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Miami Herald
a day ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
As the ocean warms, a new study found it's also changing color
For thousands of years, writers have come up with increasingly creative ways to describe the 'wine-dark sea.' But a new study suggests that modern poets may be faced with a slightly different palette. A study published Thursday in the journal Science found that the ocean is changing color as it warms. By analyzing satellite data from 2009 to 2022, researchers from Duke University and the Georgia Institute of Technology noticed that waters near the equator were getting greener, while areas near the poles were turning bluer. Lead author Haipeng Zhou calls it 'this greener greens or bluer blues phenomenon.' The culprit, the paper suggests, is the teeny tiny plant-like creatures that form the building blocks of the marine food web — phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are filled with a green pigment called chlorophyll that allows them to absorb energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. As waters near the equator warm, they're less hospitable to the microscopic critters, so the water appears bluer. At the poles, the colder water is far more nutrient-dense, so there's lots more phytoplankton to go around, giving the waters a rich, blue tinge. It's not a new phenomenon. There's a reason the Caribbean is known as the land of dazzling turquoise waters, while Arctic waters are a dark navy contrast to the ivory ice floes around them. But Zhou, who began the research at Duke University and completed it as a postdoctoral researcher at Georgia Tech, found that as the ocean warms, this phenomenon is getting stronger. Their study only looked at the open ocean, not coastal waters. Near the coast, there are plenty of complicating factors that make it hard to clearly point to phytoplankton as the main cause of color changes, like dirt and sand floating in the water, shifting winds, pollution or even seagrass die off. To understand the concentrations of phytoplankton, the research team relied on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration database made up of samples scooped from various research cruises all over the world. This database, plus satellite imagery, helped show the color shift in different regions of the ocean. The changing levels of phytoplankton could be bad news for fish in the tropics, or for communities that rely on those fish. But it could also be a boon for their northern and southern cousins. 'We all know that phytoplankton is the bottom of the food chain. Any impact on phytoplankton will have impacts on its predators,' Zhou said. Phytoplankton need sun and nutrients to flourish, but when the ocean warms, the individual layers that make up the sea grow more stratified, so it's harder for phytoplankton to float up and down the water column to access the same light and nutrients they're used to, he said. So while scientists can clearly say that warmer waters lead to fewer phytoplankton, and they know that climate change is one of the main reasons the oceans are heating up, it's not clear if climate change is the reason for the color shift. 'We need longer records, 30 years, 40 years, to make us more confident whether it is linked to climate change or global variability,' Zhou said. The study only looked at about 20 years of data, which Zhou said is enough to confidently say that something has changed, but not long enough to know what caused that change. Other factors can and do affect water temperature, like the shift in trade winds over the Atlantic that led to a coral-killing marine heat wave in 2023. 'The study period was too short to rule out the influence of recurring climate phenomena such as El Niño,' wrote co-author Susan Lozier, Dean of the College of Sciences at Georgia Tech, in a statement. However, Zhou added, more research may very well find that this color-shifting trend continues into the future as human-caused climate change continues to heat up the oceans. 'The temperature of the water is rising. While there's no evidence showing that this progress will slow down, it's very likely we'll have warmer waters in the future, which means we'll have a continuous impact on the ocean ecosystem.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Want to lose weight faster at the gym? Science reveals the most-effective workout order
