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

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a remarkable discovery. The telescope has found a galaxy from the early universe that appears to have grown from the outside in. This galaxy, known as JADES-GS+53.18343−27.79097, was formed just 700 million years after the Big Bang. It’s significantly smaller than our Milky Way but demonstrates an

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

Solar maximum marks a critical phase within the solar cycle, which spans roughly 11 years. During this time, the Sun experiences an uptick in activity, evidenced by a notable rise in sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These events result from the complex dynamics of the Sun’s magnetic field, which becomes increasingly tangled. The

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

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,

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

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 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

Creativity encompasses a wide range of activities, including painting, music, writing, and crafting. These pursuits not only provide an outlet for self-expression but also stimulate the brain, engaging multiple cognitive functions. This engagement can lead to enhanced mental agility, improved emotional well-being, and greater resilience against stress. Exploring Neuroarts The emerging field of neuroarts examines

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

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a groundbreaking advancement in 3D printing active electronics without the need for traditional semiconductor materials. This breakthrough involves creating 3D-printed logic gates, fundamental components used in processing tasks within electronic devices. Instead of relying on conventional manufacturing processes, these logic gates were produced using standard

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

Recent research indicates that individuals with type A blood may have a higher likelihood of experiencing a stroke before the age of 60 compared to those with different blood types. Blood types are determined by specific chemicals found on the surfaces of red blood cells, with the main types being A, B, AB, and O.

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,