OMG science

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#climate-change

How climate change worsened the most destructive wildfires in L.A. history

Human-caused climate change significantly contributes to the intensity and spread of destructive wildfires in L.A., exacerbating dry conditions and high temperatures.

How climate instability may be disrupting the polar vortex

The severe cold in January 2024 was caused by a deeply dipping polar jet stream linked to a disrupted stratospheric polar vortex.

Economic growth could fall 50% over 20 years from climate shocks, say actuaries

Global economic growth may decrease by 50% by 2090 without urgent climate action.
Immediate decarbonization and nature restoration are critical to avert economic disaster.

Wildfires drive record leap in global level of climate-heating CO2

Wildfires in 2024 accelerated CO2 levels to a record high, highlighting worsening climate crisis due to human activity.

Airborne Lead and Chlorine Levels Soared as L.A. Wildfires Raged

Wildfires in urban areas release toxic pollutants at alarming levels, posing increased health risks to surrounding communities.

From Wildfires to Courtrooms: How Attribution Science Fuels Climate Justice

Attribution science strengthens legal accountability by linking climate change to extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for informed policy and governance.

How climate change worsened the most destructive wildfires in L.A. history

Human-caused climate change significantly contributes to the intensity and spread of destructive wildfires in L.A., exacerbating dry conditions and high temperatures.

How climate instability may be disrupting the polar vortex

The severe cold in January 2024 was caused by a deeply dipping polar jet stream linked to a disrupted stratospheric polar vortex.

Economic growth could fall 50% over 20 years from climate shocks, say actuaries

Global economic growth may decrease by 50% by 2090 without urgent climate action.
Immediate decarbonization and nature restoration are critical to avert economic disaster.

Wildfires drive record leap in global level of climate-heating CO2

Wildfires in 2024 accelerated CO2 levels to a record high, highlighting worsening climate crisis due to human activity.

Airborne Lead and Chlorine Levels Soared as L.A. Wildfires Raged

Wildfires in urban areas release toxic pollutants at alarming levels, posing increased health risks to surrounding communities.

From Wildfires to Courtrooms: How Attribution Science Fuels Climate Justice

Attribution science strengthens legal accountability by linking climate change to extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for informed policy and governance.
moreclimate-change

Martin Karplus obituary: theoretical chemist who first simulated proteins using molecular dynamics

Martin Karplus revolutionized theoretical chemistry through simulations that bridge classical and quantum physics, earning a Nobel Prize for his contributions to understanding molecular interactions.
#materials-science

Self-driving laboratories, advanced immunotherapies and five more technologies to watch in 2025

Self-driving laboratories utilize AI to automate chemical research, significantly advancing materials science, and energy-efficient technologies.

A solid electrolyte gives lithium-sulfur batteries ludicrous endurance

Lithium-sulfur batteries can outperform lithium-ion batteries through novel designs, retaining over 80% capacity even after extensive use.

Self-driving laboratories, advanced immunotherapies and five more technologies to watch in 2025

Self-driving laboratories utilize AI to automate chemical research, significantly advancing materials science, and energy-efficient technologies.

A solid electrolyte gives lithium-sulfur batteries ludicrous endurance

Lithium-sulfur batteries can outperform lithium-ion batteries through novel designs, retaining over 80% capacity even after extensive use.
morematerials-science
#space-exploration

Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin launches its New Glenn rocket on first test flight

New Glenn marked a successful test flight for Blue Origin, showcasing advancements in space technology under Jeff Bezos's vision.

Race to the Moon: Here Are the Missions America and Its Rivals Are Planning by 2030

Exciting advancements in lunar exploration are underway, with multiple countries and private enterprises planning missions to the Moon within the next five years.

Key to space ambitions': India succeeds in historic space docking mission

India successfully docked satellites in space, becoming the fourth country to achieve this feat alongside the US, Russia, and China.

Trump, Musk set sights on Mars

Trump's inaugural address pledged to send American astronauts to Mars, reflecting a bold, national vision for space exploration.

Trump promises to expand US territory to a place out of this world

Trump promises to launch astronauts to Mars, emphasizing ambition as a hallmark of national greatness.

