New Scientist - News New Scientist - News https://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist - News https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 We can trigger positive tipping points to cut carbon emissions faster https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405908-we-can-trigger-positive-tipping-points-to-cut-carbon-emissions-faster/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:01:41 +0000 Governments should be aiming to trigger technological, economic and social tipping points that accelerate climate action, according to a major report 2405908-we-can-trigger-positive-tipping-points-to-cut-carbon-emissions-faster|2405908 Locusts spun in a centrifuge develop extra-strong exoskeletons https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406661-locusts-spun-in-a-centrifuge-develop-extra-strong-exoskeletons/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:01:24 +0000 Spinning locusts in a centrifuge to mimic hypergravity seems to cause their exoskeletons to adapt, giving them stiffer legs – but too much gravity and they simply died 2406661-locusts-spun-in-a-centrifuge-develop-extra-strong-exoskeletons|2406661 Major climate tipping points could be triggered within a decade https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406034-major-climate-tipping-points-could-be-triggered-within-a-decade/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:01:05 +0000 We are getting close to triggering irreversible changes that will have catastrophic effects worldwide, according to a major report on tipping points in Earth’s systems 2406034-major-climate-tipping-points-could-be-triggered-within-a-decade|2406034 2023 saw thrilling space missions and new cosmic mysteries https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405812-2023-saw-thrilling-space-missions-and-new-cosmic-mysteries/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:00:55 +0000 The past year gave us thrilling missions to Jupiter and the moon, stunning images that captured the universe like it’s never been seen before, and a few tanatalising cosmic mysteries 2405812-2023-saw-thrilling-space-missions-and-new-cosmic-mysteries|2405812 Drug prevents fentanyl overdose for a month in monkeys https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406420-drug-prevents-fentanyl-overdose-for-a-month-in-monkeys/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:00:25 +0000 A single dose of a novel antibody medication can bind to fentanyl and prevent the opioid from triggering potentially life-threatening symptoms, research in monkeys suggests 2406420-drug-prevents-fentanyl-overdose-for-a-month-in-monkeys|2406420 Removing zombie-like cells may help treat multiple sclerosis https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406146-removing-zombie-like-cells-may-help-treat-multiple-sclerosis/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:00:33 +0000 Senolytic drugs can clear away worn and damaged “zombie” immune cells that are resistant to dying, which may help treat multiple sclerosis, according to research in mice 2406146-removing-zombie-like-cells-may-help-treat-multiple-sclerosis|2406146 Brain implant could ease the effects of a traumatic injury years later https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406255-brain-implant-could-ease-the-effects-of-a-traumatic-injury-years-later/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:00:59 +0000 A device that was implanted into the brains of people with traumatic brain injuries substantially improved their cognitive function a year later, a small study suggests 2406255-brain-implant-could-ease-the-effects-of-a-traumatic-injury-years-later|2406255 AI can tell which chateau Bordeaux wines come from with 100% accuracy https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406286-ai-can-tell-which-chateau-bordeaux-wines-come-from-with-100-accuracy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:00:36 +0000 A machine-learning algorithm was able to tell which estate 80 Bordeaux red wines came from with 100 per cent accuracy by assessing their chemical signatures 2406286-ai-can-tell-which-chateau-bordeaux-wines-come-from-with-100-accuracy|2406286 Pregnant megamouth shark washed up on beach is first ever seen https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406351-pregnant-megamouth-shark-washed-up-on-beach-is-first-ever-seen/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:06:49 +0000 A female megamouth shark was found in the Philippines with one pup alongside her and six fetuses inside her body 2406351-pregnant-megamouth-shark-washed-up-on-beach-is-first-ever-seen|2406351 Shipwrecks are havens for wildlife in areas threatened by fishing https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406216-shipwrecks-are-havens-for-wildlife-in-areas-threatened-by-fishing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:00:27 +0000 In areas of the sea affected by bottom trawling, marine life is more abundant in and around shipwrecks, suggesting they should be considered important conservation sites 2406216-shipwrecks-are-havens-for-wildlife-in-areas-threatened-by-fishing|2406216 Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels hit another all-time high https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406318-carbon-dioxide-emissions-from-fossil-fuels-hit-another-all-time-high/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:01:38 +0000 Despite urgent calls to slash fossil fuel use to meet climate targets, the Global Carbon Budget report shows that 2023 emissions will be about 1.1 per cent higher than last year 2406318-carbon-dioxide-emissions-from-fossil-fuels-hit-another-all-time-high|2406318 China’s first underwater data centre is being installed https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405830-chinas-first-underwater-data-centre-is-being-installed/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:00:57 +0000 To hold and cool computer servers, China has installed a 1300-tonne watertight cabin on the shallow seafloor – it is the first of 100 planned for an underwater data centre 2405830-chinas-first-underwater-data-centre-is-being-installed|2405830 IBM’s 'Condor' quantum computer has more than 1000 qubits