A new breakthrough offers hope for a ‘functional cure’ of hepatitis B
The sneaky virus poses serious health threats if it goes on to become a chronic disease. Clinical trial results suggest a new drug may cure 1 in 5 of those cases.
Archive · last 30 days
Science & Health
Breakthroughs, treatments, discoveries, and the slow, patient work of researchers and clinicians making the world healthier.
Thursday · June 25
Scientists Finally Solve a 100-Year Mystery About France’s Famous Ice Age Cave Paintings
A new analysis detected hidden charcoal in black cave paintings at Font-de-Gaume, allowing scientists to accurately date the artworks for the first time. For more than a century,…
How to reset your gut in 30 days, according to a gastroenterologist
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM You’ve probably spent more time than you’d like to admit wondering if something is off with your gut. Not dramatically wrong, just…
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Might Be the Oldest Object Ever Seen in Our Solar System, a Study Suggests
Based on the composition of gases spewed by the icy space rock, researchers estimate that our guest might be up to 12 billion years old—about three times the age of the solar…
Singing the Shopping List: How Music Can Rewire the Brain After Stroke
In 2023, a stroke transformed Naresh Shanbhag, a 53-year-old smooth-talking sales professional in Bengaluru, into someone who was unable to speak words, let alone sentences. “I…
A Mars rover found organic carbon just sitting on a rock
The organic molecules could come from life or from ordinary chemistry — only samples returned to Earth can settle it.
The world’s largest scorpion lived 415 million years ago
A prehistoric scorpion was the largest ever to exist, and it may have preyed on land and freshwater species.
Scientists Found a Wordle Trick That Solves 99% of Puzzles
Researchers turned a classic theory of information into a near-perfect Wordle strategy that solves 99% of puzzles. Millions of people play Wordle every day, trying to identify a…
Scientists Recreate a Quantum Mystery in a Water Tank – and Discover Something Completely New
Scientists used swirling water waves to simulate a quantum effect, uncovering rotating nodal patterns that could deepen understanding of hidden quantum phenomena. In the strange…
A Hidden Galaxy Called Shadow Blaster May Explain One of Astronomy’s Biggest Mysteries
A mysterious neutrino signal has led astronomers to a surprising discovery: a hidden star-forming galaxy, not a supermassive black hole, may be generating some of the Universe’s…
Were Vikings Really ‘Uncivilized’ Barbarians? Large Textile-Production Site Discovered in Denmark Challenges That Stereotype
The massive settlement, which spans more than a million square feet, likely dates to the late Iron Age or early Viking Age between 600 and 950 C.E.
Wednesday · June 24
Why science needs the humanities more than ever
From AI to biotechnology, today’s scientific breakthroughs raise ethical and social challenges that technical expertise alone cannot solve.
Interstellar Visitor 3I/ATLAS Is Bursting With an Unexpected Chemical
Astronomers have found that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS contains an unusually large amount of methanol. Every interstellar object that passes through our solar system offers a…
Scientists Just Found All 5 Genetic “Letters” of DNA and RNA on an Asteroid
The discovery of all five nucleobases on Ryugu strengthens the idea that life’s molecular ingredients formed in space before reaching Earth. A new study reports that samples from…
Good News in History, June 24
125 years ago today, the shoe salesman Chuck Taylor was born in Indiana. While playing basketball in high school, Taylor began wearing the Converse All-Star shoe introduced way…
Scientists find 64,000 sq miles of climate-resilient coral reef
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For years, the conversation around coral reefs has been threaded with grief. Bleaching events, rising ocean temperatures, one crisis folding…
5 dietitian-approved drinks to keep you hydrated this summer
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When the afternoon heat hits, and you’ve already had six glasses of water, sometimes the last thing you want is another sip of the plain…
Massive I. M. Pei Archive Will be Transferred to MIT Museum
An extensive compilation of work produced by the globally renowned Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei will soon be transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s…
A Plastic Motor Just Defied a Century of Engineering Assumptions
Electrostatic forces enable low-voltage actuation without relying on rare earth materials. Nearly every electric motor in modern life, from the fan on your desk to the motor in an…
This Magical Curse Written in Greek on a Small Lead Tablet Was Meant to Punish Enemies Nearly 2,000 Years Ago
The lead curse tablet was discovered in a city square in the Netherlands and recently deciphered by researchers in Germany
Oldest example of preserved tube feet reveals clues about the lives of 452-million-year-old sea lilies
Echinoderms, such as starfish, sea urchins and sea lilies, use small, flexible, tubular projections called "tube feet" for locomotion, feeding, respiration and sensory perception.…
Tuesday · June 23
Diabetes breakthrough as NHS treatment stops disease for three years
The therapy has been approved for use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Is 12 Billion Years Old, Almost Three Times Older Than the Solar System
A process called ‘hot bottom burning’ helped scientists determine the age of 3I/ATLAS.
Bones communicate with the rest of the body to support overall health – here’s the science behind your skeleton
Bones are living tissues that constantly rebuild, repair and help the body stay in balance.
Humans May Have Always Been Able to Regenerate Body Parts–Scar Tissue Just Gets in the Way
Some animals like salamanders can regenerate entire limbs, and by flipping a few genetic switches scientists have potentially unlocked innate human regeneration. The key is…
Childhood experiences of LGBTQ+ stigma can harm romantic relationships decades later – psychologists explain how to reconnect with yourself and your partner
Guilt and shame from being rejected, discriminated against or bullied as a child can carry into adulthood. But making meaning from these experiences can help with healing.
Antarctica’s Future May Be More Predictable Than Scientists Thought
A new study suggests Antarctic ice loss may be reliably projected over the next several decades. Scientists say the next 30 to 50 years could be a crucial period for understanding…
Fish and Humans Share Surprisingly Similar Sleep Habits, Including Daytime Naps
A recent study suggests that zebrafish have four sleep substates, just like humans do—and one of them is akin to an afternoon snooze
Europe must seize the moment to lead on free and open science
An under-appreciated research powerhouse, Europe has a responsibility to champion democratic science that is accessible to all the world’s research talent.
This 'improbable' exoplanet system is so wonky because of a weird object within
"This discovery provides a crucial insight into how planets form even around massive, eccentric objects."
Beavers Released into Forest Have Reduced Area's Flood Risk, Researchers Say
Beavers reintroduced to northern England reduced flood risk and boosted biodiversity in Cropton Forest over five years, researchers said.
