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"One Organ Ages Faster Than the Rest"

A groundbreaking study has revealed that not all organs age at the same rate, with significant implications for understanding human aging. Researchers created a "proteomic blueprint of aging," examining how protein markers in various organs change over a 50-year period. The study found that aging accelerates notably after the age of 50, but the aorta, one of the first organs to show pronounced changes, begins aging much earlier, around age 30. This organ acts as a "radio tower," broadcasting proteins like GAS6 that may accelerate aging in other tissues. Professor Guang-Hui Liu, a lead author, emphasized that this research shifts the focus of aging studies from isolated organs to their interactions through blood-borne factors. By identifying organs that age fastest, the findings could pave the way for targeted interventions to slow systemic aging and reduce chronic disease risks. The study is published in the journal Cell. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 6 pm

"Discover Fossil Faking in CURIOUS Issue 36 – Out Now!"

The latest issue of CURIOUS, Issue 36, is now available, featuring a range of science highlights and in-depth explorations of fascinating topics. The cover story delves into the intriguing world of fossil forgery, examining how to distinguish genuine prehistoric artifacts from fakes. A deep dive investigates the reasons behind varying singing abilities, questioning whether talent is innate or can be cultivated. The magazine also revisits the unusual practice of using frogs for pregnancy tests, a method popular until the 1960s. Additionally, readers can explore the enigmatic Plain of Jars in Laos, home to thousands of ancient stone jars linked to burial customs. An exclusive interview with Professor Sadiah Qureshi offers insights into her new book, _Vanished: An Unnatural History of Extinction_. The issue is packed with news, diary dates, and recommendations for what to see, watch, and read this month. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 3 pm

"Time's Arrow in Glass: A Dual Direction Mystery"

A groundbreaking study has revealed that the movement of molecules within glass and similar materials may exhibit time-reversibility, challenging conventional understandings of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that systems tend toward disorder. Researchers from the Technical University of Darmstadt investigated the physical aging of glass, noting that while the material appears solid, its molecules can rearrange themselves over time, affecting its properties. Using advanced laser technology, the team observed that these molecular fluctuations could be reversed, suggesting a unique "material time" that ticks differently than conventional time. However, study author Till Böhmer emphasized that this does not imply the aging process can be reversed. The findings raise intriguing questions about the potential universality of this time-reversibility in other materials and its implications for the fundamental laws of physics. The study was published in *Nature Physics*, and further research is anticipated to explore these phenomena. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 4 pm

Spain's "Tunnel of Bones": Insights on Humanity's Extinction Risk

Thirty thousand years ago, _Homo sapiens_ emerged as the last surviving human species, following the extinction of _Homo neanderthalensis_. The fate of Neanderthals, explored in BBC Studios' new series _Human_, reveals a grim narrative, particularly highlighted by the El Sidrón Cave in northern Spain. Here, the remains of 13 Neanderthal family members were discovered, showing signs of violent deaths, cannibalism, and inbreeding-related congenital anomalies. These findings illustrate the dire circumstances faced by the Neanderthals, who struggled for survival during the Ice Age. As _Homo sapiens_ re-entered the region, competition for resources intensified, leading to the decline of Neanderthal populations. Executive producer Paul Overton described the cave as a haunting site that encapsulates the tragic story of a family driven to extinction. The series _Human_ airs on BBC Two and PBS, offering a deeper look into this poignant chapter of human history. sources

Published:
Aug 02 2025, 3 am

Chikungunya Virus Spreads in China: CDC Travel Advisory Update

A chikungunya virus outbreak in China's Guangdong Province has raised concerns among US health authorities, prompting the CDC to consider issuing a travel advisory. The virus, transmitted by _Aedes_ mosquitoes, has been increasingly prevalent since its identification in the 1950s. Symptoms typically appear four to eight days post-infection and include sudden fever and severe joint pain, which can persist for months. While there is no specific treatment, two vaccines—IXCHIQ and VIMKUNYA—are available in the US, and vaccination is recommended for travelers to affected areas. Foshan has reported over 5,000 cases, leading local health officials to elevate their emergency response. Although most cases are mild, the outbreak's scale has caught the attention of global health officials. A recent study suggests that climate change may shift high-risk zones for chikungunya in China, potentially expanding the threat beyond Guangdong. sources

Published:
Aug 02 2025, 4 am

Boxer Crabs "Clone" Anemone Gloves in Rare Footage

In a remarkable display of survival strategy, boxer crabs, or _Lybia edmondsoni_, have been filmed "cloning" their living anemone gloves for the first time, a behavior highlighted in the new BBC series _Parenthood_ narrated by Sir David Attenborough. These crabs utilize the stinging power of the anemone _Triactis producta_ to protect their approximately 1,000 eggs from predators. If a crab loses one anemone, it can tear the remaining one in half to create a second glove, a process that has led to low genetic diversity among the anemones as they asexually reproduce. While the boxer crabs are small, with a carapace measuring just 13 millimeters, they boast a striking exoskeleton adorned with colorful patterns. The series, which explores various parenting strategies in the animal kingdom, airs on BBC One on August 3 at 7.20 pm BST, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer. sources

