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Latest News

Galaxy Undergoing a Starburst Artist's Impression space wallpaper

James Webb telescope's observations of 'impossible' galaxies at the dawn of time may finally have an explanation

Ben Turner published 3 October 23

A new set of simulations suggests that the unusual brightness of early galaxies discovered by the James Webb telescope could be because of a strange, rapid-burst mode of star formation.

A black and white image of the surface of Mars with a small twister on the horizon (circled)

Massive Martian 'dust devil' filmed by NASA's Perseverance rover is 5 times taller than the Empire State Building

Harry Baker published 3 October 23

The Perseverance rover has captured footage of an unusually large twister, or "dust devil," moving across the Martian landscape. Based on images of the swirling storm, researchers estimate that it could be more than a mile tall.

A computer generated image of a large long-necked sauropod standing in a clearing

Giant never-before-seen long-necked 'titan' dinosaur unearthed in Europe

Harry Baker published 3 October 23

The newly identified titanosaur, Garumbatitan morellensis, roamed what is now Spain around 122 million years ago. The unusual shape of some of its bones could hold clues about the evolutionary history of a unique group of sauropods.

Woman suffering from dizziness with difficulty standing up.

Why do you get dizzy if you stand up too fast?

Anna Gora published 3 October 23

It's normal for you to occasionally get dizzy and for your vision to go dark when you stand up, but it can sometimes be a sign of a chronic health condition.

NASA's Viking 1 Orbiter spacecraft photographed this region in the northern latitudes of Mars on July 25, 1976 while searching for a landing site for the Viking 2 Lander.

15 Mars objects that look like signs of life (but aren't)

Stephanie Pappas, Natalie Wolchover, Brandon Specktor published 3 October 23

From Martian 'faces' to blueberries and bears, the Red Planet has long tricked human minds into seeing signs of life that aren't there.

An illustration of gravitational waves.

Nobel Prize in Physics: 1901-Present

Live Science Staff last updated 3 October 23

Here's a look at all winners of the Nobel Prize in physics, including Steven Chu, Aage Niels Bohr and Enrico Fermi.

Traditional antibiotics drive bacteria toward drug resistance, so scientists are looking to viruses, CRISPR, designer molecules and protein swords for better treatments.
Dangerous 'superbugs' are a growing threat, and antibiotics can't stop their rise. What can? Traditional antibiotics drive bacteria toward drug resistance, so scientists are looking to viruses, CRISPR, designer molecules and protein swords for better treatments.
A new set of simulations suggests that the unusual brightness of early galaxies discovered by the James Webb telescope could be because of a strange, rapid-burst mode of star formation.
James Webb telescope's observations of 'impossible' galaxies at the dawn of time may finally have an explanation A new set of simulations suggests that the unusual brightness of early galaxies discovered by the James Webb telescope could be because of a strange, rapid-burst mode of star formation.
The trio devised methods for creating the tiniest slices of light.
Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to three scientists who glimpsed the inner world of atoms with tiny light pulses The trio devised methods for creating the tiniest slices of light.
The newly identified titanosaur, Garumbatitan morellensis, roamed what is now Spain around 122 million years ago. The unusual shape of some of its bones could hold clues about the evolutionary history of a unique group of sauropods.
Giant never-before-seen long-necked 'titan' dinosaur unearthed in Europe The newly identified titanosaur, Garumbatitan morellensis, roamed what is now Spain around 122 million years ago. The unusual shape of some of its bones could hold clues about the evolutionary history of a unique group of sauropods.
The Perseverance rover has captured footage of an unusually large twister, or "dust devil," moving across the Martian landscape. Based on images of the swirling storm, researchers estimate that it could be more than a mile tall.
Massive Martian 'dust devil' filmed by NASA's Perseverance rover is 5 times taller than the Empire State Building The Perseverance rover has captured footage of an unusually large twister, or "dust devil," moving across the Martian landscape. Based on images of the swirling storm, researchers estimate that it could be more than a mile tall.
A new analysis of the Altar Stone at Stonehenge suggests it may have come from as far north as Scotland, allowing for "creative thinking" about its archaeological significance.
100-year-old origin theory of Stonehenge's iconic Altar Stone could be wrong, scientists say A new analysis of the Altar Stone at Stonehenge suggests it may have come from as far north as Scotland, allowing for "creative thinking" about its archaeological significance.
New research hints at how psychedelics trigger rapid, lasting change at the neuronal level.
Psychedelics rapidly change the brain. Here's how. New research hints at how psychedelics trigger rapid, lasting change at the neuronal level.

