Zoë Franklin, the Member of Parliament for Guildford, visited Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) to commemorate the company’s 40th anniversary. This event allowed Franklin to explore SSTL’s significant contributions to the local economy and the broader UK space industry. Established in 1985 as a spinout from the University of Surrey, SSTL has evolved into a global leader in small satellite development, known for its innovative and cost-effective solutions.

During her visit, Franklin participated in SSTL’s weekly “Family Meeting,” where she addressed employees about her political journey and the importance of supporting high-tech industries. She highlighted the crucial role that companies like SSTL play in fostering innovation and creating high-skilled jobs, which are essential for maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in science and technology.

Exploring Satellite Innovations

Following the meeting, Franklin toured SSTL’s state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities. She was accompanied by the company’s managing director, Andrew Cawthorne, and its founder, Professor Sir Martin Sweeting. During the tour, they showcased various satellite missions currently under development, including Earth observation satellites, communication platforms, and space science missions.

SSTL’s commitment to the local community was also a key aspect of the visit. The company collaborates closely with the University of Surrey and local schools to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Through outreach events, work experience placements, and support for student-led initiatives, SSTL fosters a strong talent pipeline for the future.

A Bright Future in Space

As SSTL celebrates four decades of innovation, the company remains focused on future developments, including upcoming satellite launches later this year. The anniversary coincides with a renewed national emphasis on the UK space sector, highlighting SSTL’s integral role in international space collaboration.

The visit by MP Franklin underscores the significance of SSTL in not only advancing technological capabilities but also in contributing to the local economy of Guildford. With a workforce that includes skilled engineers, researchers, and technicians, SSTL continues to attract talent to the region, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the UK’s space landscape.

As the company looks ahead, it remains committed to its mission of making space more accessible, ensuring that its innovations pave the way for future advancements in the space industry.

A fossilized bone dating back approximately 250,000 years has been discovered in Devon, England, and is now under examination by a palaeontologist based in Peterborough. This rare find is generating excitement among researchers due to its age and the potential insights it may provide into the prehistoric environment of the region.

The bone was unearthed during routine geological surveys in the English Channel. Initial assessments suggest it could belong to a species that inhabited the area during the late Pleistocene epoch, a time characterized by significant climatic changes that influenced the evolution of various species on the British Isles.

Significance of the Discovery

Palaeontologists are particularly interested in this specimen due to its rarity. Fossils from this period are not commonly found in the UK, making this discovery an exceptional addition to the existing fossil record. The bone’s preservation is expected to offer valuable information regarding the biodiversity and ecological conditions of ancient Britain.

Dr. Emily Thompson, the palaeontologist examining the bone, commented on the find: “This could be a significant piece of evidence that helps us understand more about the species that roamed this area thousands of years ago. It’s crucial for piecing together the evolutionary history of our environment.”

Next Steps in Research

Further analysis will involve detailed examinations using advanced imaging technology and comparative studies with other fossil specimens. The process will help ascertain the bone’s exact species origin and its implications for understanding prehistoric life in the region.

As research progresses, there is hope that this discovery will not only enhance academic knowledge but also engage the public’s interest in palaeontology and the importance of fossil preservation. Such findings serve as reminders of the rich history beneath our feet and the ongoing story of life on Earth.

Authorities and local historians are also keen to promote this discovery as a means to encourage tourism and education about the geological heritage of Devon. As the examination continues, updates will be shared on the significance of this fossil and the insights it may provide into our planet’s history.

Birds, known for their vibrant plumage, exhibit an intriguing method for enhancing their colors using hidden black and white feathers. A team from Princeton University led by researcher Rosalyn Price-Waldman has published findings in Science Advances that reveal how these seemingly dull feathers play a crucial role in intensifying the brightness of blue and yellow plumage.

