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Report: LittleBigPlanet and Dreams Developer Media Molecule Working on New IP With 'Open-World Content'
The people behind PlayStation's LittleBigPlanet and Dreams are working on their next project, which appears to be an open-world title.
Scientists discover a strange hidden state in “sandwich” molecules
Scientists have uncovered a strange hidden structure formed during the creation of metallocenes, a class of sandwich-like molecules used in everything from catalysis to medicine. The newly characterized intermediate features a rare “double ring-slip,” where both carbon rings partially detach from the metal atom. By finally observing this fleeting state, researchers gained fresh insight into how these molecules assemble and transform.
Scientists Solved the 150 Year-Old Mystery of Why Most of Your Molecules Are Right-Handed
The shape of life’s building blocks is the result of biology, chemistry, and quantum physics colliding.
Scientists use light to create tiny molecules that could transform medicine
Researchers have developed a light-driven method for creating tiny, high-energy “housane” molecules that are valuable for drug development and materials science. These compact ring-shaped structures are difficult to produce because of the intense internal strain they contain. By using photocatalysis and carefully tuning the starting molecules, the team managed to guide the reaction into a clean and efficient pathway.
Rocket Science Health validates targeted olfactory-cleft deposition in non-human primates ahead of the 4th Nasal Formulation & Delivery Summit
As the pace of modern drug discovery accelerates, the industry is increasingly recognizing that a breakthrough molecule is only as effective as its ability to reach the target site.
A chemical found in fish could help reinvent your sunscreen
It’s been over 25 years since the FDA approved a new ingredient for sunscreen in the United States. But a molecule called gadusol found in fish and coral reefs is a promising candidate. It absorbs U.V. rays — acting like a built-in sunscreen for fish. But there’s a big hurdle if scientists want to turn gadusol into human sunscreen: They’d need to make a lot of it. A new study out this week in the journal Trends in Biotechnology takes us a big step closer. Their solution? Using the bacteria best known for making your stomach hurt: e. Coli. Interested in more science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
A grad student’s wild idea sparks a major aging breakthrough
A casual conversation between graduate students helped spark a breakthrough in aging research at Mayo Clinic. Researchers discovered that tiny synthetic DNA molecules called aptamers can selectively attach to senescent “zombie cells,” which are linked to aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. The method could eventually help scientists identify and target these cells in living tissue with far greater precision.
Scientists Discover “Hidden” Materials That Could Transform Clean Energy and Batteries
Researchers have uncovered a hidden side of material formation by tracking what happens as specially designed molecules are heated.
Paleontology rocked by discovery of organic molecules in 66-million-year-old dinosaur bones
Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence that dinosaur fossils may still contain traces of their original proteins, overturning a long-standing belief that fossilization destroys all organic material. In a remarkably well-preserved Edmontosaurus fossil from South Dakota, researchers detected remnants of collagen — the main protein found in bone — using advanced techniques including mass spectrometry and protein sequencing.
BioHarvest Sciences Appoints New Head of Business Development for its CDMO Division
Business development appointment is aligned with securing long-term customers for development and manufacturing partnershipsVancouver, British Columbia and Rehovot, Israel--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2026) - BioHarvest Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: BHST) (FSE: 8MV0) ("BioHarvest" or the "Company"), a leader in Botanical Synthesis technology and sustainable plant-based molecule development, today announced the appointment of Nedira Salzman-Frenkel to Vice President of Business Development. Ms....
Date Sweetened Foods May Create a Misleading Health Halo
Products sweetened with dates may appear healthier than table sugar, even though concentrated fructose exposure remains a concern.
Curis Provides First Quarter 2026 Business Update
/PRNewswire/ -- Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS), a biotechnology company focused on the development of emavusertib (CA-4948), an orally available, small molecule...
80 years after the Trinity nuclear test, scientists identify new molecule-trapping crystal formed in the blast
Matter behaves strangely under extreme conditions, and often, remnants of these behaviors are left behind even when conditions return to normal. The Trinity nuclear test in 1945 left behind such remnants, ...
