Latest scientific discoveries and research news
An ancient Chinese woman's skeleton, dating back 700 years, provides the first concrete physical evidence of punitive nasal amputation, a brutal punishment described in historical texts. The discovery sheds light on ancient Chinese justice and the social stigma faced by those punished.
A review of 25 studies shows that brief exercise sessions, lasting just minutes, can significantly improve memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility. The benefits are more pronounced when practiced consistently and in educational or work settings.
Researchers have developed a novel method using X-rays and AI to read text on papyrus scrolls carbonized by Mount Vesuvius. By detecting lead-enriched ink, the technique offers hope for deciphering thousands of ancient texts previously thought lost.
A groundbreaking study using isotope analysis of T. rex teeth estimates the dinosaur's body temperature at 97.3°F (36.3°C), similar to humans and elephants. This finding suggests T. rex was warm-blooded and highly active, challenging previous notions of it being a sluggish, cold-blooded reptile.
A new genus of Australian plant bugs, Swiftiephylus, has been named in honor of global music icon Taylor Swift. Researchers discovered 12 new species, with four named after Swift, recognizing her impact and the bugs' distinctive red and yellow coloring.
Graham Farmelo's authorized biography, "Hawking," offers new insights into the physicist's life, particularly his later scientific career and complex personality. While early life details are extensive, the book shines in its reassessment of his groundbreaking work on black holes and the controversies surrounding his collaborations.
A single dose of LSD significantly reduced anxiety in a major trial, paving the way for potential US FDA approval by 2027. Experts hail it as a milestone, though caution against self-administration and emphasize rigorous screening.
A massive volcanic eruption 22 million years ago in Chile preserved a landscape, acting like a geological Pompeii. New research analyzing the volcanic deposit reveals the Andes mountains grew at a slow, steady rate of less than 0.16 miles per million years.
New research in Lebanon uncovers 400,000 years of climate and landscape history. Studies reveal the Levant was a crucial migration corridor for animals and humans during the Pleistocene, with distinct environmental zones influencing settlement patterns.