Science news

The small-bodied ancient humans nicknamed “hobbits” lived on the island of Flores until they disappeared around 50,000 years ago. A new study points to a possible cause of their extinction: climate change that reduced rainfall and dried up freshwater sources

A private astronaut has been appointed to lead the U.S. space agency, an interstellar comet is making a close pass, a Mars orbiter is in trouble, and astronomers may have spotted a new kind of cosmic event. This Week in Space

Impressive achievements for SpacePharma, a long-term agreement with NASA, astronauts returning safely, and the search for an atmosphere in a nearby solar system. This Week in Space

COP30 in Brazil ended with a troubling rollback of earlier commitments to phase out fossil fuels, alongside pledges of massive aid for countries hit hardest by climate change — but only starting a decade from now

The Israeli startup accelerator in Mitzpe Ramon launches its third cohort; the ISS faces new concerns after damage at a Russian launch pad, yet all docking ports are fully occupied; and China moves closer to reusable-rocket success. This Week in Space.

A new crew arrived at the International Space Station, China restores its escape-capable spacecraft, a Starship test ends in an accident, South Korea achieves a milestone launch and moss biology delivers surprising results in space. This Week in Space

Igneous rocks allow researchers to uncover the secrets of Earth’s core, and the findings are intriguing: it turns out that gold and other heavy metals can rise from deep within the planet all the way to the surface.

NASA releases new images of a comet from beyond the solar system, new research questions the New Space revolution, and rescue missions target Chinese astronauts and an American space telescope. This Week in Space.

An analysis of data from the Great Famine of the 1930s shows that children whose mothers experienced malnutrition during early pregnancy were more likely to develop diabetes later in life

Record-breaking temperatures were observed in 2023 and 2024. Does this reflect an acceleration in the rate of Earth’s warming?

Blue Origin successfully launched a mission to Mars — despite solar storms that lit up the aurora as far south as the U.S. Deep South. China sets new launch records, and astronomers uncover unusual planets in a distant star system. This Week in Space

The United States has launched two satellites to study the atmosphere of our neighboring planet, in the first operational launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket — a mission that concluded with a successful landing of its first stage on a sea platform.

The U.S. President reintroduces a previously rejected candidate to head the space agency, a first step toward a private space station, delays aboard China’s space station, and a debate over the expansion of the universe. This Week in Space

Deforestation is reshaping the water cycle: thinned areas receive more rain during the wet season and less during the dry season. A recent study highlights how these changes jeopardize the survival of trees.

Climate change is transforming vast stretches of Arctic tundra from carbon sinks into carbon sources—releasing more greenhouse gases than they absorb.

Discovered only earlier this year, a newly found comet is now making a close pass by both Earth and the Sun — presenting skywatchers with a once-in-a-millennium chance to catch a glimpse of it, though spotting it will be no easy feat.

Deep within the ocean, ancient carbon lies locked inside sedimentary rocks. In a recent study, scientists have uncovered these geological archives, revealing new insights that redefine our understanding of Earth’s history and the evolution of life.

SpaceX has completed testing of Version 2 of its Starship launch system and is preparing for Version 3. Meanwhile a small asteroid was discovered just days before passing close to Earth, and scientists have identified unexpected complex molecules on Saturn’s moon Enceladus. This Week in Space

The prize will be awarded to three researchers who developed methods for creating strong and stable porous frameworks with many applications in engineering and research.

The Nobel Prize in Physics will be awarded this year to three scientists for the discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling—a breakthrough that laid the foundation for quantum encryption, advanced sensors, and the development of quantum computers.

The prize will be awarded to three researchers who discovered mechanisms that prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own cells, thereby preventing autoimmune diseases.

The FDA has issued a statement suggesting that prenatal exposure to paracetamol may be associated with an increased risk of neurological conditions. However, physicians and researchers contend that the claim lacks a strong scientific basis and caution that it could ultimately do more harm than good.

NASA announced that it may send humans on a flight around the Moon as early as this coming February and named a new group of astronauts. Russian mice have returned from space, and new satellites are en route to study the Sun.

On its tenth test flight, SpaceX’s giant Starship launch system successfully passed all key tests, including payload deployment in space, engine reignition in space, and execution of a controlled landing maneuver.