Researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) to make a major discovery, identifying over 160,000 new species of RNA viruses—most of which were previously unknown. This breakthrough comes from a study recently published in the journal Cell. The team of scientists developed an AI tool called LucaProt, which helped them find these viruses by analyzing data…
A new study published in Nature suggests that we may be overly optimistic about our ability to reverse global warming after exceeding key temperature thresholds. The study, conducted by a team of international scientists, warns that surpassing the 1.5°C goal set by the Paris Agreement could lead to long-lasting and possibly irreversible climate impacts, even…
Recent research highlights a concerning trend in the United States—the slowing growth of life expectancy. This deceleration contrasts sharply with the global progress seen in the 20th century, where significant medical and public health advancements promised longer lives. The study, analyzing mortality data from various high-life-expectancy regions worldwide, shows a general slowdown in life expectancy…
Researchers have recently made a significant breakthrough in treating autoimmune diseases, using modified immune cells from healthy donors. This is a major step towards making these therapies available to many people, thanks to mass production possibilities. The technique, involving CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cells, has already shown great promise in treating blood cancers. Now, scientists…
Imagine being able to download your brain into a computer—sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, right? Well, scientists are working on understanding brains so well that someday, this could become a possibility. They’ve just made a big leap forward by creating an incredibly detailed map of a fruit fly’s brain, which is…
An unprecedented Category 5 atmospheric river struck British Columbia and Alaska in September 2024, delivering torrential rain and causing significant disruption. Atmospheric rivers are massive streams of moisture that transport water vapor from the tropics to the poles, playing a crucial role in shaping weather patterns across the West Coast. While these systems can provide…
As climate change continues to warm the planet, the Gulf of Mexico is experiencing rising sea surface temperatures that could extend the traditional hurricane season, currently lasting from June 1 through November 30. If the Gulf’s average temperature never drops below 80°F, a critical threshold for hurricane formation, scientists suggest that hurricane activity may no…
A recent study led by José Hernández-Orallo at the Valencian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence reveals a troubling trend in AI development: as models become more advanced, they are more likely to answer questions, even when they don’t know the correct response. This growing overconfidence in AI systems could lead to a surge in misinformation,…
NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has been exploring the surface of Mars since February 2021, has released a stunning new set of images showcasing the Red Planet in extraordinary detail. On July 23, 2024—1,218 Martian days, or sols, into its mission—the rover captured a breathtaking selfie featuring the arrowhead-shaped rock nicknamed “Cheyava Falls.” This rock formation,…
Stan Cox, a scientist and Ecosphere Fellow at the Land Institute, has gone 25 years without air conditioning, even during scorching summers. He believes this drastic measure can help fight climate change and is urging Americans to do the same. Cox explains that air conditioning isn’t just a way to cool homes; it’s also a…
