Cosmos & Physics
Exploring the fundamental laws of the universe, from quantum mechanics to the vast expanse of astrophysics and cosmology.
SpaceX Starship V3 rocket achieves mostly successful test flight
On May 22, the 408-foot-tall Starship V3, the largest rocket ever built, deployed 20 dummy satellites and splashed down on target, even as both stages experienced engine failures, according to Ars Tec
Beluga whales Natasha and Maris pass the mirror test
Natasha, a beluga whale, clapped her jaws and peered into her own mouth in a mirror, a behavior once deemed exclusive to a select few highly intelligent species.
Garlic compound tricks fruit fly taste receptors, stopping reproduction
In laboratory tests, a simple purée of garlic completely halted mating and egg-laying in fruit flies.
Cosmic Voids Challenge Understanding of Universe's Structure
Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, sits at the very center of a cosmic void spanning an astonishing 2 billion light-years wide, a discovery challenging current understanding of the universe's large-scale
Scientists Identify Mysterious Golden Orb Found Deep in Ocean
At 3,250 meters deep in the Gulf of Alaska, scientists found a softball-sized, glowing pale gold orb, sealed shut and utterly unidentifiable.
WHO Declares Ebola Emergency as Outbreak Spreads Rapidly
Just two days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026, the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak had already surged to ov
New Books Explore Vanishing Tongues and Life on Mars
Funding for Martian astrobiology research surged by 30% last year, while grants for endangered language documentation declined by 15%, according to the Global Science Monitor and the Endangered Langua
Scientists Develop Oral Spray to Tackle Dog Bad Breath
A new oral spray, developed by scientists at the University of California, Davis, has achieved an 85% reduction in volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) responsible for dog bad breath in clinical trials.
AI designs miniproteins to precisely control GPCR signaling
For the first time, artificial intelligence has designed custom miniproteins that precisely modulate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling in cells.
Rogue star blasts through galaxy, reshaping star formation
For the first time, astronomers have directly witnessed a rogue star, traveling at an estimated 2 million miles per hour, rip through the outer arm of a distant spiral galaxy.
Chickenpox parties pose serious dangers to vulnerable individuals
Since widespread vaccination, chickenpox cases in the U.
New Quintuple Agonist Shows Promise for Obesity and Diabetes in Mice
In obese mice, a single experimental drug molecule, a GLP-1R GIPR PPAR quintuple agonist, led to greater weight loss and better blood sugar control than semaglutide (Ozempic) and a standard GLP-1/GIP
Gut Bacteria Enhance Cancer Therapy by Reprogramming T Cells
In a groundbreaking discovery, the presence of Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), a common gut bacterium, dictates whether anti-PD-1 immunotherapy successfully shrinks melanoma tumors.
Dark Matter vs. Dark Energy: The Cosmic Forces Shaping Our Universe
Dark matter and dark energy constitute over 95% of the universe, acting as opposing cosmic forces. Dark matter provides gravitational scaffolding for structures, while dark energy drives accelerated expansion.
Naturwissenschaften retracts two Max Planck papers from 1940s
The journal Naturwissenschaften has completely removed two papers by physicist Max Planck from the 1940s, leaving only blank pages and a note citing 'article violation,' according to Ars Technica .
Positive Grassmannian Reveals New Mathematical Discoveries
Pieces of the positive Grassmannian, a complex mathematical object, reveal shared structures in systems as diverse as traffic flow, shallow-water waves, and quantum particle scattering, as reported by
Giant asteroid passes safely; undetected threats remain
A giant asteroid, 1997 NC1, will pass safely within seven lunar distances of Earth on June 27. This event, while benign, highlights that our ability to detect all potential threats before they pass remains imperfect.
Study on Morning Cancer Therapy Effectiveness Retracted Due to Flaws
A paper in Nature Medicine , which suggested non-small cell lung cancer patients could benefit from morning immunotherapy, has been formally retracted following a four-month investigation, according t
MIT expands calculus concepts and applications access for college success
In the fall of 2025, MIT launched the MIT4America Calculus Project.
NSF cuts hundreds of research programs
On May 2, the National Science Foundation (NSF) terminated over 330 active grants, part of a broader reduction in budgets for hundreds of basic science programs.
Automorphism defines local operators in quantum gravity
In the esoteric realm of quantum gravity, where defining fundamental particles has long been a conceptual quagmire, a new mathematical 'automorphism' now offers a surprising bridge between local and n
Blue Origin rebuilds launch pad as Relativity targets Mars
An uncrewed Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during an engine-firing test on May 28, forcing a rebuild of its Florida launch pad, according to WMBD Radio.
Ebola vaccine sits on shelf 15 years due to systemic failures
A 2011 vaccine candidate demonstrated 100% protection in macaques against the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, yet it has never been deployed in humans, leaving communities vulnerable to ongoing outbreaks.
Metrics' Inevitable Weakness Undermines Green Progress in 2026
After a decade of diligently tracking personal metrics—heart rate, steps, sleep—one author admitted gaining virtually no self-knowledge, as reported by Technologyreview .
AI reveals hidden animal behaviors, sparking ethical debates
AI software now tracks individual orangutans 24/7, monitoring their every move and behavior in real-time, revealing intimate details of their lives previously hidden from human observation, according
Iran's Strait of Hormuz Closure Disrupted Global Trade
Oil prices surged to $111 per barrel as war erupted, only to drop 10-11% after Iran's brief reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting Tehran's immediate global economic impact.
Woman starts medical residency at 73, redefining career paths
At nearly 73, Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft defies convention, beginning her medical residency as her medical school's oldest-ever graduate, according to the Washington Post .
Mothers' Leadership: Unlocking Workplace Potential
Upon returning to work, mothers demonstrate a significant surge in critical leadership competencies: conflict management, strategic scheduling, and effective communication, as reported by WBUR .
Google DeepMind commits $10M for multi-agent AI research
Google DeepMind, a pioneer in artificial intelligence, has committed up to $10 million to external researchers.
Elite athletes face immense mental and physical pressures
A 2023 survey revealed 91% of high school athletes experience sport-related stress, primarily due to fear of failure and self-pressure, according to The Augusta Chronicle.