Lifeboat News: The Blog – Safeguarding Humanity

Get the latest international news and world events from around the world.

Jan 21
2026

This Microscopic Worm Turns Static Electricity Into a Deadly Weapon

A tiny worm turns static electricity into a powerful weapon, launching itself through the air to catch flying prey.

Jan 21
2026

DNA Breakthrough Solves Decade-Old Mystery of the Beachy Head Woman

New research suggests the mysterious Roman-era “Beachy Head Woman” was likely from Britain, not the Mediterranean or sub-Saharan Africa. Advances in DNA sequencing are helping researchers resolve a mystery that has surrounded the Beachy Head Woman for more than ten years. The remains of a youn

Jan 21
2026

This Quantum Material Breaks the Rules — and Reveals New Physics

Electrons are usually described as particles, but in a rare quantum material, that picture completely breaks down

Jan 21
2026

Scientists Found a Hidden Switch Inside Quantum Matter

Quantum materials can behave in surprising ways when many tiny spins act together, producing effects that don’t exist in single particles.

Jan 21
2026

Depression’s impact on fairness perceptions depends on socioeconomic status

Depression may make unfair offers seem fairer, but only if you perceive yourself as having high social status. New research explores how socioeconomic status moderates the cognitive distortions associated with depression in financial decision-making.

Jan 21
2026

Early life adversity primes the body for persistent physical pain, new research suggests

Survivors of childhood trauma face higher risks of persistent pain after events like car crashes. New findings in Pain show that early adversity creates a physiological vulnerability to unremitting physical discomfort.

Jan 21
2026

Neuroscience study reveals that familiar rewards trigger motor preparation before a decision is made

A new study reveals that reward-linked cues directly engage the brain’s premotor system. This neural activity primes specific actions, biasing decision-making before an opportunity to act even arises.

Jan 21
2026

Emotional abuse predicts self-loathing more strongly than other childhood traumas

A new study suggests that verbal mistreatment drives malignant self-regard more than other forms of trauma. Researchers found that internalized shame is most closely linked to emotional abuse, with distinct patterns emerging for men.

Jan 21
2026

Sycophantic chatbots inflate people’s perceptions that they are “better than average”

A new study suggests that “sycophantic” AI fuels political extremism and overconfidence, creating digital echo chambers that users mistakenly perceive as unbiased and objective.

Jan 21
2026

Elite army training reveals genetic markers for resilience

A new analysis of soldiers attempting to join the U.S. Army Special Forces suggests that specific genetic variations play a role in how individuals handle extreme physical and mental pressure. The research identified distinct links between a soldier’s DNA and their cognitive performance, psychological resilience, and physiological stress response during a grueling selection course. These findings were published recently in the academic journal Physiology & Behavior.

To become a member of the elite Army Special Forces, a soldier must first pass the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course. This training program is widely recognized as one of the most difficult military evaluations in the world. Candidates must endure nearly three weeks of intense physical exertion. They face sleep deprivation and complex problem-solving exercises. The attrition rate is notoriously high. Approximately 70 percent of the soldiers who attempt the course fail to complete it. This environment creates a unique laboratory for scientists to study human endurance.

Researchers have sought to understand why some individuals thrive in these punishing environments while others struggle. Resilience is generally defined as the ability to adapt positively to adversity, trauma, or threats. It involves a combination of psychological stability and physiological recovery. While physical training and mental preparation are essential, biological factors also play a substantial role. Genetics help determine how the brain regulates chemicals and how the body processes stress hormones.