HPV vaccine brings cervical cancer deaths to near zero
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Between 2020 and 2024, not one woman between the ages of 20 and 24 in England died from cervical cancer. It was the first five-year window on…
Monday · June 22
‘Groundbreaking’ Potential Lupus Cure Sends Patients into Remission, Allowing Dreams to Be Fulfilled
A genetic therapy that’s already revolutionized cancer treatment has now sent five patients of lupus into remission, allowing one to fulfill her dreams of skiing. The uncurable…
Activist Wins 10-Year Battle to Ensure That Child Abuse Is Considered Above All Else in NY Custody Trials
New legislation that will compel New York judges to consider domestic violence or child abuse charges and risks—above all else—in child custody decisions, could soon become law.…
A Dark Dimension Could Link Two of the Universe’s Great Unknowns
Recent observations suggest that dark energy is changing over time. Theorists wonder if dark matter is, too. The post A Dark Dimension Could Link Two of the Universe’s Great…
The Chemistry of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Is Unlike Anything We've Ever Seen
All signs were already indicating that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was unlike anything we'd ever seen.
Can Time Flow in Reverse? A Quantum Breakthrough Challenges Our Assumptions
Researchers investigate how quantum time flow can be stretched, blurred, or even reversed. What if the direction of time isn’t as fixed as it seems? While our everyday experience…
Why do baseball players put a black mark under their eyes?
As one piece of more than a century of baseball traditions, eye black is part science experiment, part routine and part uniform.
Sea cucumbers harbor ‘zombie’ tissues that won’t die
Detached tissues from the sea cucumber's tube feet and feeding tentacles survived for more than three years, a find that could shape the study of aging.
Astronomers Discover a Sleeping Giant: Ancient Black Hole 6 Billion Times the Sun’s Mass
Researchers have identified the most distant dormant black hole known, dating back to the universe’s early history. Astronomers have long relied on brilliant quasars, supermassive…
Koalas Nearly Vanished 100,000 Years Ago – Long Before Humans Arrived
Koalas survived a climate-driven population crash 100,000 years ago, and new genomic research is helping scientists better protect the species today. A major genomic study has…
Ancient Ice Man Still Hosts Mysterious Cold-Loving Organisms, Study Finds
A new study untangles the complex microbial history of Ötzi the Iceman, revealing which microorganisms originated during his lifetime and which arrived long after his death. For…
Sunday · June 21
Celebrate Father’s Day with seven whimsical and weird animal dads
From tiny hamsters to giant salamanders, here are some of the most unusual examples of fatherhood across the animal kingdom
2,000-Year-Old Grape Seeds Rewrite the History of Italian Wine
A genetic study of 2,000-year-old grape seeds is shedding new light on ancient winemaking. For centuries, the vineyards of Tuscany have been associated with some of the world’s…
Why Older Adults Need To Pay Closer Attention to Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is needed in only trace amounts, yet its absence can have far-reaching effects. Two micrograms is an almost unimaginably small amount. It weighs less than a tiny…
Scientists Say a Daily Probiotic May Help Fight Depression in Older Adults
A new study suggests that altering the gut microbiome with probiotics may provide additional benefits for older adults being treated for depression. Could a daily probiotic help…
Butterflies may hold clues to longer lives
Why do some butterflies live for months while others survive only weeks? Tufts University researcher Jessica Foley explains what Heliconius butterflies can teach us about aging.
Want to improve your agility? Try these 'explosive power' exercises
These simple movements combine speed and strength to train your body's ability to rapidly generate force. They can also help prevent injury and boost agility.
This one foot duvet hack is scientifically-proven to help you sleep – and you’re probably doing it already!
Do you sleep with one foot outside your duvet? There’s a scientific reason why…
Yale study finds nearly half of older adults improved with age
A long-term Yale study is challenging one of the biggest myths about aging. Nearly half of adults over 65 improved physically, mentally, or both over time, despite the common…
Scientists Finally Uncover Why Solid-State Batteries Short-Circuit
Researchers have uncovered a critical mechanism behind battery failure in solid-state batteries, offering new insights that could help unlock safer, longer-lasting energy storage…
How becoming a dad changes men’s brains
Fathers show changes in some of the same brain areas as mothers, but the effect of parenthood on dads isn’t nearly as well studied
Saturday · June 20
Near Absolute Zero, This Transistor Starts Acting Like a Brain Cell
A single transistor that behaves like a brain cell in the deep freeze could help unlock the next generation of quantum computers and space exploration systems. Researchers at the…
Revolutionary Treatment Heals 3rd Degree Burns Across the Face of World’s First Human Recipient
See that red mark on Kaitlin Jeffrey’s neck below her left ear? That’s some indication of how serious it is to describe the treatment she just finished receiving as revolutionary.…
![Photo for: Summer Solstice 2026: Catch Sunrise Live From Stonehenge On June 21 [WATCH]](https://images.latelybetter.com/debbd97f3411525c8dc8357c397b5824.jpg)
Summer Solstice 2026: Catch Sunrise Live From Stonehenge On June 21 [WATCH]
The longest day of the year is here
The Surprising Reason Swimming Could Be Better for Your Heart Than Running
Swimming matched running for fitness gains but delivered greater heart growth and more favorable molecular changes, making it potentially more beneficial for cardiovascular…
Scientists brew energy-efficient espresso. It is made without heat and 75% less energy.
A newly-developed method applies ultrasonic sound waves to turn room temperature water and coffee grounds into a quality espresso shot. Taste-testers couldn’t tell it apart from a…
Quantum sensors could spot hidden damage in the thousands of US bridges rated ‘structurally deficient’
Sensors cannot replace bridge inspectors. They can help engineers see corrosion, cracks, scour and weak magnetic signals that eyes alone can miss.
Could Vitamin C Be the Secret to Keeping Your Brain Younger?
Lower vitamin C levels were linked to reduced brain volume and weaker neural connectivity in older adults, suggesting a potential connection between nutrition and brain health.…
A new study rewrites the history of the plague
A new study looks at one of the most prolific pathogens in human history — the plague.
This Week in Science: A Voice-Restoring Brain Implant, Nuclear Clocks, And More!
This Week in Science: A world first, a strange human pattern, and much more! We start with something you might do every day without much thought: walking.
Friday · June 19
This New DNA Test Solves Rare Disease Mysteries That Standard Genetics Misses
A new long-read DNA test improves rare disease diagnosis, replaces multiple existing tests, and could become the preferred global standard for genetic diagnostics. A new DNA test…
Before Bill Nye, There Was Julius Sumner Miller: Watch Complete Episodes of His Classic Science Show, Why Is It So?, Free Online (1962–73)
“We are approaching a darkness in the land. Boys and girls are emerging from every level of school with certificates and degrees, but they can’t read, write or calculate. We don’t…
Scientists Just Discovered the Eye Defies a Long-Held Rule of Vision
A Yale-led study uncovered unexpected communication between retinal visual pathways that were thought to operate separately. Researchers at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) have…
First new US sunscreen ingredient since 1999 approved by FDA – a skin scientist explains how bemotrizinol works
Consumers in Europe and Asia have used sunscreen containing bemotrizinol for decades, and many say its approval in the US is long overdue.
Where nature draws the map – here are 5 ways to look at the US, without state boundaries
State lines are one way to picture the US, but natural history provides another – one that shows the ancient and living connections running across the landscape.
