Science News: Recent scientific discoveries and expert analysis

A new technique improves the reliability of cat qubits by squeezing their probabilistic states. This could improve their reliability and lifetime, and pave the way for accurate quantum computing.

Is it possible to build a Dyson sphere that isn't catastrophically unstable? New research says yes, but only in one type of star system.

Researchers bombarded lichens with a year's worth of Martian radiation in just 5 hours — and they survived, hinting that the extremophiles could potentially live on the Red Planet.

Early on April 24, Venus will be at its brightest in the morning sky — just 67 days after it was at its brightest in the evening sky. Here's why.

The James Webb Space Telescope has pointed its infrared optics at the 'Crystal Ball Nebula' NGC 1514, a planetary nebula studied since the late 1800s.

Why matter dominates over antimatter in our universe has long been a major cosmic mystery to physicists. A new finding by the world's largest particle collider has revealed a clue.

A three-part documentary on penguins' hidden lives will reveal a number of never-before-seen moments. Here's what executive producer James Cameron said about what to expect.

NASA's Curiosity Rover has discovered long carbon chains on Mars. On Earth, molecules like these are overwhelmingly produced by biological processes.

A new stretchable hydrogel battery can withstand extreme conditions and still operate effectively, scientists say.

A slowly spinning universe could resolve a puzzle in physics known as the Hubble tension, a new model suggests.

Using an experimental technique called "Oz," researchers stimulated the human retina such that people saw a brand-new color.

Measles can erase the immune system's "memory" and cause a rare but fatal health condition. The MMR vaccine prevents these repercussions, evidence shows.

As climate change melts ice sheets and glaciers, water is being redistributed across the globe — and could end up moving the point of Earth's axis of rotation.

A graduate student accidentally created a blend of oil, water and nickel particles that formed an unexpected shape.

People experience different amounts of pain during IUD insertion, but there are a number of pain-relief options available to patients getting the contraceptive.

Researchers conducted the first-ever near-infrared analysis of an extragalactic recurrent nova and found it is one of the hottest nova explosions ever discovered.

A rare 'smiley face' triple conjunction is coming to Earth's morning skies on April 25, when Venus, Saturn and the crescent moon form a celestial smirk near the horizon.

A reanalysis of ancient DNA shows that a major cultural change took place in Ireland after four centuries of farming.

About half of the non-dark matter in the universe cannot be accounted for by stars and galaxies alone. Now, scientists say previously undetected clouds of hydrogen gas could finally reveal it.

The drugmaker Lilly announced topline results of a clinical trial of a new pill in the same drug class as injectables like Ozempic.