Science Spotlight: Discover the research changing our understanding of the world

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Illustration of tractor beam in space

Sci-fi inspired tractor beams are real, and could solve a major space junk problem

By Harry Baker published

Feature Researchers are developing a real-life tractor beam, with the goal of pulling defunct satellites out of geostationary orbit to alleviate the space junk problem.

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An orca attacks a whale, which is gushing blood from its mouth.

Orcas are learning terrifying new behaviors. Are they getting smarter?

By Sascha Pare published

Feature 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.

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Illustration of ancient humans in White Sands, which has grass, ponds, birds and bison with mountains in the background.

The 1st Americans were not who we thought they were

By Laura Geggel published

Feature For decades, we thought the first humans to arrive in the Americas came across the Bering Land Bridge 13,000 years ago. New evidence is changing that picture.

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close up of a e. coli bacterial cell with wiggly projections. A large number of viruses can be seen landing on the part of the bacterium furthest from the viewer

Dangerous 'superbugs' are a growing threat, and antibiotics can't stop their rise. What can?

By Nicoletta Lanese published

Feature Traditional antibiotics drive bacteria toward drug resistance, so scientists are looking to viruses, CRISPR, designer molecules and protein swords for better treatments.

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This image shows how the sun's appearance changes between solar maximum (on the left) and solar minimum (on the right).

Solar maximum could hit us harder and sooner than we thought. How dangerous will the sun's chaotic peak be?

By Harry Baker published

The sun is quickly approaching a major peak in solar activity. Experts warn it could potentially begin by the end of 2023, years before initial predictions suggested.

The Sun
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