Science

A rare and exceptionally well-preserved Corinthian helmet, believed to have been used by Greek hoplite warriors, is set to go under the hammer later this month in London. Crafted from bronze and dating back to between 500 and 450 B.C., the helmet showcases the artistry of ancient Greek warfare. Such helmets, designed to cover most

A system capable of transforming carbon dioxide into edible protein has been developed by a group of engineers in China. This innovative dual-reactor system addresses two pressing global concerns: the reduction of carbon emissions and the need for sustainable food production. By converting carbon dioxide from the air into a high-protein product, the technology offers

Direct soil carbon measurement techniques are being explored as a method to improve accuracy in carbon credit markets, especially in agriculture. Measuring stored soil carbon rather than relying on predictive models can provide solid data on the effectiveness of climate-smart agricultural practices. It is believed that this method will enhance the reliability of carbon credits,

A significant revelation about the dietary habits of early human ancestors suggests a strong reliance on plant-based foods rather than meat consumption. Evidence from fossilised teeth of Australopithecus africanus has provided a clearer picture of their dietary preferences. These findings, based on the chemical composition of tooth enamel, indicate that this early bipedal species, existing

A recent investigation into the moon’s formation and Earth’s water origin has provided compelling insights. Researchers from the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) conducted analyses on lunar and terrestrial samples, revealing that the moon was likely formed predominantly from Earth’s mantle material. This challenges the long-held theory

Blue Origin achieved a significant milestone with the maiden launch of its New Glenn rocket. The vehicle lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:03 a.m. EST on January 16, 2025. Designed as a reusable orbital-class rocket, it marked a pivotal moment for the company’s ambitions in the spaceflight sector. The mission’s primary

A new two-dimensional (2D) material that combines exceptional strength with flexibility has been created by a team led by Northwestern University. Described as resembling interlinked chainmail, this innovative material is lightweight and holds potential for applications such as advanced body armour and other high-performance uses. The breakthrough is credited to the development of a scalable

A centuries-old supernova in the constellation Cassiopeia has been illuminated by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), unveiling intricate interstellar structures around 11,000 light-years away. The telescope’s infrared capabilities captured glowing gas and dust in the aftermath of the supernova’s explosion, offering astronomers a rare glimpse into the otherwise hidden dynamics of interstellar material. The

For years, scientists have sought methods to predict solar flares, the intense energy bursts from the Sun capable of disrupting technology and posing risks to astronauts. Using NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, researchers have identified brightness fluctuations in coronal loops—arch-like plasma structures in the solar atmosphere—that may provide advance warning of strong solar flares. These findings

Astronomers, using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), have identified one of the oldest supernovas ever recorded, believed to have occurred approximately 11.4 billion years ago. This stellar explosion, designated AT 2023adsv, was triggered by a massive star estimated to be 20 times the size of the Sun. The event, observed as part of the

Two private lunar landers have been launched into space, marking a milestone in lunar exploration. The landers, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and Resilience by Japanese company ispace, were carried aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission took place early on January 15, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Falcon 9’s first stage

Tree crops, including apples, cherries, olives, nuts, coffee, and cacao, account for more than 183 million hectares of agricultural land globally. Despite their significant contribution to food production, livelihoods, and ecological balance, these crops have been largely overlooked in agricultural policymaking. Their potential to address global sustainability challenges, protect biodiversity, and mitigate climate change has

A rare stellar phenomenon, termed the “blue lurker,” has been observed by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope within the open star cluster M67, located approximately 2,800 light-years away. This star, part of a unique triple-star system, has captivated researchers due to its unusual evolutionary history. Identified for its accelerated spin rate and distinct characteristics, the blue

Significant discoveries have been made at the ancient site of Kurd Qaburstan in Iraq, shedding light on Mesopotamian history. Artefacts including clay cuneiform tablets, a game board, and structural remains have been unearthed by a team led by Tiffany Earley-Spadoni, an associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida. The findings are believed

A striking satellite image from 2023 revealed a rare combination of natural phenomena occurring simultaneously around Bear Island, or Bjørnøya, part of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. The image showcases swirling atmospheric patterns alongside a massive algal bloom in the Barents Sea. Bear Island is surrounded by radioactive waters, remnants of a Cold War-era Soviet submarine, raising

Recent discoveries indicate that the universe may harbour significantly more feeding supermassive black holes than previously estimated. These colossal entities, each with a mass ranging from millions to billions of times that of the Sun, are believed to be concealed by dense veils of gas and dust. This obscuration, researchers suggest, could hide nearly 30

SpaceX launched 131 satellites into orbit during its Transporter 12 mission on 14 January 2025. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, at 2:09 p.m. EST. This mission added to the company’s rideshare programme, aimed at delivering payloads for multiple customers in a single launch. The first stage booster of

A system of two massive stars in the Milky Way, Wolf-Rayet 140, has been closely studied, revealing the formation and outward expansion of carbon-rich dust shells. Data from the James Webb Space Telescope has shown 17 concentric shells expanding at regular intervals, moving outward at a speed of approximately 1 percent of the speed of

A groundbreaking discovery has been made in Antarctica, where a team of scientists successfully extracted a 2.8-kilometre-long ice core believed to contain air bubbles and particles from 1.2 million years ago. This ancient ice sample, retrieved under extreme conditions with temperatures reaching -35 degree Celsius, holds the potential to reveal crucial insights about a critical

A discovery has shed light on the early evolution of nervous systems in ecdysozoan animals, a group that includes insects, nematodes, and priapulid worms. Fossil evidence from the early Cambrian Kuanchuanpu Formation has revealed details of the ventral nerve cord structure in ancient organisms, providing key insights into the evolutionary history of this critical component