(Image Credit: Pixabay/The Debrief)

The Cortex

The cerebral cortex maps what the brain perceives in space. When we focus on our surroundings, theta-frequency waves sweep across them, searching for visual anomalies that might demand attention. Using animal subjects, the researchers sought to understand why performance in visual working memory tasks varies and why memory capacity appears limited.

Their work builds on previous studies identifying theta waves as being strongly correlated with attention—particularly during tasks requiring the brain to track multiple points at once. Miller’s earlier research supported the theory that different brainwave frequencies act as carriers for distinct forms of neural computation. The new study takes this a step further, revealing how those traveling waves may actively drive such computations.

“It shows that waves impact performance as they sweep across the surface of the cortex,” said Professor Miller, also of MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. “This raises the possibility that traveling waves are organizing, or even performing, neural computation.”

Brainwaves and Video Games

For their experiments, the team trained animals to play a simple video game: an array of colored squares appeared briefly on-screen, followed by a second array in which one square had changed color. The animals’ task was to look at the altered square as quickly as possible. Researchers tracked their eye movements and reaction times while recording brainwave activity in the frontal eye fields—a region of the cortex responsible for mapping visual information from the retina.

After analyzing hundreds of trials, the researchers found that both theta brainwave activity and the vertical location of the changed square were strongly correlated with how accurately and quickly the animals detected changes. Certain horizontal bands of the cortex appeared tuned to specific theta frequencies, meaning that a subject’s performance depended on whether the brain’s internal rhythm aligned with the position of the visual change.

“The optimal theta phase for behavior varied by retinotopic target location, progressing from the top to the bottom of the visual field,” the researchers wrote in Neuron. “This could be explained by a traveling wave of activity across the cortical surface during the memory delay.”

Continuing to Understand Visual Scanning

From this data, the team concluded that the brain’s ability to spot visual changes follows a distinct rhythm. The closer a visual change occurred to a band’s optimal theta phase, the faster it was recognized. The team says continued research will be needed to understand how this rhythmic mechanism evolved.

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/tech/ }

21-10-2025 om 22:12 geschreven door peter  

Boeing is pitching a new class of unmanned vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft — a modular, high-speed tiltrotor — that could operate alongside, support, and even protect crewed platforms like the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook. 

By unveiling the CxR, Boeing is entering a high-stakes race to supply the next generation of collaborative rotorcraft, with the potential to shift tactical aviation paradigms.

According to Aviation Week, the CxR is projected to weigh between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds and will be powered by a single turboshaft engine driving a pair of tilting propellers, enabling speeds of 200 to 250 knots. The aircraft is also expected to have a maximum gross weight between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,000 to 2,000 pounds.

This configuration would make the CxR roughly twice the size of the MQ-1 Predator, giving it significantly more heft and operational flexibility than many of the smaller unmanned systems in the U.S. Army’s current arsenal.  

Despite its size, Boeing emphasizes that the CxR is designed to be expeditionary, fitting compactly inside a C-130 Hercules transport to allow for rapid deployment to remote or contested theaters.

Boeing is presenting the CxR as part of a “family of systems” tailored to the Army’s future vertical lift ecosystem, with two specific variants already envisioned to address distinct mission needs.

One variant, dubbed the “Collaborative Combat Rotorcraft” (CCR), would be designed for front-line combat operations. In this configuration, the CxR would be equipped with weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems, allowing it to perform strike, reconnaissance, or escort missions. 

It could also serve as a “mothership” for smaller launched effects (LEs) — miniature drones that can be deployed mid-flight for surveillance, jamming, or precision attacks deep within enemy territory.

Boeing suggests the CCR variant of the CxR could be specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, extending its reach and capabilities on the battlefield.

Under the Army’s Manned-Unmanned Teaming-Extended (MUMT-X) architecture, Apache crews can already control sensors and flight paths of assets like the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone. Boeing aims to extend that control paradigm to the CxR, making it a “true wingman” rather than an autonomous sidecar. 

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/defense/ }

16-10-2025 om 17:58 geschreven door peter  

Native Americans Had Their Own Tales to Tell About Space Aliens — and Here's a New One

By Alan Boyle  

{ https://www.universetoday.com/ }

14-10-2025 om 20:45 geschreven door peter  

A group of former US Defense Department experts has called on the current Pentagon leadership to pay more attention to the development of hypersonic weapons. They say that the United States is already significantly behind Russia and China in this area due to road development.

Hypersonic weapons

Hypersonic weapons include aircraft capable of traveling at speeds of several thousand kilometers per hour, i.e., 6, 8, or even 10 times faster than the speed of sound. Only recently, experts who previously worked for the US Department of Defense stated that the country was moving too slowly in developing such systems and risked falling behind its competitors.

These specialists are now part of the so-called Task Force, i.e., they are consultants who conduct independent external assessments of the situation in the military department. Their latest report suggests that the US has significant problems in the field of hypersonic weapons, even though officials may not think so.

• Posted in News, TechTaggedUSA,war

{ https://universemagazine.com/en/articles-en/ }

13-10-2025 om 16:13 geschreven door peter  

Hidden, supercharged 'thermostat' may cause Earth to overcorrect for climate change

With both thermostats working in tandem, it's possible that the next ice age could start on time, instead of being delayed by the effects of climate change, study co-author Andy Ridgwell, a professor of geology at the University of California, Riverside, told Live Science.

The newfound thermostat does not protect humans living now from the effects of global warming, said study co-author Dominik Hülse, a mathematician and biogeochemical modeler at the University of Bremen in Germany. "It's not to say that we will be safe from global warming in the next 100 or even 1,000 years," he told Live Science.

Scientists have long suspected that Earth regulates its climate on geological timescales. Since the 1980s, researchers have theorized about a mechanism called the silicate weathering feedback, which occurs when rain captures CO₂ from the air and sprays it onto silicate rocks — rocks with minerals made of oxygen and silicon that constitute about 90% of the planet's crust. CO₂ reacts with these rocks, dissolving them and forming molecules that leach into the ground and eventually end up in the ocean. Once there, what was once CO₂ forms limestone and chalk, meaning it is locked away for millions of years.

The silicate weathering feedback is like a thermostat because the more CO₂ that is in the atmosphere, the warmer Earth gets and the more the water cycle intensifies. As precipitation increases, silicate weathering accelerates, meaning more CO₂ is transferred to the ocean and atmospheric CO₂ sinks to background levels again.

The feedback also works the other way around. "If you get too cold and CO₂ is too low, then the thermostat is consuming too little CO₂ compared with a background of constant release of CO₂ from the mantle, from volcanoes and other magma features," Ridgwell said. In this scenario, less CO₂ ends up in the ocean and atmospheric levels slowly increase back to average levels, he said.

But the silicate weathering feedback moves slowly; it can take up to 1 million years after a perturbation to rebalance CO₂ levels. As a result, there are climate events it can't explain, including Earth's glacial and interglacial cycles, which are characterized by huge fluctuations in CO₂ levels and temperature that occur roughly every 100,000 years, Ridgwell said.

Silicate weathering also can't explain snowball Earth events, which completely cover the planet in ice, Hülse said. If silicate weathering were the only thermostat regulating Earth's climate, its smooth balancing act would prevent it from tipping into such extreme conditions, Hülse explained.

A second "thermostat"

The new research was inspired by Hülse's doctoral dissertation, in which he calculated how much organic carbon was preserved in ocean sediments during past climatic events. His results showed that after periods of intense volcanic activity and warming, mountains of organic carbon were deposited onto the seafloor. This finding suggested there might be a link between atmospheric CO₂ levels and organic carbon burial in the ocean.

"There are definitely times in Earth's history when a lot of organic carbon has been deposited," Ridgwell said. "We've sort of known that there must be other things going on [besides silicate weathering], but it's much more complex to put in a model."

But Hülse and Ridgwell tackled this challenge in the new study by amalgamating their individual projects into a single global climate carbon cycle model that accounted for organic carbon burial in the seafloor. Their results revealed a second "thermostat" rooted in Earth's phosphorus cycle, which starts on land with rocks containing minerals such as apatite, the researchers said.

Weathering of these rocks due to precipitation releases phosphorus, which leaches into the ground, enters streams and rivers, and eventually ends up in the ocean. There, phosphorus is a key nutrient for tiny photosynthetic creatures known as phytoplankton, which use it to fuel cellular processes. When phytoplankton die, they sink to the ocean bottom, where they deposit organic carbon, phosphorus and other nutrients.

In a warmer world, more phosphorus is washed into the ocean and phytoplankton proliferate, meaning more organic carbon and phosphorus reach the seafloor. However, warmer oceans also hold less oxygen because oxygen becomes less soluble as temperatures increase. This deoxygenation releases deposited phosphorus back into the water column while burying organic carbon in sediments.

"Exactly how that happens is not mechanistically entirely known, but we know it happens," Ridgwell said. "Where we've had these events in the past where we see massive amounts of organic carbon being buried after a warming event, there's very, very, very little phosphorus in that material compared with normal material. If it's not being buried, it must have been returned to the ocean."

As phosphorus gets recycled, it reenters the food chain and phytoplankton continue to proliferate as they feast on phosphorus from both the land and the ocean. This leads to a phytoplankton boom, which sucks more and more CO₂ out of the atmosphere and deposits more and more organic carbon onto the seafloor, which brings down global temperatures.

So, the warmer the world gets, the more productive the oceans become and the more carbon is locked away, which cools the climate. But the difference between phosphorus and silicate weathering is that phosphorus in the ocean doesn't decline as soon as Earth cools, because it continues to be released at the seafloor.

"The organic carbon thermostat is a little bit like the silicate thermostat, except it has this supercharger," Ridgwell said. "You end up with so many nutrients in the ocean — and they're being recycled very efficiently — that it's very difficult to get rid of them again."

The phosphorus cycle eventually regains its balance, but the planet can "overcorrect" in the meantime, triggering events like snowball Earth, the researchers said. It's unclear how this second thermostat will respond to climate change now, but the ocean is so rich in oxygen compared with in the past that a snowball Earth is unlikely, they said.

Instead, it's possible that the organic carbon thermostat will make up for the delay expected for the next ice age. Climate change is disturbing Earth's natural cycles, and previous research suggests it could push back the next glacial period, which is due in about 11,000 years, by tens of thousands of years. But if the organic carbon thermostat activates, atmospheric CO₂ could return to background levels much faster, ensuring that the next ice age arrives on time.

"Whatever delay we'll end up with for the next ice age ... thinking about this mechanism might bring it back forward again," Ridgwell said. "One is going to start at some point for sure; it's all about when it starts."

{ https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth }

11-10-2025 om 22:22 geschreven door peter  

Is Earth on track for a mass extinction? More than 48,000 animals are now at risk of being wiped out, report warns

• READ MORE: What the end of the world will REALLY look like

By SHIVALI BEST, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR 

From the dodo to the Tasmanian tiger, many majestic creatures have become extinct over the years. 

Now, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that 48,646 animals that could be next. 

The IUCN has updated its 'Red List', revealing that three species of Arctic seal have moved closer to extinction. 

The update also warns that the majority (61 per cent) of bird species globally are in decline – a huge increase on the 44 per cent at risk in 2016. 

However, it's not all doom and gloom. 

The green sea turtle has increased in population by approximately 28 per cent, thanks to decades of conservation action. 

'Today's Red List update, launched at the IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi, shines a light on both the urgent challenges and the powerful possibilities before us,' said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General. 

'While species like Arctic seals and many birds face growing threats, the recovery of the green turtle reminds us that conservation works when we act with determination and unity.'

The IUCN has updated its 'Red List', revealing that three species of Arctic seal have moved closer to extinction.

Pictured: a bearded seal pup

The update also warns that the majority (61 per cent) of bird species globally are in decline – a huge increase on the 44 per cent at risk in 2016.

Pictured Schlegel's asity

Species on the IUCN Red List are animals of the highest conservation priority that need 'urgent action' to save. 

This year's list includes 172,620 animals – 48,646 of which are threatened with extinction. 

Three species of Arctic seal have moved closer to extinction, with the hooded seal now listed as Endangered, and the bearded seal and harp seal now listed as Near Threatened. 

These animals are under a variety of pressures, including shipping, noise, oil and mineral exploitation, hunting, and bycatch in fisheries. 

However, the biggest threat to these seals is climate change, according to Dr Kit Kovacs, Co–Chair of IUCN's Species Survival Commission Pinniped Specialist Group.

'Each year in Svalbard, the retreating sea ice reveals how threatened Arctic seals have become, making it harder for them to breed, rest and feed,' she explained. 

'Their plight is a stark reminder that climate change is not a distant problem – it has been unfolding for decades and is having impacts here and now. 

