Hey there, welcome to my blog Mufawad. In this monthly writeup, I try to unveil the latest breakthroughs & uncover tomorrow's possibilities in the field of science. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a science enthusiast, this article will provide you with an engaging and informative insights and current updates in scientific world. Plus, as a compliment, you will get a peep into quirky AI images generated by me related to those very particular topics.
So, Let’s delve into the new scientific research that happened in the past month or so and explore the latest technologies that are being created and breakthroughs that were achieved in this field.
In the current blog, you will read about the following science events of the month:
- Iron-deficiency in Pregnancy may lead to birth of female: Research
- Breath-Print: A new unique identity of every person
- Mysterious co-relation between Earth’s Magnetism and Oxygen levels baffles Scientists
- African Union launches its own Space Agency
- Japanese private lander crashes second time onto the moon
- Fifty Nations Sign High Seas Treaty, Nears Landmark Activation
- Ocean Acidity reaches critical levels; threating ecosystems
- Most energetic molecule set to revolutionize Rocket Industry
- Mpox outbreaks in Sierra Leone
- Scientists engineer E.coli to convert Plastic into Paracetamol
- Researchers Propose Ethical Framework for Neurotechnology
- 3D Printed Pen helps detect Parkinson’s
- Animals at Sea level found to have keen sense of smell than their High-Altitude counterparts
- Humpback Whales found to have Myopic vision
- New Study finds that ChatGPT is making people duller
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| Current Science Report: June 2025 |
Iron-deficiency in Pregnancy may lead to birth of female: Research
A groundbreaking study has revealed that iron deficiency during pregnancy can cause male mouse embryos to develop female reproductive organs. Researchers discovered that when pregnant mice were deprived of sufficient iron, some embryos with XY chromosomes typically developed ovaries instead of testes. This surprising effect stems from disrupted activity in a gene critical to male sex determination, known as SRY.
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The SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome, acts as the biological switch that initiates the development of male organs. Its activation depends on the enzyme JMJD1A, which requires iron to function. When iron levels drop, this enzyme becomes ineffective, causing a buildup of suppressive histone proteins on the SRY gene. As a result, the gene's activity is nearly silenced, shifting development from male to female pathways in some XY embryos.
The findings, published in Nature on June 4, involved experiments using iron-deficient diets and pharmaceutical treatments in pregnant mice. Out of 39 male embryos studied, six developed ovaries rather than testes. The team further confirmed the role of iron by growing embryonic gonads in lab dishes and observing that a 60% reduction in iron nearly shut down SRY expression.
This study introduces a novel concept — that nutrition and metabolism, not just genetics, can have a direct and profound influence on biological sex development. According to co-author Peter Koopman of the University of Queensland, the research challenges the long-held belief that sex determination is driven purely by genetics.
However, experts urge caution before applying these findings to humans. Although mice and humans share many developmental processes, there are notable differences in how gene mutations affect each species. As such, researchers say more indirect studies — using cell cultures and gene expression experiments — are needed to explore whether similar mechanisms might exist in human pregnancies.
The implications extend beyond sex development. The study raises broader questions about how other vital developmental processes could also be influenced by nutritional and metabolic factors, potentially reshaping our understanding of prenatal health.
Courtesy: Live Science
Breath-Print: A new unique identity of every person
Just like fingerprints, our breathing patterns may be unique and could help identify individuals, as well as reveal certain physical and mental traits. In a recent study, researchers monitored the breathing of 97 healthy people over 24 hours and found that each person’s pattern was distinct enough to be recognized. Not only could they identify individuals with high accuracy, but they also found links between breathing patterns and traits like body-mass index (BMI), anxiety, and depression.
The research, led by Noam Sobel from the Weizmann Institute in Israel, explored how breathing reflects brain function. Since each brain works differently, the team hypothesized that breathing would vary from person to person. They used a wearable device placed behind the neck, with tubes under the nose, to record airflow through each nostril during daily activities and sleep.