https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405789-ibms-condor-quantum-computer-has-more-than-1000-qubits/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:00:02 +0000 IBM has revealed two quantum computers. One is the second largest ever made and the other produces fewer errors than any quantum computer the company has built so far 2405789-ibms-condor-quantum-computer-has-more-than-1000-qubits|2405789 Rare gene variants can change your height by up to 7 centimetres https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405589-rare-gene-variants-can-change-your-height-by-up-to-7-centimetres/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:00:20 +0000 Gene variants that have an unusally large effect on some people's heights have been discovered by analysing the genomes of more than 300,000 individuals 2405589-rare-gene-variants-can-change-your-height-by-up-to-7-centimetres|2405589 Governments must stay in it for the long haul on long covid research https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034673-200-governments-must-stay-in-it-for-the-long-haul-on-long-covid-research/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:10:00 +0000 Lingering symptoms after a covid-19 infection remain a problem for millions of people. Nations need to renew efforts to find treatments for them and help prevent yet more cases mg26034673-200-governments-must-stay-in-it-for-the-long-haul-on-long-covid-research|2405421 Ultrasound can push vaccines into the body without needles https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405868-ultrasound-can-push-vaccines-into-the-body-without-needles/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:20 +0000 Vaccinations could be made less painful by treating skin with a vaccine-laden liquid and using ultrasound to push it into the body 2405868-ultrasound-can-push-vaccines-into-the-body-without-needles|2405868 Largest stream of stars ever found could teach us about dark matter https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406120-largest-stream-of-stars-ever-found-could-teach-us-about-dark-matter/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Sat, 02 Dec 2023 07:00:58 +0000 The newfound Giant Coma Stream of stars stretches nearly 1.7 million light years across the cosmos, and it could have holes blasted through it by clumps of dark matter 2406120-largest-stream-of-stars-ever-found-could-teach-us-about-dark-matter|2406120 How big a problem are methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406098-how-big-a-problem-are-methane-and-other-non-co2-greenhouse-gases/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:36:07 +0000 Carbon dioxide is the dominant driver of climate change, but countries convening at COP28 are expected to make agreements to reduce methane and other often overlooked greenhouse gases 2406098-how-big-a-problem-are-methane-and-other-non-co2-greenhouse-gases|2406098 Why does weed give you the ‘munchies’? Here's what the science says https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397586-why-does-weed-give-you-the-munchies-heres-what-the-science-says/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:00:17 +0000 There may be several reasons why cannabis encourages people to eat, including the fact that the psychoactive compound in the drug affects the neurons that control hunger 2397586-why-does-weed-give-you-the-munchies-heres-what-the-science-says|2397586 Passing star could fling Earth out past Pluto into the Oort cloud https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405706-passing-star-could-fling-earth-out-past-pluto-into-the-oort-cloud/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:11:15 +0000 If another star passed close to our solar system, there is a small chance that Earth could crash into another planet, get stolen by the interloping star or even be sent hurtling towards the Oort cloud 2405706-passing-star-could-fling-earth-out-past-pluto-into-the-oort-cloud|2405706 GPT-4 developer tool can be exploited for misuse with no easy fix https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405680-gpt-4-developer-tool-can-be-exploited-for-misuse-with-no-easy-fix/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 18:33:53 +0000 OpenAI’s developer tool for its GPT-4 large language model can be misused to trick the AI into providing information to aid would-be terrorists, and fixing the problem won’t be easy 2405680-gpt-4-developer-tool-can-be-exploited-for-misuse-with-no-easy-fix|2405680 Painkillers seem to work better if you have unpleasant side effects https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405946-painkillers-seem-to-work-better-if-you-have-unpleasant-side-effects/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:29:50 +0000 People found a nasal spray painkiller more effective when it caused a slight burning sensation. This suggests that deliberately increasing some drugs' unwanted side effects could enhance their therapeutic benefits 2405946-painkillers-seem-to-work-better-if-you-have-unpleasant-side-effects|2405946 Vaping vs edibles: How does the way we use cannabis alter its effects? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402401-vaping-vs-edibles-how-does-the-way-we-use-cannabis-alter-its-effects/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:00:20 +0000 Edibles, vapes and joints all contain the same psychoactive compounds, but the effects they have on the body vary 2402401-vaping-vs-edibles-how-does-the-way-we-use-cannabis-alter-its-effects|2402401 How will we actually know when we pass 1.5°C of warming? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405833-how-will-we-actually-know-when-we-pass-1-5c-of-warming/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:37:50 +0000 It looks likely that the world will pass 1.5°C of warming in the 2030s, but current climate definitions would only make this failure official 10 years later, which could waste time in bringing temperatures back down 2405833-how-will-we-actually-know-when-we-pass-1-5c-of-warming|2405833 World must prepare for frequent and severe droughts, report warns https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405887-world-must-prepare-for-frequent-and-severe-droughts-report-warns/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:00:55 +0000 With climate change driving more intense dry spells, the world must invest in early warning systems and measures to conserve water, a UN report says 2405887-world-must-prepare-for-frequent-and-severe-droughts-report-warns|2405887 Robot eel reveals how the strange fish swim so efficiently https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405815-robot-eel-reveals-how-the-strange-fish-swim-so-efficiently/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 10:00:45 +0000 Tests with an eel-inspired robot show that the unusual fish may swim most efficiently by reducing their speed 2405815-robot-eel-reveals-how-the-strange-fish-swim-so-efficiently|2405815 See a forgotten meteor shower caused by a dead comet this weekend https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405884-see-a-forgotten-meteor-shower-caused-by-a-dead-comet-this-weekend/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:53:19 +0000 The Andromedid meteor shower is normally a quiet affair, but very occasionally it puts on an intense show - which may happen on 2 December 2405884-see-a-forgotten-meteor-shower-caused-by-a-dead-comet-this-weekend|2405884 Marmosets swap brain cells with their siblings https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405114-marmosets-swap-brain-cells-with-their-siblings/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:00:02 +0000 Most marmosets have non-identical twins or triplets, which exchange blood cells while in the uterus - and now it seems they also swap certain brain cells 2405114-marmosets-swap-brain-cells-with-their-siblings|2405114 COP28: Energy transition may cut oil-producing states’ revenue by 60% https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405859-cop28-energy-transition-may-cut-oil-producing-states-revenue-by-60/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:01:37 +0000 Without more international support, the transition away from fossil fuels could have disastrous effects for low-income countries reliant on their oil and gas industries 2405859-cop28-energy-transition-may-cut-oil-producing-states-revenue-by-60|2405859 Bottlenose dolphins can sense electric fields with their snouts https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405730-bottlenose-dolphins-can-sense-electric-fields-with-their-snouts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:00:29 +0000 Like platypuses and some sharks, bottlenose dolphins have an electric sense which they may use to navigate and search for food 2405730-bottlenose-dolphins-can-sense-electric-fields-with-their-snouts|2405730 Chinstrap penguins take thousands of very short naps every day https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405721-chinstrap-penguins-take-thousands-of-very-short-naps-every-day/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:00:53 +0000 While incubating their eggs, chinstrap penguins need to stay vigilant for predators – so they only sleep for a few seconds at a time 2405721-chinstrap-penguins-take-thousands-of-very-short-naps-every-day|2405721 DNA repair has been captured in a step-by-step molecular movie https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405788-dna-repair-has-been-captured-in-a-step-by-step-molecular-movie/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:00:41 +0000 Researchers have worked out how a protein called photolyase repairs DNA using light, and their discoveries could guide the development of light-based manufacturing technologies 2405788-dna-repair-has-been-captured-in-a-step-by-step-molecular-movie|2405788 Tiny star found harbouring a huge planet that shouldn’t exist https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405683-tiny-star-found-harbouring-a-huge-planet-that-shouldnt-exist/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:00:03 +0000 An enormous planet has been spotted orbiting a small star, and it could not have formed under either of our existing models of the birth of planets 2405683-tiny-star-found-harbouring-a-huge-planet-that-shouldnt-exist|2405683 COP28: Countries agree on how to fund climate ‘loss and damage’ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404233-cop28-countries-agree-on-how-to-fund-climate-loss-and-damage/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:00:01 +0000 The COP28 climate summit in Dubai opened with an agreement on key details of a long-awaited fund to help low-income countries pay for climate-related damages, but how much money will flow is still unclear 2404233-cop28-countries-agree-on-how-to-fund-climate-loss-and-damage|2404233 Green Christmas: How to have an ethical and guilt-free festive season https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24032061-100-green-christmas-how-to-have-an-ethical-and-guilt-free-festive-season/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 28 Nov 2018 18:00:00 +0000 If you celebrate Christmas, it doesn't have to be a feast of rampant consumerism and devastating gluttony. Read our guide to cleaning up your Yule mg24032061-100-green-christmas-how-to-have-an-ethical-and-guilt-free-festive-season|2186635 COP28: How this year shattered nearly every modern climate record https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405695-cop28-how-this-year-shattered-nearly-every-modern-climate-record/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:30:58 +0000 The COP28 climate summit kicked off with a report on the many records broken in 2023, including unprecedented rises in greenhouse gases, global temperatures and sea level 2405695-cop28-how-this-year-shattered-nearly-every-modern-climate-record|2405695 Traces of cannabis found in pre-modern human bones for the first time https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404056-traces-of-cannabis-found-in-pre-modern-human-bones-for-the-first-time/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:00:34 +0000 A 17th-century hospital crypt in Milan, Italy, has yielded the first archaeological evidence of cannabis's psychoactive components in human bones 2404056-traces-of-cannabis-found-in-pre-modern-human-bones-for-the-first-time|2404056 The music you should play at a party to ensure conversations flow https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404743-the-music-you-should-play-at-a-party-to-ensure-conversations-flow/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:27:09 +0000 It is easier to focus on conversations when background music is playing if the song is unfamiliar to you, according to brain activity data 2404743-the-music-you-should-play-at-a-party-to-ensure-conversations-flow|2404743 Physicists have worked out how to pour water as quietly as possible https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404565-physicists-have-worked-out-how-to-pour-water-as-quietly-as-possible/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:00:08 +0000 The sound of pouring water into a cup can be tamped down by changing the height of the pour or the diameter of the spout, but physicists have found that changing just one of these never makes it fully silent 2404565-physicists-have-worked-out-how-to-pour-water-as-quietly-as-possible|2404565 The battle to bring beavers back to Scotland https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405108-the-battle-to-bring-beavers-back-to-scotland/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:00:16 +0000 The reintroduction of beavers has already transformed parts of the Scottish landscape and provided much-needed habitats for many animals, delighting conservationists but alarming some landowners 2405108-the-battle-to-bring-beavers-back-to-scotland|2405108 Paris climate goal of less than 2°C of warming is within our grasp https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034673-100-paris-climate-goal-of-less-than-2c-of-warming-is-within-our-grasp/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Despite pessimism over global warming, the agreed target of keeping it well below 2°C is actually looking increasingly likely to be met, says Jakob Thomäe mg26034673-100-paris-climate-goal-of-less-than-2c-of-warming-is-within-our-grasp|2405419 Cannabis probably doesn't help you sleep better https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402374-cannabis-probably-doesnt-help-you-sleep-better/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:00:33 +0000 Many people take cannabis to help them sleep, but there is little evidence that the drug makes a difference 2402374-cannabis-probably-doesnt-help-you-sleep-better|2402374 Unknown animals left birdlike footprints long before birds existed https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405496-unknown-animals-left-birdlike-footprints-long-before-birds-existed/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:00:23 +0000 Ancient footprints found in Lesotho resemble those left by birds, but they were made around 60 million years before the ancestors of birds split from other dinosaurs 2405496-unknown-animals-left-birdlike-footprints-long-before-birds-existed|2405496 Ancient life thrived after supercontinents trapped nutrient-rich soil https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405369-ancient-life-thrived-after-supercontinents-trapped-nutrient-rich-soil/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:45 +0000 There is a surprisingly close link between the flow of nutrient-rich soil around the ancient world and growing biodiversity - which could be a problem now, as human activity is disrupting and degrading soil 2405369-ancient-life-thrived-after-supercontinents-trapped-nutrient-rich-soil|2405369 Crystal-hunting DeepMind AI could help discover new wonder materials https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404929-crystal-hunting-deepmind-ai-could-help-discover-new-wonder-materials/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:41 +0000 We know of around 48,000 inorganic crystal structures, which provide materials with a range of properties. Now, an AI created by Google DeepMind has predicted over 2 million more possibilities 2404929-crystal-hunting-deepmind-ai-could-help-discover-new-wonder-materials|2404929 A single bitcoin transaction uses enough water to fill a swimming pool https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404219-a-single-bitcoin-transaction-uses-enough-water-to-fill-a-swimming-pool/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:27 +0000 The environmental impact of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is increasingly being scrutinised, due to the vast amounts of electricity they consume. Now it seems that water use is also a big problem 2404219-a-single-bitcoin-transaction-uses-enough-water-to-fill-a-swimming-pool|2404219 Six planets found orbiting a bright star 100 light years away https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405379-six-planets-found-orbiting-a-bright-star-100-light-years-away/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:19 +0000 The orbits of six planets around the star HD 110067 have been in a fixed pattern for billions of years, giving astronomers clues about how they formed 2405379-six-planets-found-orbiting-a-bright-star-100-light-years-away|2405379 COP28: These are the key clean energy targets the world must agree on https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405401-cop28-these-are-the-key-clean-energy-targets-the-world-must-agree-on/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:13:13 +0000 Momentum is building for an agreement at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai to triple renewable energy capacity and double the rate of energy efficiency gains by 2030 2405401-cop28-these-are-the-key-clean-energy-targets-the-world-must-agree-on|2405401 Key molecule for life may have formed on interstellar ice https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405371-key-molecule-for-life-may-have-formed-on-interstellar-ice/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 13:00:55 +0000 Some scientists suspect that amino acids were transported to Earth by meteorites. A team has now found that an amino acid called carbamic acid forms at extreme cold temperatures, suggesting that it may have been created on clumps of ice in deep space 2405371-key-molecule-for-life-may-have-formed-on-interstellar-ice|2405371 Could the world finally agree to ditch fossil fuels at COP28? