Science

A spectacular celestial event is set to unfold in February 2025, as five of the brightest planets—Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and Saturn—become visible together in the evening sky. The alignment will peak on February 24, when Mercury and Saturn will appear closest to each other, creating a striking visual near the horizon. Skywatchers with a

The explosion of SpaceX’s Starship Flight 7 in mid-January has sparked discussions among experts about its potential environmental impact. The upper stage of the rocket, which weighed approximately 85 tons without fuel, exploded at an altitude of around 90 miles (146 kilometres). Fragments of the disintegrated spacecraft were reported to have fallen over the Caribbean.

The explosion of SpaceX’s Starship Flight 7 in mid-January has sparked discussions among experts about its potential environmental impact. The upper stage of the rocket, which weighed approximately 85 tons without fuel, exploded at an altitude of around 90 miles (146 kilometres). Fragments of the disintegrated spacecraft were reported to have fallen over the Caribbean.

The pace of ocean warming has intensified significantly over the past four decades, with recent data highlighting a quadrupling of heat absorption rates. This shift points to an acceleration in climate change, as oceans act as the planet’s primary heat sink. Researchers warn that if fossil fuel dependency continues, warming is expected to increase at

A near-Earth object recently classified as an asteroid has been identified as Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster, which was launched into space in 2018 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The object was mistakenly listed as a new near-Earth asteroid by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center (MPC) on January 2, before the classification was

A new research study has examined the mathematical principles governing creativity and innovation, shedding light on how novel ideas emerge. By analysing data across different domains, researchers have identified patterns that could refine the understanding of how individuals and societies generate new concepts. The study investigates two types of novelty—discovering an entirely new element and

A recent analysis of lunar surface features has challenged long-standing assumptions about the moon’s geological dormancy. Findings indicate that small ridges on the far side of the moon may have formed within the last 200 million years, suggesting that tectonic processes are still at play. The study’s conclusions point to ongoing activity beneath the lunar

A major development in stem cell science has been achieved with the creation of a bi-paternal mouse, marking a significant step in reproductive biology. Scientists have successfully engineered a mouse with two male biological parents, which managed to survive into adulthood. This research, conducted by a team of stem cell experts, has addressed longstanding barriers

Blue Origin’s uncrewed New Shepard rocket is expected to launch its NS-29 mission on January 31, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. EST from Launch Site One in West Texas. The mission aims to test 30 experiments, primarily for NASA, which are designed to advance technologies for lunar exploration. The flight will include a unique manoeuvre that

The remains of a young pregnant woman, who lived approximately 1,200 years ago during the Manteño period in Ecuador, have been unearthed by archaeologists. Her grave contained a striking combination of artifacts and evidence of violent death, which has led researchers to suspect ritual sacrifice. The discovery was made at the Buen Suceso site, where

Microscopic organisms, discovered in the tropical peatlands of Peru’s northwestern Amazon, have been identified as playing a significant role in influencing Earth’s climate. Researchers, in collaboration with local institutions, have revealed how these microbes contribute to the carbon cycle in ways that could either mitigate or intensify climate change. Found in waterlogged and oxygen-deprived conditions,

Astronauts returning from extended space missions are reported to experience significant changes in eye health, linked to prolonged exposure to microgravity. Researchers have identified that the altered blood flow and pressure conditions in space can lead to vision problems. These changes are primarily associated with a condition termed spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), affecting around 70

The bright protostar T Tauri, situated 471 light-years away in the Taurus constellation, is expected to vanish from view for decades. This dimming phenomenon, triggered by a thick disk of gas and dust surrounding its companion stars, could last up to a century. Astronomers have been observing this system, comprising three growing stars, for decades

Researchers have achieved a milestone in quantum computing by integrating 1,024 silicon-based quantum dots with digital and analog on-chip electronics, all operating at cryogenic temperatures below 1 Kelvin. This innovation is expected to advance the development of scalable quantum computing systems, which have long faced challenges in balancing scalability, performance, and energy efficiency. The integration

A significant portion of Central Europe’s highly productive agricultural land has already experienced a decline due to climate-driven changes, with further challenges expected in the coming decades. Shifting climate patterns have led to the expansion of dry and hot conditions unsuitable for traditional crop cultivation, resulting in a notable shift of fertile zones towards the

A small near-Earth asteroid, 2024 PT5, has sparked interest among scientists due to its potential lunar origins. Discovered in August 2024, the object remained near Earth for several months before resuming its orbit around the Sun. Measuring approximately 10 meters in width, the asteroid is believed to have been ejected from the Moon thousands of

A vast number of icy exocomets have been identified orbiting 74 star systems, unveiling a complex picture of planetesimal belts situated far from their parent stars. These belts, comprised of millimeter-sized particles generated by cometary collisions, highlight the intricate processes shaping planetary systems. Observations suggest that these cold, distant regions could play a crucial role

A backward-facing pouch, specialised limbs for digging, and a button-like nose have made the marsupial mole of Australia a subject of intrigue and scientific curiosity for decades. Despite its name and mole-like appearance, this elusive animal has perplexed researchers trying to determine its place in the animal kingdom. Rarely seen in the wild, this subterranean

New research has highlighted a fascinating link between human outer ears and the gills of ancient fish. Gene-editing experiments have revealed that the cartilage in fish gills may have migrated to form the outer ear structures seen in mammals today. Scientists believe this evolutionary transformation took place millions of years ago, suggesting that the origins

A fossilised neck bone from a juvenile flying reptile has been discovered in Canada, shedding light on predator-prey interactions from 76 million years ago. Found in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, the vertebra displays clear evidence of being bitten by a crocodile-like predator. This rare find offers a glimpse into the Cretaceous Period, where such encounters