The truth about brain rot, according to science
Emerging research suggests overusing digital devices can be harmful, especially to mental health. But does being overly online truly rot our brains?
What if Time Isn’t Fundamental? Physicists Just Tested the Idea in the Lab
A quantum “mini universe” made from ultracold atoms revealed that time can emerge from entropy changes inside a system, offering experimental insight into one of physics’ deepest…
Scientists Say We’ve Been Wrong About the Aging Brain
The aging brain may be far more capable of growth and improvement than scientists once believed. A large three-year study from researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas’…
Thursday · June 18
This shape-shifting liquid stores solar energy, and releases it on demand
Northwestern chemists created a liquid that morphs into an energy-storing gel and resets with nothing but air—no metal, no plastic, no battery casing required.
Stunning Video of the Southern Lights Dancing Across the Earth Captured by a NASA Astronaut–WATCH
From the SpaceX Dragon capsule high above the Earth, astronaut Jessica Meir was left stunned and moved by what she was witnessing. As our own blue marble spun around to show its…
The Map of Physics: Animation Shows How All the Different Fields in Physics Fit Together
From Newton’s mechanical calculations to Einstein’s general and special relativity to the baffling indeterminacy of quantum mechanics, the discipline of physics has become…
Seven Perfect Shuffles Randomize a Deck of Cards. But How Many Sloppy Ones?
A decades-old proof showed that seven shuffles are enough to mix up a deck of cards. But it requires you to cut the deck with the precision of a professional magician. A new proof…
Scientists Just Discovered a Cellular Survival System That Was Never Supposed To Exist
A surprising backup pathway allows cells to make a crucial amino acid when their primary machinery fails. For decades, biologists believed cells had only one way to access a…
If aliens landed on Earth tomorrow, what would they eat?
Biology allows us to speculatively map out an alien’s energy needs.
Archaeologists Unearth Hundreds of Artifacts at Fort Ticonderoga, the Site of America's First Offensive Victory of the Revolutionary War
The objects were discovered on Liberty Hill, the place where many Continental Army soldiers heard the text of the Declaration of Independence for the first time
Scientists Say a New Universe Could Form Inside a Dying Star
A new study suggests that the collapse of a massive star could spark the creation of a tiny expanding universe rather than a black hole. The resulting object, called a gravastar,…
Wednesday · June 17
Physicists Create a New Kind of Schrödinger’s Cat State From Exotic Quantum Building Blocks
Oxford physicists have created an unconventional class of quantum superpositions from highly nonclassical states. Researchers at the University of Oxford have created a new class…
Your GPS Lies in Cities. Scientists Finally Fixed It
Scientists have found a way to make GPS remarkably accurate in city “urban canyons,” where navigation has long gone wrong. Most of us trust that the location shown by our GPS is…
Satellites Can Now Detect a City’s Hidden Vital Signs Before Humans Notice
A new satellite-based framework allows scientists to measure the changing rhythms of cities in near real time. Cities are often described as living systems, but until now that…
4 fruits that may help reduce your breast cancer risk
High fruit intake is associated with many wonderful health benefits, like protecting our lungs from air pollution and lowering diabetes risk. But did you know it’s also linked to…
We’re Built to Collaborate
An excerpt from Wired for Peace by Dr. Jeremy Pollack
Asteroid or comet? Meteor or meteorite? How to identify and classify the rocks you see streaking through the sky
An observatory director describes the differences between the types of rocks that fly through space.
Chinese money plant leaves hide a mathematical pattern
Tiny water-secreting pores appear to organize the major veins of the plant leaves into an arrangement known as a Voronoi diagram.
Scientists Uncover the Hidden Process That Can Turn Magma Into an Explosive Force
Researchers found that a magma’s thermal history may be a key factor in determining whether an eruption becomes more vigorous or remains relatively gentle. What happens deep…
See a Stunning View of the Southern Lights Dancing Across the Earth Captured by a NASA Astronaut
Jessica Meir, commander of NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission, shared photos and videos of a green aurora she shot while sheltering in a capsule outside the International Space Station
Tuesday · June 16
Battery-Free Artificial Photosynthesis Turns Sunlight, Water, and CO2 Into Fuel
A self-regulating artificial photosynthesis system makes solar fuel without batteries, offering a simpler and potentially cheaper path to clean energy storage. Researchers at…
Apple’s weird anti-nausea dots cured my car sickness
It’s not magic if it’s science.
James Webb Spots Something Strange Between Day and Night on an Alien Planet
James Webb has revealed that the sunrise and sunset sides of WASP-121 b have surprisingly different atmospheres. Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have…
JUNO’s First Results Bring the Neutrino Mass Mystery Into Focus
JUNO’s first results have launched a new era of precision neutrino physics and brought scientists closer to solving the neutrino mass mystery. The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino…
Good News in History, June 16
14 years and 63 years ago today, two ladies became the first women to enter space for their respective nations. 63 years ago it was the first female Russian, Valentina Tereshkova,…
Otherworldly music albums feature space weather data
A science-art team uses research data to make music featuring sounds of Antarctica and outer space
Venus Flytraps Snap Their Traps Shut in Less Than a Second. Scientists Say They've Discovered How the Predatory Plants Are So Fast
The walls of cells in the leaves' outer layer suddenly soften, allowing the structures to hinge into a closed position, according to a new study
5 small habits that make every day feel more meaningful
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The feeling of not mattering, of going through a whole day without anyone really seeing you, sits closer to the surface than most people let…
Is a transparent fish the future of brain science? This center is betting on it
One of the world's leading brain research centers is shifting away from fruit flies and toward a tiny, transparent fish. The goal: to understand how brains control the behavior of…
Monday · June 15
They Were Just Having a Back-to-School Party in an Apartment Rec Room. Little Did They Know They Were Creating Hip-Hop
The music genre that became a global sensation started with some creative teens just getting together and riffing rhymes to DJ Kool Herc’s curated beats
Is Planet Nine Real? New Discovery at the Edge of the Solar System Adds a Twist
The hunt for Planet Nine continues as new discoveries make the Solar System’s biggest mystery even harder to solve. Is there a massive undiscovered planet on the outer reaches of…
The Seamstress Who Solved the Ancient Mystery of the Argonaut, Pioneered the Aquarium, and Laid the Groundwork for the Study of Octopus Intelligence
"I armed myself with patience and courage, and only after several months managed to dissolve my doubts and see my research crowned with happy confirmation."
Scientists Finally See How Antibodies Really Attack Viruses
A new nanodisc breakthrough lets scientists see viruses more realistically, revealing hidden clues that could lead to better vaccines. Viruses are highly effective at infecting…
The Unexpected Gut Health Risk of Cutting Out Sugar
A surprising study found that cutting out sugar completely may disrupt the gut microbiome and worsen metabolic health. Cutting sugar out of your diet entirely may not be as…
Astronomy Picture of the Day
A different astronomy and space science related image is featured each day, along with a brief explanation.
