Science
The latest in science news, from the depths of space to the quantum realm.
Scientists observe live cells responding to magnetic fields for first time
January 06, 2021
Exactly how some animals, such as birds, can detect magnetic fields remains a mystery. Now researchers in Japan may have found a crucial piece of the puzzle, making the first direct observations of live, unaltered cells responding to magnetic fields.
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NASA takes delivery of Orion Artemis I spacecraft
After fears that it might require disassembly, Lockheed Martin has completed work on the Artemis I Orion spacecraft and has formally transferred possession to NASA's Exploration Ground Systems team at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. -
Not-so-solitary electric eels observed hunting in packs
It has generally been thought that electric eels are purely solitary animals, which stalk prey on their own. Now, however, scientists have described seeing the creatures hunting in packs – which only nine other fish species are known to do. -
InSight's Mars "mole" abandoned after two years of troubleshooting
NASA and DLR have officially called it quits on InSight's "mole." The instrument was designed to drill deep into the Martian soil, but soon hit a snag and has now been abandoned after almost two years of troubleshooting failed to resolve the issue. -
Eye membrane removal may help transplanted cells reverse glaucoma damage
Glaucoma can cause vision loss that's currently irreversible. But now scientists have found that removing a membrane in the eye could help transplanted cells migrate into the optic nerve and repair the connections, potentially restoring lost vision. -
Astronomers may have detected background ripples in spacetime itself
The gravitational waves we’ve detected so far have been like tsunamis in the spacetime sea. Now, a 13-year survey of light from pulsars scattered across the galaxy may have revealed the first hints of gentle gravitational wave background signals. -
"Spectacular" new species of orange bat discovered in West Africa
Scientists working in the West African country of Guinea have discovered a new orange-furred species of bat. The rare discovery came while conducting field surveys in the isolated Nimba Mountain range. -
Blue Origin's New Shepard completes 14th flight, with improved capsule
Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket has successfully completed its 14th flight. On January 14, 2021, at 11:20 am, mission NS-14 lifted off on a suborbital trajectory with an improved crew capsule containing a dummy astronaut named Anakin Skywalker. -
World's oldest known figurative artwork found in Indonesian cave
Archaeologists have discovered what they claim to be the oldest example of figurative art made by human hands. An ochre painting of pigs, found on a cave wall in Indonesia, has been dated to be at least 45,500 years old. -
Sprinkle of chili compound boosts perovskite solar cell efficiency
A touch of chili peppers can spice up just about any dish – and maybe, it turns out, even solar cells. Researchers have now found that adding a sprinkle of capsaicin to a perovskite precursor can improve the efficiency of solar cells. -
Ancient Roman concrete mineral found strengthening nuclear reactor walls
Researchers have found that the concrete walls in a decommissioned power plant in Japan have not only kept their strength over the decades but have actually gotten stronger with use, thanks to a rare mineral also found in ancient Roman concrete. -
Experimental Alzheimer’s drug delivers promising Phase 2 trial results
Although yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has announced promising results from one of its Phase 2 human trials testing an experimental Alzheimer’s disease drug designed to slow cognitive decline. -
"Salmon cannon" successor automatically shoots fish up over dams
Back in 2014, we heard about a so-called "fish gun" or "salmon cannon" that safely shot spawning fish up over river-blocking obstacles such as dams. Its successor is now in use, offering a couple of key advantages over the original system.
