Long before humans built cities or wrote words, our ancestors may have faced a hidden threat that shaped who we became. Scientists studying ancient teeth found that early humans, great apes, and even Neanderthals were exposed to lead millions of years ago. This toxic metal can damage the brain, yet modern humans developed a tiny …
From poison to power: How lead exposure helped shape human intelligence Read More »
CO₂ ice blocks on Mars may dig gullies as they slide and sublimate in the thin atmosphere. In lab experiments, scientists recreated these eerie, worm-like movements under Martian conditions. The findings help explain unusual dune formations and deepen our understanding of how alien landscapes evolve. CO₂ ice blocks on Mars may dig gullies as they …
Who or what dug Mars’ mysterious gullies? The answer is explosive Read More »
New research reveals that Earth’s continents owe their stability to searing heat deep in the planet’s crust. At more than 900°C, radioactive elements shifted upward, cooling and strengthening the landmasses that support life. This ancient heat engine also distributed valuable minerals, giving scientists new clues for exploration and for spotting potentially habitable planets. New research …
Forged in fire: The 900°C heat that built Earth’s stable continents Read More »
Auburn scientists have designed new materials that manipulate free electrons to unlock groundbreaking applications. These “Surface Immobilized Electrides” could power future quantum computers or transform chemical manufacturing. Stable, tunable, and scalable, they represent a leap beyond traditional electrides. The work bridges theory and potential real-world use. Auburn scientists have designed new materials that manipulate free …
Quantum crystals could spark the next tech revolution Read More »
Scientists from NASA and Chalmers University have discovered that incompatible substances can mix on Titan’s icy surface, breaking the “like dissolves like” rule of chemistry. Under ultra-cold conditions, hydrogen cyanide can form stable crystals with methane and ethane. This surprising reaction could help explain Titan’s mysterious landscapes and offer clues to how life’s building blocks …
Saturn’s moon Titan just broke one of chemistry’s oldest rules Read More »
For the first time, scientists observed a black hole tearing apart a star far from its galaxy’s center, producing the fastest-changing radio signals ever recorded. The event, AT 2024tvd, revealed delayed bursts of energy months after the initial destruction, hinting at mysterious, episodic black hole activity. This rare find reshapes understanding of where supermassive black …
Rogue black hole shocks astronomers with record radio blast Read More »
Scientists discovered true teeth growing on the head of the spotted ratfish, a distant shark relative. The toothed structure, called a tenaculum, helps males hold onto females during mating. Genetic evidence shows these head teeth share the same origins as oral teeth, overturning assumptions that teeth only evolve in jaws. This discovery reshapes the story …
Scientists just found real teeth growing on a fish’s head Read More »
Researchers discovered a new field of ancient tektites in South Australia, revealing a long-forgotten asteroid impact. These 11-million-year-old glass fragments differ chemically and geographically from other known tektites. Although the crater remains missing, the find exposes a massive event once thought unrecorded, offering clues to Earth’s tumultuous past and planetary defense. Researchers discovered a new …
A giant asteroid hit Earth, but its crater is missing Read More »
Salk Institute scientists discovered that bile acids in the liver can weaken immune cell function, making immunotherapy less effective against liver cancer. They pinpointed specific bile acids that suppress T cells and found that supplementing with UDCA reversed the effect, controlling tumor growth in mice. Since UDCA is already used for liver disease, it could …
This common liver supplement could boost cancer treatment success Read More »
Weight-loss surgery dramatically outperformed GLP-1 medications in improving longevity and reducing heart, kidney, and eye complications for people with obesity and diabetes. Over 10 years, patients lost far more weight and required fewer medications. Experts say surgery continues to offer survival advantages even in the age of potent obesity drugs. Weight-loss surgery dramatically outperformed GLP-1 …
Surgery beats Ozempic for long-term health, Cleveland Clinic finds Read More »