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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: 1 hour 37 min ago

Henrietta Lacks died at 31, but her cells lived on and transformed modern medicine

18/08/2026
Henrietta Lacks' cervical cancer cells became immortal, revolutionizing biomedical research and medical advancements. These HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine and studying various diseases. Her family remained unaware of this scientific breakthrough for decades after her death. The story highlights critical ethical debates concerning patient consent and financial benefits. This legacy continues to shape discussions on scientific progress and human dignity.

New model may improve solar storm forecasts

18/08/2026
Scientists developed a computer model to predict solar eruption speeds. This model helps forecast disruptions to satellites and power grids. Researchers studied Coronal Mass Ejections and their magnetic origins. Observations supported the link between magnetic reconnection and eruption acceleration. These findings improve forecasting of solar event impacts on Earth.

Insecticide killed 97.91% of dengue mosquitoes; the tiny fraction that survived worries Delhi scientists

18/08/2026
A recent study from the University of Delhi reveals that mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, may be becoming less susceptible to the widely-used insecticide alpha-cypermethrin. Laboratory results indicate a small reduction in the insecticide's effectiveness, and researchers discovered specific enzymes aiding in its breakdown. These findings underscore the necessity for diverse mosquito management techniques to ensure continued success in pest control efforts.

Black drongos introduced for pest control later threatened Guam’s native birds

18/08/2026
In 1935, the introduction of black drongos to Rota aimed to control agricultural pests. This effort led to the birds establishing their populations, eventually spreading to Guam. However, their aggressive behavior towards native bird species has contributed significantly to declines in local avian populations, highlighting the unforeseen consequences of introducing non-native species into ecosystems.

Meet Max Hung Nguyen: The 17-year-old who used NASA data and AI to predict planets

18/08/2026
Max Hung Nguyen utilized NASA data alongside the Hypatia Catalogue to conduct an in-depth analysis of stellar composition. By examining a variety of elements beyond just iron, he uncovered that giant planets tend to orbit stars enriched with heavy elements. To further this research, Nguyen developed an AI model dedicated to predicting absent elemental data, significantly enhancing the chances of discovering new planets in future explorations.

Meet Kiefer and Amelia Chow: California siblings copying beavers to restore habitats

18/08/2026
Kiefer and Amelia Chow have launched Eco-Engineering In Action, an initiative aimed at mitigating wildfire threats. By creating beaver dam analogues, they replicate natural flood control systems that effectively slow water flow, enhance wetlands, and reduce wildfire risks. Their efforts, driven by youth volunteers, have successfully restored over thirty-five acres of wetland, inspiring the next generation to actively engage in climate solutions.

Atolls take 30 million years to form, yet support 31 million seabirds

18/08/2026
Atolls across the Indo-Pacific support thirty-one million nesting seabirds annually. These islands provide essential breeding grounds for many tropical seabird species. Seabird droppings return significant nutrients to island and ocean ecosystems. This nutrient deposition helps marine and terrestrial environments thrive. Protecting these fragile atolls is crucial for wildlife and human communities.

Nasa aircraft chase giant fire clouds over Utah that rise into Earth's atmosphere

17/08/2026
NASA's aerial teams are conducting studies on distinctive pyrocumulonimbus clouds formed by wildfires in Utah. These impressive smoke formations elevate particles high into the atmosphere, with scientific teams collecting samples from around twelve kilometers above ground. This research sheds light on the interaction between fires and weather patterns, enhancing our understanding of smoke's extended influence on global atmospheric conditions.

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