Scientists Finally Discover How Venus Flytraps Snap Shut So Fast
To succeed in a hunt, a predator often needs to be faster than its prey.
Scientists Discovered 31 New Deep-Sea Species, and They’re All Extremely Weird
The new creatures include ghostly worms, glittering comb jellies, mucus-house builders, and giant single-celled organisms.
Stanford Scientists Discover Explosive New Type of Immune Cell
Scientists studying the remarkable regenerative abilities of planarian flatworms have uncovered a previously unknown type of immune cell with an unusually destructive defense…
How an aspiring actress from Brooklyn stumbled into an astrophysics career at NASA
This young researcher’s unlikely journey into academia will change the way you think about science, failure and belonging
Sunday · June 14
Scientists Mapped Every Neuron in a Fruit Fly and the Brain Wasn’t Running the Show
Scientists have created the first complete brain-to-body wiring map of a fruit fly, revealing that complex behavior may arise from distributed neural teamwork rather than a…
An Almost Incomparable ‘Princely’ Tomb of Ancient Celtic Noble Found in Germany
A “princely grave” with Celtic connections has been found during construction in Germany. Found in Bad Camburg in the German state of Hesse, the assemblage of gold, armaments, and…
Scientists Found a Hidden Brain Signal That Predicts Social Behavior
Scientists discovered that the brain begins preparing for social connection before we even make the first move. Why do we decide to approach other people? According to new…
This Strange Crystal Bends Light Like Nothing Else in Nature
This record-breaking crystal can transform from mirror-like to glass-like, opening the door to tiny optical chips, AR displays, and smart contact lenses. Creating truly…
Meet the Artemis III Astronauts Preparing for NASA’s Boldest Moon Mission Yet
NASA’s newly announced Artemis III crew is preparing for one of the most complex space missions ever attempted on the road back to the Moon. NASA has unveiled the crew for Artemis…
Science by God
Understanding the Beauty of Creation
Human evolution rewritten after 1.8-million-year-old cave discovery
A stunning discovery buried deep inside a cave for 1.8 million years is rewriting the story of human evolution.
A Strange Moon Orbiting Neptune May Be The Sole Survivor of an Apocalypse
Neptune is definitely the odd one out of the gas giants.
Saturday · June 13
Breakthrough Ultrasound Patch Tracks Blood Flow and Fetal Health in Real Time
A new soft ultrasound patch is designed to provide long-term, hands-free monitoring of fetal health in real time. Engineers at the University of California, San Diego, have…
Why Evolution Stalled for Millions of Years Before Suddenly Exploding
A new study suggests evolution stayed stuck for millions of years until sexual reproduction helped unleash a burst of biodiversity. New research suggests that the earliest animals…
Astronomers Unveil Record-Breaking Haul of 161 New Black Hole Collisions
A new gravitational-wave catalogue reports 161 additional black hole mergers, bringing the total to 390 detections. Scientists at the University of Glasgow’s Institute for…
New Solar Method Turns Ocean Into Drinking Water, While Extracting Valuable Lithium Without Waste
A new energy-efficient desalination system produces fresh water without chemical additives and transforms leftover salts into useful materials. Communities from California to the…
A popular sunscreen ingredient can finally be sold in the United States
The FDA will allow bemotrizinol in sunscreen. The chemical is long-lasting and defends against solar radiation that ages skin.
Stay Up Late and Admire the Cosmos With This New ‘Stargazing Trail’ That Links Certified Dark Sky Destinations
The initiative debuts as Colorado gears up to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood
Is Your Dog Right-Pawed or Left-Pawed? Here's How to Figure It Out, According to a New Study
Researchers devised a series of tests to measure your furry friend's laterality, which can be associated with behavior, emotion and cognition
Good News in History, June 13
16 years ago today, the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa, containing particles of the asteroid 25143 Itokawa, which it landed on in November 2005, returned to Earth. Hayabusa was the…
New Feathered Dinosaur May Have Solved a 120-Million-Year-Old Fossil Mystery
A newly discovered feathered dinosaur from China may help solve a long-standing mystery surrounding a fossil bed filled with ancient bird remains. For years, one fossil site in…
Friday · June 12
Clocks made from an atomic nucleus just ticked on for the first time
First dreamed up decades ago, the world's first nuclear clocks are set to improve quickly, becoming more precise and aiding the hunt for dark matter.
Hidden Phase of Matter Finally Captured After Decades of Predictions
Scientists have finally captured a hidden state of matter, revealing a long-predicted phase with intriguing quantum potential. Researchers from Brown University and the University…
Socioeconomic factors are becoming 'biologically embedded' in children's brains
A study of more than 2,300 9- to 10-year-olds found that socioeconomic factors explained most differences in the preteens' brain development.
Archaeology Students Dug Up a Mass Viking Grave—With a Literal Giant Inside
Dated to the ninth century C.E., a time when the Vikings ruled the area, the grave held the remains of at least 10 different young men.
Scientists have made jet fuel from plastic waste
A new process converts hard-to-recycle styrofoam waste into valuable jet fuel at a cost competitive with petroleum-based fuels.
Scientists Discover a Strange Global Pattern in The Way Humans Walk
Suppose you're wandering around a space without any particular destination in mind – exploring a park maybe, or ambling across a music festival site.
Thursday · June 11
An Early Step on the Long, Strange Road to Photosynthesis
An ancient lineage of cyanobacteria is helping biologists uncover an early evolutionary stage of the mind-boggling process that turns light into life. The post An Early Step on…
How 'algorithm' got its name from a 9th-century Persian mathematician
In the 9th century, Muhammad ibn Musa al-Kharizmi helped solidify the concept of algorithms in mathematics and popularized algebra and the use of the zero.
A Rare Meteorite Found in the Sahara Desert Offers Evidence of a Lost Protoplanet
Chemical signatures indicate the meteorite came from an early planet that met an untimely end during the formation of our solar system
Butter or margarine? A food scientist describes their subtle chemical deviations and how they can affect your baked goods
Butter and margarine are both made up of long fatty acid chains, but some slight chemical differences mean differences in how they melt.
Sleep and exercise may dampen genetic drivers of heart disease
Over time, immune cells acquire mutations that promote atherosclerosis. Lifestyle changes may offset these DNA glitches, new mouse data suggest.
A Surprising Discovery Suggests Autism Is Not One Condition
Brain scans have uncovered two biologically distinct forms of autism hidden within the spectrum. An international team of researchers has identified at least two biologically…
Breakthrough for 800 Million Patients? Kidney Disease Drug Shows Powerful New Benefits
New findings indicate that finerenone may help protect kidney function and reduce major health risks in people with chronic kidney disease who do not have diabetes. Chronic kidney…
Scientists Explored an Island Cave and Found 1 Million-Year-Old Remnants of a Lost World
The fossil trove uncovered ancient birds, frogs, and extinctions long before humans arrived.
