Science
A gut microbe linked to the Mediterranean diet boosts muscle strength in mice
Researchers are exploring the prospect of using gut bacteria to boost muscle strength, after zeroing in on a microbe that does this in mice
After 20 years, scientists finally explain the Crab Pulsar’s strange “zebra stripes”
For decades, astronomers have been puzzled by strange “zebra stripe” patterns in radio waves from the Crab Pulsar — bright bands separated by complete darkness. Now, new research suggests the answer lies in a cosmic tug-of-war between gravity and plasma. The pulsar’s plasma spreads light apart, whil
Popular sugar substitute linked to brain damage and stroke risk
A widely used sugar substitute found in everything from keto snacks to diet drinks may not be as harmless as it seems. New research shows that erythritol can disrupt brain blood vessel cells, reducing their ability to relax, increasing harmful oxidative stress, and impairing the body’s ability to br
Science
Science news this week: NASA announces nuclear rocket, space reproduction proves difficult, and why weed gives people the munchies
March 28, 2026: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend.
Science
Cambridge offers botany course that inspired Darwin after rare archive uncovered
University’s botanic garden will use study materials created by John Stevens Henslow, the naturalist’s mentor, 200 years agoPlant specimens and teaching materials that inspired Charles Darwin and qualified him to work as a naturalist on HMS Beagle have been unearthed from an archive in Cambridge and
I Am Artemis: Erik Richards
Listen to this audio excerpt from Erik Richards, Near Space Network Mission Manager: For Erik Richards, supporting NASA’s first crewed Artemis mission to the Moon and back is the culmination of a career spent helping spacecraft communicate with Earth. Like many kids who grew up at the height of the
NASA Selects Intuitive Machines to Deliver Artemis Science, Tech to Moon
NASA has awarded Intuitive Machines of Houston, $180.4 million to deliver NASA-funded science and technology to the lunar surface as part of the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis program. This lunar delivery, which includes seven payloads — five of them NASA’s
NASA’s Environment and Energy “Blue Marble” Awards Categories
Category I: NASA Environmental Quality Award Recognizes excellence in environmental management and planning, including stewardship of natural and cultural resources. This category highlights achievements in compliance, conservation, remediation, communication, and environmental information managemen
NISAR’s View of Mount Rainier
Description This image captured by U.S.-Indian Earth satellite NISAR on Nov. 10, 2025, shows Washington’s Mount Rainier. The image is cropped from a much larger swath spanning the Pacific Northwest on a cloudy day; NISAR’s L-band SAR instrument is able to peer through the clouds at the surface below
NISAR Views Mount St. Helens
Description This image captured by U.S.-Indian Earth satellite NISAR on Nov. 10, 2025, shows Washington’s Mount St. Helens. The image is cropped from a much larger swath spanning the Pacific Northwest on a cloudy day; NISAR’s L-band SAR instrument is able to peer through the clouds at the surface be
NASA Tech and Science Bound for Low Earth Orbit on Commercial Launch
Technology and science demonstrations, supported by various NASA industry collaborations and agency developments, are set to launch to low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the company’s Transporter-16 commercial rideshare mission. These demonstrations will test thermal protecti
NASA Names Scientists to Support Lunar South Pole Science
NASA has selected 10 participating scientists to help shape a science plan for astronauts to complete on the lunar surface under the Artemis program – including deploying scientific instruments, making critical observations of the landing site, and collecting Moon rocks. “Congratulations to the scie
I Am Artemis: Michael Guzman
Listen to this audio excerpt from Michael Guzman, Artemis II main propulsion systems engineer: A clue to what Mike Guzman, main propulsion systems engineer at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, loves most can be found in the signature of his work email: a complex string of equations for rocket
NextSTEP-3 E: Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) Ka-Band Backward-Compatible Relay
Synopsis | 03/23/26 https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/e33cd0cc61064a6497a55fca8e9b30c6/view NASA intends to release a BAA under Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP-3), Appendix E, for Project NEXUS, Ka-band Backward- Compatible Relay. As the aging Tracking and Data Re
Artemis II Crew’s Suits
The Orion Crew Survival System suits that Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency) will wear on the Artemis II test flight are seen in the suit-up room of the Neil A. Armstr
Science
AI data centres can warm surrounding areas by up to 9.1°C
Hundreds of millions of people live close enough to data centres used to power AI to feel warmer average temperatures in their local area
Science
Brian Cox says UK physics funding cuts are ‘destruction of the future’
Grant cuts of nearly 70% may force university departments to close and ‘annihilate’ research, scientists sayBritish physicists have shaped our understanding of nature and the universe for more than a century, uncovering the building blocks of matter and furthering our knowledge on cosmic puzzles fro
Science
I almost drowned in space when my helmet filled with water
During his second-ever spacewalk, European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano felt water creeping across his face – and knew he could be moments from drowning inside his helmet
Science
How Anthony Leggett pushed the boundaries of quantum physics
After the passing of physicist Anthony Leggett, columnist Karmela Padavic-Callaghan remembers their personal connection with this giant of quantum physics, and explores the legacy of his enduring recipe for testing the edges of the quantum world
‘Milestone’ research method measures gene activity across whole mice
New way to analyze frozen tissue slices could reveal bodywide effects of drugs, diseases