New Scientist - News New Scientist - News https://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist - News https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 NASA's mission to Europa isn't meant to find alien life - but it could https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423864-nasas-mission-to-europa-isnt-meant-to-find-alien-life-but-it-could/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:00:58 +0000 Later this year, NASA is launching its Europa Clipper spacecraft to the icy moon of Jupiter. Its mission is only to investigate whether the moon is habitable, but now researchers have found that one of its instruments could look for direct signs of life 2423864-nasas-mission-to-europa-isnt-meant-to-find-alien-life-but-it-could|2423864 Medieval horses buried in London had far-flung origins https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423824-medieval-horses-buried-in-london-had-far-flung-origins/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:00:16 +0000 Isotopic analysis of horse teeth from a medieval burial site suggest that the animals were imported to England from Scandinavia or the Alps, perhaps for use in battle or jousting 2423824-medieval-horses-buried-in-london-had-far-flung-origins|2423824 Largest recorded solar storm was even bigger than we thought https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423567-largest-recorded-solar-storm-was-even-bigger-than-we-thought/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:00:25 +0000 Rediscovered magnetic recordings reveal just how extreme the largest recorded solar storm in history, the Carrington event in 1859, really was, highlighting the danger such storms could present to us nowadays 2423567-largest-recorded-solar-storm-was-even-bigger-than-we-thought|2423567 Dogs really do understand that words stand for objects https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423634-dogs-really-do-understand-that-words-stand-for-objects/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:00:08 +0000 Pet dogs have different patterns of brain activity when they are shown an object that doesn’t match the word they hear, suggesting they have a mental representation of what words mean 2423634-dogs-really-do-understand-that-words-stand-for-objects|2423634 Ant queens have good reasons for eating their own babies https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423685-ant-queens-have-good-reasons-for-eating-their-own-babies/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:00:49 +0000 Feasting on family members may be an unorthodox way for ant queens to keep their fledgling colonies from being overrun by lethal fungi 2423685-ant-queens-have-good-reasons-for-eating-their-own-babies|2423685 Sulphur dioxide from Iceland volcano eruption has reached the UK https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423726-sulphur-dioxide-from-iceland-volcano-eruption-has-reached-the-uk/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:38:34 +0000 A huge plume of sulphur dioxide from the latest eruption in Iceland is drifting across Europe, but it isn't expected to cause any significant harm 2423726-sulphur-dioxide-from-iceland-volcano-eruption-has-reached-the-uk|2423726 Male and female spiders pair up to look like a flower https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423585-male-and-female-spiders-pair-up-to-look-like-a-flower/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:00:46 +0000 Together, a dark-hued male crab spider and a larger, paler female resemble a flower, in what researchers suspect is the first case of cooperative mimicry 2423585-male-and-female-spiders-pair-up-to-look-like-a-flower|2423585 Why giving AI a robot body could make its ‘brain’ more human-like https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423793-why-giving-ai-a-robot-body-could-make-its-brain-more-human-like/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 21:30:18 +0000 At its AI conference, Nvidia announced new software and hardware for AI-powered humanoid robots: a model called Project GR00T and a computer called Jetson Thor 2423793-why-giving-ai-a-robot-body-could-make-its-brain-more-human-like|2423793 SpaceX’s Starship created a volcano-like explosion in first launch https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423465-spacexs-starship-created-a-volcano-like-explosion-in-first-launch/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 19:00:03 +0000 The Starship rocket destroyed its launch pad during its first launch attempt in 2023, and the explosion resembled a powerful volcanic eruption, spraying sand and chunks of debris over a huge area 2423465-spacexs-starship-created-a-volcano-like-explosion-in-first-launch|2423465 Organic farms seem to trigger more pesticide use on conventional farms https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423491-organic-farms-seem-to-trigger-more-pesticide-use-on-conventional-farms/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:00:50 +0000 Insects tend to be more abundant on organic farms than conventional ones, which may cause the pests to spill over into neighbouring fields, prompting these farmers to increase their pesticide use 2423491-organic-farms-seem-to-trigger-more-pesticide-use-on-conventional-farms|2423491 Pig kidney transplanted into living human for the first time https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423722-pig-kidney-transplanted-into-living-human-for-the-first-time/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:48:44 +0000 A genetically modified pig kidney has been successfully transplanted into a living human – and the recipient is expected to leave hospital soon 2423722-pig-kidney-transplanted-into-living-human-for-the-first-time|2423722 Teen sweat has distinct chemical make-up with notes of musk and urine https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423476-teen-sweat-has-distinct-chemical-make-up-with-notes-of-musk-and-urine/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:00:56 +0000 Teenagers and babies produce different chemicals in their sweat, which may be why infants are generally considered to smell sweeter 2423476-teen-sweat-has-distinct-chemical-make-up-with-notes-of-musk-and-urine|2423476 Food costs more because of climate change - and it will get worse