Vomiting up a droplet of sugar might not seem like the most romantic gesture from a potential suitor. But for one fly species, males that spill their guts are quite a catch. Drosophila subobscura flies’ peculiar “romantic” barfing might have evolved by repurposing brain cells that usually control digestion for more romantic pursuits, researchers report…
In the spring of 2022 the U.S. space community selected its top priority for the nation’s next decade of science and exploration: a mission to Uranus, the gassy, bluish planet only seen up close during a brief spacecraft flyby in 1986. More than 2.6 billion kilometers from Earth at its nearest approach, Uranus still beckons…
Shanghai saw many days of extreme heat and humidity in 2024 REUTERS/Nicoco Chan The planet experienced a record number of dangerously hot, humid days in 2024 as climate change increases global humidity to unprecedented levels. The global average number of high humid heat days over land exceeded the 1991-2020 average by 35.6 days last year,…
The hypothesis could extend the search for extraterrestrial life to include frigid planets with thin atmospheres and underground water.
Scientists looked at obesity rates among children throughout Colombia, including the hilly region of the capital Bogotá Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images Living at high altitude could protect against obesity, according to a study of more than 4 million children across Colombia. The finding fits with existing evidence that high altitudes help ward off the condition, perhaps…
The Pacific Ocean moves through a decades-long cycle of shifting temperatures NG Images/Alamy Waters in the northern Pacific Ocean naturally cycle between patterns of cool and warm temperatures every few decades. But hundreds of simulations from climate models suggest human-caused warming may have locked this cycle into a pattern that is driving a megadrought in…
Time spent in green spaces boots working memory and attention Luke Hayes/Millennium Images, UK Nature and the MindMarc Berman (Vermilion, UK; S&S/Simon Element, US) Marc Berman is out to start a revolution. I am already a convert to his cause – and you may be too, having read in New Scientist about the extraordinary benefits…
The jacket is thicker when dry (left) and thinner when moist (right) Xiaofeng Jiang/Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics 2023 If you find yourself endlessly taking your jacket on and off when the sun disappears behind clouds, a material that becomes thinner when you sweat could provide a solution. Researchers have previously developed self-adapting materials…
August 13, 2025 2 min read Entirely New Species of Human Ancestor Discovered Ancient teeth found in Ethiopia belong to a never-before-seen species in the Australopithecus genus of human ancestors By Kate Wong edited by Jeanna Bryner Thirteen fossilized teeth were collected in the Ledi-Geraru Research Area from 2015 to 2018. The collections at LD…
Symptoms of ADHD can be managed with medicines, as well as through talking therapies Alex Di Stasi/Shutterstock People with ADHD who take drugs to manage their symptoms have a lower risk of suicidal behaviours, criminal convictions, drug abuse, being accidentally injured or being in a road accident, according to a study of 150,000 people in…