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404939-could-the-world-finally-agree-to-ditch-fossil-fuels-at-cop28/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:23:42 +0000 Some countries are pushing for an agreement to phase out fossil fuels at the COP28 summit in Dubai, but others argue that such a deal wouldn't be fair 2404939-could-the-world-finally-agree-to-ditch-fossil-fuels-at-cop28|2404939 Will carbon dioxide removal tech help or hinder climate targets? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405228-will-carbon-dioxide-removal-tech-help-or-hinder-climate-targets/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:00:54 +0000 Billions of dollars are pouring into the carbon dioxide removal industry, which aims to clean up emissions and slow global warming, but few companies have delivered results. Is the technology a planetary saviour or a risky bet? 2405228-will-carbon-dioxide-removal-tech-help-or-hinder-climate-targets|2405228 The ancient origins of cannabis and our changing attitudes towards it https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405068-the-ancient-origins-of-cannabis-and-our-changing-attitudes-towards-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:19:17 +0000 Cannabis attitudes are undergoing a seismic shift but what do really know about the drug? Our three-part special podcast series is uncovering the science of marijuana 2405068-the-ancient-origins-of-cannabis-and-our-changing-attitudes-towards-it|2405068 Why some medical conditions are due to evolutionary design flaws https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405182-why-some-medical-conditions-are-due-to-evolutionary-design-flaws/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:00:24 +0000 Rather than assuming medical conditions happen because something in the body has “gone wrong”, considering evolutionary explanations for illnesses and symptoms may help us better understand how to treat them 2405182-why-some-medical-conditions-are-due-to-evolutionary-design-flaws|2405182 Extreme rainfall is increasing even more than expected as world warms https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405220-extreme-rainfall-is-increasing-even-more-than-expected-as-world-warms/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:00:04 +0000 A study comparing weather records with climate model projections suggests that the latest models are underestimating how often future rainfall extremes will occur 2405220-extreme-rainfall-is-increasing-even-more-than-expected-as-world-warms|2405220 A new way to estimate our maximum lifespan could help us extend it https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404778-a-new-way-to-estimate-our-maximum-lifespan-could-help-us-extend-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:00:29 +0000 The maximum lifespan of mammalian species such as humans can be estimated from so-called epigenetic markers - and altering those might extend our longevity 2404778-a-new-way-to-estimate-our-maximum-lifespan-could-help-us-extend-it|2404778 Majestic photo shows China's Tiangong space station in all its glory https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405167-majestic-photo-shows-chinas-tiangong-space-station-in-all-its-glory/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:19:23 +0000 The Tiangong space station, China’s orbiting laboratory, was completed last year – now it has been photographed in full for the first time 2405167-majestic-photo-shows-chinas-tiangong-space-station-in-all-its-glory|2405167 Physicists find ultimate limit for how accurate clocks can be https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405140-physicists-find-ultimate-limit-for-how-accurate-clocks-can-be/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:48:30 +0000 A fundamental trade-off between the resolution of a clock and its accuracy could have important implications for quantum computers, which must measure short timescales accurately 2405140-physicists-find-ultimate-limit-for-how-accurate-clocks-can-be|2405140 Glimpse of the earliest supernovae could reveal our cosmic origins https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405128-glimpse-of-the-earliest-supernovae-could-reveal-our-cosmic-origins/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:38:01 +0000 Almost every element in the universe, including those that make up our bodies, was created by a process that began when the earliest stars exploded - and now the James Webb Space Telescope may have seen signs of those supernovae 2405128-glimpse-of-the-earliest-supernovae-could-reveal-our-cosmic-origins|2405128 Robots with squidgy paws could navigate uneven terrain https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401741-robots-with-squidgy-paws-could-navigate-uneven-terrain/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:00:41 +0000 A robot paw made from half a silicone ball could help robots keep their footing, thanks to an internal camera that monitors how its shape deforms 2401741-robots-with-squidgy-paws-could-navigate-uneven-terrain|2401741 Where is the iceberg that broke off Antarctica and is it a threat? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405085-where-is-the-iceberg-that-broke-off-antarctica-and-is-it-a-threat/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:45:22 +0000 An iceberg more than four times the size of New York City began drifting again after being stuck on the seafloor for nearly 40 years 2405085-where-is-the-iceberg-that-broke-off-antarctica-and-is-it-a-threat|2405085 Why it's healthy for older people to be slightly overweight https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404871-why-its-healthy-for-older-people-to-be-slightly-overweight/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 27 Nov 2023 17:00:23 +0000 UK dietitians say people over 65 need more fat reserves, but why are they going against most other healthy weight guidelines? 