces, including some women. Still, they remain the best value for their comfort, durability, polarized lenses, and design.Best budget: TAC Polarized Lens Fit Over SunglassesTAC ProsPolarized lenses and UV protectionLightweight and impact-resistantAffordable price with soft pouch includedConsHave to carry two pairs of glassesFit-over design might not suit all styles or preferencesSpecsPolarized: YesUV Protection: UV 400 ProtectionLens Material: PolycarbonateWhy it made the cut: The TAC Polarized Fit Over Sunglasses offer convenient UV protection, clarity, and durability at a very affordable price.Simply slide these fit over sunglasses on top of your regular eyeglasses, and youll have sun protection and clear vision from your prescription lenses in what Dr. Ko describes as an affordable and flexible option. This allows you to wear your doctor-recommended lenses and still have sun protection without having to purchase expensive prescription sunglasses or photochromic lenses (transition lenses) that automatically darken when exposed to sunlight and return to clear indoors.Another benefit is that they cover a wider part of your eye, which Dr. McLaughlin says is crucial: Seniors should consider a frame style that covers not only the eye but most of the surrounding orbital area to protect the skin from sun damage.As the price point is so low (under $20), you could even stash a pair in the car and another at home to make sure you always have sun protection for your eyes. However, remember that fit-over sunglasses are often seen as practical but bulky, with a design that some may perceive as outdated or less stylish.Best splurge: Flynn by American OpticalAmerican Opticals ProsAO Polarized lensesLightweight and impact-resistantConsHigher price point compared to other sunglassesSpecsPolarized: YesUV Protection: 100% UVA/UVB protectionLens Tints: True-Color GrayWhy it made the cut: These Flynn sunglasses combine classic style with modern technology, offering polarized lenses and superior eye protection.These sunglasses are inspired by U.S. military pilot designs but offer a more modern, youthful look compared to many styles made specifically for older adults. The acetate side shield helps to block the sun from all angles, offering sun protection and clear vision even in very bright conditions. Additionally, the gray tint helps to reduce eye fatigue and features anti-reflective and anti-smudge technology.You can choose these glasses in either non-polarized or for $40 more opt for polarized lenses, which could be worth the investment as, according to Dr. Ko, Polarized lenses are a great addition to reduce glare, especially near water, and pavement, snow, sand, and other highly reflective surfaces. She cautions that polarization does not provide UV protection, so double-checking labels is essential. Weve done that for you with this choice, which at $260 offers 100% UVA/UVB protection in a high-quality pair of sunglasses that will last and are sure to be complimented.Best for sport: Oakley Sutro S SunglassesOakley ProsExtra-large lenses provide optimized peripheral vision and full coverageLightweight frameConsHigher price point for sports eyewearCasual, larger frame style may not appeal to everyoneSpecsPolarized: Oakley Prizm lensesUV Protection: 100% UVA/UVB protectionLens Material: PolycarbonateWhy it made the cut: Specifically designed for sports, the Oakley Sutro S sunglasses offer superior coverage, comfort, and enhanced visual clarity.These sunglasses are made for active lifestyles and offer great eye protection and clear vision while biking, golfing, hiking, and living your outdoor adventures. They are lightweight and exceptionally comfortable, featuring specially designed nose pads that provide a more secure grip as perspiration increases. Dr. Esther Ko explains, Large, wraparound sunglasses offer the most UV protection by covering more of the eyes and face. Lightweight materials help enhance comfort for extended wear, while nose pads ensure a customized fit.You can choose from seven different colored tints, each with Prizm lens technology that promises to enhance color, contrast, and details. Dr. McLaughlin notes, An amber tint is ideal for enhancing contrast while golfing, while a yellow tint, which boosts contrast, is sometimes recommended for shooters.The lenses are highly durable, essential during sports and outdoor adventures. While no glasses are indestructible, polycarbonate plastic lenses are highly impact-resistant over glass which can shatter, says Dr. Ko.However, these sunglasses have a distinctive oversized, sporty look that will not suit everyone or be appropriate for all outdoor occasions.What to consider when choosing sunglasses for seniorsDr. Esther Ko, an associate optometrist at Walmart in Philadelphia, Pa., reemphasizes the importance of UV protection, recommending that seniors choose sunglasses with a UV400 rating or labeled as 100% UV protection. Sunglasses block harmful UV rays and minimize risk factors for ocular diseases such as cataracts, pterygiums, and macular degeneration. The Glaucoma Research Foundation states that many people over 60 have glaucoma or cataracts and that long-term exposure to UV rays can damage the eyes surface and internal structures, sometimes contributing to cataracts and macular degeneration.Experts also recommend that seniors choose wraparound sunglasses with anti-reflective coatings and amber-tinted lenses to help reduce glare. Additionally, the American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that yellow-tinted lenses may improve contrast sensitivity for individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), making it easier to distinguish between colors. However, they caution against wearing tinted lenses at night or in low-light conditions as they can reduce overall visibility.Comfort and durability matter, too. Wraparound styles give the best UV protection by covering more of your face, while lightweight materials and adjustable nose pads help keep them comfy for long wear. Clip-ons, fit-over sunglasses, or prescription shades are all great options for extra convenience and protection if you wear prescription glasses.UV protectionLook for sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield eyes from harmful rays and reduce the risk of eye conditions like cataracts.Comfort and