A rare cancer-fighting plant compound has been decoded
Scientists at UBC Okanagan have uncovered how plants produce mitraphylline, a rare natural compound with promising anti cancer potential. The team identified two enzymes that work together to build the molecule’s unusual twisted structure, solving a mystery that had puzzled researchers for years. Because mitraphylline appears only in tiny amounts in tropical plants like kratom and cat’s claw, the discovery could make it far easier to produce sustainably in the future.
Scientists discover hidden fat-burning switch that could strengthen bones
Scientists at McGill University have uncovered a hidden molecular “switch” that turns on a powerful calorie-burning system in brown fat — the body’s heat-generating fat linked to metabolism and weight control. The breakthrough centers on glycerol, a molecule released when fat is broken down in the cold, which activates an enzyme called TNAP and triggers an alternative heat-producing pathway that scientists had struggled to explain for years.
Scientists discover hidden chemical signature that could reveal alien life
Scientists may have found a powerful new way to hunt for alien life — not by searching for specific molecules, but by looking for hidden patterns in how those molecules are organized. Researchers discovered that living systems leave behind a kind of chemical “fingerprint” in the statistical distribution of amino acids and fatty acids, one that consistently differs from nonliving chemistry.
Scientists discover the brain’s hidden “stop scratching” switch
Scientists have uncovered a hidden “stop-scratching” signal in the nervous system that tells your brain when enough scratching is enough. The discovery centers on a molecule called TRPV4, which acts like part of an internal braking system for itch relief. In experiments involving chronic itch similar to eczema, mice missing this signal scratched less often—but when they did scratch, they couldn’t stop.
AI lets chemists design molecules by simply describing them
Creating complex molecules usually requires years of experience and countless decisions, but a new AI system is changing that. Synthegy lets chemists guide synthesis and reaction planning using simple language, while powerful algorithms generate and evaluate possible solutions. The AI doesn’t just compute—it reasons, scoring pathways and explaining which ones make the most sense.
Scientists unlock new way to engineer next-generation glass
Scientists have adapted a centuries-old principle of chemistry to fine-tune a new type of glass made from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)—metal atoms connected by organic molecules—that efficiently trap ...
2026 Innovation Issue: Building on a brother’s legacy
The late Philip Low’s research focus included using small molecules to reach cancer cells. His brother, Martin, spoke with IBJ about his brother’s science and where their company is heading.
Don’t toss cannabis leaves: Scientists found rare compounds with medical potential
Scientists have uncovered a surprising new layer of complexity in Cannabis, identifying dozens of previously unknown compounds—including the first-ever evidence of rare molecules called flavoalkaloids in its leaves. These compounds, prized for their potential health benefits, were hidden among a rich mix of plant chemicals that vary dramatically even between just a few strains.
New treatment cuts bad cholesterol by nearly 50% without statins
A new breakthrough could change how high cholesterol is treated, offering a powerful alternative to traditional drugs. Researchers have developed tiny DNA-based molecules that shut down PCSK9—a key protein that keeps “bad” LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood. By blocking this protein, cells can absorb more cholesterol instead of letting it build up in arteries, dramatically lowering levels linked to heart disease.
From mushrooms to molecules, science becomes art
URochester’s annual Ed and Barbara Hajim Art of Science Competition showcases how scientific discovery takes visual form across disciplines.
Scientists found ice with a 304-molecule repeating pattern
Ice-9, in Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle, is a fictional polymorph of water that stays solid at room temperature and converts every drop it touches into more of itself. Real ice doesn't…
Scientists just found a chilling way life may have begun
New experiments suggest that freezing and thawing on early Earth may have helped primitive cell-like structures grow and evolve. Tiny lipid bubbles behaved very differently depending on their membrane makeup—some fused into larger compartments and captured DNA more efficiently. These fusion events could have mixed key molecules, setting the stage for more complex chemistry.