'Protecting Arctic seals goes beyond these species; it is about safeguarding the Arctic's delicate balance, which is essential for us all.' 

However, it's not all doom and gloom. The green sea turtle has increased in population by approximately 28 per cent, thanks to decades of conservation action

The Red List update also revealed that 61 per cent of all birds have declining populations – with species living in Madagascar, West Africa, and Central America most at risk.

This is mostly due to habitat loss, driven by agricultural expansion and logging, according to the IUCN. 

'That three in five of the world's bird species have declining populations shows how deep the biodiversity crisis has become and how urgent it is that governments take the actions they have committed to under multiple conventions and agreements,' said Dr Ian Burfield, BirdLife's Global Science Coordinator (Species) and Bird Red List Authority Coordinator. 

The green sea turtle, on the other hand, has actually improved in status, from Endangered to Least Concern. 

Since the 1970s, populations have increased by around 28 per cent, thanks to conservation efforts focusing on protecting nesting females and their eggs on beaches.

'The ongoing global recovery of the green turtle is a powerful example of what coordinated global conservation over decades can achieve to stabilise and even restore populations of long–lived marine species,' said Roderic Mast, Co–Chair of IUCN's Species Survival Commission Marine Turtle Specialist Group. 

Sadly, the Red List update also sees six species moved to the Extinct category. 

This includes the Christmas Island shrew, the slender–billed curlew, and the south–eastern striped bandicoot. 

Read More

• Ominous warning for humanity as birds suddenly adopt 'unsettling' behavior 

The update comes just one month ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, which will be held in Belém, Brazil, from 10–21 November. 

'As we look ahead to the Climate COP in Belém, governments and communities have a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action that protects biodiversity, stabilises our climate, and builds a future where people and nature flourish together,' Dr Aguilar added. 

You can explore the full IUCN Red List here. 

Researchers claim the Earth is going through a 'man made' sixth mass extinction with the 'biological annihilation' of wildlife

The world has experienced five mass extinctions over the course of its history, and experts claim we are seeing another one happen right now.   

A 2017 research paper claimed a 'biological annihilation' of wildlife in recent decades has triggered the sixth mass extinction and says the planet is heading towards a 'global crisis'. 

Scientists warn humanity's voracious consumption and wanton destruction is to blame for the event, which is the first major extinction since the dinosaurs.

Two species of vertebrate, animals with a backbone, have gone extinct every year, on average, for the past century.

Currently around 41 per cent of amphibian species and more than a quarter of mammals are threatened with extinction.

There are an estimated 8.7 million plant and animal species on our planet and about 86 per cent of land species and 91 per cent of sea species remain undiscovered.

Of the ones we do know, 1,204 mammal, 1,469 bird, 1,215 reptile, 2,100 amphibian, and 2,386 fish species are considered threatened.

Also threatened are 1,414 insect, 2,187 mollusc, 732 crustacean, 237 coral, 12,505 plant, 33 mushroom, and six brown algae species.

More than 25,000 species of 91,523 assessed for the 2017 'Red List' update were classified as 'threatened'. 

The number of invertebrates at risk has also peaked. 

Scientists predict insects may go extinct within 100 years as a result of crippling population decline.   

The dawn of the mass extinction coincides with the onset of the Anthropocene - the geological age defined by human activity being the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

10-10-2025 om 18:36 geschreven door peter  

Earth's largest ocean current is grinding to a halt: Crucial system is now flowing three times slower than it was 130,000 years ago – and the consequences could be disastrous

• READ MORE: Key North Atlantic current is on the brink of COLLAPSING

By WILIAM HUNTER, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY REPORTER

Five times stronger than the Gulf Stream and 100 times larger than the Amazon River, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is by far the world's largest ocean current.

But this key system is grinding to a halt, a new study has warned. 

Analysing core samples, scientists from the University of Bonn have found that the ACC has undergone a major slowdown.

In fact, the ocean current is now running three times slower than it was 130,000 years ago.

Worryingly, if it continues, this dramatic slowdown could have disastrous consequences.

The ACC is largely driven by westerly winds, which allow the circling flow to transport heat, dissolved carbon, and nutrients from ocean to ocean.

That makes it essential for sustaining not only regional temperatures, but also the entire global climate and ecosystem.

'If this current "engine" breaks down, there could be severe consequences, including more climate variability, with greater extremes in certain regions, and accelerated global warming due to a reduction in the ocean's capacity to act as a carbon sink,' warned Dr Bishakhdatta Gayen, associate professor at the University of Melbourne, who was not involved in the study. 

Scientists have found that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (illustrated), the world's largest ocean current, was over three times faster 130,000 years ago 

The ACC circles the Antarctic continent from East to West, connecting the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

While it's critical for global heat transport, how it has changed through the years has remained unclear until now. 

To get to the bottom of it, the University of Bonn scientists looked at sediment samples collected by a research vessel in the Scotia Sea north of Antarctica.

This allowed them to work out how the ACC has changed in speed and position over the last 160,000 years.

'The velocity in the second–to–last warm period, roughly 130,000 years ago, was more than three times greater than in the last millennia comprising the current warm period,' said expedition lead Dr Michael Weber.

While the reason for this slowdown remains unclear, the researchers suggest that most of the change can be attributed to the differences in Earth's orbit around the sun.

The Earth orbits the sun in an elliptical pattern that repeats once every 100,000 years.

At the same time, the Earth's axis changes in tilt and rotation once every 21,000 years. 

Using sediment cores gathered by the research vessel Joides Resolution, researchers were able to see how the current has changed its speed and position over the last 160,000 years

This creates a pattern of radiation intensity from the sun that has a strong influence on the speed of winds and, therefore, on the speed of wind–driven currents like the ACC.

This could explain why the current was moving so much faster 130,000 years ago – despite the climate looking largely the same as today.

Those same patterns of radiation likely forced the ACC at least 370 miles (600 km) closer to the south pole during the last warm period than it is today.

Dr Webber explained: 'Both parameters showed a simultaneous, mutually reinforcing maximum exclusively during the last warm period.' 

However, research has also shown that human activity is further slowing down the ACC.

Using Australia's fastest supercomputer, researchers from the University of Melbourne recently simulated how the ACC will respond to a warming climate.

Worryingly, they found that human–caused climate change will likely cause the ACC to slow down by a further 20 per cent by 2050.

Scientists had previously thought that the current would actually get faster as the planet warmed, since warmer air produces faster winds and warm water is less dense. 

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), highlighted here in green, could slow by a further 20 per cent due to the effects of human–caused climate change 

However, these simulations revealed that the impacts of climate change on Antarctica's Ice shelves meant climate change was actually slowing the ACC overall.

As ice melts, it dumps vast quantities of cold, fresh water into the oceans, which fills the deep oceans and counteracts the effects of ocean warming – leading to a slower current.

If the ACC slows down further, it is likely to have dramatic and devastating effects on the global climate.

The ACC helps circulate nutrients around Antarctica that feed fish populations that global fisheries rely on.

The current also acts like a barrier, keeping warm water and invasive species like Southern Bull Kelp out of Antarctica.

Read More

• Earth's strongest ocean current is slowing due to climate change - consequences could be disastrous 

If this barrier weakens, more warm water will reach the Antarctic sea ice, further accelerating ice melt and exacerbating the slowdown effect.

That could lead to widespread disruption of global climate patterns and reduce the oceans' ability to help regulate world temperatures.

The Antarctic Ice Sheet holds around 90 per cent of all the fresh water on Earth and has the potential to cause massive increases in sea levels should it melt.

While researchers don't believe the ice sheet will vanish anytime soon, even modest accelerations in sea level rise could be catastrophic for the 230 million people who live within three feet of the high tide line today.

ATLANTIC OCEAN CIRCULATION PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN REGULATING THE GLOBAL CLIMATE

When it comes to regulating global climate, the circulation of the Atlantic Ocean plays a key role.

This is due to a constantly moving system of deep-water circulation often referred to as the Global Ocean Conveyor Belt which sends warm, salty Gulf Stream water to the North Atlantic where it releases heat to the atmosphere and warms Western Europe.

The cooler water then sinks to great depths and travels all the way to Antarctica and eventually circulates back up to the Gulf Stream.

When it comes to regulating global climate, the circulation of the Atlantic Ocean plays a key role

This motion is fuelled by thermohaline currents – a combination of temperature and salt.

It takes thousands of years for water to complete a continuous journey around the world.

Researchers believe that as the North Atlantic began to warm near the end of the Little Ice Age, freshwater disrupted the system, called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

Arctic sea ice, and ice sheets and glaciers surrounding the Arctic began to melt, forming a huge natural tap of fresh water that gushed into the North Atlantic.

This huge influx of freshwater diluted the surface seawater, making it lighter and less able to sink deep, slowing down the AMOC system.

Researchers found the AMOC has been weakening more rapidly since 1950 in response to recent global warming.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

08-10-2025 om 18:43 geschreven door peter  

Key North Atlantic current is on the brink of COLLAPSING – plunging Europe into a 'Little Ice Age', scientists warn

• READ MORE: The Gulf Stream is 'closer to collapsing than ever before'

By JONATHAN CHADWICK, ASSISTANT SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR 

A key ocean current in the North Atlantic Ocean is weakening to the point of total collapse due to climate change, a new study warns. 

Scientists say the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre – a massive system of rotating ocean currents south of Greenland – has been losing stability since the 1950s.

It is now approaching a 'tipping point' – a critical threshold in the system which, if passed, could cause sudden and dramatic climate changes. 

The North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre moves heat from the tropics to the North Atlantic, helping to regulate temperatures in Europe and North America. 

But this movement slowing down or 'weakening' could plunge Europe into another 'Little Ice Age', a dramatic period of regional cooling like the one between around 1300 to 1850.

During the last Little Ice Age, rivers froze over and crops were decimated when average temperatures dropped by about 3.6°F (2°C).

Study author Dr Beatriz Arellano Nava, a lecturer in physical oceanography at the University of Exeter, called the findings 'highly worrying'. 

'Our results provide independent evidence that the North Atlantic has lost stability, suggesting that a tipping point could be approaching, although it remains uncertain when this threshold might be reached,' she said. 

The North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre is a massive system of rotating ocean currents that transports heat from the tropics to the North Atlantic, helping to regulate temperatures in Europe and North America

In oceanography, a gyre is a large system of ocean surface currents moving in a circular fashion driven by wind movements. 

The North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre is one of five major subtropical gyres around the world that are part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) – the vast system of ocean currents that distributes heat around the world, as well as transferring nutrients and carbon dioxide to deeper ocean parts.

Described as 'the conveyor belt of the ocean', AMOC delivers warm water near the ocean's surface northwards from the tropics up to the northern hemisphere, keeping Europe and the US east coast 'temperate' – neither very hot nor very cold. 

But due to climate change, both systems could pass a tipping point and even collapse, which would mean much of the northern hemisphere, including Europe and North America, could experience harsh, freezing cold winters. 

For the study, the researchers analysed data from clams found around the North Atlantic region, which have secrets hidden in their shells. 

They focused on shells of the ocean quahog and dog cockle, two species of clam that live buried in the North Atlantic seabed. 

The clam forms a new shell growth band every year and the width of this band reflects environmental conditions for hundreds of years – much like the concentric rings within a tree trunk. 

In other words, the chemical composition of the shells encodes information about the state of the seawater in which the clam was growing. 

In the Hollywood blockbuster The Day After Tomorrow (pictured), ocean currents around the world stop as a result of global warming, triggering a new ice age on Earth

Researchers based their findings on clam shells recovered from around the North Atlantic region. In this colour map, redness indicates greater loss of current stability preceding rapid circulation changes

What is the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre?

The North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre is a massive system of rotating ocean currents in the North Atlantic. 

It transports heat from the tropics to the North Atlantic, helping to regulate temperatures in Europe and North America.

It also helps to power the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) – a key part of the global ocean conveyor belt that moves heat and nutrients around the world.

Crucially, oxygen and carbon isotopes in the shells provide insights on a range of processes in the marine environment, such as regional changes in circulation. 

'We don't have ocean observations going back into the distant past, but the bands in clam shells give us an unbroken annual record covering hundreds of years,' said Dr Nava. 

The data revealed that the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre has had two 'destabilisation episodes' over the past 150 years where it has lost stability – suggesting that a tipping point could be approaching. 

The first destabilisation episode happened in the early 20th century before the 1920s, while the second stronger episode began around 1950 and continues to the present day. 

This suggests that the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre is moving toward a tipping point that could lead to a cascade of 'catastrophic, irreversible changes' to our climate, such as more extreme weather events, particularly in Europe, and changes in global precipitation patterns. 