fitChoose sunglasses with adjustable nose pads and lightweight frames for all-day comfort. A snug fit is crucial to prevent slippage.Lens typeConsider polarized lenses for enhanced glare reduction and better visual clarity, especially for outdoor activities like driving or walking.Frame styleSelect a frame style that suits the wearers personal taste while providing adequate coverage. Wraparound frames offer extra protection from the suns rays.Prescription compatibilityIf someone wears prescription glasses, look for sunglasses that fit over regular glasses or choose frames that can accommodate prescription lenses.DurabilityChoose durable materials, such as acetate or titanium, to ensure longevity, especially if someone frequently wears sunglasses.FAQsQ: Why is UV protection important for seniors? UV protection helps prevent eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration, which are increasingly common with age. Q: What type of lenses are best for reducing glare? Polarized lenses are the best for reducing glare, especially when driving or being outdoors in bright light, providing clearer vision and improved comfort. Q: Can seniors wear prescription glasses with sunglasses? Yes, choose sunglasses that fit over prescription glasses or frames that accommodate prescription lenses. Q: What frame styles are best for seniors? Look for lightweight, comfortable frames with good coverage, such as wraparound styles for added sun protection. Q: What should I consider if buying sunglasses as a gift? Consider comfort, UV protection, and style preferences when selecting sunglasses for a senior as a gift. Final thoughts on the best sunglasses for seniorsBest overall: Kaenon Truckee ULTRA Glass Polarized SunglassesBest budget: TAC Polarized Lens Fit Over SunglassesBest splurge: Flynn by American OpticalBest for sport: Oakley Sutro S SunglassesWeve highlighted sunglasses for seniors that combine lightweight frames and advanced UV protection for improved comfort and safety. Our top pick for overall performance is the Kaenon Truckee ULTRA Glass Polarized Sunglasses, offering an exceptional blend of style, comfort, and protection. These sunglasses stand out for their polarized glass lenses, which provide enhanced eye protection and crystal-clear vision, making them perfect for various outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and beach outings. The lightweight, durable design ensures all-day comfort, while the comfortable wraparound style delivers superior UV protection. Once you consider your specific needs, were confident youll find the perfect pair for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one.

Graves like this one contained the bodies of sacrificed adolescents in a remote region of Mesopotamia. Credit: Baur Hyk Research Project / Cambridge Archaeological JournalA roughly 4,800-year-old royal Mesopotamian cemetery in eastern Turkey appears to complicate existing theories about how some Bronze Age societies shifted from egalitarianism to more rigid class structures. While more analysis is required, the implications may provide a more nuanced understanding of how social inequality codified among some of the earliest known civilizations. Regardless of the ultimate explanation, one thing appears clear about the new find according to a study published on March 17 in the Cambridge Archeological Journal: human sacrifices were part of it.The recent discoveries were made at Baur Hyk, a Bronze Age settlement dating back to around 3300 BCE and located in present-day Turkeys eastern province of Siirt. Baur Hyk includes what may be some of the regions earliest known royal burial tombs. However, the finds dont make much sense given what experts understand of early Mesopotamia. It all comes down to location. Baur Hyk wasnt a major cultural center; it was located on the Bronze Age societys periphery.Nevertheless, the tombs were filled with dozens of metal items and weapons, including gold and silver jewelry along with bronze daggers and spearheads. These possibly suggest that privileged kingship and warrior aristocracies had access to both resources and technologies in a region that isnt traditionally associated with luxury. But its the biological remains at a palace complex called Arslantepe that provide some of the starkestand violentevidence that supports historical reevaluation.Arslantepe is located on Turkeys Maltya Plain far from lowland Mesopotamias urban centers. In addition to these luxury items, the tomb burial complex also contains evidence of human sacrifices. More specifically, many of the victims appear to be adolescent girls aged 12 to 16 years old and dressed in clothing made from foreign materials. They were also placed in an adjacent room to the main body, indicating some kind of hierarchical arrangement. While it may be tempting for modern minds to leap to certain conclusions, the authors cautioned that there are still numerous unknowns about these Bronze Age cultures.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.It is tempting, on this basis, to begin speculating about the existence of male warrior cults or initiation groups at the dawn of the Bronze Age, the team wrote in the study. However, it is important to note that determinations of sex show a mixture of males and females, and perhaps even a preponderance of females in the early phases of the cemetery at Baur Hyk. The authors also added that they have so far found no clear correlation between a victims biological sex and their positioning.One of potentially many alternative lines of thought to consider about Baur Hyk goes into greater detail about the sacrificial victims possible roles in society. In this theory, charismatic kings and dynastic lineages began not with male warrior cults, but in ritual associations of youth among otherwise loosely ranked societal classes. In any case, the authors stressed that its important to resist forcing existing societal models onto an archeological find like Baur Hyk.The new picture is decidedly more complex and suggests that a linear trajectory from small-scale egalitarian to large-scale stratified societies may simply not exist there, they wrote. Instead, the most radical and enduring forms of inequalityincluding charismatic forms of kingshipmay have emerged first on a small scale, only later coming to occupy the civic domain.

