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Amid concerns about the agreement’s survival under the new Trump administration, Finland became the first nation to join the Artemis Accords this year on January 21.

The Accords, which set forth best practices for safe and sustainable space exploration, were signed by Finland during the Winter Satellite Workshop 2025 at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland, according to a release from NASA. The nation is the first to sign the Accords in 2025 and the 53rd overall.

In the release, NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free said, “Today, Finland is joining a community of nations that want to share scientific data freely, operate safely and preserve the space environment for the Artemis Generation,” “Forging strong partnerships between our nations and among the international community is critical for advancing our shared space exploration goals.”

Wille Rydman, the Finnish minister of economic affairs, signed the Accords. In a ministry statement, he stated, “Our aim is that the cooperation will open up opportunities for the Finnish space sector in the new era of space exploration and the Artemis Program,”

In addition, the ministry stated that it will adhere to international space law in its space operations and that it still views the UN as the main platform for its development while signing the Accords, a non-binding agreement.

The Accords were signed by 19 countries in 2024, the most in a single year, before Finland joined. NASA and U.S. State Department officials attributed the increase to a greater understanding of the Accords’ importance as a platform for addressing topics like sustainability and space safety.

In 2020, during the first Trump presidency, the United States and seven other nations signed the Artemis Accords. Citing the new government’s “America First” ethos, some in the sector question whether the Accords will continue to receive the same amount of support from the current administration, even though they were initiated by the previous Trump administration.

This includes an executive order issued by President Trump to Marco Rubio, the newly appointed Secretary of State, on January 20. The statement urged the new secretary to align the State Department’s “policies, programs, personnel, and operations in line with an America First foreign policy.” adding that “From this day forward, the foreign policy of the United States shall champion core American interests and always put America and American citizens first,”

Veterans of previous administrations disagreed on the Trump administration’s use of international collaboration, particularly the Accords, during a panel debate at the Beyond Earth Symposium in November. Speaking of diplomacy, former Obama administration deputy administrator Lori Garver stated, “It is by its nature slow,” “which is the opposite of what these folks have in mind.”

She had doubts about the Artemis Accords’ prospects. “You don’t think that the administration is going to feel like they want to do things that are maybe a little different?”

National Space Council executive secretary Scott Pace, who served in the first Trump administration, believed that international collaboration would remain important. He stated, “When we do things in space cooperation, it’s not to make space people happy per se, although that’s nice,” “It’s because we’re trying to set norms of behavior and rules, a predictable economic environment for investment and provide a more stable international security environment.”

He finished by saying, “I think that international engagement is going to be an important part of the Trump administration because it’s part of larger national interests,” “There can be different styles to it, different emphases on it, but it’s absolutely going to be central.”

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Business

Ford is making significant strides to strengthen its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by announcing plans to reimburse dealerships for installing EV chargers. This initiative underscores the automaker’s commitment to expanding EV accessibility and addressing one of the key barriers to widespread adoption: charging infrastructure.

Supporting Dealers in the Transition to Electric

As Ford ramps up production of its growing lineup of EVs, including models like the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and upcoming electric Explorer, the company recognizes the importance of equipping dealerships with the tools needed to support EV customers. Installing on-site charging stations not only enables dealerships to provide convenient charging for customers but also allows them to showcase Ford’s commitment to the electric future.

Ford’s reimbursement program will cover a significant portion, if not all, of the costs associated with installing Level 2 and DC fast chargers. This includes the cost of hardware, installation, and necessary upgrades to electrical systems. By doing so, Ford aims to reduce the financial burden on dealerships, many of which operate in regions where EV adoption is still in its early stages.

Program Details and Dealer Requirements

Dealerships participating in Ford’s EV Certified Dealer Program are required to install a minimum number of EV chargers based on the size of their operations and anticipated EV sales volume. Larger dealerships in urban areas may be required to install multiple chargers, including DC fast chargers, while smaller dealerships in rural locations may only need Level 2 chargers.

