Science News
@sciencenews.bsky.social
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We report on the latest news in all fields of science. See also
@snexplores.bsky.social
Lights, trees and visiting Santa are all potential hazards â be careful decking ⊠or un-decking the halls!
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/christmas-holiday-decorations-injuries-emergency-room
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How decorating for Christmas sends people to the ER
A study takes a stab at quantifying Christmas-related mishaps.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/christmas-holiday-decorations-injuries-emergency-room
about 12 hours ago
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Many people struggle with the cringe factor that can come with giving thanks. But the discomfort is worth it, research shows. Simple acts of gratitude can lead to small moments of joy. Read more, free:
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/gratitude-increases-joy-habits-thankful
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Gratitude increases joy
Like exercise, gratitude takes many forms. Finding the right practice, research shows, is up to the individual.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/gratitude-increases-joy-habits-thankful
about 14 hours ago
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Creating human eggs from adult cells just got one step closer to reality.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/human-egg-cells-from-skin-cells
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Scientists made human egg cells from skin cells
More work needs to be done to create viable human embryos, but the method might someday be used in IVF to help infertile people and male couples.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/human-egg-cells-from-skin-cells
about 16 hours ago
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Rudolphâs superbright snout might seem as fantastical as his ability to fly. But a light-up body part needs no holiday magic. Read how his nose could glow oh-so-red, free:
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rudolph-nose-christmas-reindeer-holiday
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Here's how Rudolph's light-up nose might be possible
Simple chemistry could give the reindeer his famously bright snout. But physics would make it look different colors from the ground.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rudolph-nose-christmas-reindeer-holiday
about 18 hours ago
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Ready to take on our holiday themed math puzzle?
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/math-puzzle-holiday-gift
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Math puzzle: A Loopy Holiday Gift Exchange
Solve the math puzzle from our December 2025 issue, in which a holiday gift exchange occurs.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/math-puzzle-holiday-gift
about 19 hours ago
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Cooking a holday dinner? Save your tissues. This cutting technique slashes tears when chopping onions.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/knife-tricks-stop-onion-cutting-crying
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These simple knife tricks stop onion tears instantly
With a high-speed camera and a tiny guillotine, scientists showed that chopping onions slowly and with sharper knives cuts down on tears.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/knife-tricks-stop-onion-cutting-crying
about 21 hours ago
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The more live Santas young kids see, the stronger their conviction is that the Santas are real.
https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/growth-curve/science-kids-belief-santa
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The science behind kidsâ belief in Santa
Childrenâs belief in Santa is strong â until it isnât anymore, usually at around age 8.
https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/growth-curve/science-kids-belief-santa
about 23 hours ago
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mRNA technology, which powered life-saving COVID-19 vaccines and is now rocketing new cancer therapeutics forward, underwent a scientific slowdown in the U.S.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/mrna-vaccines-diseases-tech
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mRNA vaccines hold promise for many diseases. Now the tech is under fireÂ
Researchers warn that halting federal contracts for mRNA vaccine research could weaken pandemic preparedness and slow medical advances.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/mrna-vaccines-diseases-tech
1 day ago
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The bacteria that causes gonorrhea is showing resistance to the currently recommended treatment.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/antibiotics-gonorrhea-sti
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Two more antibiotics have been approved in the U.S. to treat gonorrhea
The bacteria behind the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea is known for developing antibiotic resistance. Now there are two new treatment options.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/antibiotics-gonorrhea-sti
1 day ago
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Axial seamount was supposed to erupt in 2025. What happened?
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/underwater-volcano-oregon-erupt-2026
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An underwater volcano off Oregon didnât erupt in 2025 after all. Why not?
Data from Axial, the most-monitored underwater volcano, are helping geophysicists hone eruption predictions. For Axial, 2026 is their next bet.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/underwater-volcano-oregon-erupt-2026
1 day ago
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Rudolphâs bright snout might seem as fantastical as his ability to fly. But a light-up body part is actually possible, no holiday magic needed.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rudolph-nose-christmas-reindeer-holiday
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Here's how Rudolph's light-up nose might be possible
Simple chemistry could give the reindeer his famously bright snout. But physics would make it look different colors from the ground.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rudolph-nose-christmas-reindeer-holiday
1 day ago
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Good health news for babies, kids and adults regarding the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination kept coming in December.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/benefits-covid-19-shot-vaccine
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Research hailing the benefits of the COVID-19 shot keeps coming
There was more good health news about the COVID-19 vaccine for infants, kids and adults in December. Thereâs still time to get the shot this winter.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/benefits-covid-19-shot-vaccine
2 days ago
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reposted by
Science News
Tina Saey
7 days ago
đ§ȘIn April, I met
@chrisbuck.bsky.social
at a conference. I followed his journey as he home brewed and tested the effects of a vaccine beer on himself. Critics are worried about the ramifications. My exclusive story
@sciencenews.bsky.social
www.sciencenews.org/article/vacc...