There are a ton of great wireless soundbars out there, but the higher-end models can cost as much or even more than your TV itself. The lower-end models often lack the features you want, like Dolby Atmos. I typically recommend people look for a mid-tier model from a previous model year, as theyre usually available at super-low clearance prices. Thats whats happening now at Walmart with this Philips B8905 3.1.2 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer. It retails for $449, but its just $98 right now until it sells out.Philips B8905 3.1.2 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer $98 (was $449)PhilipsSee ItYoud expect to miss out on some essential features when spending $100 on a soundbar, but this kit has an impressive spec sheet for this clearance price. It comes with a full-sized soundbar with a dedicated center speaker to help emphasize dialogue. The wireless subwoofer connects easily and requires only a power cord to stay synced with the rest of the system. The B8905 supports Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound tech, so youll get an impressively immersive sound without scattering speakers and wires around your room. It has built-in Bluetooth for musical playback and 4K pass-through, as well as eARC HDMI technologies, so its versatile when it comes to customizing your setup. Nobody likes having a ton of remotes around, so you can simply control everything through one device.This isnt an entry-level device; its a mid-tier device at an entry-level price.The post Grab this $449 Philips soundbar with Dolby Atmos for just $98 on clearance at Walmart appeared first on Popular Science.

Dementia affects 1 in 10 Americans over 65.Image: Flavio Coelho/Getty Images Alzheimers diseases impact is growing as our population ages, but much of the diseases pathophysiology remains unclear. A study published last year in the journal Nature revealed a significant new finding about Alzheimers diseaseit could spread between individuals under unusual circumstances. The finding is one of several that link Alzheimers to rare prion diseases, a connection that could change how we prevent and treat dementia.A dangerous donationCraniopharyngioma is a benign brain tumor, meaning it isnt cancerous. However, these small growths, which squat in the base of the brain, still have devastating side effects. They open shop next to the pituitary gland, a source of critical hormones. In adults, this can affect sexual performance or menstrual cycles.Craniopharyngioma, illustration. Credit: VERONIKA ZAKHAROVA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY VERONIKA ZAKHAROVA/SCIENCE PHOTOIn children, the tumor can stunt growth in crucial years of life. Biologists found a breakthrough treatment for these children in the 1950shuman growth hormone. Usually released by the pituitary gland, the scientists found that human growth hormone could be extracted from other people and donated to those with craniopharyngioma. Donors could even give their hormones after death. However, over the 25 years that children received these donations, some patients lives changed for the worse.The problem with the treatment was one missing step. Most of the donation protocols required that clinicians sieve donated brain extract using a technique called size-exclusion chromatography. This separation ensured that large protein aggregates were absent from the final donation. One approach omitted this step, with disastrous consequences. Two hundred children developed Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)a rare prion disease that causes rapid brain damage and dementia. Since the donation protocols had not screened thePrP protein out of the donated samples, some of the patients were sickened.In response, the use of cadaver-derived growth hormone was immediately and permanently suspended. But prion diseases can take decades to emerge, so researchers have monitored affected children throughout the rest of their lives.That explains why it took until 2024 for scientists to realize that prion disease wasnt all that had slipped through the net.Alzheimers can be inducedThe 2024study led by University College London professor John Collinge reported on five growth hormone recipients who had developed Alzheimers disease pathology at incredibly young agesone at just 39 years old. Collinges group had previously reported that some of the growth hormone batches that four members of the group received had been contaminated with amyloid beta and tau, two proteins that are heavily implicated in the onset of Alzheimers disease. Lary Walker, a neurologist and neurodegenerative disease researcher at Emory University, has argued for decades that the way Alzheimers disease spreads in the brain mimics the march of prion proteins. Walker explains to Popular Science that colleagues had often received his experimental work with the same hesitancythat findings in animal models may not be replicable in humans. This new study shows that these findings are replicable, according toWalker. The paper indicates that actual Alzheimers disease can be induced in all of its manifestations in humans, Walker added.Richard Knight, a prion researcher at the University of Edinburgh, explains that prion diseases and other neurodegenerative conditions are linked by shared mechanisms. They all involve the deposition of an abnormally folded normal protein in the tissue, Knight tells Popular Science. The conditions also usually all begin in one specific brain area and spread.But prion diseases differ from other conditions in their aggressiveness. Knight, who worked in the field during the outbreaks of CJD that affected the UK in the 1990s, points out that the disease can progress at a terrifying rate. CJD could begin in the cerebellum, affecting coordination, but then affect the whole brain in weeks. Alzheimers disease might spread over a decade or more, Knight explains.Transmission and transfusionKnight says that the method of transmission that Collinge identified is extremely unusual, and theres no evidence that Alzheimers can spread through medical procedures used today. He also conceded that if Alzheimers could spread more easily, it would be much harder to notice.An exploratory 2023 study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine raised the troubling prospect that blood transfusions could possibly transmit the amyloid-linked disease cerebral amyloid angiopathy(CAA). Prion diseases like CJD may also be spread via blood transfusions. The study authors wrote that their results require replication to interpret correctly, but it would be hard to determine if either CAA or Alzheimers disease, can be transmitted this way.Prion disease is incredibly rare. Knight explains that when several blood donors and their recipients both went on to develop prion disease, it quickly became apparent that it was no coincidence. But when 40 percent of people over age 90 have dementia, it becomes much more challenging to work out which cases may have been transmitted via blood, a patients genetics, or environmental factors.Exploring how disease-causing proteins spread is essential work, which could help improve treatments by pointing researchers toward early biomarkers of disease. Understanding these proteins could also answer pressing questions about risk factors for these conditions. While Alzheimers isnt infectious like diseases from avirus or bacteria, establishing how this disease moves can help us stop it altogether in the future.

