Stars are the fundamental building blocks of our universe. Most stars host planets, like our Sun hosts our solar system, and if you look more broadly, groups of stars make up huge structures such as clusters[1] and galaxies[2]. So before astrophysicists can attempt to understand these large-scale structures, we first need to understand basic...
Microbes in deep-sea volcanoes can help scientists learn about early life on Earth, or even life beyond our planet
People have long wondered what life was first like on Earth, and if there is life in our solar system beyond our planet. Scientists have reason to believe that some of the moons in our solar system – like Jupiter’s Europa and Saturn’s Enceladus[1] – may contain deep, salty liquid oceans under an icy shell. Seafloor volcanoes could...
‘Democratizing space’ is more than just adding new players – it comes with questions around sustainability and sovereignty
“India is on the Moon[1],” S. Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, announced in August 2023. The announcement meant India had joined the short list of countries to have visited the Moon, and the applause and shouts of joy that followed signified that this achievement wasn’t just a scientific one, but a cultural...
Why is heart cancer so rare? A biologist explains
Curious Kids[1] is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. [2]. Why is heart cancer so rare? – Jackson, age 12, Davis, California You probably know someone who is affected by cancer. This disease results when cells divide uncontrollably and
...Read more https://theconversation.com/why-is-heart-cancer-so-rare-a-biologist-explains-256055