Lifeboat Foundation

In a study published in the Astrophysical Journal, a team of researchers led by Kristen McQuinn, a scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute and an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Rutgers University-New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences, has reported finding that Leo P, a small galaxy and a distant neighbor of the Milky Way, “reignited,” reactivating during a significant period on the timeline of the universe, producing stars when many other small galaxies didn’t.

By studying galaxies early in their formation and in different environments, astronomers said they may gain a deeper understanding of the universe’s origins and the fundamental processes that shape it.

McQuinn and other members of the research team studied Leo P through NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, a space-based apparatus that features a large, segmented mirror and an expansive sunshield, both of which enable it to capture detailed images of distant celestial objects.

Summary: A comprehensive study mapped neuronal IL-1R1 (nIL-1R1) expression in the mouse brain, highlighting its role in sensory processing, mood, and memory regulation. Researchers found that neurons expressing IL-1R1 integrate immune and neural signals, revealing connections between inflammation and brain disorders like depression and anxiety.

The study pinpointed key regions, such as the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus, where IL-1 signaling influences synapse organization and neural circuit modulation. Notably, neuronal IL-1R1 modifies synaptic pathways without triggering inflammation, suggesting distinct functions in the central nervous system.

Have you read on social media about the “once in 396 billion years” planetary alignment happening on Jan. 25? Guess what? Social media is not reliable. Here’s what’s really going on — and why you don’t have to wait.

Four planets are easily visible to the naked eye this month. Next month, for a short period, there will be five. It’s not irregular, not particularly rare, and certainly not some kind of weird alignment—as the online hype would have you believe—but it is a spectacular sight. But is it one of the best stargazing and astronomy sights of 2025?

Here’s the truth about the so-called “planet parade” and when you can see it as its best all this month and during February.

Scientists from Delft, Vienna, and Lausanne discovered that the protein machines that shape our DNA can switch direction. Until now, researchers believed that these so-called SMC motors that make loops into DNA could move in one direction only. The discovery, which is published in Cell, is key to understanding how these motors shape our genome and regulate our genes.

“Sometimes, a cell needs to be quick in changing which genes should be expressed and which ones should be turned off, for example in response to food, alcohol or heat. To turn genes off and on, cells use Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) motors that act like switches to connect different parts of DNA,” first author Roman Barth explains.

“However, SMC machines don’t naturally know which parts to connect. They simply load somewhere on the DNA and start shaping it into a loop until they reach a point where they are forced to stop. That’s why they rely heavily on the ability to explore both sides of the DNA to find the right stop signs.”

At Argonne National Laboratory, scientists have leveraged the Frontier supercomputer to create an unprecedented simulation of the universe, encompassing a span of 10 billion light years and incorporating complex physics models.

This monumental achievement allows for new insights into galaxy formation and cosmic evolution, showcasing the profound capabilities of exascale computing.

Continue reading “The Biggest Simulation Ever: Frontier Supercomputer Models the Universe” »

MIT’s new robotic insects, inspired by bees, achieve longer flights and enhanced precision, paving the way for autonomous pollination tasks.

Tomorrow at 1PM PT / 4PM ET, we Premiere a new episode of Robots In Space, and this is about bots, including the latest on Phoenix from Sanctuary AI, the impact of cognitive automation on jobs, the Economic Singularity, plus our proprietary Event Horizon Indicator.

Discover how robotics and AI are reshaping our economic landscape in this eye-opening analysis. As an engineer, I break down the latest developments in humanoid robots, particularly Sanctuary AI’s breakthrough in hydraulic robotics and robot dexterity. Learn about my proprietary Event Horizon Indicator that tracks our progression toward the Economic Singularity through labor force participation and unemployment trends. From warehouse robotics to manufacturing automation, understand how the robot workforce is transforming industries and what this means for the future of work. Whether you’re interested in AI economics or concerned about tech unemployment, this video provides crucial insights into the ongoing robot revolution and its impact on our economy.

Dan dennet real patterns.

Daniel C. Dennett, Real Patterns, The Journal of Philosophy, Vol. 88, No. 1 (Jan., 1991), pp. 27–51.

Dan dennett on patterns and ontology.

I want to look at what Dennett has to say about patterns because 1) I introduced the term in my previous discussion, In Search of Dennett’s Free-Floating Rationales [1], and 2) it is interesting for what it says about his philosophy generally.

You’ll recall that, in that earlier discussion, I pointed out talk of “free-floating rationales” (FFRs) was authorized by the presence of a certain state of affairs, a certain pattern of relationships among, in Dennett’s particular example, an adult bird, (vulnerable) chicks, and a predator. Does postulating talk of FFRs add anything to the pattern? Does it make anything more predictable? No. Those FFRs are entirely redundant upon the pattern that authorizes them. By Occam’s Razor, they’re unnecessary.

Continue reading “Dan Dennett on Patterns (and Ontology)” »