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Possible Regression Noted in Specific Plant Species

We understand that the planet and its diverse residents, including both flora and fauna, are continuously undergoing evolution. In fact, some argue that [humans are presently evolving](https://bgr.com/science/theres-a-place-where-humans-are-evolving-right-before-our-eyes/) in various regions across the globe. However, a certain group of plants located in the Galápagos archipelago may be experiencing the reverse process and de-evolving. Researchers contend that, regardless of how controversial it may seem, tomatoes in the Galápagos are actually appearing to regress rather than progress.

## A contentious concept brought to fruition

De-evolution, or reverse evolution, stirs up debate among evolutionists, and rightly so. Evolution is not traditionally expected to possess a rewind function. Some organisms may reacquire ancient traits they previously lost, typically via novel genetic avenues. Yet, these tomato plants seem to be demonstrating an unforeseen phenomenon.

“It’s not something we usually anticipate,” shared Adam Jozwiak, a molecular biochemist at UC Riverside and the primary author of the study, in [a statement](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/06/23/tomatoes-galapagos-are-de-evolving). “But here it is, occurring in real time, on a volcanic island.”

The main reason the researchers assert these plants are de-evolving is due to their apparent reversion to a more primitive genetic configuration, complete with an archaic type of chemical defense. One of the significant changes observed is in alkaloids, a form of bitter molecule typically functioning as an inherent pesticide. These substances aid in deterring predators such as insects, fungi, and even grazing creatures.

## Chemicals hold the answer

Contemporary tomatoes and other plants all utilize alkaloids. However, it is not the existence of alkaloids that piqued the interest of scientists regarding these plants. Rather, it is the observation that the tomatoes seem to be producing incorrect alkaloids. Instead of generating the alkaloids the researchers anticipated in a tomato, the de-evolving plants are producing alkaloids with the same molecular signature as eggplant relatives from eons past.

What’s even more remarkable is that this isn’t the entirety of the tomatoes found in the Galápagos. Instead, the specimens located on the eastern islands appear to retain the same molecular structure as modern tomatoes discovered elsewhere. Conversely, those on the western islands yield alkaloids that are more characteristic of an ancient plant, implying they have de-evolved in some manner.

This revelation prompted the researchers to delve deeper, as they sought signs regarding how this de-evolution occurred. They found that merely four amino acids altering in a single enzyme were sufficient to result in the changes seen in these plants. They further validated this finding by synthesizing the identical genes that code for the new enzymes in the laboratory and inserting them into tobacco plants, which then swiftly began producing the ancient alkaloids. Their results are documented in *

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The Garmin Premier Fitness Watch Delivers Outstanding Precision

I spent a month evaluating Garmin’s premier running watch to determine if the Forerunner 970’s precision and new functionalities justify its cost.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is the running watch you choose when you seek no compromises. Primarily, this pertains to new features such as running tolerance, impact load, and projected race time, in addition to all the training load tools you appreciate. However, you are also investing $750 for the utmost accuracy.

So, what levels of accuracy does the Garmin Forerunner 970 deliver for GPS tracking, heart rate, step count, and supplementary data like training load? I assessed its Elevate v5 HR sensor, dual-band GPS, and various other sensors over weeks of activities, comparing its findings against satellite maps, chest and arm HR straps, and my usual step-counting application.

The final outcome? The Forerunner 970 is impressively precise. It provides trustworthy health and fitness data from workouts and subsequently outputs data from its algorithm that forecasts your cardiovascular and biomechanical fatigue with remarkable accuracy.

It’s unfortunate that the price of the Forerunner 970 is quite steep, but Garmin makes a commendable effort to justify it.

Garmin Forerunner 970: Heart rate accuracy

During multiple runs, I utilized my Polar H10 chest strap and COROS HRM armband as control groups alongside the Forerunner 970. In my experience, optical armbands are more reliable and reactive than wrist-based optical sensors, serving as a solid comparison point. While chest straps are considered the standard, smartwatches typically lag behind; your best bet is to expect results that are close.