While it would be less catastrophic than the collapse of the AMOC, it would still bring substantial impacts including more frequent extreme weather in the North Atlantic region and deep freezes in Europe. 

The UK and northern Europe could experience much harsher winters typical of parts of Canada, while the east coast of the US could see dramatic sea level rises due to changes in ocean circulation. 

While the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre looks likely to 'weaken abruptly', it 'would not completely collapse' as it is also driven by winds, Dr Nava said. 

North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre is part of, and helps power, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation  Earth's vast system of ocean currents that distributes heat and nutrients around the world. The new study finds evidence of 'stability loss' that suggests the region is 'moving towards a tipping point'

The Little Ice Age was a period of major mountain-glacier expansion that spanned from around the early 14th century through to the mid-19th century, when rivers froze over and crops were decimated 

Read More

• Cost of climate change: Extreme weather cost Europe €43 BILLION this summer, experts warn 

'Such a weakening would reduce the northward flow of heat carried by ocean currents, likely triggering a chain of climate changes including more frequent extreme weather events, stronger seasonal contrasts in Europe, and shifts in global rainfall patterns,' she told the Daily Mail.

However, a weakening North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre is what occurred during the early years of the Little Ice Age – suggesting similar climate effects could be seen again even if the wider AMOC doesn't collapse. 

The study, published in the journal Science Advances, offers independent evidence that the North Atlantic has 'lost stability over recent decades and is vulnerable to crossing a tipping point'. 

'Melting of polar ice due to climate change is certainly contributing to the weakening of ocean currents and pushing them closer to a tipping point, so rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the best way to prevent tipping points in the Atlantic Ocean,' the expert added. 

How does global warming affect global currents?  

Scientists think melting glaciers could cause the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation or AMOC, the system of ocean currents.

Described as 'the conveyor belt of the ocean', the AMOC transports warm water near the ocean's surface northwards – from the tropics up to the northern hemisphere.

When the warm water reaches the North Atlantic (Europe and the UK, and the US east coast), it releases the heat and then freezes. As this ice forms, salt is left behind in the ocean water.

Due to the large amount of salt in the water, it becomes denser, sinks, and is carried southwards – back towards the tropics – in the depths below.

Eventually, the water gets pulled back up towards the surface and warms up in a process called upwelling, completing the cycle.

Scientists think AMOC brings enough warmth to the northern hemisphere that without it, large parts of Europe could enter a deep freeze.

Prior studies have already shown that due to climate change, the AMOC is weakening (meaning the movement of heat is slowing down)

The engine of this conveyor belt is off the coast of Greenland, where, as more ice melts from climate change, more freshwater flows into the North Atlantic and slows everything down. 

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06-10-2025 om 18:08 geschreven door peter  

Background: What are Ammonites?

Belonging to the Phylum Mollusca, these extinct marine invertebrates resemble a nautilus, complete with a spiral shell. Ammonites lived around 408-65 million years ago in Earth’s ancient seas, and because these creatures are related to cuttlefish, nautilus, octopus, and squid, their soft bodies did not fossilize well, leaving mainly their shells behind for scientists to study.

These shells have helped scientists date other fossils, as well as tell scientists the approximate locations of Earth’s ancient oceans. However, there are still mysteries surrounding these creatures, especially when it comes to how they moved and why their shells were such particular shapes. 

Analysis: Building Robotic Ammonites

To study ammonite movement, researchers at the University of Utah created robotic ammonites out of 3D-printed materials. The robots helped the researchers to better understand how the ammonites maneuvered through the water as well as the best shell shape for balanced movement. According to David Peterman, a postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Utah, “These results reiterate that there is no single optimum shell shape…My broader research goal is to provide a better understanding of these enigmatic animals, their ecosystem roles, and the evolutionary processes that shaped them.”

The researchers built three different robotic ammonites with designs based on nautilus shells and ammonite fossils. The three robots were tested in the water by doing laps. This helped the researchers see the pros and cons of each shell type. “Throughout their evolution, externally shelled cephalopods navigated their physical limitations by endlessly experimenting with variations on the shape of their coiled shells,” explained Peterman. This was illustrated in the differences in the fossils, as the spirals of the shells shifted into something similar to the ones we have today.

Outlook: Using Robots to Study the Past

While this study helped the researchers to better understand the evolutionary process behind ammonite movement and shell shape, it also illustrated the utility of using robotics to study the past. Robotics can help to bring fossils to life, allowing scientists to better understand the possible movements of these ancient animals. With other advanced technology like AI and virtual reality (VR), recreating the past will be easier than ever.

AI is already helping us to determine our ancient human roots, and with the help of virtual reality, we are closing in on recreating lifelike representations of extinct animals like mammoths in a virtual setting. In the years ahead, such advances may prove to be key assets for scientists in the years ahead, who will now have access to a clearer idea of how these extinct animals once thrived on our planet. 

• Kenna Hughes-Castleberry is a staff writer at the Debrief and the Science Communicator at JILA (a partnership between the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST). She focuses on deep tech, the metaverse, and quantum technology. You can find more of her work at her website: https://kennacastleberry.com/

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/science/ }

04-10-2025 om 23:33 geschreven door peter  

Microbes trapped in permafrost AWAKEN after 40,000 years – as scientists warn they could spark the next pandemic

• READ MORE: Scientists discover hundreds of giant VIRUSES in the ocean

By JONATHAN CHADWICK, ASSISTANT SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR 

It may sound like the start of a horror film, but ancient infectious lifeforms are being brought back to life. 

Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder have deliberately resurrected microorganisms that have been frozen in Alaska for around 40,000 years. 

These tiny bugs, invisible to the naked eye, have been trapped in 'permafrost' – frozen earth material containing soil, rock and ice. 

In controlled experiments, the scientists discovered that if you thaw out permafrost, the microbes don't immediately become active. 

But after a few months, like waking up after a long nap, they begin to form flourishing colonies.

Worryingly, the microbes have the potential to unleash dangerous pathogens that could spark the next pandemic.

'These are not dead samples by any means,' warned study author Dr Tristan Caro, a geological scientist at University of Colorado Boulder. 

What's more, as they reawaken, the microorganisms release carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that fuels global warming. 

Back in 2022, an ancient virus called Pandoravirus that had lain frozen in Siberian permafrost for 48,500 years was revived. Pictured, digital rendering of Pandoravirus

For their experiments, the team travelled to Alaska's Permafrost Research Tunnel – an underground passage dug through permafrost in the 1960s

For their experiments, the team travelled from Colorado to the Permafrost Research Tunnel near Fairbanks in Alaska, just south of the Arctic Circle. 

This spooky underground passage was dug through permafrost in the 1960s for the purpose of facilitating scientific research into climate change. 

Described as an 'icy graveyard', permafrost is a frozen mix of soil, ice and rocks that underlies nearly a quarter of the land in the northern hemisphere.

The team collected samples of permafrost that was a few thousand to tens of thousands of years old from the walls of the tunnel. 

They then added water to the samples and incubated them at temperatures of 3°C (39°F) and 12°C (54°F) – which is chilly for humans but warm for the Arctic. 

'We wanted to simulate what happens in an Alaskan summer, under future climate conditions where these temperatures reach deeper areas of the permafrost,' Dr Caro said.

Although the microbes 'likely couldn't infect people', the team kept them in sealed chambers regardless. 

In the first few months, the colonies grew gradually, in some cases replacing only about one in every 100,000 cells per day – described as a 'slow reawakening'. 

Robyn Barbato of the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory drills a sample from the walls of the Permafrost Research Tunnel

Permafrost is ground that remains permanently frozen even during summer months. Pictured, melting ice in the Arctic in spring

However, within six months, microbial communities underwent 'dramatic changes', forming strong communities distinct from the surrounding surfaces. 

Some had formed 'biofilms' – slimy layers made from a thriving community of micro–organisms that are hard to remove. 

Overall, the results suggest it could take a few months for microbes to become active enough that they begin to emit greenhouse gases into the air in large volumes following a hot spell. 

But this suggests that the longer Arctic summers last, the more likely microbes will become thawed and reawaken.

'You might have a single hot day in the Alaskan summer, but what matters much more is the lengthening of the summer season to where these warm temperatures extend into the autumn and spring,' Dr Caro said. 

Thawing could lead to the release of the permafrost’s enormous reserves of greenhouse gases CO2 and methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas. 

The study, published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, also notes that microbes in permafrost rely on different kinds of fatty lipids to construct their cell membranes.

These compounds may have helped them survive freezing, dark conditions for millenia.

The ability of the microbes to survive for so long before reawakening is triggering concerns that the melting Arctic could release a deadly disease, new to humanity. 

One possible defence is that permafrost–based microbes need to find a host in order to survive and spread, like an animal. 

Fortunately, permafrost is remote by nature because it is found in high–latitude and high–altitude regions. 

Still, it may only take a single unfortunate infection scenario for such a microbe to make the initial jump to a wild mammal or human. 

Back in 2022, an ancient virus called Pandoravirus that had lain frozen in Siberian permafrost for 48,500 years was revived.

Although the viruses are not considered a risk to humans, scientists warned that other viruses exposed by melted ice could be 'disastrous' and lead to new pandemics. 

Dr Brigitta Evengård, an infectious disease specialist from Sweden, thinks there could be possible pandemics from the Arctic that are caused by bacteria highly resistant to antibiotics. 

'The two that we know could come out of the permafrost are anthrax and pox viruses, other than that it’s pandora's box,' she told Greenpeace. 

KILLER VIRUSES COULD BE RELEASED FROM MELTING ICE IN THE ARCTIC, STUDY WARNS 

Glaciers that are melting amid rising global temperatures could be the cause of the next deathly pandemic, a study said. 

Scientists investigated how climate change may affect the risk of 'spillover' – a virus jumping to another species – by examining samples from Lake Hazen in the Arctic. 

Lake Hazen, seen from above in this NASA image, is the largest High Arctic freshwater lake in the world

They found that the chance of a spillover event increases with the melting of glaciers, as the meltwater can transport pathogens to new hosts. 

A warming climate could bring viruses in the Arctic into contact with new environments and hosts, increasing the risk of this 'viral spillover', the experts warn. 

'Spillover risk increases with runoff from glacier melt, a proxy for climate change,' say the researchers in their paper, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 

'Should climate change also shift species range of potential viral vectors and reservoirs northwards, the High Arctic could become fertile ground for emerging pandemics.' 

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{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

03-10-2025 om 15:39 geschreven door peter  

In a video by the Harte Research Institute in Texas, Director of Community Engagement Jace Tunnell revealed that the pink meanies have flooded the Texas coast, searching for moon jellyfish to feed on.

Pink meanies, whose official scientific name is Drymonema larsoni, can weigh up to 50 pounds and have a collection of tentacles which grow to be 70 feet long.

Although Tunnell said they were first spotted in the Gulf around 25 years ago, their appearances on Texas beaches are pretty rare, and Tunnell added he had been looking for this species for nearly a year.

With their favorite food swimming into the warm waters of the Gulf this summer, sightings have spiked, with Tunnell noting he's discovered over 10 of these giant jellies in a just a 10-miles stretch of US beaches.

Others on social media added they've seen even more giant pink meanies in the ocean, including one man on Facebook claiming to see 30 to 40 a few hundred miles south of Galveston this month.

'When the moon jellies are there, these are eating on them and then once the moon jellies are gone, you're not going to find them anymore' Tunnell explained.

Pink meanies, also known as Drymonema larsoni, have been washing up on Texas beaches this month

Jace Tunnell of the Harte Research Institute in Texas (pictured) revealed that sightings of these jellyfish can be fairly rare

Catching these giant creatures in the wild can be an extremely hard task.

The marine expert from Corpus Christi explained that pink meanies die off quickly if their supply of moon jellyfish dwindles.

If the water gets too cold, that will also kill off pink meanies before they reach their full size in the wild.

Right now, the jellyfish predators are thriving in the warm ocean temperatures of late summer and early fall, especially in the Gulf, the Mediterranean, and along the coast of South Africa.

'I saw one of these for the 1st time while snorkeling this weekend!' another person on Facebook commented next to a picture of the giant pink jellyfish.

Underwater, these creatures can look like a huge pink cloud, with a long flowing mass of tentacles that extends for several yards.

When they wash up on shore, both large and small pink meanies look like a ball of jelly with a deep pink color making them easy to spot.

However, Tunnell warned viewers that this type of jellyfish is not edible and added that they do sting when touched.

Pink meanies can grow to weigh 50 pounds and have tentacles that reach 70 feet in length

This species of jellyfish only eat moon jellyfish. If moon jellyfish aren't around, pink meanies tend to die quickly

As the wildlife expert held a baby jellyfish in his hand, he admitted that his fingers were beginning to tingle, noting that the pain of the pink meanie's sting was about a 'two out of 10.'

