The Latest Breaking News from Nature

‘There are no crops to celebrate’: climate crisis wipes out a way of life in Taiwan’s mountains

Countless landslides in Nantou county are disrupting ancient agricultural traditions, leading some to wonder how much longer they can continue to cling to the steep slopes they call home

The Guardian - AU · Nov 20, 2023

Where did they all go? How Homo sapiens became the last human species left

At least nine hominin species once roamed the Earth, so what became of our vanished ancestors?

The Guardian - UK · Nov 18, 2023

CRISPR therapy for high cholesterol shows promise in early trial

Using a CRISPR-guided technique called "base editing," scientists edited the genes of liver cells in 10 people's bodies.

LiveScience · Nov 16, 2023

Crash That Formed the Moon Left Bits Of An Alien Planet Inside Earth

The ancient almost-planet Theia struck Earth and formed the Moon. A new study suggests it also left two blobs deep inside our planet.

Inverse · Nov 1, 2023

‘A titan of the climate movement’: tributes pour in for Saleemul Huq

Huq, ‘a visionary and climate champion’, who was named one of the top 10 scientists in the world by Nature last year, has died at 71

The Guardian - UK · Nov 1, 2023

Studies provide more insight into the internal structure of Mars

Seismic data from NASA's InSight lander reveals Mars' core is likely surrounded by a molten silicate layer, suggesting it is smaller and denser than previously thought. Two studies in Nature used seismic signals, simulations and models to estimate the size and composition of the core. Results suggest a higher density…

The Hindu · Oct 28, 2023

The Inner Core of Mars Is Even Weirder Than We Thought

Two new papers suggest a surprising layer of molten rock may coat Mars' gooey middle.

Inverse · Oct 27, 2023

Reproduce or it didn’t happen: why replicable science is better science

Reproducibility is the essence of scientific truth. Karl Popper wrote non-reproducible single occurrences are of no significance to science. To improve reproducibility, robust experimental design, better stats, data sharing, authenticated biomaterials, publishing negative data, better mentorship needed. We can't depend on one outcome/study. It's our collective responsibility to ensure reproducibility.

The Hindu · Oct 26, 2023

Nipah infection possible in more places in Southeast Asia, says Nature article

Nipah virus reservoirs in SE Asia, India may cause cross-species transmission to humans. Early detection systems needed. Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, China, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka have bat populations exposed to Nipah. Lack of treatment options, need for antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines in clinical trials. Virological, immunological factors to…

The Hindu · Oct 12, 2023

New ‘quantum engine’ does work by flipping the identity of atoms

Physicists have created a ‘quantum engine’ to convert the energy difference between two quantum states - fermionic and bosonic - of some atoms into work. The device adapts the principles of a classical engine to subatomic realm, allowing physicists to study quantum thermodynamics with better control and to potentially better…

The Hindu · Oct 12, 2023