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Scientific American partage un lien

2025-05-16 16:24:12 ·

Loneliness Is Inflaming Our Bodies—And Our Politics

OpinionMay 16, 20255 min readLoneliness Is Inflaming Our Bodies—And Our PoliticsMedical research shows that social isolation is a serious chronic stressor. You can say something similar about its impact on our political systemBy Kim Samuel Eugene Mymrin/Getty ImagesHannah Arendt has been on my mind a lot lately. The 20th-century German-Jewish political philosopher escaped the Nazi Holocaust, and won regard as one of the world’s greatest public intellectuals at a time when few women were appointed to university faculties. She drew on history, literature and her own life to identify the conditions under which open and liberal societies turn into authoritarian states. Seven decades ago she made observations that still offer powerful insights today.In The Origins of Totalitarianism,Arendtemphasized one primary factor in the rise of authoritarianism that has little obvious connection to politics: loneliness. While we usually think of loneliness as not having our social needs met, Arendt defined the word as something deeper. Loneliness happens when there are no shared objective facts and no potential collective action to solve shared challenges. It’s a state of being where you can’t trust others. Loneliness, in Arendt’s telling, inflames the connective tissues of a society. It weakens the body politic so that demagogues and despots can prey. “What prepares men for totalitarian domination,” she wrote, “… is the fact that loneliness, once a borderline experience usually suffered in certain marginal social conditions like old age, has become an everyday experience.”Arendt—as far as I know—didn’t use the word “inflammation” to describe the effects of social isolation on a country or culture. But it’s the metaphor that, to me, gets to the essence of her warning.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Inflammation is the body’s response to a sense of threat—a protective, contractionary response that can extend even to the cellular level. It’s a response that can inhibit healing. A community or society that faces a deficit of meaningful connectedness is similarly in a state of perpetual threat; people are unable to listen to one another, to trust each other, to maintain trust in shared institutions, or to collectively overcome divisions.This might sound familiar.From 2003 to 2022, face-to-face socializing among U.S. men fell by 30 percent. For teenagers, it was a staggering 45 percent. An estimated 12 percent of Americans report having no close friends, a fourfold increase since 1990. While social media was supposed to amplify human connection, the rise of comparison culture, social sorting into echo chambers and the rapid decline of in-person social connection have instead coincided with unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression and distrust.It should therefore come as no surprise that, in America, we’re seeing democratic backsliding like Hannah Arendt warned of—including mass polarization, intentional disinformation and a politics of fear, retribution and rage.Loneliness inflames societies.It just so happens that loneliness inflames the body, too.Two decades ago, researchers Louise Hawkley and John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago demonstrated in a landmark study that loneliness acts as a chronic stressor that triggers the body’s innate stress-response systems. Social isolation keeps the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenalaxis in a constant state of arousal, driving persistent cortisol release. This hormonal imbalance heightens inflammation. And this can, in turn, weaken the immune system, compromise cardiovascular health and worsen vulnerability to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In short, the absence of meaningful social bonds can literally recalibrate the body’s physiological mechanisms toward greater stress and illness.Over the past two decades, further studies have only reinforced the link between loneliness and inflammatory pathways. George Slavich of the University of California, Los Angeles, underscores that experiencing social disconnection can mimic physical threats in how our brains and immune systems respond—magnifying the release of inflammatory agents. From an evolutionary standpoint, sustained isolation disrupts our primal need for social integration—leading to inflammation and a whole host of downstream consequences.It's easy to downplay the loneliness problem. When former U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy warned of the dangers of social isolation and proposed solutions, no meaningful government interventions ensued. Likewise, when the U.K. government appointed a minister for loneliness in 2018, many likened the move to a Monty Python sketch rather than seeing it as a serious policy intervention.But the medical, social and even political costs of growing social isolation mean that we can no longer afford to ignore it.Some solutions are straightforward. Medical innovators are now addressing social isolation through practices like “social prescribing”—wherein health professionals connect patients who are lonely with nonmedical community services, volunteer programs, exercise groups and arts activities to improve their well-being. Instead of writing prescriptions for pills, doctors can prescribe a free pass to a museum, an invitation to join a gardening club, or a support group for people facing similar struggles. A recent multiyear evaluation of nature-oriented social prescribing in the U.K. found that programs significantly helped participants reduce anxiety and improve happiness.Other solutions are more systemic. When Pete Buttigieg ran for president in 2020, he laid out an agenda for “belonging and healing”—emphasizing new funding and policies around mental health and addiction as well as national service to rebuild community institutions and promote environmental restoration. Leaders should propose scaling up “belonging infrastructure”—transit, green spaces, cultural venues, and mental health centers—while expanding purpose-driven national service programs like Americorps and investing in local journalism through public grants or tax incentives to restore trusted information sources and restore important foundations of community life.This should be a bipartisan cause. Conservatives and liberals alike have an opening to address the crisis by leveraging faith and veterans’ groups–for example, granting tax incentives or small federal matches that could help churches, synagogues, and veterans’ groups build mentoring initiatives, addiction recovery support and efforts to revitalize parks, libraries and civic spaces. There’s also growing bipartisan recognition of the role of social media in the crisis. In tackling big tech’s impact on youth, leaders across the ideological spectrum should push toward full algorithmic transparency, restrictions to exploitative design features, and mandates for robust digital well-being protections for children.Like inflammation in the body, social isolation weakens our civic “immune system,” fueling polarization and making us more susceptible to authoritarian impulses. But Hannah Arendt emphasized that the condition is reversible. By investing in the foundations of shared belonging, we can restore our adapt to adapt to the challenges we face—from wildfires to pandemics to misinformation. It’s time to get serious about our healing.This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American.
#loneliness #inflaming #our #bodiesand #politics

Loneliness Is Inflaming Our Bodies—And Our Politics
OpinionMay 16, 20255 min readLoneliness Is Inflaming Our Bodies—And Our PoliticsMedical research shows that social isolation is a serious chronic stressor. You can say something similar about its impact on our political systemBy Kim Samuel Eugene Mymrin/Getty ImagesHannah Arendt has been on my mind a lot lately. The 20th-century German-Jewish political philosopher escaped the Nazi Holocaust, and won regard as one of the world’s greatest public intellectuals at a time when few women were appointed to university faculties. She drew on history, literature and her own life to identify the conditions under which open and liberal societies turn into authoritarian states. Seven decades ago she made observations that still offer powerful insights today.In The Origins of Totalitarianism,Arendtemphasized one primary factor in the rise of authoritarianism that has little obvious connection to politics: loneliness. While we usually think of loneliness as not having our social needs met, Arendt defined the word as something deeper. Loneliness happens when there are no shared objective facts and no potential collective action to solve shared challenges. It’s a state of being where you can’t trust others. Loneliness, in Arendt’s telling, inflames the connective tissues of a society. It weakens the body politic so that demagogues and despots can prey. “What prepares men for totalitarian domination,” she wrote, “… is the fact that loneliness, once a borderline experience usually suffered in certain marginal social conditions like old age, has become an everyday experience.”Arendt—as far as I know—didn’t use the word “inflammation” to describe the effects of social isolation on a country or culture. But it’s the metaphor that, to me, gets to the essence of her warning.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Inflammation is the body’s response to a sense of threat—a protective, contractionary response that can extend even to the cellular level. It’s a response that can inhibit healing. A community or society that faces a deficit of meaningful connectedness is similarly in a state of perpetual threat; people are unable to listen to one another, to trust each other, to maintain trust in shared institutions, or to collectively overcome divisions.This might sound familiar.From 2003 to 2022, face-to-face socializing among U.S. men fell by 30 percent. For teenagers, it was a staggering 45 percent. An estimated 12 percent of Americans report having no close friends, a fourfold increase since 1990. While social media was supposed to amplify human connection, the rise of comparison culture, social sorting into echo chambers and the rapid decline of in-person social connection have instead coincided with unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression and distrust.It should therefore come as no surprise that, in America, we’re seeing democratic backsliding like Hannah Arendt warned of—including mass polarization, intentional disinformation and a politics of fear, retribution and rage.Loneliness inflames societies.It just so happens that loneliness inflames the body, too.Two decades ago, researchers Louise Hawkley and John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago demonstrated in a landmark study that loneliness acts as a chronic stressor that triggers the body’s innate stress-response systems. Social isolation keeps the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenalaxis in a constant state of arousal, driving persistent cortisol release. This hormonal imbalance heightens inflammation. And this can, in turn, weaken the immune system, compromise cardiovascular health and worsen vulnerability to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In short, the absence of meaningful social bonds can literally recalibrate the body’s physiological mechanisms toward greater stress and illness.Over the past two decades, further studies have only reinforced the link between loneliness and inflammatory pathways. George Slavich of the University of California, Los Angeles, underscores that experiencing social disconnection can mimic physical threats in how our brains and immune systems respond—magnifying the release of inflammatory agents. From an evolutionary standpoint, sustained isolation disrupts our primal need for social integration—leading to inflammation and a whole host of downstream consequences.It's easy to downplay the loneliness problem. When former U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy warned of the dangers of social isolation and proposed solutions, no meaningful government interventions ensued. Likewise, when the U.K. government appointed a minister for loneliness in 2018, many likened the move to a Monty Python sketch rather than seeing it as a serious policy intervention.But the medical, social and even political costs of growing social isolation mean that we can no longer afford to ignore it.Some solutions are straightforward. Medical innovators are now addressing social isolation through practices like “social prescribing”—wherein health professionals connect patients who are lonely with nonmedical community services, volunteer programs, exercise groups and arts activities to improve their well-being. Instead of writing prescriptions for pills, doctors can prescribe a free pass to a museum, an invitation to join a gardening club, or a support group for people facing similar struggles. A recent multiyear evaluation of nature-oriented social prescribing in the U.K. found that programs significantly helped participants reduce anxiety and improve happiness.Other solutions are more systemic. When Pete Buttigieg ran for president in 2020, he laid out an agenda for “belonging and healing”—emphasizing new funding and policies around mental health and addiction as well as national service to rebuild community institutions and promote environmental restoration. Leaders should propose scaling up “belonging infrastructure”—transit, green spaces, cultural venues, and mental health centers—while expanding purpose-driven national service programs like Americorps and investing in local journalism through public grants or tax incentives to restore trusted information sources and restore important foundations of community life.This should be a bipartisan cause. Conservatives and liberals alike have an opening to address the crisis by leveraging faith and veterans’ groups–for example, granting tax incentives or small federal matches that could help churches, synagogues, and veterans’ groups build mentoring initiatives, addiction recovery support and efforts to revitalize parks, libraries and civic spaces. There’s also growing bipartisan recognition of the role of social media in the crisis. In tackling big tech’s impact on youth, leaders across the ideological spectrum should push toward full algorithmic transparency, restrictions to exploitative design features, and mandates for robust digital well-being protections for children.Like inflammation in the body, social isolation weakens our civic “immune system,” fueling polarization and making us more susceptible to authoritarian impulses. But Hannah Arendt emphasized that the condition is reversible. By investing in the foundations of shared belonging, we can restore our adapt to adapt to the challenges we face—from wildfires to pandemics to misinformation. It’s time to get serious about our healing.This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American. #loneliness #inflaming #our #bodiesand #politics

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Loneliness Is Inflaming Our Bodies—And Our Politics