I carry a portable SSD with me everywhere I go. Its a great way to lug around lots of files without cluttering my laptops built-in drive. Right now, Amazon has a variety of Lexar SSDs and memory cards at deep discounts to make room for new models. The 2TB ES3 for $108 is the stand-out deal, but the rugged Armor series drives are also solidly discounted right now. Go grab one and back up your stuff before the computer gremlins take out your laptop and you lose your precious files.Lexar 2TB ES3 Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read and 1000 MB/s Write $108 (was $179)LexarSee ItThis compact drive weighs less than four ounces and can fit in basically any pocket or bag. Inside, however, it has the capacity for up to 2TB of files. That likely more than doubles your laptops storage for just over $100. It connects via USB-C, so it allows for fast transfers. If youre shooting photos or videos, you can keep them on the drive and edit straight off the SSD rather than cluttering up your computers built-in drive.This isnt a waterproof drive, but it is drop-proof up to two meters. The case also has advanced heat dispersion tech to keep the drive cool, even when performing large file transfers. At this price, this is an incredible little drive to keep as a backup or even to use as a Time Machine drive for your Mac computer.More Lexar portable SSD dealsLexar 2TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 22, Rugged, IP66 Water & Dust Resistance $149 (was $215)Lexar 4TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 22, Rugged, IP66 Water & Dust Resistance $268 (was $365)Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub $224 (was $350)Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports Apple 4K 60fps ProRes, Up to 1050MB/s $152 (was $239)Lexar portable USB-C hub dealLexar Professional Go Portable Hub, Four Type-C Ports $38 (was $49)Lexar memory card dealsLexar 128GB (2-Pack) Professional Silver Plus microSDXC Memory Card w/SD Adapter $23 (was $45)Lexar 256GB (2-Pack) Professional Silver Plus microSDXC Memory Card w/SD Adapter $37 (was $75)Lexar 1TB Play microSDXC Memory Card $87 (was $125)Lexar 512GB Play microSDXC Memory Card $43 (was $65)Lexar 1TB PLAY microSDXC Memory Card $63 (was $129)Lexar 256GB (2-PK) Professional SILVER PRO SDXC Memory Card $107 (was $140)Lexar 128GB (2-PK) Professional SILVER PRO SDXC Memory Card $56 (was $74)Lexar 128GB Professional SILVER PRO SDXC Memory Card $33 (was $49)Lexar 512GB Professional Silver SDXC Memory Card $51 (was $62)Lexar jump drive dealsLexar 512GB JumpDrive Dual Drive D400 USB 3.2 Type-C & Type-A Flash Drive $45 (was $72)Lexar 256GB JumpDrive Dual Drive D400 USB 3.2 Type-C & Type-A Flash Drive $25 (was $36)Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M400 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Flash Drive $10 (was $18)The post This $179 2TB Lexar portable SSD is just $108 right now at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

The Future Circular Collider could be operational by the mid-2040s. Credit: PIXELRISE / CERNThe Large Hadron Collider (LHC) remains one of the pinnacles of scientific and technological innovation, but physicists believe theres room for improvement. And after years of research and development, an international team led by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has released a blueprint detailing plans for the particle accelerators successorand its size puts the Large in Large Hadron Collider to shame.Since inaugural operations began in 2008, the LHC has allowed researchers to probe some of the universes most profound and mysterious forces. But investigating the deepest questions of modern physics requires a lot of time, energy, and space. The machines logistics are nearly incomprehensible without a degree in quantum physics, but its underlying mechanisms are relatively simple: basically, the LHC consists of a precise network of extremely powerful magnets that rush subatomic particles through a 17-mile-wide circular tunnel buried roughly 574 feet underneath the French-Swiss border near Geneva. The particles then smash into one another at nearly the speed of light, producing conditions approximating some of the universes most powerful interactions.The Future Circular Collider would have a diameter of over 56 miles, compared to the Large Hadron Colliders 17-mile diameter. Credit: CERN In 2013, for example, LHC experiments helped to finally complete the Standard Model of Physics after confirming the existence of the Higgs boson aka God particle. Long theorized but never documented, the Higgs boson helps explain how the very first matter coalesced in the moments after the Big Bang.But even the LHCs capabilities have their limits. At a certain point, any future discoveries would require an even larger particle acceleratorwhich is exactly what CERN hopes to accomplish with a Future Circular Collider (FCC).Ultimately what we would like to do is a collider which will come up with 10 times more energy than what we have today, CERN spokesman Arnaud Marsollier told the Associated Press. When you have more energy, then you can create particles that are heavier.CERN shared its FCC feasibility study findings on March 29 after spending a decade investigating at least 100 scenarios. According to the studys accompanying announcement, experts have settled on a plan that balances physics objectives, geology, civil engineering, technical infrastructure, territorial and environmental dimensions, R&D needs for the accelerators and detectors, socioeconomic benefits, and cost. And that plan requires the construction of an underground facility that would dwarf the LHC.At nearly 56.5 miles across, the FCC would be more than three times the LHCs size while including eight surface laboratory sites overseeing four ongoing experiments. The tunnel itself would be about 16 ft in diameter (compared to the LHC tunnels 12 ft width), and will be buried at an average depth of 656 ft. 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.CERNs Feasibility Study Report outlines two possible stages for the FCC. The first, an electron-positron collider, would serve as a Higgs, electroweak, and top-quark factory running at different center-of-mass energies. The second stage involves a proton-proton collider capable of generating an unprecedented collision energy of about 100 tera-electronvolts (TeV).The FCC isnt a done deal yet, however. The estimated $16 billion project still requires an independent review, followed by a collective decision from CERNs two dozen member countries in 2028. The FCC will also essentially be a multigenerational project, if greenlit. Researchers estimate the facility wouldnt begin its first operations until the mid-2040s, with a second phase beginning around 2070.Discoveries made during FCC experiments would likely be well worth the wait, and influence far more than just theoretical physics. According to CERN, particle accelerators like the LHC and FCC can contribute to advances in superconducting materials for medical uses, fusion energy research, electricity transmission, as well as many other areas.

