Scientists discover the enzyme that lets cancer rapidly rewire its DNA

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified the enzyme N4BP2 responsible for chromothripsis, a process where chromosomes break into fragments and reassemble incorrectly, seen in about one in four cancers. This chaotic reshuffling allows cancer cells to evolve rapidly and develop resistance to treatment. Blocking the enzyme significantly reduced genomic destruction in cancer cells, offering a potential new strategy for treating aggressive cancers.

Scientists restore knee cartilage using targeted injection

Scientists have developed an experimental inhibitor that successfully regenerated knee cartilage in aged mice, offering a potential alternative to arthritis and prosthetics. The inhibitor, which blocks an age-linked protein, led to cartilage regrowth in mice even when they were already old. Human knee tissue exposed to the same blocker also showed signs of new cartilage formation. The study suggests that this approach could provide a new treatment option for knee osteoarthritis, which affects about one in five adults in the United States and leads to significant direct medical costs. The research, published in Science, highlights the potential of targeted injections to delay joint replacement and improve quality of life for those suffering from knee-related issues.

Space Station returns to a full crew complement after a month - Ars Technica

The International Space Station has returned to a full crew complement of seven astronauts after a month with only one NASA astronaut, Chris Williams, on board. The arrival of four new astronauts as part of the Crew 12 mission, Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev, brought the crew back to full strength. This was made possible by the quick response of NASA and SpaceX to bring Crew 12 forward and the talented workforce at NASA and its partners.

Ancient Mars was warm and wet, not cold and icy

A recent study published in Ars Technica reveals that ancient Mars was warm and wet, not cold and icy, during the Noachian epoch. The discovery, based on kaolinite pebbles showing evidence of alteration under high rainfall conditions, contrasts with the prevailing theory that this era was mainly cold and icy. This finding has implications for the potential habitability of Mars during this time and is being further investigated by the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover.

NASA has a new problem to fix before the next Artemis II countdown test

NASA is facing fueling issues with the Space Launch System rocket, which have delayed the Artemis II mission. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the importance of safety and the need to address the leaks before the Artemis III mission. Engineers are working to redesign the propellant loading interfaces and cryoproof the vehicle to prevent future leaks.

What If a Star Exploded Near Earth? (Simulation)

Cognitive Speed Training Linked to Lower Dementia Incidence Up To 20 Years Later

Adults age 65 and older who completed five to six weeks of cognitive speed training — in this case, speed of processing training, which helps people quickly find visual information on a computer screen and handle increasingly complex tasks in a shorter time period — and who had f

Brain imaging study found that gambling disorder is linked to brain networks involved in self-control and brain reward functions

A new doctoral dissertation from the University of Turku reveals that gambling disorder is linked to disruptions in brain networks responsible for self-control and reward. The research, conducted using multiple brain imaging techniques, shows that people with gambling disorder have weaker connections between the frontal cortex and subcortical regions, which may make it harder to resist gambling urges. The findings suggest potential targets for future treatments, such as non-invasive brain stimulation and medication targeting serotonin and opioid functions.

Daily soda consumption linked to cognitive difficulties in teens

A recent study published in Nutritional Neuroscience suggests that daily consumption of sugary beverages like soda and sports drinks can lead to cognitive difficulties in adolescents. The research, conducted by Shuo Feng from Texas A&M University, found that sleep duration acts as a mediator, with reduced sleep being a primary factor linking sugary drinks to cognitive struggles.

Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice and human cells - PubMed

Psilocybin, a compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, shows potential in extending cellular lifespan and increasing longevity in aged mice, suggesting it may have geroprotective properties.

Only Humans Have Chins — and They Emerged as an Evolutionary Accident

A recent study published in PLOS One suggests that the human chin, a unique feature not found in other animals, emerged as an accidental byproduct of long-term evolution of the jaw in early hominins. Contrary to previous beliefs, the chin did not evolve as an adaptation to enhance survival but rather as a spandrel, a term describing a feature unintentionally produced by other adaptations. The research challenges the notion that every animal feature conferring a positive effect must have been achieved by natural selection.

Wild Parrots May Follow Language-Like Rules — Including Syntax

A study published in the Journal of Avian Biology reveals that Yellow-naped Amazon parrots in Costa Rica use structured vocal exchanges during territorial disputes, following syntactic rules similar to human language.