To ensure consistency and quality, Ford has partnered with certified charging equipment suppliers and installation contractors. Dealerships must use approved vendors and adhere to specific installation guidelines to qualify for reimbursement.

Ford has also outlined requirements for dealerships to make at least one charger accessible to the public. This move supports broader community charging access and aligns with the company’s goal of building a more extensive charging network across the United States.

Aligning with the Broader EV Strategy

This initiative is part of Ford’s larger strategy to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. The automaker has committed to investing more than $50 billion in EV development by 2026, aiming to produce 2 million EVs annually by that year. Expanding charging infrastructure at dealerships is a critical component of this plan, as it addresses the common concern of potential buyers about the availability and convenience of charging stations.

Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, emphasized the importance of the dealer network in the company’s EV strategy:
“Our dealers are the face of Ford for millions of customers, and equipping them with the infrastructure to support electric vehicles is essential to our success. This program ensures they’re ready to serve EV customers as the market grows.”

Dealers’ Response and Market Impact

The program has been well-received by many Ford dealers, especially those in markets where EV demand is rapidly increasing. However, some smaller dealerships in rural areas remain cautious, citing concerns about the return on investment given the slower adoption rates in their regions.

Ford’s reimbursement plan helps alleviate these concerns, making it financially viable for dealers to install chargers and participate in the EV transition. By fostering dealer participation, Ford strengthens its competitive position against rivals like General Motors and Tesla, which have also been expanding their charging networks.

Looking Ahead: Building an EV Ecosystem

Ford’s decision to reimburse dealers for charger installations is a bold step toward creating a comprehensive EV ecosystem. By ensuring its dealer network is equipped to meet the needs of EV buyers, Ford is not only supporting its current customers but also laying the groundwork for future growth.

This initiative reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry as manufacturers increasingly take a hands-on approach to developing charging infrastructure. For Ford, empowering its dealers to lead the charge in their communities could be a key advantage as it competes in the rapidly evolving EV market.

With robust dealer support, expanded charging networks, and an exciting lineup of electric vehicles, Ford is positioning itself as a leader in the race toward an all-electric future.

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Entertainment

According to data from Ormax Media, the Indian box office made $1.37 billion in 2024, a 3% decrease from the record-breaking $1.41 billion made in 2023.

Notwithstanding the decline, 2024 continues to rank as the second-highest-grossing year in Indian film history. The Telugu-language blockbusters “Pushpa 2: The Rule” and “Kalki 2898 AD,” which dominated the year’s box office, solidified South Indian cinema’s supremacy in the country.

With $162.9 million in total revenue from all language versions, Sukumar’s “Pushpa 2: The Rule” became the highest-grossing movie of the year. The Hindi-dubbed version alone brought in $103.2 million. The sci-fi epic “Kalki 2898 AD,” directed by Nag Ashwin, came in second with $90 million. The figures only represent the movie’ 2024 Indian box office receipts; they do not represent its global totals.

Hindi-language films had a difficult year, accounting for only 40% of the overall box office ($543 million), compared to 44% in 2023. Notably, dubbed versions of South Indian films accounted for 31% of Hindi’s total earnings. Original Hindi-language film revenues fell by a sharp 37%.

On the other hand, a noteworthy 45% of the market was taken by South Indian film as a whole. Hits like “Devara – Part 1” ($40.2 million) contributed to the 20% share of Telugu-language filmmaking, which brought in $272.6 million. Next in line, with 15% of $212.4 million, was Tamil-language film. The most significant increase was in Malayalam-language film, which doubled its market share from 5% in 2023 to 10% in 2024, earning $135.2 million thanks to hits like “Aavesham” ($11.7 million) and “Manjummel Boys” ($18.2 million). With a meager 3% contribution, Kannada-language film brought in $35.3 million.

Hollywood’s share fell from 9% in 2023 to 8% as its earnings fell 17% to $109.2 million, with franchise pictures like “Deadpool & Wolverine” ($18.6 million) and “Mufasa: The Lion King” ($20.7 million) at the top of the box office. While Gujarati film grew by 66% thanks to hits like “Jhamkudi,” smaller industries like Punjabi (2%) and Gujarati (1%) exhibited little growth.