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He made beer thatâs also a vaccine. Now controversy is brewing
An NIH scientistâs maverick approach reveals legal, ethical, moral, scientific and social challenges to developing potentially life-saving vaccines.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/vaccine-beer-polyomavirus-chris-buck
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Eastern European Neandertal groups journeyed some 3,000 kilometers east into Asia, where they left a genetic and cultural legacy, new research suggests.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dna-neandertals-traveled-asia
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DNA reveals Neandertals traveled thousands of kilometers into Asia
DNA and stone tool comparisons suggest Eastern European Neandertals trekked 3,000 kilometers to Siberia, where they left a genetic and cultural mark.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dna-neandertals-traveled-asia
2 days ago
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Two of the largest clinical trials of their kind have doused hopes that a diabetes and weight loss âwonder drugâ might also work its magic on Alzheimerâs.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/glp-1-drugs-failed-slow-alzheimers
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GLP-1 drugs failed to slow Alzheimerâs in two big clinical trials
Tantalizing results from small trials and anecdotes raised hopes that drugs like Ozempic could help. Despite setbacks, researchers arenât giving up yet.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/glp-1-drugs-failed-slow-alzheimers
10 days ago
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Most countries follow the same Hep B vaccine policy â and many with selective vaccination have higher screening and universal health coverage. Experts say removing the birth dose here would widen dangerous gaps.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/hepatitis-b-vaccination-newborns-cdc-acip
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A CDC panel has struck down universal newborn hepatitis B vaccination
A reshaped vaccine committee voted to scale back newborn hepatitis B shots despite decades of data showing the birth dose is safe, effective and vital.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/hepatitis-b-vaccination-newborns-cdc-acip
12 days ago
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A second study in as many months confirms â using an independent and novel analysis â that the the tiny tyrannosaur Nanotyrannus is indeed its own species and not a young T. rex.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/nanotyrannus-still-no-teenage-t-rex
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Nanotyrannus is still not a teenage T. rex
Nanotyrannus wasnât a juvenile T. rex but a petite adult of a separate species, a new study of fossil hyoid bones finds, bolstering a recent report.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/nanotyrannus-still-no-teenage-t-rex
12 days ago
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Human activities can trigger sudden shakes even in seismically silent regions â by forcing stable, âhealingâ faults to release all their built-up strength.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/human-caused-earthquakes-stable-regions
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Human-caused earthquakes are real. Here's why even stable regions can snap
Human activity can cause âhealedâ faults to release their stored strength, triggering unexpected quakes in tectonically stable regions.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/human-caused-earthquakes-stable-regions
13 days ago
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Proof that Neandertals hadnât adapted to cold was right under their noses.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/big-neandertal-werent-nose-cold-climate
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Big Neandertal noses weren't made for cold
Tiny cameras threaded inside a Neandertal skull provide evidence that their big noses were not an adaptation to cold climates.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/big-neandertal-werent-nose-cold-climate
13 days ago
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Mosaics can enchant humans with gestalt beauty, but for many other creatures, their worth transcends aesthetics.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/nature-tiles-patterns-biological
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From viruses to elephants, nature thrives on tiled patterns
A compilation of 100 examples of biological tilings shows how repeated natural motifs enhance strength, flexibility and other key functions.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/nature-tiles-patterns-biological
14 days ago
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The training details of DeepSeekâs R1 model has been peer-reviewed. Can it help us understand how the model solves multistep reasoning problems?
