When gut microbes run low on fiber, they may start eating you
Gut bacteria consume proteins from the protective mucus lining when fiber becomes scarce in the diet. Fiber prevents this process, while indigestible plant proteins enable microbes to produce more beneficial compounds.
A 30-year-old fossil was hiding bones from a mysterious ancient sea monster
Four previously unrecognized bones from a giant Cretaceous mosasaur were discovered in fossils collected in Osaka more than 30 years ago. The bones include the first confirmed premaxilla ever identified in a Japanese mosasaur fossil, with skull parts showing unusual anatomical features that may indicate an entirely new species.
A 60-year-old theory about ants, bees and wasps may be wrong
A genetic system long thought to drive the evolution of social colonies in ants, bees, and wasps may not be the primary cause. Researchers' large-scale analysis indicates that other unique traits of these insects, not genetics alone, better explain their complex social behavior.
Scientists solve the mystery of a brain “switch” that can trigger weight loss in opposite ways
Activating the GIP receptor in the brainstem reduced appetite in mice, while blocking it in the hypothalamus enhanced fullness signals through different mechanisms. The finding explains why distinct obesity drugs targeting the same receptor produce similar weight loss results and suggests combining GIP treatments with GLP-1 drugs could strengthen effects.
After commercial whaling nearly erased them, blue and fin whales are slowly reclaiming the southeast Atlantic
Blue and fin whales are being sighted with increasing frequency in the southeastern Atlantic more than 40 years after commercial whaling ended. Ninety-five percent of confirmed observations from a 60-year dataset were recorded since 2012, indicating recent population recovery in Namibian and South African waters.
Wheat gene behind Hessian fly resistance cloned after 50-year search
A wheat gene conferring resistance to Hessian fly larvae has been cloned after a 50-year search, with researchers demonstrating its direct interaction with an insect protein. The gene's identification was published in Science Advances on August 14, 2026, opening pathways for engineering pest resistance in wheat crops.
Engineered microbe speeds CO₂ capture and recovers critical metals
A genetically engineered bacterium rapidly breaks down feldspar, one of Earth's most abundant minerals, to simultaneously remove atmospheric carbon dioxide and recover critical elements for electric vehicle batteries. The engineered microbe accomplishes this through a single biological process rather than requiring separate industrial steps.
Volunteer Develops Machine-Learning Tool to Identify Rare Clouds
A volunteer has created a machine-learning tool to identify rare clouds that are appearing more frequently and at lower altitudes than previously observed. The tool assists the NASA-supported Space Cloud Watch project, which collects cloud images from people worldwide to help scientists understand factors driving these atmospheric changes.
NASA’s COFFIES Uses AI to Predict Storm-Causing Active Regions on Sun
A machine learning model predicts which solar active regions will produce major flares and coronal mass ejections by analyzing magnetic field data from the Sun's surface. The system uses deep learning to identify storm-causing patterns in solar magnetic configurations.
Immune cells flood into the aging brain, Stanford scientists discover
Large numbers of immune cells from the blood enter the brain beginning in middle age and transform into microglia, the brain's specialized immune cells. This discovery challenges the previous assumption that the brain's immune cells remain largely separate from the body's immune system throughout life.
Scientists detect a nuclear reactor’s ghostly afterglow for the first time
Scientists detected antineutrino radiation from a shut-down nuclear reactor for the first time, with the signal matching predictions of radioactive decay from the fuel and spent-fuel pools. This finding suggests antineutrino detectors could potentially monitor offline reactors in the future.
World’s first superconducting quantum heat engine could help unlock massive quantum computers
A superconducting quantum heat engine converted heat near absolute zero into useful work in the first cyclic demonstration of its kind. Future versions could operate autonomously inside quantum computers, potentially eliminating microwave cables that currently create noise and cost.
Taking the stairs could protect your heart and help you live longer
Regular stair climbing reduces cardiovascular death risk by 39% and overall mortality risk by 24% compared to rarely using stairs, according to an analysis of over 480,000 people. Stair climbers also experienced lower risks of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
The Download: Flock’s new rules, cloning’s future, and children’s cells
Flock is restricting police officers' access to its nationwide license plate reader network in response to surveillance concerns. The police-tech company implemented tighter rules governing how officers can use the system.
A stress hormone may help the brain repair itself
Myelin-producing precursor cells rapidly release the stress hormone CRH near damaged brain tissue, helping control cell maturation and rebuild protective nerve insulation. This system also influences brain development and myelin thickness throughout life, potentially explaining links between early-life stress and psychiatric disorders.