Initially, I employed the Forerunner 970 and Polar H10 on a brief jog to a track, followed by an intense track workout. For the first activity, both devices recorded a 145bpm average and 157bpm max, which I would anticipate for such a short run.

The chart illustrates that the Forerunner 970 reacts swiftly when my heart rate increases, but it is about 10 seconds slower to acknowledge declines in heart rate compared to the chest strap.

(Side note: Polar tracks HR during a pause, yet the exported graph weirdly presents a flat line. Just overlook these; they do not influence the results.)

The real challenge arises during anaerobic workouts; most fitness watches I’ve tested significantly underperform in comparison to my actual HR, often nearing the chest strap average due to inaccurately high HR readings during cooldowns. However, the Forerunner 970 exceeded my expectations.

As demonstrated, the Forerunner 970 consistently stayed within 1–2 bpm of the chest strap, only having slight difficulty keeping pace during rapid HR increases after a pause.

For context, mainstream watches like the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Pixel Watch 3 struggle considerably with anaerobic tracking, falling short by 5–10 bpm for extended periods and distorting the data. Even fitness watches such as the COROS PACE Pro and Polar Vantage M3 face issues with anaerobic data.

The Forerunner 970 concluded with an HR average just 1 bpm lower than the H10 strap, but what matters to me is that I can trust the Forerunner 970 to provide accurate information in the moment when I glance at my wrist mid-sprint and check my heart rate. That’s surprisingly uncommon!

Next, I ran with my Garmin Forerunner 970 and COROS PACE Pro synced with my COROS HRM strap over a ten-mile run. Notably, the 970 reported my minimum, average, and maximum heart rate as 1 bpm higher than COROS’s results.

These graphs are well-aligned; Garmin simply detected that I was exerting slightly more effort than COROS. The discrepancy is so minor that it wouldn’t impact your training load data.

Ultimately, I would assert that the Forerunner 970’s Elevate v5 sensor demonstrates a slight inclination to overestimate my heart rate by about 1 bpm; however, it remains as reliable as I would hope for in this price range. I don’t feel compelled to use an external HRM with the 970 for optimal results, which is something I cannot typically claim with most fitness watches.

Garmin Forerunner 970: GPS accuracy

Garmin watches equipped with dual-band GPS consistently perform flawlessly in my assessments. Knowing that the Forerunner 970 would align with its counterparts, I focused on testing whether its default SatIQ mode — which relies on GPS only until it requires additional satellites to conserve battery — was sufficient, or if runners should solely utilize dual-band GPS.

For my ten-mile run, I selected “Best accuracy” on both my Forerunner 970 and COROS PACE Pro; both concluded at 10.01 miles and exhibited an insignificant gap of six feet at the end. It’s fantastic to see both brands so closely aligned over

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Five Essential visionOS 26 Features Amplifying the Worth of Apple Vision Pro

visionOS 26 is the forthcoming software upgrade for Apple Vision Pro. This marks the second significant software enhancement for Apple’s spatial computing device since its debut early last year. This update seems to truly unleash some of the potential of the prohibitively costly headset.

Here are five visionOS 26 capabilities that will enhance Apple Vision Pro and might even justify the retail cost for those who can afford one.

5 new features in Apple Vision Pro with visionOS 26

Personas are functional now: After a year and a half, Apple is prepared to present Apple Vision Pro Personas as a fully realized feature. In visionOS 26, this feature has shed its “beta” label. Apple mentions that the “entirely new Personas now exhibit impressive expressiveness and clarity, providing a complete side profile view, along with remarkably precise hair, eyelashes, and complexion.”

Spatial Widgets: Apple is ensuring the Vision Pro harnesses the potential of Spatial Widgets. This feature in visionOS 26 allows the placement of widgets in the real world. Users can customize them with various frame thickness, colors, and depths. The most intriguing aspect of Spatial Widgets is that they remain fixed in their position between sessions.

Integration of third-party accessories: visionOS 26 finally enables Vision Pro owners to utilize third-party accessories. For gaming, users will be able to connect the PlayStation’s VR2 Sense controller. However, the lingering question is: Why isn’t the Apple Pencil Pro compatible with Vision Pro?

