Latest Science News
NASA's Europa Clipper Captures Rare View of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft observed an interstellar comet's dust and plasma tails from a unique angle, detecting hydrogen, oxygen, and intense gas release post-perihelion. This unprecedented ultraviolet data, unavailable to Earth telescopes, offers clues on the comet's composition and origin from another star system. Scientists hope to unravel its formation processes and compare to our solar system.
Saturn's Moon Titan Has Slushy Interior, Not Global Ocean
New NASA research reveals Titan's interior features a thick slush layer with less liquid water than expected, explaining its delayed gravitational response to Saturn. This model, supported by energy dissipation measurements and Cassini data, suggests a 6-mile-thick ice crust over slush near the core. The findings expand habitable environments for potential life searches.
Northwestern's NU-9 Drug Halts Alzheimer's in Animal Models Pre-Symptoms
Scientists identified a new Alzheimer's driver and showed NU-9 stops disease progression in animal models before symptoms emerge. This early intervention targets molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. The study highlights promise for preventive treatments.
Bioluminescent Neurons Enable Real-Time Brain Activity Tracking
A new bioluminescent tool makes neurons glow autonomously, allowing hours-long observation of brain cell firing without lasers or fading. This advance provides clearer, deeper insights into neural dynamics. It overcomes limitations of traditional imaging methods.
T Cell Receptors Activate via Hidden Spring-Like Motion
Scientists discovered T cell receptors use a previously unseen spring-like motion for activation, potentially explaining immunotherapy variability. This breakthrough could improve cancer treatments. The motion was observed in detailed studies.
CRISPR Gene Therapy Safely Cuts LDL Cholesterol by 50% in Trial
A Phase 1 trial of CRISPR therapy targeting ANGPTL3 reduced LDL cholesterol by nearly 50% and triglycerides by 55%, proving safe in humans. This advances treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Results from first-in-human testing were promising.
MIT Achieves First Complete Synthesis of Anticancer Compound Verticillin A
Chemists at MIT synthesized verticillin A, a 50-year-old fungal compound promising against aggressive brain tumors. This milestone enables further development as an anticancer agent. The synthesis opens paths for clinical applications.
New ViViD-AFM Microscopy Reveals Influenza Virus Invasion
ETH Zurich's virus-view dual confocal and AFM technique provides high-resolution views of influenza invading human cells. Combining atomic force and fluorescence microscopy uncovers never-before-seen details. It advances virology research.
Mice Live Longer with Mitochondrial Protein Boost
Engineering mice to enhance a mitochondrial protein improved energy production, leading to longer life, better metabolism, stronger muscles, and health. This tweak highlights mitochondrial roles in aging. Findings suggest anti-aging therapies.
CERN Achieves Eightfold Antimatter Production Increase
Using laser-cooled beryllium ions, CERN's ALPHA experiment cooled positrons to -266°C, producing over 15,000 antihydrogen atoms in under seven hours—an eightfold rate boost. This advances antimatter studies. The sympathetic cooling technique was key.
Tryptophan Confirmed on Asteroid Bennu from OSIRIS-REx Samples
Analysis of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission samples verified tryptophan, a protein-building amino acid, on Bennu. This supports asteroid roles in delivering life's building blocks to Earth. The December 27 finding is significant for astrobiology.
GPR133 Receptor Boosts Bone Strength, Reverses Osteoporosis in Mice
Leipzig University identified GPR133 receptor; stimulating it with AP503 enhanced bone strength and reversed osteoporosis-like conditions in mice. This offers new osteoporosis treatment avenues. The September 8 discovery targets bone health.