Ancient coral fossils from the remote Seychelles islands have unveiled a dramatic warning for our future—sea levels can rise in sudden, sharp bursts even when global temperatures stay steady. ​Ancient coral fossils from the remote Seychelles islands have unveiled a dramatic warning for our future—sea levels can rise in sudden, sharp bursts even when global …

123,000-year-old coral fossils warn of sudden, catastrophic sea-level rise Read More »

In a remarkable twist of science, researchers have transformed a fungus long associated with death into a potential weapon against cancer. Found in tombs like that of King Tut, Aspergillus flavus was once feared for its deadly spores. Now, scientists at Penn and several partner institutions have extracted a new class of molecules from it—called …

From cursed tomb fungus to cancer cure: Aspergillus flavus yields potent new drug Read More »

Two Ice Age wolf pups once thought to be early dogs have been identified as wild wolves, thanks to detailed DNA and chemical analysis. Surprisingly, their last meals included woolly rhinoceros meat—an unusually large prey item—hinting that ancient wolves might have been bigger than today’s. Their well-preserved bodies also shed light on wolf pack behavior …

These frozen wolf cubs ate a woolly rhino—and changed what we know about dogs Read More »

Exploration for deep-sea minerals in the Clarion Clipperton Zone threatens to disrupt an unexpectedly rich ecosystem of whales and dolphins. New studies have detected endangered species in the area and warn that mining noise and sediment could devastate marine life that relies heavily on sound. With so little known about these habitats, experts urge immediate …

Mining the deep could mute the songs of sperm whales Read More »

A groundbreaking wireless implant promises real-time, personalized pain relief using AI and ultrasound power no batteries, no wires, and no opioids. Designed by USC and UCLA engineers, it reads brain signals, adapts on the fly, and bends naturally with your spine. ​A groundbreaking wireless implant promises real-time, personalized pain relief using AI and ultrasound power …

USC’s new AI implant promises drug-free relief for chronic pain Read More »

DNA from a skull found at Newgrange once sparked theories of a royal incestuous elite in ancient Ireland, but new research reveals no signs of such a hierarchy. Instead, evidence suggests a surprisingly egalitarian farming society that valued collective living and ritual. ​DNA from a skull found at Newgrange once sparked theories of a royal …

No kings buried here: DNA unravels the myth of incestuous elites in ancient Ireland Read More »

Bones found at the site of an ancient fish-processing plant were used to genetically identify the species that went into a fish sauce, often known as garum, eaten throughout the Roman Empire ​Bones found at the site of an ancient fish-processing plant were used to genetically identify the species that went into a fish sauce, …

Ancient DNA reveals make-up of Roman Empire’s favourite sauce Read More »

It is possible to make a material absorb more radiation than it has to re-emit, violating the laws of physics in a way that could make energy-harvesting devices more efficient ​It is possible to make a material absorb more radiation than it has to re-emit, violating the laws of physics in a way that could …

Breaking the laws of thermal radiation could make better solar cells Read More »

Operators lost contact with the MethaneSAT satellite on 20 June, a significant blow to efforts to track – and stop – methane emissions ​Operators lost contact with the MethaneSAT satellite on 20 June, a significant blow to efforts to track – and stop – methane emissions Operators lost contact with the MethaneSAT satellite on 20 June, …

A crucial methane-tracking satellite has died in orbit Read More »

The arrow of time can teach us more about how the universe began – and how it will end, says quantum columnist Karmela Padavic-Callaghan ​The arrow of time can teach us more about how the universe began – and how it will end, says quantum columnist Karmela Padavic-Callaghan The arrow of time can teach us more …

Where does time actually come from? Read More »