New Scientist Space - Cosmology
Light-based AI image generator uses almost no power
A system that generates images by inducing random fluctuations in a laser beam could slash energy use compared with standard AI tools
Categories: Astronomy
Why auroras are so much brighter and more easily visible recently
The aurora borealis has been remarkably bright recently. Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov reveals what's going on and how worried we should be about a major solar storm
Categories: Astronomy
SpaceX's Starship rocket finally completes successful test flight
After three consecutive and dramatic failed missions, SpaceX has successfully launched Starship to space in a key step for NASA's lunar programme
Categories: Astronomy
CPR in space could be made easier by chest compression machines
Performing CPR on a space station in microgravity involves doing a handstand on a person's chest and pushing against the walls with your legs – but now researchers say there is a better way
Categories: Astronomy
Thylacine's genome provides clues about why it went extinct
A comparison of the thylacine’s genome to other marsupials has revealed that the creatures lost genetic diversity long before humans and dingoes arrived in Australia
Categories: Astronomy
Long-lost sailback shark rediscovered after more than 50 years
The rare sailback houndshark, which has an unusually large dorsal fin, was first described by scientists in 1973. That was the last record of its existence, until now
Categories: Astronomy
Inside the revolutionary idea that we can negotiate with cancer
New research tapping into decades-old concepts is challenging the notion that the only way to treat cancer is to kill every last cancer cell. Instead, scientists suggest, we could try a little persuasion
Categories: Astronomy
JWST gets a closer look at interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope reveal unexpectedly high levels of carbon dioxide coming off 3I/ATLAS, giving another clue to the comet’s origin
Categories: Astronomy
Is Africa about to see the solar energy boom it needs?
African countries imported a record number of solar panels in the past year, which could be the beginning of a green energy boom on the continent
Categories: Astronomy
3D-printed electronics can dissolve in water for quick recycling
Electronic devices that dissolve in water could make it easier to create and recycle technology prototypes – and they could even inspire more sustainable commercial devices
Categories: Astronomy
We are unlocking how frozen microbes stay alive for 100,000 years
Microbes found buried deep in Siberian permafrost may be able to survive over extremely long timescales using protein repair genes
Categories: Astronomy
We will soon be able to talk with other species. Which will be first?
Scientists have long and studiously avoided claiming that other animals have language. Now, using the power of AI, they are on the verge of deciphering one
Categories: Astronomy
Experiencing heatwaves may make you age faster
Millions of people may experience accelerated ageing as climate change drives more frequent and intense hot weather
Categories: Astronomy
Fewer than half the calories grown on farms now reach our plates
In 2020, the world produced more than enough calories to feed the global population, but only half of those calories reached people’s plates due to rising meat and biofuel production
Categories: Astronomy
An incredible Denisovan skull is upending the story of human evolution
An ancient skull has finally shown us what the Denisovans looked like. Now it turns out they, not Neanderthals, might be our closest relatives, redrawing our family tree and transforming the hunt for Ancestor X
Categories: Astronomy
Antibiotics normally don’t increase the risk of autoimmune disorders
A study of more than 6 million children finds that exposure to antibiotics in the womb or early in life tends not to increase the risk of autoimmunity – but the relationship is complicated
Categories: Astronomy
Forest bathing may boost physical health, not just mental well-being
Immersing yourself in nature has repeatedly been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, but it could also have serious benefits for your physical health
Categories: Astronomy
US military wants to secure the internet by making it more quantum
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has assembled a team of researchers to make communication networks more secure by injecting them with quantumness
Categories: Astronomy
Smartphone notifications may be distracting you more than you think
A social media notification popping up on your phone can be quite distracting, even if you don't engage with it
Categories: Astronomy
Another quantum computer reached quantum advantage – does it matter?
A quantum computer that uses particles of light took about two dozen microseconds to complete a calculation that may take trillions of trillions of trillions of years on the world’s best supercomputers
Categories: Astronomy