2404871-why-its-healthy-for-older-people-to-be-slightly-overweight|2404871 H1N2 swine flu: UK's first human case recovers after mild illness https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404969-h1n2-swine-flu-uks-first-human-case-recovers-after-mild-illness/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:58:16 +0000 Infected person has made full recovery but officials are investigating where they caught the virus and whether they may have passed it to other people 2404969-h1n2-swine-flu-uks-first-human-case-recovers-after-mild-illness|2404969 ‘Insect-eye’ compass can navigate by the sun even on a cloudy day https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404911-insect-eye-compass-can-navigate-by-the-sun-even-on-a-cloudy-day/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:34:59 +0000 By mimicking how some insects use polarised light to navigate, a light-detecting compass can tell where magnetic north is even if clouds are covering the sun 2404911-insect-eye-compass-can-navigate-by-the-sun-even-on-a-cloudy-day|2404911 Our hunt for alien life needs solid guidelines for clear-cut success https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034663-100-our-hunt-for-alien-life-needs-solid-guidelines-for-clear-cut-success/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 A proposed framework to assess and communicate the credibility of detections of extraterrestrial life is vital to deliver results we can all believe in mg26034663-100-our-hunt-for-alien-life-needs-solid-guidelines-for-clear-cut-success|2404239 AI can figure out sewing patterns from a single photo of clothing https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404358-ai-can-figure-out-sewing-patterns-from-a-single-photo-of-clothing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Mon, 27 Nov 2023 08:00:45 +0000 Creating a sewing pattern from an existing garment can be a time-consuming task, but now an artificial intelligence model can do the job from a photo 2404358-ai-can-figure-out-sewing-patterns-from-a-single-photo-of-clothing|2404358 AIs can trick each other into doing things they aren't supposed to https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401854-ais-can-trick-each-other-into-doing-things-they-arent-supposed-to/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:00:21 +0000 Many artificial intelligence models available to the public are designed to refuse harmful or illegal requests, but it turns out that AIs are very good at convincing each other to break the rules 2401854-ais-can-trick-each-other-into-doing-things-they-arent-supposed-to|2401854 Strange way black holes lose energy could help solve cosmic puzzle https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404079-strange-way-black-holes-lose-energy-could-help-solve-cosmic-puzzle/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 24 Nov 2023 10:00:09 +0000 The spin of black holes may be harnessed by their magnetic fields, which release hundreds of millions of times the energy of the sun and could power their enormous jets 2404079-strange-way-black-holes-lose-energy-could-help-solve-cosmic-puzzle|2404079 A mysterious, incredibly energetic cosmic ray has smashed into Earth https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404603-a-mysterious-incredibly-energetic-cosmic-ray-has-smashed-into-earth/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 19:00:26 +0000 A cosmic ray dubbed Amaterasu is the second most powerful one we have ever seen, beaten only by the "Oh-My-God particle". Both have baffled astronomers and defy explanation 2404603-a-mysterious-incredibly-energetic-cosmic-ray-has-smashed-into-earth|2404603 People feel more creative after using cannabis – they aren't https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402423-people-feel-more-creative-after-using-cannabis-they-arent/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:00:32 +0000 There is no strong evidence that taking cannabis improves our ingenuity, although it does make users feel more creative 2402423-people-feel-more-creative-after-using-cannabis-they-arent|2402423 Cyborg jellyfish have a swimming cap and electric propulsion system https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404025-cyborg-jellyfish-have-a-swimming-cap-and-electric-propulsion-system/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:00:22 +0000 Equipping jellyfish with artificial aids can boost their speed and could allow them to carry ocean sensors 2404025-cyborg-jellyfish-have-a-swimming-cap-and-electric-propulsion-system|2404025 Squishy inflatable tubes could make programmable soft robots https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404169-squishy-inflatable-tubes-could-make-programmable-soft-robots/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 07:00:05 +0000 Soft elastic tubes that change shape in predictable ways when filled with air could be used for making robotic grippers 2404169-squishy-inflatable-tubes-could-make-programmable-soft-robots|2404169 Coal power plant pollution linked to almost half a million US deaths https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404629-coal-power-plant-pollution-linked-to-almost-half-a-million-us-deaths/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 19:00:15 +0000 Air pollution from coal power plants was responsible for 460,000 deaths in the US between 1999 and 2020, an analysis has found 2404629-coal-power-plant-pollution-linked-to-almost-half-a-million-us-deaths|2404629 Did Homo naledi bury its dead? Debate rages over human relative https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404369-did-homo-naledi-bury-its-dead-debate-rages-over-human-relative/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:50:42 +0000 Studies earlier this year claimed that the extinct hominin Homo naledi buried its dead and produced rock art, but other researchers say the evidence is “non-existent” 2404369-did-homo-naledi-bury-its-dead-debate-rages-over-human-relative|2404369 Pneumonia in China: Everything we know so far about mystery illness https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404643-pneumonia-in-china-everything-we-know-so-far-about-mystery-illness/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:32:13 +0000 Unexplained pneumonia cases among children in China may be a result of common respiratory infections rebounding after the country's strict covid-19 lockdowns   2404643-pneumonia-in-china-everything-we-know-so-far-about-mystery-illness|2404643 Trust and safety – the most important tech job you’ve never heard of https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403999-trust-and-safety-the-most-important-tech-job-youve-never-heard-of/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Trust and safety teams at tech firms are all too easy to overlook, but