The study highlights a fascinating phenomenon in which colored feathers can appear more vivid when layered over a foundation of either black or white feathers. For instance, birds with blue feathers benefit significantly from a black under-layer, which absorbs light and allows the blue hue to stand out more prominently. This discovery emphasizes the role of sexual selection in avian coloration, a concept first introduced by Charles Darwin. Male birds often display brighter colors to attract mates, thus enhancing their reproductive success.

Mechanics of Color Enhancement

The mechanics behind this color enhancement are rooted in light absorption and reflection. When light passes through the blue feathers, the black layer underneath absorbs wavelengths that do not correspond to blue, allowing the color to “pop.” Conversely, yellow feathers, which derive their shade from carotenoid pigments, are enhanced by a white under-layer. This white foundation reflects light, increasing the brightness of the yellow and contrasting it sharply against other colors.

In their research, Price-Waldman and colleagues primarily focused on tanagers, colorful fruit-eating birds native to Central and South America. Upon discovering this coloration technique in tanagers, the researchers expanded their investigation to other bird families. Remarkably, they found that the use of black and white feathers to amplify color is common across various species, including the vibrant Australian fairy wrens.

Implications and Future Applications

The widespread application of this coloration strategy suggests that birds have been utilizing this method for tens of millions of years, showcasing an evolutionary advantage in their quest for attractive plumage. Understanding how such complex traits evolve in nature not only enhances our knowledge of avian biology but could also inspire advancements in fields such as architecture, art, and fashion, where vibrant colors are desirable.

The implications of this research extend beyond academic interest, encouraging further exploration into the evolutionary processes that shape animal coloration. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of bird plumage, the potential for new applications in human design becomes increasingly evident.

More information about this study can be found in the article titled “Hidden white and black feather layers enhance plumage coloration in tanagers and other songbirds,” available in Science Advances (2025), DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw5857.

Birds are renowned for their vibrant colors, but new research from Princeton University reveals that even black and white feathers play a pivotal role in enhancing their plumage. Published on July 26, 2025, in the journal Science Advances, the study led by Rosalyn Price-Waldman highlights how these seemingly dull feathers can amplify the brightness of other colors.

The research found that when colored feathers overlay a layer of either black or white feathers, the hues become strikingly more vivid. Specifically, males of certain species exhibit more vivid colors than females, not solely due to the pigments in their feathers, but because of the contrasting colors beneath. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about sexual dimorphism in bird coloration.

Mechanisms of Color Enhancement

Traditionally, it is understood that male birds display more vibrant colors as a result of sexual selection. As first noted by Charles Darwin, brighter males are more likely to attract mates and produce offspring. The study indicates that a layer of black feathers beneath bright blue plumage enhances vibrancy by absorbing all light passing through the top layer. This allows the blue feathers to scatter light selectively, making them appear more vivid.

For yellow feathers, the opposite effect is observed. These feathers, containing yellow pigments known as carotenoids, are enhanced by a white under-layer that reflects light. This reflection increases the brightness of yellow patches, creating a striking contrast with surrounding colors.

Widespread Application Across Species

The research primarily focused on colorful fruit-eating birds known as tanagers, native to Central and South America. Once the team confirmed the color enhancement mechanism in tanagers, they investigated other bird families. Remarkably, this technique of using black and white underlying feathers to enhance color is prevalent in various species, including the vividly colored Austrailian fairy wrens.

The findings suggest that birds have been employing this clever strategy for tens of millions of years, indicating that it is a widespread adaptation across different avian families. The implications of this research extend beyond ornithology, as understanding how complex traits such as color evolve can inform fields like architecture, art, and fashion.

By shedding light on these intricate biological processes, this study not only enriches our understanding of avian life but also inspires potential applications in human creativity and design. Further research in this area may uncover additional insights into the evolutionary advantages of coloration in the animal kingdom.

The study, titled “Hidden white and black feather layers enhance plumage coloration in tanagers and other songbirds,” can be accessed in Science Advances for those interested in the detailed findings.