OpinionMay 16, 20255 min readLoneliness Is Inflaming Our Bodies—And Our PoliticsMedical research shows that social isolation is a serious chronic stressor. You can say something similar about its impact on our political systemBy Kim Samuel Eugene Mymrin/Getty ImagesHannah Arendt has been on my mind a lot lately. The 20th-century German-Jewish political philosopher escaped the Nazi Holocaust, and won regard as one of the world’s greatest public intellectuals at a time when few women were appointed to university faculties. She drew on history, literature and her own life to identify the conditions under which open and liberal societies turn into authoritarian states. Seven decades ago she made observations that still offer powerful insights today.In The Origins of Totalitarianism,Arendtemphasized one primary factor in the rise of authoritarianism that has little obvious connection to politics: loneliness. While we usually think of loneliness as not having our social needs met, Arendt defined the word as something deeper. Loneliness happens when there are no shared objective facts and no potential collective action to solve shared challenges. It’s a state of being where you can’t trust others. Loneliness, in Arendt’s telling, inflames the connective tissues of a society. It weakens the body politic so that demagogues and despots can prey. “What prepares men for totalitarian domination,” she wrote, “… is the fact that loneliness, once a borderline experience usually suffered in certain marginal social conditions like old age, has become an everyday experience.”Arendt—as far as I know—didn’t use the word “inflammation” to describe the effects of social isolation on a country or culture. But it’s the metaphor that, to me, gets to the essence of her warning.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Inflammation is the body’s response to a sense of threat—a protective, contractionary response that can extend even to the cellular level. It’s a response that can inhibit healing. A community or society that faces a deficit of meaningful connectedness is similarly in a state of perpetual threat; people are unable to listen to one another, to trust each other, to maintain trust in shared institutions, or to collectively overcome divisions.This might sound familiar.From 2003 to 2022, face-to-face socializing among U.S. men fell by 30 percent. For teenagers, it was a staggering 45 percent. An estimated 12 percent of Americans report having no close friends, a fourfold increase since 1990. While social media was supposed to amplify human connection, the rise of comparison culture, social sorting into echo chambers and the rapid decline of in-person social connection have instead coincided with unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression and distrust.It should therefore come as no surprise that, in America, we’re seeing democratic backsliding like Hannah Arendt warned of—including mass polarization, intentional disinformation and a politics of fear, retribution and rage.Loneliness inflames societies.It just so happens that loneliness inflames the body, too.Two decades ago, researchers Louise Hawkley and John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago demonstrated in a landmark study that loneliness acts as a chronic stressor that triggers the body’s innate stress-response systems. Social isolation keeps the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a constant state of arousal, driving persistent cortisol release. This hormonal imbalance heightens inflammation. And this can, in turn, weaken the immune system, compromise cardiovascular health and worsen vulnerability to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In short, the absence of meaningful social bonds can literally recalibrate the body’s physiological mechanisms toward greater stress and illness.Over the past two decades, further studies have only reinforced the link between loneliness and inflammatory pathways. George Slavich of the University of California, Los Angeles, underscores that experiencing social disconnection can mimic physical threats in how our brains and immune systems respond—magnifying the release of inflammatory agents. From an evolutionary standpoint, sustained isolation disrupts our primal need for social integration—leading to inflammation and a whole host of downstream consequences.It's easy to downplay the loneliness problem. When former U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy warned of the dangers of social isolation and proposed solutions, no meaningful government interventions ensued. Likewise, when the U.K. government appointed a minister for loneliness in 2018, many likened the move to a Monty Python sketch rather than seeing it as a serious policy intervention.But the medical, social and even political costs of growing social isolation mean that we can no longer afford to ignore it.Some solutions are straightforward. Medical innovators are now addressing social isolation through practices like “social prescribing”—wherein health professionals connect patients who are lonely with nonmedical community services, volunteer programs, exercise groups and arts activities to improve their well-being. Instead of writing prescriptions for pills, doctors can prescribe a free pass to a museum, an invitation to join a gardening club, or a support group for people facing similar struggles. A recent multiyear evaluation of nature-oriented social prescribing in the U.K. found that programs significantly helped participants reduce anxiety and improve happiness.Other solutions are more systemic. When Pete Buttigieg ran for president in 2020, he laid out an agenda for “belonging and healing”—emphasizing new funding and policies around mental health and addiction as well as national service to rebuild community institutions and promote environmental restoration. Leaders should propose scaling up “belonging infrastructure”—transit, green spaces, cultural venues, and mental health centers—while expanding purpose-driven national service programs like Americorps and investing in local journalism through public grants or tax incentives to restore trusted information sources and restore important foundations of community life.This should be a bipartisan cause. Conservatives and liberals alike have an opening to address the crisis by leveraging faith and veterans’ groups–for example, granting tax incentives or small federal matches that could help churches, synagogues, and veterans’ groups build mentoring initiatives, addiction recovery support and efforts to revitalize parks, libraries and civic spaces. There’s also growing bipartisan recognition of the role of social media in the crisis. In tackling big tech’s impact on youth, leaders across the ideological spectrum should push toward full algorithmic transparency, restrictions to exploitative design features, and mandates for robust digital well-being protections for children.Like inflammation in the body, social isolation weakens our civic “immune system,” fueling polarization and making us more susceptible to authoritarian impulses. But Hannah Arendt emphasized that the condition is reversible. By investing in the foundations of shared belonging, we can restore our adapt to adapt to the challenges we face—from wildfires to pandemics to misinformation. It’s time to get serious about our healing.This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American.

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Kotaku partage un lien

2025-05-16 14:18:25 ·

Pokémon TCG's Return Of Team Rocket Is A Triumph

Oh it’s fun to have good news! The latest set from the Pokémon TCG, Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals, is a top-notch collection of cards bursting with Team Rocket antics, which sportspull rates I don’t believe we’ve seen in this era. Having torn open 55 packs, I have a generous spread of rares and ex cards the likes of which I’ve not seen since S&V began. Also, unlike the awful previous set Journey Together, it’s an excellent collection of Trainer Pokémon to really charge up the live game.Suggested ReadingWhat’s Coming Out Beyond Pokémon: The Indigo Disk | The Week In Games

Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingWhat’s Coming Out Beyond Pokémon: The Indigo Disk | The Week In Games

Share SubtitlesOffEnglishYou know, if you can buy it.While it’s delightful to report that The Pokémon Company has really knocked it out of the park with Destined Rivals, unfortunately this hasn’t coincided with addressing the wild shortages of cards for regular customers. It’s a problem that only just repeated itself with last week’s website-crashing launch of the next sets, White Fire and Black Bolt—the first ever split-set English-language collection—that looks likely to be as impossible to buy as just about everything else this year. Or, if you do, you’ll be paying way over MSRP to scalpers, and please don’t do that.However, smart players will know that the best way to get cards for any set is to attend a pre-release event at their local store or club, where everyone receives seven or more packs, generally for less than Those are taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, although I hear that even these were booking up fast weeks ago. If you can, I really recommend making the effort for Destined Rivals. It’s a bunch of fun, and if the 55 packs I opened are an accurate sample, you’re likely to pick up a good handful of super-pretty full-art cards.Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuSo why am I so excited for this set? It’s a combination of things. It’d be silly to pretend that the first appearance of Team Rocket in the game in 25 years isn’t a big part of the thrill, and the set is rammed full of the nefarious group and their signature monsters. Among the Pokémon boosted by Team Rocket are Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno, along with newcomer Spidops, classics like Meowth and Mewtwo, and that most evil of Pokémon, Flaaffy. Meanwhile, for the forces of good, Cynthia, Misty, Ethan and Arven all join, again bringing back some favorites like Milotic, Gyarados, Psyduck and Ho-oh. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.Secondly, those pull-rates. When I get these boxes of cards from TPCi, I sit down and open them with my 10-year-old. It’s a really solid way of gauging the levels of satisfaction, his spirit draining out of him when we’re tearing through a set like Journey Together and just getting endless bulk. But with Destined Rivals, even my Pokémon-uninterested wife wanted in, so fun was it to have a strong chance of finding an exciting card. Where Journey Together only had 31 full-art cards, Destined Rivals has an amazing 62! Double! Admittedly, that’s on top of a wild 182 regular cards, making this the biggest set since Surging Sparks, but with—in my admittedly unscientific sample—a seemingly much better chance of finding the special stuff.We were especially lucky to pull the Team Rocket’s Ariana Special Illustration Rare, along with one of my chase cards, the Illustration Rare of Misty’s Psyduck. No Mewtwo, sadly, but we also got 12 regular ex cards, and 11 full-arts! If you include ex in the figures, that’s a pull-rate of almost one in two! Remove the regular ex cards and you’ve still got one in five for something Ultra Rare or better. Those included the wildly gorgeous Rapidash by Rond, Mori Yuu’s extraordinarily detailed Clamperl, the delightful Team Rocket’s Murkrowby Akira Komayama, and the splendidly silly Team Rocket’s Raticate by Mekayu.Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuAnd thirdly, the game itself! Journey Together was supposed to be the reintroduction of Trainer Pokémon to the live game, but it was such a damp squib. This time, things are really going to get mixed up! Team Rocket arrive with an array of brand new tricks and cheats, and while people are obviously going to build decks around Misty and Ethan, it’ll be the baddies that once more prove the most fun.There’s the addition of Team Rocket’s Energy, which provides two energy to any Team Rocket Pokémon, and can be either Dark or Psychic or both! Meanwhile, Team Rocket’s Venture Bomb lets you flip a coin to find out if it’s going to do 20 damage to any of your opponent’s Pokémon, or 20 specifically to your own Active Pokémon—but being an Item card, you can do this silliness as many times as you have cards in a single turn. Giovanni, meanwhile, offers a classic evil move: you can play him to swap out your current Active Pokémon, but also do the same to your opponent, and choose which of their benched Pokémon goes in. Team Rocket’s Great Ball lets you flip a coin and then pull either an Evolution or Basic Pokémon from your deck depending on the result. And then Stadium card Team Rocket’s Watchtower renders all Pokémon without abilities! That’s going to destroy so many players’ tactics!Oh, and there’s a card called Team Rocket’s Bother Bot, and while its ability is fascinating—you can flip one of your opponent’s prize cards, then pick a random card from their hand, and then choose if you want them to swap them over—I’m mostly mentioning it because I find its name very funny.Then the Team Rocket Pokémon themselves do some real mischief. Arbok, for instance, stops your opponent playing any card with an ability, and also does 30 damage to every single Pokémon your opponent has on the board. Articuno can prevent all attack effects just by being on the bench. Dottler lets you look at the top five cards on your opponent’s deck, and then put them back in your preferred order! Ha!Nidoran ♀ and ♂ offer their usual teamwork options, but super-powerfully. Once you’ve evolved to Nidorina, you can do an attack that lets you search your deck to evolve any two of your benched monsters, and then Stage 2's Nidoqueen will do 180 damage for one energy if you have a Nidoking in play. Oh, and Ampharos, Flaaffy’s ultimate form, has an ability that means any time your opponent evolves a Pokémon, they automatically put 40 damage on it! That’s monstrous.Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuIt’s going to be so interesting to see how people manipulate these new additions into the meta, not least when yet more cards are deliberately designed to mess up current favorite decks—Mimikyu lets you steal Tera Pokémon attacks, for instance. I think this should finally offer the shake-up the game needs in its third year of this era, beforenext year’s switch to Mega Pokémon instead of a fourth year of S&V.Now, as I’ve said, my sample of 55 packs isn’t big enough to be indicative, and perhaps we just got weirdly lucky. But I have high hopes here. We’ll get a proper idea when the likes of Danny Phantump have put together their pull-rate data. Either way, there’s such a wealth of beautiful cards in the set, so much incredible art to collect, and a bunch that’ll make the live game so very interesting. Which is pretty much all I can ask for from a Pokémon TCG set. Other than, you know, being able to buy it. Which is going to be very, very hard to do.Destined Rivals officially releases on May 30, with pre-release events taking place this weekend, May 17-18..
#pokémon #tcg039s #return #team #rocket