In 2024, 883 million people visited Indian movie theaters, a 6% decrease from the 943 million that were shown in 2023. Nonetheless, the average ticket price increased slightly by 3%, from $1.50 to $1.55, which helped to somewhat counteract the attendance drop.Indian Box Office Drops 3% to $1.37 Billion in 2024, With “Pushpa 2” and “Kalki 2898 AD” Leading

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Technology

Nvidia has unveiled the RTX 5090, a $2,000 powerhouse that redefines what’s possible for small gaming PC builds. Announced during CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote presentation, the RTX 5090 Founders Edition is so compact it fits seamlessly into the smallest gaming PC cases, including small form factor (SFF) or mini-ITX builds. These cases, known for their space constraints, can now house the world’s fastest gaming system thanks to Nvidia’s SFF-ready program.

What Is Nvidia’s SFF-Ready Program?

Introduced last year, Nvidia’s SFF-ready program eliminates the guesswork for gamers building compact PCs. Small form factor cases often have razor-thin tolerances, making it frustrating when a high-end graphics card doesn’t fit. The program provides a compatibility tool where case and GPU manufacturers collaborate to ensure their products work together.

The RTX 5090 Founders Edition adheres to the program’s strict guidelines:

  • Maximum Height: 151mm (including power cable bend radius)
  • Maximum Length: 304mm
  • Maximum Depth: 50mm (2.5 slots)

At just 304mm x 40mm x 137mm, the RTX 5090 Founders Edition meets these requirements with room to spare.

RTX 5000 Series Joins the SFF-Ready Database

Nvidia has expanded its SFF-ready database to include a range of RTX 5000 series models. While the RTX 5090 Founders Edition is currently the only SFF-compatible 5090, several partner RTX 5080 cards have been certified, including:

  • Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 5080 SOLID CORE
  • MSI GeForce RTX 5080 Ventus 3X OC White
  • INNO3D GeForce RTX 5080 X3
  • Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5080 AERO OC SFF
  • Asus ProArt GeForce RTX 5080 and Prime GeForce RTX 5080

The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will launch later this month at $1,999 and $999, respectively. The 5090 boasts 32GB of GDDR7 memory, while the 5080 offers 16GB, matching its predecessor. Additional models like the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 are slated for February release, priced at $749 and $549.

A Dream Combo: RTX 5090 and AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D

Pairing the RTX 5090 with AMD’s newly announced Ryzen 9 9950X3D processor could create the ultimate compact gaming system. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers:

  • 13% faster content creation performance than the Ryzen 9 7950X3D
  • 20% better gaming performance than Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K

This makes it the top processor of 2025 and an ideal match for the RTX 5090 in building a PC no larger than a shoebox.

The Future of Compact Gaming PCs

The RTX 5090 sets a new standard for small form factor gaming. Its compatibility with mini-ITX cases, combined with cutting-edge performance, brings high-end gaming to even the most compact builds. With Nvidia’s SFF-ready program paving the way for easier compatibility, the era of shoebox-sized gaming PCs is here—and it’s faster than ever.

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Technology

Explore the differences between sales funnels and traditional marketing methods. Discover how modern tools and automation enhance efficiency and results.

In the world of business, marketing strategies evolve to keep pace with changing consumer behaviour and technological advancements. Traditional marketing methods, such as print ads and direct mail, once dominated the landscape. However, sales funnels have revolutionised how businesses interact with potential customers, offering a more personalised and automated approach.

By understanding the key differences between sales funnels and traditional methods, businesses can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources for maximum impact. The inclusion of automation for marketing and the ability to answer questions like “Is RCS available in India?” showcase the modern tools at the heart of today’s marketing strategies.

The Basics of Traditional Marketing

Traditional marketing methods have been employed for decades and focus primarily on broad outreach to capture customer attention. These methods rely heavily on offline channels and less on data-driven insights.

