SCIENTIST
Why might obesity affect men and women differently? Scientists looked inside fat tissues
A UC Riverside study found that immune cells in fat tissue behaved differently in male and female mice. Female mice had a greater share of cells linked to keeping fat tissue stable. Male mice had a greater share linked to inflammation. The findings offer a clue about obesity, but researchers have yet to confirm the same pattern in people
Scientists compared flies from cool California forests with those from hot Southwestern deserts; a 2025 study found their brains responded differently to heat
Two fly species, Drosophila persimilis and Drosophila mojavensis, showcase fascinating adaptations to their environments, revealing their opposing responses to heat. While forest-dwelling flies evade warmth, their desert counterparts thrive in it. These contrasting behaviors highlight significant neural changes that not only reflect physical adaptations but also altered sensory processing. This research is pivotal in predicting how species may cope with the challenges of climate change.
In 2024, 1,865 volunteers reviewed underwater videos; cameras recorded 4 fish species missed by traditional traps
The Where's Walleye? project showcases how researchers leveraged traditional fish traps and high-tech underwater cameras to refine fish survey methods. With assistance from 1,865 citizen scientists, the project analyzed video footage to identify diverse fish species. Remarkably, the underwater cameras uncovered four species previously missed by conventional techniques, enhancing our comprehension of aquatic ecosystems and aiding in rare species monitoring.
In a Florence library, a 1551 astronomy book held handwritten notes that went unnoticed for centuries; a historian recognised them as Galileo’s writing from around 1590
A historian in Florence has discovered handwritten annotations believed to be Galileo Galilei’s in a 1551 copy of Ptolemy’s Almagest. The discovery sheds light on Galileo’s early engagement with geocentric astronomy before he became a leading supporter of heliocentrism. The mathematical notes and an accompanying biblical passage offer a rare glimpse into his intellectual and personal life, demonstrating how forgotten marginalia can reveal fascinating insights into history’s greatest minds.
Around 2,000 seabirds have washed ashore in California. Is intense El Niño reshaping marine life along the Pacific Coast?
Pacific Wildlife Care is treating an unprecedented number of seabirds suffering from starvation this year. The increase is attributed to climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, leading to warmer ocean temperatures. Many seabirds, particularly common murres, are arriving in poor condition and need medical assistance. A significant number of dead seabirds have been found along California beaches this autumn.
Do recent electoral setbacks for right-wing parties signal a turning of the illiberal tide?
Recent election setbacks for leaders such as Viktor Orban in Hungary, Aleksandar Vucic in Serbia, Jair Bolsonaro's political camp in Brazil, Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel and Donald Trump's Republicans in the US point to growing challenges for illiberal politics, according to the writer. These countries have experienced different degrees of democratic decline, with leaders using electoral victories to weaken institutions such as courts, the media and other checks on executive power.
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Dario Amodei says AI could make cancer, Alzheimer’s ‘relics of the past’ in less than a decade as Anthropic expands AI-driven drug discovery push
Anthropic is collaborating with several pharmaceutical companies to utilize AI in drug development processes. These partnerships aim to improve the efficiency of drug discovery, addressing complex challenges in medical research. Notable projects include redesigning therapeutic molecules and accelerating antibody designs for various diseases. Anthropic has also initiated its own research on rare childhood muscular dystrophies, targeting potential clinical trials by late 2028.
Army transformation goes beyond modern equipment and restructuring: General Dhiraj Seth
The COAS delivered an address on "Vision for Future Warfighting in the Indian Subcontinent" at the Mechanised Forces Symposium 2026, held at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The two-day symposium, organised by the Cavalry Officers' Association in collaboration with the Directorate General of Mechanised Forces, brings together senior serving officers, veterans, defence scientists, industry representatives and strategic thinkers to deliberate on the changing character of warfare.
NECTAR to host international workshop on cold plasma and pulse power in Shillong
The Northeast Center for Technology Application and Reach will hold the COFHA workshop in Shillong in December 2026. Participants will include scientists, engineers, and researchers from India and abroad. The workshop aims to explore cold plasma applications in various sectors, including food and agriculture. Sessions will cover food safety, seed treatment, and biomedical applications, focusing on emerging technologies. Keynote speakers will include experts from prominent universities around the world.