Despite Tunnell's comments about the pain, others revealed that the stings of the pink meanie could be much worse than the expert felt. 

'I got stung on my back it hurt pretty bad,' one woman posted on social media.

'I encountered one today at South Packery just free swimming. And they ARE mean, definitely pack a punch,' another person wrote. 

Jace Tunnell revealed that the pink meanie (pictured) has a mild sting, but others claim the pain can be much worse

According to National Geographic, when scientists discovered that the pink meanies were a new species, they also concluded that Drymonema larsoni was unique enough to have its own biological family, known as Drymonematidae.

The jellyfish got its name from marine scientist Ron Larson, who conducted early research on the species.

However, its more popular nickname comes from its bright color and aggressive nature towards the common moon jellyfish.

If you happen to be stung by one of these creatures, Tunnell recommended pouring vinegar on the area.

This can help remove the tentacles from your skin and also cut down some of the stinging sensation the creature left behind. 

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

24-09-2025 om 20:53 geschreven door peter  

Chinese scientists uncover strange life forms at 31,000 feet below the Pacific Ocean

Researchers documented a variety of life in the newly discovered system in the Pacific northeast of Papua New Guinea. 

(Image credit: Image by Prof. SUN Weidong, et al., 2025.)

A research team led by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has discovered extraordinary deep-sea life in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Using a manned submersible, the team explored ocean trenches in the northwest Pacific, reaching depths of over 31,000 feet. 

There, they recorded stunning footage of strange ecosystems, including beds of clams, mats of bacteria resembling ice, and fields of tube worms. The discovery, published in a study in the journal Nature, sets a new milestone in deep-sea exploration, surpassing the previous record for filmed marine vertebrate, which included a snailfish spotted at 27,350 feet deep off the coast of Japan in 2023.

Map locating the Mariana Trench

The study area, situated in the northwest Pacific, is demarcated by a white rectangle in the inset. Orange dots represent dive sites where chemosynthesis-based communities were observed and sampled and crosses indicate dive sites lacking such communities. Open orange circles delineate potential seep sites characterized by black sediments. White arrows illustrate the direction of subduction for the Pacific Plate beneath the Okhotsk Plate and the Bering Sea Plate. The dashed white lines indicate the transitional connection zones between the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench and the Aleutian Trench. Bathymetric data were acquired using the KM-EM122 multi-beam bathymetric system during the research expedition. Scale bar, 200 km.

Credit: map created using Global Mapper 14 software, with background data sourced from GeoMapApp (http://www.geomapapp.org), under a CC BY 4.0 licence.

a, Free-moving polychaetes Macellicephaloides grandicirra (white; reaching 6.5 cm in size) navigate among dense colonies of frenulate siboglinids, with tubes 20–30 cm in length and approximately 1 mm in diameter, at 9,532 m at The Deepest. b, Clusters of frenulate siboglinids extending red haemoglobin-filled tentacles, with small Gastropoda (white spots) on tops of the tubes near the tentacles, at 9,320 m at Wintersweet Valley. c, Tightly packed frenulate siboglinids are home to abundant free-moving polychaetes M. grandicirra (white) at 9,332 m at Cotton Field. d, Dense aggregation of vesicomyid bivalves A. phaseoliformis (reaching 23 cm in size) in the sediment, with approximately 6–8 cm of valves exposed and often hosting Actiniaria, at 5,743 m at Clam Bed. e, Tube-dwelling polychaetes Anobothrus sp. and Actiniaria are dominant at 6,870 m at Aleutian Deepest, with spots of white microbial mats. f, Dense aggregation of vesicomyid bivalves I. fossajaponicum (reaching 3 cm in size) associated with black sediments and accompanied by tube-dwelling polychaetes Anobothrus sp. at 6,928 m at Aleutian Deepest. g, Dark blue muds surrounded by clusters of frenulate siboglinids, mark methane seeps at 6,800 m at Blue Marsh. h, Large patches of white, snow-like microbial mats stretch tens of metres, accompanied by frenulate siboglinid tubeworms at 6,700 m at Icy River. The images were taken by the manned submersible equipped with a high-definition camera system. The name of each cold seep indicated in the lower left corner. The distance between laser beams is 10 cm. An expanded showcase of cold-seep fauna is given in Supplementary Video 1.

Life found where sunlight never reaches

Hadal trenches are deep-sea depressions between 19,700 and 36,100 feet, formed where one tectonic plate dives beneath another. These remote regions—among the least explored on the planet—have long been suspected of supporting life that relies on chemosynthesis rather than sunlight. 

The new findings confirm that these extreme environments do, in fact, harbor unique and resilient biological communities. The research team documented thriving species of deep-sea life fueled by chemosynthesis, clustered around abundant methane seeps in the Kuril-Kamchatka and western Aleutian Trenches. 

As per the study’s findings, these ecosystems are sustained by methane and hydrogen sulfide–rich fluids rising through faults in deep sediment layers. Isotopic analysis suggests that the methane is generated by microbes breaking down organic material buried in the seabed. 

Recent discoveries challenge long-held beliefs about life’s limits at extreme depths. Reflecting on the experience of descending into the pitch-black depths, Du added that while some might find it frightening, she encourages her students to look out the submersible’s window—where the view can be truly inspiring.

The research itself is part of the Global Hadal Exploration Programme (GHEP), a decade-long international project led by the Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering. The program focuses on exploring the Earth’s deepest oceans using advanced deep-diving technology.

You can view the full study here.

The mission on November 10 beamed up the world's first live video from Challenger Deep.

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{  https://interestingengineering.com/news }

18-09-2025 om 17:13 geschreven door peter  

When you go this deep, you'd expect any sign of life to be pretty terrifying.

So scientists were delighted to discover an adorable new species of snailfish thousands of feet below the ocean's surface.

The large–eyed pink creature was first detected in 2019 by researchers who were exploring the seafloor off California using a remotely operated vehicle at a depth of 3,268m (10,722ft).

They came across this individual, an adult female 9.2cm (3.6 inches) long, happily swimming along amongst the crushing pressure, frigid cold and perpetual darkness.

New analysis now reveals this animal was a species previously unknown to science – and has been named the bumpy snailfish (Careproctus colliculi).

The snailfish family tend to have a large head, a jelly–like body covered in loose skin, and a narrow tail. Many have a disk on their belly that allows them to grip the seafloor or hitchhike on larger animals.

Fans of the snailfish described it as 'adorable' and 'the cutest sea monster' they've ever seen.

Commenting on a YouTube video of the new species, one even compared it to a 'real life Pokémon'.

Analysis now reveals this animal was a species previously unknown to science – and has been named the bumpy snailfish

These creatures tend to have a large head, a jelly–like body covered in loose skin, and a narrow tail

Some fans said the new species looked like a Pokémon. Pictured: Whiscash, a water/ground-type Pokémon

'The deep sea is home to an incredible diversity of organisms and a truly beautiful array of adaptations,' Mackenzie Gerringer, associate professor at the State University of New York at Geneseo said.

'Our discovery…is a reminder of how much we have yet to learn about life on Earth and of the power of curiosity and exploration.'

A team from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) first made the discovery during an expedition to the outer reaches of Monterey Canyon, approximately 100km (62 miles) offshore of Central California.

They collected this individual but noticed it had features unlike other deep–sea snailfishes they had encountered.

Scientists used microscopes, micro–CT scans and careful measurements to determine it was different from any other known species.

They also analysed two other specimens and found they, too, were new to science – the dark snailfish and the sleek snailfish.

The bumpy snailfish has a distinctive pink colour, a round head with large eyes, wide pectoral fins with long uppermost rays, and a bumpy texture.

The dark snailfish has a fully black body with a rounded head and horizontal mouth.

The robotic submersible used in the expedition which first uncovered the new species of bumpy snailfish

Many deep–sea snailfishes are hard to identify from video alone. MBARI researchers have observed a snailfish that appears to be the newly described slender snailfish, but without collecting a specimen for closer analysis, they say they can't be sure

The sleek snailfish is distinguished from other snailfishes by a long, black, laterally compressed body, absence of a suction disk, and prominently angled jaw.

This encounter is the only confirmed observation of the bumpy snailfish, so further detail on their full geographic distribution and depth range are unknown.

Steven Haddock, senior scientist at MBARI, led the research expedition that first  encountered the bumpy snailfish.

He said documenting deep–sea biodiversity is 'critical to detecting any changes that may be occurring in this environment'.

Scientists have described more than 400 different species of snailfish worldwide.

These fish make their homes in a variety of ocean habitats, from shallow tide pools to deep–sea trenches.

They also hold the record for the deepest–dwelling fish.

The new species was described in the journal Ichthyology and Herpetology. 

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

17-09-2025 om 22:31 geschreven door peter  

The ozone layer is healing! Hole over Antarctica is recovering – and could soon close for good, promising study reveals

• READ MORE: Ozone may be weakening Earth's important cooling mechanism

By SHIVALI BEST, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR 

It has been four decades since scientists discovered the growing hole in Earth's ozone layer.

But a promising new study has revealed that this protective shield – around 20 miles above our planet's surface – could be well on its way to recovery.

Experts from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) say that, compared to previous years, total stratospheric ozone cover was higher over much of the globe in 2024.

What's more, the ozone hole that appears over Antarctica every spring was well below the 1990–2020 average. 

'The ozone layer is healing,' said Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary–General. 

'This achievement reminds us that when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible.'

If progress continues at the current pace, the ozone layer could soon recover to its 1980 values (before the appearance of the ozone hole). 

The experts predict that a full recovery could take place by around 2066 over the Antarctic, by 2045 over the Arctic, and by 2040 for the rest of the world.

Experts from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) say that, compared to previous years, total stratospheric ozone cover was higher over much of the globe in 2024

The ozone layer is Earth's 'natural sunscreen' that protects humans, plants, and animals by filtering out harmful UV–B radiation. 

Without it, we'd be at significantly increased risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage due to excessive UV exposure.

Back in the 1970s, scientists first raised concerns about the effect of man–made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the ozone layer. 

Concerningly, CFCs were used in a range of products, including refrigeration, air conditioning, firefighting foam, and even hairspray. 

An international treaty called the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987, leading to the phase–out of over 99 per cent of these ozone–depleting chemicals. 

However, it was too late – a huge hole had already appeared in the ozone layer over Antarctica. 

Beyond CFCs, the ozone hole has also been kept open by global warming. 

'A side effect of global warming is that the temperature of the ozone layer is falling slightly,' explained the British Antarctic Survey. 

The ozone hole that appears over Antarctica every spring was well below the 1990–2020 average

'This means that more of the stratospheric clouds can form over Antarctica, and hence delay the recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole.' 

Now, promising data shows that the depth of the ozone hole was below average in 2024, with a maximum ozone mass deficit of 46.1 million tonnes on 29 September.

'Its onset was relatively slow, and delayed ozone depletion was observed through the month of September, followed by a relatively rapid recovery after the maximum deficit was reached,' WMO explained in its report. 

'The below-average level of ozone loss persisted through mid-November.' 

While this is promising, the experts say our work is 'not yet finished'. 

'There remains an essential need for the world to continue careful systematic monitoring of both stratospheric ozone and of ozone-depleting substances and their replacements,' said Matt Tully, Chair of WMO's Scientific Advisory Group on Ozone and Solar UV Radiation. 

The Ozone layer sits in the stratosphere 25 miles above the Earth's surface and acts like a natural sunscreen

Ozone is a molecule comprised of three oxygen atoms that occurs naturally in small amounts. 

In the stratosphere, roughly seven to 25 miles above Earth's surface, the ozone layer acts like sunscreen, shielding the planet from potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer and cataracts, suppress immune systems and also damage plants. 

It is produced in tropical latitudes and distributed around the globe. 

Closer to the ground, ozone can also be created by photochemical reactions between the sun and pollution from vehicle emissions and other sources, forming harmful smog.

Although warmer-than-average stratospheric weather conditions have reduced ozone depletion during the past two years, the current ozone hole area is still large compared to the 1980s, when the depletion of the ozone layer above Antarctica was first detected. 

In the stratosphere, roughly seven to 25 miles above Earth's surface, the ozone layer acts like sunscreen, shielding the planet from potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation

This is because levels of ozone-depleting substances like chlorine and bromine remain high enough to produce significant ozone loss. 

In the 1970s, it was recognised that chemicals called CFCs, used for example in refrigeration and aerosols, were destroying ozone in the stratosphere.  

In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was agreed, which led to the phase-out of CFCs and, recently, the first signs of recovery of the Antarctic ozone layer. 

The upper stratosphere at lower latitudes is also showing clear signs of recovery, proving the Montreal Protocol is working well.

