Science

C-type asteroids, like Ryugu, are fascinating because they could be the reason life began on Earth. These space rocks are packed with the raw materials that likely helped shape the early chemistry of our planet. By understanding their composition, we get a clearer picture of how Earth formed and how it might have received the

A discovery from Australia’s Nilpena Ediacara National Park has revealed the oldest known asymmetrical animal, Quaestio simpsonorum. This creature, which lived around 555 million years ago, resembles a small marine vacuum cleaner, gliding across the ocean floor and feasting on tiny algae and bacteria. What sets Quaestio apart is a backward question-mark-shaped protrusion on its

Climate change poses a significant threat to the oyamel fir forests in central Mexico, the crucial winter habitat for millions of migrating monarch butterflies. Recent research indicates that these forests may vanish by 2090. To counter this, scientists have initiated an experiment to cultivate new oyamel fir trees (Abies religiosa) in locations outside their native

The Greater Short-Horned Lizard, scientifically known as Phrynosoma hernandesi, is a remarkable reptile found across North and Central America. This unique lizard has earned the nickname “horny toad” due to its flattened body shape and distinctive spiky horns, which give it an appearance more akin to amphibians than traditional reptiles. Typically measuring around 6 inches

Standing desks have become a popular alternative for office workers looking to break up long hours of sitting. However, a study led by the University of Sydney raises concerns about their effectiveness in improving heart health. The research, which involved more than 80,000 adults in the UK, suggests that standing for extended periods may not

A new humanoid robot from China has set a record by running at a top speed of just over 8 miles per hour (3.6 metres per second). This makes it the fastest bipedal robot to date, although this feat was only achieved with the help of a pair of specially added trainers. Known as STAR1,

Recent research has led to a new understanding of our galaxy’s position within the universe. A fresh study suggests that the Milky Way may reside in a much larger “basin of attraction” than previously assumed. This discovery challenges what we know about our galactic surroundings, revealing that the supercluster which houses the Milky Way could

Injecting diamond dust into the atmosphere could potentially cool the planet by 1.6ºC, according to a recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters. Led by Sandro Vattioni, a climate scientist at ETH Zürich, the research explores whether diamonds, as opposed to commonly used materials like sulfur, could offer a safer and more effective method for

Recent research has established that approximately 70 percent of all known meteorite falls can be traced back to three young asteroid families: Karin, Koronis, and Massalia. This significant finding emerged from a collaborative effort involving scientists from the CNRS, the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and Charles University in the Czech Republic. These families formed through

A recent breakthrough by researchers at the German Primate Center, led by Andres Agudelo-Toro, a scientist in the Neurobiology Laboratory, has significantly advanced the field of brain-computer interfaces. The study, conducted with rhesus monkeys, has resulted in a training protocol that enables precise control of prosthetic hands purely through brain signals. This novel approach focuses

Recent research challenges the prevailing theories about human migration during the last ice age, suggesting that some ancient humans thrived in Central Europe’s frigid environment. Previous studies posited that our ancestors retreated to southern Europe, but this new investigation utilising genetic data reveals a different narrative. This study was led by Oxala García-Rodríguez at Bournemouth

The Taurid Meteoroid Complex, once feared for possibly hiding large, civilisation-destroying asteroids, has been found to be less threatening than originally believed. Quanzhi Ye, an astronomer at the University of Maryland, and his team conducted an extensive survey using the Zwicky Transient Facility at California’s Palomar Observatory. Their findings suggest the risk of being struck

NASA Europa Clipper mission, aiming to explore the icy moon Europa, one of Jupiter’s most intriguing satellites. Scientists believe that underneath this icy surface lies a vast ocean, which could provide the necessary conditions for life as we know it. The Europa Clipper spacecraft will undertake 49 flybys of Europa, using advanced instruments to study its

Blue Origin‘s latest attempt to launch its second human-rated New Shepard rocket, designated NS-27, has been delayed due to a GPS malfunction. Originally scheduled for liftoff on October 13th at 9:27 AM EDT (6:57 PM GMT), the mission was intended to send a newly developed rocket-capsule combination into suborbital space. This setback follows a previous cancellation

In recent years, injectable medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have emerged as powerful tools for weight loss and managing blood sugar levels. These drugs, which act as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have garnered significant attention, leading to soaring sales and becoming billion-dollar products. However, their high costs, typically ranging from £800 to £1,000 per month,

On October 13, 2024, SpaceX launched its Starship vehicle from South Texas. This mission is particularly notable for successfully capturing its Super Heavy booster at the launch site, marking a significant achievement in aerospace technology. The successful launch and recovery illustrate SpaceX’s commitment to advancing reusable rocket technology, which is vital for reducing costs and