the rise of propaganda and online harassment makes them vitally important, says Annalee Newitz 2403999-trust-and-safety-the-most-important-tech-job-youve-never-heard-of|2403999 Breathtaking images from Environmental Photographer of the Year awards https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404431-breathtaking-images-from-environmental-photographer-of-the-year-awards/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:01:42 +0000 Winning entries in this year’s Environmental Photographer of the Year competition highlight humanity’s efforts to reduce our impact on the climate and adapt to a changing world 2404431-breathtaking-images-from-environmental-photographer-of-the-year-awards|2404431 AI cleaning robot can tidy up clothes in a messy bedroom https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404048-ai-cleaning-robot-can-tidy-up-clothes-in-a-messy-bedroom/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:00:08 +0000 Cameras and a grasping arm help this robot pick up a pile of discarded clothes and put them in a laundry basket 2404048-ai-cleaning-robot-can-tidy-up-clothes-in-a-messy-bedroom|2404048 Abandoned coal mines could store wind energy https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403650-abandoned-coal-mines-could-store-wind-energy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 20:27:23 +0000 Surplus wind power can be used to heat up water in flooded mines – a test of the idea is being planned in Scotland in 2024 2403650-abandoned-coal-mines-could-store-wind-energy|2403650 Not sleeping enough before surgery may increase pain during recovery https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404113-not-sleeping-enough-before-surgery-may-increase-pain-during-recovery/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 10:00:38 +0000 Mice that were deprived of sleep before surgery experienced more pain and inflammation afterwards than animals that had slept enough 2404113-not-sleeping-enough-before-surgery-may-increase-pain-during-recovery|2404113 Mercury has salt glaciers that could provide the conditions for life https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403932-mercury-has-salt-glaciers-that-could-provide-the-conditions-for-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Thu, 23 Nov 2023 10:00:08 +0000 Mercury may have deep underground salt glaciers that encircle the whole planet and could possibly create the conditions necessary for life 2403932-mercury-has-salt-glaciers-that-could-provide-the-conditions-for-life|2403932 Why has the death of Matthew Perry affected so many of us so much? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034662-900-why-has-the-death-of-matthew-perry-affected-so-many-of-us-so-much/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Friends actor Matthew Perry died last month, and the public outpouring of grief has been huge. Why can celebrity deaths be so upsetting, asks Sara Novak mg26034662-900-why-has-the-death-of-matthew-perry-affected-so-many-of-us-so-much|2403969 Drone delivers defibrillators for cardiac arrest faster than ambulance https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404428-drone-delivers-defibrillators-for-cardiac-arrest-faster-than-ambulance/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 23:30:22 +0000 People who have gone into cardiac arrest can get treatment faster if a drone delivers a defibrillator, but there needs to be someone nearby trained in CPR, shows a trial in Sweden 2404428-drone-delivers-defibrillators-for-cardiac-arrest-faster-than-ambulance|2404428 Construction robot builds massive stone walls on its own https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404382-construction-robot-builds-massive-stone-walls-on-its-own/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:00:51 +0000 A robotic construction vehicle can use 3D digital mapping and AI to learn the best placement for each stone in a wall, without instruction from a human 2404382-construction-robot-builds-massive-stone-walls-on-its-own|2404382 Babies may start to learn language before they are born https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404345-babies-may-start-to-learn-language-before-they-are-born/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:00:06 +0000 Newborn babies respond differently to their mother tongue, suggesting that exposure to language in the uterus may provide the foundations for learning 2404345-babies-may-start-to-learn-language-before-they-are-born|2404345 Nutrient found in beef and milk shows promise against several cancers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404225-nutrient-found-in-beef-and-milk-shows-promise-against-several-cancers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:17:28 +0000 A fatty acid found in beef and milk attacked different types of cancerous cells in a series of lab and animal experiments 2404225-nutrient-found-in-beef-and-milk-shows-promise-against-several-cancers|2404225 Covid-19 vaccines should target only omicron for best immune response https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404392-covid-19-vaccines-should-target-only-omicron-for-best-immune-response/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:00:03 +0000 Covid-19 vaccines may offer better protection if they just target the omicron variant, rather than both omicron and the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain 2404392-covid-19-vaccines-should-target-only-omicron-for-best-immune-response|2404392 Eight personality traits may help people live to 100 and beyond https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034664-300-eight-personality-traits-may-help-people-live-to-100-and-beyond/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:49:00 +0000 Interviews with 19 centenarians reveal that they often share several personality traits – including being sociable, positive and resilient – which may have helped them reach an advanced age mg26034664-300-eight-personality-traits-may-help-people-live-to-100-and-beyond|2404251 Mutation behind Huntington's linked to higher childhood intelligence https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034663-700-mutation-behind-huntingtons-linked-to-higher-childhood-intelligence/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:34:00 +0000 The genetic mutation that causes the brain condition Huntington's disease may result in greater intelligence among young people, which could mean evolution selected for it mg26034663-700-mutation-behind-huntingtons-linked-to-higher-childhood-intelligence|2404245 African penguins recognise their partners by the spots on their chest https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404134-african-penguins-recognise-their-partners-by-the-spots-on-their-chest/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:53:39 +0000 The unique patterns of dots on the front of African penguins seem to be key to their ability to pick out their partners in a crowded colony 2404134-african-penguins-recognise-their-partners-by-the-spots-on-their-chest|2404134 COP28: When is the climate summit and why is it being held in Dubai? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404057-cop28-when-is-the-climate-summit-and-why-is-it-being-held-in-dubai/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:20:25 +0000 The COP28 climate summit is taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December 2404057-cop28-when-is-the-climate-summit-and-why-is-it-being-held-in-dubai|2404057 Space flight may increase erectile dysfunction among astronauts https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404064-space-flight-may-increase-erectile-dysfunction-among-astronauts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:01:51 +0000 Rats that experienced a simulation of microgravity and cosmic radiation showed signs of erectile dysfunction a year later 2404064-space-flight-may-increase-erectile-dysfunction-among-astronauts|2404064 Some unbreakable encryption keys are accidentally leaking online https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403986-some-unbreakable-encryption-keys-are-accidentally-leaking-online/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:00:31 +0000 A widely used form of encryption called RSA is thought to be unbreakable, but an analysis of more than 5 billion server records has found that, in some cases, hardware errors can lead to secret keys being exposed 2403986-some-unbreakable-encryption-keys-are-accidentally-leaking-online|2403986 What would life on Earth be like if our planet were cube-shaped? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403635-what-would-life-on-earth-be-like-if-our-planet-were-cube-shaped/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:52:43 +0000 In the two-part season finale of Dead Planets Society, our hosts are turning Earth into a cube with fascinating results – walking to space, enormous sea monsters and more 2403635-what-would-life-on-earth-be-like-if-our-planet-were-cube-shaped|2403635 A big gulf in ocean science threatens to sink the climate change fight https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403979-a-big-gulf-in-ocean-science-threatens-to-sink-the-climate-change-fight/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:00:31 +0000 To tackle global warming, we must properly grasp what is happening in the oceans. That is why, at COP28, we will be calling on world leaders to urgently ramp up marine observations, says oceanographer Margaret Leinen 2403979-a-big-gulf-in-ocean-science-threatens-to-sink-the-climate-change-fight|2403979 Russia's war effort may be blinding a vital Earth monitoring satellite https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403889-russias-war-effort-may-be-blinding-a-vital-earth-monitoring-satellite/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 12:00:55 +0000 A satellite that monitors sea ice thickness is being blinded over Europe and the Arctic due to heavy interference since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 2403889-russias-war-effort-may-be-blinding-a-vital-earth-monitoring-satellite|2403889 Strange nebula changes colour rhythmically like a mood lamp https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403734-strange-nebula-changes-colour-rhythmically-like-a-mood-lamp/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:00:23 +0000 A mysterious, star-like object seems to be making its nebula change colour and brightness in a rhythmic way every four years 2403734-strange-nebula-changes-colour-rhythmically-like-a-mood-lamp|2403734 Endangered vultures saved from deadly poisoning and electrocution https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403949-endangered-vultures-saved-from-deadly-poisoning-and-electrocution/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:41:12 +0000 A decade-long conservation effort spanning 14 countries has halted the decline of a key population of Egyptian vultures by preventing poisoning and insulating electrical infrastructure 2403949-endangered-vultures-saved-from-deadly-poisoning-and-electrocution|2403949 NVIDIA wants to use AI chatbots to help build better chips https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403629-nvidia-wants-to-use-ai-chatbots-to-help-build-better-chips/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:00:06 +0000 Generative AI tools such as chatbots may be able to help chip designers generate code and find software bugs 2403629-nvidia-wants-to-use-ai-chatbots-to-help-build-better-chips|2403629 Brain cells that tell mice when to eat may do the same job in people https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403657-brain-cells-that-tell-mice-when-to-eat-may-do-the-same-job-in-people/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:00:54 +0000 Further light has been shed on the mechanism of weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Ozempic, as the brain cells that they suppress have been found to keep track of previous eating patterns 2403657-brain-cells-that-tell-mice-when-to-eat-may-do-the-same-job-in-people|2403657 Hairy legs make you swim better – if you're a shrimp https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403802-hairy-legs-make-you-swim-better-if-youre-a-shrimp/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=news Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:18 +0000 Normally, hair increases drag while swimming – but for shrimp, hair seems to make it easier to move through water 2403802-hairy-legs-make-you-swim-better-if-youre-a-shrimp|2403802