Pokémon TCG's Return Of Team Rocket Is A Triumph
Oh it’s fun to have good news! The latest set from the Pokémon TCG, Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals, is a top-notch collection of cards bursting with Team Rocket antics, which sportspull rates I don’t believe we’ve seen in this era. Having torn open 55 packs, I have a generous spread of rares and ex cards the likes of which I’ve not seen since S&V began. Also, unlike the awful previous set Journey Together, it’s an excellent collection of Trainer Pokémon to really charge up the live game.Suggested ReadingWhat’s Coming Out Beyond Pokémon: The Indigo Disk | The Week In Games Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingWhat’s Coming Out Beyond Pokémon: The Indigo Disk | The Week In Games Share SubtitlesOffEnglishYou know, if you can buy it.While it’s delightful to report that The Pokémon Company has really knocked it out of the park with Destined Rivals, unfortunately this hasn’t coincided with addressing the wild shortages of cards for regular customers. It’s a problem that only just repeated itself with last week’s website-crashing launch of the next sets, White Fire and Black Bolt—the first ever split-set English-language collection—that looks likely to be as impossible to buy as just about everything else this year. Or, if you do, you’ll be paying way over MSRP to scalpers, and please don’t do that.However, smart players will know that the best way to get cards for any set is to attend a pre-release event at their local store or club, where everyone receives seven or more packs, generally for less than Those are taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, although I hear that even these were booking up fast weeks ago. If you can, I really recommend making the effort for Destined Rivals. It’s a bunch of fun, and if the 55 packs I opened are an accurate sample, you’re likely to pick up a good handful of super-pretty full-art cards.Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuSo why am I so excited for this set? It’s a combination of things. It’d be silly to pretend that the first appearance of Team Rocket in the game in 25 years isn’t a big part of the thrill, and the set is rammed full of the nefarious group and their signature monsters. Among the Pokémon boosted by Team Rocket are Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno, along with newcomer Spidops, classics like Meowth and Mewtwo, and that most evil of Pokémon, Flaaffy. Meanwhile, for the forces of good, Cynthia, Misty, Ethan and Arven all join, again bringing back some favorites like Milotic, Gyarados, Psyduck and Ho-oh. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.Secondly, those pull-rates. When I get these boxes of cards from TPCi, I sit down and open them with my 10-year-old. It’s a really solid way of gauging the levels of satisfaction, his spirit draining out of him when we’re tearing through a set like Journey Together and just getting endless bulk. But with Destined Rivals, even my Pokémon-uninterested wife wanted in, so fun was it to have a strong chance of finding an exciting card. Where Journey Together only had 31 full-art cards, Destined Rivals has an amazing 62! Double! Admittedly, that’s on top of a wild 182 regular cards, making this the biggest set since Surging Sparks, but with—in my admittedly unscientific sample—a seemingly much better chance of finding the special stuff.We were especially lucky to pull the Team Rocket’s Ariana Special Illustration Rare, along with one of my chase cards, the Illustration Rare of Misty’s Psyduck. No Mewtwo, sadly, but we also got 12 regular ex cards, and 11 full-arts! If you include ex in the figures, that’s a pull-rate of almost one in two! Remove the regular ex cards and you’ve still got one in five for something Ultra Rare or better. Those included the wildly gorgeous Rapidash by Rond, Mori Yuu’s extraordinarily detailed Clamperl, the delightful Team Rocket’s Murkrowby Akira Komayama, and the splendidly silly Team Rocket’s Raticate by Mekayu.Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuAnd thirdly, the game itself! Journey Together was supposed to be the reintroduction of Trainer Pokémon to the live game, but it was such a damp squib. This time, things are really going to get mixed up! Team Rocket arrive with an array of brand new tricks and cheats, and while people are obviously going to build decks around Misty and Ethan, it’ll be the baddies that once more prove the most fun.There’s the addition of Team Rocket’s Energy, which provides two energy to any Team Rocket Pokémon, and can be either Dark or Psychic or both! Meanwhile, Team Rocket’s Venture Bomb lets you flip a coin to find out if it’s going to do 20 damage to any of your opponent’s Pokémon, or 20 specifically to your own Active Pokémon—but being an Item card, you can do this silliness as many times as you have cards in a single turn. Giovanni, meanwhile, offers a classic evil move: you can play him to swap out your current Active Pokémon, but also do the same to your opponent, and choose which of their benched Pokémon goes in. Team Rocket’s Great Ball lets you flip a coin and then pull either an Evolution or Basic Pokémon from your deck depending on the result. And then Stadium card Team Rocket’s Watchtower renders all Pokémon without abilities! That’s going to destroy so many players’ tactics!Oh, and there’s a card called Team Rocket’s Bother Bot, and while its ability is fascinating—you can flip one of your opponent’s prize cards, then pick a random card from their hand, and then choose if you want them to swap them over—I’m mostly mentioning it because I find its name very funny.Then the Team Rocket Pokémon themselves do some real mischief. Arbok, for instance, stops your opponent playing any card with an ability, and also does 30 damage to every single Pokémon your opponent has on the board. Articuno can prevent all attack effects just by being on the bench. Dottler lets you look at the top five cards on your opponent’s deck, and then put them back in your preferred order! Ha!Nidoran ♀ and ♂ offer their usual teamwork options, but super-powerfully. Once you’ve evolved to Nidorina, you can do an attack that lets you search your deck to evolve any two of your benched monsters, and then Stage 2's Nidoqueen will do 180 damage for one energy if you have a Nidoking in play. Oh, and Ampharos, Flaaffy’s ultimate form, has an ability that means any time your opponent evolves a Pokémon, they automatically put 40 damage on it! That’s monstrous.Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuIt’s going to be so interesting to see how people manipulate these new additions into the meta, not least when yet more cards are deliberately designed to mess up current favorite decks—Mimikyu lets you steal Tera Pokémon attacks, for instance. I think this should finally offer the shake-up the game needs in its third year of this era, beforenext year’s switch to Mega Pokémon instead of a fourth year of S&V.Now, as I’ve said, my sample of 55 packs isn’t big enough to be indicative, and perhaps we just got weirdly lucky. But I have high hopes here. We’ll get a proper idea when the likes of Danny Phantump have put together their pull-rate data. Either way, there’s such a wealth of beautiful cards in the set, so much incredible art to collect, and a bunch that’ll make the live game so very interesting. Which is pretty much all I can ask for from a Pokémon TCG set. Other than, you know, being able to buy it. Which is going to be very, very hard to do.Destined Rivals officially releases on May 30, with pre-release events taking place this weekend, May 17-18.. #pokémon #tcg039s #return #team #rocket

KOTAKU.COM

Pokémon TCG's Return Of Team Rocket Is A Triumph

Oh it’s fun to have good news! The latest set from the Pokémon TCG, Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals, is a top-notch collection of cards bursting with Team Rocket antics, which sports (in my limited experience, at least) pull rates I don’t believe we’ve seen in this era. Having torn open 55 packs, I have a generous spread of rares and ex cards the likes of which I’ve not seen since S&V began. Also, unlike the awful previous set Journey Together, it’s an excellent collection of Trainer Pokémon to really charge up the live game.Suggested ReadingWhat’s Coming Out Beyond Pokémon: The Indigo Disk | The Week In Games Share SubtitlesOffEnglishview videoSuggested ReadingWhat’s Coming Out Beyond Pokémon: The Indigo Disk | The Week In Games Share SubtitlesOffEnglishYou know, if you can buy it.While it’s delightful to report that The Pokémon Company has really knocked it out of the park with Destined Rivals, unfortunately this hasn’t coincided with addressing the wild shortages of cards for regular customers. It’s a problem that only just repeated itself with last week’s website-crashing launch of the next sets, White Fire and Black Bolt—the first ever split-set English-language collection—that looks likely to be as impossible to buy as just about everything else this year. Or, if you do, you’ll be paying way over MSRP to scalpers, and please don’t do that.However, smart players will know that the best way to get cards for any set is to attend a pre-release event at their local store or club, where everyone receives seven or more packs, generally for less than $30. Those are taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, although I hear that even these were booking up fast weeks ago. If you can, I really recommend making the effort for Destined Rivals. It’s a bunch of fun, and if the 55 packs I opened are an accurate sample (thanks to The Pokémon Company for sending them over), you’re likely to pick up a good handful of super-pretty full-art cards.Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuSo why am I so excited for this set? It’s a combination of things. It’d be silly to pretend that the first appearance of Team Rocket in the game in 25 years isn’t a big part of the thrill, and the set is rammed full of the nefarious group and their signature monsters. Among the Pokémon boosted by Team Rocket are Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno, along with newcomer Spidops, classics like Meowth and Mewtwo, and that most evil of Pokémon, Flaaffy. Meanwhile, for the forces of good, Cynthia, Misty, Ethan and Arven all join, again bringing back some favorites like Milotic, Gyarados, Psyduck and Ho-oh. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.Secondly, those pull-rates. When I get these boxes of cards from TPCi, I sit down and open them with my 10-year-old. It’s a really solid way of gauging the levels of satisfaction, his spirit draining out of him when we’re tearing through a set like Journey Together and just getting endless bulk. But with Destined Rivals, even my Pokémon-uninterested wife wanted in, so fun was it to have a strong chance of finding an exciting card. Where Journey Together only had 31 full-art cards, Destined Rivals has an amazing 62! Double! Admittedly, that’s on top of a wild 182 regular cards (included ex), making this the biggest set since Surging Sparks, but with—in my admittedly unscientific sample—a seemingly much better chance of finding the special stuff.We were especially lucky to pull the Team Rocket’s Ariana Special Illustration Rare, along with one of my chase cards, the Illustration Rare of Misty’s Psyduck. No Mewtwo, sadly, but we also got 12 regular ex cards (only two duplicates), and 11 full-arts! If you include ex in the figures, that’s a pull-rate of almost one in two! Remove the regular ex cards and you’ve still got one in five for something Ultra Rare or better. Those included the wildly gorgeous Rapidash by Rond, Mori Yuu’s extraordinarily detailed Clamperl, the delightful Team Rocket’s Murkrow (with Ariana and the Pokémon staring at one another in front of a skyline of skyscrapers) by Akira Komayama, and the splendidly silly Team Rocket’s Raticate by Mekayu (the artist who gave us the glorious Drampa from Temporal Forces).Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuAnd thirdly, the game itself! Journey Together was supposed to be the reintroduction of Trainer Pokémon to the live game, but it was such a damp squib. This time, things are really going to get mixed up! Team Rocket arrive with an array of brand new tricks and cheats, and while people are obviously going to build decks around Misty and Ethan, it’ll be the baddies that once more prove the most fun.There’s the addition of Team Rocket’s Energy, which provides two energy to any Team Rocket Pokémon, and can be either Dark or Psychic or both! Meanwhile, Team Rocket’s Venture Bomb lets you flip a coin to find out if it’s going to do 20 damage to any of your opponent’s Pokémon, or 20 specifically to your own Active Pokémon—but being an Item card, you can do this silliness as many times as you have cards in a single turn. Giovanni, meanwhile, offers a classic evil move: you can play him to swap out your current Active Pokémon, but also do the same to your opponent, and choose which of their benched Pokémon goes in. Team Rocket’s Great Ball lets you flip a coin and then pull either an Evolution or Basic Pokémon from your deck depending on the result. And then Stadium card Team Rocket’s Watchtower renders all Pokémon without abilities! That’s going to destroy so many players’ tactics!Oh, and there’s a card called Team Rocket’s Bother Bot, and while its ability is fascinating—you can flip one of your opponent’s prize cards, then pick a random card from their hand, and then choose if you want them to swap them over—I’m mostly mentioning it because I find its name very funny.Then the Team Rocket Pokémon themselves do some real mischief. Arbok, for instance, stops your opponent playing any card with an ability (unless it’s a Team Rocket), and also does 30 damage to every single Pokémon your opponent has on the board. Articuno can prevent all attack effects just by being on the bench. Dottler lets you look at the top five cards on your opponent’s deck, and then put them back in your preferred order! Ha!Nidoran ♀ and ♂ offer their usual teamwork options, but super-powerfully. Once you’ve evolved to Nidorina, you can do an attack that lets you search your deck to evolve any two of your benched monsters, and then Stage 2's Nidoqueen will do 180 damage for one energy if you have a Nidoking in play. Oh, and Ampharos, Flaaffy’s ultimate form, has an ability that means any time your opponent evolves a Pokémon, they automatically put 40 damage on it! That’s monstrous.Image: The Pokémon Company / KotakuIt’s going to be so interesting to see how people manipulate these new additions into the meta, not least when yet more cards are deliberately designed to mess up current favorite decks—Mimikyu lets you steal Tera Pokémon attacks, for instance. I think this should finally offer the shake-up the game needs in its third year of this era, before (and this is still just a rumor, but quite a likely one) next year’s switch to Mega Pokémon instead of a fourth year of S&V.Now, as I’ve said, my sample of 55 packs isn’t big enough to be indicative, and perhaps we just got weirdly lucky. But I have high hopes here. We’ll get a proper idea when the likes of Danny Phantump have put together their pull-rate data. Either way, there’s such a wealth of beautiful cards in the set, so much incredible art to collect, and a bunch that’ll make the live game so very interesting. Which is pretty much all I can ask for from a Pokémon TCG set. Other than, you know, being able to buy it. Which is going to be very, very hard to do.Destined Rivals officially releases on May 30, with pre-release events taking place this weekend, May 17-18..