From this data, they extracted 24 breathing parameters; such as inhale/exhale duration and airflow differences between nostrils and trained a machine-learning model to recognize individual patterns. Even when some participants returned months or years later, the system identified them with nearly 97% accuracy when a more detailed 100-parameter model was used. Awake breathing patterns were generally more distinctive than those during sleep.
Further analysis revealed that these unique patterns could also reflect mental and physical health. For example, people with higher BMIs had different sleep breathing profiles than those with lower BMIs, and those with higher levels of anxiety or depression showed distinct inhalation and exhalation traits.
Experts praised the study for its innovation and potential. It builds on past efforts to link breathing to health, similar to how heart patterns are tracked using ECGs. Psychiatrists and neuroscientists see potential for future applications in diagnosing mental health conditions or creating therapeutic breathing techniques. Sobel’s team now aims to identify calming breath patterns and explore whether teaching them could help reduce stress and anxiety.
Courtesy: Nature
Mysterious co-relation between Earth’s Magnetism and Oxygen levels baffles Scientists
A surprising new study has revealed a puzzling connection between Earth’s magnetic field and the amount of oxygen in its atmosphere over the past 540 million years. Researchers have found that the strength of the planet’s magnetism seems to rise and fall in step with atmospheric oxygen levels, though the reason why remains unclear. Scientists hope this link could offer deeper insights into how life evolved on Earth and even help identify promising exoplanets for life beyond our planet.
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The research, published in Science Advances, analyzed geological records and found that periods of strong geomagnetism matched times when oxygen levels were high enough to support complex life. While oxygen is abundant in Earth’s crust, it only started accumulating in the atmosphere around 2.5 billion years ago, with animal-sustaining levels arriving during the past half-billion years. To reconstruct these ancient conditions, scientists used indirect markers such as wildfire frequency and magnetic signals locked in volcanic rocks.
Despite the strong correlation, scientists are unsure if magnetism directly helps maintain oxygen or if both are influenced by deeper geological processes. One possibility is that Earth’s magnetic field helps shield the atmosphere from solar winds that can strip away gases, including oxygen. However, the actual impact of this shielding is thought to be small compared to the oxygen produced through photosynthesis and consumed through natural cycles.
Researchers also suggest that tectonic activity, which cycles continents and influences ocean chemistry, might affect both oxygen levels and the magnetic field through the movement of Earth’s mantle and core. These tectonic processes could simultaneously stimulate oxygen-producing algae blooms and alter the flow of liquid iron in Earth’s core, which generates the magnetic field.
While the findings don’t yet provide definitive answers, they raise fascinating questions about the planet’s habitability and how Earth’s interior may influence life on its surface. Scientists believe that exploring this link further could also help refine the search for life on exoplanets, focusing on worlds with magnetic fields strong enough to protect and sustain complex life.
Courtesy: Nature
African Union launches its own Space Agency
The launch of the African Space Agency in April 2025 marks a historic milestone for the continent. Located in Cairo’s newly established Space City, the agency represents a unified effort by African Union (AU) member states to use space technology as a tool for development, aligning with the AU’s Agenda 2063 for a prosperous and sustainable Africa. With more than 20 African nations already running space programmes and over 65 satellites launched, the agency ensures Africa is not left behind in the booming global space economy projected to hit US$1.8 trillion by 2035.
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One of the most immediate benefits lies in Earth observation. Satellites are invaluable for monitoring environmental threats such as floods, droughts, and wildfires—crucial in a continent where agriculture makes up about 35% of GDP and employs nearly half the population. Countries like Nigeria and Kenya already use satellite data to track crop health and manage urban planning. The new agency will expand access to such AI-enhanced satellite data, helping even resource-constrained countries address local challenges like deforestation, illegal mining, and armed conflict. At the same time, improved data-sharing mechanisms can generate revenue by tapping into the global satellite data market, sparking innovation and economic potential.
