Phys.org

A newly described fossil species from Egypt, Wadisuchus kassabi, has been identified as the earliest known member of the Dyrosauridae, a group of ancient seagoing crocodiles. Dating back approximately 80 million years, this discovery provides evidence for an African origin of Dyrosauridae and suggests their diversification began earlier than previously believed. Anatomical analysis reveals adaptations for marine life, offering valuable insights into reptile evolution following the extinction of the dinosaurs. The find also underscores the importance of Egypt’s Western Desert as a significant paleontological resource requiring ongoing protection.

Recent analysis of the Dresden Codex, a key Mayan astronomical text, reveals that the Maya predicted solar eclipses by aligning their lunar calendar with their 260-day astrological calendar. The 405-month eclipse table, previously thought to be solely for eclipse prediction, was originally designed to synchronize lunar and astrological cycles. By using overlapping tables and periodic resets, the Maya corrected for astronomical errors, enabling accurate eclipse predictions for over 700 years. This research highlights the sophistication of Mayan calendrical systems and offers new insights into their advanced understanding of astronomy.

Recent advancements in polymer chemistry demonstrate that incorporating fluorine into degradable polyesters accelerates polymer chain formation, enables longer chains, and allows for precise property modification. These fluorinated polyesters exhibit enhanced mechanical robustness and thermal stability, making them more competitive with conventional plastics. Importantly, the fluorine can be recovered during chemical recycling, supporting sustainability goals. This approach broadens the application potential of polyesters and highlights the impact of targeted molecular modifications in developing high-performance, recyclable materials that align with both environmental and industrial requirements.

Recent research has revealed that axolotl salamanders rely on the sympathetic nervous system—the “fight or flight” network—to activate stem cells throughout the body during limb regeneration. This systemic response primes uninjured tissues for rapid regrowth and involves adrenergic signaling pathways and downstream processes such as mTOR activation. The findings suggest that similar mechanisms, given the presence of adrenaline in humans, could potentially be leveraged to enhance regenerative medicine. This study shifts the perspective on limb regeneration from a localized to a whole-body phenomenon, opening new avenues for future research.

Recent livestreams capturing real-time rattlesnake behavior across several U.S. states have demonstrated measurable impact on public attitudes and education. Project RattleCam’s broadcasts have reached over 4.4 million views and 21,300 subscribers, with significant engagement through live chats and media coverage. Findings published in a peer-reviewed journal highlight how these livestreams foster empathy, shift perceptions, and encourage constructive dialogue about often-misunderstood species. This approach not only advances public understanding of rattlesnakes’ ecological roles but also provides a model for science-focused live-cams to promote awareness of less popular wildlife.

Recent research has identified a simple DNA switch that enables tropical butterflies to adjust their wing eyespot patterns in response to seasonal temperature changes. This genetic mechanism, unique to satyrid butterflies, regulates the activity of a key developmental gene, allowing for adaptive changes in wing appearance between wet and dry seasons. These findings enhance our understanding of environmental sensitivity and evolutionary adaptation, offering valuable insights that may inform future strategies for supporting species resilience amid climate change. The study was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution in October 2025.

Recent findings indicate that abrupt permafrost thaw accelerates soil phosphorus cycling, increasing both phosphorus mobilization and plant uptake. This process is linked to changes in root morphology and microbial dynamics, resulting in enhanced plant productivity and carbon sequestration. While permafrost thaw is often associated with increased carbon release, these results suggest that accelerated phosphorus cycling may partially offset carbon emissions. These insights are essential for improving predictions of permafrost carbon dynamics and informing mitigation strategies in climate-sensitive regions.

A new electromagnetic levitation device enables precise, label-free cell sorting by manipulating cells based on their density and magnetic susceptibility. Unlike traditional methods, this approach avoids harsh chemicals and physical contact, preserving cell viability for downstream applications such as genomic testing. The system can efficiently separate live from dead cells and distinguish between different cell types, with real-time control over sorting parameters. This technology offers significant potential for clinical diagnostics, research, and cell-based therapies, providing a versatile platform for a range of biomedical applications.

Recent DNA analysis of remains from Napoleon’s 1812 Russian campaign has provided new insights into the causes of the army’s catastrophic losses. Contrary to longstanding beliefs that typhus was the primary culprit, researchers identified pathogens responsible for enteric fever and relapsing fever in the soldiers’ teeth. These findings, enabled by advanced ancient DNA sequencing, challenge previous assumptions and highlight the evolving understanding of historical disease outbreaks. The study demonstrates the value of modern genomic tools in revisiting and clarifying pivotal events in history, offering a more nuanced perspective on the factors behind the army’s demise.

Recent research highlights the potential of mushrooms as organic memory chips for future computing. Edible fungi, such as shiitake mushrooms, have demonstrated the ability to function as memristors—data processors capable of remembering past electrical states. These mushroom-based devices offer comparable performance to traditional semiconductor chips, with added benefits of being low-cost, biodegradable, and energy-efficient. While still in early stages, fungal electronics present a promising path toward sustainable, brain-inspired computing components, with possible applications ranging from edge computing to wearable devices. Further development may enable scalable, environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional memory technologies.