SCIENCES.ENERGIES.ENVIRONNEMENT: SCIENCES ENERGIES ENVIRONNEMENT BLOGGER

Dear olivier hartmanshenn,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for week 03:

	Jupiter's hidden depths: Simulation suggests planet holds 1.5 times more oxygen than the sun A comprehensive atmospheric model indicates Jupiter contains about 1.5 times more oxygen than the sun, resolving previous uncertainties about its composition. The model integrates both chemistry and hydrodynamics, revealing that atmospheric circulation is 35–40 times slower than previously thought. These findings refine understanding of Jupiter’s formation and the processes shaping planetary systems.

	Fluid gears rotate without teeth, offering new mechanical flexibility Fluid-based gears, which rotate without interlocking teeth, have been developed using controlled fluid flows between immersed cylinders. These gears can transmit rotation and adjust speed or direction depending on cylinder distance and rotation rate, functioning like traditional gears or pulleys. This approach offers enhanced flexibility and durability compared to conventional mechanical gears.

	Staying single for longer affects young people's well-being, study finds Extended singlehood in young adulthood is associated with declining life satisfaction and increased loneliness, particularly in the late twenties, while depressive symptoms also rise. Men, individuals with higher education, and those with lower well-being are more likely to remain single longer. Entering a first romantic relationship improves life satisfaction and reduces loneliness, but does not significantly affect depressive symptoms.

	T. rex grew up slowly: New study reveals 'king of dinosaurs' kept growing until age 40 Tyrannosaurus rex reached full size over about 40 years, significantly longer than previously thought. Advanced analysis of 17 specimens revealed a slower, more prolonged growth phase and identified hidden growth rings. Findings also suggest some specimens may represent different species, highlighting greater diversity within the Tyrannosaurus group.

	New state of matter discovered in a quantum material A quantum material exhibiting quantum-critical behavior, where the particle-like description of electrons fails, was found to display robust topological states, evidenced by a spontaneous Hall effect at low temperatures. This demonstrates that topological properties can exist without well-defined quasiparticles, indicating that the definition of topological states should be generalized beyond the conventional particle picture.

	Atmospheric physicists find error in widely cited Arctic snow cover observations A reanalysis of NOAA data indicates that Northern Hemisphere autumn snow cover has decreased by approximately 0.5 million km² per decade, contrary to previous reports of an increase. This discrepancy arose from changes in data collection methods, which led to overestimation of snow cover. The findings reinforce that snow loss, driven by anthropogenic warming, amplifies Arctic warming through the snow-albedo feedback.

	British redcoat's lost memoir reveals harsh realities of life as a disabled veteran Previously unknown autobiographical material reveals that Shadrach Byfield, a British veteran of the War of 1812, faced persistent pain, poverty, and social conflict after his injury and amputation. Contrary to his image as an uncomplaining soldier, Byfield actively sought better pensions and recounted hardship, resilience, and psychological strain in his later memoirs.

	Scientists reveal what drives homosexual behavior in primates Same-sex sexual behavior in primates is widespread and has a deep evolutionary origin. It is more common in species facing harsh environments, high predation, or complex social structures, suggesting it may help manage social tension, reinforce bonds, or build alliances. This behavior can be partially inherited and may offer adaptive advantages under certain ecological and social pressures.

	Detailed map reveals groundwater levels across the U.S. A high-resolution map estimates the continental U.S. holds about 306,000 km³ of groundwater, over 13 times the volume of the Great Lakes. Using over a million direct measurements and AI, groundwater depth was mapped at 30-meter resolution, revealing previously unknown shallow supplies. The model quantifies uncertainty and is publicly available to support water management and research.

	Infant gut bacteria may be the key to preventing asthma and allergies Early colonization of infants' guts with specific bifidobacteria that produce 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA) is linked to reduced risk of allergies and asthma. 4-OH-PLA suppresses IgE antibody production, dampening allergic immune responses. Vaginal birth, breastfeeding, and early social contact increase these bacteria, suggesting potential for preventive strategies using probiotics or metabolites.