Digital connectivity is another area where the African Space Agency could be transformative. With only 38% of the population online compared to a global average of 68%, the continent lags behind in digital access. Satellite-based broadband, especially in remote or infrastructure-poor areas, can revolutionize education, healthcare, and commerce. With initiatives like SpaceX’s Starlink already active in 21 African nations, the agency’s coordination role could help accelerate digital inclusion. Moreover, Africa is being positioned to embrace emerging technologies like space-based solar power—an innovation capable of delivering clean energy to off-grid communities.
The space industry in Africa, valued at over US$20 billion, is also an engine for economic growth. A new wave of Space firms is emerging in countries like Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, pushing innovation in satellite communications and hardware manufacturing. Yet, many countries still lack resources to develop these technologies independently. By pooling efforts and reducing duplication, the African Space Agency will help coordinate launches, encourage local manufacturing, and open up participation for smaller economies previously sidelined from the space race.
In addition to internal cooperation, Africa’s global partnerships are expanding. Collaborations with space powers such as the US, China, Russia, and France have already enabled launches and satellite development. For example, Senegal’s GaindeSAT-1A launched in 2024 via SpaceX with French support, and South Africa is exploring homegrown rocket programmes.
The continent is also playing a role in lunar exploration, with some nations signing the Artemis Accords and others partnering with China and Russia on lunar research. Despite budgetary challenges, Africa’s total space spending in 2025 was just US$426 million compared to the European Space Agency’s US$8 billion.
A new Space City in Cairo will serve as a training hub, offering education in satellite design, project management, and orbital mechanics. Existing initiatives, such as Boeing’s Pathways to Space and the STEM-based Future African Space Explorers Academy, are already engaging youth across the continent. Scholarships and collaborations will ensure that Africa doesn’t just use space technology but also leads in shaping its future.
The African Space Agency is more than just a scientific body; it is a strategic platform for sustainable development, economic empowerment, and technological leadership. Its success could redefine Africa’s role in global affairs—and inspire a new generation to reach for the stars.
Courtesy: Conversation
Japanese private lander crashes second time onto the moon
Japanese space company ispace has revealed the cause behind the crash of its “Resilience moon lander” during an attempted touchdown on June 5. According to the company’s official statement released on June 24, the spacecraft’s laser range finder (LRF), a key sensor used to measure altitude, failed to provide accurate distance readings from the lunar surface. As a result, Resilience was unable to decelerate correctly and crashed near Mare Frigoris, a region on the near side of the moon known as the "Sea of Cold."
This was ispace’s second failed lunar landing attempt; its Hakuto-R lander met a similar fate in April 2023. While the precise cause of the LRF malfunction remains unknown, engineers have identified four likely contributing factors. These include unexpected surface reflectivity on the moon that may have interfered with the LRF, the angle at which the laser hit the surface, possibly insufficient laser power, and degradation due to radiation. All of these are thought to have potentially compromised the spacecraft’s ability to sense its altitude accurately.
NASA later confirmed the crash site using its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which captured images showing a dark smudge on the lunar surface , evidence of the crash and the resulting disturbance of lunar dust.
In response to the setback, ispace announced a series of corrective measures. These include strengthening the testing and validation of landing sensors and hardware, particularly the laser range finder, and incorporating additional vision-based landing systems for future missions. ispace’s next two lunar efforts , Mission 3 and Mission 4 will employ the new and more advanced Apex 1.0 lander design.
Despite the crash, ispace remains determined to continue refining its lunar landing technology and aims to eventually contribute to a sustainable presence on the moon.
Courtesy: Space.com
Fifty Nations Sign High Seas Treaty, Nears Landmark Activation
Eighteen new countries have recently ratified the High Seas Treaty, bringing the total number of signatories to 49, just 11 short of the 60 required for the treaty to officially come into effect. This surge in support took place during the U.N. Ocean Conference in Nice, France, and marks a significant step toward establishing global protections for international waters. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the development, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and calling on remaining nations to act quickly.
