How to levitate objects sans magic
It’s possible to defy gravity using sound waves, magnets or electricity, but today’s methods can’t hoist heavy items high in the sky.
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Iconic 'Little Foot' fossil may be new type of human ancestor
An international study led by researchers from Australia's La Trobe University and the University of Cambridge has challenged the classification of one of the world's most complete human ancestral fossils, raising the possibility of a new human species.
Why has the price of chocolate become so volatile?
Dr. Tonya Lander, Stipendiary Lecturer at Christ Church and researcher at the Oxford Martin School Program on the Future of Food, explains the diverse factors that impact the price of chocolate, and what measures could help improve the long-term resilience and stability of this
New agentic AI platform accelerates advanced optics design
Stanford engineers debuted a new framework introducing computational tools and self-reflective AI assistants, potentially advancing fields like optical computing and astronomy.
Novel tracking method reveals spread of antibiotic resistance across Hong Kong's environment
A research team from the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has harnessed citywide genetic data and developed a novel genome-resolved tracking method to uncover precisely how antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes move across Hong
Measuring radio leaks from 36,000 kilometers up
Radio astronomy has a pollution problem. Satellites thousands of kilometers overhead, designed to broadcast communications or relay data, are increasingly contaminating the frequencies astronomers use to study the universe. While much attention has focused on SpaceX's Starlink
Why consciousness exists at all
Consciousness evolved in stages, starting with basic survival responses like pain and alarm, then expanding into focused awareness and self-reflection. These layers help organisms avoid danger, learn from the environment, and coordinate socially. Surprisingly, birds show many
How water and clay shape the archaeological record at Murujuga
New research has shown that water movement in clay-rich soils can lift stone artifacts toward the surface—exerting a natural influence on how archaeological materials are distributed across the surface of some landscapes.
Raising strong yeast as a petroleum substitute
As fossil fuels rise in cost and green initiatives gain traction, alternative methods for producing useful compounds using microorganisms have the potential to become sustainable, environmentally friendly technologies.
Newly engineered giant superatoms show promise for reliable quantum state transfer
Quantum technologies are systems that leverage quantum mechanical effects to perform computations, share information or perform other functions. These systems rely on quantum states, which need to be reliably transferred and protected against decoherence (i.e., a gradual loss
Traffic pollution alters the atmospheric electric field, study finds
A new study shows that traffic-related pollution in a major urban area in central Israel produces immediate, measurable changes in the atmospheric electric field, while particulate matter creates slower, delayed effects. The research also identifies a strong weekend signal,
Second-hand gift-giving is a well-deliberated decision, study finds
Fair price, treasure hunting, i.e., the thrill of finding something rare or valuable, as well as ethical and ecological reasons motivate consumers' intentions to buy secondhand gifts, a study from the University of Eastern Finland finds. Administered to users of one of
Optimized membranes boost carbon dioxide separation
Researchers have developed a highly selective membrane that efficiently separates carbon dioxide from other gases, supporting cleaner energy and industrial processes.
Symbiotic bacteria help clean wastewater—but there's a catch
An international team of researchers led by the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology has uncovered a hidden world of tiny partnerships thriving in wastewater treatment plants worldwide. The microscopic allies—specialized bacteria living inside single-celled hosts—play a
Video: Lunar impact flash detected on the moon by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
On 12 December 2025 at 03:09:36 UTC, astronomers at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) have captured what is believed to be the first video recording of a lunar impact flash in Ireland, and the second recorded from the UK.
Hidden dimensions could explain where mass comes from
A new theory proposes that the universe’s fundamental forces and particle properties may arise from the geometry of hidden extra dimensions. These dimensions could twist and evolve over time, forming stable structures that generate mass and symmetry breaking on their own. The
Hundreds of Pacific workers in Australia say they would never report mistreatment, survey shows
The Pacific Australia Labor Mobility scheme was established to provide economic opportunity for temporary migrants from the Pacific and address labor shortages in specified sectors in Australia.