Published:
Jul 29 2025, 4 pm

Deepest Ecosystem Discovered 9,000 Meters Under the Sea

Scientists have discovered the deepest complex ecosystem ever found, located in the hadal trenches, which can reach depths of 9,533 meters (31,276 feet). This groundbreaking study, conducted during a 2024 expedition using China's Fendouzhe submersible, revealed thriving chemosynthetic communities, including tubeworms, clams, and amphipods, living in an environment previously thought unsuitable for complex life. The research team conducted 23 dives in the Kuril–Kamchatka and western Aleutian Trenches, employing high-definition video surveys and genetic analysis to identify species and their survival mechanisms. These organisms derive energy from hydrogen sulfide and methane-rich fluids, produced microbially from organic matter in deep sediment layers. The findings suggest that such chemosynthesis-based communities may be more widespread than previously believed, challenging existing models of life in extreme environments and carbon cycling in the deep ocean. The study is published in the journal Nature. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 7 am

Rare Shark Spotted in Stunning New Footage

Scientists in Cardigan Bay, Wales, recently captured rare footage of a critically endangered angelshark (_Squatina squatina_), one of the world's rarest shark species, as part of the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales’ Dolphin Diet Detectives project. This initiative aims to study the diet of local dolphins and marine biodiversity. Dr. Sarah Perry, Marine Conservation and Research Manager at WTSWW, expressed excitement over the sighting, noting that no angelsharks had been filmed in the area since 2021. Historically, angelsharks were more common along European and North African coasts, but their populations have plummeted by at least 80% over the past 45 years due to habitat degradation and bottom trawling. This sighting comes at a pivotal moment as discussions are underway in the Welsh Parliament regarding a ban on bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard these vulnerable habitats. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 11 pm

Understanding "Nobel Disease" and Its Impact on Prizewinners

Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, famously expressed discomfort with the high regard for his work, suggesting he felt like an "involuntary swindler," a sentiment reflecting imposter syndrome. While Einstein's self-doubt is reassuring, many Nobel Prize winners have diverged into unscientific beliefs post-award, a phenomenon dubbed "Nobel disease" or "Nobelitis." This includes notable figures like Pierre Curie, who explored paranormal phenomena, and Charles Richet, who coined "ectoplasm" linked to mediums. Some, like Richard Smalley, have even promoted harmful ideas against established science. Kary Mullis, another laureate, claimed to have encountered a talking raccoon, illustrating the bizarre beliefs that can emerge. Paul Nurse, a Nobel winner himself, cautioned against the pressures to comment on diverse issues outside one's expertise, suggesting that cognitive biases and personality traits may lead to such pseudoscientific inclinations among highly intelligent individuals. Despite these tendencies, the scientific community remains vigilant against conflating achievement with expertise in unrelated fields. sources

Published:
Aug 02 2025, 12 am

1950s Disappearing Stars Linked to UAPs and Nuclear Tests

A new preprint study from the Vanishing & Appearing Sources during a Century of Observations (VASCO) project has revealed a potential link between transient astronomical objects observed before the launch of Sputnik and nuclear tests. The researchers, Stephen Bruehl and Beatriz Villarroel, analyzed data from the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey, identifying short-lived transients that appeared between 1949 and 1957, coinciding with at least 124 above-ground nuclear tests conducted by the US, Soviet Union, and Great Britain. They found that these transients were 45% more likely to occur during nuclear test windows, suggesting a possible atmospheric phenomenon triggered by the blasts. Additionally, a smaller correlation with unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) was noted, particularly when multiple transients were observed. While the findings are intriguing, the study has yet to undergo peer review, and further investigation is needed to confirm the results and their implications. sources

Published:
Jul 28 2025, 11 pm

Manta Rays Discover Third New Species After 15 Years

A new species of manta ray, named _Mobula yarae_, has been officially identified in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the third species alongside the giant oceanic manta (_Mobula birostris_) and the reef manta (_Mobula alfredi_). This discovery, which follows a 15-year suspicion, is attributed to Dr. Andrea Marshall, co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, who previously split the known manta ray species in 2009. Marshall, who suffered a brain aneurysm in 2024, had been working on the formal description of _M. yarae_ with her team, which combined genetic analysis and morphological studies. The new species is characterized by distinct “V” shaped white shoulder patches and lighter facial colors, reaching sizes of 5-6 meters. Recognizing _M. yarae_ is vital for conservation efforts, as both the oceanic and reef mantas are currently classified as endangered or vulnerable, respectively. The findings are published in *Environmental Biology of Fishes*. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 9 pm

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