But the new study, published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, found it is likely not recovering at latitudes between 60°N and 60°S (London is at 51°N).

The cause is not certain but the researchers believe it is possible climate change is altering the pattern of atmospheric circulation - causing more ozone to be carried away from the tropics.

They say another possibility is that very short-lived substances (VSLSs), which contain chlorine and bromine, could be destroying ozone in the lower stratosphere.

VSLSs include chemicals used as solvents, paint strippers, and as degreasing agents.

One is even used in the production of an ozone-friendly replacement for CFCs.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

16-09-2025 om 17:57 geschreven door peter  

This Man Claims Death Is Not the End: Brains May Remain Viable for Days, Research Suggests

But what is actually observed is quite the opposite. Instead of fading, people’s consciousness seems to become expanded, powerful, and vast after death.

Dr. Parnia argues that this observation suggests human consciousness is a mystery that cannot be fully explained by brain activity alone. The idea that consciousness is purely a product of the brain and ends when the brain dies is questionable and, in his view, incorrect. This has opened up a new and vast field for scientific research.

This Man strongly believes death is not the end of the human mind/consciousness. In his 30 years of research, he discovered that brains remain “salvageable for not only hours, but possibly days of time.”

Sam Parnia, an associate professor of medicine at NYU Langone, suggests that if we consider death as a process where the brain deteriorates, and if consciousness is simply created by the brain (a notion that remains debated), then logic would suggest that consciousness should also fade or diminish.

But what is actually observed is quite the opposite. Instead of fading, people’s consciousness seems to become expanded, powerful, and vast after death.

Dr. Parnia argues that this observation suggests human consciousness is a mystery that cannot be fully explained by brain activity alone. The idea that consciousness is purely a product of the brain and ends when the brain dies is questionable and, in his view, incorrect. This has opened up a new and vast field for scientific research.Dr. Parnia argues that what people commonly believe about death is fundamentally wrong. Contrary to the usual idea that death is final, he sees death as a reversible state rather than an absolute end.

Recent research has shown that the idea of dying as a sudden event is mostly a social convention that does not match scientific realities. Parnia calls this a new frontier of science that challenges one of life’s fundamental certainties. He expresses frustration that outdated and inaccurate theories about death continue to prevail despite the tools and research now available.From a scientific perspective, death is not a moment that happens all at once but a gradual process that can take many hours.

For example, brain cells and other cells in the body do not immediately die or decompose right after death, which challenges the common assumption that consciousness and life end instantly when the heart stops or the brain ceases to function.

Remarkably, he says brains can remain salvageable for not just hours but possibly days. For instance, he cites a case where brain cells retained full function 48 hours after being removed from a body, even though preservation was delayed.

He details his findings in his book “Lucid Dying,” where he presents evidence suggesting that reviving the dead is not as difficult as commonly thought and explores what happens to consciousness as it fades. (Source)

Dr. Parnia directs the Human Consciousness Project, which has conducted the largest study on people who recalled experiences near death, using AI tools to analyze their accounts and reveal new insights. He stresses that science has begun to investigate what used to be philosophical territory, what happens after death.

He discussed research, such as a study on pig brains by neuroscientist Dr. Nenad Sestan, in which brains were taken from pigs hours after death and connected to a special system with drugs to preserve them. (Source)

This restored some brain functions, showing that brain cells do not die immediately and suggesting it might be possible to restore life and brain activity after death in humans as well.

He says that this research could revolutionize resuscitation and save many lives, because currently, people are often declared dead too soon, especially in cases like heart attacks or accidents.

He clarifies that “functioning” and “consciousness” are different. In the pig study, the animals were given drugs that suppressed brain electrical signals linked to consciousness (similar to anesthesia). Without those drugs, it’s likely the pigs could have regained some form of conscious awareness, raising ethical concerns.

Regarding consciousness, Dr. Parnia explains that it is a deeply puzzling phenomenon. Although brain activity is linked to consciousness, there is no clear scientific explanation of how brain cells produce the subjective experience of thinking and awareness.

He discusses two main views: one sees consciousness as simply a product of brain activity, but there is no strong evidence for this.

The other, supported by some scientists including Nobel laureates, suggests consciousness is a distinct entity that interacts with the brain but is not generated by it, similar to how a computer accesses the internet but does not create it.

A 2022 study showed, for the first time, detailed brain waves from a dying person. It involved an 87-year-old man who had fallen, was admitted to the emergency room, and quickly went into cardiac arrest while hooked up to an EEG machine that tracked his brain activity as he died. Before this, most studies on brain activity near death had only recorded limited signals from certain brain areas, but this case provided a much more comprehensive recording. (Source)

Dr. Parnia explained that many people experience periods of surprising mental clarity and heightened consciousness near death. Although such cases were once thought anecdotal, studies suggest nearly 10 percent of people might experience these lucid moments, possibly involving about 800 million people worldwide.

The researchers focused their analysis on the 30 seconds before and after the man’s heart stopped. They observed changes in brain waves typically involved in higher cognitive processes, such as information processing, memory recall, concentration, conscious awareness, and different stages of dreaming.

This suggests that, even as the brain begins to shut down, it may actively engage in recalling memories or consciousness moments before death. These findings provide possible biological evidence for the common expression that people’s “life flashes before their eyes” in near-death experiences.

However, the researchers caution that the patient’s health was already compromised by brain trauma, seizures, and medications, which complicate interpreting the data and limit comparisons to healthy brain activity. Still, the observed “cross-coupling” patterns between alpha and gamma brain waves, linked to memory and alertness, support the idea that the brain might be replaying memories or conscious experiences at life’s end.

A 2023 separate study from the University of Michigan observed similar increases in gamma wave activity—associated with conscious thought—in two comatose patients after cardiac arrest when they were removed from ventilators.

This activity was localized in a part of the brain related to dreaming and altered states, implying that the dying brain can remain active in significant ways. The researchers described this as evidence for a “covert consciousness” that might allow life review experiences, as reported by survivors of near-death events. (Source)

Dr. Parnia explained that as the brain shuts down, typical inhibitory brain functions that regulate daily consciousness become reduced. This disinhibition may unlock access to deeper layers of awareness or reality not normally accessible during everyday life.

Dr. Parnia’s own large-scale AWARE-TO study across multiple hospitals interviewed people who survived cardiac arrest and had near-death memories.

About 15% reported vivid, unique experiences of consciousness during death, describing feelings of vastness and heightened awareness. These experiences often included perception of their surroundings from outside their bodies, recognizing detailed actions of medical staff, and a panoramic, all-encompassing sensing of information.

Crucially, people recalled reliving their entire life, but not as a simple flash of images. Instead, they re-experienced every interaction they had with others, feeling both their own emotions and those of others involved, especially in terms of ethical and moral dimensions. This life review prompts deep reflection on how they lived and their impact on others, offering a sense of higher purpose and moral significance that transcends cultural or religious backgrounds.

Dr. Parnia stresses that these near-death experiences are remarkably universal. It does not reflect religious practices, social status, or materialistic achievements, but rather how individuals behaved morally.

Advanced AI analysis has confirmed with high certainty that these recollections are distinct from dreams or hallucinations and uniquely tied to the dying process.

When asked if these experiences are supernatural, Dr. Parnia rejects it.

He argues that calling them supernatural just shows a lack of understanding. Instead, he says these experiences reflect natural processes in the brain during death, specifically, the brain shutting down in a way that removes normal inhibitory controls, allowing access to the full breadth of consciousness and memory that is usually inaccessible.

This sudden access to total consciousness and memory is responsible for the profound experiences people report.

He concludes that consciousness likely exists as a separate scientific entity interacting with but not produced wholly by the brain. Brain disorders may obscure consciousness, but consciousness itself is not destroyed with brain death. Instead, it can become more vivid and expansive at death, suggesting new territory for scientific exploration beyond the current understanding.

In 2011, a scientist named Sean Carroll wrote a blog for Scientific American. He said that the laws of physics show that life after death is not possible. He explained that our brains store information, like memories and thoughts, but when we die, our bodies break down into tiny pieces (atoms). According to science, there is no way for that information to survive after death. (Source)

A study published on Dr. Parnia’s studies in 2022 says, “So far, the researchers say, evidence suggests that neither physiological nor cognitive processes end with death and that although systematic studies have not been able to absolutely prove the reality or meaning of patients’ experiences and claims of awareness in relation to death, it has been impossible to disclaim them either.” (Source)

Dr. Parnia explains that as a physician and scientist, he is deeply interested in what happens when people die, both to be able to bring them back successfully and to restore their full consciousness and identity.

However, he finds the term “soul” problematic because it is vague and means different things to different people. He prefers to define the soul in terms of the Greek concept of the “psyche,” which includes all the elements that make a person who they are, their thoughts, emotions, consciousness, and sense of self.

Read also:

• This Man Says NASA Asked for Help After Astronauts Encountered Orbs Containing 125-Foot Winged Angelic Beings That Smiled at Them
• The Mexican Scientist Who Vanished Said We Live in Holographic Matrix & Shamans Can Manipulate It
• This Man’s Mind-Blowing but Controversial Theory Says Ancient Humans Heard Gods’ Voices and Treated Dead as Alive Because of a ‘Bicameral’ Mind

According to him, the soul or psyche can be understood scientifically as the conscious, thinking self.

His research and data from studies of cardiac arrest patients, those who have temporarily died and then been revived, suggest that consciousness or the soul does not immediately vanish or become annihilated after death, at least in the early stages.

He differentiates his scientific findings, which show the soul or psyche continuing beyond clinical death, from many religious or philosophical definitions of an immortal soul. His data does not, he clarifies, confirm those religious or metaphysical beliefs directly.

Dr. Parnia focuses on the objective results of his research, which align with the viewpoints of esteemed scientists like Nobel laureate Sir John Eccles and Professor Bahram Elahi.

These scientists propose that consciousness or the psyche is a separate, undiscovered entity distinct from the brain, likely a very subtle form of matter, neither immaterial nor magical, but something physically real, though different from anything currently understood.

He points out that if consciousness has some form of subtle material existence, this challenges traditional religious dualistic views where the soul is purely immaterial and wholly separate from the body. Such a perspective places consciousness fundamentally within the material world, though in a subtle form we have yet to fully comprehend.

His research increasingly supports the idea that consciousness, psyche, or soul may continue to exist independently of brain function after clinical death.

{ https://howandwhys.com/ }

15-09-2025 om 21:50 geschreven door peter  

Aliens, Tijd en De Esoterische Kennis van Andere Dimensies

Inleiding

Het onderwerp van buitenaards leven, de aard van tijd en het bestaan van andere dimensies heeft sinds mensenheugenis de menselijke verbeelding en het wetenschappelijke discours gefascineerd. Van de oude beschavingen die mythologische wezens associeerden met sterren tot de moderne zoektocht naar buitenaardse intelligentie, blijven deze thema’s centraal staan in zowel wetenschap als esoterische tradities. Deze dissertatie onderzoekt de interactie tussen het concept van buitenaardse wezens, de aard van tijd en de vermeende esoterische kennis over andere dimensies. Door een interdisciplinair perspectief te combineren, worden wetenschappelijke theorieën en esoterische overtuigingen naast elkaar geplaatst om een holistisch beeld te schetsen van deze complexe onderwerpen.

Vensters naar een parallelle universum?

1. Wetenschappelijke benadering van buitenaards leven

De wetenschappelijke benadering van buitenaards leven is een complex en multidisciplinair veld dat zich richt op het begrijpen van de mogelijkheid dat andere beschavingen in het universum bestaan. Een van de bekendste methoden binnen dit domein is de Drake Equation, ontwikkeld door de astronoom Frank Drake in 1961. Deze vergelijking biedt een probabilistische schatting van het aantal technologische beschavingen in onze Melkweg door verschillende parameters te modelleren, zoals de frequentie van stervorming, de kans dat een ster een planeet krijgt, en de waarschijnlijkheid dat leven zich ontwikkelt op zo’n planeet. Hoewel veel van deze parameters onzeker zijn en op schattingen gebaseerd, geeft de Drake Equation wel een inzicht in de mogelijke omvang van buitenaards intelligent leven en suggereert dat het niet ondenkbaar is dat dergelijke beschavingen bestaan.

Naast de astronomische benaderingen speelt de astrobiologie een centrale rol in het begrijpen van de voorwaarden waaronder leven kan ontstaan en voortbestaan. Deze discipline bestudeert de biologische en chemische aspecten van het leven in het universum. Recent onderzoek naar extremofielen op aarde – organismen die in uiterst extreme omstandigheden overleven, zoals in hete bronnen, diepe oceanen of in giftige omgevingen – heeft aangetoond dat leven niet per se gebonden is aan de traditionele aardse condities. Dit vergroot de plausibiliteit dat leven onder andere omstandigheden en op andere planeten of manen mogelijk is. Exoplaneten die zich bevinden in de zogenaamde 'bewoonbare zones' van sterrenstelsels, waar de temperatuur geschikt is voor vloeibaar water, worden als belangrijke kandidaten beschouwd voor het zoeken naar buitenaards leven.