NASA Curiosity rover finds mysterious life linked molecules on mars
Curiosity has detected a surprising variety of organic molecules on Mars, including compounds tied to the chemistry of life. Some of these molecules may be billions of years old, preserved in ancient clay-rich rocks that once held water. One standout find resembles building blocks of DNA, raising exciting questions about Mars’ past. Although not proof of life, the discovery suggests the Red Planet may have once been far more biologically promising than we thought.
NASA rover uncovers rock with 7 new organic molecules on Mars — the 'most diverse collection' ever seen
Curiosity found organic molecules on Mars that were so compelling that scientists used a rare process to analyze them.
Graphene kills harmful bacteria “superbugs” but spares human cells
Scientists have uncovered how graphene oxide pulls off a remarkable trick: it hunts down and destroys harmful bacteria while leaving human cells completely unharmed. By targeting a molecule found only in bacterial membranes, this ultra-thin carbon-based material acts with laser-like precision—offering a powerful new alternative to traditional antibiotics. Even more exciting, it works against drug-resistant “superbugs,” promotes faster wound healing, and keeps its antibacterial strength even after repeated washing.
Harvard scientists link gut bacteria to depression through hidden inflammation trigger
A gut bacterium may be quietly fueling depression through an unexpected chemical twist. Researchers found that when Morganella morganii interacts with a common pollutant, it produces a molecule that triggers inflammation—something strongly linked to depression. This finding helps explain how gut microbes can influence brain health at a molecular level. It also raises the possibility of new treatments that target the immune system rather than just the brain.
Curiosity rover detects building blocks of life in first-ever experiment on Mars
The Curiosity rover conducted a first-of-its kind experiment on Mars, detecting organic molecules that have never been observed before on the red planet.
Clouds of water ice thread stellar nurseries in the Milky Way
NASA’s SPHEREx mapped water ice across vast regions of the galaxy, confirming that an essential molecule for life on Earth abounds in space.
New issue: Mirrorlife | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Mirror life could end all life on Earth. That sounds dramatic, but senior biologists have raised the alarm about experiments happening all around the world. It sounds like something in a Doctor Who plot, but no – mirror life is a real possibility. So why do scientists want to create something that’s potentially apocalyptic? Well, it could also have huge benefits (think back to splitting the atom). The first thing to say, however, is that mirror organisms are still a little way away yet – but only decades, not centuries. So far, scientists have only made mirror molecules, one of life’s building blocks. What for? Life works because its building blocks fit together. Imagine drilling a screw into a piece of wood. The screw cuts a hole with a thread that snugly matches its own. If, for some reason, the Doctor showed up and handed you a mirror version of the screw, its thread would be in reverse. It wouldn’t twist into the hole you’d just made as the threads wouldn’t match. That said, the mirror screw would still work; you’d just have to create a mirror hole for it. Mirror molecules, including DNA, work a bit like that. They follow the same principles as the biology around us, but they’re entirely incompatible with traditional biological functions. In medical terms, this means they’re effectively invisible to your body’s systems. Our biology doesn’t have the tools to recognise these molecules and break them apart. And if someone took these mirror molecules and put them together to make a cell and then an organism… you’d have mirror life. But we don't have any way of breaking it down. If it escaped the lab, we’d just have to hope it didn’t have an appetite.
How can scientists visualize cellular life with greater precision? - Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Highlights Salk researchers collaborated with scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine to develop a new class of probes for imaging living cells The probes, called visible-spectrum antigen-stabilizable fluorescent nanobodies (VIS-Fbs), generate high-contrast images with minimal disruption to normal cellular activity The technology enables more precise investigation of complex biological processes, including cell signaling, development, and disease progression LA JOLLA—Fluorescent proteins have revolutionized science, enabling researchers to tag and visualize individual molecules in living cells, tissues, and animals. Using these tools, researchers have watched viruses infect cells in real time, observed cellular trash collection, and tracked the signaling that spurs tumor growth.