MIT researchers traced the family history of over 1 million cells in developing mouse embryos; the map revealed when cells began becoming different organs
A research team from MIT has mapped the lineage of over a million cells in mouse embryos. This extensive study reveals how cells decide to form specific tissues during development. The new technique allows scientists to identify where developmental errors occur, which may lead to birth defects. It also provides insights for cancer research by highlighting early changes in healthy cells.
In 1954, Bell Labs scientists Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson unveiled a solar battery that helped advance solar-powered technology
On April 25, 1954, Bell Telephone Laboratories made a significant breakthrough by introducing a solar battery designed to power telephone systems. The focus was on enhancing efficiency, enabling solar cells to transform 6% of sunlight into usable electricity. While it started as a specialized technology, solar energy has seen remarkable adoption, with projections suggesting that by 2026, it will represent a major share of new energy production.
Since 2023, over 3,000 volunteers have searched satellite images for clouds; their answers are helping scientists check what computers miss
Thousands of volunteers are analyzing satellite images to assist in accurate cloud classification and detection. The CloudCatcher project aims to enhance the understanding of cloud patterns and their effects on climate. Human input provides valuable data to refine the capabilities of automated systems used in cloud detection. This collaboration showcases the growing trend of involving the public in environmental research efforts.
In 2025, over 1,000 volunteers searched telescope images for galaxies that bend light; they helped find 497 possible cosmic lenses
Volunteers from around the world are actively participating in the Space Warps project to analyze galaxy images. They help identify rare gravitational lens candidates using data from the Euclid Space Telescope. This collaboration combines human observations with machine-learning systems for more accurate results. The project emphasizes the importance of citizen science in exploring vast astronomical datasets.
Arunachal Pradesh inaugurates geothermal-powered drying unit to boost farmers' incomes
Arunachal Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul inaugurated a geothermal-powered drying unit in Dirang, West Kameng district, to promote renewable energy, reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers' incomes. Developed with support from India, Norway and Iceland, the facility will use natural geothermal heat to preserve local agricultural and livestock products. Pul also urged the Centre to expedite the Seismic Microzonation Project to strengthen earthquake preparedness in the state.
Gemini 4 Carbon opens to developers, enterprises with advanced AI capabilities for complex tasks
Google has expanded access to its Gemini 4 Carbon artificial intelligence (AI) model to developers, businesses, scientists and consumers, as it seeks to bring advanced AI capabilities to tasks such as software development, financial research and cybersecurity that require multiple steps and extended reasoning.
Heat-trapping carbon pollution drops, but scientists cite the Iran war rather than energy progress
This year, global carbon emissions fell by 0.4%, driven by oil supply disruptions from the conflict in Iran. While oil and natural gas emissions experienced notable declines, there was a small uptick in coal emissions. Experts caution that these improvements may not be guaranteed, attributing them primarily to external influences.
Indian sector of Southern Ocean sees rising oxygen levels, contrary to global trend: Study
Research reveals that oxygen levels in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean increased significantly from 1993 to 2025. This rise is attributed to enhanced ocean ventilation processes affecting the deeper water layers. Results indicate that the Antarctic Zone experienced notable increases in dissolved oxygen concentration. Observations show a retreat of winter water layers, indicating changes in ocean structure.
In 2017, California replaced a fish-blocking road crossing on Upper Green Valley Creek; surveys later found 136 young steelhead upstream of the former barrier
In 2017, engineers undertook a significant project to replace an old culvert that hindered fish migration in Upper Green Valley Creek. The successful replacement is evidenced by the discovery of 136 young steelhead fish in previously unreachable habitats. Researchers are actively studying the long-term effects on these fish populations and their growth.
COP31 a 'moment of truth': UN chief Guterres urges world leaders to act now on climate change
António Guterres has urged global leaders to take immediate action against climate change ahead of the COP31 summit. He emphasizes that responsibility should not be shifted and that everyone must commit to change now. Guterres highlights the worsening impact of climate disasters and the interplay between climate change and other global challenges. Additionally, he believes that fossil fuel companies should contribute by being taxed on their profits.