Women taking estrogen had fewer signs of Alzheimer’s in their brains
Women using estrogen-only hormone therapy in later life showed 39% lower odds of dementia diagnosis and 35% lower odds of Alzheimer's-related brain changes. A study of over 21,000 participants found hormone therapy users had reduced amyloid plaques and tau tangles at autopsy.
Paleontology rocked by organic molecules found in 66-million-year-old dinosaur bones
Collagen protein was discovered intact inside 66-million-year-old dinosaur fossils, contradicting the previous scientific consensus that such organic molecules degrade completely during fossilization. This finding may enable researchers to extract molecular information about dinosaur biology and understand how ancient proteins persisted for tens of millions of years.
Cloning could be used to save species—or make human “organ sacks”
Scientists developed a CRISPR-based method to remove the Y chromosome from male mouse embryos, successfully creating female clones genetically identical to the original males. The technique demonstrates potential applications in species preservation, though raises ethical concerns about possible misuse such as creating human bodies for organ harvesting.
This scientist is helping build a missing map of childhood
A comprehensive map of human cells called the Human Cell Atlas was unveiled in 2017 with the goal of mapping every cell in the human body. Scientist Deanne Taylor became concerned after attending a University of Pennsylvania presentation about the project, realizing it lacked information about childhood development.
Why has Britain's grass turned yellow? A plant scientist explains what happens next
Extended drought has turned Britain's grass yellow as water becomes scarce during an exceptionally dry summer. Ancient underground structures like walls and ditches remain visible as green outlines because they retain moisture that sustains grass above them, while available water is prioritized for homes and farms.
Layered nano-biohybrid uses sunlight, air and water to make hydrogen peroxide
A layered nano-biohybrid material combining inorganic and biological components produces hydrogen peroxide using sunlight, air, and water as inputs. The technology was developed by a research team at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory.
Mutation hotspots help 'friendly' viruses outmaneuver the bacteria in your gut
Researchers identified mutation hotspots in bacteriophages that allow these viruses to rapidly evolve and overcome antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut microbiome. These genetic regions enable phages to adapt quickly enough to maintain their role in controlling harmful bacterial populations.
Building a practical path to post-quantum cryptography
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has standardized post-quantum cryptography algorithms to replace current encryption methods vulnerable to future quantum computers. Organizations should begin transitioning their systems now, as the migration to quantum-resistant cryptography represents an evolutionary business process rather than an emergency response.
Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseid meteor shower has been increasing in intensity since early July and will continue through the end of August. The shower is one of the year's brightest and most popular meteor showers, with peak visibility occurring around August 12.
What’s behind this summer’s heat, and why 2027 could be worse
Global temperatures reached record highs across the Northern Hemisphere this summer, with Europe experiencing its hottest June-July period since records began and the contiguous US recording its hottest July ever. Scientists project that 2027 could experience even worse heat conditions based on current climate trends and data analysis.
Drug-carrying nanoparticles shrink venous malformations by 70% in mice
Drug-carrying nanoparticles reduced venous malformations by 70 percent in mice by targeting cells that grow abnormally in blood vessels. The treatment addresses malformations that can enlarge as children grow and range from superficial to life-threatening conditions.
Models of glacial collapse in Antarctica improve predictions of sea-level rise
Improved models of glacial collapse in Antarctica now provide more reliable predictions of sea-level rise, with current estimates ranging from half a meter to 2 meters by the end of the 21st century. Every centimeter of sea-level rise could displace 1.5 million people globally.
NASA Data Helps Commercial Space Plan Living Off Our Moon
Water and minerals including iron and titanium exist on the lunar surface and require special equipment for extraction and processing. Lunar Station Corp. is using NASA data to determine resource locations to guide landing sites and mining operations.
Scientists just created female clones of male mice
Scientists removed the Y chromosome from male mouse embryos using CRISPR technology and created female clones of male mice. The Japanese research team achieved this outcome by deleting genetic material from male cells to produce viable female offspring.
Scientists turn Starlink into a giant scanner for Earth’s upper atmosphere
Researchers used orbital data from approximately 1,200 Starlink satellites to reconstruct atmospheric density changes at 500 kilometers altitude in Earth's upper atmosphere. This method could improve satellite tracking and help reduce collision risks in crowded orbital zones.