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2025-05-14 23:15:29 ·

FDA AI deployment: Innovation vs oversight in drug regulation

The US Food and Drugs Administrationhas stated that it wants to accelerate the deployment of AI across its centres. FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary has announced an aggressive timeline to scale use of AI by 30 June 2025 and is betting big on the technology to change drug approval processes for the US.But the rapid AI deployment at the FDA raises important questions about whether innovation can be balanced with oversight.Strategic leadership drive: FDA names first AI chiefThe foundation for the ambitious FDA AI deployment was laid with the appointment of Jeremy Walsh as the first-ever Chief AI Officer. Walsh previously led enterprise-scale technology deployments in federal health and intelligence agencies and came from government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked for 14 years as chief technologist.His appointment, announced just before the May 8th rollout announcement, signals the agency’s serious commitment to technological transformation. The timing is significant – Walsh’s hiring coincided with workforce cuts at the FDA, including the loss of key tech talent.Among the losses was Sridhar Mantha, the former director of strategic programmes at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, who had co-chaired the AI Council at CDER and helped develop policy around AI’s use in drug development. Ironically, Mantha is now working alongside Walsh to coordinate the agency-wide rollout.The pilot programme: Impressive results, limited detailsWhat’s driving the rapid AI deployment is the reported success of the agency’s pilot programme trialling the software. Commissioner Makary said he was “blown away by the success of our first AI-assisted scientific review pilot,” with one official claiming the technology enabled him to perform scientific review tasks in minutes that used to take three days.However, the scope, rigour and results from the pilot scheme remain unreleased.The agency has not published detailed reports on the pilot’s methodology, validation procedures, or specific use cases tested. The lack of transparency is concerning given the high-stakes nature of drug evaluation.When pressed for details, the FDA has promised that additional details and updates on the initiative will be shared publicly in June. For an agency responsible for protecting public health through rigorous scientific review, the absence of published pilot data raises questions about the evidence base supporting such an aggressive timeline.Industry perspective: Cautious optimism meets concernsThe pharmaceutical industry’s reaction to the FDA AI deployment reflects a mixture of optimism and apprehension. Companies have long sought faster approval processes, with Makary pointedly asking, “Why does it take over 10 years for a new drug to come to market?”“While AI is still developing, harnessing it requires a thoughtful and risk-based approach with patients at the centre. We’re pleased to see the FDA taking concrete action to harness the potential of AI,” said PhRMA spokesperson Andrew Powaleny.However, industry experts are raising practical concerns. Mike Hinckle, an FDA compliance expert at K&L Gates, highlighted a key issue: pharmaceutical companies will want to know how the proprietary data they submit will be secured.The concern is particularly acute given reports that the FDA was in discussions with OpenAI about a project called cderGPT, which appears to be an AI tool for the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research.Expert warnings: The rush vs rigour debateLeading experts in the field are expressing concern about the pace of deployment. Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, told Axios: “The idea is good, but the lack of details and the perceived ‘rush’ is concerning.”He identified critical gaps in transparency, including questions about which models are being used to train the AI, and what inputs are provided for specialised fine-tuning.Former FDA commissioner Robert Califf struck a balanced tone: “I have nothing but enthusiasm tempered by caution about the timeline.” His comment reflects the broader sentiment among experts who support AI integration but question whether the June 30th deadline allows sufficient time for proper validation and safeguards to be implemented.Rafael Rosengarten from the Alliance for AI in Healthcare supports automation but emphasises the need for governance, saying there is a need for policy guidance around what kind of data is used to train AI models and what kind of model performance is considered acceptable.Political context: Trump’s deregulatory AI visionThe FDA AI deployment must be understood in the broader context of the Trump administration’s approach to AI governance. Trump’s overhaul of federal AI policy – ditching Biden-era guardrails in favour of speed and international dominance in technology – has turned the government into a tech testing ground.The administration has explicitly prioritised innovation over precaution. Vice President JD Vance outlined four key AI policy priorities, including encouraging “pro-growth AI policies” instead of “excessive regulation of the AI sector,” and he has taken action to ensure the forthcoming White House AI Action Plan would “avoid an overly precautionary regulatory regime.”The philosophy is evident in how the FDA is approaching its AI deployment. With Elon Musk leading a charge under an “AI-first” flag, critics warn that rushed rollouts at agencies could compromise data security, automate important decisions, and put Americans at risk.Safeguards and governance: What’s missing?While the FDA has promised that its AI systems will maintain strict information security and act in compliance with FDA policy, specific details about safeguards remain sparse. The agency’s claims that AI is a tool to support, not replace, human expertise and can enhance regulatory rigour by helping predict toxicities and adverse events. This provides some reassurance but lacks specificity.The absence of published governance frameworks for what is an internal process contrasts sharply with the FDA’s guidance for industry.The agency has previously issued draft guidance to pharma companies, providing recommendations on the use of AI intended to support a regulatory decision about a drug or biological product’s safety, effectiveness, or quality. Its published draft guidance in that instance was based on feedback from over 800 external comments and its experience with more than 500 drug submissions involving AI components in their development since 2016.The broader AI landscape: Federal agencies as testing groundsThe FDA’s initiative is part of a larger federal AI adoption wave. The General Services Administration is piloting an AI chatbot to automate routine tasks, and the Social Security Administration plans to use AI software to transcribe applicant hearings.However, GSA officials noted its tool has been in development for 18 months – highlighting the contrast with the FDA’s accelerated timeline, which at the time of writing, is a matter of weeks.The rapid federal adoption reflects the Trump administration’s belief that America is well-positioned to maintain its global dominance in AI and that the Federal Government must capitalise on the advantages of American innovation. It also maintains the importance of strong protections for Americans’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.Innovation at a crossroadsThe FDA’s ambitious timeline embodies the fundamental tension between technological promise and regulatory responsibility. While AI offers clear benefits in automating tedious tasks, the rush to implementation raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and the erosion of scientific rigour.The June 30th deadline will test whether the agency can maintain the public trust that has long been its cornerstone. Success requires more than technological capability – it demands proof that oversight hasn’t been sacrificed for speed.The FDA AI deployment represents a defining moment for pharmaceutical regulation. The outcome will determine whether rapid AI adoption strengthens public health protection or serves as a cautionary tale about prioritising efficiency over safety in matters of life and death. The stakes couldn’t be higher.See also: AI vs COVID-19: Here are the AI tools and services fighting coronavirusWant to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.
#fda #deployment #innovation #oversight #drug

FDA AI deployment: Innovation vs oversight in drug regulation
The US Food and Drugs Administrationhas stated that it wants to accelerate the deployment of AI across its centres. FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary has announced an aggressive timeline to scale use of AI by 30 June 2025 and is betting big on the technology to change drug approval processes for the US.But the rapid AI deployment at the FDA raises important questions about whether innovation can be balanced with oversight.Strategic leadership drive: FDA names first AI chiefThe foundation for the ambitious FDA AI deployment was laid with the appointment of Jeremy Walsh as the first-ever Chief AI Officer. Walsh previously led enterprise-scale technology deployments in federal health and intelligence agencies and came from government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked for 14 years as chief technologist.His appointment, announced just before the May 8th rollout announcement, signals the agency’s serious commitment to technological transformation. The timing is significant – Walsh’s hiring coincided with workforce cuts at the FDA, including the loss of key tech talent.Among the losses was Sridhar Mantha, the former director of strategic programmes at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, who had co-chaired the AI Council at CDER and helped develop policy around AI’s use in drug development. Ironically, Mantha is now working alongside Walsh to coordinate the agency-wide rollout.The pilot programme: Impressive results, limited detailsWhat’s driving the rapid AI deployment is the reported success of the agency’s pilot programme trialling the software. Commissioner Makary said he was “blown away by the success of our first AI-assisted scientific review pilot,” with one official claiming the technology enabled him to perform scientific review tasks in minutes that used to take three days.However, the scope, rigour and results from the pilot scheme remain unreleased.The agency has not published detailed reports on the pilot’s methodology, validation procedures, or specific use cases tested. The lack of transparency is concerning given the high-stakes nature of drug evaluation.When pressed for details, the FDA has promised that additional details and updates on the initiative will be shared publicly in June. For an agency responsible for protecting public health through rigorous scientific review, the absence of published pilot data raises questions about the evidence base supporting such an aggressive timeline.Industry perspective: Cautious optimism meets concernsThe pharmaceutical industry’s reaction to the FDA AI deployment reflects a mixture of optimism and apprehension. Companies have long sought faster approval processes, with Makary pointedly asking, “Why does it take over 10 years for a new drug to come to market?”“While AI is still developing, harnessing it requires a thoughtful and risk-based approach with patients at the centre. We’re pleased to see the FDA taking concrete action to harness the potential of AI,” said PhRMA spokesperson Andrew Powaleny.However, industry experts are raising practical concerns. Mike Hinckle, an FDA compliance expert at K&L Gates, highlighted a key issue: pharmaceutical companies will want to know how the proprietary data they submit will be secured.The concern is particularly acute given reports that the FDA was in discussions with OpenAI about a project called cderGPT, which appears to be an AI tool for the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research.Expert warnings: The rush vs rigour debateLeading experts in the field are expressing concern about the pace of deployment. Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, told Axios: “The idea is good, but the lack of details and the perceived ‘rush’ is concerning.”He identified critical gaps in transparency, including questions about which models are being used to train the AI, and what inputs are provided for specialised fine-tuning.Former FDA commissioner Robert Califf struck a balanced tone: “I have nothing but enthusiasm tempered by caution about the timeline.” His comment reflects the broader sentiment among experts who support AI integration but question whether the June 30th deadline allows sufficient time for proper validation and safeguards to be implemented.Rafael Rosengarten from the Alliance for AI in Healthcare supports automation but emphasises the need for governance, saying there is a need for policy guidance around what kind of data is used to train AI models and what kind of model performance is considered acceptable.Political context: Trump’s deregulatory AI visionThe FDA AI deployment must be understood in the broader context of the Trump administration’s approach to AI governance. Trump’s overhaul of federal AI policy – ditching Biden-era guardrails in favour of speed and international dominance in technology – has turned the government into a tech testing ground.The administration has explicitly prioritised innovation over precaution. Vice President JD Vance outlined four key AI policy priorities, including encouraging “pro-growth AI policies” instead of “excessive regulation of the AI sector,” and he has taken action to ensure the forthcoming White House AI Action Plan would “avoid an overly precautionary regulatory regime.”The philosophy is evident in how the FDA is approaching its AI deployment. With Elon Musk leading a charge under an “AI-first” flag, critics warn that rushed rollouts at agencies could compromise data security, automate important decisions, and put Americans at risk.Safeguards and governance: What’s missing?While the FDA has promised that its AI systems will maintain strict information security and act in compliance with FDA policy, specific details about safeguards remain sparse. The agency’s claims that AI is a tool to support, not replace, human expertise and can enhance regulatory rigour by helping predict toxicities and adverse events. This provides some reassurance but lacks specificity.The absence of published governance frameworks for what is an internal process contrasts sharply with the FDA’s guidance for industry.The agency has previously issued draft guidance to pharma companies, providing recommendations on the use of AI intended to support a regulatory decision about a drug or biological product’s safety, effectiveness, or quality. Its published draft guidance in that instance was based on feedback from over 800 external comments and its experience with more than 500 drug submissions involving AI components in their development since 2016.The broader AI landscape: Federal agencies as testing groundsThe FDA’s initiative is part of a larger federal AI adoption wave. The General Services Administration is piloting an AI chatbot to automate routine tasks, and the Social Security Administration plans to use AI software to transcribe applicant hearings.However, GSA officials noted its tool has been in development for 18 months – highlighting the contrast with the FDA’s accelerated timeline, which at the time of writing, is a matter of weeks.The rapid federal adoption reflects the Trump administration’s belief that America is well-positioned to maintain its global dominance in AI and that the Federal Government must capitalise on the advantages of American innovation. It also maintains the importance of strong protections for Americans’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.Innovation at a crossroadsThe FDA’s ambitious timeline embodies the fundamental tension between technological promise and regulatory responsibility. While AI offers clear benefits in automating tedious tasks, the rush to implementation raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and the erosion of scientific rigour.The June 30th deadline will test whether the agency can maintain the public trust that has long been its cornerstone. Success requires more than technological capability – it demands proof that oversight hasn’t been sacrificed for speed.The FDA AI deployment represents a defining moment for pharmaceutical regulation. The outcome will determine whether rapid AI adoption strengthens public health protection or serves as a cautionary tale about prioritising efficiency over safety in matters of life and death. The stakes couldn’t be higher.See also: AI vs COVID-19: Here are the AI tools and services fighting coronavirusWant to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. #fda #deployment #innovation #oversight #drug

