science

Ancient DNA recovered from mummies in Chile has provided strong evidence that smallpox arrived in the Americas following European colonization. Researchers analyzed bone samples from Camarones, northern Chile, finding indications of infections dating to the early colonial period. This discovery marks the first evidence of the disease found in that part of South America.

The advancing field of neurotechnology, involving brain sensors and implants, raises significant concerns regarding privacy, especially concerning potential monitoring or discriminatory decisions in the workplace. In response, California lawmakers are moving to regulate this sector by extending digital privacy protections to brain data and passing bills to restrict how employers can use such information. New privacy agency rules will also protect people from businesses that utilize AI systems based on brain data for significant life decisions.

Simone Giertz, a Swedish engineer influencer on YouTube with over 2.5 million followers, has spent more than a decade sharing life and science lessons through her channel. Her journey focused on living a non-typical life in science.

Pediatricians recommend children eat five times daily (three meals and two snacks), and science highlights updated insights about snacking. Parents often provide snacks for on-the-go consumption, but traditional advice may no longer be accurate.

ISRO chief Somanath emphasizes the need to prioritize science in space missions and increase funding. He highlights ISRO's role in mentoring India's industry ecosystem and mentions that the new space policy will support private companies.

A powerful activist group is targeting animal research, which they claim is being threatened by their actions. The article highlights the impact of this activism on scientific progress.

Joan Ava Gillman, a science teacher at The Browning School, has spent over 45 years advocating for better learning opportunities for students from all walks of life. Her dedication to academic excellence spans nearly five decades.

Historian Craig Fehrman examines the science, politics, and human stories behind Lewis and Clark’s expedition. The article highlights the interplay of scientific exploration and political motivations during the journey.

Ancient mummy DNA from Chile provides genetic evidence that smallpox was introduced to the Americas through European colonization. The study, published in Science, identified smallpox infections in two individuals who died between 1492 and 1631, linking the virus to European strains and confirming historical accounts of its devastating impact on Indigenous populations.

Researchers suggest Mexico served as an evolutionary 'holding pen' for North American mammals for at least 10 million years before the Panamanian land bridge formed 2.8 million years ago, explaining why North American mammals dominated South America during the Great American Biotic Interchange. New fossil evidence from Mexico shows species remained there longer, adapting to drier conditions, which acted as a filter for migration.

A study found that researchers from China or with a Chinese surname had significantly lower acceptance rates in top US science journals like Science and Science Advances compared to US and Canadian researchers. Only 2.5% of submissions from China-based researchers were accepted, versus 8.3% for North American submissions.

Bryan Johnson and his girlfriend practice an inexpensive, science-backed oral habit daily, which they describe as satisfying and beneficial for longevity. The habit is highlighted as effective and 'feels amazing' according to the article.

The article discusses 15 historical beliefs in science, medicine, and the universe that were once widely accepted but were later proven incorrect through new evidence. These long-held misconceptions were eventually replaced by accurate discoveries.

The Amazon Dialogues plenary, held 4–6 August in Belém, Pará, sets an agenda for the Amazon Summit with five thematic sessions on territory, health, science, climate, and Indigenous peoples. Belém will also host COP30 in November.

A Chinese scientist is under investigation by his university after a six-year-old girl, Mei, died following experimental gene-editing therapy. The treatment, designed to correct a genetic mutation affecting her neurodevelopment, was administered in March last year, and her parents reported she had suffered adverse effects post-treatment.

An off-the-shelf camera may aid in detecting more black holes colliding. Sharmila Kuthunur is a space journalist based in Bengaluru, India, with contributions to publications like Scientific American and Science.

Researchers found Alzheimer’s disease alters the three-dimensional organization of DNA in brain cells, linking genomic reorganization to changes in genetic activity and cell arrangement. The study, using single-cell technology and AI models like Hicformer, analyzed post-mortem brain tissue to uncover how genome folding relates to gene regulation in Alzheimer’s patients.

The article promotes a science-backed volumizing shampoo designed to create Hollywood-style hair by lifting roots. The product is highlighted for its ability to add volume and enhance hair appearance.