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ai-model-deepseek-answers-training
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A look under the hood of DeepSeekâs AI models doesn't provide all the answers
A peer-reviewed paper about Chinese startup DeepSeek's models explains their training approach but not how they work through intermediate steps.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ai-model-deepseek-answers-training
14 days ago
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Defined as an excessive propensity to anger, irritability is often triggered by perceived threats or frustration around things not going our way. And whenever you feel it, youâre not alone.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/irritability-mental-health-frustration
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Some irritability is normal. Hereâs when itâs not
Irritability is a normal response to frustrations, but it can sometimes signal an underlying mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/irritability-mental-health-frustration
14 days ago
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Beekeepers bring their bees to blooming heathlands in Ireland. Much like New Yorkers in the face of hordes of tourists, the local bumblebees end up changing their beehavior.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/honeybees-outcompete-bumblebees-hives
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Trucked-in honeybees may edge out bigger bumblebee foragers
The finding could guide beekeepers to keep hives out of most vulnerable areas of the Irish heathlands.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/honeybees-outcompete-bumblebees-hives
15 days ago
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The first known method of producing fire involved striking a lump of the mineral iron pyrite against the edge of a jagged piece of flint.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/neandertal-fire-making-tools-flint-iron
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Neandertals mastered fire-making tools 400,000 years ago
Archaeologists found flint, iron pyrite to strike it and sediments where a fire was probably built several times at an ancient site in England.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/neandertal-fire-making-tools-flint-iron
15 days ago
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A new climate record suggests that Homo floresiensis â pint-size human relatives nicknamed âhobbitsâ â endured thousands of years of intensifying drought before disappearing from their Indonesian island home of Flores.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/drought-doomed-hobbits-human-relatives
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Drought may have doomed the âhobbitsâ of Flores
Stalagmite data suggest Homo floresiensis faced prolonged drought that stressed both them and their prey, contributing to their disappearance.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/drought-doomed-hobbits-human-relatives
15 days ago
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In a small clinical trial, some patients who received the vaccine remained cancer-free for more than three years, researchers reported in Nature.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cancer-vaccine-mrna-pancreas-nih
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An mRNA cancer vaccine may offer long-term protection
A vaccine kept patients free of pancreatic cancer for years, yet new reports say the NIH is advising against mentioning mRNA tech in grants.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cancer-vaccine-mrna-pancreas-nih
15 days ago
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The first vaccine designed for insects may make honeybees healthier overall.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/honeybee-vaccine-protect-bacteria-virus
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A vaccine for bees has an unexpected effect
Honeybees vaccinated against a bacterial disease were also protected from a viral disease.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/honeybee-vaccine-protect-bacteria-virus
16 days ago
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Autism is more common than ever before, a new report suggests.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/autism-rates-rose-experts-explain-why
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Autism rates rose again. Experts explain why
Autism rates are higher than ever before, probably because of more expansive and sensitive diagnoses. Those numbers highlight the need for more support for people with autism.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/autism-rates-rose-experts-explain-why
16 days ago
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Don't try this at home. Researchers turned milk into traditional yogurts with help from ants. For science.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/ants-bacteria-yogurt-ingredient
?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
21 days ago
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A first-time contestant of the Nikon Small World photomicrography contest won this yearâs competition with a close-up shot of a rice weevil.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/award-winning-nikon-science-photos-2025
?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
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Award-winning micro-photos depict stunning details of nature
From fluorescent ferns to sprawling neurons, photos in the 2025 Nikon Small World contest showcased the artistry of life as seen through a microscope.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/award-winning-nikon-science-photos-2025?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
22 days ago
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From furious firestorms to gently burning swirls, this recently discovered flame may clean oil spills and more. This weekâs word is blue whirl.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/scientists-say-blue-whirl-definition-pronunciation
?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
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Scientists Say: Blue whirl
Four types of smaller flames create the perfect firestorm of elegantly efficient combustion.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/scientists-say-blue-whirl-definition-pronunciation?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
22 days ago
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Can dogs sort toys based on how they play with them? Yes, researchers say, some do.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/gifted-dogs-learn-sort-fetch-toys
?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
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Some gifted dogs can learn to sort their toys
Among dogs known to be gifted word learners, some can also sort toys by how they are used during play time. Itâs one sign of a complex thought process.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/gifted-dogs-learn-sort-fetch-toys?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
23 days ago
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NASAâs Perseverance rover recorded the sounds and interference of little arcs of electricity, generated by wind and dust.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/martian-mini-lightning-listen-nasa
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Listen to the crackle of Martian âmini-lightningâ
A microphone on NASAâs Perseverance rover recorded the sounds of electrical discharges generated by dusty gusts.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/martian-mini-lightning-listen-nasa
23 days ago
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One of Earthâs worst days is the center of a new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dinosaur-doomsday-museum-exhibit
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A new dinosaur doomsday exhibit showcases survival after destruction
The American Museum of Natural Historyâs âImpact: The End of the Age of the Dinosaursâ examines how an asteroid impact shaped life as we know it.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dinosaur-doomsday-museum-exhibit
24 days ago
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Research shows that practicing gratitude promotes small moments of joy.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/gratitude-increases-joy-habits-thankful
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Gratitude increases joy
Like exercise, gratitude takes many forms. Finding the right practice, research shows, is up to the individual.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/gratitude-increases-joy-habits-thankful
24 days ago
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Rudolphâs siren-bright snout might seem as fantastical as his ability to fly. But a light-up body part is actually possible, no holiday magic needed.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rudolph-nose-christmas-reindeer-holiday
loading . . .
Here's how Rudolph's light-up nose might be possible
Simple chemistry could give the reindeer his famously bright snout. But physics would make it look different colors from the ground.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rudolph-nose-christmas-reindeer-holiday
24 days ago
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Canada recently lost their measles elimination status after a yearlong outbreak. The United States could soon follow.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/canada-measles-elimination-us-vaccine
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Canada just lost its measles elimination status. Is the U.S. next?