'Liquid biopsy can ease financial burden for cancer patients': Scientists on how a $1,000 test could save $10,000 in treatment costs
Liquid biopsy, a blood-based test that detects and analyses cancer-related biomarkers, is gaining ground as a tool to monitor disease progression and guide treatment decisions. Scientists Catherine Alix-Panabieres and Klaus Pantel, who coined the term in 2010, spoke to ET about its growing role in cancer care, the potential to reduce treatment costs through personalised medicine, and the need for more clinical trials to establish its benefits for patients.
Moral judgments can be manipulated using magnetic waves. How MIT scientists discovered a way to change people's sense of right and wrong
Scientists at MIT discovered that magnetic pulses targeting a specific brain region can temporarily influence how people judge right and wrong. In an experiment, participants became more likely to consider harmful actions acceptable when the intended harm did not occur, revealing how the brain processes intentions and outcomes when making moral decisions.
World's largest penguin colony loses 63% of its Penguins; scientists say climate change is to blame, not volcano
Zavodovski Island, located in the frigid reaches of Antarctica, has witnessed a staggering decline of nearly two-thirds in its breeding chinstrap penguin population since 2011. Researchers attribute this worrying trend to environmental changes and rising ocean temperatures. In contrast, macaroni penguins have thrived, experiencing a 28% increase in numbers, highlighting a shift in biodiversity.
Northwestern scientists put tiny particles in liquid under an electric field; they began moving together without touching, and the liquid carried the signals
Engineers at Northwestern University have made a fascinating discovery: tiny plastic spheres can synchronize their movements within a liquid environment. Remarkably, this phenomenon arises from fluid interactions rather than direct communication or contact. These findings could illuminate the dynamics of coordination seen in nature, such as in fireflies or heart cells. Researchers hope to leverage this synchronization to explore potential applications across various fields.
In Yosemite, scientists monitored 4 ponds for 7 years as invasive bullfrogs were removed; juvenile native turtles reappeared at affected ponds by 2019
Scientists observed a decline in juvenile turtles in Yosemite due to invasive bullfrogs preying on them. After nearly eradicating the bullfrog population, baby turtles began reappearing in the affected ponds. The study involved monitoring turtle populations over seven years to measure recovery and changes. Northwestern pond turtles are critical to California's freshwater ecosystems, and conserving them is crucial. The findings highlight how controlling invasive species can benefit native wildlife populations.
Laika became the first dog to orbit Earth 69 years ago. Decades later, a scientist revealed what really happened hust hours after launch
Laika became the first animal to orbit Earth when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 in November 1957. While the mission made history, the stray dog died just hours after liftoff. A Russian scientist revealed the actual circumstances of her death in 2002, challenging the Soviet Union's earlier account of the mission.
MIT scientists shone patterned light on starfish egg cells carrying a modified enzyme; the cells moved and changed shape, and some were stretched into squares
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have engineered starfish egg cells to respond to light stimuli, allowing them to dynamically alter their shapes. These cells can morph from elongated squares to contracted forms depending on the intensity of light exposure. This innovative research opens doors for potential advancements in synthetic biology, including tissue repair and targeted drug delivery systems that activate precisely where needed.
A two-feet “leopard eel” was hiding in US swamps; Scientists took years to identify it
An eel-like animal with spotted markings and frilly gills had been turning up in Florida and Alabama waters for years. In 2018, scientists described it as the reticulated siren, a salamander and a species new to science. Its identification relied on a 1970 museum specimen, years of fieldwork and DNA analysis.
Did humans cancel the next ice age? Ancient moss reveals an ice cap growing for centuries and global warming may have reversed it, here's what scientists found
Plants uncovered by melting Arctic ice have revealed a surprising change in its history. Scientists believe that the findings could alter how we identify the beginning of an ice age.
Did comets help start life on Earth? A new study questions the idea and scientists are baffled
Scientists have been researching for a long time whether comets brought important chemicals to early Earth. A new study has examined whether those chemicals could survive the journey. However, the results have raised questions about a familiar idea, but the mystery remains open.
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