	Sparse tongue hair explains why queen bees stop foraging when workers emerge Queen bumblebees have longer tongues with sparsely spaced hairs, reducing their ability to efficiently collect nectar compared to workers, whose densely packed tongue hairs trap nectar more effectively. This physical limitation explains why queens stop foraging and remain in the nest once workers emerge, influencing division of labor within colonies.

	Wormholes may not exist—we've found they reveal something deeper about time and the universe Einstein–Rosen bridges, originally conceived as mathematical links between two symmetrical spacetimes, are not traversable wormholes but represent a connection between two microscopic arrows of time. This reinterpretation suggests that both forward and backward time directions are needed for a complete quantum description, potentially resolving the black hole information paradox and implying the universe may have evolved from a prior, time-reversed phase.

	Scientist wins 'Environment Nobel' for shedding light on hidden fungal networks Mycorrhizal fungal networks form extensive underground systems that exchange nutrients with plant roots and sequester about 13 billion tons of carbon annually, playing a crucial role in climate regulation. Recent mapping and imaging have revealed their global distribution and complex resource-trading behaviors, highlighting their ecological importance and the need for targeted conservation efforts.

	Complex life on planets orbiting the galaxy's most common stars may be unlikely Planets orbiting M-dwarf stars likely receive insufficient photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to support the oxygen accumulation necessary for complex life. Modeling indicates that oxygenation on such worlds would take tens of billions of years, making the emergence of multicellular organisms improbable. Complex life is thus more likely around stars emitting higher-energy light.

	Video game experiment reveals people value feeding their neighbors—even at a cost to themselves In a video game simulating small farm management with real monetary incentives, most participants chose to provide affordable food to their virtual neighbors, even at personal financial loss. This behavior indicates a strong preference for community nourishment over maximizing profit, highlighting public support for policies that help small farmers balance economic sustainability with local food access.

	Recovering tropical forests grow back nearly twice as fast with nitrogen Nitrogen availability nearly doubles the regrowth rate of young tropical forests, significantly enhancing their capacity to absorb CO₂ in the first decade after disturbance. Phosphorus addition showed no effect on growth. Strategic planting of nitrogen-fixing trees and prioritizing reforestation in nitrogen-rich areas can maximize carbon uptake, offering a temporary boost in climate mitigation.

	Mummified cheetahs found in Saudi caves shed light on lost populations Seven naturally-mummified cheetahs found in northern Saudi Arabia indicate that both Asiatic and Northwest African cheetah subspecies once inhabited the Arabian Peninsula. Genomic analysis of these remains, dating from 4,000 to 130 years ago, suggests that reintroduction efforts could consider multiple subspecies, broadening genetic options for restoring cheetahs to the region.

	Microplastics found in rural woodland at higher levels than in city centers Rural woodland environments can accumulate airborne microplastics at higher rates than city centers, with up to 500 particles/m²/day detected, nearly double urban levels. Vegetation such as trees enhances deposition, and weather conditions strongly influence particle movement. Most detected particles were under 50 μm, raising concerns about inhalation risks in both rural and urban areas.

	Hygienic conditions in Pompeii's early baths were poor, according to isotope analysis Isotope analysis of carbonate deposits from Pompeii's early baths indicates poor hygienic conditions, with water sourced from mineral-rich wells and infrequently renewed. Heavy metal contamination was detected, likely from plumbing replacements. Transition to aqueduct supply in the first century AD improved water quality. Cyclic carbon isotope patterns may reflect pre-eruption volcanic activity.

	Utah's other Great Salt Lake is underground, ancient, deep....and fresh A large, pressurized freshwater aquifer lies beneath the Great Salt Lake playa, separated from the overlying salt layer by a distinct interface about 9 meters deep. This groundwater, sourced from mountain snowmelt and partly dating back thousands of years, emerges at the surface through circular mounds where it is pushed upward. The aquifer is not a direct source for lake replenishment but may help control dust emissions.