NASA’s Curiosity Finds Organic Molecules Never Seen Before on Mars
After years of lab work, the results are in: A rock that NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover drilled and analyzed in 2020 includes the most diverse collection of
‘Is it life? We can’t tell’: Nasa’s Curiosity rover finds organic molecules on Mars
Scientists think they are looking at chemical building blocks of life preserved for 3.5bn years
Every step in making tea transforms its molecules: here is the science behind what makes a great cup - Futura-Sciences
Tea is the world’s most popular beverage after water. Whether we are talking about matcha, Earl Grey, or oolong, every true tea comes from the leaves of a single plant species: Camellia sinensis. Any other infusion is technically an herbal tea, or tisane. What makes this one plant so remarkable...
The science behind the peptide craze
The world of peptides has exploded in wellness circles, but the benefits of injecting these gray-market molecules rest on little clinical evidence
Showing the math for Earth’s first — and sudden
Inspired by a Yale undergraduate science class, a new study uses math to suggest that the spark of life on Earth happened quickly — once the conditions were right.
Scientists Unveil Microscopy Breakthrough That Reveals “Invisible” Molecular States
Scientists have introduced a microscopy technique that reveals a hidden layer of chemistry involving molecules that normally evade detection.
A 67-year-old “crazy” theory about vitamin B1 has finally been proven
Scientists have achieved the unthinkable by stabilizing a highly reactive molecule in water, confirming a decades-old theory about vitamin B1’s role in the body. The breakthrough not only solves a scientific mystery but could revolutionize greener chemical manufacturing.
How a Diabetes Drug May Echo the Benefits of Exercise in Prostate Cancer Care
Researchers found that metformin raises an exercise‑linked metabolic molecule in prostate cancer patients, offering insight into cancer care.
Diabetes rates are lower in high-altitude environments — and scientists may have discovered why
A new study finds that in low-oxygen environments, red blood cells absorb more glucose and convert it into a molecule that helps release oxygen into tissues, revealing an unexpected way the body regulates blood sugar.
Diabetes rates are lower in high-altitude environments — and scientists may have discovered why
A new study finds that in low-oxygen environments, red blood cells absorb more glucose and convert it into a molecule that helps release oxygen into tissues, revealing an unexpected way the body regulates blood sugar.
Why the sky looks blue – the science behind it
Sunlight hits gas molecules in the atmosphere and its wavelengths scatter in different ways. That makes the sky appear blue during the day, while at sunrise and sunset red light dominates.
Scientists just found DNA “supergenes” that speed up evolution
Hidden within fish DNA are powerful genetic twists that may explain one of nature’s biggest mysteries: how new species form so quickly. In Lake Malawi, hundreds of cichlid fish species evolved at lightning speed, and scientists now think “flipped” sections of DNA—called chromosomal inversions—are the secret. These inversions lock together useful gene combinations, creating “supergenes” that help fish rapidly adapt to different environments, from deep waters to sandy shores.
Scientists Build Five-in-One “Super Molecule” for Next-Gen Electronics
A hybrid synthesis strategy enables complex molecular architectures to function as a single electronic system.
Scientists Discover How to Stop Vision Loss Before It Starts
Scientists have identified molecules that can protect the eye’s cone cells from degeneration, a major cause of vision loss. The discovery points to new drug targets—and even uncovers compounds that may be harmful.
Understanding protein motion could greatly aid new drug design
For many of us, “protein” is the key element of a food order. However, beyond your preferred choice of meats or plant-based alternatives, proteins encompass a large class of complex biomolecules whose chemical structure is encoded in our genes. Proteins have critical functions in living cells: They help repair and build body tissues, drive metabolic reactions, maintain pH and fluid balance, and keep our immune systems strong.
