Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/index.htm/ en-us Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:27:38 EDT Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:27:38 EDT 60 Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/index.htm/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. Eating chili peppers may raise the risk of one deadly cancer https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084921.htm A major review found that people who consumed the most chili peppers had a substantially higher risk of esophageal cancer, though the evidence was less clear for stomach and colorectal cancers. Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not proof of cause and effect, and that more research is needed to determine whether moderate consumption carries similar risks. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:27:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084921.htm Popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy may slow biological aging https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084907.htm Researchers found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, slowed biological aging markers in adults with HIV, marking the first clinical evidence that the drug may influence human aging. Although the findings are encouraging, scientists say larger studies are needed before concluding that the medication can help people age more slowly. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:47:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084907.htm NASA's Perseverance just completed a marathon on Mars https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084858.htm NASA's Perseverance rover has reached an impressive new milestone on Mars, completing the equivalent of a full marathon by driving 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) across the Red Planet. It accomplished the feat in just five years and four months, reaching the distance on its 1,890th Martian day, less than half the time it took the previous record holder, NASA's Opportunity rover. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 01:32:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084858.htm NASA selects four new Moon missions to build a permanent lunar base https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084853.htm NASA is ramping up its lunar ambitions by awarding nearly $600 million for four commercial Moon landings planned for late 2028. Each mission will carry the same trio of science instruments to improve lunar navigation, study dangerous dust kicked up during landings, and map the Moon's radiation environment. The agency also revealed plans for new rovers, communication satellites, and additional cargo missions as it lays the groundwork for a permanent Moon Base. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:40:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084853.htm Alan Turing's biggest AI assumption may have been wrong https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084850.htm A new book claims AI has been built on a flawed assumption dating back to Alan Turing's famous 1950 paper. Peter J. Denning argues that the most important parts of human intelligence, including common sense, intuition, culture, and practical know-how, cannot be encoded into computers. He believes this makes true human-level AI impossible, regardless of how large language models become. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:12:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084850.htm This dinosaur fossil captures the final moments of a T. rex attack https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000811.htm A fossilized Edmontosaurus skull with a Tyrannosaurus tooth still embedded in its face has given scientists rare evidence of a dramatic predator-prey encounter. The discovery suggests the giant carnivore delivered an incredibly powerful face-to-face bite, offering new clues about how Tyrannosaurus hunted. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:48:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000811.htm A 37-year soil experiment revealed a hidden climate threat https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000809.htm The world's longest-running soil warming experiment has revealed an unexpected climate concern. After nearly four decades, researchers found that warming can cause microbes to break down stable soil carbon that scientists once believed was largely protected. That releases extra carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially accelerating global warming. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:56:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000809.htm Physicists say quantum mechanics may not need imaginary numbers after all https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000807.htm Physicists from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) have examined a fundamental property of quantum mechanics in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). In the scientific journal Physical Review Letters, they show that this theory does not necessarily need to be formulated with imaginary numbers – real numbers can in fact also be used. The American Physical Society has also dedicated a “Highlight” to these findings in its Physics Magazine. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 03:22:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000807.htm Yale scientists found a hidden network inside the eye https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000804.htm Researchers have discovered that the retina uses an unexpected communication network that lets separate visual pathways cooperate instead of working alone. A newly identified "commander" cell appears to coordinate this system, helping the eye detect faint details that might otherwise be missed. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:15:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000804.htm Losing just 80 minutes of sleep a night could make you gain weight https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000800.htm Sleeping about an hour and 20 minutes less each night for six weeks caused participants to gain weight and spend more time inactive. Researchers found that even mild, realistic sleep loss, similar to what many adults experience, had measurable effects. They warn that if this pattern continues over months or years, the health consequences could become much more significant, including a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:24:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000800.htm Stephen Hawking's black hole laws just got a major upgrade https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000757.htm Scientists have developed a new framework that could finally apply the laws of thermodynamics to real, ever-changing black holes instead of only perfectly stable ones. The advance may improve our understanding of black hole mergers, evaporation, and the powerful gravitational wave events detected by observatories like LIGO. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:41:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000757.htm A 200-year-old physics experiment could help build future computers https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000755.htm Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have discovered a surprisingly simple way to create exotic light structures called optical skyrmions using a 200-year-old optical effect known as the Poisson spot. Instead of relying on expensive, highly engineered materials, they simply shine a laser at a tiny circular disc, producing stable swirling patterns in light that researchers believe could one day help power advanced data storage, communications, and computing technologies. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:49:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000755.htm Where you live could shape your dementia risk, massive study finds https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000753.htm Researchers analyzing data from more than 214,000 people found that dementia risk factors differ widely across countries, challenging the idea of a one-size-fits-all prevention strategy. At the same time, they uncovered surprisingly consistent patterns that could help shape smarter, more targeted public health efforts. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:03:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000753.htm Scientists discover a hidden heart valve risk linked to gum disease https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000751.htm Researchers found that bacteria linked to gum disease may help drive the development of calcific aortic valve stenosis by triggering inflammation and calcium buildup in the heart valve. The early findings suggest that keeping gums healthy could play a role in reducing the risk of this serious heart condition. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 01:52:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000751.htm Scientists discover how the brain rewires itself to truly multitask https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011912.htm Practice may do more than make perfect. Researchers found that extensive training physically reorganizes the brain, allowing learned tasks to bypass the prefrontal cortex and run through specialized circuits instead. By freeing the brain's "thinking" center, people became better at performing another task at the same time, challenging the long-held idea that humans only switch rapidly between tasks rather than truly multitask. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 03:42:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011912.htm Why are healthy young non-smokers developing lung cancer? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011758.htm An unexpected study found that young non-smokers with healthier diets had higher rates of lung cancer, raising questions about whether pesticide exposure from conventionally grown produce could play a role. Researchers stress that the findings are preliminary and require further studies before any conclusions can be drawn. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:34:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011758.htm Scientists discovered the brain doesn't make decisions the way we thought https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011757.htm A new study suggests the brain begins making decisions much earlier than scientists previously thought. Researchers found that even primary sensory regions are influenced by higher brain areas through rapid feedback loops, rather than simply passing information forward. This more dynamic view of brain function could help engineers design future AI systems that think more like biological brains while using far less power. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:12:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011757.htm Exercise doesn't just strengthen the heart. It rewires it https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011755.htm Exercise doesn't just make the heart stronger. It also rewires the nerves that regulate it, a discovery that could pave the way for more personalized treatments for common heart conditions such as arrhythmias and angina. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:47:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011755.htm Are there aliens on exoplanet K2-18b? Scientists just scanned it for signals https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011748.htm K2-18b is one of the most promising worlds for the search for extraterrestrial life, so astronomers conducted an unusually powerful radio survey using both the VLA and MeerKAT telescopes. Advanced software analyzed millions of signals, filtering out Earth-based interference and other false positives. No convincing artificial radio transmissions were found, but the project demonstrated a powerful new approach that will make future SETI searches faster and far more effective. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:04:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011748.htm Scientists discover why peach fuzz can suddenly make you itch https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011740.htm A newly discovered network of fine hairs and specialized nerve cells appears to form a dedicated system for sensing mechanical itch, offering fresh insight into why chronic itching occurs. Because humans show signs of having the same pathway, the research could pave the way for more effective treatments for conditions such as eczema. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:16:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011740.htm Spider-like creatures help uncover the surprising origins of fatherhood https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011737.htm Citizen scientists have helped researchers solve a long-standing mystery about how parental care evolved in harvestmen. Using photos and observations from iNaturalist, scientists more than doubled the known cases of egg-guarding behavior and discovered that maternal and paternal care followed different evolutionary paths. The project, completed in just days with help from public data, shows how citizen science is transforming biological research on a global scale. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 19:49:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011737.htm Columbia scientists discover surprising link between serotonin and heart valve disease https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010131.htm Scientists have uncovered evidence that serotonin, the chemical best known for regulating mood, may also speed the progression of a common heart valve disease in some people. The research suggests that patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation who take SSRI antidepressants and carry a specific genetic variant may develop severe valve damage sooner, potentially requiring surgery at a younger age. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 23:11:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010131.htm New dark matter theory could solve multiple cosmic mysteries at once https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010128.htm Dark matter may be far more complicated than scientists once believed. A new study suggests it could consist of at least two different kinds of particles that slowly separate over time, with heavier particles sinking toward the centers of galaxies and lighter ones drifting outward. This simple idea could explain several puzzling cosmic observations that have frustrated astronomers for years, from unusually diffuse dwarf galaxies to surprisingly dense dark matter clumps that bend light through gravitational lensing. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:30:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010128.htm Deep-sea life has a secret food source scientists never expected https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010127.htm Scientists discovered that extreme deep-sea pressure squeezes valuable nutrients out of sinking organic particles, providing an unexpected food source for ocean microbes. The finding could rewrite our understanding of both deep-ocean ecosystems and how carbon is stored on Earth. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:14:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010127.htm Second pregnancy changes the brain in surprising new ways https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010125.htm Researchers found that every pregnancy rewires the brain in its own way, with a second pregnancy bringing a different pattern of changes than the first. The discoveries could lead to better ways to recognize and treat maternal mental health challenges, including peripartum depression. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:37:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010125.htm Physicists finally build a quantum material predicted more than a decade ago https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010123.htm Researchers have achieved a major milestone by creating a long-sought two-dimensional quantum material and confirming its unusual conducting edge states. The ability to control these states through strain could make the material a promising platform for future room-temperature quantum electronics. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 03:03:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010123.htm Scientists finally solved the mystery of Earth's greatest mass extinction https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010122.htm Why do beaches today have seashells from clams and snails instead of brachiopods? A new study suggests the answer lies in Earth's greatest mass extinction, when warming oceans and falling oxygen levels wiped out animals that couldn't adapt. Species with body plans and metabolisms better suited to the changing conditions survived and went on to dominate the seas, offering a glimpse of how modern marine life could respond to climate change. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:02:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010122.htm Physicists recreate black hole energy extraction in the lab https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010120.htm Researchers have recreated the physics of extracting energy from a spinning black hole using a stationary device that produces synthetic ultrafast rotation. The achievement transforms a long-standing theoretical idea into a practical experiment and could inspire new advances in optics, wireless communications, and quantum science. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:28:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010120.htm Experimental drug reverses severe fatty liver disease by repairing the gut https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010116.htm An experimental drug called DT-109 reversed severe fatty liver disease in animal studies by repairing the gut and preventing harmful toxins from damaging the liver. The discovery could open the door to a new class of treatments for MASH and potentially other diseases tied to gut health. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:22:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010116.htm Tiny bubbles could revolutionize inkjet printing https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010112.htm Ultra-fine bubbles may offer a cleaner way to perfect inkjet printing for next-generation electronics. By simply changing the number of bubbles in each droplet, researchers were able to dramatically reshape the final printed pattern without leaving behind unwanted chemical residues. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 02:32:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260711010112.htm Scientists warn invasive Asian mantises are threatening Europe's wildlife https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003540.htm Two striking Asian praying mantis species that have rapidly spread across Europe have now been officially classified as invasive, raising new concerns about their impact on native wildlife. Boosted by climate change and urban environments, these fast-breeding predators are expanding northward, where they prey on native insects, pollinators, and even small vertebrates while also reducing native mantis populations through deadly mating interactions. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:53:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003540.htm Future moon landings could wipe out clues to how life began on Earth https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003537.htm A new study suggests spacecraft exhaust could quickly contaminate the moon's most scientifically valuable regions, potentially masking ancient clues about how life began on Earth. Researchers say future lunar missions should consider new ways to reduce and monitor this pollution before it becomes widespread. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 20:48:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003537.htm Alzheimer's tau protein has a surprising secret role in memory https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003535.htm Researchers found that tau is essential for turning new experiences into lasting memories by helping organize the brain's memory-storing cells. The mouse study also revealed how abnormal tau may contribute to Alzheimer's by disrupting both the formation of new memories and the recall of existing ones. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:53:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003535.htm The biggest problem with solid-state batteries may finally be solved https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003533.htm Researchers solved the mystery of how soft lithium dendrites crack the hard ceramic inside solid-state batteries, triggering short circuits. The breakthrough could help engineers build safer, longer-lasting batteries for smartphones, electric vehicles, and other electronics. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:29:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003533.htm Yale scientists may have found how Parkinson's disease spreads through the brain https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003529.htm Yale scientists discovered two neuron surface proteins that appear to help spread the toxic protein linked to Parkinson’s disease. Blocking these proteins in mice dramatically reduced disease progression, offering a potential new target for future therapies. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:06:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003529.htm Europe just unveiled a new rival to SpaceX’s Starship https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003526.htm A detailed independent study found that SpaceX's Starship is every bit as revolutionary as expected, while revealing both its impressive capabilities and its biggest remaining hurdles. It also introduces an ambitious European rocket concept that could offer a very different route to affordable super heavy launches. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:14:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003526.htm The galaxy’s coldest “stars” may actually be alien megastructures https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003524.htm Scientists have identified new clues that could help astronomers spot one of the most famous hypothetical alien megastructures: a Dyson sphere. The study finds that red dwarfs and white dwarfs are the most promising stars to examine, since advanced civilizations could potentially build energy-harvesting swarms around them more easily. These objects would stand out by glowing in infrared light instead of visible light, lacking the dusty signatures of ordinary stars, and possibly flickering in unusual ways. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 02:04:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003524.htm This ultrasound treatment may help stop arthritis before it starts https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003521.htm A simple, non-invasive ultrasound treatment could one day help injured joints heal instead of remaining trapped in a cycle of damaging inflammation. Researchers at The University of Alabama in Huntsville found that continuous low-intensity ultrasound encouraged key immune cells called macrophages to shift from an inflammatory state toward one that supports tissue repair. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:07:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003521.htm NASA satellites are watching Earth's newest island rise from the sea https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003517.htm A newly discovered underwater volcanic eruption north of Papua New Guinea is unfolding in one of the world's most poorly mapped ocean basins. Satellites have spotted steam plumes, ash, thermal hotspots, and huge floating pumice rafts, suggesting magma is rising surprisingly close to the surface. Scientists are now watching closely to see if the eruption creates a new island, offering a rare opportunity to observe the birth of new land as it happens. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:57:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003517.htm Why gold never tarnishes has finally been explained https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003511.htm Gold may have a secret self-defense system that helps it resist tarnishing. Researchers discovered that atoms on gold surfaces reorganize themselves into patterns that block oxygen from reacting with the metal, suppressing oxidation by up to a trillion-fold. Beyond explaining why gold jewelry stays bright for generations, the finding could help scientists create more powerful gold-based catalysts for manufacturing and clean energy. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:36:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003511.htm This alien planet never has sunrise or sunset. It may support life https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160657.htm A planet with one side permanently roasting and the other frozen in endless darkness might still have a chance of supporting life. Researchers found that heat inside a tidally locked exoplanet could circulate in a stable, continuous loop, helping moderate temperatures in certain regions. Their laboratory model suggests these worlds may be more hospitable than previously thought, despite their extreme surface conditions. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:27:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160657.htm This frog bacterium wiped out cancer tumors in mice with a single dose https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160655.htm A naturally occurring bacterium from amphibian intestines completely eliminated colorectal tumors in mice with a single treatment by both attacking cancer cells and activating the immune system. The findings point to a promising new type of cancer therapy that could one day work against many solid tumors. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:13:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160655.htm Europe's most active volcano may have a secret origin https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160653.htm Mount Etna has long puzzled geologists because it doesn't fit any of the three classic ways volcanoes are thought to form. A new study suggests it may instead be fueled by ancient pockets of magma that are pushed upward through cracks created by shifting tectonic plates. If confirmed, Etna could belong to a rare fourth category of volcano, revealing that much larger volcanoes can form through processes previously associated only with small submarine eruptions. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:16:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160653.htm This electric field trick boosted heat flow by nearly 300% https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160651.htm Researchers discovered that electricity can dramatically reshape how heat flows through certain ceramic materials, increasing heat conduction by almost threefold in a preferred direction. The unexpected result could lead to much more efficient cooling technologies and energy-saving devices. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:18:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160651.htm Common blood pressure drug could make cancer therapy far more powerful https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160648.htm Researchers found that the common blood pressure drug telmisartan can significantly improve the performance of the cancer drug olaparib, potentially expanding its benefits beyond patients with BRCA-related tumors. The combination is already being tested in human clinical trials after showing strong immune-boosting and anticancer effects in preclinical studies. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 19:42:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160648.htm Why the human body has so many design flaws https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160641.htm Many of the body's biggest flaws are the result of evolution building on old designs instead of starting over. Our spine, eyes, teeth, pelvis, and even certain nerves all reveal compromises that worked well enough for survival but still leave us prone to pain, injury, and disease. Structures like the appendix and ear muscles also remain because they were never harmful enough for evolution to eliminate. Together, these features tell the story of a body shaped by history rather than perfection. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 22:35:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160641.htm Rare fossil goose rewrites the story of New Zealand's giant birds https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160637.htm Scientists have discovered a previously unknown fossil goose that challenges a decades-old theory about the evolution of New Zealand's birds. The find suggests the country's giant flightless geese evolved from much more recent arrivals, revealing a far more dynamic evolutionary history than once believed. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:57:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160637.htm Physicists created a tiny universe where time emerged without a clock https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160632.htm What if time doesn't actually exist until something changes? Scientists at the University of Birmingham created a tiny "mini universe" using 24,000 ultracold atoms and showed that the flow of time can emerge naturally from changes inside a quantum system, without relying on any external clock. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:46:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160632.htm This common pesticide may be quietly wiping out future bumblebees https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160630.htm A next-generation pesticide designed to kill crop pests may also be interfering with the reproductive health of bumblebees. Researchers discovered that low-dose exposure to sulfoxaflor changed gene activity, especially in tissues involved in reproduction, raising concerns about long-term impacts on bee populations. Because pollinators are essential for about one-third of the world's food production, finding ways to protect them while controlling pests has become increasingly important. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:58:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160630.htm Hawaii's famous “happy-face” spider has a surprising relative https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160627.htm A newly discovered Happy-Face spider in the Himalayas closely resembles Hawaii's iconic species but evolved independently, according to DNA evidence. Its mysterious smile-like markings, many color forms, and unexpected link to ginger plants have scientists eager to learn how the two distant species are connected. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:56:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260709160627.htm Heavy marijuana smoking may increase cancer risk, researchers warn https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022217.htm Heavy marijuana smoking may raise the risk of lung cancer and several head and neck cancers, according to growing research, but many important questions remain unanswered. Scientists are still trying to determine how much marijuana use is enough to significantly increase cancer risk. Edibles have not been linked to lung cancer so far, while the long-term effects of vaping marijuana and secondhand marijuana smoke are still being investigated. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:16:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022217.htm A vitamin A discovery is changing what scientists know about vision https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022214.htm A surprising discovery is reshaping scientists' understanding of how humans develop sharp central vision before birth. Instead of blue cone cells migrating away from the retina's center, the study found they transform into red and green cones under the influence of vitamin A-related signals and thyroid hormones. The findings could improve lab-grown retinal tissue and lay the groundwork for future cell therapies to restore vision lost to age-related eye diseases. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 01:15:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022214.htm A hidden immune backup system could supercharge mRNA cancer vaccines https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022212.htm Researchers found that mRNA cancer vaccines can recruit an unexpected immune cell to launch powerful tumor-fighting responses, overturning a long-held assumption about how the vaccines work. The discovery could lead to more effective cancer vaccines and help scientists tailor treatments for better patient outcomes. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:05:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022212.htm Trees keep absorbing carbon long after they stop growing https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022210.htm Oak trees keep absorbing carbon dioxide long after their annual growth has ended, revealing that photosynthesis and wood production are not as closely linked as scientists once believed. The finding could reshape forecasts of how much carbon forests will be able to store in a warmer future. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 02:28:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022210.htm Rare goblin shark filmed alive for the first time in the deep sea https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022208.htm For the first time, researchers have filmed the elusive goblin shark alive in the deep ocean where it naturally lives. The remarkable sightings greatly expand the shark's known range and depth, showing that this 125-million-year-old "living fossil" still has plenty of secrets left to reveal. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:00:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022208.htm Scientists found a longevity diet that helped mice eat more and lose fat https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022206.htm Scientists found that a modified Mediterranean-style diet with low protein and just enough methionine helped mice live healthier lives while reducing body fat and frailty. Human data also linked lower animal protein intake to lower rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, suggesting the approach could benefit people as well. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:54:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022206.htm The Ozempic and Wegovy mistake sending thousands to poison control https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022204.htm Poison control calls involving semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) soared after the drug was approved for weight management, with researchers linking the increase to accidental dosing mistakes rather than intentional misuse. Simple education about proper weekly dosing and gradual dose increases could help prevent many of these avoidable incidents. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:02:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022204.htm Harvard scientists turn a silicon chip into a DNA writing machine https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022202.htm Scientists have created a silicon chip that can write dozens of DNA sequences simultaneously using electricity and water-based enzymes, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional DNA manufacturing. The breakthrough could eventually support portable DNA-writing devices and even massive DNA data storage, although new chemistry will be needed to scale the technology further. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:48:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022202.htm Tiny silica particles wiped out aggressive prostate cancer in mice https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022158.htm Tiny silica nanoparticles engineered to seek out prostate cancer caused tumor cells to self-destruct and supercharged the immune system in preclinical mouse studies. Combined with immunotherapy, the treatment produced complete remissions in multiple mice, raising hopes for a powerful new approach to prostate cancer. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:18:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022158.htm Heidelberg physicists just united two opposing quantum theories https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022154.htm A new quantum theory bridges two rival models of how impurities behave inside many-particle systems, resolving a problem that has challenged physicists for decades. The findings could reshape experiments on ultracold atoms, semiconductors, and other exotic forms of quantum matter. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 20:15:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022154.htm