Science Spotlight: Discover the research changing our understanding of the world
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'More Neanderthal than human': How DNA from our long-lost ancestors affects our health todayNeanderthals and humans mated millennia ago, and their legacy lives on in us today. Here's how.
By Emily Cooke Published
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Tractor beams inspired by sci-fi are real, and could solve the looming space junk problemResearchers are developing a real-life tractor beam, with the goal of pulling defunct satellites out of geostationary orbit to alleviate the space junk problem.
By Harry Baker Published
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Orcas are adopting terrifying new behaviors. Are they getting smarter?From sinking boats and feasting on shark livers to dining on whale tongue and tossing porpoises around for fun, orcas are displaying some fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — behaviors.
By Sascha Pare Published
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We now know much more about how our ancestor 'Lucy' lived — and diedFifty years after a fossil skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis was unearthed in Ethiopia, we know so much more about how this iconic species lived and died.
By Kristina Killgrove Published
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Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is rapidly moving away from us. Can we 'intercept' it before it leaves us forever?3I/ATLAS has passed its closest point to Earth, meaning we will soon lose sight of it for good. Some scientists want to send a spacecraft to chase down the alien comet — or the next interstellar object.
By Harry Baker Published
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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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