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Catch up on the latest science news, from space and technology to life and environmental research- all the discoveries shaping our world today.
Updated: 1 hour 20 min ago

After losing her mother to MS, J.K. Rowling gave £10m to research

2 hours 54 min ago
J.K. Rowling opened the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic in memory of her mother, who died of multiple sclerosis. The clinic focuses on research and treatment of various neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The funding aims to attract world-class researchers to develop new therapies and potentially find a cure. It has already hosted numerous clinical appointments and research projects since its inception.

Scientists found at least 10 likely new species of bizarre branching worms inside sea sponges

4 hours 14 min ago
Researchers have identified ten likely new species of branching marine worms found within sea sponges. These unusual worms exhibit a unique tree-like body structure, which has evolved over time. Genetic analysis and museum specimens helped resolve the long-standing classification issues of these marine organisms. The study indicates these worms' diversification relates closely to their sponge hosts and geographic locations.

Scientists develop a living building material for Mars using engineered yeast

05/10/2026
Researchers have developed an innovative living building material designed for potential use on Mars, integrating engineered yeast with sand. This breakthrough material operates with significantly lower energy requirements than traditional high-temperature construction methods. Tests indicate that existing bricks retain their integrity and the yeast's viability, promoting sustainability. While the engineered yeast does reinforce the material's strength and structure, additional evaluation is needed to determine its enduring durability in Martian conditions.

In 1925, a Yellowstone explosion reshaped Biscuit Basin; 101 years later, USGS found a sign mix-up

05/10/2026
A captivating century-old enigma surrounds Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin, centering on the misplacement of Black Pearl Geyser. The confusion stemmed from a hydrothermal explosion in 1925, which not only reshaped the landscape but also displaced a key sign. Correspondence from 1926 highlighted the depth of this perplexity related to the geyser's position.

Ames crater, once linked to a 470-million-year-old event, may be nearly 370 million years old

05/10/2026
Research indicates that the Ames impact structure may have formed during the Late Devonian period. This finding challenges earlier beliefs connecting the structure to the Ordovician Meteor Event. Scientists utilized radioisotopic dating on zircon and plagioclase from impacted granite for their study. The zircon analysis revealed a maximum age of nearly 370 million years. These results may link the impact event to significant extinction events of that era.

18 skulls excavated from Egypt’s First Dynasty cemetery offer evidence of retainer sacrifice

05/10/2026
Researchers re-examininf 46 skulls excavated from Egypt’s First Dynasty royal cemetery at Abydos, found significant cranial trauma in 18 of them. The injuries provide new forensic evidence that some people buried around royal tombs may have been deliberately killed after a ruler’s death. The findings support the possibility of retainer sacrifice, although the exact cause of death remains uncertain for many others.

Your gut bacteria may reveal how quickly your brain is ageing; it effects memory, focus and mood

05/10/2026
A groundbreaking study by UCLA Health highlights the intriguing link between gut bacteria and brain ageing in healthy adults. Analyzing brain scans and gut health of nearly 1,500 participants, researchers identified a correlation between the Brain Ageing Index and certain gut microbes. This suggests that optimizing gut health may be pivotal for preserving cognitive function and offers an early detection path for interventions aimed at promoting healthier brain ageing.

NASA spacecraft gains 3.5 km/s speed from Earth’s gravity assist without major engine burn

05/10/2026
On September 28, 2026, Juice, the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, accomplished a successful gravity assist flyby of Earth. This maneuver was pivotal in adjusting the spacecraft's trajectory and significantly boosting its speed without the need for extensive engine thrust. Throughout its mission, Juice has strategically employed gravity assists, effectively conserving fuel.

NASA spacecraft gains 3.5 km/s speed from Earth’s gravity assist without major engine burn

05/10/2026
On September 28, 2026, Juice, the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, accomplished a successful gravity assist flyby of Earth. This maneuver was pivotal in adjusting the spacecraft's trajectory and significantly boosting its speed without the need for extensive engine thrust. Throughout its mission, Juice has strategically employed gravity assists, effectively conserving fuel.

Antarctica’s 2 native flowering plants responded differently to 7 years of warming

05/10/2026
Research on King George Island examined how two native Antarctic plants responded to long-term warming. Antarctic hairgrass displayed reduced hydraulic conductivity and photosynthesis compared to those in natural conditions. In contrast, Antarctic pearlwort increased both its hydraulic conductivity and photosynthetic capacity. This study provided insights into contrasting adaptive strategies of these plants under sustained environmental changes. These findings highlight the need to understand species-specific responses to climate change effects.

Meet Nathan, the Texas seventh-grader who turned shellfish waste into a water-cleaning project

05/10/2026
Nathan Gael Montelongo, a seventh-grader from La Joya, Texas, created a project using chitosan. He collected discarded shellfish shells to produce chitosan powder and tested its effectiveness on polluted water. Studies showed that chitosan improved water clarity and benefited zebrafish embryos in experiments. Nathan designed a prototype raft that could automate water quality monitoring and treatment.

3 million face masks could be used to build 1 km road, Australian study finds

05/10/2026
Engineers at RMIT University have discovered a groundbreaking method to recycle single-use face masks by integrating them into road construction. By blending shredded masks with recycled concrete aggregate, the researchers aim to enhance road materials while tackling the problem of mask waste. Their findings suggest that approximately 3 million masks could be utilized in constructing a one-kilometre, two-lane road.

Meet the Indian-origin seventh-grader who boosted atmospheric water output by 117%

05/10/2026
Ankith Burki, a seventh-grader from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, created an atmospheric water generator for his project. He utilized low-frequency sound waves to improve the efficiency of water collection. Testing revealed a 117 percent increase in water production under specific sound conditions. His work earned him a finalist position in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

Meet the eighth-grader who built a low-cost air sampler to study rural health surveillance

04/10/2026
Bailey Quinn Frank has created a groundbreaking air sampler designed to enhance health surveillance in rural areas. Utilizing basic materials such as fans and filters, this device collects airborne bacterial DNA. Findings revealed notable variations in bacterial composition between indoor and outdoor spaces. As a finalist in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, Bailey exemplifies the use of practical tools in tackling public health issues.

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