Your eyes will thank you. Image: Sandy Nicholson/Getty ImagesIf youve used a dedicated ebook reader, like a Kindle, you know that the display is totally different from the one on your phone or computer. But how is it different, and why might that make it better for reading?Its a good question, and theres actually some pretty interesting science behind it. E-ink devices use electronics and actual ink to mimic the look of ink on a paper page. Its not perfectthe background, generally, isnt quite as white as real paper, and such displays typically have really slow refresh rates. But use an e-ink display for reading and you might notice that its easier on the eyes. I was wondering why that might be, and whether theres any science that shows this is accurate, so I did some digging. Heres what I found.Works better in daylightE-ink devices are generally easier to read in direct sunlight than phones or tablets. Why is that? To understand, we need to talk a bit about how e-ink works.Most displays, to vastly oversimplify, are a bunch of tiny individual lightsone per pixel. This means that when youre using your phone, tablet, computer, or TV youre basically looking directly into thousands of tiny lights. You can demonstrate this by turning the brightness on your device all the way downits almost impossible to see anything, especially in a well lit room. Its also why using a phone or laptop outside on a sunny day can be hard, or at the very least kill your battery quicklythe light on your phone needs to compete with the ambient light.Eink does not work this way. According to E-ink, a leading company in the space whose displays have been used in everything from the Kindle to the reMarkable, these displays use actual ink instead to display text or images.E Inks two particle electronic ink system is made up of millions of tiny microcapsules, each about the diameter of a human hair. Each microcapsule contains negatively charged white particles and positively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. When a positive or negative electric field is applied, corresponding particles move to the top of the microcapsule where they become visible to the viewer. This makes the surface appear white or black at that spot.Some e-ink devices have a backlight so that people can read in the dark, but on most devices you can turn this off entirely and still read just fine. Provided, that is, that theres adequate light in the room.Reduced eye strain and fatigueWeve talked about how traditional displays are essentially lights. Every child learns not to stare at the sun, or even lightbulbs. It stands to reason, given this, that e-ink might be easier on the eyes. And theres reason to believe this could be the case: a 2013 study by Universit Paris researchers compared the LCD and e-ink versions of the Kindle to actual print books. Subjects read books on an LCD device, an e-ink device, and a paper book. People reading the LCD display were found to blink more often, a sign of visual fatigue. They also reported feeling more tired. To quote the study:Results from both objective (Blinks per second) and subjective (Visual Fatigue Scale) measures suggested that reading on the LCD (Kindle Fire HD) triggers higher visual fatigue with respect to both the E-ink (Kindle Paperwhite) and the paper book.A 2020 paper by researchers from the Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China compared e-ink displays to more modern OLED displays and found the same thing:Blink rate increased gradually in OLED subgroups during the reading task, whereas no statistically significant difference was observed in the eINK subgroups. Our research suggested that reading on an OLED screen can cause ocular surface disorder and obvious subjective discomfort, whereas reading on an eINK screen can minimize ocular surface disorder in both dark and light environments.This may sound like a slam dunk but its important to keep in mind that these are relatively small studies. Dan Dutton, a blogger who writes a lot about e-ink displays, has a good outline on his website. While the research suggests e-ink and paper cause less eyestrain, there needs to be more research.As a person, though? I subjectively have a much better time reading e-ink devices. Take from that what you will.Improved battery lifeWe talked earlier about how traditional displays are essentially lights, and you probably know that lights require electricity. The interesting thing about e-ink is that, after the page has been drawn on the display, absolutely no electricity is required to keep the image there. This is a huge advantage for things like reading books: the display only uses power when you turn the page. Its a big reason why devices like the Kindle can last for weeks between charges.This is particularly true in sunlight. As I mentioned, traditional displays need to turn up the brightness to compete with ambient light. E-ink devices dont need to do this.Now, the battery life advantages are less clear if youre constantly refreshing the display, which is why e-ink screens arent usually the best devices for anything that requires a lot of scrolling. For reading sequences of single pages, though? Youll end up with much better battery life, particularly if you use a small font so that you turn the page less often.Now, e-ink devices work for more than just books. Theyve even been used to dynamically change a cars color or make tanks invisible. The technology may be more widely used as it improves. For now, though, the best use case is readingand dedicated e-ink devices are the best tool for doing that.