Common Traditional Marketing Channels:

  • Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, and brochures.
  • Broadcast Media: TV and radio advertisements.
  • Direct Mail: Flyers, postcards, and catalogues.
  • Outdoor Advertising: Billboards and posters.

While effective in building brand awareness, these methods often lack the precision and measurability offered by modern approaches.

Sales Funnels: A Modern Alternative

Sales funnels are designed to guide potential customers through a structured journey, from initial awareness to final conversion. Unlike traditional marketing, sales funnels leverage technology to create personalised experiences and track customer interactions across multiple touchpoints.

Key Components of Sales Funnels:

  • Awareness Stage: Attracting leads through content marketing and social media.
  • Consideration Stage: Nurturing leads via email campaigns and targeted ads.
  • Decision Stage: Encouraging conversions through offers and follow-ups.

By automating processes and integrating tools like RCS messaging, businesses can deliver timely and relevant messages, enhancing the customer experience.

Comparing Reach and Targeting

Traditional marketing methods typically employ a wide-reaching approach, targeting large audiences in the hope of capturing interest. While this can raise brand awareness, it often results in lower engagement rates due to its lack of personalisation.

In contrast, sales funnels allow businesses to segment their audience based on demographics, behaviour, or preferences. Automation for marketing ensures that personalised messages are delivered to the right people at the right time, significantly improving engagement and conversion rates.

Measurability and Data Insights

One of the significant limitations of traditional marketing is the difficulty in measuring results. For instance, it can be challenging to determine how many customers visited a store because of a billboard or a radio ad.

Sales funnels, on the other hand, are inherently data-driven. Tools such as Google Analytics and CRM platforms track every interaction, providing detailed insights into customer behaviour. This data enables businesses to:

  • Measure ROI accurately.
  • Identify bottlenecks in the funnel.
  • Optimise campaigns for better performance.

These insights are invaluable in refining strategies and achieving measurable growth.

Automation: The Game-Changer

Traditional marketing methods often require significant manual effort, from designing and distributing flyers to organising events. This labour-intensive approach can be time-consuming and costly.

Sales funnels leverage automation for marketing to streamline processes. For example:

  • Drip Campaigns: Automated emails are sent based on user actions.
  • RCS Messaging: Interactive messages provide real-time updates and promotions.
  • Retargeting Ads: Automatically display ads to users who have previously interacted with the brand.

These automated solutions save time, reduce costs, and ensure consistent communication with leads and customers.

Flexibility and Scalability

Traditional marketing campaigns are often rigid, requiring significant effort to adjust once launched. For example, changing the content of a TV ad or a printed brochure can be expensive and time-intensive.

Sales funnels, however, are highly flexible and scalable. Campaigns can be modified in real-time based on performance metrics. If a particular email sequence is not yielding results, adjustments can be made instantly. Additionally, as businesses grow, sales funnels can be scaled to accommodate larger audiences without compromising efficiency.

Case Study: A Retailer’s Shift from Traditional Marketing to Sales Funnels

A mid-sized retailer traditionally relied on print advertisements and in-store promotions to attract customers. While these methods generated some results, they struggled to measure success or retain customers effectively.

By adopting sales funnels, the retailer:

  • Used automation for marketing to implement a drip email campaign targeting online shoppers.
  • Leveraged social media ads to drive traffic to their website.
  • Integrated RCS messaging to send personalised promotions.

Results:

  • A 30% increase in online sales within three months.
  • Improved customer retention through tailored follow-ups.
  • Enhanced visibility into campaign performance with detailed analytics.

This transformation highlights the advantages of transitioning to a funnel-based approach.

Addressing the Question: Is RCS Available in India?

RCS messaging, an advanced form of SMS, offers features like rich media and interactive elements, making it a valuable addition to sales funnels. In India, RCS is available through several service providers, allowing businesses to connect with mobile users effectively.