WWW.ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE-NEWS.COM

FDA AI deployment: Innovation vs oversight in drug regulation

The US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has stated that it wants to accelerate the deployment of AI across its centres. FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary has announced an aggressive timeline to scale use of AI by 30 June 2025 and is betting big on the technology to change drug approval processes for the US.But the rapid AI deployment at the FDA raises important questions about whether innovation can be balanced with oversight.Strategic leadership drive: FDA names first AI chiefThe foundation for the ambitious FDA AI deployment was laid with the appointment of Jeremy Walsh as the first-ever Chief AI Officer. Walsh previously led enterprise-scale technology deployments in federal health and intelligence agencies and came from government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked for 14 years as chief technologist.His appointment, announced just before the May 8th rollout announcement, signals the agency’s serious commitment to technological transformation. The timing is significant – Walsh’s hiring coincided with workforce cuts at the FDA, including the loss of key tech talent.Among the losses was Sridhar Mantha, the former director of strategic programmes at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, who had co-chaired the AI Council at CDER and helped develop policy around AI’s use in drug development. Ironically, Mantha is now working alongside Walsh to coordinate the agency-wide rollout.The pilot programme: Impressive results, limited detailsWhat’s driving the rapid AI deployment is the reported success of the agency’s pilot programme trialling the software. Commissioner Makary said he was “blown away by the success of our first AI-assisted scientific review pilot,” with one official claiming the technology enabled him to perform scientific review tasks in minutes that used to take three days.However, the scope, rigour and results from the pilot scheme remain unreleased.The agency has not published detailed reports on the pilot’s methodology, validation procedures, or specific use cases tested. The lack of transparency is concerning given the high-stakes nature of drug evaluation.When pressed for details, the FDA has promised that additional details and updates on the initiative will be shared publicly in June. For an agency responsible for protecting public health through rigorous scientific review, the absence of published pilot data raises questions about the evidence base supporting such an aggressive timeline.Industry perspective: Cautious optimism meets concernsThe pharmaceutical industry’s reaction to the FDA AI deployment reflects a mixture of optimism and apprehension. Companies have long sought faster approval processes, with Makary pointedly asking, “Why does it take over 10 years for a new drug to come to market?”“While AI is still developing, harnessing it requires a thoughtful and risk-based approach with patients at the centre. We’re pleased to see the FDA taking concrete action to harness the potential of AI,” said PhRMA spokesperson Andrew Powaleny.However, industry experts are raising practical concerns. Mike Hinckle, an FDA compliance expert at K&L Gates, highlighted a key issue: pharmaceutical companies will want to know how the proprietary data they submit will be secured.The concern is particularly acute given reports that the FDA was in discussions with OpenAI about a project called cderGPT, which appears to be an AI tool for the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research.Expert warnings: The rush vs rigour debateLeading experts in the field are expressing concern about the pace of deployment. Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, told Axios: “The idea is good, but the lack of details and the perceived ‘rush’ is concerning.”He identified critical gaps in transparency, including questions about which models are being used to train the AI, and what inputs are provided for specialised fine-tuning.Former FDA commissioner Robert Califf struck a balanced tone: “I have nothing but enthusiasm tempered by caution about the timeline.” His comment reflects the broader sentiment among experts who support AI integration but question whether the June 30th deadline allows sufficient time for proper validation and safeguards to be implemented.Rafael Rosengarten from the Alliance for AI in Healthcare supports automation but emphasises the need for governance, saying there is a need for policy guidance around what kind of data is used to train AI models and what kind of model performance is considered acceptable.Political context: Trump’s deregulatory AI visionThe FDA AI deployment must be understood in the broader context of the Trump administration’s approach to AI governance. Trump’s overhaul of federal AI policy – ditching Biden-era guardrails in favour of speed and international dominance in technology – has turned the government into a tech testing ground.The administration has explicitly prioritised innovation over precaution. Vice President JD Vance outlined four key AI policy priorities, including encouraging “pro-growth AI policies” instead of “excessive regulation of the AI sector,” and he has taken action to ensure the forthcoming White House AI Action Plan would “avoid an overly precautionary regulatory regime.”The philosophy is evident in how the FDA is approaching its AI deployment. With Elon Musk leading a charge under an “AI-first” flag, critics warn that rushed rollouts at agencies could compromise data security, automate important decisions, and put Americans at risk.Safeguards and governance: What’s missing?While the FDA has promised that its AI systems will maintain strict information security and act in compliance with FDA policy, specific details about safeguards remain sparse. The agency’s claims that AI is a tool to support, not replace, human expertise and can enhance regulatory rigour by helping predict toxicities and adverse events. This provides some reassurance but lacks specificity.The absence of published governance frameworks for what is an internal process contrasts sharply with the FDA’s guidance for industry.The agency has previously issued draft guidance to pharma companies, providing recommendations on the use of AI intended to support a regulatory decision about a drug or biological product’s safety, effectiveness, or quality. Its published draft guidance in that instance was based on feedback from over 800 external comments and its experience with more than 500 drug submissions involving AI components in their development since 2016.The broader AI landscape: Federal agencies as testing groundsThe FDA’s initiative is part of a larger federal AI adoption wave. The General Services Administration is piloting an AI chatbot to automate routine tasks, and the Social Security Administration plans to use AI software to transcribe applicant hearings.However, GSA officials noted its tool has been in development for 18 months – highlighting the contrast with the FDA’s accelerated timeline, which at the time of writing, is a matter of weeks.The rapid federal adoption reflects the Trump administration’s belief that America is well-positioned to maintain its global dominance in AI and that the Federal Government must capitalise on the advantages of American innovation. It also maintains the importance of strong protections for Americans’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.Innovation at a crossroadsThe FDA’s ambitious timeline embodies the fundamental tension between technological promise and regulatory responsibility. While AI offers clear benefits in automating tedious tasks, the rush to implementation raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and the erosion of scientific rigour.The June 30th deadline will test whether the agency can maintain the public trust that has long been its cornerstone. Success requires more than technological capability – it demands proof that oversight hasn’t been sacrificed for speed.The FDA AI deployment represents a defining moment for pharmaceutical regulation. The outcome will determine whether rapid AI adoption strengthens public health protection or serves as a cautionary tale about prioritising efficiency over safety in matters of life and death. The stakes couldn’t be higher.See also: AI vs COVID-19: Here are the AI tools and services fighting coronavirusWant to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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Yanko Design partage un lien

2025-05-14 10:22:41 ·

Bulova Celebrates 150 Years with Art Deco Limited-Edition Timepieces

Time stands still for no one, yet some watchmakers have mastered the art of transcending it.
Bulova marks an extraordinary milestone this year with 150 years of uninterrupted watchmaking excellence originating from New York City.
The iconic American brand commemorates this sesquicentennial achievement with the release of two exceptional limited-edition timepieces that resurrect the brand’s Art Deco heritage.
These anniversary pieces don’t merely replicate historical designs; they reimagine them for contemporary collectors while preserving the essence that made them revolutionary in their time.
Designer: Bulova
The Limited-Edition 150 Art Deco Collection features two distinct timepieces: the elegant Miss America ladies’ watch and a meticulously crafted pocket watch.
Each piece carries individual numbering and features case backs adorned with the 150th Anniversary logo, presented in custom-designed cases accompanied by detailed storybooks chronicling Bulova’s rich Art Deco legacy.
Art Deco represented a transformative period for Bulova.
This artistic movement of the 1920s and 1930s coincided with the brand’s expansion and cemented design principles that continue to influence its aesthetic approach today.
“With these limited-edition timepieces, we’re bringing the past into the present, reimagining timeless design for the modern collector,” explains Michael Benavente, Bulova’s brand managing director.
This philosophy guides the entire collection, balancing historical authenticity with contemporary craftsmanship.
Miss America: Feminine Elegance Reimagined
The 150 Art Deco Miss America watch revives one of Bulova’s most celebrated feminine designs.
The original Miss America collection, launched in 1930, captured the evolving role of women during a pivotal era of social transformation.
Its influence spanned four decades, establishing Bulova as a creator of timepieces that complemented the changing fashion sensibilities of modern women.
The contemporary interpretation maintains the delicate proportions and ornate detailing of its predecessor.
A slender silver-tone stainless steel case measuring just 18.3mm creates a refined presence on the wrist.
Six deep blue synthetic sapphires adorn the case, creating striking visual contrast against the metallic surfaces.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of the Miss America is its intricately filigreed expansion bracelet.
This elaborate metalwork exemplifies the attention to detail characteristic of Art Deco jewelry, featuring a seamless buckle closure that maintains the bracelet’s visual continuity.
The craftsmanship evident in these small details demonstrates Bulova’s commitment to authentic period design.
The silver-tone dial, with its brushed surface and blue hands inspired by vintage watches, continues the vintage aesthetic.
A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial while adding visual depth to the overall design.
Together, these elements create a timepiece that functions as wearable art rather than merely a timekeeping instrument.
Despite its ornate appearance, the Miss America incorporates modern functionality.
The reliable 5Y20 quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping, while 30-meter water resistance makes the watch suitable for everyday wear.
The distinctive tonneau case shape, a hallmark of Art Deco design, features an anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal that enhances legibility.
Production of the Miss America is limited to 600 pieces worldwide, with each watch individually numbered.
Available at $1,950, this collector’s piece launched in late March 2025, offering enthusiasts immediate access to this celebration of Bulova’s design heritage.
The Art Deco Pocket Watch: Mechanical Mastery
While wristwatches dominate contemporary timekeeping, the pocket watch represents an essential chapter in horological history.
Bulova’s 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch pays homage to this tradition, drawing inspiration from the company’s iconic 1920s designs when pocket watches represented the pinnacle of portable timekeeping technology.
The substantial 45.5mm case provides an impressive canvas for showcasing Bulova’s mechanical expertise.
Coin-edge texturing adorns the silver-tone stainless steel case, complemented by a textured bow that connects to a 15.8-inch custom link chain.
This chain features a specially designed lobster claw and spring ring closure system that balances security with period-appropriate aesthetics.
Technical excellence defines this commemorative piece.
A self-winding Swiss mechanical movement featuring 21 jewels powers the timepiece, offering an impressive 62-hour power reserve.
This sophisticated mechanism represents a significant achievement in mechanical watchmaking, providing extended autonomy between windings.
The sterling silver dial showcases intricate central engravings that pay tribute to early Bulova craftsmen.
Bold numerals set against a brushed hour ring create excellent legibility, while elegant blued minute and hour hands provide striking contrast against the silver background.
These design elements recreate the sophisticated aesthetic of the Art Deco period while maintaining practical functionality.
Limited to just 350 pieces worldwide and priced at $2,950, the pocket watch became available in early April 2025.
This exceptional timepiece connects Bulova’s mechanical watchmaking heritage with contemporary craftsmanship, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of horological history.
Cultural Legacy and Heritage Preserved
The Limited-Edition 150 Art Deco Collection transcends mere corporate celebration, acknowledging Bulova’s profound influence on American watch design during a transformative cultural period.
Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America, captures this significance perfectly: “The Art Deco era was a defining moment for Bulova, marked by cutting-edge technology, bold design, and pioneering marketing strategies.
With these limited-edition timepieces, we are reimagining that legacy for the modern era, honoring our past while continuing to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and innovation in our 150th year.”
By selecting Art Deco as the focal point for this anniversary, Bulova highlights an era when its design language achieved peak distinctiveness.
Founded by Joseph Bulova in 1875, the company has consistently pioneered innovations that transformed watchmaking while maintaining its position at the forefront of design and technology.
The thoughtful presentation enhances each timepiece’s significance.
Luxurious custom cases contain the watches alongside detailed storybooks providing historical context about Bulova’s Art Deco heritage.
This approach transforms the watches from products into cultural artifacts with rich narratives.
Limited production numbers (600 Miss America watches and 350 pocket watches) ensure exclusivity and collectible status.
For enthusiasts, these pieces represent an opportunity to own functional art objects embodying 150 years of continuous innovation.
They serve as wearable connections to an influential design movement that shaped American aesthetic sensibilities during a pivotal historical period.
The collection demonstrates how historical designs can successfully adapt to contemporary expectations while connecting generations of watch enthusiasts through timeless design principles.
Through these meticulously crafted timepieces, Bulova affirms Art Deco’s lasting influence and ensures this distinctive aesthetic approach will continue inspiring future generations of watchmakers and collectors alike.The post Bulova Celebrates 150 Years with Art Deco Limited-Edition Timepieces first appeared on Yanko Design.
Source: https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/05/13/bulova-celebrates-150-years-with-art-deco-limited-edition-timepieces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bulova-celebrates-150-years-with-art-deco-limited-edition-timepieces">https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/05/13/bulova-celebrates-150-years-with-art-deco-limited-edition-timepieces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bulova-celebrates-150-years-with-art-deco-limited-edition-timepieces">https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/05/13/bulova-celebrates-150-years-with-art-deco-limited-edition-timepieces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bulova-celebrates-150-years-with-art-deco-limited-edition-timepieces
#bulova #celebrates #years #with #art #deco #limitededition #timepieces

