Recent reporting, background, and summaries from the science desk.
Scientists have finally observed elusive torsional Alfvén waves twisting through the Sun's corona using the Inouye Solar Telescope, solving the long-standing mystery of its extreme heat. This breakthrough confirms an 80-year-old theory and was published in Nature Astronomy.
A 5-mile wide asteroid crater, Nadir Crater, was confirmed deep under the Atlantic off West Africa. Formed 66 million years ago, it aligns with the dinosaur extinction event, sparking interest in its impact.
Penn State researchers developed a new theory-driven method to predict room-temperature superconductors, offering a potential breakthrough for zero-resistance electricity at ambient conditions. This advancement could revolutionize various industries currently limited by cryogenic requirements for
New research reveals glaciers' temporary cooling power, driven by katabatic winds, will reverse within two decades, intensifying global warming and threatening water supplies. This natural defense peaks between the 2020s and 2040s before mass loss accelerates melting and temperature rises.
UCLA astronomers achieved the sharpest-ever view of a distant star's disk using a novel photonic lantern on a single telescope, revealing an asymmetrical hydrogen disk around beta Canis Minoris. This breakthrough bypasses complex multi-telescope arrays, revolutionizing astronomical imaging.
New Rice University simulations reveal Jupiter's early gravity acted as a "cosmic traffic jam," preventing inner planets from spiraling into the Sun and enabling Earth's formation. This groundbreaking research redefines our understanding of solar system architecture.
Breakthrough! Researchers linked CPD gene mutations to congenital hearing loss and discovered potential treatments like arginine restoration or sildenafil, paving the way for new therapies.
Indian scientists discovered baker's yeast can survive Mars-like conditions, thanks to protective RNP condensates. This breakthrough offers insights into extraterrestrial life and future space missions.
Physicists at the University of Konstanz have developed a groundbreaking method to non-thermally alter the magnetic properties of materials at room temperature using laser pulses to excite magnon pairs. This unexpected discovery, demonstrated with common haematite, promises to revolutionize data
Scientists developed a groundbreaking cancer therapy targeting the RAS gene, aiming to halt tumor growth without harming healthy cells. This innovative treatment, effective in preclinical studies, is now entering human trials.
Scientists at RIKEN discovered "DNA hitchhiking" in C. elegans, where vital telomerase RNA is hidden within another gene's intron to maintain chromosome integrity. This novel genetic strategy has profound implications for anti-aging therapies and regenerative medicine.
Scientists warn humanity has hit the first Earth system tipping point with widespread warm-water coral reef death. This irreversible shift, driven by rising temperatures, signals a cascade of planetary changes.