Toch blijft het bewijs voor buitenaards intelligent leven tot nu toe uit. Er zijn enkele opmerkelijke anomalieën die de interesse van wetenschappers wekken, zoals de beroemde 'Wow!'-signalen die in de jaren 1970 werden opgevangen en die mogelijk een buitenaardse oorsprong zouden kunnen hebben. Daarnaast worden er regelmatig onverklaarbare waarnemingen gedaan van onidentificeerbare vliegende objecten (UFO's). Hoewel sommige onderzoekers deze waarnemingen beschouwen als mogelijke aanwijzingen voor buitenaardse activiteit, ontbreekt het nog aan solide, wetenschappelijk bewijs dat bewijst dat buitenaardse wezens contact met de aarde proberen te maken of hebben gemaakt. Het zoeken naar buitenaards leven blijft dus een boeiend veld dat zich zowel op astronomisch, biologisch als technologische niveaus ontwikkelt, met veel vragen nog onbeantwoord.

Welkom in de nieuwe realiteit.

sun ok/Shutterstock

2. Tijd als dimensie en de relativiteitstheorie

In de natuurkunde wordt tijd vaak beschouwd als een fundamentele dimensie, net zoals de drie ruimtelijke dimensies (lengte, breedte en hoogte). Tot voor kort werd tijd meestal als absoluut en universeel gezien: een universele klok die overal hetzelfde tikte, ongeacht waar je je bevond of hoe snel je bewoog. Echter, met de ontwikkeling van Albert Einsteins relativiteitstheer, vooral de algemene relativiteitstheorie, werd dit beeld radicaal veranderd. Einstein liet zien dat tijd en ruimte niet los van elkaar staan, maar dat ze samen één geheel vormen: de ruimtetijd. In deze theorie worden tijd en ruimte verweven in een vierdimensionaal continuüm, waarbij de aanwezigheid van massa en energie de structuur van de ruimte-tijd beïnvloedt.

Volgens de relativiteitstheorie wordt de manier waarop tijd verloopt, afhankelijk van de positie en beweging van de waarnemer. Een belangrijk concept hierbij is de tijdsdilatatie: het verschijnsel dat tijd voor een waarnemer die zich snel beweegt of zich in een sterk vervormde ruimte bevindt, langzamer verloopt ten opzichte van een stilstaande waarnemer. Dit is experimenteel aangetoond door bijvoorbeeld atoomklokken die op grote hoogten of tijdens snelheden in ruimteschepen verschillen in de gemeten tijdsverloop laten zien. Hoe sneller een object beweegt of hoe sterker de zwaartekracht, hoe meer de tijd wordt uitgerekt of vertraagd. Dit betekent dat tijd niet absoluut is, zoals vroeger werd gedacht, maar relatief en afhankelijk van de situatie van de waarnemer.

Deze inzichten openen de deur naar fascinerende theoretische mogelijkheden, zoals tijdreizen. Hoewel tijdreizen in de praktijk nog buiten bereik ligt en veel wetenschappelijke en technische obstakels kent, blijven de theoretische fundamenten interessant. Sommige wetenschappers speculeren dat het misschien ooit mogelijk zou kunnen zijn om door de tijd te reizen door gebruik te maken van exotische toestanden van de ruimte-tijd, zoals wormgaten of tegenspoedige zwarte gaten. Echter, deze concepten blijven voorlopig binnen de theoretische kaders en worden niet als haalbaar beschouwd binnen de huidige technologie.

Naast de relativiteitstheorie verkent de moderne kwantumfysica en theorieën zoals de snaartheorie en M-theorie de diepere structuur van het universum. Deze theorieën suggereren dat ons universum mogelijk meer dan vier dimensies bevat: naast de drie ruimtelijke en één tijdsdimensie, zouden er nog meerdere, verborgen dimensies kunnen bestaan. Sommige modellen stellen dat deze extra dimensies klein en opgesloten zijn, waardoor ze niet direct waarneembaar zijn. Andere theorieën beschrijven een veel complexere structuur waarin verschillende tijdlagen en dimensies kunnen bestaan, die mogelijk invloed op ons universum uitoefenen. Dit roept vragen op over de aard van de realiteit en de mogelijkheid om interactie te hebben met deze andere werelden of dimensies. Het onderzoek hiernaar is nog in volle gang en vormt een van de meest intrigerende en complexe gebieden binnen de moderne natuurkunde.

3. Esoterische kennis en andere dimensies

Naast de wetenschappelijke benaderingen die onze wereld en het universum proberen te verklaren, bestaan er oude en moderne esoterische tradities en kennisystemen die de realiteit op een heel andere manier benaderen. Deze systemen gaan uit van het bestaan van meerdere dimensies en werelden, die niet direct waarneembaar zijn met onze zintuigen, maar wel via innerlijke ervaringen, meditatie, trance of channeling toegankelijk kunnen worden. In veel spirituele en mystieke stromingen wordt aangenomen dat onze bekende fysieke wereld slechts één aspect is van een veel complexere multiversum, waarin hogere of andere dimensies bestaan die ons vaak onbekend blijven.

Al eeuwenlang spreken oude beschavingen zoals de Egyptenaren, Hindoes en Kelten over 'andere werelden', 'hemelen' of 'verschillende rijken' waar geascendeerde meesters, goden, geesten en voorouders resideerden. Deze werelden worden vaak beschreven als spirituele gebieden die via meditatie, rituelen of trance bereikt kunnen worden. In de Egyptische mythologie bijvoorbeeld, werden de onderwereld en de hemel beschouwd als verschillende gebieden met hun eigen wezens en wetten. De Hindoeïstische traditie spreekt over de vele lokas of werelden, die verbonden zijn met karma en reïncarnatie. De Kelten hadden hun verhalen over de 'Otherworld' – een magische wereld die parallel liep aan onze realiteit, en die toegankelijk was voor sjamanen en helden.

In de moderne esoterische en channeling-kringen wordt vaak gesproken over 'multi-dimensionale realiteiten'. Deze ideeën worden ondersteund door technieken zoals meditatie, trance en lucid dreaming, waarmee men toegang zou kunnen krijgen tot informatie uit hogere of niet-fysieke dimensies. Mensen die zichzelf of anderen channelen, beweren boodschappen en kennis te ontvangen van entiteiten uit deze hogere werelden, zoals gidsen, beschermengel of buitenaardse wezens. Deze kennis wordt vaak gebruikt voor spirituele groei, genezing of het verkrijgen van inzichten die niet via de reguliere zintuigen kunnen worden verkregen.

In het kader van buitenaards leven en ufologie wordt ook wel gesproken over 'interdimensionale wezens'. Dit zijn wezens die niet vastzitten aan onze fysieke dimensie en zich mogelijk kunnen verplaatsen via niet-fysieke routes of portals tussen verschillende realiteiten. Sommige theorieën suggereren dat deze wezens al eeuwenlang onze wereld bezoeken en dat ontmoetingen met hen vaak plaatsvinden op het grensvlak van fysieke en niet-fysieke werelden. Ze zouden zich kunnen manifesteren in trance, dromen of als schimmerelementen, waardoor ze moeilijk te detecteren zijn met reguliere technologie.

Deze ideeën over meerdere dimensies en interdimensionale wezens vormen een fascinerende aanvulling op de wetenschappelijke kennis, maar blijven voor velen een mysterie. Ze bieden een raamwerk waarin de grenzen van onze fysieke realiteit kunnen worden uitgedaagd en uitgebreid, en waarin de mogelijkheid bestaat dat onze wereld verbonden is met een veel groter, complexer geheel dat nog grotendeels onontdekt en onbegrepen is.

Starseeds beweren dat ze een buitenaardse bewustzijn zijn dat op aarde woont.

Ross Collier/Alamy Stock Foto

4. De interactie tussen wetenschap en esoterie

De interactie tussen wetenschap en esoterie is de laatste jaren steeds zichtbaarder geworden, ondanks dat deze twee disciplines traditioneel als tegenpolen worden beschouwd. Wetenschap richt zich op het objectief onderzoeken van de werkelijkheid door middel van waarneming, experimenten en bewijs, terwijl esoterie zich vooral bezighoudt met innerlijke ervaring, spirituele inzichten en het verkennen van niet-fysieke werelden. Toch ontstaan er steeds meer kruispunten waar deze werelden elkaar ontmoeten en beïnvloeden.

Een van de meest interessante gebieden waar deze interactie zichtbaar wordt, is de recente ontwikkeling van theorieën over het universum. Zo resoneren de ideeën over holografische universa en multiversa sterk met esoterische opvattingen over meerdere werelden en dimensies die parallel aan onze eigen bestaan. Wetenschappers zoals Leonard Susskind en Gerard 't Hooft hebben hypotheses ontwikkeld waarin ons waarneembare universum wordt beschouwd als een soort hologram, een projectie van informatie die in een hogere dimensie wordt opgeslagen. Dit sluit aan bij esoterische tradities die spreken over meerdere niveaus van werkelijkheid en hogere dimensies die niet direct waarneembaar zijn, maar wel invloed uitoefenen op ons bestaan.

Daarnaast bieden theorieën over hogere dimensies, zoals die uit de snaartheorie, een wetenschappelijk kader dat mogelijk de oude esoterische overtuigingen over niet-fysieke werelden kan onderbouwen. In deze theorieën worden het heelal en de werkelijkheid beschreven als bestaande in meer dan de gebruikelijke drie ruimtelijke dimensies, wat ruimte laat voor het bestaan van andere, onzichtbare werelden die via hogere dimensies toegankelijk zouden kunnen zijn.

Ook in de kwantumfysica zien we raakvlakken met esoterie. Verschijnselen zoals entanglement, waarbij deeltjes op afstand met elkaar verbonden blijven, worden door sommige wetenschappers geïnterpreteerd als aanwijzingen voor een onderliggende verbondenheid die niet afhankelijk is van ruimte en tijd. Dit concept lijkt sterk op de esoterische ideeën over universele eenheid en de verbondenheid van alles in het universum. Sommige filosofen en onderzoekers zien hierin een mogelijkheid om via bewustzijn en hogere kennis toegang te krijgen tot deze verborgen aspecten van de werkelijkheid.

Tegelijkertijd roept deze kruisbestuiving ook vragen op. Bijvoorbeeld over de grenzen van de wetenschappelijke methode, die primair gebaseerd is op empirisch bewijs en reproduceerbaarheid. Esoterische tradities benadrukken juist dat niet alle kennis via objectieve waarneming kan worden verkregen; innerlijke ervaring, meditatie en spirituele ontwikkeling worden als waardevolle manieren gezien om hogere werelden en kennis te bereiken. Dit leidt tot een discussie over de rol van subjectieve ervaring en intuïtie in het begrijpen van de werkelijkheid. De samenwerking tussen wetenschap en esoterie opent dus nieuwe perspectieven, maar roept ook vragen op over de aard van kennis en de methoden die we gebruiken om de diepere lagen van het universum te doorgronden.

UAP: Interdimensionale Hypothese

5. Conclusie: Een geïntegreerde visie op buitenaardsheid, tijd en dimensies

De verkenning van buitenaards leven, de aard van tijd en de esoterische kennis over andere dimensies toont aan dat deze onderwerpen diep met elkaar verbonden zijn, zowel in wetenschappelijke theorieën als in spirituele tradities. Wetenschap biedt ons een rationeel kader om de fysieke wereld te begrijpen en te zoeken naar bewijzen voor buitenaards bestaan en hogere dimensies. Esoterie, daarentegen, nodigt uit tot een innerlijke reis en het ontwikkelen van bewustzijns- en waarnemingsvermogen om toegang te krijgen tot niet-fysieke realiteiten.

Deze twee benaderingen hoeven niet per se conflictueus te zijn; ze kunnen elkaar juist verrijken. Wetenschappelijke ontdekkingen over de structuur van het universum en de eigenschappen van tijd kunnen worden geïnterpreteerd binnen een groter metafysisch raamwerk dat de mogelijkheid van andere dimensies en buitenaardse wezens ondersteunt. Tegelijkertijd kunnen esoterische inzichten en ervaringen wetenschappelijke nieuwsgierigheid stimuleren door nieuwe vragen te genereren over de aard van werkelijkheid en bewustzijn.