Scientists say NAD+ could slow aging and fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
A global team of leading scientists is zeroing in on a tiny but powerful molecule that could reshape how we age. Known as NAD⁺, it plays a crucial role in keeping our cells energized, repairing DNA, and maintaining overall health—but its levels steadily decline over time, potentially fueling diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Researchers are now exploring ways to boost NAD⁺ using compounds like NR and NMN, with early studies hinting at improvements in memory, metabolism, and physical function.
A new twist on matter? Strange 'Half-Mӧbius' molecule has rare properties chemists have never seen before
Chemists created a strange 'half-Mӧbius' molecule, where electrons twist freely out of place to make a continuously looping surface.
Curis Provides Fourth Quarter 2025 Business Update
Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS), a biotechnology company focused on the development of emavusertib (CA-4948), an orally available, small molecule IRAK4 and FLT3 inhibitor, today reported its business update and financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
Curis Provides Fourth Quarter 2025 Business Update
/PRNewswire/ -- Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS), a biotechnology company focused on the development of emavusertib (CA-4948), an orally available, small molecule...
Molecule in python blood could pave way for new obesity drugs, scientists say
Researchers find snake metabolite that suppresses appetite of obese mice ‘without some of side-effects’ of GLP-1 drugs
SK pharmteco Reaffirms Three-Business-Unit Strategy, Strengthens Global Gene Therapy Business Unit with Funding Commitment
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SK pharmteco today announced a significant funding commitment to support strategic initiatives within its viral vector business, while reaffirming its long-term growth strategy across three business units: small molecule, peptides, and viral vectors. SK pharmteco is sharpening its strategy to provide pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners with the financial strength, technical rigor, and operational infrastructure needed for long-term
Scientists confirm existence of molecule long believed to occur in oxidation
In the journal Science Advances, scientists in Sweden and the U.S. report the first-ever direct observation of a type of short-lived molecule that has shaped decades of thinking in atmospheric chemistry, ...
Depression may start with an energy problem in brain cells
Researchers have discovered a surprising change in how cells produce energy in people with depression. Brain and blood cells in young adults with major depressive disorder produced more energy molecules at rest but had trouble increasing energy production when needed. Scientists believe this imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue and low motivation. The finding could help pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments.
Scientists discover molecule that stops aggressive breast cancer in its tracks
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new molecule that could open the door to treating triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. The compound, called SU212, targets and disables a key enzyme that cancer cells rely on to fuel their growth. In tests using humanized mouse models, the molecule caused tumors to shrink and slowed the spread of cancer by forcing the enzyme to break down.
Scientists discover a brain signal that may trigger autism’s domino effect
Researchers have uncovered a surprising molecular chain reaction in the brain that may play a role in some forms of autism. The study suggests that nitric oxide, a tiny signaling molecule normally involved in fine-tuning communication between brain cells, can sometimes trigger a cascade of changes inside neurons. When nitric oxide activity rises, it can alter a protective protein called TSC2, weakening an important cellular brake and allowing the mTOR pathway, which controls growth and protein production, to become overactive.
Scientists Spin Molecules Inside a Frictionless Superfluid for the First Time
A newly designed optical centrifuge allows scientists to control molecular rotation inside superfluid helium nano-droplets. Physicists have developed a new version of an optical centrifuge that can control how molecules rotate while they are suspended inside liquid helium nano-droplets. The advan
Electrons catapult across solar materials in just 18 femtoseconds
Electrons in solar materials can be launched across molecules almost as fast as nature allows, thanks to tiny atomic vibrations acting like a “molecular catapult.” In experiments lasting just 18 femtoseconds, researchers at the University of Cambridge observed electrons blasting across a boundary in a single burst, far faster than long-standing theories predicted. Instead of slow, random movement, the electron rides the natural vibrations of the molecule itself, challenging decades of design rules for solar materials.
IBM scientists unveil the first ever “half-Möbius” molecule, with the help of quantum computing
A team at IBM Research has assembled a strange new ring-shaped molecule that bends around like a more complicated Möbius strip
This molecule puts a new twist on the Möbius strip
A molecule made of carbon and chlorine is half as twisty as the paper loops common in math classes.