A team at Fudan University in Shanghai developed a new chip that stores data using a single electron per bit, breaking the AI memory bottleneck. This advancement, published in Science on July 16, reduces the electron count from 200,000 in current DRAM chips to one.

The article discusses the use of tear gas in India amid CJP protests, exploring its mechanisms, legal framework, potential fatality, and safety measures for exposure.

Brazil’s Amazon deforestation is currently at its lowest in a decade, but experts warn this progress is at risk due to the collapse of the Amazon Soy Moratorium, which previously curbed deforestation linked to soy cultivation. A new study in Science predicts 1.4 million hectares of forest loss over the next decade if current trends continue.

A US start-up named Science Corp has received EU approval for a bionic eye designed to restore sight. This approval will enable the company to begin treating patients with retina implants within the coming months.

A retinal implant approved in Europe can partially restore vision for patients with age-related macular degeneration, potentially improving reading and road sign visibility. The device, developed by Science Corporation, may launch in the U.S. in 2027. CEO Max Hodak described it as a 'cochlear implant for vision.'

Dimension Capital, a four-year-old firm, has raised an $800M third fund, which is 60% larger than its second fund announced 18 months ago. The firm highlights the growing intersection of science and compute as a key area of focus.

Microsoft announced a breakthrough in quantum computing in early 2025. The discovery could have significant implications for science, technology, and society if their claims are valid.

Travis Bumanglag, a candidate for State House District 10, advocates for maintaining traditional math and science education while emphasizing collaboration with parents to increase their control over children's education.

The article discusses scientific methods to alleviate traffic jams and warns against lane changing as an ineffective strategy. It emphasizes that changing lanes often worsens congestion based on research findings.

The article highlights three eccentric scientists with unusual habits, such as keeping a cow in a flat, climbing trees to avoid colleagues, and swallowing knives at parties. Despite their quirks, these individuals are portrayed as some of the best minds in understanding the universe.

Episode 1604 discusses hydrogen and its historical use in balloons, connecting science to technology. The episode references hydrogen's role in 1783.

The article discusses the 'metallic' dunes on Mars that resemble science fiction. It is written by Sharmila Kuthunur, an independent space journalist based in Bengaluru, India.

The article discusses historical methods like wearing flowing robes and throwing water to cool down, which science confirms as effective. These techniques have been used by people throughout history to combat heat.

Federal funding and scientific advancements have doubled life expectancy, but current risks threaten to reverse progress in public health.

The article lists 28 STEM toys for kids in 2026, focusing on math and science activities through assembling, baking, squishing, and rebuilding. These toys aim to make learning fun for young children.

A new proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (O.M.B.) would allow administration officials to deny government grants to groups or projects deemed misaligned with the President’s agenda, potentially impacting science funding and other initiatives. The plan is criticized for prioritizing political preferences over objective criteria for grant allocation.

Soumya Swaminathan emphasized integrity and transparency in science during her address at the IISc convocation. A total of 1,452 PhD and Master’s students, and 118 undergraduate students received their degrees.

A new study suggests Earth may survive the sun's death. The article is written by Sharmila Kuthunur, an independent space journalist with a master's in journalism from Northeastern University.

America's use of air-conditioning is credited with saving lives during heat waves, while Europe resists adopting similar measures. The article criticizes Europe's stubbornness, arguing ideology is prioritized over scientific evidence.

Chinese scientists have developed a brain-mimicking chip capable of modeling complex brain structures in real time, with potential applications in Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics, brain-machine interfaces, and surgical assistance. The chip is reported to be up to 478 times faster than the Nvidia A100 GPU and was developed by researchers from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Scratching a bug bite may provide initial relief but is discouraged by scientific evidence due to potential harm.

Less than half of Tennessee students are proficient in any school subject, with over 50% of 3rd through 8th graders not meeting expectations in all tested subjects. High schoolers show similar struggles, particularly in math, where less than one-third are proficient. The Tennessee Department of Education reported modest gains but did not highlight the persistent challenges in student performance.