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The treaty, officially called the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), is the first legally binding international agreement designed to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national borders. These high seas account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface. Despite their vastness, these regions have remained largely unregulated, leaving them vulnerable to threats such as overfishing, climate change, and the potential rise of deep-sea mining. Environmental advocates warn that without action, the damage to marine ecosystems in these international waters could become irreversible.
This agreement aims to change that by allowing countries to collaboratively establish marine protected areas in the high seas and create rules for harmful activities like mining and geoengineering. It also sets up systems for sharing marine technology, scientific knowledge, and financial resources among nations. Unlike past approaches, decisions will be made collectively through Conferences of the Parties (COPs), ensuring that no single country acts alone in managing shared ocean spaces.
Once 60 countries have ratified the treaty, a 120-day countdown will begin before it officially takes effect. This would then trigger the processes necessary to begin designating protected areas and enforcing conservation measures. As of now, the support of 49 countries and the European Union shows record progress, especially when compared to earlier global treaties such as the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, which took over a decade to enter into force.
Following ratification, the first COP must occur within a year. During this meeting, member countries will decide on the framework for implementation, including governance, funding mechanisms, and how to evaluate proposals for marine protection. Only countries that have ratified the treaty before this first COP will be allowed to vote on key decisions, making early participation vital. Environmental organizations are pushing for a broader and quicker ratification to ensure the treaty’s strength and representativeness.
This momentum has raised hopes that 2025 could be the year the world takes a historic step toward safeguarding its oceans. With continued international cooperation, the High Seas Treaty could usher in a new era of marine conservation.
Courtesy: AP
Ocean Acidity reaches critical levels; threating ecosystems
The world’s oceans are more damaged than previously thought, with scientists warning that ocean acidification has now crossed a critical threshold. Often called the “evil twin” of climate change, ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater, lowering its pH and threatening marine ecosystems.
A new international study led by the UK’s Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), US’s National Ocean & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Oregon State University reveals that the ocean acidification “planetary boundary” — the safe limit — was surpassed around five years ago. This marks the seventh of nine key Earth systems to have crossed their safe operating limits.
The study combined historical data, chemical records from ice cores, and modern computer modeling to assess ocean conditions over the past 150 years. By 2020, the average global seawater condition had fallen more than 20% below pre-industrial levels of calcium carbonate — a vital compound for marine organisms. The situation was even worse below the surface, with 60% of waters at 200 meters depth already beyond the safe threshold.
“Ocean acidification is no longer a distant threat; it's a present-day emergency,” said Prof. Steve Widdicombe of PML. He called it a “ticking timebomb” for marine life and coastal economies.
Acidification particularly harms calcifying creatures like corals, oysters, mussels, and sea butterflies, which struggle to build and maintain their shells and skeletons in more acidic water. This leads to slower growth, reduced reproduction, and increased mortality. Coral reefs, essential for biodiversity and fish nurseries, are especially at risk.
Prof. Helen Findlay of PML highlighted that much of ocean life exists below the surface, where conditions are deteriorating faster than expected. This could mean wider and deeper impacts on marine biodiversity than previously assumed.
The authors stress that cutting CO₂ emissions is the only long-term solution. However, they also call for urgent protection of the most vulnerable regions and species. Scientists warned that the world is already witnessing the consequences, marine habitats are disappearing and must act immediately.
Courtesy: Guardian
Most energetic molecule set to revolutionize Rocket Industry
Scientists in Germany have synthesized and stabilized the most energetic molecule ever created — a six-nitrogen atom compound called hexanitrogen (N₆). For the first time, researchers have isolated a neutral nitrogen molecule other than the well-known, ultra-stable dinitrogen (N₂), which makes up 78% of Earth’s atmosphere. While most pure nitrogen molecules are highly unstable, this newly discovered N₆ structure can remain stable for over 100 years — but only at liquid nitrogen temperatures.