Shared spatial experiences: If two individuals with Vision Pro devices are in the same location, they can engage in shared spatial experiences, such as viewing a movie in 3D, playing a spatial game, or collaborating on work. This represents Apple’s approach to creating a more interconnected social experience on a device that previously felt somewhat solitary.

Spatial scenes: Lastly, one of the standout features of visionOS 26 is Spatial Scenes. Utilizing a generative AI algorithm, each photo can acquire a lifelike depth perception and be viewed from various angles. Users of Vision Pro will discover spatial scenes within the Photos app, the Spatial Gallery app, and Safari. Zillow is also adopting this technology.

visionOS 26 enhances Apple Vision Pro’s capabilities

We are still anticipating a second-generation Vision Pro or a more affordable variant, but Apple’s visionOS software is finally maturing. That said, if the company manages to make this device more budget-friendly or lighter, the software should finally serve as a compelling selling point.

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Moths Employ Celestial Navigation Comparable to Human Methods

We’ve long recognized that certain animals rely on the Sun for navigation across the globe. Nevertheless, recent studies might have revealed the first insect identified to use the stars and night sky for navigation. The stars have served as a navigational aid for humans for ages. Consider, for example, the North Star. Yet, prior to the discovery of the bogong moth, we had not found insects using the stars in the same manner.

Research published this year indicates that these moths indeed depend on the stars in the same way humans do. Annually, these moths make a journey exceeding 600 miles, guided by the stars. This trek is crucial for the moths as they depend on the cool climate of the Australian Alps to shield them from the oppressive summer heat.

A notable aspect of bogong moths is that they have never previously traveled to the mountains before embarking on their annual migration. This is not a route they follow each year throughout their lives, as many of these insects only survive for a few days or weeks. Therefore, there must be an innate way for them to reach their destination. The only conclusion researchers arrived at was stellar navigation.

As I mentioned earlier, this method of navigation has been a staple in human exploration for centuries. It has been one of the main techniques used by sailors to find their way on the open seas, where the absence of land to reference the horizon made it critical to ascertain direction by looking upwards.

In the Australian outback, where bogong moths are found, the Milky Way serves as a significant landmark. Thus, it stands to reason that these insects might depend on such a prominent feature in the heavens for navigation. However, a hypothesis can only extend so far. To validate it, researchers needed to capture some of these insects and conduct experiments.

To determine if they genuinely depend on the stars rather than the Earth’s magnetic field, the researchers took every measure to eliminate the influence of the Earth’s magnetic field. This allowed them to confirm that bogong moths indeed utilize the stars in the night sky to navigate. The researchers are optimistic that gaining insights into how these insects find their way could contribute to future conservation efforts.

Currently, understanding that certain animals and insects depend on the stars can encourage us to explore the animal kingdom for others that might do the same. It can also enhance our comprehension of how worsening light pollution may impact these species.

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Report: Apple Is Working on Unrevealed Features for iOS 26

### Upcoming iOS 26 Features: Live Translation and Wi-Fi Syncing

As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has more features for iOS 26 that were not disclosed during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). These functionalities, which were speculated before the event, are projected to be introduced in the forthcoming months.

#### Live Translation via AirPods

One of the most eagerly awaited features is live translation through AirPods. This capability would allow users to participate in immediate conversations with people speaking different languages, with translations provided straight through their AirPods. This feature supports Apple’s continuous endeavor to improve communication tools within its ecosystem.

#### Syncing Captive Wi-Fi Connections

Another notable feature is the capability to synchronize captive Wi-Fi connections across all Apple devices. This would simplify the method of connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes and hotels. After a user accesses a public Wi-Fi portal on one device, the credentials would automatically sync across all devices within the Apple ecosystem, removing the requirement for multiple logins.

#### Apple’s Cautious Approach

Gurman mentions that Apple has modified its approach regarding feature announcements. The company intends to sidestep the issues of past years, where multiple features were revealed but delayed in their implementation. At WWDC, Apple concentrated on presenting features that were nearly ready for launch, ensuring a more seamless rollout process.