It's America's 'Manifest Destiny' to plant a flag on Mars, Trump says

Trump's government may prioritize Mars exploration alongside NASA's existing programs, influenced by Musk and SpaceX's ambitions.

Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin launches its New Glenn rocket on first test flight

New Glenn marked a successful test flight for Blue Origin, showcasing advancements in space technology under Jeff Bezos's vision.

Race to the Moon: Here Are the Missions America and Its Rivals Are Planning by 2030

Exciting advancements in lunar exploration are underway, with multiple countries and private enterprises planning missions to the Moon within the next five years.

Key to space ambitions': India succeeds in historic space docking mission

India successfully docked satellites in space, becoming the fourth country to achieve this feat alongside the US, Russia, and China.

Trump, Musk set sights on Mars

Trump's inaugural address pledged to send American astronauts to Mars, reflecting a bold, national vision for space exploration.

Trump promises to expand US territory to a place out of this world

Trump promises to launch astronauts to Mars, emphasizing ambition as a hallmark of national greatness.

It's America's 'Manifest Destiny' to plant a flag on Mars, Trump says

Trump's government may prioritize Mars exploration alongside NASA's existing programs, influenced by Musk and SpaceX's ambitions.
morespace-exploration
#evolution

Luca is the progenitor of all life on Earth. But its genesis has implications far beyond our planet

Luca, our earliest ancestor, indicates life on Earth began swiftly, suggesting the potential for abundant life elsewhere in the universe.

AI simulates 500 million years of evolution to discover artificial fluorescent protein

AI can help uncover alternative evolutionary pathways that nature did not explore, potentially leading to new scientific advancements.

Scientist reveals the surprising reason why human penises are so big

Humans have relatively large penises compared to other primates due to evolutionary adaptations related to bipedalism.

Life as we know it descended from a single cell. What do we know about LUCA?

LUCA is the last universal common ancestor of all life on Earth, existing around 4.2 billion years ago.

Luca is the progenitor of all life on Earth. But its genesis has implications far beyond our planet

Luca, our earliest ancestor, indicates life on Earth began swiftly, suggesting the potential for abundant life elsewhere in the universe.

AI simulates 500 million years of evolution to discover artificial fluorescent protein

AI can help uncover alternative evolutionary pathways that nature did not explore, potentially leading to new scientific advancements.

Scientist reveals the surprising reason why human penises are so big

Humans have relatively large penises compared to other primates due to evolutionary adaptations related to bipedalism.

Life as we know it descended from a single cell. What do we know about LUCA?

LUCA is the last universal common ancestor of all life on Earth, existing around 4.2 billion years ago.
moreevolution

Science on the go: bringing labs into the field

Flora Vincent's research benefits from using the Advanced Mobile Laboratory, allowing for more accurate sampling of marine microorganisms in their natural environments.
#mental-health

Brain implant that could boost mood by using ultrasound to go under NHS trial

A pioneering NHS trial is testing a brain-computer interface that uses ultrasound to improve mental health by altering brain activity.

Weight-loss drugs may boost health in many ways

Weight-loss drugs can improve heart health and reduce the risk of mental illness, but they also have risks, including increased joint pain and pancreatitis.

The mental illness you're most likely to have, depending on your job

Career choices may reflect genetic predisposition to mental health disorders, with a minor influence.

Brain implant that could boost mood by using ultrasound to go under NHS trial

A pioneering NHS trial is testing a brain-computer interface that uses ultrasound to improve mental health by altering brain activity.

Weight-loss drugs may boost health in many ways

Weight-loss drugs can improve heart health and reduce the risk of mental illness, but they also have risks, including increased joint pain and pancreatitis.

The mental illness you're most likely to have, depending on your job

Career choices may reflect genetic predisposition to mental health disorders, with a minor influence.
moremental-health
#neuroscience

Revealed: Why the fatal Huntington's gene takes so long to cause harm

Late onset of Huntington's disease symptoms is due to accumulated genetic errors in neurons over time, particularly affecting DNA-repair mechanisms.

Aerobic exercise: A powerful ally in fight against Alzheimer's

Regular aerobic exercise may significantly reduce Alzheimer's disease markers and enhance brain health, providing new prevention strategies against cognitive decline.