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Led by Peter Schreiner and his team at Justus Liebig University Giessen, the researchers used chlorine gas and silver azide to trigger a series of reactions that produced hexanitrogen. Remarkably, while its lifetime at room temperature is just 36 milliseconds, that’s enough time to cool it down to cryogenic levels, where it becomes significantly more stable.
N₆ stores massive amounts of energy, nearly twice as much as HMX, the most powerful chemical explosive in use today, yet its only byproduct upon decomposition is harmless dinitrogen gas. This makes it an ideal candidate for future clean, non-corrosive rocket fuels. Unlike traditional fuels like hydrazine, N₆ offers high thrust without toxic residue or damaging engine parts.
The discovery has drawn praise from leading chemists. Karl Christe, a pioneer in polynitrogen chemistry, called the work “spectacular” and “worthy of a Nobel prize.” Other experts agree this milestone redefines what we know about nitrogen chemistry and opens up possibilities for creating even larger, energy-rich nitrogen structures, like N₁₀.
While applications remain speculative for now, this breakthrough pushes the boundaries of energetic materials and hints at a vast, unexplored realm of chemical space.
Courtesy: Chemistry World
Mpox outbreaks in Sierra Leone
A major mpox outbreak has erupted in Sierra Leone, with over 3,000 cases reported so far, accounting for about 75% of all new mpox cases across Africa. The outbreak began when a man, after a sexual encounter in with a sex worker in small town of lungi, developed a fever, headache, and rash. Initially misdiagnosed as malaria, he was later confirmed to have mpox, marking the first case in this rapid-spreading epidemic.
The scale of the outbreak has overwhelmed the country’s already fragile health system. With only 60 beds available in isolation centers, authorities are struggling to contain the spread. The outbreak is driven by the clade IIb variant of the virus, the same strain responsible for the 2022 global surge. However, in Sierra Leone, the virus is behaving differently, infecting men and women equally, raising early concerns that it might have evolved to spread more easily without sexual contact.
Although further analysis suggests sexual transmission remains the primary route, especially among young adults and sex workers, researchers are puzzled by the severity of cases, which often involve full-body lesions. This intensity more closely resembles outbreaks caused by a different variant, clade Ib, seen recently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi.
Experts suggest that the differences may be driven more by local conditions, such as underlying health issues and delayed diagnosis, than by viral mutations. Still, they warn that mpox clade IIb could behave like clade Ib under the right circumstances, potentially leading to more widespread outbreaks.
The international health community is concerned that the virus could soon spread beyond Sierra Leone. Liberia has already reported a surge with 69 cases. With limited vaccine supply, just 111,000 doses allocated so far, Sierra Leone lacks the resources to mount an effective targeted vaccination campaign. Experts estimate they would need vaccines for hundreds of contacts per confirmed case.
Urgent support, better surveillance, and wider vaccine distribution are needed to contain the outbreak and prevent a larger regional crisis. Scientists warn that without swift action, mpox could become a more persistent and global public health threat in the years ahead.
Courtesy: Science.org
Scientists engineer E.coli to convert Plastic into Paracetamol
In a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable biomanufacturing, scientists have successfully engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to convert plastic waste into paracetamol, the widely used pain and fever medication. The study, published in Nature Chemistry, reveals how a blend of synthetic chemistry and biological engineering enabled this remarkable transformation, offering a potential solution to both plastic pollution and fossil-fuel-based drug manufacturing.
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The process began with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic commonly used in bottles and packaging. Researchers first chemically degraded the PET into a precursor molecule. This molecule was then introduced into a culture of modified E. coli bacteria, where a normally toxic chemical reaction known as the Lossen rearrangement occurred even in the presence of living cells. This century-old reaction was catalyzed within the culture, unexpectedly aided by phosphate ions naturally present in the cells' environment.
To complete the process, the team further engineered the E. coli to express specific enzymes that could carry out the final steps required to convert the intermediate compound into paracetamol. The results were impressive: up to 92% of the degraded PET was converted into the pharmaceutical product.
The work showcases a powerful hybrid approach that combines the strengths of chemistry and biology , something traditional methods could not achieve alone. Researchers are now collaborating with pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, to scale the process and explore its commercial viability.