Bulova Celebrates 150 Years with Art Deco Limited-Edition Timepieces
Time stands still for no one, yet some watchmakers have mastered the art of transcending it. Bulova marks an extraordinary milestone this year with 150 years of uninterrupted watchmaking excellence originating from New York City. The iconic American brand commemorates this sesquicentennial achievement with the release of two exceptional limited-edition timepieces that resurrect the brand’s Art Deco heritage. These anniversary pieces don’t merely replicate historical designs; they reimagine them for contemporary collectors while preserving the essence that made them revolutionary in their time. Designer: Bulova The Limited-Edition 150 Art Deco Collection features two distinct timepieces: the elegant Miss America ladies’ watch and a meticulously crafted pocket watch. Each piece carries individual numbering and features case backs adorned with the 150th Anniversary logo, presented in custom-designed cases accompanied by detailed storybooks chronicling Bulova’s rich Art Deco legacy. Art Deco represented a transformative period for Bulova. This artistic movement of the 1920s and 1930s coincided with the brand’s expansion and cemented design principles that continue to influence its aesthetic approach today. “With these limited-edition timepieces, we’re bringing the past into the present, reimagining timeless design for the modern collector,” explains Michael Benavente, Bulova’s brand managing director. This philosophy guides the entire collection, balancing historical authenticity with contemporary craftsmanship. Miss America: Feminine Elegance Reimagined The 150 Art Deco Miss America watch revives one of Bulova’s most celebrated feminine designs. The original Miss America collection, launched in 1930, captured the evolving role of women during a pivotal era of social transformation. Its influence spanned four decades, establishing Bulova as a creator of timepieces that complemented the changing fashion sensibilities of modern women. The contemporary interpretation maintains the delicate proportions and ornate detailing of its predecessor. A slender silver-tone stainless steel case measuring just 18.3mm creates a refined presence on the wrist. Six deep blue synthetic sapphires adorn the case, creating striking visual contrast against the metallic surfaces. Perhaps the most distinctive element of the Miss America is its intricately filigreed expansion bracelet. This elaborate metalwork exemplifies the attention to detail characteristic of Art Deco jewelry, featuring a seamless buckle closure that maintains the bracelet’s visual continuity. The craftsmanship evident in these small details demonstrates Bulova’s commitment to authentic period design. The silver-tone dial, with its brushed surface and blue hands inspired by vintage watches, continues the vintage aesthetic. A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial while adding visual depth to the overall design. Together, these elements create a timepiece that functions as wearable art rather than merely a timekeeping instrument. Despite its ornate appearance, the Miss America incorporates modern functionality. The reliable 5Y20 quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping, while 30-meter water resistance makes the watch suitable for everyday wear. The distinctive tonneau case shape, a hallmark of Art Deco design, features an anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal that enhances legibility. Production of the Miss America is limited to 600 pieces worldwide, with each watch individually numbered. Available at $1,950, this collector’s piece launched in late March 2025, offering enthusiasts immediate access to this celebration of Bulova’s design heritage. The Art Deco Pocket Watch: Mechanical Mastery While wristwatches dominate contemporary timekeeping, the pocket watch represents an essential chapter in horological history. Bulova’s 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch pays homage to this tradition, drawing inspiration from the company’s iconic 1920s designs when pocket watches represented the pinnacle of portable timekeeping technology. The substantial 45.5mm case provides an impressive canvas for showcasing Bulova’s mechanical expertise. Coin-edge texturing adorns the silver-tone stainless steel case, complemented by a textured bow that connects to a 15.8-inch custom link chain. This chain features a specially designed lobster claw and spring ring closure system that balances security with period-appropriate aesthetics. Technical excellence defines this commemorative piece. A self-winding Swiss mechanical movement featuring 21 jewels powers the timepiece, offering an impressive 62-hour power reserve. This sophisticated mechanism represents a significant achievement in mechanical watchmaking, providing extended autonomy between windings. The sterling silver dial showcases intricate central engravings that pay tribute to early Bulova craftsmen. Bold numerals set against a brushed hour ring create excellent legibility, while elegant blued minute and hour hands provide striking contrast against the silver background. These design elements recreate the sophisticated aesthetic of the Art Deco period while maintaining practical functionality. Limited to just 350 pieces worldwide and priced at $2,950, the pocket watch became available in early April 2025. This exceptional timepiece connects Bulova’s mechanical watchmaking heritage with contemporary craftsmanship, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of horological history. Cultural Legacy and Heritage Preserved The Limited-Edition 150 Art Deco Collection transcends mere corporate celebration, acknowledging Bulova’s profound influence on American watch design during a transformative cultural period. Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America, captures this significance perfectly: “The Art Deco era was a defining moment for Bulova, marked by cutting-edge technology, bold design, and pioneering marketing strategies. With these limited-edition timepieces, we are reimagining that legacy for the modern era, honoring our past while continuing to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and innovation in our 150th year.” By selecting Art Deco as the focal point for this anniversary, Bulova highlights an era when its design language achieved peak distinctiveness. Founded by Joseph Bulova in 1875, the company has consistently pioneered innovations that transformed watchmaking while maintaining its position at the forefront of design and technology. The thoughtful presentation enhances each timepiece’s significance. Luxurious custom cases contain the watches alongside detailed storybooks providing historical context about Bulova’s Art Deco heritage. This approach transforms the watches from products into cultural artifacts with rich narratives. Limited production numbers (600 Miss America watches and 350 pocket watches) ensure exclusivity and collectible status. For enthusiasts, these pieces represent an opportunity to own functional art objects embodying 150 years of continuous innovation. They serve as wearable connections to an influential design movement that shaped American aesthetic sensibilities during a pivotal historical period. The collection demonstrates how historical designs can successfully adapt to contemporary expectations while connecting generations of watch enthusiasts through timeless design principles. Through these meticulously crafted timepieces, Bulova affirms Art Deco’s lasting influence and ensures this distinctive aesthetic approach will continue inspiring future generations of watchmakers and collectors alike.The post Bulova Celebrates 150 Years with Art Deco Limited-Edition Timepieces first appeared on Yanko Design. Source: https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/05/13/bulova-celebrates-150-years-with-art-deco-limited-edition-timepieces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bulova-celebrates-150-years-with-art-deco-limited-edition-timepieces #bulova #celebrates #years #with #art #deco #limitededition #timepieces

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Bulova Celebrates 150 Years with Art Deco Limited-Edition Timepieces

Time stands still for no one, yet some watchmakers have mastered the art of transcending it. Bulova marks an extraordinary milestone this year with 150 years of uninterrupted watchmaking excellence originating from New York City. The iconic American brand commemorates this sesquicentennial achievement with the release of two exceptional limited-edition timepieces that resurrect the brand’s Art Deco heritage. These anniversary pieces don’t merely replicate historical designs; they reimagine them for contemporary collectors while preserving the essence that made them revolutionary in their time. Designer: Bulova The Limited-Edition 150 Art Deco Collection features two distinct timepieces: the elegant Miss America ladies’ watch and a meticulously crafted pocket watch. Each piece carries individual numbering and features case backs adorned with the 150th Anniversary logo, presented in custom-designed cases accompanied by detailed storybooks chronicling Bulova’s rich Art Deco legacy. Art Deco represented a transformative period for Bulova. This artistic movement of the 1920s and 1930s coincided with the brand’s expansion and cemented design principles that continue to influence its aesthetic approach today. “With these limited-edition timepieces, we’re bringing the past into the present, reimagining timeless design for the modern collector,” explains Michael Benavente, Bulova’s brand managing director. This philosophy guides the entire collection, balancing historical authenticity with contemporary craftsmanship. Miss America: Feminine Elegance Reimagined The 150 Art Deco Miss America watch revives one of Bulova’s most celebrated feminine designs. The original Miss America collection, launched in 1930, captured the evolving role of women during a pivotal era of social transformation. Its influence spanned four decades, establishing Bulova as a creator of timepieces that complemented the changing fashion sensibilities of modern women. The contemporary interpretation maintains the delicate proportions and ornate detailing of its predecessor. A slender silver-tone stainless steel case measuring just 18.3mm creates a refined presence on the wrist. Six deep blue synthetic sapphires adorn the case, creating striking visual contrast against the metallic surfaces. Perhaps the most distinctive element of the Miss America is its intricately filigreed expansion bracelet. This elaborate metalwork exemplifies the attention to detail characteristic of Art Deco jewelry, featuring a seamless buckle closure that maintains the bracelet’s visual continuity. The craftsmanship evident in these small details demonstrates Bulova’s commitment to authentic period design. The silver-tone dial, with its brushed surface and blue hands inspired by vintage watches, continues the vintage aesthetic. A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial while adding visual depth to the overall design. Together, these elements create a timepiece that functions as wearable art rather than merely a timekeeping instrument. Despite its ornate appearance, the Miss America incorporates modern functionality. The reliable 5Y20 quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping, while 30-meter water resistance makes the watch suitable for everyday wear. The distinctive tonneau case shape, a hallmark of Art Deco design, features an anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal that enhances legibility. Production of the Miss America is limited to 600 pieces worldwide, with each watch individually numbered. Available at $1,950, this collector’s piece launched in late March 2025, offering enthusiasts immediate access to this celebration of Bulova’s design heritage. The Art Deco Pocket Watch: Mechanical Mastery While wristwatches dominate contemporary timekeeping, the pocket watch represents an essential chapter in horological history. Bulova’s 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch pays homage to this tradition, drawing inspiration from the company’s iconic 1920s designs when pocket watches represented the pinnacle of portable timekeeping technology. The substantial 45.5mm case provides an impressive canvas for showcasing Bulova’s mechanical expertise. Coin-edge texturing adorns the silver-tone stainless steel case, complemented by a textured bow that connects to a 15.8-inch custom link chain. This chain features a specially designed lobster claw and spring ring closure system that balances security with period-appropriate aesthetics. Technical excellence defines this commemorative piece. A self-winding Swiss mechanical movement featuring 21 jewels powers the timepiece, offering an impressive 62-hour power reserve. This sophisticated mechanism represents a significant achievement in mechanical watchmaking, providing extended autonomy between windings. The sterling silver dial showcases intricate central engravings that pay tribute to early Bulova craftsmen. Bold numerals set against a brushed hour ring create excellent legibility, while elegant blued minute and hour hands provide striking contrast against the silver background. These design elements recreate the sophisticated aesthetic of the Art Deco period while maintaining practical functionality. Limited to just 350 pieces worldwide and priced at $2,950, the pocket watch became available in early April 2025. This exceptional timepiece connects Bulova’s mechanical watchmaking heritage with contemporary craftsmanship, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of horological history. Cultural Legacy and Heritage Preserved The Limited-Edition 150 Art Deco Collection transcends mere corporate celebration, acknowledging Bulova’s profound influence on American watch design during a transformative cultural period. Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America, captures this significance perfectly: “The Art Deco era was a defining moment for Bulova, marked by cutting-edge technology, bold design, and pioneering marketing strategies. With these limited-edition timepieces, we are reimagining that legacy for the modern era, honoring our past while continuing to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and innovation in our 150th year.” By selecting Art Deco as the focal point for this anniversary, Bulova highlights an era when its design language achieved peak distinctiveness. Founded by Joseph Bulova in 1875, the company has consistently pioneered innovations that transformed watchmaking while maintaining its position at the forefront of design and technology. The thoughtful presentation enhances each timepiece’s significance. Luxurious custom cases contain the watches alongside detailed storybooks providing historical context about Bulova’s Art Deco heritage. This approach transforms the watches from products into cultural artifacts with rich narratives. Limited production numbers (600 Miss America watches and 350 pocket watches) ensure exclusivity and collectible status. For enthusiasts, these pieces represent an opportunity to own functional art objects embodying 150 years of continuous innovation. They serve as wearable connections to an influential design movement that shaped American aesthetic sensibilities during a pivotal historical period. The collection demonstrates how historical designs can successfully adapt to contemporary expectations while connecting generations of watch enthusiasts through timeless design principles. Through these meticulously crafted timepieces, Bulova affirms Art Deco’s lasting influence and ensures this distinctive aesthetic approach will continue inspiring future generations of watchmakers and collectors alike.The post Bulova Celebrates 150 Years with Art Deco Limited-Edition Timepieces first appeared on Yanko Design.