If you've ever stood in the gym debating whether to hop on the treadmill or hit the dumbbells first, science now has a definitive answer—and it might help you burn fat more efficiently than ever before. A groundbreaking new study by researchers in China, published in the Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness , reveals that the sequence in which you perform your workouts could significantly influence how much fat you lose—especially the dangerous kind. The Study That Could Change Your Gym Routine Dr. Zhixiong Zhou of the Capital University of Physical Education and Sports in Beijing led a 12-week study involving 45 overweight men aged 18 to 30. These men were split into three groups: one did cardio first followed by resistance training; the second lifted weights first and then did cardio; and the third group served as a control, continuing their daily habits without structured workouts. The exercise routines for both workout groups were identical—30 minutes of indoor cycling paired with classic strength moves like bench presses, deadlifts, curls, and squats. The only variable? The order of execution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Start with Weights for Maximum Fat Loss After three months, both active groups showed improvements: weight loss, lean muscle gain, and better overall fitness. But when it came to pure fat loss—especially visceral fat, the dangerous fat that surrounds internal organs—those who lifted weights before cardio came out on top. 'Our findings suggest that resistance training optimizes fat loss when conducted prior to aerobic exercise,' Dr. Zhou explained. 'The sequence of exercise is therefore a pivotal factor in the process of fat loss.' You Might Also Like: How an extremely busy man lost nearly half his body fat in 3 months without strict diet or long gym sessions Visceral fat is particularly dangerous and has been strongly linked to serious conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. According to the study, weight-first exercisers saw a sharper reduction in this type of fat, making the order of workouts not just a question of fitness—but of long-term health. The Science Behind the Burn The key lies in how your body uses energy. Resistance training depletes your muscle's glycogen stores, forcing your body to burn fat during the cardio session that follows. 'When you do cardio first, your muscles will be less depleted of glycogen unless it is a very intense session,' said Jack McNamara, senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology at the University of East London. 'But the cardio first will also induce a level of fatigue that means you are probably not able to impart maximal effort when it comes to resistance training later on.' In essence, cardio-on-fatigue delivers less bang for your buck—especially when it comes to burning fat. You Might Also Like: Always hungry while dieting? Weight loss expert reveals everyday mistakes that could be to ruining your efforts A Small Change, Big Impact So, the next time you're planning your gym session, consider switching up the order. Start with weights to prime your body for maximum fat burn during cardio. It's a subtle shift that, over time, might help you unlock better results—not just on the scale, but in overall health. As Dr. Zhou puts it, 'The reduction in visceral fat was more pronounced in the resistance training-first group, implying that resistance training first may effectively reduce visceral fat.' Because sometimes, the best way forward is simply to reverse the order.
Herald Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
Balwyn North auction stuns with $3.36m sale
A Melbourne home has sold for more than $3.3m after a buyer walked through it for the very first time on auction day. A Balwyn North home has taken out the title of Melbourne's biggest auction sale of the weekend, fetching a jaw-dropping $3.361m — and the buyer only saw it hours before making the winning bid. The four-bedroom retro beauty at 5 Alpha St was quoted $2.7m-$2.9m but smashed the top of the guide by $461,000 after an intense five-way bidding war. RELATED: Why 15 buyers fought over this Craigieburn gem Savvy way single mums became investors $2.3m Melb pad offers Porsche perk Jellis Craig Boroondara's Perry Zhou said one of the underbidders was an interstate investor dialling in by phone, but it was a cashed-up local buyer who swept in at the eleventh hour. 'They'd just bought a boat for their adult children and walked through the home for the first time on the day,' Mr Zhou said. 'It all happened so quickly, but it reflects what we're seeing more broadly. Confidence is back.' The 1043sq m block sits on the high side of the street with potential for sweeping city views from a future second-storey extension. The home also falls within the coveted Balwyn High School zone, a major magnet for high-end family buyers. Mr Zhou said the home was declared on the market at $3.15m, and bidding surged a further $211,000 from there. 'That kind of result was well beyond expectations,' he said. 'We had a very realistic guide and strong interest, but no one saw it pushing this far.' He added that Balwyn North was quietly booming again, with buyers circling homes on large blocks — especially those with renovation or development potential. 'If you drive around this pocket, construction is everywhere. Blocks like this are becoming rare, and that's driving the competition,' Mr Zhou said. 'We're seeing buyers move early, before the school holidays and end of financial year. Stock is tightening, so they're jumping in.' While not a record-breaker, Mr Zhou said it was the $3.361m result puts 5 Alpha Street among the top sales in the Greythorn precinct. According to property records, the current benchmark is the $4.888m sale of 98 Greythorn Rd in November 2024, with other notable results including 119 Greythorn Rd, which changed hands for $3.608m earlier last year. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: What sold this hero cop's family home Melb buyers heat up market in cold snap 'Be realistic': Melb buyers warned
