Researchers have unveiled a new model for the universe’s birth that replaces cosmic inflation with gravitational waves as the driving force behind creation. Their simulations show that gravity and quantum mechanics may alone explain the structure of the cosmos. This elegant approach challenges traditional Big Bang interpretations and revives a century-old idea rooted in Einstein’s work.

Scientists have found a new way to stop cancer growth without damaging healthy cells. Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute and Vividion Therapeutics discovered a compound that blocks the signal telling cancer cells to grow and divide. The treatment worked in mice with lung and breast tumors and didn’t cause harmful side effects seen in earlier drugs. Now entering human trials, this breakthrough could open the door to safer, more precise cancer therapies.

Both regular and “diet” soft drinks may be far worse for liver health than believed. A massive study of over 120,000 participants found that consuming more than one can a day of either sugar-sweetened or low/no-sugar beverages sharply increased the risk of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and even liver-related deaths. Surprisingly, “diet” drinks carried similar or higher risks, potentially through changes in gut bacteria and appetite regulation.

Scientists at Johns Hopkins may be closing in on dark matter’s elusive trail, uncovering a mysterious gamma ray glow at the heart of our galaxy that could signal unseen matter colliding — or perhaps the frantic spin of dying stars. Using advanced simulations that account for the Milky Way’s ancient formation, researchers found a near-perfect match between theoretical and observed gamma ray maps, tightening the link between dark matter and this puzzling energy. Yet the mystery remains: could these signals come from millisecond pulsars instead?

Researchers found that triple-negative breast cancer cells are “addicted” to lipids, a feature tied to obesity. By studying mice, they discovered that high lipid levels alone accelerate tumor growth. Lowering these fats slowed cancer progression, suggesting that lipid-lowering treatments could help. The findings also caution against high-fat diets such as keto for patients with obesity.

Weight-loss surgery dramatically outperformed GLP-1 medications in improving longevity and reducing heart, kidney, and eye complications for people with obesity and diabetes. Over 10 years, patients lost far more weight and required fewer medications. Experts say surgery continues to offer survival advantages even in the age of potent obesity drugs.

Stanford scientists have solved a long-standing challenge in growing brain organoids by using a simple food additive to keep them from sticking together. The breakthrough enables the production of thousands of identical mini-brains at once, making large-scale testing and research possible. This leap could revolutionize how we study brain development and screen drugs for side effects. The discovery opens new paths to understanding and treating disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

Salk Institute scientists discovered that bile acids in the liver can weaken immune cell function, making immunotherapy less effective against liver cancer. They pinpointed specific bile acids that suppress T cells and found that supplementing with UDCA reversed the effect, controlling tumor growth in mice. Since UDCA is already used for liver disease, it could quickly translate into clinical trials.

EMBL researchers created SDR-seq, a next-generation tool that decodes both DNA and RNA from the same cell. It finally opens access to non-coding regions, where most disease-associated genetic variants lie. By revealing how these variants affect gene activity, scientists can better understand complex diseases and develop improved diagnostic tools.

A long-term Australian study found that calcium supplements do not raise dementia risk in older women, countering previous fears. The research followed more than 1,400 participants for nearly 15 years and revealed no harmful cognitive effects. Scientists say these results should reassure those using calcium to prevent osteoporosis, though more research is needed across broader populations.

A collaboration between the University of Michigan and AFRL has resulted in 3D-printed metamaterials that can block vibrations using complex geometries. Inspired by nature and theoretical physics, these “kagome tubes” demonstrate how geometry can yield properties that chemistry alone cannot achieve. While the innovation could reshape structural design, researchers still face challenges in balancing weight and strength while developing new testing frameworks.

Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other GLP-1 drugs appear to slow alcohol absorption and blunt its intoxicating effects, according to new research. The study found participants on these medications felt less drunk despite consuming the same amount of alcohol. This could point to a safer, faster-acting way to help people reduce drinking—distinct from traditional treatments that target the brain directly.

Researchers discovered how to stabilize a high-performance sodium compound, giving sodium-based solid-state batteries the power and stability they’ve long lacked. The new material conducts ions far more efficiently and supports thicker, energy-dense cathodes. Because it relies on a proven technique, it’s also easier to scale up for real-world use. This could bring safer, cheaper, greener batteries much closer to reality.

Researchers have discovered chemical fingerprints of Earth's earliest incarnation, preserved in ancient mantle rocks. A unique imbalance in potassium isotopes points to remnants of “proto Earth” material that survived the planet’s violent formation. The study suggests the original building blocks of Earth remain hidden beneath its surface, offering a direct glimpse into our planet’s ancient origins.

Scientists from NASA and Chalmers University have discovered that incompatible substances can mix on Titan’s icy surface, breaking the “like dissolves like” rule of chemistry. Under ultra-cold conditions, hydrogen cyanide can form stable crystals with methane and ethane. This surprising reaction could help explain Titan’s mysterious landscapes and offer clues to how life’s building blocks formed.

For the first time, scientists observed a black hole tearing apart a star far from its galaxy’s center, producing the fastest-changing radio signals ever recorded. The event, AT 2024tvd, revealed delayed bursts of energy months after the initial destruction, hinting at mysterious, episodic black hole activity. This rare find reshapes understanding of where supermassive black holes reside and how they evolve.

Scientists discovered true teeth growing on the head of the spotted ratfish, a distant shark relative. The toothed structure, called a tenaculum, helps males hold onto females during mating. Genetic evidence shows these head teeth share the same origins as oral teeth, overturning assumptions that teeth only evolve in jaws. This discovery reshapes the story of dental evolution across vertebrates.

Scientists have found a way to transform hard-to-treat tumors into targets for the immune system. Using two protein stimulators, they activated strong T-cell and B-cell responses and built immune structures inside tumors that improved survival and prevented recurrence. This approach could make existing immunotherapies and chemotherapies more effective and long-lasting.

Researchers discovered a new field of ancient tektites in South Australia, revealing a long-forgotten asteroid impact. These 11-million-year-old glass fragments differ chemically and geographically from other known tektites. Although the crater remains missing, the find exposes a massive event once thought unrecorded, offering clues to Earth’s tumultuous past and planetary defense.

Ryugu’s samples reveal that water activity on asteroids lasted far longer than scientists thought, possibly reshaping theories of how Earth gained its oceans. A billion-year-old impact may have melted ancient ice, keeping asteroids wet and influential far into solar system history.