https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423566-food-costs-more-because-of-climate-change-and-it-will-get-worse/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:00:29 +0000 Rising temperatures are predicted to drive up food inflation by between 0.9 and 3.2 per cent a year by 2035, as crop yields suffer from extreme heat 2423566-food-costs-more-because-of-climate-change-and-it-will-get-worse|2423566 Why 2024 Abel prize winner Michel Talagrand became a mathematician https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423669-why-2024-abel-prize-winner-michel-talagrand-became-a-mathematician/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:17:01 +0000 After losing an eye at the age of 5, the 2024 Abel prize winner Michel Talagrand found comfort in mathematics 2423669-why-2024-abel-prize-winner-michel-talagrand-became-a-mathematician|2423669 Why falling birth rates will be a bigger problem than overpopulation https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423408-why-falling-birth-rates-will-be-a-bigger-problem-than-overpopulation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 23:30:56 +0000 Birthrates are projected to have fallen below the replacement level, of 2.1 per woman, in more than three quarters of countries by 2050 2423408-why-falling-birth-rates-will-be-a-bigger-problem-than-overpopulation|2423408 Is the truth out there? Yes, but it doesn't involve aliens https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134830-200-is-the-truth-out-there-yes-but-it-doesnt-involve-aliens/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 A recent paper packed with delightful acronyms digs into where people report having seen UFOs, but finds no evidence of alien visitors, says Annalee Newitz mg26134830-200-is-the-truth-out-there-yes-but-it-doesnt-involve-aliens|2422715 Has Neuralink made a breakthrough in brain implant technology? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423483-has-neuralink-made-a-breakthrough-in-brain-implant-technology/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 13:14:31 +0000 Elon Musk's brain-computer interface firm Neuralink has released a video of its first patient, Noland Arbaugh, controlling a computer cursor with his thoughts - is this the future? 2423483-has-neuralink-made-a-breakthrough-in-brain-implant-technology|2423483 Fluffy beetle discovered in Australia may be the world's hairiest https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423568-fluffy-beetle-discovered-in-australia-may-be-the-worlds-hairiest/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 13:02:10 +0000 The exceptionally long white hairs on the newly named longhorn beetle Excastra albopilosa may deceive predators into thinking it is covered in fungus 2423568-fluffy-beetle-discovered-in-australia-may-be-the-worlds-hairiest|2423568 How to take a stunning photograph of April’s total eclipse https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422957-how-to-take-a-stunning-photograph-of-aprils-total-eclipse/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:32 +0000 Photographing the eclipse isn't as easy as taking a selfie, but with a bit of preparation anyone can capture a memorable image 2422957-how-to-take-a-stunning-photograph-of-aprils-total-eclipse|2422957 Ozempic and Wegovy linked to a lower risk of cannabis use disorder https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423400-ozempic-and-wegovy-linked-to-a-lower-risk-of-cannabis-use-disorder/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:15 +0000 An analysis of almost 700,000 people with type 2 diabetes or obesity found that those prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy were about half as likely to develop cannabis use disorder as those taking other medications 2423400-ozempic-and-wegovy-linked-to-a-lower-risk-of-cannabis-use-disorder|2423400 These four common medicines could help prolong your life https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422860-these-four-common-medicines-could-help-prolong-your-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:00:12 +0000 Viagra, HRT, a statin and a painkiller slightly lowered people’s chances of dying over a 12-year study, suggesting they may have life-extending properties 2422860-these-four-common-medicines-could-help-prolong-your-life|2422860 Why our genetic code should remain off-limits to life insurers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422777-why-our-genetic-code-should-remain-off-limits-to-life-insurers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 As DNA testing becomes routine, will life insurance companies start using our genetic code to inform their decisions, asks Jenny Kleeman 2422777-why-our-genetic-code-should-remain-off-limits-to-life-insurers|2422777 Blue tits shared a tree hollow with bird-eating bats – and survived https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423027-blue-tits-shared-a-tree-hollow-with-bird-eating-bats-and-survived/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:34 +0000 A pair of blue tits were seen nesting in a tree cavity that was also inhabited by about 25 greater noctule bats, which commonly eat blue tits, but the birds lived to tell the tale 2423027-blue-tits-shared-a-tree-hollow-with-bird-eating-bats-and-survived|2423027 Extinct freshwater dolphin from the Amazon was largest of all time https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423338-extinct-freshwater-dolphin-from-the-amazon-was-largest-of-all-time/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:00:55 +0000 A dolphin that lived in the Amazon 16 million years ago grew to a length of 3.5 metres – larger than any other freshwater dolphin 2423338-extinct-freshwater-dolphin-from-the-amazon-was-largest-of-all-time|2423338 Ancient canoes hint at bustling trade in Mediterranean 7000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423345-ancient-canoes-hint-at-bustling-trade-in-mediterranean-7000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:00:12 +0000 Italian canoes capable of transporting people and goods have been dated to the Neolithic period, suggesting there was a bustling trade across the Mediterranean Sea 2423345-ancient-canoes-hint-at-bustling-trade-in-mediterranean-7000-years-ago|2423345 Billions of stars have swallowed up a planet https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422674-billions-of-stars-have-swallowed-up-a-planet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:00:24 +0000 Twin stars that were born together should have the same composition, and the fact that many don’t suggests they have changed their chemistry by devouring planets 2422674-billions-of-stars-have-swallowed-up-a-planet|2422674 Ancient campsite may show how humans survived volcanic super-eruption https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423281-ancient-campsite-may-show-how-humans-survived-volcanic-super-eruption/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:00:22 +0000 Evidence from an archaeological site in Ethiopia suggests ancient humans adapted their diet during a dry spell after the Toba volcano eruption 74,000 years ago 2423281-ancient-campsite-may-show-how-humans-survived-volcanic-super-eruption|2423281 Flying drone can roll on the ground to save energy over long distances https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420991-flying-drone-can-roll-on-the-ground-to-save-energy-over-long-distances/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:00:21 +0000 Researchers claim to have combined the benefits of rolling robots with those of flying drones by creating a device that rotates along the ground but hops over obstacles 2420991-flying-drone-can-roll-on-the-ground-to-save-energy-over-long-distances|2420991 Amazingly preserved Bronze Age village reveals life in ancient England https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423158-amazingly-preserved-bronze-age-village-reveals-life-in-ancient-england/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:59 +0000 A settlement in the east of England burned down in a fire 3000 years ago, falling into a muddy waterway that preserved everything inside the houses including tools, fabric, cooking pots and more 2423158-amazingly-preserved-bronze-age-village-reveals-life-in-ancient-england|2423158 Mathematician wins 2024 Abel prize for making sense of randomness https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423192-mathematician-wins-2024-abel-prize-for-making-sense-of-randomness/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:00:03 +0000 Michel Talagrand has won the 2024 Abel prize for his work researching probability theory and the extremes of randomness 2423192-mathematician-wins-2024-abel-prize-for-making-sense-of-randomness|2423192 Artists who use AI are more productive but less original https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423087-artists-who-use-ai-are-more-productive-but-less-original/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 06:00:22 +0000 An analysis of work posted on a popular art-sharing website finds that users who adopted generative artificial intelligence tools increased their output, but saw a drop in novelty 2423087-artists-who-use-ai-are-more-productive-but-less-original|2423087 Human brains have been mysteriously preserved for thousands of years https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423106-human-brains-have-been-mysteriously-preserved-for-thousands-of-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:01:29 +0000 Intact human brains 12,000 years old or more have been found in unexpected places such as shipwrecks and waterlogged graves, but it is unclear what preserved them 2423106-human-brains-have-been-mysteriously-preserved-for-thousands-of-years|2423106 CRISPR could disable and cure HIV, suggests promising lab experiment https://www.newscientist.com/article/2423108-crispr-could-disable-and-cure-hiv-suggests-promising-lab-experiment/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 23:01:48 +0000 The gene-editing strategy could be a way to disable HIV that lies dormant in immune cells, meaning people would no longer need to take daily medication 2423108-crispr-could-disable-and-cure-hiv-suggests-promising-lab-experiment|2423108 Common antibiotics can regenerate heart cells in animals https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422666-common-antibiotics-can-regenerate-heart-cells-in-animals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:00:17 +0000 A combination of widely available antibiotics may be able to treat heart failure after researchers found that the therapy regenerates heart cells in animals 2422666-common-antibiotics-can-regenerate-heart-cells-in-animals|2422666 DeepMind and Liverpool FC develop AI to advise on football tactics https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422562-deepmind-and-liverpool-fc-develop-ai-to-advise-on-football-tactics/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:00:11 +0000 An AI model trained on data from Premier League matches can help football coaches devise tactics for attacking or defending corner kicks 2422562-deepmind-and-liverpool-fc-develop-ai-to-advise-on-football-tactics|2422562 Genetics may protect against disease linked to eating human brains https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422978-genetics-may-protect-against-disease-linked-to-eating-human-brains/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:00:25 +0000 Remote tribes in Papua New Guinea were ravaged in the 20th century by kuru, which was spread when people ate their dead relatives as part of funeral rituals – but some individuals may have had genetic resistance to the condition 2422978-genetics-may-protect-against-disease-linked-to-eating-human-brains|2422978 'Red alert' after key global warming records were smashed in 2023 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422583-red-alert-after-key-global-warming-records-were-smashed-in-2023/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:00:46 +0000 2023 wasn't just the hottest year on record by far, it also saw record glacier loss, sea level rise, ocean heat and sea ice loss, says World Meteorological Organization report 2422583-red-alert-after-key-global-warming-records-were-smashed-in-2023|2422583 'Forever chemicals' have infiltrated food packaging on a wide scale https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422925-forever-chemicals-have-infiltrated-food-packaging-on-a-wide-scale/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:00:18 +0000 Nearly 70 "forever chemicals", also known as PFAS, are commonly found in materials that come into contact with food, some of which have been linked to negative health outcomes 2422925-forever-chemicals-have-infiltrated-food-packaging-on-a-wide-scale|2422925 ‘Running of the bulls’ festival crowds move like charged particles https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422417-running-of-the-bulls-festival-crowds-move-like-charged-particles/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:00:18 +0000 Researchers have studied the movements of thousands of people waiting for the opening of the San Fermín festival and found they behave like electrons circling in a magnetic field 2422417-running-of-the-bulls-festival-crowds-move-like-charged-particles|2422417 Nvidia's Blackwell AI 'superchip' is the most powerful yet https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422928-nvidias-blackwell-ai-superchip-is-the-most-powerful-yet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:59:37 +0000 A computer chip featuring over 400 billion transistors can train artificial intelligence models faster and using less energy, says Nvidia - but it is yet to reveal the price tag 2422928-nvidias-blackwell-ai-superchip-is-the-most-powerful-yet|2422928 Cannabis vaping liquids contain lead and other toxic metals https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422899-cannabis-vaping-liquids-contain-lead-and-other-toxic-metals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:00:31 +0000 The heating elements in vapes can release toxic metals. Now an analysis of cannabis vaping liquids shows metals like lead are present at dangerous levels – even before the vape is used 2422899-cannabis-vaping-liquids-contain-lead-and-other-toxic-metals|2422899 Intermittent fasting linked to a higher risk of heart disease death https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422585-intermittent-fasting-linked-to-a-higher-risk-of-heart-disease-death/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:00:53 +0000 Only eating within an 8-hour window is associated with a significantly higher risk of heart disease-related death compared with eating over 12 to 16 hours 2422585-intermittent-fasting-linked-to-a-higher-risk-of-heart-disease-death|2422585 Blood-clotting drug derived from pigs can now be made synthetically https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422849-blood-clotting-drug-derived-from-pigs-can-now-be-made-synthetically/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:00:53 +0000 A common anti-clotting drug called heparin is made from pig intestines, which risks contaminations and infections. A safer, synthetic version has now been developed but its production needs scaling up 2422849-blood-clotting-drug-derived-from-pigs-can-now-be-made-synthetically|2422849 Mammoth carcass was scavenged by ancient humans and sabre-toothed cats https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422818-mammoth-carcass-was-scavenged-by-ancient-humans-and-sabre-toothed-cats/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:00:10 +0000 A southern mammoth skeleton found in Spain bears cut marks from stone tools and bite marks from carnivore teeth, suggesting that both hominins and felids feasted on its meat 2422818-mammoth-carcass-was-scavenged-by-ancient-humans-and-sabre-toothed-cats|2422818 ‘Sound laser’ is the most powerful ever made https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421719-sound-laser-is-the-most-powerful-ever-made/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:00:47 +0000 A new device uses a reflective cavity, a tiny bead and an electrode to create a laser beam of sound particles ten times more powerful and much narrower than other “phonon lasers” 2421719-sound-laser-is-the-most-powerful-ever-made|2421719 Mathematicians plan computer proof of Fermat's last theorem https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422601-mathematicians-plan-computer-proof-of-fermats-last-theorem/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:00:20 +0000 Fermat's last theorem puzzled mathematicians for centuries until it was finally proven in 1993. Now, researchers want to create a version of the proof that can be formally checked by a computer for any errors in logic 2422601-mathematicians-plan-computer-proof-of-fermats-last-theorem|2422601 Titan’s sand dunes may be made of smashed up small moons https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422628-titans-sand-dunes-may-be-made-of-smashed-up-small-moons/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:00:29 +0000 The sand dunes that splay across the surface of Saturn’s moon Titan may be made of the ground-up remains of ancient irregular moons, rather than atmospheric particles 2422628-titans-sand-dunes-may-be-made-of-smashed-up-small-moons|2422628 It's time to accept that we are in the Anthropocene once and for all https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134823-200-its-time-to-accept-that-we-are-in-the-anthropocene-once-and-for-all/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Humans are drastically changing the planet and the Anthropocene is a useful tool to help us deal with that – so let's stop quibbling over definitions mg26134823-200-its-time-to-accept-that-we-are-in-the-anthropocene-once-and-for-all|2422029 Gold flecks make super-transparent glass fully opaque from one side https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422515-gold-flecks-make-super-transparent-glass-fully-opaque-from-one-side/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:00:39 +0000 A glare-free window that is opaque from the outside but still offers a clear view from inside could be made with a coating using billions of tiny bits of gold 2422515-gold-flecks-make-super-transparent-glass-fully-opaque-from-one-side|2422515 Miniature furniture 3D printed using ink made from recycled wood https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422567-miniature-furniture-3d-printed-using-ink-made-from-recycled-wood/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:00:17 +0000 Waste wood can be reconstituted into a form that can be 3D printed and used to produce furniture or other objects 2422567-miniature-furniture-3d-printed-using-ink-made-from-recycled-wood|2422567 Mental health conditions may accelerate ageing by damaging RNA https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422206-mental-health-conditions-may-accelerate-ageing-by-damaging-rna/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 15 Mar 2024 13:00:34 +0000 People with mental