By integrating RCS into their sales funnels, Indian businesses can:

  • Enhance engagement with visually appealing messages.
  • Provide real-time updates on offers and promotions.
  • Facilitate seamless communication through interactive buttons.

The availability of RCS in India underscores its potential as a game-changing tool for businesses operating in the region.

Future Trends in Marketing Strategies

The marketing landscape will continue to evolve, with a greater emphasis on digital channels and automation. Key trends include:

  • Increased adoption of AI to personalise customer experiences.
  • Greater integration of messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp and RCS.
  • Enhanced analytics tools for deeper insights into customer behaviour.

Traditional methods will still play a role in specific scenarios, but the dominance of digital-first strategies is evident.

Sales funnels and traditional marketing methods each have their strengths, but the modern business environment demands a more targeted, measurable, and flexible approach. Traditional methods like print ads and broadcast media build brand awareness, while sales funnels drive customer engagement and conversions through personalisation and automation.

By leveraging tools such as automation for marketing and exploring options like RCS messaging, businesses can optimise their strategies for better results. Sales funnels offer scalability, flexibility, and detailed insights, making them indispensable in today’s digital landscape.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, adopting a sales funnel-based approach will enable businesses to stay competitive and achieve sustainable growth.

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Business

Lilium, once a prominent player in the electric aircraft industry that raised over $1 billion before going public, has ceased operations and laid off approximately 1,000 employees after failing to secure financing or exit insolvency.

Potential Restructuring Lifeline
In a turn of events, Lilium announced on December 24 that a consortium of investors had agreed to acquire two of its subsidiaries, potentially allowing the company to restructure and emerge from insolvency.

The German publication Gründerszene first reported the layoffs, and co-founder Patrick Nathen confirmed on LinkedIn that the 10-year-old company had stopped operating.

“After 10 years and 10 months, it is a sad fact that Lilium has ceased operations. The company that Daniel, Sebastian, Matthias, and I founded can no longer pursue our shared belief in more environmentally friendly aviation. This is heartbreaking, and the timing feels painfully ironic,” Nathen wrote.

The layoffs affect the majority of Lilium’s workforce, following an earlier round of 200 job cuts reported in a regulatory filing on December 16.

A Lilium spokesperson, responding to inquiries, declined to provide further details, stating, “The company will communicate once we can say something.”

Lilium’s Struggles and Setbacks
Lilium had been developing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) electric aircraft capable of speeds up to 100 km/h, attracting investors such as Tencent and securing customer commitments, including an order for 100 electric jets from Saudi Arabia. In 2021, the company went public on the Nasdaq through a reverse merger with SPAC Qell.

Despite progress, including powering up its first full-scale prototype, Lilium was still years away from delivering its product. The company’s financial challenges came to a head in October when it filed for insolvency—Germany’s equivalent of bankruptcy—after failing to secure emergency funding from the German government. Under insolvency, control of its subsidiaries, including Lilium eAircraft, was transferred to administrators, with KPMG overseeing the sale process.

Lilium’s potential restructuring offers a glimmer of hope for the company and its vision of sustainable aviation, but its future remains uncertain as it navigates the aftermath of these challenges.

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Science

Vast Space, a commercial space station developer, has signed an agreement with SpaceX to carry out two private astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS), pending NASA approval.

On December 19, Vast announced the deal to fly two Crew Dragon spacecraft to the ISS as part of NASA’s Private Astronaut Missions (PAMs), short-duration missions aimed at advancing commercial space station development. These missions are seen as a step toward future privately owned space stations.

Max Haot, CEO of Vast, expressed that enabling crewed missions to the ISS is crucial to Vast’s strategy, enhancing collaboration with NASA and global space agencies. He added that the missions will help position Vast as a leader in developing the next-generation space station.

Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX’s president and COO, also expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the expanded opportunities for people to travel to space.

The missions are contingent on NASA’s approval. So far, NASA has awarded four PAMs, all to Axiom Space, with no competition from other companies. Axiom has already flown three of these missions and is preparing for the fourth, Ax-4, scheduled for 2025. All PAM missions to date have used Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Vast announced its plans to bid for future PAM opportunities in February. While NASA has not yet released a solicitation for new missions, it has indicated that it would support up to two PAMs annually, although only one has taken place per year thus far.

