Science
Topic feedScientists discover unicellular organism that sheds light on evolution of animal multicellularity
Researchers found that Ministeria vibrans, a single-celled marine organism closely related to animals, forms stable aggregates using genes similar to those involved in animal multicellular development. The discovery suggests that aggregation—previously dismissed as a pathway to complex multicellularity—may have been crucial in the evolution of animals from unicellular ancestors. This finding reshapes understanding of how the genetic toolkit for animal multicellularity originated.
Ancient Ground Squirrels Consumed Megafauna Carcasses, DNA Study Reveals
A study of 700,000-year-old fossilized ground squirrel feces from Canada's Yukon territory reveals that ancient ground squirrels ate diverse diets including plants, insects, and carcasses of woolly mammoths, bison, and big cats. The research analyzed DNA from coprolites found in burrows exposed by gold-mining operations in the Klondike region. The findings provide new insights into Pleistocene ecosystems and document some of North America's oldest mammoth DNA.
Scientists Sequence Sloth Genome, Revealing Genetic Basis for Slow Metabolism
Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the two-toed sloth genome for the first time, identifying genetic factors that explain the animal's extremely slow metabolism. Sloths are the slowest mammals on Earth, and their dense jungle habitat has historically made them difficult to study scientifically. Understanding sloth genetics provides insight into how metabolism evolved in response to environmental pressures and resource availability.
NASA Announces Artemis III Crew for 2027 Orbital Test Mission
NASA announced the four-person crew for the Artemis III mission scheduled for 2027, including commander Randy Bresnik, pilot Luca Parmitano (ESA), and mission specialists Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio. Artemis III will conduct critical tests in low Earth orbit, including rendezvous and docking operations with commercial lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. The mission is essential preparation for Artemis IV, which aims to land astronauts at the lunar South Pole in 2028.
NASA Launches June 2026 Satellite Image Puzzle Challenge
NASA Earth Observatory has released a satellite image puzzle for June 2026, inviting the public to identify the location shown in the photograph. The monthly challenge encourages participants to analyze satellite imagery and identify geographic features using visual clues. Winners receive recognition and bragging rights, with detailed explanations provided about a week after submission.
Study Identifies Glucose Transporter Protein as Critical for Pregnancy Success and Gestational Diabetes Prevention
Researchers using a mouse model found that Glucose Transporter 1 (Glut1) in uterine cells is essential for successful pregnancy and preventing gestational diabetes. The protein regulates glucose uptake in the endometrium and controls metabolic processes needed to support fetal development. The findings could help explain why some pregnancies fail and lead to new approaches for preventing gestational diabetes, which affects approximately 1 in 7 pregnancies.
Scientists Explain Why Gold Nanoparticles Are Catalytically Active Despite Gold's Inertness
Researchers have discovered that gold's chemical inertness is not an inherent property of gold atoms themselves, but rather a characteristic of the crystal surfaces that bulk gold forms. This finding explains the long-standing puzzle of why gold nanoparticles exhibit catalytic properties despite gold being one of the least reactive metals. The discovery has implications for understanding catalysis and potentially developing new materials for chemical reactions.
Osprey Pair Nests Atop Queensland Rainforest Research Crane for 15 Years
A pair of ospreys has been nesting and mating atop a 47-meter tall research crane at James Cook University in Queensland's Daintree Rainforest for 15 consecutive years. The crane, used for canopy research, provides an ideal elevated nesting location for the seabirds, and researchers now stream live footage of the nest online. The long-term occupancy demonstrates how wildlife can adapt to and utilize human research infrastructure in natural environments.
Ancient Koala Population Collapse 100,000 Years Ago Linked to Global Glacial Cycles
A new study reveals that koala populations experienced a dramatic crash approximately 100,000 years ago, likely caused by global glacial cycles that altered their habitat. This ancient population decline provides context for understanding the species' current vulnerability to environmental changes. The findings help explain why koalas today remain susceptible to population fluctuations and are now endangered in several Australian regions.
Ancient Ground Squirrel Droppings in Yukon Permafrost Reveal Arctic Ecosystem History
Researchers recovered and sequenced environmental DNA from millennia-old ground squirrel droppings preserved in Yukon permafrost, revealing genetic information about dozens of plant, insect, microbial, and mammal species. The findings represent some of the oldest ancient DNA ever successfully recovered and sequenced. This discovery provides unprecedented insight into past Arctic ecosystems and their evolutionary changes over time.
New Dating Study Reveals Thousands of Years of Continuous Use at Spain's Sala Keimada Rock Art Site
Researchers from Spain's CENIEH have published new dating analysis of Sala Keimada, a rock art sanctuary within Cueva Palomera cave in the Ojo Guareña Karst Complex. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, provides evidence of extended human occupation and artistic activity at the site. This research contributes to understanding long-term patterns of human habitation and cultural practices in prehistoric Spain.
Study Shows Household Plastic Waste Separation Produces Higher Quality Recyclables Than Post-Collection Sorting
A new study in Nature comparing plastic waste separation methods in the Netherlands found that household-separated plastic waste is cleaner and less contaminated than waste sorted at recycling facilities. The research examined differences between pre-collection household sorting and post-collection facility sorting, analyzing contamination levels and material quality. The findings suggest that household-level waste separation policies may be more economical for improving plastic recycling rates globally.