Science

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have observed the largest black hole merger ever recorded, named GW231123. This extraordinary event was detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), which uses advanced technology to capture the faint ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves, produced when two black holes collide.

The merger involved two black holes, each boasting a mass greater than 100 times that of our Sun. This significant finding not only marks a new milestone in the study of black holes but also poses intriguing questions about their formation and evolution.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have recovered ancient proteins from a fossilized rhinoceros tooth that dates back 24 million years. This remarkable find, unearthed in the Canadian Arctic, marks a significant advancement in the study of ancient life on Earth, as these proteins are ten times older than the oldest known DNA. The research, published on July 9, 2025, in the journal Nature, showcases the immense potential of paleoproteomics, a field that could revolutionize our understanding of prehistoric life.

In a significant move aimed at aligning its engineering capabilities with the evolving aerospace landscape, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s Engineering and Technology Directorate (ETD) has announced a series of organizational realignments. This restructuring comes in response to the demands of a changing market, the agency’s strategic objectives, and the recently outlined vision in the President’s Budget Request for NASA.

The reorganization, which was approved by NASA Headquarters after a temporary halt due to a federal hiring freeze, seeks to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within the directorate. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to prepare for future challenges while optimizing the current workforce.

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances reveals that Neanderthals, our ancient relatives, operated sophisticated “fat factories” as far back as 125,000 years ago. This research, conducted by a team from Leiden University, sheds new light on the survival strategies of Neanderthals and their understanding of resource management during an interglacial period that resembled today’s climate.

The Neumark-Nord archaeological site near Leipzig, Germany, has been a focal point of research for decades. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that Neanderthals intentionally chose a lakeside location to establish their fat factories. This strategic choice allowed them to process the bones of at least 172 mammals, including deer, horses, and aurochs—an extinct species of bovine. The inhabitants of this settlement employed advanced techniques for extracting bone marrow, which involved breaking open large bones and grinding them into fragments. They even heated these fragments in water to yield calorie-rich bone grease.

In a groundbreaking study published on July 3, 2025, in the journal Science, researchers have unveiled compelling evidence that the adult human brain is capable of forming new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis. This discovery could put to rest a long-standing debate about the brain’s ability to regenerate itself and has significant implications for our understanding of learning, memory, and emotional health.

The research, led by Marta Paterlini from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, demonstrates that neurogenesis occurs primarily in the hippocampus, a critical region of the brain associated with learning and memory. “In short, our work puts to rest the long-standing debate about whether adult human brains can grow new neurons,” Paterlini stated.

For years, the astronomical community has been buzzing with theories surrounding the existence of a ninth planet in our Solar System, often referred to as Planet 9. Some astronomers argue that the peculiar clustering and orbital tilt of certain trans-Neptunian objects suggest that they are being influenced by the gravitational pull of an as-yet-undiscovered planet. This hypothetical Planet 9 is believed to be similar in size to Neptune, orbiting the Sun in a highly elliptical path at a staggering distance of around 300 astronomical units (AU) from our star.

In a remarkable turn of events, astronomers have uncovered a fast radio burst that originated much closer to Earth than previously anticipated. This discovery, made on June 13, 2024, using the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope, has opened new avenues in our understanding of cosmic signals and the potential for monitoring satellites in orbit.

The ASKAP radio telescope, located in the remote Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in Western Australia, was employed to search for elusive fast radio bursts (FRBs)—brief yet powerful flashes of radio waves from deep space. These bursts are known to emit energy equivalent to 30 years’ worth of sunlight in mere milliseconds. However, the burst detected on that fateful day did not exhibit the expected dispersion, suggesting it originated from within our galaxy, a significant deviation from the billions of light-years typically associated with other FRBs.

In the vast and mysterious depths of our oceans, size matters more than one might think. Craig McClain, a marine biologist, has embarked on an ambitious project known as the Marine Organism Body Size (MOBS) database. Officially launched during his sabbatical in 2022, this project aims to collect and standardize data on the body sizes of various marine species, providing invaluable insights into the biodiversity of our oceans.

For years, McClain had been informally gathering data on marine body sizes, but the launch of MOBS allowed him to consolidate this information into a comprehensive database. The challenge he faced was significant: the realm of marine taxonomy is complex and ever-evolving. “One of the things that had prevented me from doing this before was the taxonomy issue,” McClain explains. Accurate body size data for species, particularly for groups like octopuses, was often fragmented and outdated due to the continuous discovery of new species.

The Antikythera Mechanism, often celebrated as the world’s earliest known computer, has once again captured the attention of scientists and researchers. Recent findings published in “arXiv” suggest that this ancient Greek device, which dates back over 2,000 years, may not have been the sophisticated astronomical calculator it was once thought to be. Instead, it could represent a flawed prototype rather than a fully functional tool for predicting celestial events.

Discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of Antikythera, the mechanism was initially revered for its intricate design and presumed ability to calculate astronomical positions, including eclipses and planetary movements. However, the latest analysis reveals significant flaws in its gear system, raising questions about its intended purpose and functionality.

Recent research has unveiled a fascinating connection between marathon running and brain health, revealing that this grueling endurance exercise can lead to a temporary reduction in myelin, the protective fatty substance that surrounds neurons. Conducted by a team from the University of the Basque Country and published in Nature Metabolism, this study provides new insights into the brain’s energy metabolism and its adaptive responses to extreme physical exertion.

Myelin plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient communication between neurons. It acts as an electrical insulator, enhancing the speed and efficiency of neural signaling. However, during a marathon, the body undergoes significant metabolic changes, primarily relying on carbohydrates and fats for energy. When glycogen stores are depleted, the body appears to tap into myelin lipids as an alternative energy source. This unexpected role of myelin sheds light on its importance not only in neural health but also in energy metabolism during strenuous activities.