Is there a fundamental logic to life
One of the more daunting questions related to astrobiology—the search for life in the cosmos—concerns the nature of life itself.
For over a century, biologists...
How ‘sad’ bananas could help tackle food waste
Bananas are a sociable fruit.
They thrive in bunches, bound by a unifying stalk which joins them happily together in curvy yellow brightness.
But what about...
Breakthroughs in biotechnology for healthcare in 2024
Biotechnology, which uses living systems and organisms to develop new products, is transforming healthcare in incredible ways.
In 2024, advancements in this field have opened...
How a giant prehistoric elephant skull helped untangle an evolutionary mystery
About 400,000 years ago, early humans in Europe, Asia and Africa lived alongside giant straight-tusked elephants, far bigger than their modern-day cousins.
Their evolution has...
How Emperor Penguins detoxify mercury: A new pathway uncovered
Scientists have discovered a new way emperor penguins detoxify mercury, revealing a surprising detoxification pathway not seen in animals before.
This finding, published in the...
Why do disinfectants only kill 99.9% of germs? Here’s the science
Have you ever wondered why most disinfectants indicate they kill 99.9% or 99.99% of germs, but never promise to wipe out all of them?
Perhaps...
Where’s the most promising place to find Martian life
New research suggests that our best hopes for finding existing life on Mars isn’t on the surface, but buried deep within the crust.
Several years...
Hidden worlds beneath the Arctic: Mysterious ocean vents offer clues to alien life
A groundbreaking study has revealed unexpected diversity in hydrothermal vent formations deep beneath the Arctic Ocean.
These findings shed light on the mysterious origins of...
How fungi create powerful medicinal molecules
For nearly a century, fungi have been a treasure trove of life-saving medicines.
From Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928 to treatments for cholesterol,...
How desert plants could revolutionize clean energy
Scientists have discovered a more eco-friendly way to produce energy by using plants that thrive in dry, harsh environments like deserts.
These drought-tolerant plants, also...