Het integreren van deze perspectieven vraagt om een open houding en een interdisciplinair discours waarin wetenschap en spiritualiteit elkaar kunnen ontmoeten. Zo ontstaat een completer beeld van de werkelijkheid, waarin niet alleen de materiële wereld wordt erkend, maar ook de verborgen dimensies en de hogere kennis die mogelijk liggen in het domein van het onzichtbare en het onbewuste.

Tot slot benadrukt deze verkenning dat de zoektocht naar buitenaards leven en hogere dimensies niet alleen een wetenschappelijke of esoterische onderneming is, maar ook een innerlijke reis naar de grenzen van ons begrip en bewustzijn. Het is een uitnodiging om de mysterieuze aard van het universum te blijven onderzoeken, zowel met de ratio als met het hart, en open te staan voor de vele verborgen werelden die mogelijk naast onze eigen bestaan.

Door deze integratie kunnen we niet alleen onze kennis uitbreiden, maar ook onze spirituele en existentiële vragen verdiepen, en wellicht dichterbij komen bij het begrijpen van onze plaats in een veelvoudig en wonderlijk universum.

{ PETER2011 }

11-09-2025 om 22:06 geschreven door peter  

Scientific objectivity is a myth — here's why

People are at the heart of the scientific enterprise.  

(Image credit: Matteo Farinella, CC BY-NC)

Even if you don't recall many facts from high school biology, you likely remember the cells required for making babies: egg and sperm. Maybe you can picture a swarm of sperm cells battling each other in a race to be the first to penetrate the egg.

For decades, scientific literature described human conception this way, with the cells mirroring the perceived roles of women and men in society. The egg was thought to be passive while the sperm was active.

Over time, scientists realized that sperm are too weak to penetrate the egg and that the union is more mutual, with the two cells working together. It's no coincidence that these findings were made in the same era when new cultural ideas of more egalitarian gender roles were taking hold.

Scientist Ludwik Fleck is credited with first describing science as a cultural practice in the 1930s. Since then, understanding has continued to build that scientific knowledge is always consistent with the cultural norms of its time.

Despite these insights, across political differences, people strive for and continue to demand scientific objectivity: the idea that science should be unbiased, rational and separable from cultural values and beliefs.

When I entered my Ph.D. program in neuroscience in 2001, I felt the same way. But reading a book by biologist Anne Fausto-Sterling called "Sexing the Body" set me down a different path. It systematically debunked the idea of scientific objectivity, showing how cultural ideas about sex, gender and sexuality were inseparable from the scientific findings. By the time I earned my Ph.D., I began to look more holistically at my research, integrating the social, historical and political context.

From the questions scientists begin with, to the beliefs of the people who conduct the research, to choices in research design, to interpretation of the final results, cultural ideas constantly inform "the science." What if an unbiased science is impossible?

Emergence of idea of scientific objectivity

Science grew to be synonymous with objectivity in the Western university system only over the past few hundred years.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, some Europeans gained traction in challenging the religiously ordained royal order. Consolidation of the university system led to shifts from trust in religious leaders interpreting the word of "god," to trust in "man" making one's own rational decisions, to trust in scientists interpreting "nature." The university system became an important site for legitimizing claims through theories and studies.

Previously, people created knowledge about their world, but there were not strict boundaries between what are now called the humanities, such as history, English and philosophy, and the sciences, including biology, chemistry and physics. Over time, as questions arose about how to trust political decisions, people split the disciplines into categories: subjective versus objective. The splitting came with the creation of other binary oppositions, including the closely related emotionality/rationality divide. These categories were not simply seen as opposite, but in a hierarchy with objectivity and rationality as superior.

A closer look shows that these binary systems are arbitrary and self-reinforcing.

Science is a human endeavor

The sciences are fields of study conducted by humans. These people, called scientists, are part of cultural systems just like everyone else. We scientists are part of families and have political viewpoints. We watch the same movies and TV shows and listen to the same music as nonscientists. We read the same newspapers, cheer for the same sports teams and enjoy the same hobbies as others.

All of these obviously "cultural" parts of our lives are going to affect how scientists approach our jobs and what we consider "common sense" that does not get questioned when we do our experiments.

Beyond individual scientists, the kinds of studies that get conducted are based on what questions are deemed relevant or not by dominant societal norms.

For example, in my Ph.D. work in neuroscience, I saw how different assumptions about hierarchy could influence specific experiments and even the entire field. Neuroscience focuses on what is called the central nervous system. The name itself describes a hierarchical model, with one part of the body "in charge" of the rest. Even within the central nervous system, there was a conceptual hierarchy with the brain controlling the spinal cord.

My research looked more at what happened peripherally in muscles, but the predominant model had the brain at the top. The taken-for-granted idea that a system needs a boss mirrors cultural assumptions. But I realized we could have analyzed the system differently and asked different questions. Instead of the brain being at the top, a different model could focus on how the entire system communicates and works together at coordination.

Every experiment also has assumptions baked in — things that are taken for granted, including definitions. Scientific experiments can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

For example, billions of dollars have been spent on trying to delineate sex differences. However, the definition of male and female is almost never stated in these research papers. At the same time, evidence mounts that these binary categories are a modern invention not based on clear physical differences.

Related: 

• Is there really a difference between male and female brains? Emerging science is revealing the answer.

But the categories are tested so many times that eventually some differences are discovered without putting these results into a statistical model together. Oftentimes, so-called negative findings that don't identify a significant difference are not even reported. Sometimes, meta-analyses based on multiple studies that investigated the same question reveal these statistical errors, as in the search for sex-related brain differences. Similar patterns of slippery definitions that end up reinforcing taken-for-granted assumptions happen with race, sexuality and other socially created categories of difference.

Finally, the end results of experiments can be interpreted in many different ways, adding another point where cultural values are injected into the final scientific conclusions.

Settling on science when there's no objectivity

Vaccines. Abortion. Climate change. Sex categories. Science is at the center of most of today's hottest political debates. While there is much disagreement, the desire to separate politics and science seems to be shared. On both sides of the political divide, there are accusations that the other side's scientists cannot be trusted because of political bias.

Consider the recent controversy over the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory panel. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, saying they were biased, while some Democratic lawmakers argued back that his move put in place those who would be biased in pushing his vaccine-skeptical agenda.

If removing all bias is impossible, then, how do people create knowledge that can be trusted?

The understanding that all knowledge is created through cultural processes does allow for two or more differing truths to coexist. You see this reality in action around many of today's most controversial subjects. However, this does not mean you must believe all truths equally — that's called total cultural relativism. This perspective ignores the need for people to come to decisions together about truth and reality.

Instead, critical scholars offer democratic processes for people to determine which values are important and for what purposes knowledge should be developed. For example, some of my work has focused on expanding a 1970s Dutch model of the science shop, where community groups come to university settings to share their concerns and needs to help determine research agendas. Other researchers have documented other collaborative practices between scientists and marginalized communities or policy changes, including processes for more interdisciplinary or democratic input, or both.

I argue a more accurate view of science is that pure objectivity is impossible. Once you leave the myth of objectivity behind, though, the way forward is not simple. Instead of a belief in an all-knowing science, we are faced with the reality that humans are responsible for what is researched, how it is researched and what conclusions are drawn from such research.

With this knowledge, we have the opportunity to intentionally set societal values that inform scientific investigations. This requires decisions about how people come to agreements about these values. These agreements need not always be universal but instead can be dependent on the context of who and what a given study might affect. While not simple, using these insights, gained over decades of studying science from both within and outside, may force a more honest conversation between political positions.

• This edited article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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05-09-2025 om 21:49 geschreven door peter  

05-09-2025 om 20:53 geschreven door peter  

When Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology: Exploring the Timeless Pursuit of Flow and Human Flourishing

Throughout human history, the quest for understanding what constitutes a fulfilling and meaningful life has been a central concern across cultures and civilizations. While modern psychology, particularly through the pioneering work of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, has introduced the concept of “flow” as a state of complete absorption and optimal performance, this phenomenon is far from a recent discovery. In fact, ancient philosophers, spiritual teachers, and cultural traditions have long recognized and cultivated states akin to flow, often describing them with different terminology but with remarkably similar insights. By examining these ancient perspectives alongside contemporary scientific understanding, we can uncover enduring truths about human nature and explore how reconciling these traditions can enhance our pursuit of well-being, mastery, and purpose in the modern world.

The Concept of Flow in Modern Psychology

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s groundbreaking research in the late 20th century introduced a revolutionary understanding of human consciousness and well-being through the concept of flow. Flow refers to a mental state where individuals are deeply immersed and fully engaged in an activity, experiencing a sense of effortless concentration and a loss of self-awareness. This state is often described as being “in the zone,” where external distractions fade away, and the individual’s focus becomes entirely absorbed in the task at hand.

According to Csikszentmihalyi, people typically experience flow when they undertake activities that challenge their skills just enough to keep them engaged without causing anxiety or boredom. For instance, a musician might enter a flow state when improvising during a performance, or an athlete might experience it during an intense game. During flow, perceptions of time often distort—hours can feel like minutes—and individuals often report feeling a high level of satisfaction and fulfillment. Interestingly, this state is linked to peak performance, heightened creativity, and increased productivity in various domains, including arts, sports, work, and even daily routines.

Modern psychological research has expanded on Csikszentmihalyi’s original work, identifying specific conditions that foster flow. These conditions include having clear goals that provide direction and purpose, receiving immediate feedback that helps individuals adjust their actions, and maintaining a balance between the challenge of the activity and their own skill level. When these elements align, individuals are more likely to experience sustained engagement and intrinsic motivation—doing something because it is inherently rewarding rather than for external rewards like money or recognition.

The implications of understanding flow extend far beyond individual experiences. In education, incorporating activities that promote flow can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. In the workplace, designing tasks that balance challenge and skill encourages employees to find their work more meaningful and satisfying, ultimately boosting productivity and innovation. Personal development strategies often aim to cultivate flow experiences as a way to improve overall life satisfaction and mental well-being.

Furthermore, flow has been linked to positive mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, increased happiness, and resilience. As modern society becomes increasingly fast-paced and distracted, understanding how to facilitate flow can help individuals find more fulfillment and balance in their everyday lives. Overall, the concept of flow remains a vital area of research within psychology, offering insights into how people can optimize their experiences and achieve a more meaningful and satisfying existence.

Ancient Wisdom and the Recognition of Optimal Experience

Long before the formalization of the concept of flow by Csikszentmihalyi in the 20th century, many cultures and spiritual traditions around the world recognized and described states of consciousness characterized by harmony, mastery, and transcendence. These states often resemble what modern psychology identifies as flow—a mental state where a person is fully immersed in an activity, experiencing effortless engagement, deep focus, and a sense of unity with their environment. These ancient traditions not only acknowledged such experiences but also provided guidance on how to attain them, emphasizing harmony with oneself, others, and the universe. By exploring these teachings, we gain insight into the enduring human pursuit of optimal experience and the universal nature of flow-like states across different cultures and eras.

1. Chinese Philosophy: Wu Wei

In Taoism, one of the most influential Chinese philosophical traditions, the concept of wu wei—literally translating as “non-action” or “effortless action”—serves as a foundational principle for achieving harmony with the natural world. Wu wei advocates for aligning oneself with the spontaneous flow of the Tao, which is considered the underlying principle of all existence. Rather than forcing outcomes or resisting circumstances, practitioners are encouraged to act in a manner that is effortless, spontaneous, and in accordance with nature’s rhythms. This approach fosters a sense of ease and grace in action, allowing individuals to operate with minimal resistance and maximum harmony. When a person successfully embodies wu wei, their actions often feel natural, seamless, and devoid of unnecessary struggle, leading to peak experiences where mastery and effortlessness coexist. In such moments, practitioners often describe a sense of unity with their surroundings, a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, and feelings of transcendence—akin to the psychological state of flow. Taoist masters often exemplify this, engaging in activities such as painting, martial arts, or poetry with a fluidity that appears almost effortless, revealing an intrinsic link between ancient wisdom and modern concepts of optimal experience.

2. Greek Philosophy: Eudaimonia and Arete

The ancient Greeks, especially Aristotle, articulated ideas closely related to the modern concept of flow through their emphasis on eudaimonia and arete. Eudaimonia, often translated as “flourishing” or “living well,” refers to a life of virtue, purpose, and fulfillment. Aristotle believed that achieving eudaimonia required the cultivation of moral virtues, intellectual development, and the actualization of one’s potential. Central to this pursuit was engaging in activities that develop one’s character and mastery—whether in arts, sciences, or moral conduct. Such activities, when performed with excellence (arete), foster a deep sense of engagement and satisfaction that resembles the experience of flow. For Aristotle, the highest human good was found in the activity of rational contemplation and virtuous action, which involve complete absorption and a sense of harmony with one’s purpose. The Greek philosophical tradition thus recognized that mastery, moral virtue, and intellectual growth are pathways to profound fulfillment—a pursuit that aligns closely with the modern understanding of being fully immersed and engaged in meaningful activity.