Planet Earth

A silver-colored raw chunk of neodymium stone, part of the rare earth group, the world's strongest magnetic ore used in the technology industry.

Why are rare earth elements so rare?

By Victoria Atkinson published 1 October 23

There are 17 rare earth elements on the periodic table, but a better name for them would be the "troublesome earths." Here's why.

Geology
A lone stone grave surrounded by wild summer flowers meadow with a stone wall in the background.

After you die, your microbiome cooperates with soil microbes to 'recycle' your body

By Jennifer DeBruyn published 29 September 23

After you die, bacteria harvest your body for the nutrients that help push daisies.

Microbiology
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  1. GIF of facial reconstruction process at the Kilmartin Museum.
    1
    See the 'amazing' facial reconstruction of a Bronze Age woman discovered crouching in a 4,200-year-old grave
  2. 2
    James Webb telescope spots thousands of Milky Way lookalikes that 'shouldn't exist' swarming across the early universe
  3. 3
    Mammals may be driven to extinction by volcanic new supercontinent Pangaea Ultima
  4. 4
    The strange story of sharks that lived in a golf course pond for 20 years — then vanished
  5. 5
    Kelping is a 'global phenomenon' sweeping the world of humpback whales, scientists say
  1. In this image, a young man is seen sitting on a sofa in his living room, looking uncomfortable and holding his stomach, presumably due to digestive problems.
    1
    Which foods make the smelliest farts?

Space

Astronauts Gui Haichao and Zhu Yangzhu light a candle aboard the Tiangong Space Station during a live lecture on Sept. 21, 2023.

Watch Chinese astronauts light a spherical fire in risky open-flame experiment on Tiangong space station

By Andrew Jones published 2 October 23

Chinese astronauts lit a match while filming a lecture aboard the Tiangong Space Station, creating a spherical open flame that would be forbidden aboard the ISS.

Space Exploration
Massive star in a bright yellow and orange fireball with a glowing red aurora.

'Significant and unexpected': Dying star spits out a sun's worth of mass just before going supernova

By Keith Cooper published 1 October 23

A supernova, pinpointed by amateur astronomers, could reveal unexpected new steps in the deaths of massive stars.

Astronomy
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archaeology

This inscription of part of a psalm was found on a stone on the floor of the monastery.

An incorrect version of 'Prayer of David' discovered at 'Little Castle' in West Bank

By Owen Jarus published 3 October 23

A 1,500-year-old text recording a section of Psalm 86 — also known as "A prayer of David" — has been discovered in what was a monastery in the West Bank.

Archaeology
Gloved hands hold up the bronze folding mirror, showing its engraved exterior.

2,300-year-old grave in Israel contains remains of Greek courtesan who may have accompanied Alexander the Great's army

By Sascha Pare published 3 October 23

Human remains buried with a 2,300-year-old bronze mirror in Israel may be the first ever found of an ancient Greek courtesan who accompanied the Hellenistic armies on their campaigns.

Archaeology
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Health

Stock photo composite of the Garmin Fenix 7s

Limited-time deal — save $140 on the high-end Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar smartwatch

By Ravi Davda published 3 October 23

Deal Get your hands on the Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar for $659 at Amazon. It features stand-out battery life and stacks of useful features.

Deal
Stock photo of the Echelon Connect ES-5s

We love the Echelon Connect EX-5s exercise bike — today it's just $999

By Ravi Davda published 3 October 23

Deal The highly-rated Echelon Connect EX-5s exercise bike is available for less than $1,000 at Amazon — a 33% saving!

Deal
a close up of a mosquito taking a blood meal while sitting on human skin

Inexpensive new malaria vaccine is a 'vital tool' to protect tens of millions of people

By Nicoletta Lanese published 2 October 23

The World Health Organization has recommended the use of a malaria vaccine called Matrix-M, which is anticipated to boost the vaccine supply.

Viruses, Infections & Disease
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Animals

Rubidgeinae skull

'They seemed primed to take over': How the Great Dying doomed the 'beast tooth' and set the stage for the dawn of the dinosaurs

By Michael Mann published 1 October 23

This excerpt from Michael Mann's latest book looks at the Cambrian explosion, the Great Dying and how dinosaurs were able to take over thanks to changes to the climate 250 million years ago.

