Meteorite impacts produce most of moon’s thin atmosphere, study reveals
Scientists find impact vaporisation responsible for about 70% and a process known as solar wind sputtering 30% The mystery of how the moon’s thin atmosphere is produced has been solved, according to scientists studying lunar samples brought back by the Apollo missions. Discovered in the 1960s and 70s, when Nasa sent astronauts to the moon, […]
Egyptian mummy with screaming expression ‘may have died in agony’, say researchers
Archaeologists say wide open mouth of woman who died about 3,500 years ago may be caused by rare, immediate form of rigor mortis She looks uncannily like The Scream painting by Edvard Munch, but just why an ancient Egyptian mummy has such a startling expression has long puzzled researchers. Now they say they may have […]
Love child of slug and hedgehog: fossils may shed light on early mollusc ancestors
Rare specimens found in China from 514m years ago thought to be remains of proto-mollusc From colourful, enigmatic octopuses, to oysters with their iridescent pearls, molluscs today are as beautiful as they are diverse. But it seems their ancient relatives may have resembled the love child of a slug and a hedgehog. Soft-bodied creatures are […]
Almost half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, study finds
Researchers name 14 factors for people to address to ‘hugely’ reduce risk of developing condition Almost half of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed, a study has found, as experts named 14 risk factors. The number of people living with dementia globally is forecast to nearly triple to 153 million by 2050, and […]
‘There’s nothing else like it’: Dorset glow-worm survey charms volunteers
The insects are being looked after in a conservation project that encourages visitors to enjoy their ‘piercing’ light Far out in the Channel, the lights of ships at anchor flickered while the lighthouse at Anvil Point emitted its steadier beam. Late on, a crescent moon shone a coppery orange. But, undoubtedly, the most extraordinary light […]
Scientists propose lunar biorepository as ‘backup’ for life on Earth
Experts say facility beyond reach of climate breakdown and other terrestrial events is needed to safeguard biodiversity With thousands of species at risk of extinction, scientists have devised a radical plan: a vault filled with preserved samples of our planet’s most important and at-risk creatures located on the moon. An international team of experts says […]
Eating processed red meat could increase risk of dementia, study finds
US researchers say they have uncovered potential link after tracking 130,000 people over four decades Eating processed red meat could be a significant risk factor for dementia, according to a large study that tracked more than 100,000 people over four decades. Processed red meat has previously been shown to increase the risk of cancer, heart […]
AI-modelled test for male infertility could soon be with GPs, researchers say
Initial blood test without need for for semen analysis could ‘make screening more accessible’ A new accessible blood test that can predict male infertility could soon be used by GPs, researchers say. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research looked at data from nearly 4,000 men who underwent semen and hormone testing for male […]
Weight-loss drug could help slow Alzheimer’s cognitive decline, trial finds
Liraglutide appears to reduce brain shrinkage in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s, a small UK study reports A weight-loss drug could help slow the loss of brain volume in people with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a small study. Liraglutide, which can also be prescribed for diabetes, is typically taken as an injection once a day. Continue […]
Doctor behind trial of HIV prevention drug recounts breakthrough moment
Prof Linda-Gail Bekker receives ovation at Aids summit after presenting trial results of ‘miracle’ drug lenacapavir When the doctor behind the trial of a new HIV prevention drug heard the results, she could not contain her emotions. “I literally burst into tears,” said Prof Linda-Gail Bekker. “I’m 62, I’ve lived through this epidemic … I […]