Some microbes on Earth could temporarily survive on the surface of Mars, new study finds. As the Perseverance rover hunts for evidence of past life on Mars’ barren surface, researchers back on Earth are exploring just how difficult it might be for living organisms to survive there today. Findings published in the journal ‘Frontiers in […]
Particle physics milestone achieved at CERN
After 50 years of research, physicists have found evidence that the elusive subatomic quasiparticle called odderon actually exists. For most of us, physics terms like odderon are (and always will be) part of science fiction. However, this is not the view of the scientific community, whose determined members spent almost half a century searching (without […]
Why do people migrate?
Striving to gain better insight into migration around the world, researchers have completed the first-ever systematic literature review that aims to answer two questions: What makes people want to migrate? What causes them to actually migrate? In the course of history, human migration has transformed lands and the mix of races, ethnicities and languages of […]
Scientists solve mysteries of the world’s oldest computer
Another piece of the ancient computer’s puzzle has been solved. The 2 000-year-old Antikythera Mechanism, the first analogue computer, was a bronze hand-powered device from ancient Greece filled with complex gears. It was used to predict the positions of the planets and events like lunar and solar eclipses. The machine was even used to set […]
SARS-CoV-2 mutations thwart body’s killer cells
An EU-backed study has shown that when the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates, it can prevent killer T cells from recognising infected cells and eliminating them. In the ongoing battle against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, antibodies play a vital role in fighting off infection. However, they don’t work alone. Another protagonist is the killer T cell that finds […]
Global emissions cuts in line with Paris Agreement mean near-term benefits for Earth
A new EU-backed study shows that cutting emissions to meet the 1.5 °C and 2 °C temperature targets could slow warming within 2 decades. Many countries are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. However, the short-term mitigation benefits that will arise from these efforts are […]
Bypassing age verification measures on social media
An EU-backed study has shown how easy it is for children to bypass the mechanisms that the most popular apps use to verify their age: all they have to do is lie. The measures that popular social media apps use to verify age during the sign-up process are basically ineffective. According to research supported by […]
Can you teach an old dog new words? Yes, study finds
Dogs can learn new words after hearing them only four times. It comes as no surprise to see a dog running to its bowl after it hears “food” or fetch its collar when its owner utters “outside”. There are a few more simple words and commands that dogs pick up along the way. According to […]
Genetics and their role in small and large birth weight
An EU-backed study has shown that the genetics of mother and baby contribute to very small and large birth weight. Genetics play an important role in small and large birth weight, according to a new study supported by the EU-funded DYNAHEALTH, LIFECYCLE, EDCMET, EUCAN-Connect and CAPICE projects. The study showed that the genetics of both […]