health conditions have greater amounts of damaged RNA than those without one, which might explain the link between the conditions and age-related diseases such as cancer 2422206-mental-health-conditions-may-accelerate-ageing-by-damaging-rna|2422206 Perfectly straight ridges may cover the poles of Saturn’s moon Titan https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422535-perfectly-straight-ridges-may-cover-the-poles-of-saturns-moon-titan/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:00:34 +0000 Saturn’s moon Titan may have hundreds of strange ridges called yardangs that could teach us how the icy moon’s geology and conditions vary across its surface 2422535-perfectly-straight-ridges-may-cover-the-poles-of-saturns-moon-titan|2422535 Single mathematical model governs primate brain shape across species https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422268-single-mathematical-model-governs-primate-brain-shape-across-species/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:00:28 +0000 An analysis of primate brains shows that the pattern of folds on the surface follows the same mathematical pattern across species 2422268-single-mathematical-model-governs-primate-brain-shape-across-species|2422268 What do home faecal test kits really reveal about our gut microbiome? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422458-what-do-home-faecal-test-kits-really-reveal-about-our-gut-microbiome/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:00:47 +0000 Many firms sell direct-to-consumer faecal testing kits, but an investigation has revealed that scientists don't yet know what makes for a healthy gut microbiome 2422458-what-do-home-faecal-test-kits-really-reveal-about-our-gut-microbiome|2422458 Should everyone start eating snakes to save the planet? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422260-should-everyone-start-eating-snakes-to-save-the-planet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:00:55 +0000 Pythons convert food into meat more efficiently than other livestock, and they can be fed on waste meat, but this doesn't mean snake meat is inherently more sustainable 2422260-should-everyone-start-eating-snakes-to-save-the-planet|2422260 Chimp mothers play with their youngsters even when times are tough https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422397-chimp-mothers-play-with-their-youngsters-even-when-times-are-tough/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:00:55 +0000 Ten years’ worth of observations of a wild chimpanzee community show that most adults stop playing when food is short, but not mothers and their young 2422397-chimp-mothers-play-with-their-youngsters-even-when-times-are-tough|2422397 Why biodiversity offsetting is a contentious issue in conservation https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134821-000-why-biodiversity-offsetting-is-a-contentious-issue-in-conservation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 As a new law is introduced in England, requiring developers to create 10 per cent more wildlife habitat than they destroy when developing a site, does it really work to destroy nature in one place, but preserve it elsewhere, asks Graham Lawton mg26134821-000-why-biodiversity-offsetting-is-a-contentious-issue-in-conservation|2421535 Starship launch: Third flight reaches space but is lost on re-entry https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422279-starship-launch-third-flight-reaches-space-but-is-lost-on-re-entry/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:55:25 +0000 The world’s most powerful rocket, Starship, launched from Texas and reached an altitude of more than 230 kilometres, travelling further and faster than it has done before. But it seems to have been destroyed on re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere 2422279-starship-launch-third-flight-reaches-space-but-is-lost-on-re-entry|2422279 Can a pill really reverse ageing in dogs? Don't get your hopes up yet https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421925-can-a-pill-really-reverse-ageing-in-dogs-dont-get-your-hopes-up-yet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:56:59 +0000 A trial suggests that giving older dogs a supplement makes them cognitively sharper, but some scientists stress that pet owners should lower their expectations 2421925-can-a-pill-really-reverse-ageing-in-dogs-dont-get-your-hopes-up-yet|2421925 A single meteorite smashed into Mars and created 2 billion craters https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421973-a-single-meteorite-smashed-into-mars-and-created-2-billion-craters/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:00:07 +0000 The debris from the formation of a relatively small crater on Mars created billions of additional craters, which could help us learn about Martian geology 2421973-a-single-meteorite-smashed-into-mars-and-created-2-billion-craters|2421973 Combatting deepfakes is an evolutionary arms race https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134820-900-combatting-deepfakes-is-an-evolutionary-arms-race/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Disinformation is far older than humans. Lessons from evolutionary biology can help defend against it today, says Jonathan R. Goodman mg26134820-900-combatting-deepfakes-is-an-evolutionary-arms-race|2421534 Did the people of Easter Island independently invent writing? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421957-did-the-people-of-easter-island-independently-invent-writing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 08:00:53 +0000 Wooden tablets containing a language of glyphs called Rongorongo may be evidence that the people of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, created their own writing system without the influence of European language 2421957-did-the-people-of-easter-island-independently-invent-writing|2421957 Anti-inflammatory nasal spray may ease symptoms of multiple sclerosis https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421885-anti-inflammatory-nasal-spray-may-ease-symptoms-of-multiple-sclerosis/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 08:00:33 +0000 A nasal spray containing an anti-inflammatory molecule reduces symptom severity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, although the treatment might come with risks in people 2421885-anti-inflammatory-nasal-spray-may-ease-symptoms-of-multiple-sclerosis|2421885 Alzheimer’s may be caused by a build-up of fat in brain cells https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422090-alzheimers-may-be-caused-by-a-build-up-of-fat-in-brain-cells/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:00:32 +0000 Fat droplets accumulating in brain immune cells could be behind the biggest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease 2422090-alzheimers-may-be-caused-by-a-build-up-of-fat-in-brain-cells|2422090 One in eight ski resorts worldwide could have no snow by 2100 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422017-one-in-eight-ski-resorts-worldwide-could-have-no-snow-by-2100/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:00:24 +0000 All major skiing regions worldwide are predicted to see a severe drop in snow days by the end of the century, with Australian resorts the worst affected 2422017-one-in-eight-ski-resorts-worldwide-could-have-no-snow-by-2100|2422017 Watch an AI-powered robot dog crawl around an obstacle course https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421955-watch-an-ai-powered-robot-dog-crawl-around-an-obstacle-course/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:00:19 +0000 A four-legged robot can handle real-world obstacles that require scrambling up and down or leaping sizeable gaps. AI training lets it adapt to new terrain it hasn’t seen before 2421955-watch-an-ai-powered-robot-dog-crawl-around-an-obstacle-course|2421955 Methane leaks from US oil and gas are triple government estimates https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422110-methane-leaks-from-us-oil-and-gas-are-triple-government-estimates/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:00:52 +0000 The largest ever dataset of its kind suggests methane is leaking from US oil and gas fields at a much higher rate than previously thought, implying the environmental damage caused by the greenhouse gas is greater too 2422110-methane-leaks-from-us-oil-and-gas-are-triple-government-estimates|2422110 Extreme heat could trigger the worst global financial crisis ever seen https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422004-extreme-heat-could-trigger-the-worst-global-financial-crisis-ever-seen/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:00:14 +0000 Thanks to globalisation, severe heatwaves in one part of the world can cause financial losses in another. Annual losses could reach as much as $25 trillion by 2060 if we don't curb emissions, dwarfing any previous financial crisis 2422004-extreme-heat-could-trigger-the-worst-global-financial-crisis-ever-seen|2422004 US legislators vote to ban TikTok unless it severs ties with China https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421970-us-legislators-vote-to-ban-tiktok-unless-it-severs-ties-with-china/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:00:14 +0000 The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that will require TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or risk a nationwide ban 2421970-us-legislators-vote-to-ban-tiktok-unless-it-severs-ties-with-china|2421970 Europa’s seafloor may be impenetrable and inhospitable to life https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421948-europas-seafloor-may-be-impenetrable-and-inhospitable-to-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:00:31 +0000 The seafloor of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa was thought to provide energy and nutrients to its ocean, but it turns out that may not be possible 2421948-europas-seafloor-may-be-impenetrable-and-inhospitable-to-life|2421948 Google AI learns to play open-world video games by watching them https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422101-google-ai-learns-to-play-open-world-video-games-by-watching-them/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:15:48 +0000 An artificial intelligence from Google DeepMind can play nine open-world video games like a human, by watching video from a screen and controlling a keyboard and mouse 2422101-google-ai-learns-to-play-open-world-video-games-by-watching-them|2422101 Rethinking space and time could let us do away with dark matter https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422011-rethinking-space-and-time-could-let-us-do-away-with-dark-matter/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:19:48 +0000 Most physicists believe that only a quantum theory of gravity can fully explain mysteries of the universe like dark matter, but now an idea called "post-quantum gravity" is demonstrating an alternative approach 2422011-rethinking-space-and-time-could-let-us-do-away-with-dark-matter|2422011 Starship launch 3: What time is the SpaceX flight today? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421987-starship-launch-3-what-time-is-the-spacex-flight-today/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:14:27 +0000 Elon Musk’s SpaceX is gearing up for the third launch of its massive Starship rocket, following two failed missions, with coverage beginning at about 13.25 GMT. What will the company be hoping for and what can we expect? 2421987-starship-launch-3-what-time-is-the-spacex-flight-today|2421987 Plant-killing genetic technology could wipe out superweeds https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421816-plant-killing-genetic-technology-could-wipe-out-superweeds/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:12 +0000 A ‘gene drive’ that spreads through plant populations could be used to wipe out pests such as superweeds, or to help save species by making them resistant to heat or disease 2421816-plant-killing-genetic-technology-could-wipe-out-superweeds|2421816 Sleeping black hole is way more massive than it should be https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421742-sleeping-black-hole-is-way-more-massive-than-it-should-be/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 08:00:34 +0000 The James Webb Space Telescope has found an unusual galaxy in the early universe with a black hole almost half the mass of the galaxy itself, raising questions about how it formed 2421742-sleeping-black-hole-is-way-more-massive-than-it-should-be|2421742 City moths may have evolved smaller wings due to light pollution