Latest Science News
LZ Experiment Detects Solar Neutrinos and Tightens Dark Matter Constraints
The world's most sensitive dark matter detector, LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) in South Dakota, has detected elusive solar neutrinos from the Sun's core for the first time while setting new world-leading exclusion limits on dark matter particles above 5 GeV. Australian researchers from the University of Sydney played a key role in commissioning the detector and modeling its performance. The results, presented on December 8, pave the way for continued data collection through 2028 and future experiments like XLZD.
Neutron Star P13 Awakens with Dramatic Brightening and Spin-Up
Astronomers observed a decade-long transformation in neutron star P13, where X-ray luminosity fluctuated by factors of hundreds and rotation accelerated, revealing evolution in its supercritical accretion structure. By 2024, luminosity peaked over 100 times higher than in 2021, with doubled spin-up rates post-2022.
These synchronized changes offer clues to ultraluminous X-ray source physics.
Quantum Antenna Enables First Detection of Single Terahertz Comb Tooth
University of Warsaw researchers developed a Rydberg atom-based quantum antenna that detects and calibrates individual terahertz frequency comb teeth, overcoming prior electronic and optical limitations. Operating at room temperature, this advances terahertz metrology for future technologies.
The method combines atomic electrometry with terahertz-to-light conversion.
Aptamers Unlock Detection of Senescent 'Zombie' Cells in Aging Research
Mayo Clinic scientists identified DNA aptamers that selectively bind surface proteins on senescent cells in mouse tissue, enabling their labeling and study in living systems. From over 100 trillion sequences, rare aptamers targeted a fibronectin variant unique to these cells.
This breakthrough, sparked by a grad student's idea, holds promise for human applications in aging and disease.
First Gravitationally Lensed Superluminous Supernova Observed by Keck
Keck Observatory confirmed SN 2025wny, the first spatially resolved, gravitationally lensed superluminous supernova at high redshift, aiding Hubble tension measurements via time-delay differences. Detected by Zwicky Transient Facility and imaged by multiple telescopes, it promises cleaner cosmic expansion rate data.
This proof-of-concept anticipates hundreds more from Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
Quantum Sensing Fellowship to Track Cancer-Immune Cell Interactions
Dr. Aldona Mzyk received a £2M UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to develop quantum sensors detecting free radical signals in immune cells interacting with tumors. These nanoscale sensors will monitor metabolic changes disrupting immunotherapy, enabling personalized cancer treatments.
The platform integrates quantum sensing, spectroscopy, and microfluidics for real-time analysis.
AACR 2025 Highlights Immunotherapy Advances in Leukemia and Cancers
SENTI-202 CAR-NK therapy achieved complete remissions in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia patients, while CHS-114 targeted CCR8+ T cells in head-and-neck cancers. An immunomodulatory vaccine advances to phase 3 trials, and micvotabart pelidotin disrupted tumor structures in solid tumors.
These represent concept-proving shifts in oncology.
Biodegradable Lignin-Histidine Photoluminescent Materials Developed
Researchers created sustainable, solid-state photoluminescent materials by combining wood-pulping waste lignin with histidine, replacing nonrenewable substances. This eco-friendly approach repurposes industrial byproducts for display screens and reduces reliance on finite resources.
The materials address multiple environmental concerns in production.
Mini Human Heart Organoid Mimics Atrial Fibrillation
Scientists engineered mini heart organoids with chamber-like structures, vascular networks including arteries and veins, replicating human atrial function. These 'truly mini hearts' enable advanced study of cardiac diseases.
The organoids provide precise models for drug testing and pathology research.
Quantum Computing Device Shrunk 100x Smaller Than Human Hair
A new chip-scale quantum computing breakthrough achieves unprecedented control with a device 100 times smaller than a human hair. This miniaturization advances scalable quantum tech applications.
The innovation enhances precision in quantum operations.
Strange 7-Hour Gamma-Ray Burst GRB 250702B Detected
A unique 7-hour gamma-ray burst from 8 billion light-years away in Scutum defies known patterns, moving near light speed. Shared December 8, this explosion challenges existing models of cosmic events.
It highlights unexplained deep-space phenomena.