Discoveries, breakthroughs, and the research reshaping our understanding of the world. Space exploration, biology, physics, climate, and the scientists pushing the boundaries of what we know.
Mosquitoes are rapidly activating enzymes against common insecticide, researchers warn
Mosquitoes are developing enzyme activity that provides resistance to commonly used insecticides through biochemical and genetic changes. Public health programs have historically depended on these chemicals for mosquito management, making control increasingly difficult as populations gain survival advantages.
The cost of memory: How organisms balance thinking and sensing
Organisms must balance memory usage against its energy costs when making decisions. A study examined how much biological resources animals and cells expend to store and retrieve information for survival tasks like foraging.
First Arctic Ocean 2050 expedition on its way to the North Pole
A research vessel with 30 scientists and 20 crew members departed from Longyearbyen on July 23 to study the Arctic Ocean over 50 days as part of the Polhavet 2050 program. The expedition aims to reach the North Pole while conducting research during this Arctic voyage.
AI technology sees through leaves to transform horticulture
AI and computer vision technology developed by University of Canterbury researchers can identify, measure, and track fruit hidden behind dense foliage. The system uses advanced imaging to see through leaves, enabling automated monitoring of fruit that would otherwise remain obscured from traditional detection methods.
Queen bee pheromones help daughters decide whether to stay or leave the nest
Queen pheromones influence female sweat bees to either remain in nests or leave to establish their own colonies. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute discovered this chemical signal helps regulate reproductive cooperation within sweat bee societies.
A slowing Atlantic current could unleash stronger California storms
A weakening Atlantic current could intensify atmospheric rivers hitting California while reducing snow-producing storms in Greenland. These changes could increase flood risks and strain infrastructure across regions far from the Atlantic Ocean.
Misfolded insulin may be quietly driving diabetes
Insulin-producing cells require helper proteins to maintain proper insulin production, and missing key partners allows damaged proteins to accumulate. When one critical helper protein was absent, cells produced significantly less insulin, suggesting that reinforcing this protein system could protect pancreatic function during diabetes progression.
Hidden charcoal reveals the true age of ancient cave paintings
Charcoal discovered within black pigments at Font-de-Gaume cave enabled radiocarbon dating of paintings previously thought undatable. A bison painting dates to approximately 13,000 years ago, while a mask-like figure received additions across multiple widely separated time periods.
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft aces Mars flyby capturing stunning timelapse video
NASA's Psyche spacecraft completed a Mars flyby to gain speed for its 2029 asteroid encounter while testing its instruments. The spacecraft detected neutrons from Mars, captured images of its moons Phobos and Deimos, and measured the planet's magnetic environment.
Scientists create an “electron lighthouse” with laser light
Scientists used laser light to launch and steer electrons through a semiconductor without requiring an applied electrical field. This quantum effect creates what researchers call an "electron lighthouse" that could enhance optical sensors, communications, imaging, and information storage devices.