New research from Washington suggests the healthiest sleep window may be much narrower than official guidance, with both very short and longer nights linked to cognitive decline in adults with poor-quality sleep. Psychologist Greg Elder cautions that sleep length may be a marker, not a cause, while separate genetic studies show some people naturally thrive on far less sleep.

NASA's Sentinel-6B satellite, launched in mid-November, is a significant advancement in climate monitoring. This new spacecraft will provide highly precise data on sea-level rise and atmospheric conditions, enabling scientists to track the growing impacts of climate change. Operating alongside its twin, Sentinel-6B will soon take over primary sea level measurements, continuing crucial climate research.

Scientists are exploring a mysterious third state between life and death. Cell clusters from dead organisms are showing new capabilities in labs. This discovery could revolutionize regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. It challenges our understanding of death and may impact organ donation and end-of-life care. Research continues to uncover hidden biological layers.

Scientists uncovered a massive dinosaur footprint site in Bolivia. Over 16,600 tracks from predatory theropods were found. This site is the largest ever discovered. The prints offer rare evidence of dinosaur swimming and tail dragging. Researchers are exploring reasons for this predator-only gathering. The findings are changing our understanding of prehistoric life.

Ancient Chinese astronomers observed a solar eclipse in 709 BCE with remarkable detail. These old records are now helping scientists understand Earth's rotation changes over thousands of years. They also reveal patterns in solar activity. This ancient data improves modern astronomical models and our understanding of planetary dynamics and climate links.

Microsleep is a brief, involuntary shutdown of the brain lasting 1–30 seconds, often arriving with tiny dream-like flashes and no warning. Anaesthesiologist Dr Myro Figura describes it as the brain “blacking out” after severe sleep deprivation, a danger linked to thousands of road crashes. Sleep clinics warn that inconsistent sleep, long wakeful hours and late-night driving make these episodes far more likely.

Skywatchers witnessed a spectacular Cold Moon on December 5, 2025, the year's final supermoon. Its proximity to Earth made it appear larger and brighter, enhanced by winter's clear skies and the Moon's high elevation. This celestial event, steeped in tradition, also influenced nocturnal wildlife, showcasing the interplay between astronomical phenomena and Earth's ecosystems.

A devastating collapse in sardine stocks led to the starvation of over 60,000 African penguins on South Africa's Dassen and Robben Islands between 2004 and 2012. This food shortage, exacerbated by environmental shifts and fishing pressure, wiped out 95% of colonies. The crisis highlights the species' critical endangerment, with urgent fishing limits now crucial for survival.

Short-form video wasn’t supposed to become our generation’s Matrix, yet here we are, scrolling ourselves into a new cognitive baseline. Drawing on Feeds, Feelings and Focus, a meta-analysis of 71 studies and nearly 100,000 people, this piece maps how TikTok, Reels and Shorts quietly retrain the mind. Attention thins, emotions accelerate, adults prove no more resilient than teenagers, autonomy erodes in micro-increments, and identity becomes whatever narrative the algorithm reflects back. No machines, no pods, no cables — just a device we willingly consult. The dreamworld didn’t need to trap us. We walked in, thumb first, without noticing the door.

Satellite megaconstellations are increasingly impacting astronomical observations. Bright satellite streaks are compromising ground and space-based telescope images, while radio telescopes struggle with growing orbital radio noise. This crowded orbit challenges future missions and affects long-term research by increasing light scatter and debris, necessitating new strategies to preserve sky clarity for scientific discovery.

ESA's Juice spacecraft has captured striking new images of Comet 3I/ATLAS, revealing its active coma and distinct plasma and dust tails. While originally designed for Jupiter, Juice's navigation camera provided an early glimpse of the comet's activity. Full scientific data, gathered by five specialized instruments, is expected in February 2026, promising deeper insights into this interstellar visitor.

New research reveals ancient humans in southern Africa lived in isolation for nearly 100,000 years. This led to unique genetic traits not seen in modern populations. These findings show human evolution was complex, involving multiple isolated groups. The study analyzed genomes from 28 ancient individuals, offering insights into early human diversity and adaptation.

Mars Express has found a unique butterfly-shaped crater on Mars. This formation resulted from a space rock hitting at a low angle. The impact ejected debris in two lobes, creating wing-like structures. Scientists believe subsurface ice or water may have been involved. The area also shows signs of ancient volcanic activity.

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered Alaknanda, a remarkably mature spiral galaxy existing just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. This well-organized structure, complete with a disc and arms, challenges existing theories about early cosmic evolution. Its existence suggests galactic formation may have been more efficient and rapid than previously believed, prompting a re-evaluation of cosmic timelines.

A tiny bacterium, Tersicoccus phoenicis, is changing how scientists view cleanliness in secure areas. This microbe survives by entering a dormant state, evading detection by normal tests. This discovery impacts space missions and industries on Earth. New methods are needed to ensure true sterility. This organism's resilience is a significant finding.

A groundbreaking genetic study confirms modern humans arrived in Australia approximately 60,000 years ago, settling a long-standing archaeological debate. Researchers analyzed thousands of genomes, revealing two distinct migration routes into the ancient continent of Sahul. This deep history aligns with Aboriginal oral traditions, showcasing advanced seafaring skills of early ancestors.

Scientists at the University of British Columbia Okanagan say they’ve found a mathematical limit that shuts down the Simulation Hypothesis entirely. Drawing on Gödel’s incompleteness theorem, their study argues that parts of reality cannot be generated by any algorithm, which means no computer, however advanced, could ever build a universe like ours. The obstacle isn’t processing power. It’s logic itself.

A powerful 2025 Kuril-Kamchatka earthquake generated a Pacific-wide tsunami, captured by NASA's SWOT satellite. These unprecedented high-resolution images reveal complex, braided wave patterns, challenging the assumption that large tsunamis travel as non-dispersive waves. This discovery offers crucial new insights into mid-ocean energy distribution, promising to significantly improve future tsunami forecasting and hazard assessments.

NASA's Perseverance rover has unveiled a captivating phenomenon: tiny electrical sparks, likened to 'mini-lightning', occurring within the Martian dust devils and storms. This crucial discovery not only validates a longstanding scientific hypothesis but also has the potential to revolutionize our comprehension of the Red Planet's atmospheric features and habitability.

The Geminids meteor shower, a consistent and bright celestial event, is set for a spectacular display in 2025. With minimal moonlight during its peak on December 13-14, stargazers can anticipate 60-120 meteors per hour. This unique shower, originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, offers a prime opportunity for unforgettable cosmic viewing.