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Catch up on the latest science news, from space and technology to life and environmental research- all the discoveries shaping our world today.
Updated: 2 hours 30 min ago

AI cracks a mystery from 1939 that mathematicians couldn’t solve for decades; the answer was hidden in 216 characters

22/07/2026
An artificial intelligence model has aided in identifying a potential solution to an 87-year-old mathematical problem. This development challenges the long-held view of mathematics as a solely human endeavor. Researchers are now exploring AI's potential as a partner in advanced mathematical research. The Jacobian conjecture, proposed in 1939, has resisted decades of human effort. While formal verification is pending, AI's role in creative mathematics is growing.

Why scientists kill 9 million sea lampreys every year in the Great Lakes of America

22/07/2026
Invasive sea lampreys, or vampire fish, pose a serious threat to the native fish communities of the Great Lakes. These destructive predators made their way in through canals and now voraciously consume vast amounts of fish annually. Since 1957, the application of TFM has been a cornerstone in eradicating lamprey larvae. However, interruptions in management efforts have caused significant rebounds in lamprey numbers.

Scientists studying bee brains found how colonies coordinate without a central controller

21/07/2026
Honeybee colonies organise work without any leader assigning tasks, but scientists have now discovered that specific brain circuits help control this process. By changing the activity of a gene-linked neural circuit, researchers made older worker bees return to caring for the queen, a job usually done only by younger bees. The findings offer new insight into how bees coordinate complex social behaviour.

What does it really take to become an astronaut for NASA and who can apply for it?

21/07/2026
The selection process for astronauts at NASA is rigorous and far more demanding than academic qualifications alone. Candidates undergo psychological testing and participate in team-based simulations that are designed to push them to their limits. Psychologists purposefully create high-pressure situations to gauge how well candidates maintain composure and teamwork. This comprehensive method ensures that only the most adaptable individuals are chosen for space missions.

Quote of the day by Nikola Tesla: "I don't care that they stole my idea . . I care that they…" - a powerful lesson on originality, innovation and why true creators never stop thinking

21/07/2026
A widely circulated quote attributed to Nikola Tesla emphasizes original thought. This quote highlights the importance of generating new ideas over copying existing ones. Genuine innovation involves a difficult creative process, not just the final product. Tesla's life experiences align with this philosophy, despite the quote's uncertain origin. The enduring message stresses the irreplaceable capacity for continuous creation.

Quote of the day by Michael Faraday: "Lectures which really teach will never be popular; lectures which are popular will…" - a thought-provoking lesson on learning, education and why true knowledge often demands effort

21/07/2026
Michael Faraday noted that truly educational lectures are rarely popular. He experienced this tension firsthand as a celebrated lecturer himself. Popularity and deep understanding are measured on entirely different scales. Genuine learning often involves discomfort, confusion, and repeated questions. Modern platforms often prioritize speed over the depth of lasting knowledge.

People are using AI to 'talk' to dead family members, and scientists are now studying its shocking emotional impact

21/07/2026
With the advent of AI chatbots, people can now interact with digital renditions of those they've lost. These 'griefbots' serve to bring emotional healing and a sense of resolution to many, fulfilling critical emotional and social needs during the grieving process. Yet, their imperfections raise questions about overreliance on these interactions, as well as the broader ethical ramifications of employing such technology in human relationships.

American oystercatchers were wiped out in New England, now their numbers are 45% higher along US coasts; here's how

21/07/2026
Once considered extinct in New England, the American oystercatcher is experiencing a remarkable resurgence thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. These initiatives focus on safeguarding their nesting environments and raising community awareness. Techniques such as banding chicks and preventing disturbances in ground-nesting sites have proven successful. Their resilience, coupled with federal safety measures for related shorebirds, makes their comeback a testament to effective conservation in the face of climate change challenges.

Rare Woodhouse's Toad returns after 65 years, caught calling for a mate

21/07/2026
A rare Woodhouse's toad has been spotted at Las Vegas' Springs Preserve for the first time in nearly 65 years. The male was recorded making a mating call in the restored wetland, marking the species' first confirmed return since the original springs dried up around 1962. Conservationists have called the sighting an important moment for local wildlife, while the public has joined in by suggesting names for the lone visitor.

West London streets flooded annually with heavy rains: Five little beavers solved the problem for free by building an extensive dam network

21/07/2026
Ealing borough in London has seen a successful return of beavers, who are tackling flooding issues head-on. By creating wetlands, these industrious animals have managed to retain excess rainwater during intense storms. Remarkably, the area surrounding Greenford station has remained safeguarded from flooding for three years. Additionally, this initiative has revitalized local ecosystems, drawing in diverse wildlife and exemplifying how natural interventions can solve pressing environmental problems.

Scientists tracked endangered Australian cockatoos for three breeding seasons and found...

21/07/2026
The peril faced by Carnaby's black cockatoos is escalating, as pesticide contamination in their food reaches alarming rates. Testing of seed samples revealed that toxic chemicals present are hundreds of times higher than what is legally permissible. This exposure might shed light on the troubling paralysis syndrome afflicting these endangered birds. Furthermore, researchers identified neurotoxic substances banned in various regions of Europe.

Canadian wildfire smoke linked to fewer sightings of 40 bird species in New York

20/07/2026
A new University at Buffalo study has found that smoke from Canadian wildfires may have made many bird species harder to spot in New York State during the 2021–2023 breeding seasons. Researchers linked higher levels of wildfire-related PM2.5 air pollution with fewer sightings of 40 bird species. They say the birds may have changed their behaviour rather than disappeared, highlighting the need to consider air quality when monitoring wildlife.

Quote of the day by Albert Einstein: "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is..." - a lesson on the way we choose to see life

20/07/2026
Some people view the world with wonder, while others see ordinary details as commonplace. A quote, often attributed to Albert Einstein, highlights this difference in perspective. This idea suggests that explanations do not negate the possibility of experiencing awe. Familiarity can quietly erode our sense of wonder over time. Modern life presents extraordinary things that have become routine, yet they remain remarkable.

Scientists found an anemone that can distinguish helpful bacteria from harmful bacteria without...

20/07/2026
Sea anemones distinguish helpful bacteria from harmful invaders without antibodies. Specialized cell structures engulf and destroy foreign bacteria while preserving beneficial microbes. Gene editing revealed a key gene regulating this selective bacterial identification process. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about early animal immune system evolution. These primitive pathways offer insights into ancient immune memory and maternal transfer.

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