Vast faces competition from Axiom, which announced plans on December 18 to build its own commercial space station. Axiom’s new approach involves adding a power and payload module to the ISS, which will later be removed to form a standalone station.

Axiom plans to continue competing for PAM missions to the ISS. Mark Greeley, Axiom’s COO, stated that the company will pursue PAMs as long as they are available.

Vast’s agreement with SpaceX also builds on an earlier contract for the launch of its Haven-1 module, set for late 2025. Haven-1 will support up to four short-duration visits, allowing Vast to test technologies and gain experience for its proposed Haven-2 space station, part of NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations program.

Vast also mentioned ongoing discussions with government space agencies regarding the potential participation of astronauts from various countries in its private astronaut missions. For example, the Czech Republic signed an agreement with Vast in November to explore flight opportunities for Czech astronauts on Vast missions.

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Business

As the European Commission embarks on its 2024-2029 mandate, policymakers, government officials, and startup leaders from across the continent gathered in Brussels for the ESNA Forum. Their goal: to chart the future of Europe’s startup ecosystem and answer a critical question—can Europe unify its fragmented foundations to emerge as a global innovation leader?

Harmonizing Policies for Startup Growth

The European Commission’s agenda offers a rare opportunity to embed startups into its broader vision for sustainable growth, digital sovereignty, and global competitiveness. However, the continent’s fragmented regulatory frameworks and ongoing talent shortages continue to hinder scalability and innovation.

While Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s mandate emphasizes security, democracy, and economic leadership, the pace of action will determine whether Europe can maintain its relevance in the global innovation race.

A notable development is the introduction of the first-ever EU Commissioner for Startups, a role currently held by Ekaterina Zaharieva. Zaharieva has pledged to introduce a European Innovation Act to drive transformative advancements in research and innovation (R&I). The Act calls on Member States to meet the 3% GDP target for R&I investment, address brain drain by creating more opportunities within Europe, and protect the freedom of research.

Talent as the Cornerstone of Innovation

Europe’s startup potential is deeply tied to its talent pool. While the region boasts a robust STEM workforce, it faces significant brain drain as top innovators seek opportunities abroad.

To reverse this trend, Europe must foster an entrepreneurial culture that values agility, boldness, and resilience. Retaining top talent and attracting global innovators will require creating an environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Embracing a “Made in Europe” Identity

Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, present Europe with an opportunity to shape its global identity. Leaders at the ESNA Forum, including Lucilla Sioli, Head of the AI Office, and Carme Artigas, Co-chair of the UN AI Advisory Body, emphasized the importance of championing a “Made in Europe” narrative.

This vision highlights ethical and cutting-edge innovation rooted in European values. By prioritizing the ethical use of technology, Europe can position itself as a leader in AI and other critical industries, solidifying its role in shaping the global tech landscape.

From Ambitions to Action

Turning Europe’s innovation aspirations into tangible outcomes will require collaboration between public and private sectors. The ESNA Compendium, unveiled at the forum, outlines a roadmap for addressing key challenges faced by startups. This strategy focuses on five pillars essential to Europe’s growth:

  1. Talent – Attracting and retaining the best minds.
  2. Investment – Prioritizing funding for transformative technologies.
  3. Intellectual Property – Protecting innovations to foster a competitive edge.
  4. Regulatory Alignment – Simplifying cross-border operations.
  5. Entrepreneurial Culture – Encouraging agility and resilience.

The Compendium’s recommendations bridge EU missions with actionable steps, offering a comprehensive plan to harmonize policies, reduce ecosystem fragmentation, and boost cross-border collaboration.

Scaling Success Across Industries

Europe’s success in clean technologies demonstrates how coordinated policy and investment can drive global influence. This model can now be replicated across other critical sectors to unlock further potential. Removing regulatory roadblocks and scaling investments in transformative technologies will be key to accelerating innovation.