Sleeping pills stop the brain's system for cleaning out waste

The brain cleans itself through glymphatic clearance, primarily during NREM sleep, driven by norepinephrine and inhibited by anesthesia and sleep medications.

Revealed: Why the fatal Huntington's gene takes so long to cause harm

Late onset of Huntington's disease symptoms is due to accumulated genetic errors in neurons over time, particularly affecting DNA-repair mechanisms.

Aerobic exercise: A powerful ally in fight against Alzheimer's

Regular aerobic exercise may significantly reduce Alzheimer's disease markers and enhance brain health, providing new prevention strategies against cognitive decline.

Sleeping pills stop the brain's system for cleaning out waste

The brain cleans itself through glymphatic clearance, primarily during NREM sleep, driven by norepinephrine and inhibited by anesthesia and sleep medications.
moreneuroscience
#astronomy

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Was Never Meant to Look at the Sun. Astronomers Tried It Anyway

Looking directly at the sun can cause serious eye damage and should be avoided, especially during solar eclipses.

A planet parade of Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars shines in the skies this month

A parade of planets, including Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, will be visible in January, creating a notable celestial event.

See 6 Planets Align on January 21

The rare planetary alignment of six planets will occur on January 21, 2023, and be visible for several weeks.

'Planetary parade' will see SIX planets align - best time to spot it

A planetary parade featuring six planets will be visible on January 21, 2024, best viewed after sunset in clear skies.

This Supermassive Black Hole May Harbor a Death-Defying White Dwarf

The supermassive black hole 1ES 1927+654 exhibits unprecedented dynamic activity, challenging existing understandings of cosmic phenomena.

Light Pollution Could Put Extremely Large Telescope at Risk

The Extremely Large Telescope's future observational capability is threatened by light pollution from nearby projects.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Was Never Meant to Look at the Sun. Astronomers Tried It Anyway

Looking directly at the sun can cause serious eye damage and should be avoided, especially during solar eclipses.

A planet parade of Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars shines in the skies this month

A parade of planets, including Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, will be visible in January, creating a notable celestial event.

See 6 Planets Align on January 21

The rare planetary alignment of six planets will occur on January 21, 2023, and be visible for several weeks.

'Planetary parade' will see SIX planets align - best time to spot it

A planetary parade featuring six planets will be visible on January 21, 2024, best viewed after sunset in clear skies.

This Supermassive Black Hole May Harbor a Death-Defying White Dwarf

The supermassive black hole 1ES 1927+654 exhibits unprecedented dynamic activity, challenging existing understandings of cosmic phenomena.

Light Pollution Could Put Extremely Large Telescope at Risk

The Extremely Large Telescope's future observational capability is threatened by light pollution from nearby projects.
moreastronomy
#public-health

A new report breaks down the alarming rise in cancer among working-age women

Women under 65 are now getting cancer at higher rates than men, particularly in breast and lung cancer, highlighting a significant health concern.

Cancer cases rising for women and younger adults in US, report finds

Cancer rates among younger adults and women are increasing, particularly breast and thyroid cancers, marking a significant demographic shift.

Revealed: UK drinking water sources polluted with forever chemicals

Raw drinking water in England is contaminated with toxic forever chemicals, necessitating urgent regulatory action.

Millions in US Exposed to Unregulated Industrial Chemicals in Drinking Water

Nearly 100 million Americans are at risk of exposure to unregulated chemicals in drinking water, especially communities of color.

More Healthy Eaters Are Being Diagnosed With Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer cases among individuals under 50 are rising, signaling a worrying trend that contradicts traditional perceptions of health and lifestyle.

Wildfires Can Contaminate Drinking Water Systems With Harmful Chemicals

The contaminated tap water poses significant health risks for communities impacted by wildfires.

A new report breaks down the alarming rise in cancer among working-age women

Women under 65 are now getting cancer at higher rates than men, particularly in breast and lung cancer, highlighting a significant health concern.

Cancer cases rising for women and younger adults in US, report finds

Cancer rates among younger adults and women are increasing, particularly breast and thyroid cancers, marking a significant demographic shift.