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2025-05-13 14:55:01 ·

#333;">First Ever Pregnant Ichthyosaur from the Early Cretaceous Reveals Life in Prehistoric Seas
During an excavation, amidst the Patagonian winds and hard rock, a fossil began to turn green.
It was an unexpected reaction: the adhesive applied to protect the bones, fragile after millions of years beneath the ice, had interacted with plant matter trapped in the rock’s cracks.
This greenish hue earned the fossil the nickname Fiona, like the ogre from Shrek.But Fionais much more than a ogre-themed name.
It is the first complete ichthyosaur ever excavated in Chile and, even more remarkably, the only known pregnant female from the Hauterivian — a stage of the Early Cretaceous dating back 131 million years.
Her skeleton, discovered at the edge of the Tyndall Glacier in Torres del Paine National Park — an area increasingly exposed by glacial retreat — belongs to the species Myobradypterygius hauthali, originally described in Argentina from fragmentary remains.The discovery, led by Judith Pardo-Pérez, a researcher at the University of Magallanes and the Cabo de Hornos International Center (CHIC), and published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, offers an unprecedented glimpse into ancient marine life — from how these majestic reptiles reproduced to how they adapted to oceans vastly different from those of today.An Ichthyosaur Maternity Ward in Patagonia(Image Courtesy of Irene Viscor)So far, 88 ichthyosaurs have been found on the Tyndall Glacier.
Most of them are adults and newborns.
Two key facts stand out: food was abundant, and no other predators were competing with them.Fiona, who measures nearly 13 feet long, is still encased in five blocks of rock.
Despite the challenge, she was transported to a local clinic, where CT scans allowed researchers to study her skull and body.
Her species was identified thanks to one of her fins.
“There’s no other like it in the world,” says Pardo-Pérez.
The limbs were remarkably elongated, suggesting this animal was built for long-distance swimming.Inside her, there were more surprises.
One of them was her stomach contents, which revealed what may have been her last meal: tiny fish vertebrae.
But the most striking find was a fetus, about 20 inches long, already in a position to be born.“We believe these animals came to Magallanes — the southern tip of Chilean Patagonia — from time to time to give birth, because it was a safe refuge,” Pardo-Pérez says.
“We don't know how long they stayed, but we do know that mortality was high during the first few days of life.”One of the big unanswered questions is where they went next, as there are no records of Myobradypterygius hauthali, apart from a piece of fin found in Argentina.
The most abundant remains come from southern Germany, but those date back to the Jurassic period, meaning they’re older.Palaeontologist Erin Maxwell suggests, “In many modern ecosystems, species migrate to higher latitudes during the summer to take advantage of seasonally abundant resources and then move to lower latitudes in winter to avoid harsh conditions,” she explains.
“We believe Mesozoic marine reptiles may have followed similar seasonal patterns.”Sea Dragon GraveyardThe environment where Fiona was discovered — dubbed the "sea dragon graveyard" — also has much to reveal.According to geologist Matthew Malkowski of the University of Texas at Austin, the Hauterivian age is particularly intriguing because it coincided with major planetary changes: the breakup of continents, intense volcanic episodes, and phenomena known as "oceanic anoxic events," during which vast areas of the ocean were depleted of dissolved oxygen for hundreds of thousands of years.One such poorly understood event, the Pharaonic Anoxic Event, occurred around 131 million years ago, near the end of the Hauterivian, and still raises questions about its true impact on marine life.
“We don't have a firm grasp of how significant these events were for marine vertebrates, and geological records like that of the Tyndall Glacier allow us to explore the relationship between life, the environment, and Earth’s past conditions,” Malkowski notes.Evolution of IchthyosaursReconstruction of Fiona.
(Image Courtesy of Mauricio Álvarez)Don't be misled by their body shape.
“Ichthyosaurs are not related to dolphins,” clarifies Pardo-Pérez.
Although their hydrodynamic silhouettes may look nearly identical, the former were marine reptiles, while the latter are mammals.
This resemblance results from a phenomenon known as convergent evolution: when species from different lineages develop similar anatomical features to adapt to the same environment.Ichthyosaurs evolved from terrestrial reptiles that, in response to ecological and climatic changes, began spending more time in the water until they fully adapted to a marine lifestyle.
However, they retained traces of their land-dwelling ancestry, such as a pair of hind flippers — absent in dolphins — passed down from their walking forebears.
They lived and thrived in prehistoric oceans for about 180 million years, giving them ample time to refine a highly specialized body: their forelimbs and hindlimbs transformed into flippers; they developed a crescent-shaped tail for propulsion, a dorsal fin for stability, and a streamlined body to reduce drag in the water.
Remarkably, like whales and dolphins, “ichthyosaurs had a thick layer of blubber as insulation to maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding seawater and gave birth to live young, which meant they didn’t need to leave the water to reproduce,” explains Maxwell.Whales and dolphins also descend from land-dwelling ancestors, but their transition happened over a comparatively short evolutionary timespan, especially when measured against the long reign of the ichthyosaurs.
“Their evolution hasn't had as much time as that of ichthyosaurs,” notes Pardo-Pérez.
“And yet, they look so similar.
That’s the wonderful thing about evolution.”Read More: Did a Swimming Reptile Predate the Dinosaurs?Fossils on the Verge of DisappearanceOne of the key factors behind the remarkable preservation of the fossils found in the Tyndall Glacier is the way they were buried.
According to Malkowski, Fiona and her contemporaries were either trapped or swiftly covered by underwater landslides and turbidity currents — geological processes that led to their sudden entombment.But the good fortune that protected them for millions of years may now be running out.
As the glacier retreats, exposing fossils that were once unreachable, those same remains are now vulnerable to wind, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles, which crack the surrounding rock.
As vegetation takes hold, roots accelerate erosion and eventually conceal the fossils once again.“While climate change has allowed these fossils to be studied, continued warming will also eventually lead to their loss,” Maxwell warns.
In Fiona’s story, scientists find not only a record of ancient life, but also a warning etched in stone and bone: what time reveals, climate can reclaim.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards.
Review the sources used below for this article:María de los Ángeles Orfila is a science journalist based in Montevideo, Uruguay, focusing on long-form storytelling.
Her work has appeared in Discover Magazine, Science, National Geographic, among other outlets, and in leading Uruguayan publications such as El País and El Observador.
She was a fellow in the 2023 Sharon Dunwoody Mentoring Program by The Open Notebook and often explores the intersections of science, culture, and Latin American identity.
#666;">المصدر: https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/first-ever-pregnant-ichthyosaur-from-the-early-cretaceous-reveals-life-in" style="color: #0066cc; text-decoration: none;">www.discovermagazine.com
#0066cc;">#first #ever #pregnant #ichthyosaur #from #the #early #cretaceous #reveals #life #prehistoric #seas #during #excavation #amidst #patagonian #winds #and #hard #rock #fossil #began #turn #greenit #was #unexpected #reaction #adhesive #applied #protect #bones #fragile #after #millions #years #beneath #ice #had #interacted #with #plant #matter #trapped #rocks #cracksthis #greenish #hue #earned #nickname #fiona #like #ogre #shrekbut #fionais #much #more #than #ogrethemed #nameit #complete #excavated #chile #even #remarkably #only #known #female #hauterivian #stage #dating #back #million #yearsher #skeleton #discovered #edge #tyndall #glacier #torres #del #paine #national #park #area #increasingly #exposed #glacial #retreat #belongs #species #myobradypterygius #hauthali #originally #described #argentina #fragmentary #remainsthe #discovery #led #judith #pardopérez #researcher #university #magallanes #cabo #hornos #international #center #chic #published #journal #vertebrate #paleontology #offers #unprecedented #glimpse #into #ancient #marine #how #these #majestic #reptiles #reproduced #they #adapted #oceans #vastly #different #those #todayan #maternity #ward #patagoniaimage #courtesy #irene #viscorso #far #ichthyosaurs #have #been #found #glaciermost #them #are #adults #newbornstwo #key #facts #stand #out #food #abundant #other #predators #were #competing #themfiona #who #measures #nearly #feet #long #still #encased #five #blocks #rockdespite #challenge #she #transported #local #clinic #where #scans #allowed #researchers #study #her #skull #bodyher #identified #thanks #one #finstheres #world #says #pardopérezthe #limbs #elongated #suggesting #this #animal #built #for #longdistance #swimminginside #there #surprisesone #stomach #contents #which #revealed #what #may #last #meal #tiny #fish #vertebraebut #most #striking #find #fetus #about #inches #already #position #bornwe #believe #animals #came #southern #tip #chilean #patagonia #time #give #birth #because #safe #refuge #sayswe #don039t #know #stayed #but #that #mortality #high #few #days #lifeone #big #unanswered #questions #went #next #records #apart #piece #fin #argentinathe #remains #come #germany #date #jurassic #period #meaning #theyre #olderpalaeontologist #erin #maxwell #suggests #many #modern #ecosystems #migrate #higher #latitudes #summer #take #advantage #seasonally #resources #then #move #lower #winter #avoid #harsh #conditions #explainswe #mesozoic #followed #similar #seasonal #patternssea #dragon #graveyardthe #environment #dubbed #quotsea #graveyardquot #also #has #revealaccording #geologist #matthew #malkowski #texas #austin #age #particularly #intriguing #coincided #major #planetary #changes #breakup #continents #intense #volcanic #episodes #phenomena #quotoceanic #anoxic #eventsquot #vast #areas #ocean #depleted #dissolved #oxygen #hundreds #thousands #yearsone #such #poorly #understood #event #pharaonic #occurred #around #ago #near #end #raises #its #true #impact #lifewe #firm #grasp #significant #events #vertebrates #geological #allow #explore #relationship #between #earths #past #notesevolution #ichthyosaursreconstruction #fionaimage #mauricio #Álvarezdon039t #misled #their #body #shapeichthyosaurs #not #related #dolphins #clarifies #pardopérezalthough #hydrodynamic #silhouettes #look #identical #former #while #latter #mammalsthis #resemblance #results #phenomenon #convergent #evolution #when #lineages #develop #anatomical #features #adapt #same #environmentichthyosaurs #evolved #terrestrial #response #ecological #climatic #spending #water #until #fully #lifestylehowever #retained #traces #landdwelling #ancestry #pair #hind #flippers #absent #passed #down #walking #forebearsthey #lived #thrived #giving #ample #refine #highly #specialized #forelimbs #hindlimbs #transformed #developed #crescentshaped #tail #propulsion #dorsal #stability #streamlined #reduce #drag #waterremarkably #whales #thick #layer #blubber #insulation #maintain #temperature #surrounding #seawater #gave #live #young #meant #didnt #need #leave #reproduce #explains #maxwellwhales #descend #ancestors #transition #happened #over #comparatively #short #evolutionary #timespan #especially #measured #against #reign #ichthyosaurstheir #hasn039t #notes #pardopérezand #yet #similarthats #wonderful #thing #evolutionread #did #swimming #reptile #predate #dinosaursfossils #verge #disappearanceone #factors #behind #remarkable #preservation #fossils #way #buriedaccording #contemporaries #either #swiftly #covered #underwater #landslides #turbidity #currents #processes #sudden #entombmentbut #good #fortune #protected #now #running #outas #retreats #exposing #once #unreachable #vulnerable #wind #rain #freezethaw #cycles #crack #rockas #vegetation #takes #hold #roots #accelerate #erosion #eventually #conceal #againwhile #climate #change #studied #continued #warming #will #lead #loss #warnsin #fionas #story #scientists #record #warning #etched #stone #bone #can #reclaimarticle #sourcesour #writers #discovermagazinecom #use #peerreviewed #studies #highquality #sources #our #articles #editors #review #scientific #accuracy #editorial #standardsreview #used #below #articlemaría #los #Ángeles #orfila #science #journalist #based #montevideo #uruguay #focusing #longform #storytellingher #work #appeared #discover #magazine #geographic #among #outlets #leading #uruguayan #publications #país #observadorshe #fellow #sharon #dunwoody #mentoring #program #open #notebook #often #explores #intersections #culture #latin #american #identity