Scientists discover a hidden force that helps wire the brain
Growing neurons rely on chemical cues to find their targets, but new research shows that the brain’s physical properties help shape those signals. Scientists discovered that tissue stiffness can trigger the production of guidance molecules through a force-sensing protein called Piezo1. This protein not only detects mechanical forces but also helps maintain the structure of brain tissue. The discovery reveals a powerful link between the brain’s physical environment and how its wiring is built.
The science of structures: FSU chemist synthesizes complex molecule with potential for medicine, pharmaceutical applications
A Florida State University chemist has developed a method to rapidly assemble significantly complex natural molecules with potential in biomedical
Scientists reveal why a popular anti-aging compound may also fuel cancer
Polyamines—natural molecules found in every living cell—have become stars in the longevity world for their ability to boost cellular cleanup and support healthy aging. But there’s a dark twist: high levels of these same molecules are consistently seen in cancer, where tumors grow aggressively.
Scientists just turned light into a remote control for crystals
NYU researchers have found a way to use light to control how microscopic particles assemble into crystals, effectively turning illumination into a tool for shaping matter. By adding light-sensitive molecules to a liquid filled with tiny particles, they can adjust how strongly the particles attract or repel one another simply by changing the light’s intensity or pattern. This allows them to trigger crystals to form, dissolve, or even be reshaped in real time.
New iron nanomaterial wipes out cancer cells without harming healthy tissue
Scientists at Oregon State University have engineered a powerful new nanomaterial that zeroes in on cancer cells and destroys them from the inside out. Designed to exploit cancer’s unique chemistry—its acidity and high hydrogen peroxide levels—the tiny iron-based structure sparks not one but two intense chemical reactions, flooding tumors with cell-damaging oxygen molecules. This dual attack overwhelms cancer cells with oxidative stress while sparing healthy tissue.
New iron nanomaterial wipes out cancer cells without harming healthy tissue
Scientists at Oregon State University have engineered a powerful new nanomaterial that zeroes in on cancer cells and destroys them from the inside out. Designed to exploit cancer’s unique chemistry—its acidity and high hydrogen peroxide levels—the tiny iron-based structure sparks not one but two intense chemical reactions, flooding tumors with cell-damaging oxygen molecules. This dual attack overwhelms cancer cells with oxidative stress while sparing healthy tissue.
Jupiter’s moons may have formed with the ingredients for life
Jupiter’s icy moons may have been seeded with the chemical ingredients for life from the very beginning. An international team of scientists modeled how complex organic molecules—essential building blocks for biology—could have formed in the swirling disk of gas and dust around the young Sun and later been carried into Jupiter’s own moon-forming disk. Their results suggest that up to half of the icy material that built moons like Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto may have delivered freshly made organic compounds without being chemically destroyed.
Scientists synthesize stable N₄ radical anions under ambient conditions
A team of scientists from the University of Manchester and Oxford have synthesized stable nitrogen chain radical anions under ambient conditions. These molecules, which are normally too reactive to isolate ...
Forever Chemicals May Not Be So “Forever” After All, Scientists Say - Futura-Sciences
Known as PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – these synthetic molecules have been used since the 1940s for their water-resistant and greaseproof properties. They can be found in clothing, upholstered furniture, nonstick pans, food packaging, and even firefighting foams. The problem? Their carbon-fluorine bond is so stable that it...
Scientists turn methane into medicine in stunning breakthrough
Scientists have unveiled a breakthrough way to turn natural gas—long burned as fuel—into valuable chemical building blocks for medicines and other high-demand products. By designing a clever iron-based catalyst powered by LED light, researchers managed to activate stubborn molecules like methane and transform them into complex compounds, even creating the hormone therapy drug dimestrol directly from methane for the first time.
