Astronomers observed a massive, multi-temperature plasma eruption from a young Sun-like star, revealing how early solar explosions could shape planets. These fierce events may have influenced the atmosphere and life-forming chemistry of the early Earth.

A team of scientists has developed a highly accurate blood test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The test reads tiny DNA patterns that reveal the biological signature of the illness. For millions who’ve faced doubt and misdiagnosis, it’s a breakthrough that finally validates their experience — and may help diagnose long Covid too.

Scientists have discovered that a “longevity gene” found in people who live beyond 100 can reverse heart aging in models of Progeria, a devastating disease that causes children to age rapidly. By introducing this supercentenarian gene into Progeria-affected cells and mice, researchers restored heart function, reduced tissue damage, and slowed aging symptoms. The discovery opens the door to new therapies inspired by the natural biology of long-lived humans—possibly reshaping how we treat both rare diseases and normal aging.

Disrupted sleep patterns in Alzheimer’s disease may be more than a symptom—they could be a driving force. Researchers at Washington University found that the brain’s circadian rhythms are thrown off in key cell types, changing when hundreds of genes turn on and off. This disruption, triggered by amyloid buildup, scrambles normal gene timing in microglia and astrocytes—cells vital for brain maintenance and immune defense.

On the Canary Islands, scientists discovered that the spider Dysdera tilosensis has halved its genome size in just a few million years—defying traditional evolutionary theories that predict larger, more repetitive genomes in island species. This unexpected downsizing, revealed through advanced genomic sequencing, shows that despite its smaller DNA, the island spider is genetically more diverse than its continental relatives.

UC Davis scientists uncovered Aptostichus ramirezae, a new trapdoor spider species living under California’s dunes. Genetic analysis revealed it was distinct from its close relative, Aptostichus simus. The species was named after pioneering arachnologist Martina Ramirez. Researchers warn that shrinking coastal habitats could threaten both species’ survival.

Spacetime isn’t something that exists; it’s a model for describing how events happen. Treating events as objects creates philosophical confusion and fuels misconceptions, such as time-travel paradoxes. Recognizing that events merely occur within an existing world brings clarity to physics and philosophy alike.

Earth’s climate balance isn’t just governed by the slow weathering of silicate rocks, which capture carbon and stabilize temperature over eons. New research reveals that biological and oceanic feedback loops—especially involving algae, phosphorus, and oxygen—can swing the planet’s temperature far more dramatically.

Scientists are revolutionizing how new marine species are described through the Ocean Species Discoveries initiative. Using advanced lab techniques, researchers recently unveiled 14 new species from ocean depths exceeding 6,000 meters. Their findings include a record-setting mollusk, a carnivorous bivalve, and a popcorn-like parasitic isopod. The project aims to make taxonomy faster, more accessible, and globally collaborative.

Researchers at Maynooth University have achieved a forensic milestone by revealing fingerprints on fired bullet casings using a safe electrochemical process. The method uses mild voltage and non-toxic materials to make hidden ridges visible within seconds. Effective even on aged casings, it could help investigators connect evidence directly to a suspect rather than just a weapon.

Cognitive struggles are climbing across the U.S., especially among young and economically disadvantaged adults. Rates of self-reported cognitive disability nearly doubled in people under 40 between 2013 and 2023. Researchers suspect social and economic inequality plays a major role and are urging further study to understand the trend’s causes and long-term impact.

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in light manipulation by using topological insulators to generate both even and odd terahertz frequencies through high-order harmonic generation (HHG). By embedding these exotic materials into nanostructured resonators, the team was able to amplify light in unprecedented ways, confirming long-theorized quantum effects. This discovery opens the door to new terahertz technologies with vast implications for ultrafast electronics, wireless communication, and quantum computing.

A team of astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope to create the first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet. The fiery WASP-18b, a massive “ultra-hot Jupiter,” revealed striking temperature contrasts, including regions so hot they destroy water molecules. This pioneering eclipse mapping technique lets scientists visualize alien weather in unprecedented detail and could soon be applied to smaller, rocky planets.

Cambridge researchers have engineered a solar-powered “artificial leaf” that mimics photosynthesis to make valuable chemicals sustainably. Their biohybrid device combines organic semiconductors and enzymes to convert CO₂ and sunlight into formate with high efficiency. It’s durable, non-toxic, and runs without fossil fuels—paving the way for a greener chemical industry.

Researchers uncovered that trace compounds like nickel and urea may have delayed Earth’s oxygenation for millions of years. Experiments mimicking early Earth revealed how their concentrations controlled cyanobacterial growth, dictating when oxygen began to accumulate. As nickel declined and urea stabilized, photosynthetic life thrived, sparking the Great Oxidation Event. The findings could also guide the search for biosignatures on distant worlds.

The debate over Nanotyrannus’ identity is finally over. A remarkably preserved fossil proves it was a mature species, not a teenage T. rex. This discovery rewrites how scientists understand tyrannosaur evolution and Cretaceous predator diversity. For the first time, T. rex must share its throne with a smaller, faster rival.

Researchers discovered that altering the body’s natural rhythm can help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s damage. By turning off a circadian protein in mice, they raised NAD+ levels and reduced harmful tau buildup. The findings suggest that adjusting the body’s clock may one day help prevent neurodegeneration.

New research from Australia overturns the old idea that exercise “uses up” heartbeats. It shows that fitter people actually use fewer total heartbeats each day thanks to their lower resting heart rates, even when accounting for workouts. Athletes’ hearts beat around 10% less daily, saving over 11,000 beats per day compared to sedentary people. This efficiency not only signals cardiovascular fitness but also translates to longer life expectancy and lower disease risk.

More screen time among children and teens is linked to higher risks of heart and metabolic problems, particularly when combined with insufficient sleep. Danish researchers discovered a measurable rise in cardiometabolic risk scores and a metabolic “fingerprint” in frequent screen users. Experts say better sleep and balanced daily routines can help offset these effects and safeguard lifelong health.