Extinct Species
an amber snail with green stripy eyestalks infected with the Green-banded broodsac parasite sitting on a yellow petal

Green-banded broodsac: The brain-hijacking parasite that creates disco zombie snails

By Megan Shersby published 30 September 23

This parasitic worm crawls into the eyestalks of snails, takes over its brain then pulsates to make the mollusk look like a dancing caterpillar.

Snails
Salmon Copper River King and Sockeye Fish on ice in public market closeup.

Why is fish so smelly?

By Hannah Loss published 30 September 23

Fish smell is from degrading lipids and bacterial reactions that increase in potency over time.

Fish
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Human Behavior

Ryan Graves, executive director of Americans for Safe Aerospace, David Grusch, former National Reconnaissance Officer Representative of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force at the U.S. Department of Defense, and Retired Navy Commander David Fravor take their seats as they arrive for a House Oversight Committee hearing titled "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency" on Capitol Hill 26, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Several witnesses are testifying about their experience with possible UFO encounters and discussion about a potential covert government program concerning debris from crashed, non-human origin spacecraft.

How wealthy UFO fans helped fuel fringe beliefs

By Keith Kloor published 16 September 23

There is a long U.S. legacy of plutocrat-funded pseudoscience. Congress just embraced it.

Human Behavior
A rock from Mars which looks like a face taken by the Viking 1 spacecraft

What is pareidolia?

By Tia Ghose last updated 13 September 23

Pareidolia is the phenomenon in which people see faces or other patterns in ambiguous images, such as Jesus on toast or the man in the moon.

Human Behavior
Stressed teen suffering heat stroke on the beach.

Hot weather could boost aggression — but only in certain conditions

By Stephanie Pappas published 4 September 23

Under some circumstances, people may become more aggressive when they're overheated. But other decision-making doesn't seem to be affected.

Human Behavior
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Physics & Mathematics

Antimatter illustration.

Major CERN experiment proves antigravity doesn't exist — at least when it comes to antimatter

By Sharmila Kuthunur published 27 September 23

New research showing that elusive antimatter falls downward toward the Earth proves Albert Einstein right yet again.

Gravity
An illustration of the Milky Way on a black background, with the galaxy's edges drooping down on one side and lifting up on the other

Our entire galaxy is warping, and a gigantic blob of dark matter could be to blame

By Ben Turner published 19 September 23

An invisible halo of misaligned dark matter could explain the warps at the Milky Way's edges.

Dark Matter
Scientists think that dark matter produces a bright and spherical halo of X-ray emission around the center of the Milky Way.

Astronomers measure dark matter 'haloes' around hundreds of ancient black holes for 1st time

By Robert Lea published 18 September 23

Studying the mysterious form of matter around ancient quasar galaxies could have profound implications for our understanding of how the cosmos evolved.

Dark Matter
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Chemistry

One-line drawing of a complex pattern with rectangular and 45° angles as well as multiple line crossings. The inset shows the intended result (Das Haus vom Nikolaus).

For 1st time, scientists write words in liquid water

By Victoria Atkinson published 28 September 23

Scientists used a process called 'diffusioosmosis' to write words that lingered in liquid water.

Chemistry
An old kettle boils on a small bonfire at the beach with a picnic basket in the background.

What's the highest temperature water can freeze, and the lowest it can boil on Earth?

By Cameron Duke published 25 September 23

Ice can form on Earth at temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), and water can boil below 212 F (100 C). Here's how.

Chemistry
The rose window in the narthex, Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg, Alsace, France.

Is glass a liquid or a solid?

By Victoria Atkinson published 24 September 23

Glass has unique properties, but is it a solid or a liquid, or does it fall into its own scientific category?

Chemistry
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Tech

Amazon Echo Pop

Amazon's Echo Pop is reduced again, now to under $20

By Lloyd Coombes published 3 October 23

Save big on Amazon's latest small smart speaker.

Tech
Image shows Nikon Prostaff P7 10x42 binoculars

Nikon Prostaff P7 10x42 binoculars review

By Jase Parnell-Brookes published 3 October 23

Review High-quality roof prism binoculars, the Nikon Prostaff P7s are just right for frequent observers who want all-round performance and build without a huge price tag.

Review
Sony WH-1000XM4B headphones

Save $60 on the Sony WH-1000XM4B headphones at Amazon

By Lloyd Coombes published 2 October 23

These highly-rated headphones are under $300 with this sale.

Tech
VIEW MORE

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