Chlamydomonas pacifica algae growing in an outdoor pondJoão Vitor Dutra Molino A newly discovered species of algae has been transformed through selective breeding and genetic engineering to survive and produce fuel in environments that would kill most organisms. The research...
Giant, Sparkly Clams Hide the Most Efficient Solar Panels Ever FoundInside giant, iridescent clams are algal farms that could inspire highly efficient bioreactorsBy Meghan BartelsDetail of design and vibrant colors inside giant clam taken close up underwater on a tropical...
For many of us, summer is all about fun in the sun, pool parties and that feeling of endless vacation—unless you keep up with the news. Recently there have been a lot of concerning or even devastating developments, from shocking...
Expect Auroras, Solar Flares and More Space Weather from the Solar MaximumSpace weather is heating up in our current solar cycle peakBy Clara Moskowitz & Matthew Twombly Aurora sightings may become more common, and satellite communications and power grids could...
The most effective covid‑19 vaccines had RNA at their heartEzra Acayan/Getty Images The CatalystThomas R. Cech (W. W. Norton) For 50 years, RNA was DNA’s undervalued sibling, but now it has jumped into the spotlight. This multifaceted molecule – which...
It was 21 years ago that I trekked and swam solo, without resupply, across the icy Arctic Ocean from Canada to the North Geographic Pole. The feat hasn’t yet been repeated and probably won’t be due to a drop in...
Whether it’s black orbs swallowing people in downtown Seoul, murder on Mars or malevolent pigs, August has got science fiction fans covered. There are new titles from big names such as James S. A. Corey, Josh Malerman and Neal Asher,...
Covid-19 can have lasting effects on physical and mental healthAleksandr Davydov / Alamy The cognitive abilities of people who were hospitalised with covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic remain lower than expected, even years later, and there is...
Some teens stay on their phones late into the nightMonkey Business Images/Shutterstock Two recent studies have linked “problematic smartphone use” among teenagers to increased symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia. But is it a real problem? And how worried, if...
Vision loss has been linked to dementiaDrazen Zigic/Getty Images A major review has identified vision loss and high cholesterol as two new risk factors for dementia. It claims that eliminating these factors, along with 12 previously recognised ones, may prevent...