Porch pirates dont take a day offand you cant afford to either when it comes to home security. Keep an eye on your front door, deliveries, and more when you add a Ring doorbell to your home security plans. Youll get instant alerts and live videos from Ring whenever someone approaches the camera, so you can stay on watch even if youre away from home. Save $30 when you get one of the limited-availability doorbells for just $119.99.The all-seeing doorbellRing has some serious visual capabilities for such a small package. It ensures you get crystal clear, hi-def images and videos for your security. The 1536p feed has an expanded head-to-toe view to check for packages on the ground or see your visitors.You can set a motion zone to limit notifications to just your front steps, excluding motion on the sidewalk behind it. When thedoorbell camera detects motion in the specified zone, youll get real-time notifications and be able to send responses to whoever is at your door. Thank the grocery delivery guy or talk to an unknown stranger through the doorbell without opening your door.Setting up your Ring doorbellEven if you cannot answer the door or alerts immediately, you can send pre-selected responses. Navigate the Ring app to check out Live View or enable Two-Way Talk to speak to a visitor at your door. The app can help you customize settings and choose how your data may be used.Get the security performance customers have already rated 4.6 stars on over 10,000 Amazon reviews with Ring doorbell. Connect your Ring camera with smart home devices such as Alexa or other Ring products. You can turn on alerts to your Alexa-enabled devices and phones or tablets to get notified of motion or visitors in multiple ways.Install your doorbell with just a few screws to mount the faceplate. Theres no need to connect hardwired power to the doorbell as it has a quick-release battery that you can remove and recharge.Get a Ring battery doorbell plus for just $119.99 (reg. $149.99)but move faster than a thieving porch pirate because there are only 140 units available.StackSocial prices subject to change.Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, Motion Detection & Alerts, and Two-Way Talk $119.99See Deal

There are few things more frustrating than sitting in traffic, trapped behind someone who thinks a blinker is optional. You know what skips all of that? The Phantom A10 Electric Scooter. Its your personal escape pod from the chaos of the roadand its way more fun than honking at strangers.Packing a 400W brushless motor and maxing out at 15mph, this scooter doesnt just scootit zooms. Its got two speed modes, so you can coast gently on a cruise or kick it into power mode and fly past those walking just a bit too slow. With 10-inch rubber tires and an anti-slip surface, the A10 is built to handle city cracks, rogue pebbles, and whatever else your route throws at you.It also folds in two steps. Just click, bend, and carryno more juggling awkward bike locks or figuring out where to stash your ride. At only 38 pounds, its light enough to bring on the train or store in a closet without needing a full-on garage.Safety? Youre covered. The A10 features a dual braking system (front drum + rear EABS), side reflectors, and a flashy backlight to make sure youre seen even when the sun isnt. Theres even a smart lighting system that kicks on automatically when it gets darklike the Bat-Signal, but for your scooter.Thanks to the smart control app and built-in LED display, you can track your battery, speed, and distance without breaking stride. And with a max range of up to 28 miles per charge, you can use this for your daily commute, weekend errands, or joyrides just because you feel like it.Oh, and it supports up to 265 lbsso yes, its great for older kids, teens, and full-grown adults who want to turn their commute into an action movie scene.Pick up this Phantom A10 Electric Scooter while its on sale for $419.97 with free shipping.StackSocial prices subject to change.Phantom A10 Standing Electric Scooter $419.97Get It HereWhat makes this deal specialAt $419.97, the Phantom A10 delivers serious performance and commuter-friendly convenience for way less than other scooters in its class. With a powerful motor, 28-mile range, fast folding system, and app-enabled smart features, this is a commuters dream at a down-to-earth price. Add in free shipping and UL certification for peace of mind, and youve got a ride thats practical, fun, and ready to turn your daily grind into a breeze.