As Europe stands at this crossroads, the decisions made today will determine whether the continent can transform its ambitions into outcomes, uniting its fragmented ecosystem into a global innovation powerhouse.

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Lifestyle

Five cups of dark chocolate per week were linked to a decreased incidence of type-2 diabetes in a US study including 192,000 individuals.

The use of milk chocolate, on the other hand, was connected to increased weight gain rather than any preventive effects.

Over 18,000 cases of type-2 diabetes and 34 years of data were used in the study, which demonstrated the potential health benefits of dark chocolate, especially those which contains 70% or more cacao.

First and foremost, everyone should be aware that the study provides the ideal environment for a phenomena known as the “healthy user bias” in scientific literature. Simply said, people who are concerned about their health are more likely to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate due to its lower sugar level, just as people who are less concerned with controlling their total sugar intake won’t care which chocolate is available.

Additionally, nurses and other health professionals made up the 192,000 participants, making them the most likely to be aware of the dangers of added sugar in meals.

The healthy user bias can appear in other ways, even though the authors of the study, which was published in the British Medical Journal, claim to have adjusted the results for lifestyle, diet, and personal factors. The diets of the individuals were obtained using food frequency questionnaires, which are notorious for having participants enter what they actually ate rather than what they imagine or want to perceive themselves as eating.

Because people lack the time or willingness to sequester themselves in a metabolic ward in order to conduct a randomized controlled trial that would produce the gold standard of medical data, these issues are not exclusive to this study on chocolate; they are present in nearly all dietary literature.

Despite these warnings, eating dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate was still associated with a 21% lower risk of type-2 diabetes, the most common metabolic disease in the US and worldwide.

The study’s finding that eating five or more servings of dark chocolate per week was linked to a 10% lower incidence of type-2 diabetes than those who consumed no chocolate at all may have been one of its strengths.

Their choice of alternative options, like vanilla ice cream, may be the reason, but it could also be a sign that the discovery is more than just a corollary.

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Science

Contrary to popular belief, Io, Jupiter’s innermost giant moon, may not have a shallow sea of magma beneath its surface.

Io, the most volcanic region in the solar system, is home to hundreds of volcanoes, some of which are active enough to be imaged by powerful Earth-based observatories.

At Jupiter, the Juno

Today’s Nature article uses data from NASA’s Juno probe, which has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016 and passing near its moons.

In December 2023 and February 2024, Juno captured images of Io from a distance of only 930 miles. This is the closest a spacecraft has come to Io in 20 years, since NASA’s Galileo orbited Jupiter. The two-megapixel camera on board the spacecraft, called JunoCAM, captured the pictures.

Global Ocean of Magma?

The fresh photos and investigations from the flyby were expected to help determine if the magma is dispersed widely or in regions.

This is precisely what has occurred, as models of Jupiter’s tidal heating of Io indicate that volcanic activity on Io is unlikely to originate from a magma ocean.

Tidal Heating

The ideal location in the solar system to comprehend tidal heating is thought to be Io. It is engaged in a never-ending gravitational struggle with Jupiter and its three other large moons. Jupiter’s eccentric orbit also causes variations in its gravitational pull.

Magma is formed beneath the surface due to deformation and frictional tidal heating caused by its continuous stretching and squishing during its 42-day orbit.

Unwavering Mantle

The authors concluded that a subterranean magma ocean cannot be the cause to the melting of Io’s interior since the tidal energy is insufficient. “Tidal heating alone appears insufficient to allow such a magma ocean to develop at Io,” according to the study. According to the authors, this implies that the mantle, or layer between the crust and core, of Io is primarily solid.

Planetary scientists’ knowledge of other moons, including Jupiter’s Europa, Saturn’s Enceladus, and Uranus’ five largest moons, may be affected by the results.”Although it is commonly assumed among the exoplanet community that intense tidal heating may lead to magma oceans, the example of Io shows that this need not be the case.

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