How Colorado hospitals are caring for pregnant patients with substance use disorders by overcoming stigma
Nearly 1,500 healthcare professionals completed the training in hospitals, birth centers and community organizations across the state.
Wednesday · June 10
Kids learn to bully from adults’ threats, manipulation and criticism – a child psychologist explains how parents can model better tactics
Observing how grown-ups operate provides children with information on how they can shape their worlds to get what they want and avoid what they don’t want.
500 Years Ago, Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebook Was Cut Up and Separated. Now, the Inventor's Manuscripts and Drawings Are Reconstructed in an Online Archive
A new tool developed by Museo Galileo researchers has restored 50 pages from fragments excised centuries ago
Staggering Results Show HIV-Transmission Reduced 100% with Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir Injection
A 2-stage trial testing a new and acclaimed HIV-prevention drug has shown almost unthinkable results of no new infections among a sample size of 3,200 participants. Called PURPOSE…
Scientists Uncover Surprising Secrets of a Mysterious Man Buried in Finland 400 Years Ago
A multidisciplinary study has uncovered new details about a centuries-old burial in northern Finland, revealing genetic links to Sámi populations and evidence of a remarkably…
Scientists Create “Intelligent” Bandage That Targets Harmful Bacteria
Researchers have created a smart wound dressing that can sense when harmful bacteria are present and respond by releasing antibiotics only when needed. Biomedical engineers at…
The Kombucha Surprise: One Ingredient Dramatically Changes Its Chemistry and Health Potential
Tea choice significantly changes kombucha’s chemistry, flavor, and antioxidant potential, with green and oolong teas showing the strongest biological activity. Kombucha has surged…
NASA names 4 astronauts on the 'highly complex' Artemis III lunar training mission
The crew of four — NASA astronaut and commander Randy Bresnik, European Space Agency pilot Luca Parmitano, NASA mission specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas — are scheduled…
Sweden set to ban mobile phones in schools
Long championed as a leader in adopting digital technology, Sweden is set to ban mobile phones in schools beginning in the fall for the next academic year.
Reading the Moon in X-rays
We've walked on the Moon, driven rovers across its surface, and analysed every gram of rock the Apollo astronauts brought home, yet we still don't have a complete picture of what…
Humans prefer to walk anticlockwise, scientists find – but reason is unclear
From Spain to Japan, experiments have repeatedly shown a left-turn bias, but exact mechanic ‘is still an open question’
Mysterious Cosmic Signal Could Be First Real Evidence of Primordial Black Holes
Scientists believe an unusual LIGO detection may be evidence of a primordial black hole, potentially linking these long-theorized objects to the mystery of dark matter. Scientists…
Tuesday · June 9
Astronomers Open ‘New Window’ on Exoplanets After Landmark First Detection of Magnetospheres
For a planet to be habitable, it’s generally considered to need liquid water. To have liquid water, a planet needs an atmosphere. To have an atmosphere, it’s understood a world…
The Official Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood YouTube Channel Goes Live: Watch Complete Episodes, Including the Very First
A great many, and perhaps the majority of Americans now between their late twenties and early sixties, have spent time in Mister Rogers’ neighborhood. My own period of regular…
The Next Computing Revolution May Come From Stacking Chips Like Skyscrapers
Researchers may have unlocked the future of computing by turning flat silicon chips into densely stacked 3D architectures. For decades, the semiconductor industry has boosted…
Some pterosaurs may have boasted bold iridescence
A new analysis of a 120-million-year-old fossil suggests at least one pterosaur species shimmered in iridescent greens and magentas.
The Laser That Once Filled a Lab Now Fits on a Tiny Chip
Scientists have finally packed a laboratory-class ultrafast laser onto a tiny photonic chip. Ultrafast lasers generate bursts of light that last only a few hundred femtoseconds,…
Theodore Roosevelt Survived an Assassination Attempt Because a Speech Tucked Inside His Pocket Slowed the Bullet. He Insisted on Delivering His Remarks Anyway
"I am very much uninterested in whether I am shot or not," he told an audience in Milwaukee. Newly discovered documents shed light on how the 26th president wanted the incident to…
The best way to start your day? The science backs naked cartwheels in the sun
A dazzling book explains our bodies’ dependence on sunlight for everything from sleep to skin and bone health.
New 3D microscope technology captures high-resolution tissue images at a fraction of the cost
A team led by Raju Tomer, professor of biological sciences at Columbia University, has created a new design for microscopes and microscope lenses that could push 3D tissue imaging…
How Humans Migrated Across The Globe Over 200,000 Years: An Animated Look
Coverage of the refugee crisis peaked in 2015. By the end of the year, note researchers at the University of Bergen, “this was one of the hottest topics, not only for politicians,…
Monday · June 8
The Probiotic Breakthrough for Natural Anxiety Relief and Better Mental Health
A surprising gut-brain discovery suggests that anxiety could one day be treated with specially designed probiotics. Could anxiety be shaped, at least in part, by tiny organisms…
Breast cancer genomic test could spare millions from chemotherapy
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For decades, high clinical risk and chemotherapy arrived together as a package deal in early breast cancer. A trial presented at the American…
Animal vs. Plant Protein: Scientists Found a Surprising Nutritional Difference
Research suggests that equal servings of animal protein may pack a much bigger muscle-building punch than their plant-based counterparts. When it comes to protein, the same…
Tiny Genetic Change Turns Female Mice Into Males, Scientists Discover
A new study reveals that an extremely small change in a non-coding region of DNA can dramatically alter how sex develops in mice. How much can a single letter of DNA matter?…
Astronomers Find the Strongest Evidence Yet That Alien Planets Have Magnetic Fields
The winds on seven hellish alien worlds are moving in the wrong direction. That strange anomaly just cracked open one of exoplanet science's biggest mysteries.
We Need the Friction of Existence
An interview with Ben Riley about the mind, creativity, the limitations of AI and why language and thought are not the same…
Rare Chinese pangolin found in a sacred community forest in Nepal
Researchers in Nepal have confirmed a rare Chinese pangolin living in a small community forest considered sacred by locals, according to a recent study. It may also be the first…
Whales are showing up in San Francisco Bay. New ship alerts could help protect them
The changing climate is driving whales into San Francisco Bay, where ship strikes have been deadly. A new camera system could help ships and ferries steer clear.
Sunday · June 7
Look up! Venus and Jupiter are sharing a 'cosmic kiss'
Jupiter and Venus will appear close together in the sky Monday and Tuesday in what astronomy calls a "conjunction."