#### Expected Release Timeline

Both the live translation capability and Wi-Fi syncing are expected to be integrated into either the October release of iOS 26.1 or the December release of iOS 26.2, depending on their availability during the beta testing stage.

These anticipated features underscore Apple’s commitment to improving user experience and connectivity within its ecosystem, pledging to make daily activities more efficient and user-friendly.

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Bringing a Grimy Smartphone Back to Life with a $4 Otterbox Cleaning Kit

Is Otterbox’s Mobile Device Care Kit a lifesaver or just an overpriced gimmick? I decided to find out.

There are two types of smartphone users. One maintains their device in pristine condition all the time, equipped with a microfiber cloth and alcohol wipes at the ready for any mess. The other carries their phone everywhere, showing little concern for hygiene.

No matter which group you belong to, you might be uncertain about the supplies and tools required for cleaning your pricey technology. Wiping a screen is straightforward, but tackling charging ports and speaker grills can seem more intimidating. Otterbox, a brand you may recognize for its durable cases, claims to have a fix. The Mobile Device Care Kit is designed to provide everything necessary for a thorough cleaning for under $5.

The brand describes it as a detailing kit for your phone, which piqued my interest. I’ve spent good money on car detailing, as nothing compares to the feeling of getting your vehicle back looking brand new. But is Otterbox’s option equally effective? It is suitable for any smart device, so I decided to test it out on my parents’ incredibly filthy smartphone.

Below, you can see my dad’s phone before the detailing kit was used. And before you question it, no, I’m not proud of this state.

I’m not sure how a phone accumulates this level of dirt, but as I keep my favorite Android phones in excellent condition, this iPhone 14 Pro presented a major challenge for the Mobile Device Care Kit.

It includes three brushes for screens and ports of assorted sizes, and I needed every one to clean this phone. The pointed ones were perfect for the speaker grills, while the larger brush helped remove all the loose dirt and debris. I also utilized the hard plastic edges of the brushes to dislodge stubborn gunk.

Initially, I assumed the ports and speaker grills retained the most grime, but the camera bump surprised me. The protruding lenses captured everything, and I was both amazed and disgusted by the amount that came out.

The detailing kit also features a microfiber cloth and nine alcohol wipes, which proved useful later on. I used an alcohol wipe on the brushes to thoroughly clean the crevices of the iPhone 14 Pro, and it was effective. By the end, the iPhone looked completely transformed, and you can see the results for yourself.

The kit certainly fulfilled its purpose, but it wasn’t flawless. The alcohol wipes were humorously small, though I can attest they were quite moist. I only needed a handful to achieve the above condition for my dad’s iPhone, which was a plus. However, don’t expect a standard-sized wipe in the kit, or you’ll be disappointed.

Also, consider the cleaning tools as mostly single-use items. They get the job done but were already somewhat worn out after just one clean. I had hoped they would resemble my iFixit spudgers and opening tools—showing wear after use but lasting longer. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

When considering the price, just over $4 on Amazon, I believe the Otterbox Mobile Device Care Kit offers good value. It’s not something you should purchase every time you need to clean your phone, but it’s useful for deep cleanings. I see this as a valuable purchase about once or twice a year, perhaps coinciding with changing cases or screen protectors, to keep your phone feeling new.

Otterbox Mobile Device Care Kit

An unexpectedly great deal

Don’t expect to get more than one or two uses from Otterbox’s detailing kit for your phone. Nevertheless, you receive an impressive amount of cleaning supplies in the Mobile Device Care Kit for under $5. If your phone needs a refresh every few months, I would say this is a solid choice.

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F1 Film Streaming Debut Date on Apple TV

### F1: The Movie – A Significant Box Office Success with Streaming Plans on the Horizon

This weekend, “F1: The Movie” is making a notable impression during its debut weekend in cinemas around the globe. Produced by Apple and distributed by Warner Bros., the film is poised to create a buzz not only in theaters but also when it eventually streams on Apple TV+. While Apple has not yet disclosed the exact streaming release details, insights into standard industry practices can offer a better understanding of what to anticipate.

