For decades, knuckle cracking has been blamed for arthritis and joint damage. Scientists now say the sound comes from gas cavities forming inside synovial fluid, not bones or cartilage. MRI studies and long-term experiments, including a 50-year self-study, show no evidence that habitual knuckle cracking causes arthritis or enlarges joints.

NASA is exploring the use of insects for future space missions. These small creatures can help pollinate crops, process waste, and maintain soil health on the Moon and Mars. Their ability to thrive in controlled environments with gravity offers a sustainable solution for long-term human survival beyond Earth. This biological approach complements technological advancements for space exploration.

Some people seem to attract mosquitoes far more than others, and scientists think there are clear biological reasons why. Research points to carbon dioxide output, body heat, clothing colour, exercise, pregnancy, skin chemistry and even blood type as factors that influence bites. Together, these cues help mosquitoes single out certain humans as preferred targets.

A 15,600-year-old human footprint discovered in southern Chile is now believed to be the earliest confirmed sign of human presence in South America. This discovery, made near Osorno, predates the previously accepted earliest settlement by about a thousand years, potentially altering migration timelines.

Skywatchers, take note! A 'black moon,' a rare lunar timing event, occurs when there are two new moons in a single month or the third new moon in a four-new-moon season. While invisible, these nights offer the darkest skies, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography. Plan your celestial observations for 2026 with our new moon calendar, featuring IST times.

Human radio waves have inadvertently altered Earth's radiation belts, creating an unexpected barrier that modifies radiation behavior. While solar storms can rapidly create temporary, powerful radiation belts, human activity has caused a more subtle, long-term change. This dual influence necessitates a reevaluation of space environment models for future space exploration and technology.

Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to screening CVs or scheduling interviews. Two unsettling Reddit accounts describe interviews where neither side realised they were speaking to a machine. Perfect answers, repeated phrasing and lifeless precision exposed the truth. The stories hint at a near future where human presence in hiring becomes optional, and increasingly difficult to verify.