Struggle Sleeping? These 3 Sleep Habits Are Tied to Signs of Brain Aging, Study Finds
How we sleep may have lasting impacts for our brain health as we age. A new University of Arizona study has found that several common sleep behaviors may be linked to signs of…
This Simple Drink Could Help Calm the Inflammation Behind Many Diseases
Scientists found that a tomato-soy juice rich in plant-derived compounds altered inflammation-related signals in healthy adults with obesity. A new study found that drinking…
According to Scientists, This Simple Dietary Change Is Linked to Lower Depression Scores
Researchers found that a simple addition to a 5-a-day diet was associated with improved mental well-being in adults with low fruit and vegetable intake. New research from…
How math can help you decide what to order for dinner
An experiment with 2,520 participants backs Richard Feynman’s answer to every diner’s dilemma: do I want to try something new?
Scientists Discover Hidden Symmetry on Earth That Nobody Can Explain
The north-south albedo symmetry may be fading as both hemispheres get darker.
World's largest scorpion identified, roamed Earth 415 million years ago
A new study reveals how the 415-million-year-old Praearcturus gigas grew to a massive size before dinosaurs even existed.
Researchers Discover a Hidden Vitamin D Problem That Persists Year-Round
A new study suggests that some groups may not experience the expected seasonal boost in vitamin D levels, even during the sunniest months of the year. Many people assume that…
Scientists finally complete Schrödinger’s 100-year-old color theory
Researchers have finally resolved a key problem in a 100-year-old theory of color, showing that the qualities we perceive in colors are intrinsic to the mathematics of color space…
India's frustrated students find a symbol: the cockroach
Young Indians frustrated by unemployment and exam scandals are rallying behind an unusual symbol: the cockroach. NPR's Diaa Hadid reports from New Delhi.
Saturday · June 6
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Reveals Strange Chemistry Beyond Our Solar System
An interstellar comet just revealed hidden methane and chemical clues from another star system. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has achieved another milestone by capturing the…
A Shipwreck 'Almost Beyond Belief' Stunned Archaeologists in Norway With Its Cargo of Intact Porcelain Dishes and Luxury Goods
So far, archaeologists have recovered 40 artifacts from the discovery, an 18th-century shipwreck that likely will yield thousands more treasures
A Newly Found Cellular Shift May Explain Why Aging Leads to Disease
Scientists found that aging may begin with a hidden cellular remodel that could help drive disease later in life. Thanks to advances in public health, people are living longer…
This Giant Tropical Fruit Could Hold a Surprising Secret to Saving Teeth
A newly developed biomaterial derived from natural and pharmaceutical components is showing promise as a potential treatment for periodontitis. What if a fruit best known for its…
Immunologist Nicole Baumgarth explains why ticks are spreading to new regions
NPR's Eyder Peralta speaks with immunologist Nicole Baumgarth about why ticks are spreading to new regions, and what this increase in ticks could mean for the spread of Lyme…
What teeth enamel tells us about ancient human diets
The enamel on our teeth is the hardest tissue on the human body. A new study looks at the nanoscale structure of enamel from teeth dating as far back as 18 million years ago to…
The Supermassive Black Hole at the Heart of Our Galaxy Seems to Be Blowing Wind—Just as Scientists Long Theorized
Scientists have been searching for evidence of this breeze since the 1970s. They've seen intense wind from other black holes, but they've struggled to observe the one at the Milky…
In Los Angeles, 70 Artists Transform a Vacant Hospital into a Sprawling Art Experience
Dubbed the 'Hospital of Emotions,' the pop-up exhibition converts 80 rooms into surreal installations. Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member…
Friday · June 5
Cambridge Scientists Just Reversed a Form of Nerve Damage Once Thought Permanent
Cambridge researchers used lab-grown human brain and spinal cord tissues to uncover a hidden mechanism that blocks nerve repair. By reversing that biological brake, they restored…
Scientists probe how pigeons use magnetism to navigate
Homing pigeons rely on a variety of signals to navigate, including magnetism. But it hasn't been clear how they detect magnetic cues. Researchers propose the answer may be found…
Morning vs. night shower: which is better according to experts
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Chances are you’ve probably already had this conversation with someone. Maybe more than once. Morning shower people and night shower people…
We analyzed paper money printed by Ben Franklin to uncover his anti‑counterfeiting techniques and materials innovations
Ben Franklin led an effort to print paper bills in the American colonies, after a coin shortage constrained the economy.
This tiny, blue octopus is new to science
The deep-sea octopus is fully mature despite fitting in a palm, a trait researchers think may help it reproduce faster than larger relatives.
Even quiet black holes create winds, new Milky Way observations reveal
New observations suggest the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s core is blowing gas away from the central behemoth.
Constantly Tired? Scientists Say These Vitamin Deficiencies May Be Why
Scientists have uncovered a potential nutritional link to chronic fatigue. Healthy adults with signs of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies were more likely to experience fatigue…
What Determines Royalty Among Honeybees? Not Just a Distinct Diet—Queens Also Need Specially Built Regal Chambers, a Study Suggests
The peanut-shaped compartments where future queens grow up seem to play an important role in development. The wax has chemical and physical differences from that in other parts of…
Bumblebees can solve problems on their own
With no training, bumblebees can work out how to use a ball like a ladder to feed on sugar from an out-of-reach flower.
Thursday · June 4
Malaria deaths in Papua New Guinea drop by 92%, US smoking rate hits all-time low, cancer care breakthrough
In today's edition: fatalities from malaria are plummeting in Papua New Guinea thanks to a comprehensive national strategy, the United States sees its adult smoking rate reach its…
Doctor who adopted and raised a teen boy teared up when he discovered the kid’s true identity
It's never to late to have a family. The post Doctor who adopted and raised a teen boy teared up when he discovered the kid’s true identity appeared first on Upworthy .
A Psychologist Explains Why 40% of People Are Avoiding the News
Humans are wired to focus on threats, making constant negative news exhausting. Limiting exposure and focusing on what you can control helps reduce news fatigue. During several…
Meteorite found in Sahara desert may be 1st evidence of lost solar system world
"It points to a distinct and separate evolutionary path in planetary formation in the early history of our solar system."
Ötzi the Iceman’s remains yielded ‘viable’ yeasts in the lab
The cold-loving yeasts from Ötzi’s remains suggest the Iceman’s microbiome may not be completely frozen in time.
Surprising New Study Challenges a Century-Old Theory of Habit Formation
A new study challenges the long-held idea that habits form only through slow, gradual repetition. What if your habits don’t form through countless repetitions over months or…
New ovarian cancer drug gives women more time and better quality of life
Women taking the drug tell the BBC it has given them their lives back.