Revealed: UK drinking water sources polluted with forever chemicals

Raw drinking water in England is contaminated with toxic forever chemicals, necessitating urgent regulatory action.

Millions in US Exposed to Unregulated Industrial Chemicals in Drinking Water

Nearly 100 million Americans are at risk of exposure to unregulated chemicals in drinking water, especially communities of color.

More Healthy Eaters Are Being Diagnosed With Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer cases among individuals under 50 are rising, signaling a worrying trend that contradicts traditional perceptions of health and lifestyle.

Wildfires Can Contaminate Drinking Water Systems With Harmful Chemicals

The contaminated tap water poses significant health risks for communities impacted by wildfires.
morepublic-health

Edge of Mars' great dichotomy eroded back by hundreds of kilometers

Mars experienced significant erosion, leaving behind only remnant mounds across a vast area.
Evidence points to an extensive water-driven geological history early in Mars's development.

Australian oysters' blood could hold key to fighting drug-resistant superbugs, researchers find

A protein in Australian oysters may combat superbugs and enhance antibiotic effectiveness.

Forget yawning! Scientists say that PEEING is contagious

Yawning and urination can be contagious behaviors observed in both chimpanzees and humans, highlighting social and evolutionary aspects.
#astrobiology

A promising (and surprisingly simple) way to detect alien life

New methods are essential for distinguishing viable life forms from non-living materials in astrobiological studies.
Microbial motility offers a promising approach for detecting extraterrestrial life in harsh environments.

Life in Venusian Clouds: A Hypothesis for Microbial Survival and Life Cycle | HackerNoon

Life in Venus's clouds may persist through a unique microbial life cycle involving the use of liquid droplets for survival.

Challenges for Life in the Venusian Clouds Include Severe Acidity, Extreme Dryness, & Limited Water | HackerNoon

Venusian clouds present extreme conditions that challenge the possibility of life, with arguments favoring habitat existence solely within cloud droplets.

Life is thriving in the subsurface depths of Earth

Microbial diversity increases with depth in the terrestrial subsurface, suggesting complex adaptation mechanisms despite low energy.

Microbial Life on Venus Requires a Unique Life Cycle to Overcome Extreme Conditions | HackerNoon

Life in Venusian clouds faces severe environmental challenges like extreme acidity and low water.
A new life cycle concept for microbes outlines spore formation in lower haze layers.

A promising (and surprisingly simple) way to detect alien life

New methods are essential for distinguishing viable life forms from non-living materials in astrobiological studies.
Microbial motility offers a promising approach for detecting extraterrestrial life in harsh environments.

Life in Venusian Clouds: A Hypothesis for Microbial Survival and Life Cycle | HackerNoon

Life in Venus's clouds may persist through a unique microbial life cycle involving the use of liquid droplets for survival.

Challenges for Life in the Venusian Clouds Include Severe Acidity, Extreme Dryness, & Limited Water | HackerNoon

Venusian clouds present extreme conditions that challenge the possibility of life, with arguments favoring habitat existence solely within cloud droplets.

Life is thriving in the subsurface depths of Earth

Microbial diversity increases with depth in the terrestrial subsurface, suggesting complex adaptation mechanisms despite low energy.

Microbial Life on Venus Requires a Unique Life Cycle to Overcome Extreme Conditions | HackerNoon

Life in Venusian clouds faces severe environmental challenges like extreme acidity and low water.
A new life cycle concept for microbes outlines spore formation in lower haze layers.
moreastrobiology

Shock new theory about Easter Island heads REVEALED

Hancock proposes that Easter Island's Moai statues were built by a pre-existing population over 12,000 years ago, challenging established archaeological beliefs.

What alcohol does to your brain and body, according to the latest science

Alcohol affects individuals differently based on various biological factors, complicating safe consumption assessments.

Chefs, plumbers, and electricians recruited to work at the South Pole

The British Antarctic Survey is hiring various support roles for research stations in Antarctica, offering unique experiences despite extreme conditions.

Social media goes wild over the 'cutest crab in the world'

A tiny crab discovered by NOAA in the Gulf of Mexico has gone viral, being dubbed the 'cutest in the world' by many social media users.

