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Japan's defense ministry has begun deploying inexpensive drones made largely of corrugated cardboard, developed by AirKamuy. The aircraft, priced at around $2,000 to $2,500, offer an 80-minute flight time and can be assembled in minutes, signaling a shift toward mass-producible, cost-effective military assets.
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A new study reveals that rising atmospheric CO2 is reducing the protein, iron, and zinc content in major crops, potentially worsening malnutrition for millions. Researchers warn that the trend could have serious public health consequences in the coming decades.
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Internal emails obtained by the Union of Concerned Scientists reveal that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt blocked the release of a federal study linking drinking water contaminants to health risks. The study, which found dangers at lower concentrations than previously known, remains unpublished, raising concerns about political interference in public health science.
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A European Union-funded analysis of 81 headphone models found hazardous chemicals, including Bisphenol A, in every sample. Researchers warn that long-term skin contact, especially during exercise, may accelerate chemical migration into the body. The findings have prompted calls for broader bans on endocrine-disrupting substances in consumer goods.
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Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a smart grid algorithm that allows energy from idle electric vehicle batteries to power large buildings while also improving battery lifespan by about 10%. The system calculates how much energy can be safely drawn without damaging the batteries, based on a detailed model of battery degradation.
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Astronomers have identified a white dwarf star 90 light-years away whose atmosphere contains remnants of Earth-like planets that were destroyed about 10 billion years ago. The findings, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, offer a glimpse into the possible future of our own solar system.
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Tesla introduces a solar panel rental program starting at $50 per month, available in six states and 20 utility territories. The plan covers installation, maintenance, and support with no long-term contract, but removal costs $1,500. This move follows a decline in solar installations in Q2 2019.
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Researchers at the University of Hull have adapted galaxy-analysis methods to spot AI-generated portraits by examining light reflections in the eyes. The technique, presented at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting, reveals physical inconsistencies in deepfake images, though it is not foolproof.
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Researchers at MIT and the University of Innsbruck have built a five-atom quantum computer that can factor the number 15 with over 99% confidence, demonstrating a scalable approach to quantum computing that could eventually challenge current encryption methods.
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An international collaboration mapping the cosmos has identified 11 new stellar streams in the Milky Way, remnants of dwarf galaxies and star clusters torn apart by our galaxy's gravity. The find nearly doubles the known count and offers fresh clues about dark matter and galactic assembly.
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Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have constructed a swirling plasma orb that replicates solar eruptions, offering a new way to study the Sun's behavior. Published in Nature Physics, the device, nicknamed the Big Red Ball, has been under development since 2012 and has already produced unexpected plasma ejections.
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Researchers at Yokohama National University have successfully transferred quantum information between an electron and a carbon nucleus inside a diamond, a first for solid-state systems. Published in Communications Physics, the experiment used microwave and radio waves to entangle particles and demonstrated a new method for quantum data handling.
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A physicist in Spain proposes using a modified version of the classic double-slit experiment to test a fundamental assumption of quantum mechanics, potentially revealing where current theories break down and bringing scientists closer to a unified framework of physics.
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Researchers have developed a technique called CRISPR-EATING that simplifies and reduces the cost of creating guide molecules for gene editing, enabling broader genetic screening. The method, demonstrated by converting nearly 90% of E. coli DNA into 40,000 guides, could accelerate disease research and gene therapy.
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Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified four fish viruses that generate insulin-like hormones, suggesting microbes may influence diabetes and other diseases. The study, published in PNAS, shows these viral peptides can bind to human insulin receptors, opening new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms.
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Israel's Ministry of Defense has released footage of an airborne laser system destroying drones in midair, a first for the country. The weapon, mounted on a plane, burned through targets at a range of one kilometer, with plans to extend its reach. Officials highlight the system's potential to lower interception costs as drone threats grow.
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Honeybee Robotics, a Blue Origin subsidiary, is developing a 330-foot lunar tower under a DARPA contract. The structure aims to provide power, lighting, and communications for future Moon missions, with a novel self-assembling design.
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Engineers at the National University of Singapore have developed a simple, inexpensive 3D printing technique to produce single tablets containing multiple medications with tailored release schedules. The method, which uses a mold-based approach, could allow doctors to create personalized pills on demand and offers pharmaceutical companies a scalable manufacturing option.
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Evolution, long scrutinized since Darwin's era, remains a cornerstone of biology, backed by genetic patterns, fossil sequences, and observable change. This article outlines three core lines of evidence that solidify its status as scientific fact, addressing common misconceptions.
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New data from the World Meteorological Organization reveals that on July 27, Greenland lost enough ice to cover Florida with two inches of water. Scientists warn that such extreme melting events are becoming more frequent and severe, posing a growing threat to coastal regions.