Science

A rare and exceptionally well-preserved Corinthian helmet, believed to have been used by Greek hoplite warriors, is set to go under the hammer later this month in London. Crafted from bronze and dating back to between 500 and 450 B.C., the helmet showcases the artistry of ancient Greek warfare. Such helmets, designed to cover most

Direct soil carbon measurement techniques are being explored as a method to improve accuracy in carbon credit markets, especially in agriculture. Measuring stored soil carbon rather than relying on predictive models can provide solid data on the effectiveness of climate-smart agricultural practices. It is believed that this method will enhance the reliability of carbon credits,

A significant revelation about the dietary habits of early human ancestors suggests a strong reliance on plant-based foods rather than meat consumption. Evidence from fossilised teeth of Australopithecus africanus has provided a clearer picture of their dietary preferences. These findings, based on the chemical composition of tooth enamel, indicate that this early bipedal species, existing

A recent investigation into the moon’s formation and Earth’s water origin has provided compelling insights. Researchers from the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) conducted analyses on lunar and terrestrial samples, revealing that the moon was likely formed predominantly from Earth’s mantle material. This challenges the long-held theory

Blue Origin achieved a significant milestone with the maiden launch of its New Glenn rocket. The vehicle lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:03 a.m. EST on January 16, 2025. Designed as a reusable orbital-class rocket, it marked a pivotal moment for the company’s ambitions in the spaceflight sector. The mission’s primary

A new two-dimensional (2D) material that combines exceptional strength with flexibility has been created by a team led by Northwestern University. Described as resembling interlinked chainmail, this innovative material is lightweight and holds potential for applications such as advanced body armour and other high-performance uses. The breakthrough is credited to the development of a scalable

A centuries-old supernova in the constellation Cassiopeia has been illuminated by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), unveiling intricate interstellar structures around 11,000 light-years away. The telescope’s infrared capabilities captured glowing gas and dust in the aftermath of the supernova’s explosion, offering astronomers a rare glimpse into the otherwise hidden dynamics of interstellar material. The

For years, scientists have sought methods to predict solar flares, the intense energy bursts from the Sun capable of disrupting technology and posing risks to astronauts. Using NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, researchers have identified brightness fluctuations in coronal loops—arch-like plasma structures in the solar atmosphere—that may provide advance warning of strong solar flares. These findings

Astronomers, using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), have identified one of the oldest supernovas ever recorded, believed to have occurred approximately 11.4 billion years ago. This stellar explosion, designated AT 2023adsv, was triggered by a massive star estimated to be 20 times the size of the Sun. The event, observed as part of the

Significant discoveries have been made at the ancient site of Kurd Qaburstan in Iraq, shedding light on Mesopotamian history. Artefacts including clay cuneiform tablets, a game board, and structural remains have been unearthed by a team led by Tiffany Earley-Spadoni, an associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida. The findings are believed

A striking satellite image from 2023 revealed a rare combination of natural phenomena occurring simultaneously around Bear Island, or Bjørnøya, part of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. The image showcases swirling atmospheric patterns alongside a massive algal bloom in the Barents Sea. Bear Island is surrounded by radioactive waters, remnants of a Cold War-era Soviet submarine, raising

A new category of particles, termed “paraparticles,” has been theorized by physicists, offering a fresh perspective on the fundamental building blocks of nature. These particles defy traditional classifications of fermions and bosons, presenting unique properties that could revolutionize understanding in quantum mechanics and potentially enhance quantum computing capabilities. The mathematical model defining paraparticles opens up

A new passenger plane design featuring a revolutionary “blended wing” structure is set to take flight within the next five years, marking a significant departure from conventional aircraft designs. Developed to integrate the wings with the fuselage into a seamless, unified shape, the aircraft is anticipated to slash fuel consumption by half and significantly lower

A groundbreaking discovery has been made in Antarctica, where a team of scientists successfully extracted a 2.8-kilometre-long ice core believed to contain air bubbles and particles from 1.2 million years ago. This ancient ice sample, retrieved under extreme conditions with temperatures reaching -35 degree Celsius, holds the potential to reveal crucial insights about a critical

The ongoing wildfires in Southern California have caused extensive destruction, with over 34,000 acres burned and significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure reported. At least 10 fatalities have been confirmed, and numerous individuals have been injured since the fires ignited earlier this week. The largest of these fires, the Palisades Fire, has ravaged nearly

A discovery has shed light on the early evolution of nervous systems in ecdysozoan animals, a group that includes insects, nematodes, and priapulid worms. Fossil evidence from the early Cambrian Kuanchuanpu Formation has revealed details of the ventral nerve cord structure in ancient organisms, providing key insights into the evolutionary history of this critical component

A peak resembling a man-made pyramid, situated in the snow-covered expanse of Antarctica, has captured widespread attention due to its striking symmetry. Located within the southern Ellsworth Mountains, this natural formation features four steep, symmetrical faces, drawing comparisons to ancient Egyptian pyramids. Rising approximately 4,150 feet (1,265 meters), the mountain has become a focal point

Jupiter’s atmospheric composition has been called into question through observations made using an old technique by an amateur astronomer, Steve Hill. The findings have indicated that the planet’s iconic swirling clouds may not be composed of ammonia ice, as previously assumed. This revelation stems from data collected with commercial telescopes and spectral filters, presenting new

The launch of Blue Origin’s highly anticipated New Glenn rocket has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Initially planned for Friday, January 10, the liftoff was rescheduled to Sunday, January 12, at 1:00 a.m. EST (0600 GMT). This decision was taken because rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean could jeopardise the landing of the

Scientists have discovered a unique link between ferroelectric domain walls and superconductivity in two-dimensional van der Waals materials. This breakthrough, credited to research by Gaurav Chaudhary from the University of Cambridge and Ivar Martin from Argonne National Laboratory, sheds light on how specific structural features in these materials enable strong electron interactions. The findings are