First Ever Pregnant Ichthyosaur from the Early Cretaceous Reveals Life in Prehistoric Seas
During an excavation, amidst the Patagonian winds and hard rock, a fossil began to turn green. It was an unexpected reaction: the adhesive applied to protect the bones, fragile after millions of years beneath the ice, had interacted with plant matter trapped in the rock’s cracks. This greenish hue earned the fossil the nickname Fiona, like the ogre from Shrek.But Fionais much more than a ogre-themed name. It is the first complete ichthyosaur ever excavated in Chile and, even more remarkably, the only known pregnant female from the Hauterivian — a stage of the Early Cretaceous dating back 131 million years. Her skeleton, discovered at the edge of the Tyndall Glacier in Torres del Paine National Park — an area increasingly exposed by glacial retreat — belongs to the species Myobradypterygius hauthali, originally described in Argentina from fragmentary remains.The discovery, led by Judith Pardo-Pérez, a researcher at the University of Magallanes and the Cabo de Hornos International Center (CHIC), and published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, offers an unprecedented glimpse into ancient marine life — from how these majestic reptiles reproduced to how they adapted to oceans vastly different from those of today.An Ichthyosaur Maternity Ward in Patagonia(Image Courtesy of Irene Viscor)So far, 88 ichthyosaurs have been found on the Tyndall Glacier. Most of them are adults and newborns. Two key facts stand out: food was abundant, and no other predators were competing with them.Fiona, who measures nearly 13 feet long, is still encased in five blocks of rock. Despite the challenge, she was transported to a local clinic, where CT scans allowed researchers to study her skull and body. Her species was identified thanks to one of her fins. “There’s no other like it in the world,” says Pardo-Pérez. The limbs were remarkably elongated, suggesting this animal was built for long-distance swimming.Inside her, there were more surprises. One of them was her stomach contents, which revealed what may have been her last meal: tiny fish vertebrae. But the most striking find was a fetus, about 20 inches long, already in a position to be born.“We believe these animals came to Magallanes — the southern tip of Chilean Patagonia — from time to time to give birth, because it was a safe refuge,” Pardo-Pérez says. “We don't know how long they stayed, but we do know that mortality was high during the first few days of life.”One of the big unanswered questions is where they went next, as there are no records of Myobradypterygius hauthali, apart from a piece of fin found in Argentina. The most abundant remains come from southern Germany, but those date back to the Jurassic period, meaning they’re older.Palaeontologist Erin Maxwell suggests, “In many modern ecosystems, species migrate to higher latitudes during the summer to take advantage of seasonally abundant resources and then move to lower latitudes in winter to avoid harsh conditions,” she explains. “We believe Mesozoic marine reptiles may have followed similar seasonal patterns.”Sea Dragon GraveyardThe environment where Fiona was discovered — dubbed the "sea dragon graveyard" — also has much to reveal.According to geologist Matthew Malkowski of the University of Texas at Austin, the Hauterivian age is particularly intriguing because it coincided with major planetary changes: the breakup of continents, intense volcanic episodes, and phenomena known as "oceanic anoxic events," during which vast areas of the ocean were depleted of dissolved oxygen for hundreds of thousands of years.One such poorly understood event, the Pharaonic Anoxic Event, occurred around 131 million years ago, near the end of the Hauterivian, and still raises questions about its true impact on marine life. “We don't have a firm grasp of how significant these events were for marine vertebrates, and geological records like that of the Tyndall Glacier allow us to explore the relationship between life, the environment, and Earth’s past conditions,” Malkowski notes.Evolution of IchthyosaursReconstruction of Fiona. (Image Courtesy of Mauricio Álvarez)Don't be misled by their body shape. “Ichthyosaurs are not related to dolphins,” clarifies Pardo-Pérez. Although their hydrodynamic silhouettes may look nearly identical, the former were marine reptiles, while the latter are mammals. This resemblance results from a phenomenon known as convergent evolution: when species from different lineages develop similar anatomical features to adapt to the same environment.Ichthyosaurs evolved from terrestrial reptiles that, in response to ecological and climatic changes, began spending more time in the water until they fully adapted to a marine lifestyle. However, they retained traces of their land-dwelling ancestry, such as a pair of hind flippers — absent in dolphins — passed down from their walking forebears. They lived and thrived in prehistoric oceans for about 180 million years, giving them ample time to refine a highly specialized body: their forelimbs and hindlimbs transformed into flippers; they developed a crescent-shaped tail for propulsion, a dorsal fin for stability, and a streamlined body to reduce drag in the water. Remarkably, like whales and dolphins, “ichthyosaurs had a thick layer of blubber as insulation to maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding seawater and gave birth to live young, which meant they didn’t need to leave the water to reproduce,” explains Maxwell.Whales and dolphins also descend from land-dwelling ancestors, but their transition happened over a comparatively short evolutionary timespan, especially when measured against the long reign of the ichthyosaurs. “Their evolution hasn't had as much time as that of ichthyosaurs,” notes Pardo-Pérez. “And yet, they look so similar. That’s the wonderful thing about evolution.”Read More: Did a Swimming Reptile Predate the Dinosaurs?Fossils on the Verge of DisappearanceOne of the key factors behind the remarkable preservation of the fossils found in the Tyndall Glacier is the way they were buried. According to Malkowski, Fiona and her contemporaries were either trapped or swiftly covered by underwater landslides and turbidity currents — geological processes that led to their sudden entombment.But the good fortune that protected them for millions of years may now be running out. As the glacier retreats, exposing fossils that were once unreachable, those same remains are now vulnerable to wind, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles, which crack the surrounding rock. As vegetation takes hold, roots accelerate erosion and eventually conceal the fossils once again.“While climate change has allowed these fossils to be studied, continued warming will also eventually lead to their loss,” Maxwell warns. In Fiona’s story, scientists find not only a record of ancient life, but also a warning etched in stone and bone: what time reveals, climate can reclaim.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:María de los Ángeles Orfila is a science journalist based in Montevideo, Uruguay, focusing on long-form storytelling. Her work has appeared in Discover Magazine, Science, National Geographic, among other outlets, and in leading Uruguayan publications such as El País and El Observador. She was a fellow in the 2023 Sharon Dunwoody Mentoring Program by The Open Notebook and often explores the intersections of science, culture, and Latin American identity.
المصدر: www.discovermagazine.com
#first #ever #pregnant #ichthyosaur #from #the #early #cretaceous #reveals #life #prehistoric #seas #during #excavation #amidst #patagonian #winds #and #hard #rock #fossil #began #turn #greenit #was #unexpected #reaction #adhesive #applied #protect #bones #fragile #after #millions #years #beneath #ice #had #interacted #with #plant #matter #trapped #rocks #cracksthis #greenish #hue #earned #nickname #fiona #like #ogre #shrekbut #fionais #much #more #than #ogrethemed #nameit #complete #excavated #chile #even #remarkably #only #known #female #hauterivian #stage #dating #back #million #yearsher #skeleton #discovered #edge #tyndall #glacier #torres #del #paine #national #park #area #increasingly #exposed #glacial #retreat #belongs #species #myobradypterygius #hauthali #originally #described #argentina #fragmentary #remainsthe #discovery #led #judith #pardopérez #researcher #university #magallanes #cabo #hornos #international #center #chic #published #journal #vertebrate #paleontology #offers #unprecedented #glimpse #into #ancient #marine #how #these #majestic #reptiles #reproduced #they #adapted #oceans #vastly #different #those #todayan #maternity #ward #patagoniaimage #courtesy #irene #viscorso #far #ichthyosaurs #have #been #found #glaciermost #them #are #adults #newbornstwo #key #facts #stand #out #food #abundant #other #predators #were #competing #themfiona #who #measures #nearly #feet #long #still #encased #five #blocks #rockdespite #challenge #she #transported #local #clinic #where #scans #allowed #researchers #study #her #skull #bodyher #identified #thanks #one #finstheres #world #says #pardopérezthe #limbs #elongated #suggesting #this #animal #built #for #longdistance #swimminginside #there #surprisesone #stomach #contents #which #revealed #what #may #last #meal #tiny #fish #vertebraebut #most #striking #find #fetus #about #inches #already #position #bornwe #believe #animals #came #southern #tip #chilean #patagonia #time #give #birth #because #safe #refuge #sayswe #don039t #know #stayed #but #that #mortality #high #few #days #lifeone #big #unanswered #questions #went #next #records #apart #piece #fin #argentinathe #remains #come #germany #date #jurassic #period #meaning #theyre #olderpalaeontologist #erin #maxwell #suggests #many #modern #ecosystems #migrate #higher #latitudes #summer #take #advantage #seasonally #resources #then #move #lower #winter #avoid #harsh #conditions #explainswe #mesozoic #followed #similar #seasonal #patternssea #dragon #graveyardthe #environment #dubbed #quotsea #graveyardquot #also #has #revealaccording #geologist #matthew #malkowski #texas #austin #age #particularly #intriguing #coincided #major #planetary #changes #breakup #continents #intense #volcanic #episodes #phenomena #quotoceanic #anoxic #eventsquot #vast #areas #ocean #depleted #dissolved #oxygen #hundreds #thousands #yearsone #such #poorly #understood #event #pharaonic #occurred #around #ago #near #end #raises #its #true #impact #lifewe #firm #grasp #significant #events #vertebrates #geological #allow #explore #relationship #between #earths #past #notesevolution #ichthyosaursreconstruction #fionaimage #mauricio #Álvarezdon039t #misled #their #body #shapeichthyosaurs #not #related #dolphins #clarifies #pardopérezalthough #hydrodynamic #silhouettes #look #identical #former #while #latter #mammalsthis #resemblance #results #phenomenon #convergent #evolution #when #lineages #develop #anatomical #features #adapt #same #environmentichthyosaurs #evolved #terrestrial #response #ecological #climatic #spending #water #until #fully #lifestylehowever #retained #traces #landdwelling #ancestry #pair #hind #flippers #absent #passed #down #walking #forebearsthey #lived #thrived #giving #ample #refine #highly #specialized #forelimbs #hindlimbs #transformed #developed #crescentshaped #tail #propulsion #dorsal #stability #streamlined #reduce #drag #waterremarkably #whales #thick #layer #blubber #insulation #maintain #temperature #surrounding #seawater #gave #live #young #meant #didnt #need #leave #reproduce #explains #maxwellwhales #descend #ancestors #transition #happened #over #comparatively #short #evolutionary #timespan #especially #measured #against #reign #ichthyosaurstheir #hasn039t #notes #pardopérezand #yet #similarthats #wonderful #thing #evolutionread #did #swimming #reptile #predate #dinosaursfossils #verge #disappearanceone #factors #behind #remarkable #preservation #fossils #way #buriedaccording #contemporaries #either #swiftly #covered #underwater #landslides #turbidity #currents #processes #sudden #entombmentbut #good #fortune #protected #now #running #outas #retreats #exposing #once #unreachable #vulnerable #wind #rain #freezethaw #cycles #crack #rockas #vegetation #takes #hold #roots #accelerate #erosion #eventually #conceal #againwhile #climate #change #studied #continued #warming #will #lead #loss #warnsin #fionas #story #scientists #record #warning #etched #stone #bone #can #reclaimarticle #sourcesour #writers #discovermagazinecom #use #peerreviewed #studies #highquality #sources #our #articles #editors #review #scientific #accuracy #editorial #standardsreview #used #below #articlemaría #los #Ángeles #orfila #science #journalist #based #montevideo #uruguay #focusing #longform #storytellingher #work #appeared #discover #magazine #geographic #among #outlets #leading #uruguayan #publications #país #observadorshe #fellow #sharon #dunwoody #mentoring #program #open #notebook #often #explores #intersections #culture #latin #american #identity

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First Ever Pregnant Ichthyosaur from the Early Cretaceous Reveals Life in Prehistoric Seas

During an excavation, amidst the Patagonian winds and hard rock, a fossil began to turn green. It was an unexpected reaction: the adhesive applied to protect the bones, fragile after millions of years beneath the ice, had interacted with plant matter trapped in the rock’s cracks. This greenish hue earned the fossil the nickname Fiona, like the ogre from Shrek.But Fionais much more than a ogre-themed name. It is the first complete ichthyosaur ever excavated in Chile and, even more remarkably, the only known pregnant female from the Hauterivian — a stage of the Early Cretaceous dating back 131 million years. Her skeleton, discovered at the edge of the Tyndall Glacier in Torres del Paine National Park — an area increasingly exposed by glacial retreat — belongs to the species Myobradypterygius hauthali, originally described in Argentina from fragmentary remains.The discovery, led by Judith Pardo-Pérez, a researcher at the University of Magallanes and the Cabo de Hornos International Center (CHIC), and published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, offers an unprecedented glimpse into ancient marine life — from how these majestic reptiles reproduced to how they adapted to oceans vastly different from those of today.An Ichthyosaur Maternity Ward in Patagonia(Image Courtesy of Irene Viscor)So far, 88 ichthyosaurs have been found on the Tyndall Glacier. Most of them are adults and newborns. Two key facts stand out: food was abundant, and no other predators were competing with them.Fiona, who measures nearly 13 feet long, is still encased in five blocks of rock. Despite the challenge, she was transported to a local clinic, where CT scans allowed researchers to study her skull and body. Her species was identified thanks to one of her fins. “There’s no other like it in the world,” says Pardo-Pérez. The limbs were remarkably elongated, suggesting this animal was built for long-distance swimming.Inside her, there were more surprises. One of them was her stomach contents, which revealed what may have been her last meal: tiny fish vertebrae. But the most striking find was a fetus, about 20 inches long, already in a position to be born.“We believe these animals came to Magallanes — the southern tip of Chilean Patagonia — from time to time to give birth, because it was a safe refuge,” Pardo-Pérez says. “We don't know how long they stayed, but we do know that mortality was high during the first few days of life.”One of the big unanswered questions is where they went next, as there are no records of Myobradypterygius hauthali, apart from a piece of fin found in Argentina. The most abundant remains come from southern Germany, but those date back to the Jurassic period, meaning they’re older.Palaeontologist Erin Maxwell suggests, “In many modern ecosystems, species migrate to higher latitudes during the summer to take advantage of seasonally abundant resources and then move to lower latitudes in winter to avoid harsh conditions,” she explains. “We believe Mesozoic marine reptiles may have followed similar seasonal patterns.”Sea Dragon GraveyardThe environment where Fiona was discovered — dubbed the "sea dragon graveyard" — also has much to reveal.According to geologist Matthew Malkowski of the University of Texas at Austin, the Hauterivian age is particularly intriguing because it coincided with major planetary changes: the breakup of continents, intense volcanic episodes, and phenomena known as "oceanic anoxic events," during which vast areas of the ocean were depleted of dissolved oxygen for hundreds of thousands of years.One such poorly understood event, the Pharaonic Anoxic Event, occurred around 131 million years ago, near the end of the Hauterivian, and still raises questions about its true impact on marine life. “We don't have a firm grasp of how significant these events were for marine vertebrates, and geological records like that of the Tyndall Glacier allow us to explore the relationship between life, the environment, and Earth’s past conditions,” Malkowski notes.Evolution of IchthyosaursReconstruction of Fiona. (Image Courtesy of Mauricio Álvarez)Don't be misled by their body shape. “Ichthyosaurs are not related to dolphins,” clarifies Pardo-Pérez. Although their hydrodynamic silhouettes may look nearly identical, the former were marine reptiles, while the latter are mammals. This resemblance results from a phenomenon known as convergent evolution: when species from different lineages develop similar anatomical features to adapt to the same environment.Ichthyosaurs evolved from terrestrial reptiles that, in response to ecological and climatic changes, began spending more time in the water until they fully adapted to a marine lifestyle. However, they retained traces of their land-dwelling ancestry, such as a pair of hind flippers — absent in dolphins — passed down from their walking forebears. They lived and thrived in prehistoric oceans for about 180 million years, giving them ample time to refine a highly specialized body: their forelimbs and hindlimbs transformed into flippers; they developed a crescent-shaped tail for propulsion, a dorsal fin for stability, and a streamlined body to reduce drag in the water. Remarkably, like whales and dolphins, “ichthyosaurs had a thick layer of blubber as insulation to maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding seawater and gave birth to live young, which meant they didn’t need to leave the water to reproduce,” explains Maxwell.Whales and dolphins also descend from land-dwelling ancestors, but their transition happened over a comparatively short evolutionary timespan, especially when measured against the long reign of the ichthyosaurs. “Their evolution hasn't had as much time as that of ichthyosaurs,” notes Pardo-Pérez. “And yet, they look so similar. That’s the wonderful thing about evolution.”Read More: Did a Swimming Reptile Predate the Dinosaurs?Fossils on the Verge of DisappearanceOne of the key factors behind the remarkable preservation of the fossils found in the Tyndall Glacier is the way they were buried. According to Malkowski, Fiona and her contemporaries were either trapped or swiftly covered by underwater landslides and turbidity currents — geological processes that led to their sudden entombment.But the good fortune that protected them for millions of years may now be running out. As the glacier retreats, exposing fossils that were once unreachable, those same remains are now vulnerable to wind, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles, which crack the surrounding rock. As vegetation takes hold, roots accelerate erosion and eventually conceal the fossils once again.“While climate change has allowed these fossils to be studied, continued warming will also eventually lead to their loss,” Maxwell warns. In Fiona’s story, scientists find not only a record of ancient life, but also a warning etched in stone and bone: what time reveals, climate can reclaim.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:María de los Ángeles Orfila is a science journalist based in Montevideo, Uruguay, focusing on long-form storytelling. Her work has appeared in Discover Magazine, Science, National Geographic, among other outlets, and in leading Uruguayan publications such as El País and El Observador. She was a fellow in the 2023 Sharon Dunwoody Mentoring Program by The Open Notebook and often explores the intersections of science, culture, and Latin American identity.

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First Ever Pregnant Ichthyosaur from the Early Cretaceous Reveals Life in Prehistoric Seas