The Greater mouse-tailed bat flies through the night sky, searching for insects. CREDIT: Jens Rydell.When a colony of bats leaves their cave and takes to the skies at night to hunt, they often do so in such big groups that they almost look like one giant blob. How these winged mammals can achieve such tight densitiessometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands of batsyet do not crash into one another has puzzled scientists for decades.Now, researchers believe theyve figured out how bats can still hear amidst the din similar to a noisy cocktail party. They appear to change the way they echolocate in order to get a better idea of where exactly the bats closest to them are located. The findings are detailed in a study published March 31 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 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.The bat cocktail partyLike dolphins, toothed whales, and some birds, many bat species use echolocation to perceive the world around them. They send out a call and listen for the reflected echo. This echo allows them to see what is in front of them.However, if many bats are echolocating at oncelike when an entire colony comes out of a cave in only a few minutesthe noise from others should cover up the critical echoic information that bats need to get around. This loss of acoustic information is referred to as jamming. Bats should collide because of the jamming, but aerial accidents outside of caves are actually quite rare.Youre almost excited when you witness one, Aya Goldshtein, a study co-author and a postdoctoral scholar in animal behavior at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, said in a statement.Scientists have deployed several techniques in the lab to try and figure out how bats can hear around all of this ambient chatterlike the noise inside of a crowded restaurant. Theyve studied how bats echolocate in groups, by seeing how the bats ecolocated at a slightly different frequency. In theory, this should reduce jamming, but the results from previous studies did not provide a strong enough answer as to how or why.No one had looked at this situation from the point of view of an individual bat during emergence. How can we understand a behavior if we dont study it in action? Yossi Yovel, a study co-author and neuroecologist from Tel-Aviv University in Israel, said in a statement.To the caveFor this study, the team studied Greater mouse-tailed bats (Rhinopoma microphyllum) living in Israels Hula Valley and collected data directly from wild bats emerging from a cave at dusk over two years. They tagged several bats in this colony with lightweight trackers that recorded their location every second. Some of the tags were also equipped with ultrasonic microphones that recorded the soundscape from a bats point of view. To study this behavior, they used a new combination of high-resolution tracking, ultrasonic reporting, and sensorimotor computer modeling to observe how the bats sense as they squeezed out of the cave opening.The Greater mouse-tailed bat roosts among thousands in a cave, waiting for nightfall to emerge and feed on insects. CREDIT: Eran Amichai. Eran AmichaiHowever, the tagged bats were released outside the cave and into the emerging colony. meaning that that data taken from the cave opening when the density is highest was missing. To fill this gap, the team used a computational model developed by study co-author Omer Mazar, which simulated emergence. This model used data collected by the trackers and microphones to recreate the full behavioral sequence beginning with the entrance of the cave and wrapping up after the bats had flown 1.2 miles (two kilometers) through the valley.The simulation allows us to verify our assumptions of how bats solve this complex task during emergence, Mazar, a Ph.D student at Tel-Aviv University, said in a statement.A bats POVThe data revealed that when exiting the cave, the bats experience a cacophony of calls. Ninety-four percent of echolocations are jammed, yet the bats significantly reduced the echolocation jamming within five seconds of leaving the cave. The bats were also observed making two important behavioral changes. First, they fanned out from the dense colony core while keeping the group structure. Next, they sent out shorter and weaker calls at higher frequency.Initially, the team suspected that the bats would reduce the jamming by quickly dispersing from the cave. Instead, they appear to change their echolocation to a higher frequency, even though in theory that should only increase the jamming and collision risk. To understand why, the team had to approach this whole scene from a bats point of view.[ Related: What bats and metal vocalists have in common. ]Imagine youre a bat flying through a cluttered space. The most important object you need to know about is the bat directly in front. So you should echolocate in such a way that gives you the most detailed information about only that bat, explained Mazar. Sure, you might miss most of the information available because of jamming, but it doesnt matter because you only need enough detail to avoid crashing into that bat.It appears that the bats change the way they echolocate in order to gain detailed information about their neighbors nearby. This strategy ultimately appears to help them successfully maneuver and avoid bumping into one another.According to the team, this unexpected result for how bats solve this noisy dilemma was made possible by studying bats in their natural environment.Theoretical and lab studies of the past have allowed us to imagine the possibilities, said Goldshtein. But only by putting ourselves, as close as possible, into the shoes of an animal will we ever be able to understand the challenges they face and what they do to solve them.