Briefing Chat: Caffeine slows brain ageing, suggests decades of data

This article from Nature Briefing discusses a study that suggests caffeine consumption may slow brain aging, based on data from 130,000 participants.

Scientists have found a weird 'inside out' planetary system. Here's what it looks like | Space

Astronomers have discovered a rare 'inside-out' planetary system around the red dwarf LHS 1903, where a small rocky planet orbits beyond two gas giants, challenging traditional theories of planetary formation.

Archaeology Students Unearth an Early Medieval Burial Pit During a Training Dig in England

Cambridge University archaeology students discovered an early medieval burial pit in England, containing the remains of ten individuals, possibly linked to clashes between the kingdoms of Mercia and East Anglia. The pit, dating back to the ninth century, includes four complete skeletons and dismembered bodies, some showing signs of violence and others possibly victims of ancient surgical practices.

Engineers Just Developed a Perfect Material for a Truly Unsinkable Ship

Engineers have developed a superhydrophobic metal inspired by the diving bell spider, creating a material that could lead to the development of an unsinkable ship. This material, detailed in a study published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, maintains buoyancy even when severely damaged, making it potentially useful for large loads or green energy technologies.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 Launches to International Space Station

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission successfully launched four crew members to the International Space Station on Friday, February 14, 2020. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, will conduct scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth.

Exposure to intense wildfire smoke during pregnancy may be linked to increased likelihood of autism

A new study from UC Davis Health and UCLA suggests that exposure to intense wildfire smoke during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of autism in children. The study, which is the largest to date examining the impact of wildfire-specific air pollution on early neurodevelopment, found stronger associations during high-intensity smoke events. The researchers emphasized that while the findings do not prove a causal link, they highlight the importance of targeted policies to mitigate air pollution during pregnancy.

Earth's Core Might Hold Dozens of Oceans Worth of Hydrogen, Hinting at the Origins of the Planet's Vast Water Supply

A recent study suggests that Earth's core may contain between 9 and 45 times the amount of hydrogen as the ocean, which could explain the origins of the planet's vast water supply. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that Earth's water came from icy comets and suggests that the water may have been present since the planet's formation.

An Elephant's Trunk Is Covered in Whiskers—and They're Unlike Those on Any Other Animal, a New Study Suggests

A new study reveals that elephants have unique whiskers on their trunks that differ significantly from those of other animals. These whiskers, which are rigid at the base and softer at the tip, help elephants sense their environment and manipulate objects despite their poor eyesight.

When Human Activity Dropped During Covid-19, Methane Levels Surprisingly Spiked. Now, a Study Points to Two Reasons Why

A study published in Science explains the paradoxical increase in methane levels during the Covid-19 lockdowns, attributing it to reduced air pollution decreasing the creation of hydroxyl radicals, which destroy methane, and increased methane emissions from natural wetlands due to the La Niña climate event.

New nickel-iron battery charges in seconds, survives 12,000 cycles

UCLA researchers have developed a nickel-iron battery prototype that recharges in seconds and maintains its performance for over 12,000 cycles, equivalent to 30 years of daily recharges. The technology, which uses nickel and iron clusters smaller than 5 nanometers, is expected to stabilize power grids and manage intermittent renewable energy. While it does not match the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, its fast charging, high output, and robust endurance make it suitable for storing excess electricity generated at solar farms and providing backup power at data centers.

An Elephant Is Blind Without Its Whiskers

Researchers Identify Brain Circuit and Cells that Link Prior Experiences to Appetite

Our past experiences shape how much we eat and where and what we choose to eat. Researchers have identified brain cells that translate contextual information into appetite control. The findings suggest that dysfunction in this brain circuit could be a factor in disordered eating

Musk needed a new vision for SpaceX and xAI. He landed on Moonbase Alpha

This TechCrunch article discusses Elon Musk's new vision for SpaceX and xAI, focusing on building AI data centers in orbit and a city on the moon to manufacture space computers.

A Monster Black Hole Just Went Rogue, and It’s Racing Through Space at 1,600 KM/S

A runaway supermassive black hole has been observed racing through space at 1,600 km/s, leaving a 200,000-light-year trail of newborn stars behind it. This phenomenon provides strong evidence for the theory that gravitational-wave recoil can eject black holes from their galaxies. The black hole, estimated to be moving at roughly 1,600 kilometers per second, appears to have been displaced from its galactic center and is compressing gas ahead of it to ignite star formation.