The search for life beyond Earth is a key driver of modern astronomy and planetary science. The U.S. is building multiple major telescopes and planetary probes to advance this search. However, the signs of life – called biosignatures – that scientists may find will likely be difficult to interpret[1]. Figuring out where exactly to look...
Read more https://theconversation.com/new-model-helps-to-figure-out-which-distant-planets-may-host-life-256427
Given the Trump administration’s systematic attempts to medically and legally disenfranchise trans people[1], and its abrupt termination of grants focused on LGBTQ+ health[2], we can’t say that the notice of termination we received regarding our federally funded research on transgender and nonbinary people’s health was unexpected.
As...
A shard of smooth bone etched with irregular marks dating back 20,000 years puzzled archaeologists until they noticed something unique – the etchings, lines like tally marks, may have represented prime numbers[1]. Similarly, a clay tablet from 1800 B.C.E.[2] inscribed with Babylonian numbers describes a number system built on prime numbers.
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Biotech company Colossal Biosciences made headlines in April 2025 after claiming it had “successfully restored … the dire wolf[1] to its rightful place in the ecosystem.” Three wolf pups – Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi – were born through this de-extinction project[2].
But behind the scenes lies a more complicated reality.
What Colossal...