A common phenomenon, earworms are tunes that get stuck in your head. Scientists explain these musical loops are caused by repetitive patterns and emotional connections. Brain regions like the auditory cortex and memory centres are involved. Our brains are wired to remember music due to its evolutionary role. Strategies exist to stop these repeating tunes.

Experiencing goosebumps from music, known as frisson, is a common yet profound physiological response. This occurs when specific musical moments, often involving surprise and emotional resonance, activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine. Factors like personal memories, emotional sensitivity, and certain musical elements contribute to this powerful, synchronized reaction between your brain, emotions, and body.

California startup TransAstra is revolutionizing space mining and debris removal with its inflatable Capture Bag. Designed in various sizes, this innovative device can envelop asteroids for resource extraction and collect hazardous space junk. Initial tests confirm its feasibility, with plans to capture the first asteroid by 2028, potentially ushering in a new era of space industrialization.

Scientists have detected the first direct evidence of a coronal mass ejection from a star beyond our Sun, specifically the M dwarf StKM1-1262. This massive expulsion of plasma, observed as a Type II radio burst, offers crucial insights into the space weather experienced by exoplanets, particularly those orbiting M dwarfs, and their potential for habitability.

Ancient dog skulls and DNA reveal a surprising diversity in shape and size over 10,000 years ago, long before modern breeds. These early canines were not just companions but travelled extensively with humans, adapting to various roles like hunting and guarding. Their genetic exchanges highlight a deep, enduring partnership that shaped both species.

NASA's 1967 ATS-3 satellite captured Earth's first true-colour image, revolutionizing weather forecasting and planetary understanding. This breakthrough, using a novel scanning camera, allowed scientists to distinguish cloud layers and storm patterns with unprecedented clarity. The vivid global portrait fostered environmental awareness, bridging science and public consciousness, and laid the foundation for modern satellite imaging.

Oregon's Axial Seamount, a highly active underwater volcano, is closely monitored for potential eruptions by mid-to-late 2026. Scientists track seafloor inflation and seismic activity, noting that eruptions follow periods of magma accumulation and stress. While predictions are based on historical patterns, new physics-based models are being tested to improve forecasting accuracy.

Arctic fossils reveal the oldest known oceanic reptile ecosystem from the Age of Dinosaurs. Over 30,000 specimens show marine life, including diverse reptiles and fish, rebuilt complex food chains just three million years after the devastating end-Permian mass extinction. This discovery challenges previous timelines for marine ecosystem recovery.

Spicy food, a chemical pain disguised as flavor, triggers our body's emergency response. Yet, humans embrace this discomfort, with the brain rewiring to find pleasure and a sense of control in overcoming the heat. This "benign masochism," amplified by endorphins and social performance, offers a thrilling experience of danger without consequence.

Decades after his initial climate warning, NASA scientist James Hansen now highlights an alarming acceleration in climate shifts. His team's research points to a potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) within 20-30 years, a critical system regulating global temperatures. This could trigger catastrophic weather changes, but solutions like carbon fees and public awareness offer hope.

Australia and New Zealand witnessed a spectacular aurora australis, a 'cannibal' solar storm causing vibrant pink, violet, and green lights. This G4 geomagnetic storm, one of the strongest, was caused by colliding solar energy bursts. Another viewing opportunity is expected tonight, though geomagnetic activity is declining.

An aggressive solar storm has caused Blue Origin to delay the anticipated launch of its colossal New Glenn rocket, meant to carry Nasa's Mars orbiters, from sunny Florida. After initially grounding the mission because of inclement weather, the launch has now been postponed due to fears of radiation spikes affecting the spacecraft's systems.

Scientists have uncovered a remarkable 'remote touch' sense in humans, enabling detection of hidden objects beneath surfaces. Experiments show people can locate items buried in sand with surprising accuracy, a feat previously deemed impossible. This discovery, mimicking shorebirds, suggests our tactile perception is far more advanced than understood and has potential applications in robotics and exploration.

Scientists have detected the first radio signal from interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. This discovery confirms the object is a natural comet, not an alien probe. The signal revealed natural emissions from hydroxyl radicals, a sign of water activity. This finding settles debates about its origin. The object is an ancient comet from another star system.

Human babies are born remarkably helpless, a deliberate evolutionary advantage. This early dependence allows for extended brain development outside the womb, fostering exceptional intelligence and adaptability. Cooperative childcare and a long childhood are crucial for learning, social bonding, and the complex problem-solving that defines our species. Embracing this slow development nurtures crucial emotional and intellectual growth.

NASA is exploring edible insects like mealworms and crickets for long-duration space missions to the Moon and Mars. These protein-rich creatures offer a sustainable food source, requiring minimal resources and converting waste into edible biomass. Scientists are developing methods to farm them in microgravity, aiming for self-sustaining food cycles that could revolutionize space exploration and even benefit Earth.

A rare, powerful geomagnetic storm recently illuminated the American skies with vibrant auroras, captivating onlookers from coast to coast. This celestial spectacle, a beautiful byproduct of solar activity, momentarily united a divided nation in shared wonder. While the lights offered a breathtaking display, they also highlighted our technological vulnerability to such natural phenomena.

Europe's space agency is pioneering a groundbreaking project, HOBI-WAN, to generate protein from gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide in space. This innovative technology, developed with Solar Foods, could provide astronauts with a sustainable food source, reducing reliance on Earth resupply missions for long-duration Moon and Mars journeys. The experiment aims to prove the viability of gas-based fermentation in microgravity.