Mars isn't just covered in rocksit also is blanketed by extremely fine Martian dust. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSSA unique set of risks and challenges await the first astronauts on Mars. Deadly solar radiation, nighttime temperatures regularly dropping lower than -100 degrees Fahrenheit, and an unbreathable atmosphere are just a few of the hurdles that require addressing. But recent research suggests yet another worry: toxic Martian dust.Cameras aboard NASAs Mars rovers like PerseveranceCuriosity have extensively documented the planets barren, rocky landscape over the years. However, the image resolution often fails to showcase the massive amounts of powdery dust that also blankets the terrain. These microscopic grainsknown as regolithare much more fine than the standard dust particles found on Earth. Not only that, but previous analysis shows that Martian regolith is more coarse than most Earth particulates. This combination makes it more abrasive and damaging if ingested or inhaled, much like asbestos.In a study published in February in the journal GeoHealth, scientists reviewed existing geological surveys of Mars, while focusing on 10 documented materials already well-known for their health hazards. Naturally occurring chlorine-based chemicals known as perchlorates, for example, can damage thyroid glands and lead to aplastic anemia, in which bone marrow fails to produce new blood cells. Meanwhile, the abundant amounts of silica on Mars are more than enough to cause silicosis, an incurable respiratory disease previously common among stoneworkers. Additional regolith particles include iron oxides and gypsum, as well as trace toxic metals including arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, and chromium. These are collectively associated with a host of other problems such as gastrointestinal inflammation, cancer, and weakened immune systems.A spacesuit will protect astronauts during excursions into the hostile outside environment, but they can only do so much once they return to base. An average speck of Martian dust measures around 3 micrometers (about the size of a mold spore) and rarely exceeds 8 m (10 times smaller than a sugar grain). This makes it much more difficult to clean a spacesuit, much less keep it from piling up in living quarters or back inside a spacecraft.Exposure to martian dust may come from dermal exposure, ocular contact, ingestion, or inhalation through oral and nasal cavities, the study authors wrote.And once ingested, much of that Martian dust wont be going anywhere quickly.The majority of this dust will likely penetrate the physical innate immune defenses of the respiratory tract as mucus in the lungs is not able to expel dust particles that have a diameter of less than 5 m, they explained. Thus, dust on Mars is more likely to cause lung irritation, absorb into the bloodstream, and lead to diseases in astronauts. While some of the predicted effects may remain asymptomatic, many others could become life-threatening. 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.The makeup of Martian regolith isnt necessarily a dealbreaker for astronauts, however. Speaking with CNN, study co-author and University of Southern California medical student Justin Wang stated his belief that these are solvable problems.While the dust on Mars isnt going to be the most dangerous part of a mission to the Red Planet, its definitely a hazard that can be harmful to astronauts, yet easily avoidable given were properly prepared for it, Wang said.Wang and colleagues suggest that exposure mitigation be prioritized in mission planning, along with the inclusion of supplements to prevent diseases and sufficient treatment regimens for worst-case scenarios. After all, the nearest hospital will likely be around 140 million miles away.

It's not the gadget that's the problem, but how it affects our psychology. Credit: Deposit PhotosBad news for people hoping to solve their workday procrastination by leaving their phone in a desk drawer: new research indicates youll probably still find something to distract you. According to researchers at the London School of Economics, the issue isnt our electronic devices themselves, but the way our usage of gadgets has essentially rewired our brains.In my research I want to shift the discourse beyond device-centric debates. The smartphone itself is not the problem, Maxi Heitmayer, the co-author of a study published March 27 in Frontiers in Computer Science, said in a statement. Its what we do with it and, frankly, the apps that generate and reinforce these habits.To investigate these interrelated issues, Heitmayer and collaborators asked 22 volunteers ranging in age from 2231 to spend two, five-hour work shifts in a private, soundproof room. They were also asked to bring their everyday electronic devices, or at least their laptop and phone. The team didnt request them to change their preferred notification settings on any device. Instead, they instructed participants to place their phone on their desk during one work day, then leave it on a desk about five feet away on the second day. Other than that, the volunteers were tasked with going about their normal work responsibilities. Meanwhile, researchers tallied up the frequency and length of time that participants paused to pursue something unrelated to work on their phones or computers.The teams data was clear: while volunteers looked at their phones less on the day they placed it further away from them, they simply replaced it with screen time on their computers. Regardless of choice of device, participants averaged about 3.5 hours of work versus roughly 1.3 hours of leisure time.The problem is not rooted within the device itself, but in the habits and routines that we have developed with our devices, argued Heitmayer.Increasing evidence indicates the addictive and gamified nature of apps and social media platforms can alter a users neural pathways and influence their overall wellbeing. As the teams study helps illustrate, the ramifications extend beyond when and how often we use these devicesits why we use them. The result, said Heitmayer, is a very unequal battle fought out every single day when we use our phones.The things inside phones that are the biggest attention sinks are developed by large corporations who greatly profit from our failure to resist the temptation to use them, he said. All of this is literally by design. 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.Unfortunately, there is no single solution for our cultures ongoing distraction dilemma. On a personal level, people can try strategies like scheduling automated routines that silence notifications during specific periods during the day, while also working on being more mindful of how much they use their devices. Heitmayer also believes better regulation and oversight is needed for the app and device makers themselves. This is particularly important when it comes to younger users.These devices are incredibly useful and can facilitate learning and creativity, but they come at a cost that most adults struggle to manage, so we simply cannot ignore this, said Heitmayer.