While there are challenges ahead, particularly in refining the initial chemical conversion for large-scale use, the study offers a promising glimpse into a future where medical drugs are made from recycled plastic, addressing two global issues at once: waste and sustainability in pharmaceutical production.
Courtesy: Nature
Researchers Propose Ethical Framework for Neurotechnology
Brain-reading devices, also known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) or neurotechnologies, are revolutionizing the way humans interact with machines by enabling direct communication between the brain and external devices. These systems detect and interpret brain signals, translating neural activity into digital commands. Depending on their level of invasiveness, BCIs can be categorized into three main types: invasive, non-invasive, and semi-invasive.
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Invasive BCIs are surgically implanted directly into the brain and offer high signal accuracy. They are primarily used in clinical settings to help restore movement in paralyzed individuals or treat neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease through deep brain stimulation. One well-known example is Neuralink, the neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk. On the other hand, non-invasive BCIs involve no surgery and instead use external sensors like EEG (electroencephalography), fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy), or fMRI to monitor brain activity. These devices are safer and more accessible but offer lower precision. Semi-invasive devices, which are placed inside the skull without penetrating brain tissue, offer a middle ground and are still largely in the experimental phase.
As these technologies progress, they are opening up new possibilities in healthcare, communication, and human-computer interaction. However, they also bring with them profound ethical concerns. One of the most pressing issues is mental privacy, the risk that sensitive neural data could be collected without consent, potentially exposing an individual’s thoughts, emotions, or mental states. Without clear regulations, such data could be exploited by employers, governments, or corporations. This raises important questions about data ownership and consent.
Additionally, the concept of cognitive liberty , the right to control one's own thoughts and mental processes is under threat. As BCIs become capable not only of reading but potentially altering brain activity, there is a growing push to formally recognize "neurorights," which include mental privacy, personal identity, and autonomy. The potential for security breaches also presents serious risks. If hacked, BCIs could allow unauthorized manipulation of a person’s neurological functions, underscoring the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity protocols.
To address these challenges, experts are advocating for both embedded ethics, integrating ethical safeguards into the technology itself and adversarial ethics, which involve independent oversight and regulation. Globally, initiatives by organizations like UNESCO and the Neurorights Foundation are calling for international standards to ensure that human rights are protected as neurotechnologies advance.
In short, while brain-reading devices promise transformative benefits, their development must be guided by strong ethical principles and legal safeguards. Striking the right balance between innovation and protection of fundamental human rights is essential to ensure these powerful tools serve humanity without compromising individual freedom or dignity.
Courtesy: Scientific India
3D Printed Pen helps detect Parkinson’s
A new 3D-printed pen filled with magnetic ink may help diagnose Parkinson’s disease by detecting subtle handwriting changes, according to a pilot study. Parkinson’s, which affects over 10 million people globally, causes motor symptoms like tremors and slow movement. Early diagnosis is crucial but current methods can be expensive, invasive, or subjective.
Researchers from UCLA developed a cost-effective pen with a magnetic silicone tip and ink. As the user writes or draws, the motion generates electrical signals based on hand movements. These signals are analyzed using a smartphone app powered by AI.
In tests involving 16 people, including 3 with Parkinson’s, the AI model achieved an average accuracy of 96% in identifying the disease. Experts say while promising, the tool needs larger, more diverse trials. It may not work alone as handwriting is just one symptom, but it could complement other diagnostic tools and help detect Parkinson’s earlier and more reliably.
Courtesy: Guardian
Animals at Sea level found to have keen sense of smell than their High-Altitude counterparts
Animals living in mountainous regions appear to have a reduced sense of smell: an evolutionary trade-off that may help them adapt to the cold, dry, high-altitude environment. A new study published in Current Biology found that species such as goats and llamas have fewer genes related to smell and smaller olfactory brain structures than their lowland counterparts.
