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A portal into underwater, prehistoric Wisconsin found in the heart of Waukesha County

In 1984, paleontologists found and saved a portal to prehistoric Wisconsin right in Waukesha County. Scientists are still discovering new fossils from it — most recently a leech that has pushed back the origins of the species by millions of years.

The post A portal into underwater, prehistoric Wisconsin found in the heart of Waukesha County appeared first on WPR.

Decades-old photosynthesis mystery finally solved

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Caltech have finally solved a decades-old mystery about how photosynthesis really begins. They discovered why energy inside plants flows down only one of two possible routes — a design that lets nature move sunlight with astonishing precision. Using advanced computer simulations, the researchers showed that one branch has a much higher energy barrier, blocking electrons from moving freely.

Scientists found a smarter Mediterranean diet that cuts diabetes risk by 31%

Spanish researchers found that combining a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet with exercise and professional support cut type 2 diabetes risk by 31%. Participants also lost weight and reduced waist size, proving that small, consistent lifestyle shifts can yield major health gains. Experts say this realistic approach could be integrated globally to tackle diabetes and obesity epidemics.

An interstellar visitor lights up the Red Planet’s sky

ESA’s Mars orbiters have observed comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third interstellar comet ever discovered. The faint, distant object revealed a glowing coma as it was heated by the Sun. Researchers are still studying the data to understand its makeup and origins. This rare event also foreshadows future missions like the Comet Interceptor, designed to chase such elusive visitors.

The Moon’s south pole hides a 4-billion-year-old secret

A colossal northern asteroid impact billions of years ago likely shaped the Moon’s south polar region and explains its uneven terrain. Researchers found that the South Pole-Aitken Basin formed from a glancing northern strike, revealing deep materials from the Moon’s interior. This discovery sheds light on how KREEP elements gathered on the near side, driving volcanic activity. Artemis astronauts may soon uncover samples that rewrite lunar history.

Fentanyl overdoses among seniors surge 9,000% — A hidden crisis few saw coming

Overdose deaths from fentanyl mixed with stimulants have skyrocketed among seniors, increasing 9,000% in just eight years. Once thought to affect mainly the young, the opioid epidemic’s fourth wave now engulfs older adults too. Cocaine and methamphetamine are the leading culprits, and experts warn that multi-drug use makes these overdoses especially lethal. Doctors are urged to educate patients and caregivers on prevention and safer pain management.

Keto diet shields young minds from early-life trauma

Young rats given a ketogenic diet were largely protected from the mental and behavioral issues caused by prenatal stress. The high-fat, low-carb diet appeared to safeguard brain development and promote sociability. Researchers believe this could pave the way for early dietary interventions to prevent mood and social disorders, though human trials are still needed.

Two common drugs could reverse fatty liver disease

Researchers at the University of Barcelona found that combining pemafibrate and telmisartan significantly reduces liver fat and cardiovascular risks in MASLD models. The drug duo works better together than alone, likely due to complementary mechanisms. They also uncovered a new role for the PCK1 protein in fat metabolism.

Archaeologists uncover lost land bridge that may rewrite human history

New research along Turkey’s Ayvalık coast reveals a once-submerged land bridge that may have helped early humans cross from Anatolia into Europe. Archaeologists uncovered 138 Paleolithic tools across 10 sites, indicating the region was a crucial migration corridor during the Ice Age. The findings challenge traditional migration theories centered on the Balkans and Levant, suggesting instead that humans used now-vanished pathways across the Aegean.

New simulation reveals how Earth’s magnetic field first sparked to life

Geophysicists have modeled how Earth’s magnetic field could form even when its core was fully liquid. By removing the effects of viscosity in their simulation, they revealed a self-sustaining dynamo that mirrors today’s mechanism. The results illuminate Earth’s early history, life’s origins, and the magnetism of other planets. Plus, it could help forecast future changes to our planet’s protective shield.

Scientists find gold hiding in food waste

Researchers are finding extraordinary new uses for what we throw away. Beet pulp may help crops resist disease, while composted coconut fibers could replace peat moss. Discarded radish and beet greens are rich in bioactive compounds that boost gut health and protect cells. Food waste is rapidly becoming a source of sustainable solutions for both agriculture and health.

Lexus LS Flagship Evolves Into A Six-Wheeled Minivan

  • The LS Concept is a new take on Lexus’ flagship that sports a minivan bodystyle.
  • The concept has six wheels, a fully electric powertrain and a three-row layout.
  • Akio Toyoda said they are serious about turning it into a production offering.

Lexus popped up a surprise by announcing a new LS Concept for the Japan Mobility Show. The model breaks away from the traditional sedan bodystyle and becomes a luxurious minivan with six wheels, three rows of seats, and a fully electric powertrain. What is even more unexpected is that the company wants to evolve the concept into a production vehicle, although a lot of work has to be done in order to make this happen.

The official teaser is titled “Discover” and signals a new era for Lexus. We can see the profile of the new LS Concept, featuring a set of large wheels at the front and two pairs of smaller wheels at the rear. The concept adopts a single-box minivan silhouette with tiny overhangs and a generous wheelbase. Overall, it looks bigger than the LM, which is based on the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire.

More: Toyota Shows Its Vision For Future Corolla Sedan

Besides the unconventional number of wheels, other highlights include the vertical LED headlights and taillights that extend into the profile, and the illuminated fin on the roof. A large sliding door reveals a spacious cabin with warm lightning and a six-seater three-row layout.

Not Just A Concept Car

While a six-wheeled minivan sounds too wild for production, Chairman Akio Toyoda made it clear that this is not just a concept. In a message from two years ago, he challenged the team to come up with something new for the Lexus flagship:

“If you think of the LS as a BEV chauffeur car, wouldn’t it become a new pillar of Lexus, with a new package that no one has ever thought of? Lexus doesn’t copy anyone else, so that’s the motto, so please start thinking about it...The LM is an evolution of the Alphard, after all, but… Will it evolve further from the LM, or… a completely new form.

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Lexus and Toyota Times / YouTube

The LS was originally conceived as an acronym for “Luxury Sedan”, but Toyoda now translates it to “Luxury Space”, allowing its use for a three-row BEV. The goal was to create a chauffeured vehicle that would still feel spacious even with six people inside the cabin.

More: You’ve Never Been Spoiled Like This In A Lexus Back Seat Before

When asked if the concept will turn into a production model, Toyoda initially said: “No, I’m not sure if they can do that yet”. However, a bit later he added “It is still a long way off but everyone is serious about it. So I’m sure it will definitely come true.”

The challenges currently faced by the team is to match the levels of quietness and ride comfort expected from a Lexus vehicle and make it road friendly. When asked if having six wheels translates to a 6WD, Toyota’s head of design said: “Maybe”.

Furthermore, Toyota’s boss wants Lexus to “demolish the spindle grille for a while” as it has “no potential for development”. Instead, designers are now trying to “assimilate the spindle throughout the entire body” of the vehicle.

The Lexus LS Concept will be fully unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. What we are not sure is whether the team can turn it into a production vehicle fast enough to replace the aging LS sedan. The latter is expected to bow out of production next year, as Lexus has officially announced its forthcoming demise from the US market.

More: The Lexus LS Is Dead After 2026 And This Is Its Final Goodbye In America

Note that the only other six-wheeled vehicle made by Toyota is the Lunar Cruiser which is designed to be driven on the moon, with Toyoda saying “I’m starting to think that maybe I want to ride it on Earth”.

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