Einstein and the Eagle: How Relativity Is Saving Earth’s Rarest Raptor
At the hazy dawn of the twentieth century, through the byways of mental meandering and mathematical play, Albert Einstein arrived at a revelation about the nature of the universe…
Why hamsters run on wheels, according to 30 years of research
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In 2014, researchers placed exercise wheels in two natural outdoor settings and left them there. Wild mice found the wheels and ran on them,…
Wednesday · June 3
Astronomers Detect a Close Pair of Supermassive Black Holes for the First Time
Researchers discovered a closely orbiting pair of supermassive black holes in Markarian 501 by tracking two jets of particles. The binary system could merge within 100 years and…
Can an army of babies and dogs rescue psychology from its reproducibility crisis?
Labs are teaming up to run a host of huge projects that aim to bring rigour to cognitive science.
To complete its green transition, Europe should mine its own trash
Lithium in old batteries. Cobalt in discarded electronics. The rare earths in retired wind turbines. A landmark EU-funded study finds these buried materials could supply over half…
Doctors May Need To Rethink Calcium and Vitamin D Recommendations After Major Review
New evidence suggests calcium and vitamin D supplements may do far less to prevent fractures and falls than widely believed. Calcium and vitamin D supplements, whether taken…
NASA’s Fermi Telescope Caught a Supernova Doing Something Never Seen Before
NASA’s Fermi telescope may have finally uncovered the magnetic powerhouse behind the universe’s brightest supernovae. An international team of astronomers analyzing observations…
We finally know enough about how the brain breaks to focus on fixing it, experts say
The Allen Institute in Seattle says scientists have now learned enough about how the brain works to start fixing it when it breaks.
5 ways to reduce everyday exposure to 'forever chemicals'
Mara Hoplamazian has spent years reporting on 'forever chemicals,' or PFAS. Here's what they've learned about what may help limit everyday exposure to the contaminant.
Scientists Say They've Discovered 'Little Lab Zombies'—Seemingly Immortal Tissue Taken From Sea Cucumbers
Chunks removed from the marine creatures more than three years ago haven't degraded and show signs of biological activity, raising questions about what it means to be alive
Tuesday · June 2
New research helps explain how human brains are able decode speech so quickly
Scientists are learning how the brain extracts discrete words from a continuous stream of sounds.
Stress Can Literally Make You Lose Your Direction, According to New MRI Evidence
People under stress may find it harder to orient themselves in space, and researchers in Bochum have identified a possible reason why. The stress hormone cortisol appears to…
New Data Doubles Known Black Hole Collisions Through Spacetime Ripples
Astronomers have struck "black gold" — a treasure trove of black hole mergers. And the discovery was made by analyzing ripples in the very fabric of space and time, or spacetime,…
Archaeologists Have Found Something Unexpected Inside a 1,600-Year-Old Egyptian Mummy
An Iliad fragment discovered inside an Egyptian mummy shows how Homer’s influence extended across Roman culture, from imperial identity and education to everyday life in Roman…
Groundbreaking genomic test for breast cancer, Brazil’s 40-hour workweek, the Netherlands changes approach to litter
In today's edition: a genomic test could help millions of breast cancer patients avoid chemotherapy in favour of more effective and less taxing treatments, Brazil's lower house…
Scientists Discover a Hidden Cause of Cellular Aging That Can Be Reversed
Scientists identified phosphatidylcholine loss as a key driver of mitochondrial aging and showed that restoring it can rejuvenate cellular energy networks. Why do cells age, and…
Iran halts talks with U.S. over Israeli actions in Lebanon, Gaza
Trumps says Israel and Hezbollah will stop fighting after Iran stops talks with U.S. over Israeli operations in southern Lebanon, Gaza
MIT unveils non-invasive wearable pacemaker to save heart patients
MIT has developed a noninvasive, surgery-free alternative to standard heart implants: a wearable ultrasound pacemaker sticker.
Monday · June 1
Scientists Made Older Mice Biologically Younger Using Gut Microbes
Scientists restored young gut bacteria in aging mice and saw signs of rejuvenation along with complete protection from liver cancer. Returning the gut microbiome to a more…
She couldn’t afford the life she wanted for her son in the US. Moving to Germany changed both their futures | CNN
Exhausted by US childcare and education costs, solo parent Molly Williams relocated to Germany — eventually finding new love, a balanced lifestyle and educational success for her…
A new drug just cleared hepatitis B in 1 in 5 patients
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A clinical trial published May 28 in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that a new drug called bepirovirsen achieved a functional…
Scientists Discover a Simple Writing Test That May Detect Cognitive Impairment
A simple writing task may offer clues about aging brains. Researchers found that dictation, in particular, exposed subtle differences linked to cognitive impairment. Handwriting…
Stanford’s Revolutionary New Microscope Reveals Living Cells in Stunning Detail
Stanford researchers have developed a microscope that can show how nanostructures interact inside living cells at the highest resolution achieved so far. The view into living…
An entomologist ordered a mescal, and then got curious
An entomologist researched the worms used in mescal to better understand the relationship between the creatures and specific agave plants - and the danger if harvesting increases.
How long can humans live? We simply don’t know
Claims about the upper limits to human lifespan are characterized by hype, deficient data and shoddy science, says longevity researcher Saul Newman.
Science Archives - Interesting Engineering
Stay updated with daily science news articles from Interesting Engineering. Find the most recent news on scientific discoveries, inventions, and developments.
Signals from the deep: brain rhythms distinguish states of consciousness
Neuropsychology researchers at LMU have discovered a rhythm in the midbrain that could serve as a bio-physiological signature for specific states of consciousness.
Sunday · May 31
Scientists Find a Smarter Way To Measure the Universe Using Exploding Stars
A new method could improve cosmology research by analyzing supernovae together with the galaxies that host them. An international collaboration led by scientists at the Institute…
The No. 1 Thing That Keeps Love Alive In A Relationship, By A Psychologist
The secret to lasting love depends on how willing couples are to keep discovering new sides of each other. Here’s how novelty ensures this, according to research.
Your Blood May Carry a 700-Million-Year-Old Secret
A new evolutionary analysis suggests that modern blood and immune cells may preserve a 700-million-year legacy inherited from ancient single-celled ancestors. Long before humans,…
Cancer survivors may see surprising benefits from one specific exercise, study says
Cancer survivors who practiced yoga reported improvements in mood, anxiety and fatigue compared to standard care alone, a clinical trial found.
Why Some Eggs Have Deep Orange Yolks While Others Look Pale
Egg yolk color depends on a hen’s diet. Discover how plant pigments like xanthophylls deepen yolks to orange—and what that really means for flavor and nutrition.
Scientists Discover Surprising Anemia Benefits of Guava Juice
A tropical fruit best known for its sweet flavor may also help tackle one of the world’s most common nutritional problems. Regularly drinking guava juice could be a simple and…
Experimental pill promises new hope for deadly pancreatic cancer
A novel pill helped people with advanced pancreatic cancer live longer, researchers reported Sunday, raising hopes of long-needed better treatments for one of the deadliest types…
Scientists Discover Some “Zombie Cells” May Actually Help You Live Longer
Scientists are discovering that some of the cells linked to aging may also be key to staying healthy. A growing body of research is changing how scientists view one of aging…
Saturday · May 30
Colombia's untapped wonder: The Mavecure Mountains
Far from Colombia's tourist hubs, the Mavecure Mountains rise from the Amazon jungle. Once off-limits during conflict, they now draw adventurous visitors to rare wildlife, sacred…
This Week in Science: A Sleep Apnea Pill, Ancient Anesthetic, And More!
