Latest Science News
Artificial Neurons Communicate with Living Brain Cells
Engineers at Northwestern University developed printed artificial neurons using MoS2 memristive nanosheet networks that produce signals mimicking real neurons and successfully trigger responses in mouse brain slices. This low-cost, flexible tech advances brain-machine interfaces and energy-efficient AI inspired by neural communication.
The study appears in Nature Nanotechnology.
Greenland's Prudhoe Dome Ice Sheet Melted Completely 7,000 Years Ago
Scientists from GreenDrill project found evidence that a major Greenland ice dome fully melted during mild natural warming 7,000 years ago, analyzed from cores 1,669 feet deep. This reveals the ice sheet's fragility, warning of potential rapid loss under current human-driven climate change.
The finding challenges assumptions of its stability.
Biotech IPOs Surge with Kailera and Alamar Blockbusters
Alamar Biosciences, specializing in precision proteomics for early cancer and Alzheimer’s detection, raised $191.3 million in an oversubscribed IPO at $17 per share, shares up 33% on debut. This follows Kailera's success, signaling investor return to late-stage biotech after drought, with 30-35 IPOs projected for 2026.
Breakthroughs in faint disease signal detection drive demand.
April 2026 New Moon Offers Spectacular Skywatching
The April new moon on April 17 at 7:52 a.m. EDT provides moonless nights ideal for viewing planets like Venus with Pleiades, Uranus, Jupiter's moons, and a pre-dawn planetary triangle of Mercury, Mars, Saturn. Dark skies reveal constellations like Hydra and deep-sky objects.
Optimal for naked-eye, binoculars, or telescope observation.
Artemis II Mission Faces Scrutiny Over $93 Billion Cost
Post-Artemis II lunar orbit mission, NASA faces questions on scientific value amid $93 billion Artemis program costs and Trump's budget cuts slashing science funding by nearly 50%. Debates question if human Moon return justifies expenses given economic challenges.
BBC examines mission worth.
Japan Approves Hunting 10,000 Bears After Attacks
In response to bear attacks, Japan greenlit hunting 10,000 bears this year, a science-informed wildlife management decision. This addresses rising human-wildlife conflicts in ecology contexts.
Reported in EL PAĂŤS daily news.
Northwestern's Neuron Tech Revolutionizes Neurotechnology
Printed neurons generate spikes, bursts, and patterns matching biological firing, interfacing directly with neural tissue for neuroprosthetics restoring senses or movement. Supported by NSF, it promises low-energy brain-like computing.
Compatible with living systems shown in experiments.
Greenland Ice Past Signals Climate Risk
Chemical analysis of ancient materials below ice pinpoints past exposure to sunlight, confirming Prudhoe Dome melt during lesser warming than today. Raises alarms for sea-level rise from accelerated ice loss.
Expedition in 2023 provided key samples.
Alamar's Protein Tech Detects Early Disease Signals
Alamar's platform identifies faint blood biomarkers for cancer and Alzheimer’s beyond current tools, fueling 11x oversubscription in IPO. Precision proteomics breakthrough revives biotech funding.
Shares soared post-listing.
Planetary Parade Highlights New Moon Week
Post-sunset: Venus, Pleiades, Uranus; overhead Jupiter with Galilean moons; pre-dawn Mercury, Neptune, Mars, Saturn in eastern sky. Celestron notes Uranus visibility with aid.
Perfect for astrophotography.
NASA Budget Cuts Hit Science Post-Artemis
Trump's proposals reduce NASA science by 50%, straining programs after Artemis II's high costs despite lunar science gains. Questions persist on Moon mission ROI.
Global Story podcast debates.