New Duke Health study finds simple blood test could predict longer life
Duke Health researchers found small RNA molecules known as piRNAs can accurately predict whether older adults are likely to survive at least two more years.
Scientists Used ’Dancing Molecules‘ to Heal Lab-Grown Mini-Spines. One Day, They Could Cure Paralysis.
By fine tuning the motion of molecules, scientists created an injectable therapy that encouraged the growth of neurites and neurons in damaged spinal organoids.
Manipulating gene activity to reverse aging
By altering levels of molecules called transcription factors in mice, researchers were able to reverse some of the effects of aging.
50 year quest ends with creation of silicon aromatic once thought impossible
After nearly 50 years of failed attempts and scientific speculation, chemists at Saarland University have achieved what many thought might be impossible: creating a long-sought silicon-based aromatic molecule. By replacing carbon atoms in a famously stable ring-shaped compound with silicon, the team synthesized pentasilacyclopentadienide — a breakthrough published in Science.
Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What's the science say?
The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What's the science say?
The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What's the science say?
The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
Organic molecules found in a 500-million-year-old fossil, upending the science of paleontology
Biological polymer chitin survives 500 million years in fossils, revealing carbon conservation and ancient chemistry.
Ultrafast quantum chemistry engine could speed up the development of new medicines and materials
The powerful software can reduce the time needed to simulate reactions with large molecules from weeks to just minutes.
Scientists discover the body’s hidden “off switch” for inflammation
A new human study has uncovered how the body naturally turns off inflammation. Researchers found that fat-derived molecules called epoxy-oxylipins rein in immune cells that can otherwise drive chronic disease. Using a drug to boost these molecules reduced pain faster and lowered harmful inflammatory cells. The discovery could pave the way for safer treatments for arthritis, heart disease, and other inflammation-related conditions.
Mysterious RNA led scientists to a hidden layer of cancer
A mysterious RNA found in breast cancer led scientists to uncover an entire hidden class of cancer-specific RNAs across dozens of tumor types. These molecules form unique molecular signatures that identify cancer type and subtype with remarkable accuracy. Some even drive tumor growth and metastasis. Because many are released into the bloodstream, a simple blood test can track how patients respond to treatment and predict survival.
Tracking global water circulation using atomic fingerprints
Scientists have developed a powerful new way to trace the journey of water across the planet by reading tiny atomic clues hidden inside it. Slightly heavier versions of hydrogen and oxygen, called isotopes, shift in predictable ways as water evaporates and moves through the atmosphere. By combining eight advanced climate models into a single ensemble, researchers created the most accurate large-scale simulation yet of how water circulates worldwide.
When AI meets physics: Unlocking complex protein structures to accelerate biomedical breakthroughs
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how scientists understand proteins—these are working molecules that drive nearly every process in the human body, from cell growth and immune defense to ...
This Week in Science: Mars Molecules, a Cholesterol-Cutting Compound, And More!
Our weekly science news roundup.
Weatherwatch: The surprisingly complex science of ice skating
Pressure, frictional heating and a disordered layer of molecules on top of the ice make skating possible
NASA telescope spots the building blocks for life spewing out of comet 3I/ATLAS
NASA's SPHEREx space telescope detected organic molecules coming off comet 3I/ATLAS as the interstellar visitor made its closest approach to Earth in December.
UCSB scientists bottle the sun with liquid battery
A new bio-inspired molecule captures solar energy and releases it as heat on demand, outperforming lithium-ion batteries.
NASA scientists say meteorites can’t explain mysterious organic compounds on Mars
Scientists studying a rock sample collected by NASA’s Curiosity rover have uncovered something tantalizing: the largest organic molecules ever detected on Mars. The compounds — decane, undecane, and dodecane — may be fragments of fatty acids, which on Earth are most often linked to life. While non-living processes like meteorite impacts can also create such molecules, researchers found those sources couldn’t fully explain the amounts detected.