Canada has had more than a year of continuous measles transmission. The United States has until January to limit cases before losing status.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/canada-measles-elimination-us-vaccine
24 days ago
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An experimental nasal vaccine could one day serve as a treatment for cervical cancer.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/therapeutic-hpv-vaccine-cervical-cancer
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A therapeutic HPV vaccine shrank cervical tumors in mice
An HPV vaccine delivered into the nose can treat cervical tumors in mice. The vaccine targets a cancer protein produced by the virus.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/therapeutic-hpv-vaccine-cervical-cancer
25 days ago
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A microphone on NASAâs Perseverance rover recorded the sounds of electrical discharges generated by dusty gusts.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/martian-mini-lightning-listen-nasa
loading . . .
Listen to the crackle of Martian âmini-lightningâ
A microphone on NASAâs Perseverance rover recorded the sounds of electrical discharges generated by dusty gusts.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/martian-mini-lightning-listen-nasa
25 days ago
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Strong memories capture weak memories that weâd otherwise forget.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/emotion-memory-help-remember-moments
?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
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Big moments can help you remember little things, too
Emotional events help solidify memories. Scientists think this could someday help students study to remember better or aid the recovery of trauma survivors.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/emotion-memory-help-remember-moments?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
26 days ago
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Using field recordings from Africa and machine learning techniques to analyze the acoustics, scientists found that African lions produce two distinct types of roars.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/lion-new-type-roar-decoded
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Lions have a second roar that no one noticed until now
A machine learning analysis of wild lion audio reveals they have two roar types, not one. This insight might help detect where lions are declining.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/lion-new-type-roar-decoded
26 days ago
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Tiny life-forms with bright colors might point the way to big dinosaur bone discoveries.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/lichen-dinosaur-fossils
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This bright orange life-form could point to new dino discoveries
Colorful lichen living on dinosaur bones reflect infrared light that can be detected by drones, which might lead to finds in remote areas.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/lichen-dinosaur-fossils
27 days ago
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In ancient Maya civilization, cacao wasnât just for the elites.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/maya-cacao-ceramics-royals-currency-ritual
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In Maya society, cacao use was for everyone, not just royals
Previously considered a preserve of Maya elites, cacao was consumed across all social strata, a new study finds.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/maya-cacao-ceramics-royals-currency-ritual
27 days ago
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To âhear,â this microphone uses light. That means it works even through soundproof glass.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/visual-microphone-sees-sounds
?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
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This microphone picks up sounds by watching them
This microphone can âhearâ by viewing the tiny vibrations made in everyday objects as sound waves strike them.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/visual-microphone-sees-sounds?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
27 days ago
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Dormant moss spores endured months of vacuum, radiation and temperature swings outside the International Space Station ⊠and lived.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/moss-spores-survive-nine-months-space
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Moss spores survived in space for 9 months
The moss species Physcomitrium patens is the latest organism to survive an extended stay in the vacuum and radiation of space.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/moss-spores-survive-nine-months-space
28 days ago
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Cutting down on foods with glutamate could be a way to ease migraines, a small study suggests. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/low-glutamate-diet-ease-migraines
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A diet low in glutamate may ease migraines
People with Gulf War Illness found relief from migraines after a month on a low-glutamate diet, hinting at a new way to ease symptoms.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/low-glutamate-diet-ease-migraines
28 days ago
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Prepare your 2026 TBR stack â here's our 2025 book recommendations and reviews!
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/favorite-science-books-2025-review-shop
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These are Science Newsâ favorite books of 2025
Books about AI, Mars and infectious disease were among our top reads this year.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/favorite-science-books-2025-review-shop
28 days ago
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babe wake up new science news puzzle just dropped
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/math-puzzle-holiday-gift
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Math puzzle: A Loopy Holiday Gift Exchange
Solve the math puzzle from our December 2025 issue, in which a holiday gift exchange occurs.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/math-puzzle-holiday-gift
29 days ago
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Cosmic forecast: Cloudy with a chance of galactic fountains!
https://www.snexplores.org/article/high-velocity-clouds-milky-way-galaxy
?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
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Fast, mysterious clouds swarm around our galaxy
Astronomers want to know the source â and importance â of these faint, fast-moving clouds that zoom beyond and toward our Milky Wayâs disk.
https://www.snexplores.org/article/high-velocity-clouds-milky-way-galaxy?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=bluesky&utm_campaign=snesnsocial
29 days ago
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Simple chemistry could give Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer his famously bright snout. But physics would make it look different colors from the ground. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rudolph-nose-christmas-reindeer-holiday
loading . . .
Here's how Rudolph's light-up nose might be possible
Simple chemistry could give the reindeer his famously bright snout. But physics would make it look different colors from the ground.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rudolph-nose-christmas-reindeer-holiday
29 days ago
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