https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421950-city-moths-may-have-evolved-smaller-wings-due-to-light-pollution/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:01:44 +0000 Populations of moths living in urban places may have evolved smaller wings to limit how much bright city lights disrupt their lives 2421950-city-moths-may-have-evolved-smaller-wings-due-to-light-pollution|2421950 Giant sequoia trees are growing surprisingly quickly in the UK https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421922-giant-sequoia-trees-are-growing-surprisingly-quickly-in-the-uk/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:01:01 +0000 Since their introduction in the 1800s, giant sequoia trees in the UK have grown up to 55 metres tall and capture 85 kilograms of carbon a year on average 2421922-giant-sequoia-trees-are-growing-surprisingly-quickly-in-the-uk|2421922 US government wants to tax bitcoin to reduce its environmental impact https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421745-us-government-wants-to-tax-bitcoin-to-reduce-its-environmental-impact/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:15:11 +0000 The computers that secure cryptocurrencies like bitcoin consume large amounts of power, pushing up electricity prices and potentially contributing to climate change. Now, the US government wants to tackle the problem 2421745-us-government-wants-to-tax-bitcoin-to-reduce-its-environmental-impact|2421745 Storm-proofing 1% of power lines protects entire grid from blackouts https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421701-storm-proofing-1-of-power-lines-protects-entire-grid-from-blackouts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:00:36 +0000 Researchers simulated the wind damage from seven historical hurricanes to identify just a few key electrical lines that were crucial to protect the whole grid from cascading power failures 2421701-storm-proofing-1-of-power-lines-protects-entire-grid-from-blackouts|2421701 Plants send out 'distress calls' – but can other plants hear them? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421744-plants-send-out-distress-calls-but-can-other-plants-hear-them/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:00:01 +0000 Some studies have claimed that plants emit sounds when stressed and might perceive the distress calls of other plants, but a review finds the evidence is lacking 2421744-plants-send-out-distress-calls-but-can-other-plants-hear-them|2421744 How to see the incredible comet 12P/Pons-Brooks tonight https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421849-how-to-see-the-incredible-comet-12p-pons-brooks-tonight/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:51:08 +0000 Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks orbits the sun every 71 years and is currently making its closest approach. Here's when and how you can see it - perhaps even during a solar eclipse 2421849-how-to-see-the-incredible-comet-12p-pons-brooks-tonight|2421849 The surprising ways animals react to a total solar eclipse https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421020-the-surprising-ways-animals-react-to-a-total-solar-eclipse/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:00:55 +0000 When the moon hides the sun in a total solar eclipse, some animals seem to think that it is briefly nighttime, while others pace anxiously or even gaze up at the sky 2421020-the-surprising-ways-animals-react-to-a-total-solar-eclipse|2421020 Mars's gravitational pull may be strong enough to stir Earth's oceans https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421730-marss-gravitational-pull-may-be-strong-enough-to-stir-earths-oceans/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:06:30 +0000 An analysis of deep-sea drill cores suggests that Mars may have enough gravitational influence to shift sediment within Earth's oceans on a 2.4-million-year cycle 2421730-marss-gravitational-pull-may-be-strong-enough-to-stir-earths-oceans|2421730 There are growing fears of an alarming shift in Antarctic sea ice https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421376-there-are-growing-fears-of-an-alarming-shift-in-antarctic-sea-ice/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:00:33 +0000 Antarctic sea ice cover remains far below average levels for the third year in a row, but researchers are uncertain whether this is a permanent shift driven by climate change or part of natural fluctuations 2421376-there-are-growing-fears-of-an-alarming-shift-in-antarctic-sea-ice|2421376 Could an AI replace all music ever recorded with Taylor Swift covers? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418740-could-an-ai-replace-all-music-ever-recorded-with-taylor-swift-covers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 12 Mar 2024 08:00:50 +0000 A thought experiment in which all music is replaced with AI-generated "Taylor's Versions" should prompt us to find ways to protect data from AI corruption, warn researchers 2418740-could-an-ai-replace-all-music-ever-recorded-with-taylor-swift-covers|2418740 The moons of Mars may have been formed in an icy planetary collision https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421706-the-moons-of-mars-may-have-been-formed-in-an-icy-planetary-collision/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:15:30 +0000 The origins of Mars’s moons Phobos and Deimos have long been an enigma, but they may have been formed when a icy, comet-like object slammed into the Red Planet 2421706-the-moons-of-mars-may-have-been-formed-in-an-icy-planetary-collision|2421706 Babies with bilingual mothers have distinct brainwaves at 1 day old https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421273-babies-with-bilingual-mothers-have-distinct-brainwaves-at-1-day-old/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:00:10 +0000 Newborns whose mothers speak two languages appear to have distinct brain responses to speech compared with those born to monolingual mothers, supporting the idea that language acquisition begins in the uterus 2421273-babies-with-bilingual-mothers-have-distinct-brainwaves-at-1-day-old|2421273 Indigenous Australians have managed land with fire for 11,000 years https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421578-indigenous-australians-have-managed-land-with-fire-for-11000-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:00:20 +0000 Lake sediments reveal the ancient history of Aboriginal people’s use of fire to manage the landscape, a tradition that has benefits for biodiversity 2421578-indigenous-australians-have-managed-land-with-fire-for-11000-years|2421578 The war in Gaza is creating a health crisis that will span decades https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421388-the-war-in-gaza-is-creating-a-health-crisis-that-will-span-decades/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:49:22 +0000 Physical injuries, mental health issues and malnutrition are widespread in Gaza – and major health groups have no firm plans to address the impending crisis 2421388-the-war-in-gaza-is-creating-a-health-crisis-that-will-span-decades|2421388 Eclipse 2024: When is it and where can I see it? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418925-eclipse-2024-when-is-it-and-where-can-i-see-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 27 Feb 2024 21:27:09 +0000 North America will have a total solar eclipse on 8 April – here is where, when and how to view it safely 2418925-eclipse-2024-when-is-it-and-where-can-i-see-it|2418925 Blind cave fish offers lessons in how to survive starvation https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421466-blind-cave-fish-offers-lessons-in-how-to-survive-starvation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:00:40 +0000 Unlike most other animals, the cave-dwelling Mexican tetra doesn’t get a fatty liver when it is malnourished – and its secrets could lead to medical benefits for other species 2421466-blind-cave-fish-offers-lessons-in-how-to-survive-starvation|2421466 Flightless terror birds stalked Antarctica after the dinosaurs' demise https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421483-flightless-terror-birds-stalked-antarctica-after-the-dinosaurs-demise/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:50:15 +0000 Two fossil claws found on Seymour Island reveal that phorusrhacids, or terror birds, lived in Antarctica 50 million years ago and were probably the apex predator 2421483-flightless-terror-birds-stalked-antarctica-after-the-dinosaurs-demise|2421483 We should be open about organoid research to avoid a backlash https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134813-200-we-should-be-open-about-organoid-research-to-avoid-a-backlash/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Research that involves creating "mini-organs" from human cells, including those from fetuses, may leave people uncomfortable – so the best approach is to explain the reasoning behind the work and its potential benefits mg26134813-200-we-should-be-open-about-organoid-research-to-avoid-a-backlash|2420775 Snail robot excretes sticky mucus that helps it crawl up slopes https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421134-snail-robot-excretes-sticky-mucus-that-helps-it-crawl-up-slopes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 08 Mar 2024 20:00:29 +0000 A remotely controlled robot with an inflatable foot that oozes mucus can crawl across surfaces like a snail, and could inspire soft medical robots that move through mucus-lined cavities in the human body 2421134-snail-robot-excretes-sticky-mucus-that-helps-it-crawl-up-slopes|2421134 Quantum memory device could stop unhackable networks from failing https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420664-quantum-memory-device-could-stop-unhackable-networks-from-failing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:00:19 +0000 A memory device that temporarily saves quantum information could become an important addition to quantum networks because it would allow users to salvage information if it fails to transfer properly 2420664-quantum-memory-device-could-stop-unhackable-networks-from-failing|2420664 Damaged coral reefs can recover quickly after restoration work https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421390-damaged-coral-reefs-can-recover-quickly-after-restoration-work/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:00:28 +0000 Four years after being restored with steel frames, coral reefs in Indonesia damaged by blast fishing grow at the same rate as healthy reefs, but they have lower levels of species diversity 2421390-damaged-coral-reefs-can-recover-quickly-after-restoration-work|2421390 Chemical injection brings dying batteries back to life https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421357-chemical-injection-brings-dying-batteries-back-to-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:00:03 +0000 Researchers restored degraded lithium-ion batteries to nearly full capacity by injecting them with a chemical that creates more charged particles inside them 2421357-chemical-injection-brings-dying-batteries-back-to-life|2421357 AI chatbot models ‘think’ in English even when using other languages https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420973-ai-chatbot-models-think-in-english-even-when-using-other-languages/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 08 Mar 2024 13:00:25 +0000 When answering questions posed in Chinese, French, German or Russian, large language models seem to process the queries in English, which could create cultural issues 2420973-ai-chatbot-models-think-in-english-even-when-using-other-languages|2420973 Engineers are diverting Mississippi river to restore Louisiana’s coast https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420178-engineers-are-diverting-mississippi-river-to-restore-louisianas-coast/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:00:35 +0000 South of New Orleans, a project to divert the Mississippi river could restore ecosystems destroyed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and build new land to protect against sea level rise 2420178-engineers-are-diverting-mississippi-river-to-restore-louisianas-coast|2420178 How one theory ties together everything we know about the universe https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420992-how-one-theory-ties-together-everything-we-know-about-the-universe/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:00:56 +0000 All known natural phenomena fit into just a few categories and unifying them all is quantum field theory, says physicist Matt Strassler 2420992-how-one-theory-ties-together-everything-we-know-about-the-universe|2420992