#### Theatrical Release and Box Office Performance

“F1: The Movie” debuted in U.S. theaters on June 27. The film’s box office performance is expected to be strong, with projections indicating it could rake in approximately $140 million in its opening weekend alone. This solid performance is vital for Apple, as it seeks to maximize ticket sales prior to moving the film to streaming services.

The estimated production budget for “F1: The Movie” ranges from $200 million to $300 million, making its box office achievement critical for recuperating these expenses. Normally, films earn over 80% of their total box office revenue within the initial four weeks of release, which is an important factor for planning subsequent release windows.

#### PVOD Release Window

After roughly 45 days in theaters, “F1: The Movie” will transition into its Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) phase. During this stage, the film will be available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms like the Apple TV Store and Amazon Prime. The PVOD rental rate is projected to be about $25, which is consistent with typical pricing for premium releases.

This PVOD period offers an extra revenue channel for both Apple and Warner Bros., enabling them to benefit from the film’s appeal while it remains top-of-mind for viewers.

#### Streaming on Apple TV+

Following the PVOD exclusivity phase, “F1: The Movie” is expected to be available for streaming on Apple TV+. According to industry patterns, viewers can look forward to the film being accessible on the platform around one to two months after its PVOD launch. This timeline implies that those eager to watch the film at home without incurring added costs may need to wait until **October 2025**.

The precise streaming release date will ultimately rely on the film’s theatrical performance and its PVOD sales, as Apple is likely to modify its plans according to these aspects.

#### Conclusion

With “F1: The Movie” already demonstrating strong box office potential, the film is set to become one of Apple’s most successful theatrical releases. As audiences eagerly anticipate its streaming launch on Apple TV+, the film’s progression from theaters to home viewing will be closely tracked, reflecting the shifting landscape of film distribution in the digital era.

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New macOS Tahoe Function Tackles Frequent Complaint from Mac Users

### The Revised Control Center in macOS 26 Tahoe: A Revolutionary Advancement for Third-Party Integrations

With the launch of **macOS 26 Tahoe**, Apple has unveiled an updated Control Center that not only highlights the innovative Liquid Glass design but also signifies a major breakthrough by enabling third-party integrations on the Mac for the first time. This feature, previously appreciated in **iOS 18**, has far-reaching implications for Mac users, especially in tackling the difficulties brought about by recent design modifications in MacBook models.

#### The Notch Challenge

The redesign of the **MacBook Pro** in 2021 and the **MacBook Air** in 2022 introduced the contentious notch, which occupies a central position on the display. This design decision has created dilemmas for users who depend on a plethora of menu bar items and applications. The notch can obscure these items, compelling users to either forfeit access to certain applications or turn to third-party fixes that generate additional menu bars.

Notwithstanding the hassle, many users have found ways to adjust, particularly on smaller 13-inch and 14-inch screens where the effect is less severe. Nevertheless, the lack of a native Apple solution to this problem has been a source of irritation for numerous users.

#### Presenting Third-Party Controls

The addition of third-party applets in the Control Center with macOS 26 Tahoe represents a noteworthy advancement. These applets empower users to gain quick access to controls and minor interactions without launching complete applications, thereby effectively minimizing menu bar congestion. According to Apple, the transparent menu bar enriches the display experience while providing enhanced customization possibilities for controls and layouts, including those from third-party creators.

This new feature is anticipated to simplify user experiences, making it more straightforward to handle applications and settings without overwhelming the menu bar. However, it is essential to recognize that this feature necessitates developers to implement the new APIs introduced in macOS Tahoe, and current menu bar items may not migrate to the Control Center right away.

#### A Future with Reduced Clutter

The incorporation of third-party controls, along with previously launched interactive widgets, points toward a future where menu bar clutter could be notably lessened. Users can expect a more structured and efficient workspace as developers start to craft and integrate their applets into the Control Center.