Researchers analyzed genetic data across various mammals and discovered that those living above 1000 meters had, on average, 23% fewer olfactory receptor genes and 18% smaller olfactory bulbs. These adaptations likely reflect the challenges of detecting scents in high altitudes, where low temperatures and dry air make it harder for scent molecules to travel. The findings suggest that, in such environments, smell becomes less critical for survival — possibly prompting animals to rely more on other senses like vision or taste.
Interestingly, this genetic trend was not observed in humans. A comparison between high-altitude Tibetans and their lowland relatives, the Han Chinese, revealed no significant difference in olfactory genes, likely due to humans’ shorter evolutionary timescales and the role of learned behavior in scent perception.
The study provides a unique glimpse into how the environment shapes the sensory systems of animals, offering new insights into evolution’s role in helping species thrive in extreme habitats like mountaintops.
Courtesy: Science.Org
Humpback Whales found to have Myopic vision
Contrary to the assumption that large eyes mean better vision, a new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences has found that humpback whales actually have poor eyesight. Scientists from Duke University and the University of North Carolina Wilmington discovered that, despite their eye size, humpbacks are nearsighted: able to detect large, simple shapes from a far, but unable to see fine details unless very close.
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This limited vision is significant because it affects how whales navigate their environment and respond to human-made threats like fishing gear and ships. The study used an eye from a stranded whale, stored for over a decade, to create anatomical and perceptual models that simulate how these whales see.
The findings are important for developing safer fishing practices and equipment that whales can detect more easily. The research also opens up broader questions about how much we understand marine mammals and how their sensory limitations impact their survival.
Courtesy: Discover
New Study finds that ChatGPT is making people duller
A recent study has reignited the debate over whether artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT could be dulling our cognitive abilities. Researchers from the MIT Media Lab investigated how using AI or traditional internet tools affects brain activity during essay writing and found that those who used ChatGPT showed less brain engagement than those who wrote without any online assistance.
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The study involved 60 university students aged 18–39 from institutions around Boston, Massachusetts. Participants were asked to write number of short essays responding to SAT-style prompts. They were split into three groups: one used ChatGPT, another used Google for conventional online searches, and the third worked without internet access. Each student wore an EEG headset that tracked electrical activity in their brains during the task.
The results showed that students writing without any tools demonstrated the highest levels of brain connectivity, particularly between the brain’s visual regions and the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with decision-making and critical thinking. The Google group also showed significant activity, especially in areas linked to memory and visual processing. But the ChatGPT group exhibited the least connectivity, suggesting lighter mental engagement.
Interestingly, when students switched groups to write a fourth essay, some moving from ChatGPT to writing without tools and others doing the reverse, their brain activity changed. Those who had used ChatGPT first showed increased brain activity when writing unaided, but it was still lower than those who had never used the AI. On the flip side, those switching from unaided writing to ChatGPT actually showed more brain connectivity than before, a surprising twist that researchers say could reflect the influence of task familiarity or the novelty of the tool.
The researchers are careful not to overstate the results. With only 60 participants and brief tasks, the study doesn’t answer whether long-term use of AI affects cognitive development. The findings merely suggest that using chatbots may reduce immediate mental effort in certain tasks. Still, this raises questions about how and when students should be introduced to AI tools and whether over-reliance could weaken creativity or problem-solving over time.
Experts like Adam Green of Georgetown University, who specializes in the neuroscience of creativity, believe the study hints at a real risk: if AI does the heavy lifting in ideation, our brains may get less practice generating original thoughts. But he cautions that more research is needed, especially with varied tasks and larger groups.
Educational researchers like Guido Makransky, however, see promise in AI tools when used correctly. Rather than simply providing answers, well-designed AI systems could help students develop by prompting critical reflection and deeper inquiry.
While far from conclusive, the study taps into a growing concern about the cognitive trade-offs of using AI. It suggests that how and when we use these tools — not just whether we use them — could shape our thinking in subtle but meaningful ways.
Courtesy: Nature