3. Indian Spiritual Traditions: Samadhi and Moksha

In Indian spiritual philosophies, especially within Hinduism and Buddhism, states of deep meditative absorption—called samadhi—are considered the pinnacle of spiritual practice. Samadhi refers to a state of intense concentration and unity with the object of meditation, characterized by bliss, clarity, and transcendence. When practitioners achieve samadhi, they experience a complete dissolution of the ego and a profound sense of interconnectedness with all existence. These moments are often described as peak experiences, where duality and self-consciousness fade away, leaving only pure awareness. Similarly, the concept of moksha in Hinduism signifies liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth (samsara). Achieving moksha entails realizing one’s true nature and attaining self-realization through disciplined practice, devotion, or insight. These states involve focused effort, detachment from egoic desires, and an experience of unity with the divine or the universe—paralleling the psychological concept of flow, where full absorption and a loss of self-awareness lead to transcendence. Practitioners often describe these experiences as moments of bliss, clarity, and ultimate freedom, emphasizing the importance of discipline and inner harmony in reaching such states.

4. Additional Perspectives and Cross-Cultural Insights

Beyond these major traditions, many other cultures have recognized similar states of optimal experience. Indigenous spiritual practices, for example, often involve rituals, dances, or ceremonies designed to induce trance-like states of unity and mastery. Similarly, Sufi mystics seek fana—an annihilation of the self—through prayer, poetry, and dance, experiencing profound union with the divine. These teachings underscore a universal human tendency to seek states of harmony, mastery, and transcendence that elevate everyday consciousness into moments of peak experience.

The common thread across these diverse traditions is the understanding that achieving harmony within oneself and with the universe leads to states of profound fulfillment and transcendence. These states share remarkable similarities with modern psychological flow—marked by complete absorption, intrinsic motivation, and a sense of unity. By examining these ancient perspectives, we can appreciate that the pursuit of optimal experience is a timeless aspect of human life, rooted in spiritual, philosophical, and practical wisdom accumulated over centuries.

In conclusion, ancient cultures and spiritual traditions recognized and valued states of harmony, mastery, and transcendence that closely resemble the modern concept of flow. Whether through Taoist wu wei, Greek eudaimonia, Indian samadhi and moksha, or other cultural practices, these teachings continue to inspire and inform our understanding of how to achieve peak experiences and live fulfilling lives. Their enduring wisdom highlights that the quest for harmony with oneself, others, and the universe is a fundamental aspect of human nature—an ongoing journey toward the realization of our highest potential.

Universal Themes and Cross-Cultural Parallels

Despite the diverse terminology, cultural backgrounds, and philosophical frameworks, these ancient concepts share fundamental themes that underscore a universal human pursuit: the quest for optimal experience. Central to these ideas are notions such as effortless action, harmonious engagement with one's environment, mastery of skills, and transcendence beyond the ego or ordinary consciousness. These themes reveal that across different civilizations and epochs, humans have sought to understand and attain states of flow or harmony that lead to fulfillment, meaning, and a sense of unity with the world around them. Whether articulated through the Chinese concept of wu wei, the Indian idea of dhyana or meditation, or the Greek notions of eudaimonia, these principles emphasize that the drive for balance and transcendence is ingrained in the human condition.

Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

Recent scientific developments, especially in neuroscience and psychology, have begun to shed light on the mechanisms underlying these timeless states. Advanced brain imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), have identified specific neural patterns associated with flow and similar states of heightened consciousness. Notably, during flow experiences, there is a marked decrease in activity within the prefrontal cortex—the brain region involved in self-awareness, critical judgment, and the narrative of the ego. This reduction explains why individuals often experience a loss of self-consciousness and a sense of effortless immersion in their activity.

Furthermore, the neurochemical landscape during flow states involves the release of mood-enhancing and motivational chemicals such as dopamine, endorphins, and norepinephrine. These neurochemicals contribute to feelings of pleasure, focus, and a sense of mastery, reinforcing the behavior that led to the flow state. The interplay of these biological processes supports the subjective experience of being "in the zone," where effort seems to dissolve, and performance reaches its peak.

Interestingly, these modern scientific insights resonate strongly with ancient teachings. For example, the Chinese philosophy of wu wei emphasizes surrendering ego-driven control and harmonizing with natural laws, which parallels the observed decrease in self-referential brain activity during flow. Similarly, Indian meditative practices often involve focused attention and cultivating a state of inner stillness, aligning with neural patterns seen during flow—reduced cognitive chatter and increased present-moment awareness. These parallels underscore a profound cross-cultural understanding: that the pursuit of effortless engagement and harmony is a shared aspect of human spiritual and psychological development, now increasingly understood through the lens of science as well.

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(Adobe Stock / By ft2010)

Implications for Personal Development and Society

Understanding the profound intersection between ancient wisdom and modern psychology offers a wealth of insights that can significantly enhance human flourishing at both the individual and societal levels. By examining timeless principles rooted in history alongside contemporary scientific findings, we can develop more holistic strategies for personal growth and societal well-being. Here are some key implications, elaborated in detail:

• Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence

Many ancient traditions—such as Buddhism, Stoicism, and Taoism—place a strong emphasis on mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the current moment. This state of awareness allows individuals to engage deeply with their experiences, fostering a sense of flow—a mental state characterized by complete immersion and enjoyment in an activity. Modern psychology supports this, showing that mindfulness practices can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation. Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines—through meditation, breathing exercises, or simple awareness practices—can help individuals develop greater capacity for deep engagement with their work, relationships, and personal pursuits. For example, taking a few minutes each day to focus on one’s breath or observe surroundings without judgment can cultivate a calm, attentive mind that is better equipped to handle life's challenges. Moreover, mindfulness enhances resilience and promotes a balanced perspective, contributing to long-term mental health and well-being.

• Designing Engaging Activities

An essential aspect of fostering flow is the structuring of activities that strike a balance between challenge and skill level. This principle echoes ancient philosophies which emphasized aligning effort with natural ability to promote harmony and mastery. In practical terms, this means designing tasks—whether in education, professional work, or leisure—that are neither too easy nor overly difficult. When individuals encounter appropriately challenging tasks that stretch their capabilities without overwhelming them, they are more likely to experience intrinsic motivation and a sense of achievement. For instance, educators can tailor assignments to match students’ skill levels, gradually increasing difficulty as competence develops. In workplaces, job roles can be designed to include clear goals and opportunities for skill development. Leisure activities—such as hobbies or sports—can be chosen or adapted to maintain engagement and promote mastery over time. This careful calibration of challenge and skill fosters sustained motivation, personal growth, and a sense of accomplishment.

• Encouraging Virtue and Purpose

The ancient pursuit of eudaimonia (meaningful living) and arete (virtue or excellence) underscores the importance of engaging in purpose-driven activities. When individuals find meaning and align their actions with personal values, they are more likely to experience flow, fulfillment, and resilience. Modern psychology confirms that purpose enhances motivation, well-being, and even physical health. Encouraging individuals to reflect on their core values and to pursue goals that serve a greater good—whether through community service, creative expression, or professional endeavors—can foster a sense of purpose. For example, someone working in healthcare may find deep satisfaction not only in the technical aspects of their job but also in the knowledge that they are contributing to the well-being of others. Societal institutions, such as educational systems and workplaces, can promote purpose by emphasizing ethical values, social responsibility, and personal development. Cultivating a culture that celebrates virtues like compassion, integrity, and perseverance can inspire individuals to live meaningful lives aligned with their highest ideals.

• Creating Supportive Environments

Societies that value mastery, harmony, and spiritual development provide fertile ground for individuals to attain states of optimal experience. These environments can include a variety of institutional and community practices designed to support growth and well-being. Educational systems that emphasize holistic development, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence can nurture students’ potential from a young age. Workplaces that promote autonomy, mastery, and purpose—often referred to as creating a “positive work environment”—can enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. Community practices, such as local clubs, spiritual groups, or volunteer organizations, foster social connection and shared growth. Policies that prioritize mental health, inclusivity, and lifelong learning further reinforce a society’s commitment to individual and collective flourishing. When societal values emphasize harmony, respect, and continual development, individuals are more likely to thrive and reach their full potential. This, in turn, creates a positive feedback loop where societal well-being and personal fulfillment reinforce each other.

• Conclusion

In summary, integrating ancient wisdom with modern psychological insights offers a comprehensive framework for fostering human flourishing. By cultivating mindfulness, designing engaging activities, encouraging virtue and purpose, and creating supportive environments, both individuals and societies can unlock their full potential. These principles emphasize the importance of harmony, deliberate effort, and meaningful engagement—timeless values that remain relevant across cultures and eras. Embracing these insights can lead to more fulfilled individuals and healthier, more resilient societies committed to growth, harmony, and well-being.

Challenges in Modern Life

Despite the many insights gained into human psychology and well-being, contemporary society faces numerous barriers that hinder individuals from experiencing the state of flow—those deep, immersive moments of focused engagement and intrinsic satisfaction. One of the most pervasive challenges is the omnipresence of constant connectivity through smartphones, social media, and digital devices. While these tools provide convenience and instant communication, they also lead to frequent interruptions and a fragmented attention span. The bombardment of notifications, messages, and information streams makes it difficult to sustain the sustained concentration required for entering and maintaining flow states.

In addition, the modern emphasis on multitasking—juggling multiple activities simultaneously—further undermines the quality of attention. Although multitasking may seem efficient, it often results in superficial engagement, reducing the likelihood of achieving the deep focus necessary for flow. Scientific studies suggest that the human brain is not well-designed for multitasking; instead, it thrives on focused effort and single-tasking, which foster mastery and intrinsic motivation.

Moreover, the culture of instant gratification prevalent in today's society can divert individuals away from activities that require patience, effort, and long-term commitment—key elements for experiencing flow. The commercialized nature of leisure activities, such as quick-fix entertainment and fleeting social media interactions, encourages a superficial sense of fulfillment that can diminish the value of sustained, meaningful pursuits. As a result, many people may find it increasingly difficult to engage deeply in activities like practicing a craft, learning a new skill, or engaging in creative work.

Recognizing these modern challenges, some thinkers and psychologists advocate for a conscious integration of ancient principles of harmony, effortlessness, and purpose into daily life. Practices such as mindfulness, deliberate unplugging from digital devices, and engaging in activities that align with one's core passions can help restore focus and facilitate flow. By consciously creating space for deep work and intrinsic motivation, individuals can counteract the distractions and superficial pursuits that dominate modern life, thereby enriching their overall well-being and sense of fulfillment.

Conclusion: A Timeless Pursuit

The exploration of ancient wisdom alongside modern psychology reveals that the pursuit of optimal experience, often called "flow," is a fundamental aspect of human nature that transcends different cultures and historical periods. These insights demonstrate that achieving fulfillment in life involves more than temporary pleasures; it requires aligning oneself with natural rhythms, cultivating skills, and engaging in activities that are meaningful, purposeful, and performed with full presence.

Throughout history, various philosophies and spiritual traditions have emphasized the importance of harmony and mastery. Concepts such as wu wei from Taoism, which advocates effortless action in accordance with the natural order; eudaimonia from Aristotle, representing human flourishing through virtuous living; and samadhi from Eastern meditation practices, denoting deep states of focused consciousness, all highlight the timeless nature of these ideas. By revisiting and integrating these ancient teachings, modern individuals and societies can develop more sustainable, fulfilling ways of living that resonate with our innate human tendencies.

Incorporating these principles into daily life offers practical guidance for navigating the complexities and distractions of contemporary society. They encourage us to seek balance, develop mastery in our pursuits, and find joy in the process itself rather than solely focusing on outcomes. By doing so, we honor a shared human heritage—an enduring collective wisdom—that continues to inspire and guide us in our ongoing quest for meaning, personal growth, and deep satisfaction. Ultimately, the pursuit of a meaningful, flow-filled life remains a timeless endeavor rooted in the universal truths of human nature.

References for Further Reading:

• Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
• Lao Tzu. (6th century BCE). Tao Te Ching.
• Aristotle. (4th century BCE). Nicomachean Ethics.
• Patanjali. (2nd century BCE). Yoga Sutras.
• Sivananda, S. (1988). The Science of Pranayama. Divine Life Society.
• Nisbett, R. E. (2003). The Geography of Thought. Free Press.

Note: This essay synthesizes ancient philosophical concepts with modern psychological findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of human optimal experience. It emphasizes the universality of these ideas and their relevance in contemporary life.

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22-08-2025 om 21:36 geschreven door peter