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Momcozy M9 Wearable Breast Pump Wins Innovation Award at Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 June 2025 - Momcozy, a global leader in mother and baby care, proudly announced that its Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free Breast Pump (M9) has been honored with the Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025 Innovation Award, recognized for its industry-leading design, smart features, and expert-backed support system. At Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025, held June 12–14 in Bangkok, Momcozy is showcasing its latest innovations at Booth #C-1, including the award-winning M9 pump and a range of products tailored to the real-life needs of Southeast Asian families. Momcozy M9: Smart, Comfortable, Award-Winning As a leading innovator in wearable breast pump technology, Momcozy is redefining modern pumping. The M9 is the brand's first pump with smart app integration, offering moms enhanced control, comfort, and efficiency. The M9 features 15 suction levels and two expert-designed modes, allowing users to fully personalize their pumping experience via mobile app. Its patented DoubleFit™ Flange delivers a secure, ultra-snug fit that helps boost milk flow by up to 28.2%, based on internal lab tests. Also presenting is the Momcozy Air 1 Ultra-Slim Breast Pump, the thinnest wearable breast pump on the market. Its slim profile, quiet motor, and clear top-view design make it ideal for moms seeking discreet pumping. Innovations Tailored for Southeast Asia Beyond wearables, Momcozy is showing a range of products designed for Southeast Asia's climate and daily routines, including: • KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer & Sterilizer • ComforNip™ Nipple Cream • • Dreamlign™ U Pro Maternity Pillow • Silky-Soft Cooling Comforter 'Our return to Kind + Jugend ASEAN is not just about showcasing innovation,' said Ellen Zhou, APAC Marketing Director at Momcozy.'It's about consistently showing up for the families of ASEAN. This region is home to dynamic, young families with unique needs, and we're here to support them with understanding and tailored care.' Expanding in ASEAN: Open Call for Local Partnerships As Momcozy expands across Southeast Asia, it invites strategic partnerships with local distributors, healthcare professionals, and business collaborators to bring its innovations to more families in the region. 'We're not just looking to grow — we're looking to grow together with trusted partners who share our mission of supporting moms and their families with care, comfort, and evidence-backed products,' Zhou added. For more information, visit or meet the Momcozy team at Booth #C-1 during Kind + Jugend ASEAN 2025.
CNBC
11-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: AI hits an already weak jobs market
China's eagerness to adopt artificial intelligence comes just as economic growth is slowing, putting millions of routine jobs at risk. "I'm planning to get rid of 360 [Security Technology's] entire marketing department. This way the company can save tens of millions a year," founder and chair Zhou Hongyi said in a Chinese-language video on Friday night, translated by CNBC. It's since been viewed more than 191,000 times on popular Chinese platform Weibo alone. Zhou, who has nearly 12 million followers on Weibo, said he's attempting to use the company's forthcoming generative AI tool to prepare a press conference for the product by himself in five days. The AI agent plus search tool is due for release on Wednesday. Whether or not it's just another sales ploy by Zhou, who goes by the moniker "Red Shirt Big Uncle Zhou Hongyi," the video captures an emerging reality: companies pressured to cut costs may increasingly replace jobs with AI. Worrying signs are piling up. Last week, U.S. financial giant Citi said it's cutting 3,500 tech jobs in China by October. U.S.