Science Spotlight: Discover the research changing our understanding of the world
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AI is solving 'impossible' math problems. Can it best the world's top mathematicians?AI is making gains in solving pure math problems. Can it crack the hardest problems in mathematics?
By Kit Yates Published
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Earth's crust hides enough 'gold' hydrogen to power the world for tens of thousands of years, emerging research suggestsReservoirs of hydrogen gas that form naturally in Earth's crust could help humans decarbonize. The challenge now is finding these accumulations and working out how best to mine them, experts say.
By Sascha Pare Published
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A huge helium shortage is looming — but ancient rocks in Earth's crust may be hiding massive reservoirsFor decades, helium has been produced with natural gas, generating huge carbon emissions. Now, geologists are looking for new helium sources — and finding enormous "carbon-free" reservoirs that could revolutionize the industry.
By Sascha Pare Published
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A looming 'insect apocalypse' could endanger global food supplies. Can we stop it before it's too late?Insect populations are in steep decline, which could endanger the food supply. But there are things we can do to reverse the trend.
By Joanna Thompson Published
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Quantum computing will make cryptography obsolete. But computer scientists are working to make them unhackable.When quantum computers become commonplace, current cryptographic systems will become obsolete. Scientists are racing to get ahead of the problem and keep our data secure.
By Joanna Thompson Published
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One molecule could usher revolutionary medicines for cancer, diabetes and genetic disease — but the US is turning its back on itThe U.S. government is divesting from mRNA vaccines, but will other uses of the technology be spared? In a time of uncertainty, scientists worry that revolutionary treatments for cancer, immune dysfunction and genetic disease may be left on the lab bench.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
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Could simple blood tests identify cancer earlier?Blood tests that detect early cancer are coming to market. Could they lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment?
By Emily Cooke Published
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Plate tectonics may be why Earth has life — and the key to finding life elsewhere in the universeFeature Emerging evidence suggests that plate tectonics, or the recycling of Earth's crust, may have begun much earlier than previously thought — and may be a big reason that our planet harbors life.
By Stephanie Pappas Published
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'Like trying to see fog in the dark': How strange pulses of energy are helping scientists build the ultimate map of the universeAstronomers are using radio pulses from space to find missing baryonic matter and learn about supermassive black holes, stellar formation and galaxy evolution.
By Perri Thaler Published
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