Science news

Researchers recently reported the discovery of a biological molecule in the atmosphere of a distant exoplanet – raising excitement about the possibility of life beyond Earth. However, a series of new studies casts significant doubt on the likelihood of life there.

Researchers have found that a defect in the processing of tRNAs may contribute to the development of cleft lip and cleft palate—two of the most common craniofacial malformations.

After two failed test flights, the spacecraft finally reached space — but entered an uncontrolled spin mid-flight and exploded during reentry into the atmosphere.

Scientists photographed a visible-wavelength Mars aurora for the first time, while another study suggests suspected water flows are likely dust avalanches. Starship faces new issues, and India lost a satellite. This Week in Space

Medical Breakthrough: Researchers developed a personalized gene-editing therapy in just six months to correct a life-threatening genetic defect in a newborn with a rare and fatal disease.

Tiangong space station and a culture of Niallia bacteria, closely related to the space-developed species. Sources: China Manned Space Engineering Office, Leibniz Institute DSMZ

Ramon.Space makes headlines with a multi-million-dollar satellite computer deal, another Starship test launch approaches, Venus shows signs of tectonic activity, and new findings suggest the universe’s end may come sooner than expected. This week in space.

A recent study reveals how aging in the amphibian axolotl is nearly completely halted.

Kosmos 482, which sparked concern due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing and location of its reentry, fell into the Indian Ocean without causing injuries or damage.

A decades-old Soviet spacecraft on course to crash into Earth after spending more than five decades in orbit, NASA faces a major budget cut, and Japan moves closer to landing on the Moon. This Week in Space

In Iron Age Britain, women remained with their families while men migrated to join them. A new study uncovers a surprising ancient social structure — one that challenges what we thought we knew.

One of the primary obstacles on the path to settling Mars is its frigid climate. A new study proposes addressing this issue by triggering a greenhouse effect.

The devastating wildfires in the Jerusalem Hills rank among the most severe in Israel’s history. What do they reveal about our changing climate, and are they part of a growing trend

Could Earth’s fresh water—and life—have emerged earlier than we thought?

The veteran astronaut returns from space, changes and innovations aboard the Chinese space station, and how does one lose a spacecraft? This Week in Space

Researchers have harnessed a protein from the tiny creatures to protect healthy tissues during cancer radiation treatments.

A study found that well-being is shaped by both a person’s status on the social ladder and how it stacks up against others’

Molecules identified in a distant planet’s atmosphere form on Earth only through biological activity.

Extremely resilient chemicals are a major environmental hazard. A new study might pave the way to a cleaner world.

A development led by an Israeli scientist has significantly improved the image quality of ground-based telescopes. “These are the sharpest images we’ll see this decade.”

Researchers from Japan and Indonesia have developed a new generation of cyborg cockroaches, merging miniaturized technology with the insects’ remarkable natural abilities.

A new study warns that without urgent action to address the climate crisis, extreme weather could claim the lives of up to 2.3 million people in European cities by the end of the century.

A major fellowship to a researcher studying high-energy astrophysical phenomena, an Israeli experiment launching aboard a private space mission, a farewell to a groundbreaking space telescope, and a closer look at what happens to bones in space. This Week in Space.

Project to launch a second Israeli spacecraft to the moon was frozen after failing to secure the necessary funding, but SpaceIL’s educational initiatives will continue as usual; Freezing the mission does not mean it has been abandoned, officials say