-based Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told Axios last month that AI could lead to unemployment rates of 10-20% over the next one to five years. In China, more companies are discussing AI-driven efficiencies, especially in marketing and coding. Food delivery giant Meituan told investors in late May that about 52% of new code was generated by AI, up from 27% disclosed in March. Big Chinese tech companies are pointedly asking for new young recruits to have AI skills, said Shu Weibing, partner and COO at HangHang AI. "If a student doesn't know how to use AI, then it will be very hard to get a job," Shu said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. HangHang AI focuses on AI skills training. On June 6, it launched a "Global AI" platform to help entrepreneurs get initial funding for AI projects, even if they are still working a day job. So far, the platform has 70 investors participating and at least 50 projects on board, Shu said. He added that the goal is to invest in 1,000 projects over three years, with each one receiving 10,000 yuan from three backers, totaling 30,000 yuan to jump-start each project. Chinese authorities have encouraged efforts to embrace AI and robots, while increasing support for employment. The Ministry of Finance announced on Tuesday that it has allocated 66.74 billion yuan ($9.29 billion) for employment-related subsidies this year. On Monday, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced a two-year pilot program to test the use of robots for senior citizen care. To be sure, AI isn't about to suddenly hit every single industry. But since the Covid-19 pandemic, a persistent story, seen on Chinese social media and in casual conversations, is one of job uncertainty. Record graduates. More people getting some support from their parents and pursuing higher degrees. Companies cutting wages, clawing back bonuses and closing departments, if not shutting down altogether. Individuals and businesses have turned to social media and selling products via livestream, where competition is still fierce but the potential for overnight success remains. Complicating the job market further is a local culture that prizes work, even if it means regular overtime and weekend conferences. The unhealthy competition is most apparent in China's electric car market, where fierce competition has led to a race to the bottom, prompting government warnings to stop what's colloquially known as "neijuan," or involution. That's not even accounting for the economic impact of escalating trade tensions, which resulted in a 34% plunge in China's exports to the U.S. last month, official data showed Monday. About 16 million jobs in China are tied to U.S. exports, Goldman Sachs has estimated. Monthly business surveys for May showed contraction in the labor market across the board. The data indicate a situation rarely seen in the past decade, Goldman Sachs' Hui Shan pointed out in an analysis published last week. "Labor markets are very weak, especially in construction and among small businesses." But "labor market weakness could be a catalyst" for more stimulus, the report said. China's top leaders typically hold a policy meeting in late July. Mark Smith, CEO of mineral development company NioCorp, says that the U.S. needs to find a way to get along with China for its supply of heavy rare earths while the former builds up its supply chain, and that stockpiling of critical minerals is unlikely to be effective, as China is the sole supplier. Robin Xing, Chief China Economist at Morgan Stanley, discussed the ongoing differences between the U.S. and China, ranging from trade to EVs, and how that affects sentiment in China. Meituan's Keeta unit launched drone deliveries in Hong Kong, extending its existing routes in Mainland China. Meituan's Vice President Yinian Mao spoke with Emily Tan about the company's drone delivery dreams and how they fit into its broader operations. U.S.-China agree on framework following London talks. The U.S. and China have reached an agreement on trade, representatives from both sides said Wednesday after a second day of high-level talks in London. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone late last week, stabilizing what had become a fraught relationship with both countries accusing each other of violating the Geneva trade agreement. China's consumer price index fell in May. It was the fourth-straight negative read. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, did recover from a high last seen in January. Trade data pointed to modest growth in exports in May, while imports fell far more than expected, another sign of weak domestic demand. U.S. has exaggerated Huawei's chip developments. So says the Chinese telecommunications company's CEO, in an interview published on the front page of the Chinese Communist Party's newspaper on Tuesday. Ren Zhengfei said while Huawei chips are one generation behind those of U.S. peers, the company is finding ways to offset the gap. Chinese and Hong Kong stocks climbed in early trade on Wednesday after leaders from the U.S. and China said they have reached an agreement on trade. Mainland China's CSI 300 was up 0.8% to its highest level in over two weeks, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index — which includes major Chinese companies — rose 0.6% as of 11 a.m. local time. The CSI 300 has lost roughly 0.97% while the Hang Seng Index has gained over 21.54% so far this year. June 11: Xpeng G7 car launch June 13: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is scheduled to depart the U.K. after U.S.-China trade talks and other meetings June 16: China retail sales, industrial production and investment data for May