Astronomers find planetary and stellar companions to two ultracool dwarfs in Taurus
Astronomers from the University of Hawai'i (UH) at Manoa and elsewhere have observed the Taurus star-forming region, which resulted in the discovery of planetary-mass and stellar companions of two ultracool dwarf stars. The new finding was presented in a paper published
Farmers boosted Europe's biodiversity over the last 12,000 years
Although humans are to blame for nature's recent decline, a new study shows that for millennia, European farming practices drove biodiversity gains, not losses.
AI found a way to stop a virus before it enters cells
Researchers discovered a hidden molecular “switch” that herpes viruses rely on to invade cells. By combining AI, simulations, and lab experiments, they identified and altered a single amino acid that shut down viral entry. What once might have taken years was achieved far
Backyard insect inspires large-scale invisibility particles production
When most people see a leafhopper in their backyard garden, they notice little more than a tiny green or striped insect flicking from leaf to leaf. But these insects are actually master engineers, capable of building some of the most complex natural nanostructures known, which
Clues to the origin of hot Jupiters hidden in their orbits
The first exoplanet ever discovered in 1995 was what we now call a "hot Jupiter," a planet as massive as Jupiter with an orbital period of just a few days. Today, hot Jupiters are thought to have formed far from their stars—similar to Jupiter in our solar system—and later
To connect across politics, try saying what you oppose
When engaging in a political discussion, talking about what you oppose instead of what you support may make others more open to your views, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
The moon-forming event: Why it was by explosive ejection rather than a giant impact
One of the oldest unsolved riddles in planetary science concerns the origin of the moon. Over a century ago, George Darwin proposed that tidal and centrifugal forces on a rapidly rotating proto-Earth caused the moon to be spun off into an Earth orbit.
How Rising Rates of Uninsured Children Will Increase Pediatric Cancer Deaths
A recent analysis showed the rate of uninsured children in the U.S. grew from 2022 to 2024. Experts say this could lead to more pediatric cancer deaths.
Dark matter ‘nuggets’ could explain the Milky Way’s mysterious glow
A mysterious excess of far-ultraviolet light seen across the Milky Way could come from the annihilation of clumpy dark matter.
New study shows some plant-based diets may raise heart disease risk
Researchers tracking over 63,000 adults found that high-quality, minimally processed plant foods significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. But when those plant foods are ultra-processed, the advantage disappears—and can even backfire. Some ultra-processed plant diets increased
Colorado wolf re-released in Grand County after crossing into New Mexico
Colorado Parks and Wildlife re-released a wolf into Grand County this week after it had traveled into New Mexico, according to a news release.
As Florida offshore drilling looms, birds less protected from spills under Trump
Just 20 days earlier, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig had exploded, killing 11 people and igniting one of the worst environmental disasters in modern history. A pelican and a Northern gannet were the first two birds plucked by wildlife rescuers from the oily waters near the
SpaceX sets $800 billion valuation, confirms 2026 IPO plans
SpaceX has authorized an insider share sale that values Elon Musk's rocket and satellite maker at about $800 billion, according to a company message seen by Bloomberg on Dec. 12.
Ancient lake from ice age comes back to life in Death Valley after record rainfall
Between 128,000 and 186,000 years ago, when ice covered the Sierra Nevada, a lake 100 miles long and 600 feet deep sat in eastern California in what is now the Mojave Desert.
Rare, deep-sea encounter: Scientists observe 'extraordinary' seven-arm octopus
Almost a half-mile below the surface of Monterey Bay, California, scientists have recorded rare footage of a seven-arm octopus— only the fourth time the same research team has spotted the species in about four decades.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza found in Wisconsin dairy herd
A highly pathogenic avian influenza was found in a herd of dairy cattle in Wisconsin, the latest in an ongoing outbreak of the disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.
Earthquake swarm resumes to rattle Northern California city, seismologists say
A swarm of at least six earthquakes reaching up to magnitude 2.9 rattled San Ramon near San Francisco, the U.S. Geological Survey reports.
Thank the JWST for confirming the first runaway supermassive black hole
What could force a supermassive black hole (SMBH) out of its host galaxy? They can have hundreds of millions, even billions of solar masses. What's powerful enough to dislodge one of these behemoths?