Sheep in Texas are helping the solar industry. It's mutually beneficial

Sheep are increasingly used for grazing on solar farms, providing an eco-friendly solution to manage vegetation while supporting the sheep and wool market.

High fertiliser use halves numbers of pollinators, world's longest study finds

High levels of common fertilizers drastically reduce flower and pollinator numbers, with a notable decline in bees, impacting the entire ecosystem.

Robotic hand helps pianists overcome "ceiling effect"

Passive training with a robotic exoskeleton may help pianists overcome skill plateaus.

Medieval Birds of Prey Feasted on Human Waste, Study Finds - Medievalists.net

Medieval birds of prey heavily scavenged human waste, differing greatly from modern hunting behaviors.

Map reveals where exotic pets are in the UK - as lynx are captured

The UK has over 2,700 exotic pets legally owned, raising potential safety risks to humans and wildlife.
#cancer-treatment

A golden age of cancer treatment? podcast

Cancer treatment has evolved from limited options to advanced personalized therapies.
Investment in new technologies has transformed cancer care significantly.
Challenges remain in equitable distribution of effective cancer treatments.

How to trick the immune system into attacking tumours

Scientists can trick the immune system into attacking disguised tumours to potentially treat cancer.
The new technique requires more clinical testing to verify its true efficacy.

Scientists Record Breakthrough in Treating Cancer With a Virus

Oncolytic virus therapy shows promise for treating cancer by enhancing the immune system's response to tumors.

A golden age of cancer treatment? podcast

Cancer treatment has evolved from limited options to advanced personalized therapies.
Investment in new technologies has transformed cancer care significantly.
Challenges remain in equitable distribution of effective cancer treatments.

How to trick the immune system into attacking tumours

Scientists can trick the immune system into attacking disguised tumours to potentially treat cancer.
The new technique requires more clinical testing to verify its true efficacy.

Scientists Record Breakthrough in Treating Cancer With a Virus

Oncolytic virus therapy shows promise for treating cancer by enhancing the immune system's response to tumors.
morecancer-treatment

The invasive species that keeps stowing away to Hawaii

Hawaii is experiencing a rise in illegal, non-native opossum sightings, posing potential risks to local ecosystems and endangered species.

CIA declassifies book detailing how the world will end

'The Adam and Eve Story' predicts a catastrophic event parallel to the Biblical 'Great Flood' due in part to Earth's magnetic field shifting.
#microplastics

Experts reveal if tap or bottled water is safer from toxic chemicals

Bottled water may be less safe than tap water, which is better regulated and contains fewer harmful microplastics.

Doctor reveals surprising items leaching cancer-causing microplastics

Microplastics in kitchen items pose significant health risks, including cancer, heart disease, and hormonal disruptions.

So many young people with colon cancer have clean diets. What gives?

Despite a healthy lifestyle, young people are increasingly being diagnosed with colon cancer, indicating other environmental factors may contribute.

Experts reveal if tap or bottled water is safer from toxic chemicals

Bottled water may be less safe than tap water, which is better regulated and contains fewer harmful microplastics.

Doctor reveals surprising items leaching cancer-causing microplastics

Microplastics in kitchen items pose significant health risks, including cancer, heart disease, and hormonal disruptions.

So many young people with colon cancer have clean diets. What gives?

Despite a healthy lifestyle, young people are increasingly being diagnosed with colon cancer, indicating other environmental factors may contribute.
moremicroplastics

From anecdotes to AI tools, how doctors make medical decisions is evolving with technology

The practice of medicine has shifted from anecdotal experience to data-driven approaches, particularly through evidence-based and precision medicine.

The mystery of an ancient skull takes a new turn after DNA analysis

The skull once believed to be Cleopatra's half sister actually belonged to a young boy, raising questions about historical assumptions.

Why Dumping Seawater on Blazes Isn't the Answer to California's Wildfire Problem

Coastal forests can initially withstand saltwater exposure, but prolonged effects can lead to serious health declines in trees.

Even 1 drink a day elevates your cancer risk - an expert on how alcohol affects the body breaks down a new government report

Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for several cancers, as highlighted in the recent Surgeon General Advisory.