This Week In Science: A sleep apnea pill has been fast-tracked for FDA approval; the earliest evidence of surgical anesthetic detected on tools from more than 600 years ago;…
Breakthrough Technique Reveals Atomic Secrets of Record-Breaking Superconductors
Scientists have achieved a first in studying lanthanum superhydrides, a class of materials that could help unlock superconductivity at much higher temperatures. The dream of…
Poop tests and blood tests join colonoscopy as options for colorectal cancer screening
The American Cancer Society updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines to reflect advances in technology and increase access to screening.
Scientists used a method from ecology to identify whether icy moons could hold conditions for life
Future missions may be able to take only a small, damaged sample from space back to Earth. A simple analysis tool could help determine whether its contents suggest the presence of…
Scientists Challenge a 70-Year-Old Theory of Language With a Surprising Discovery
A new study challenges the widely accepted idea that word meanings are organized around emotion. After analyzing billions of words, scientists found that language may be shaped by…
It’s Alive? Surprising Discovery Changes What We Know About Fog
Scientists discovered that fog droplets can host living bacteria that grow and help remove harmful pollutants from the atmosphere, revealing fog as a surprisingly active microbial…
Scientists Intrigued by Chunk of Flesh That Refuses to Die After Several Years
An amputated sea cucumber tissue survived for years in a natural environment, leading researchers to declare it immortal.
Friday · May 29
A $4 tongue swab test detects tuberculosis within 30 minutes
The new test may catch active tuberculosis in those with low access to health care or who have trouble making the phlegm needed for traditional tests.
Just Minutes of Intense Exercise Could Slash Disease Risk by 50%
A few breathless minutes of exercise each week could have a far bigger impact on your health than most people realize. As summer approaches, many people start thinking about…
The Force That Holds Atoms Together May Be Driving the Universe Apart
Our best model of the cosmos has a glaring mathematical problem, but we may have found an answer.
Scientists Discover Sperm Seem To Bypass a Fundamental Law of Physics
Sperm cells move through fluids that should stop them almost instantly, yet new research suggests they succeed by exploiting unusual properties of active living matter. A sperm…
A Smaller Than Usual Blue Moon Will End the Month With a Lunar Spectacle. Here's What to Know About the Full Micromoon
The blue moon will be the second of two full moons in the same month, a coincidence that only takes place about every two and a half years. It will also appear to be slightly…
Thursday · May 28
NASA Detects Bizarre Solar Radio Burst That Wouldn’t Stop
The Sun unleashed a bizarre radio signal that kept broadcasting for 19 straight days, leaving NASA scientists stunned. A radio burst detected from the Sun in August 2025 initially…
New Research Challenges the Idea That Geometry Is Uniquely Human
Geometry may come from navigation skills shared with animals, while human language allows those spatial abilities to become abstract mathematical reasoning. Discussions about how…
Is rubbing your eyes bad for you? 2 eye specialists explain what’s behind the urge to rub and what to do about it
Some over-the-counter and at-home remedies can help reduce eye irritation that causes rubbing. But if those don’t bring relief, it’s important to see an eye doctor.
Scientists Create Tiny Chip That Uses Light Instead of Electricity To Process Information
Researchers have created a compact chip that manipulates light-based quantum information with remarkable precision, advancing the development of next-generation photonic and…
Scientists Discover a Completely Unexpected Way T Cells Kill Cancer
Researchers found that lowering MHC I can expose cancerous or foreign cells to CD4+ T cell attack, reshaping assumptions about immune targeting. Cancer cells are notorious for…
NASA lays out moon base plans with landers, buggies and drones at the top of the list
The space agency outlined the first phase of its moon base plans on Tuesday, awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four U.S. companies.
Wednesday · May 27
Guinea Worm Disease Reaches All-Time Low: Only 10 Human Cases Reported in 2025
When Jimmy Carter launched the global campaign against Guinea worm disease in 1986, 3.5 million people suffered from the parasite each year; in 2025, only ten cases were reported…
New Treatment Could Reverse Osteoarthritis Within Weeks
Experimental osteoarthritis therapies repaired damaged joints in animals and may enter clinical trials within 18 months. A new experimental treatment may one day allow arthritic…
From lab idea to $2.25 billion: Ultrasound destroys cancer without scalpels
Biomedical engineer Zhen Xu has spent a quarter of a century developing a non-invasive, ultrasound-based technique to treat tumor cells, in what is potentially a breakthrough…
Could aliens ever visit Earth? An aerospace scientist unpacks the challenges of interstellar spaceflight
To travel between solar systems, a spacecraft would need extremely sophisticated – if not impossible – technology.
The 10-minute habit that helped David Attenborough reach 100 years old
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Sir David Attenborough turned 100 on May 8, and people want to know how he did it. Fair enough. A century is rare. A century of active…
NASA’s Webb telescope discovers a planet where rock clouds vanish every night
A giant planet nearly 700 light-years away has a bizarre daily weather cycle where mineral clouds appear every morning and vanish by nightfall. Using the James Webb Space…
Scientists Uncover Hidden Rare Earth Treasure Map Beneath Ancient Continents
Scientists have identified a hidden deep-Earth pattern that may reveal where rare earth deposits form. The study links valuable rare earth-rich rocks to the thick ancient “roots”…
Tuesday · May 26
Innovation starts in schools — lessons from China
Countries that want successful innovation systems must invest in science education and science teachers.
Helping Children Laugh Can Make Their Brains More Resilient and Learning Easier
Laughter is the best medicine, according to an old adage. Now, new research suggests it also boosts child development. Making children laugh can help make their brains more…
Photographic Memory Is a Myth — Here’s What Research Really Says About Remembering
Hollywood loves a superpower. Not all involve capes or cosmic rays. Some are cognitive: characters who can remember everything. In movies and on TV, viewers repeatedly encounter…
The Universe’s Most Powerful Particles May Be Even Stranger Than Scientists Thought
Scientists have discovered that ultraheavy atomic nuclei could explain some of the highest-energy cosmic rays ever observed. The particles may come from extreme events such as…
Scientists Just Tested a Thruster Powerful Enough for Human Missions to Mars
NASA’s new electric propulsion engine set a U.S. power record and could transform future Mars missions. The thrusters use much less fuel than chemical rockets while gradually…
This Lesser-Known Indian Fruit May Be The Ultimate Summer Superfood
Packed with water, nutrients, and a natural cooling effect, ice apple is one of India’s most underrated summer fruits.