Science news

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

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. This Week in Space.

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.

The director of the Israel Space Agency concludes his tenure, a Chinese experiment successfully simulates a lunar landing, the upgraded configuration of the Vulcan rocket lifts off for the first time, and a promising exoplanet is revealed to be a cosmic disappointment.

A large British study suggests that drinking milk may lower the risk of colon cancer, with calcium in milk appearing to be the key protective factor.

A new Israeli Space Center initiative, policies shift around private space stations, discoveries of complex molecules in a planet-forming system, and a veteran astronaut retires. This Week in Space

A new deep-sea submersible, combined with early forecasting of volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean, enabled scientists to document magma emerging from deep within the Earth and study its impact on the ecology in the ocean’s abyss.

A new study shows that high aerobic fitness doesn’t just guard against heart disease and cancer—it also lowers the risk of dying from a range of other chronic illnesses. The exact biological mechanism remains unclear, but the evidence underscores the far-reaching benefits of staying active.

Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope point to the existence of a Saturn-like planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A — a Sun-like star in the nearest stellar system to Earth.

Israeli bacteria head to the ISS, Australia faces a rocket setback, Pakistan launches a new satellite, and satellite design with artificial intelligence. This Week in Space

A new study reveals that despite being silenced, the “extra” X chromosome in females is actually partially active — and may play a role in protecting the brain from age-related changes.

Israeli researchers have developed a combined mRNA vaccine targeting Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague. In preclinical trials, the vaccine demonstrated high efficacy in protecting mice from the disease.

Disappointment as the continuation of the Israeli experiment to photograph sprite lightning from space comes back empty-handed, another delay for Boeing’s spacecraft, a travel record on Mars, and the birth of new planets. This Week in Space

Dr. Shimrit Maman has been appointed chair of the Israel Space Agency — the first woman to hold the position following three male predecessors.
“At this time, we are facing significant challenges,” said Maman upon her appointment.

Ten Israeli startups are taking part in a Creation-Space initiative to develop space technologies, leveraging their innovations for improving sustainability on Earth

For the first time, researchers have documented the very beginning of planet formation around a young, distant star—a discovery that could shed new light on the early history of our own Solar System.