Bay Area scientists awarded White House medals for science and technology

Helen Blau recognized with National Medal of Science for innovative approach in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

Greenland: The Semi-Final Frontier

Greenland's icy exterior conceals vast geothermal energy resources, presenting an opportunity for sustainable development and energy production.

Parade of planets 'seen as an omen from the gods' will soon appear

A rare planetary alignment will occur on January 21, 2023, visible in North America, predicted to bring spiritual transformations.

SpaceX Repeats Thrilling Rocket Booster Catchbut Loses the Rocket

SpaceX's Starship rocket experienced a rapid disassembly after a successful booster catch on its test flight, highlighting ongoing challenges in spacecraft development.

U.S. electricity demand is set to explode. That will make it harder to cut climate pollution

Increased natural gas consumption in the U.S. could impede greenhouse gas reduction goals, risking higher emissions and climate impact.

RNA molecule rejuvenates ageing mice by restoring old cells

Injecting aged mice with miR-302b RNA may reverse aging signs, enhancing longevity and cellular function, offering hope for future anti-aging drugs.

Ask Ethan: What are the biggest JWST discoveries so far?

JWST has significantly advanced our understanding of cosmic phenomena, revealing unprecedented properties of the Universe that previous telescopes could not.
#medical-research

An army of viruses against superbugs: Science revives phages to combat antibiotic resistance

Phage therapy is emerging as a viable treatment against antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to increasing resistance and the need for alternative therapies.

Daily briefing: AI-designed proteins offer lifeline for treating snake bites

AI can design proteins that effectively neutralize snake venom, showcasing a breakthrough in medical science.

An army of viruses against superbugs: Science revives phages to combat antibiotic resistance

Phage therapy is emerging as a viable treatment against antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to increasing resistance and the need for alternative therapies.

Daily briefing: AI-designed proteins offer lifeline for treating snake bites

AI can design proteins that effectively neutralize snake venom, showcasing a breakthrough in medical science.
moremedical-research

The Body Keeps the Score. Should We?

Future health planning may become even more obsessive as we learn how our bodies process information and memories at the cellular level.

SpaceX launches its Starship rocket on latest test flight but spacecraft is destroyed

SpaceX's latest Starship test flight experienced a loss of contact, resulting in the spacecraft's destruction despite successful booster recovery.

Genetic Study Reveals Cultural Integration in Avar Communities in the Early Middle Ages - Medievalists.net

Cultural identity among Avars in East Central Europe persisted despite significant genetic differences.

Investigating New Treatments for Rare Skin Lymphomas - News Center

A novel fusion protein therapy shows promise as an effective treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphomas in a recent clinical trial.

SpaceX's Starship test flight ends in failure after spacecraft is destroyed

SpaceX's Starship test flight ended in destruction after losing contact 8 minutes into the flight, despite a successful booster catch.

SpaceX loses spacecraft after catching rocket booster at the launch pad in latest Starship test

SpaceX's Starship test flight ended in failure, losing contact after 8.5 minutes despite successfully catching the booster with a redesigned launch tower.

Jeff Bezos' New Glenn Rocket Reaches Orbit on First Test Flight

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully reached orbit on its first test flight, marking a significant milestone for the company.

Why Are More Young Women Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer?

Younger women are increasingly diagnosed with breast cancer, with rates rising particularly among those under 50 years old.

Cancer deaths are declining, but diagnoses are rising especially among younger women

Cancer mortality has significantly declined, but young women face rising incidence rates despite improvements in detection and treatment.

Extinct Human Species Lived in a Brutal Desert, Study Finds

Adaptability in extreme environments is not exclusive to Homo sapiens; Homo erectus also thrived in harsh conditions.

Scientists closer to bringing woolly mammoth back from extinction

Colossal Biosciences aims to bring back woolly mammoths by 2028 using genetic engineering techniques.

Trump's energy secretary nominee faces questions over climate posts and LA fires

Chris Wright's nomination as Secretary of Energy is controversial due to his past statements on climate change and wildfires.

A Meteorite Is Caught on Camera as It Crashes Outside a Front Door

The Charlottetown meteorite is the first recorded in Prince Edward Island, significant for being captured on video with sound.
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