Life may have started as sticky goo clinging to rocks
Life may have started in sticky, rock-hugging gels rather than inside cells. Researchers suggest these primitive, biofilm-like materials could trap and concentrate molecules, giving early chemistry a protected space to grow more complex. Within these gels, the first hints of metabolism and self-replication may have emerged.
Celebrating Women in Science Day 2026 at CERN
Every year, on 11 February, CERN celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In an effort to amplify diverse voices in STEM, six women scientists from CERN open up about their careers and the lessons they hope to pass on to the next generation. Francesca is an Italian biomedical engineer pursuing her PhD at CERN, working in the robotics team of the Beams Department. She’s currently working on the MARCHESE project, in affiliation with Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, focusing on contactless monitoring of physiological parameters. Despite choosing a scientific career and often volunteering in scientific outreach initiatives, Francesca continues to nurture her passion for the humanities and arts. “I firmly believe that collaboration and inclusion are the right paths to improve the world together. I’m driven by a strong curiosity about everything around me.” Berare is a Turkish experimental physicist who worked with the ATLAS experiment during her MSc and PhD on searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. During her PhD, she became a Support Scientist for the Beamline for Schools (BL4S) competition, which marked the beginning of her journey combining research with science communication. She now works for both BL4S and ELISA, the mini proton accelerator at CERN’s Science Gateway. She fondly remembers the moment when the BL4S 2022 winners arrived at the experimental zone: “I felt incredibly lucky to share my passion with young, curious and really passionate people. We spent two weeks of beam time together watching their ideas turn into reality. All the intricate details of running an experiment, we accomplished them as a team.” Mia is a Canadian research fellow in the Accelerator Systems Department, working on beam developments for fundamental physics with radioactive molecules. Mia pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering before moving to Vancouver for a master’s degree in engineering physics. Her interest in radioactive ion beam production brought her to CERN, where she studied actinide beams for three years as a PhD student in the Marie Curie European Training network “LISA” (Laser Ionisation and Spectroscopy of Actinides) at ISOLDE – a facility at CERN where scientists study the properties of atomic nuclei, with further applications in fundamental studies, astrophysics, and material and life sciences. Laura is a German mechanical engineer at CERN working on research and development to produce cavities for future accelerators. She studied mechanical and aerospace engineering at the Technical University of Munich. She joined CERN four years ago as a technical student for her master’s thesis and continued as a fellow working on collimators. Laura says that “as a child, I took part in girls’ day initiatives, which sparked my fascination for astrophysics and engineering. Later, it felt natural for me to give something back by organising workshops for young students to make STEM seem less intimidating and more accessible.” She particularly enjoys being close to the CERN Main Workshop and understanding how design ideas become real components. Paraskevi is a Greek physicist working at CERN’s HiRadMat (High-Radiation to Materials) facility, designed to deliver high-intensity beams to an irradiation area where material samples, as well as accelerator component assemblies, can be tested. She studied physics at NKUA, specialising in nuclear and particle physics, and is now pursuing her PhD at HiRadMat in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, studying novel materials for high-intensity beam diagnostics. “Continuous learning is one of my biggest motivators, and I am looking forward to exploring the limits of our knowledge on beam-material interactions,” says Paraskevi. Silvia is a Spanish physicist and deputy project manager for the Muon Drift Tube of the CMS detector, a general-purpose detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). She started her career at CERN more than 20 years ago as a technical student, working on prototypes of the first dipoles for the LHC. “My first motivation came in high school, from my teacher,” says Silvia about what made her pursue a career in STEM. “My favourite part about my job is learning. You can learn something new every day.” In parallel to this initiative, like every year since 2017, from 2 to 6 February 66 women scientists and engineers visited schools in Geneva, Switzerland, and in the Haute-Savoie and Ain regions of France to meet with students. Organised in collaboration with CERN, the University of Geneva, EPFL, LAPP and LAPTh, this event allowed more than 4200 students between 6 and 17 years old to meet a woman scientist, discuss their profession and career path, ask questions and participate in classroom activities.
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