As macOS progresses, the emphasis on user experience and personalization remains critical. The updates introduced by macOS 26 Tahoe not only boost the visual allure of the operating system but also offer practical remedies to persistent challenges faced by Mac users.

In summary, the new Control Center in macOS 26 Tahoe signifies a critical transition in how users engage with their devices, laying the groundwork for a more streamlined and customizable experience. As third-party developers adopt these new functionalities, users can look forward to a more effective and tidier digital space.

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Indie App Highlight: ‘Coffee in the Sun’ Aids Users in Finding Ideal Outdoor Spots for Leisure

# Coffee in the Sun: Your Guide to Discovering the Ideal Outdoor Location

Welcome to **Indie App Spotlight**, a weekly series where we showcase innovative apps within the indie development community. This week, we present **Coffee in the Sun**, an app created to assist you in locating the perfect outdoor venue based on sun and shade information.

## Overview of Coffee in the Sun

If you love spending time outside at coffee shops, bars, or eateries but wish to steer clear of the discomfort of direct sunlight, **Coffee in the Sun** is just what you need. This distinctive application offers real-time mapping of sun and shade, enabling users to discover their perfect outdoor setting. The developer has dedicated considerable effort to building a user-friendly platform that effectively caters to the demands of outdoor lovers.

## Top Features

### Real-Time Sun and Shade Mapping

The main feature of **Coffee in the Sun** is its real-time map that showcases sun and shade information. The app assesses shade based on the sun’s position and the height of nearby structures. Users can even fast-forward a few hours to observe how the sun’s position will shift throughout the day, guaranteeing they select the optimal time to visit their preferred spot.

### Global Reach and Language Support

**Coffee in the Sun** is built to operate globally and is available in 34 languages. This aspect makes it an excellent resource for travelers venturing into new cities, as it offers a multitude of location choices.

### Diverse Location Filters

Beyond coffee shops and bars, the app enables users to filter for a variety of locations, including ice cream shops, food courts, pubs, and fast-food outlets. This versatility allows you to easily pinpoint exactly what you’re after, whether it’s a delightful ice cream shop or a snug café.

### Enhanced Mapping Experience

While **Coffee in the Sun** acts as a mapping app, it transcends traditional maps by incorporating weather and shade information. This innovative approach addresses a frequent challenge: finding a comfortable outdoor area on sweltering days without finding yourself under direct sunlight.

## Download the App

**Coffee in the Sun** can be downloaded from the

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Leaker Proposes iPhone 17 Pro Might Include a Rearranged Apple Logo

### Speculated Repositioning of the Apple Logo on iPhone 17 Pro

As per Apple insider Majin Bu, Apple is allegedly set to relocate the signature Apple logo on the forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro. This modification would represent the first major change to the logo’s positioning since the iPhone 11 series, which featured the logo centered on the device. If the speculation proves accurate, this could signify a significant shift in Apple’s design ethos after six years.

Majin Bu possesses a varied track record with Apple leaks; nonetheless, they have successfully forecasted several details previously, including the marketing title for the new ‘Desert Titanium’ hue of the iPhone 16 Pro. This background adds some validity to the existing rumor, despite its peculiar nature.

The suggested modification entails relocating the Apple logo to a position centered below the new rear camera bar, as opposed to leaving it at the center of the phone. This change is claimed to improve recognizability, with case producers reportedly already testing designs that account for this modified logo location.

Curiously, Majin Bu also noted that case manufacturers are altering the design of the MagSafe ring to ensure the new logo remains visible. This suggests a proactive stance from accessory makers in anticipation of Apple’s design shifts.

While the notion of moving the logo may appear unconventional, it could harmonize with the new design aesthetic introduced by the camera bar at the top of the device. Precedents for such leaks exist, as the centered logo positioning of the iPhone 11 was similarly disclosed through case manufacturers adapting to design changes.

As speculation persists, many are left contemplating the repercussions of this possible alteration. The design choices by Apple frequently mirror larger trends in technology and consumer inclinations, rendering this rumor especially captivating.

What are your views on the potential new logo positioning for the iPhone 17 Pro? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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