Ryugu samples yield all five nucleobases used in DNA and RNA
A study of two pristine Ryugu samples reports all five DNA and RNA nucleobases, adding evidence that some ingredients of genetic material can form in space without showing how life began.
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View allA 24,000-Atom Quantum System Offers a Way to Measure Time From Within
A University of Birmingham researcher used an isolated cold-atom system to explore how changes inside a quantum system could define time without an external clock, while leaving fundamental questions unresolved.
A drone test advances NASA’s navigation system for planetary landings
NASA says an Alta-X drone completed simulated lunar landing maneuvers with SPLICE, a navigation payload designed to map terrain and help spacecraft reach safer landing areas.
Drying harvested cyanobacterial sludge cut methane emissions in experiments
A study of Lake Dianchi reports that harvested cyanobacterial sludge can keep producing methane, with a 15-point moisture reduction halving emissions in experiments and highlighting post-harvest handling.
A small squeeze shifted magnetism in altermagnet candidates
An Oak Ridge National Laboratory report describes how gentle strain shifted magnetic-domain populations and changed the anomalous Hall effect in altermagnet candidates, suggesting a possible route to controlling spintronic materials.
Cooled water before dental injections: a small trial finds similar pain scores, with caveats
A randomized trial in 100 children found no significant pain or anxiety differences among cooled water and topical anesthetics before dental injections, but an exploratory cooperation result needs confirmation.
Horned Lizards’ Blood-Squirting Defense Has Limits
Horned lizards use camouflage first and eye-squirting blood as a backup defense, but a Popular Science report describes habitat loss and fire ants as threats those defenses cannot stop.