These simple habits could make your brain 8 years younger, study finds
New research shows that your brain’s “true age” can shift dramatically depending on how you live, with optimism, restorative sleep, stress management, and strong social support acting like powerful anti-aging tools. Using advanced MRI-based brain-age estimates, scientists found
Videos Show Hummingbirds Jousting Like Medieval Knights in Rare Mating
The sharp, elongated bills of green hermit hummingbirds aren’t just fine-tuned for feeding; they also allow males to joust like knights over mates
2025 Nears Climate Heat Record, Mpox Variant Discovered, and Hobbit Extinction Explained
This week’s science roundup covers 2025’s near-record heat, a new mpox strain and fresh clues about why hobbits vanished 50,000 years ago.
Anxiety and insomnia linked to sharp drops in key immune cells
Natural killer cells act as the immune system’s rapid-response team, but the stress of anxiety and insomnia may be quietly thinning their ranks. A study of young women in Saudi Arabia found that both conditions were linked to significantly fewer NK cells—especially the
Deep-learning model predicts how fruit flies form, cell by cell
During early development, tissues and organs begin to bloom through the shifting, splitting, and growing of many thousands of cells.
New orbital clue reveals how hot Jupiters really formed
Hot Jupiters were once cosmic oddities, but unraveling how they moved so close to their stars has remained a stubborn mystery. Scientists have long debated whether these giants were violently flung inward or peacefully drifted through their birth disks. A new approach from
Light-printed electrodes turn skin and clothing into sensors
Researchers in Sweden have unveiled a way to create high-performance electronic electrodes using nothing more than visible light and specially designed water-soluble monomers. This gentle, chemical-free approach lets conductive plastics form directly on surfaces ranging from
Cannabis compounds show unexpected power against ovarian cancer
Scientists have discovered that key compounds from cannabis—CBD and THC—show surprisingly strong effects against ovarian cancer cells. Used together, they slow cell growth, reduce colony formation, and may even block the cancer’s ability to spread. Even more promising, the
Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon reveals 8 back pain myths to stop believing
Back pain is wrapped in persistent myths, but many are far from the truth. From misconceptions about heavy lifting and bed rest to confusion over posture, exercise, and surgery, Dr. Meghan Murphy breaks down what really causes pain and what actually helps. Her insights reveal
Stem cell pain sponge soaks up osteoarthritis joint pain and protects cartilage
SereNeuro Therapeutics revealed promising results for SN101, a first-in-class iPSC-derived therapy designed to treat chronic osteoarthritis pain while protecting joint tissue. Instead of blocking pain pathways, SN101 uses lab-grown nociceptors that act like sponges, soaking up
Indoor tanning triples melanoma risk and seeds broad DNA mutations
Researchers discovered that tanning beds cause widespread, mutation-laden DNA damage across almost all skin, explaining the sharply increased melanoma risk. Single-cell genomic analysis revealed dangerous mutations even in sun-protected regions. Survivors’ stories underscore
Italian bears living near villages have evolved to be smaller and less aggressive, finds study
A paper in Molecular Biology and Evolution, reports that Italian bears living in areas with many villages evolved and became smaller and less aggressive.
Researchers find how plants survive without sunlight or sex
The study reveals how Balanophora plants function despite abandoning photosynthesis and, in some species, sexual reproduction. Their plastid genomes shrank dramatically in a shared ancestor, yet the plastids remain vital. Asexual reproduction appears to have evolved repeatedly,
Researchers identify viral suspects that could be fueling long COVID
Scientists are uncovering a new possibility behind long COVID’s stubborn symptoms: hidden infections that awaken or emerge alongside SARS-CoV-2. Evidence is mounting that viruses like Epstein-Barr and even latent tuberculosis may flare up when COVID disrupts the immune system,
A new five-year survey of the Magellanic Clouds will answer some questions about our neighbors
The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds are irregular dwarf galaxies and satellites of the Milky Way. The LMC is about 163,000 light-years away and the SMC is about 206,000 light-years away, and their close proximity makes them excellent laboratories for the study of galaxies in
