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Trump officials end review of how arch could harm historic sites
A required consultation process with local preservationists is being terminated, a Trump appointee said Thursday.
Probable Italy vs. Belgium line-ups and latest injury news
Italy tested Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito together for the Nations League clash, while Belgium are without injured Leandro Trossard, but could start Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne.It kicks off at...
Semaglutide is improving the heart health of millions—but how? Experts are stumped
“Our analyses could not fully ascribe the effects of semaglutide on cardiovascular disease to known risk factors with any certainty,” one researcher said after exploring years of data. "These results suggest that semaglutide should be considered as a cardiovascular disease reduction drug and not just as a weight loss drug,"
Eagles vs. Bears: 5 sneaky threats on Chicago's roster
The Eagles visit Soldier Field looking to keep rolling, but these five Bears could make Monday night's game much more difficult
Why Astros placed Cristian Javier on IL before MLB postseason
This could be a significant loss for the Astros.
The story behind Princess Diana's infamous revenge dress. And why she almost didn't wear it.
One of the most recognizable dresses in modern history is going up for auction and could fetch an eye-watering price. Why Diana's revenge dress is so coveted goes far beyond a fashion story.
‘The Three B’s’ Combined XI
Everyone has been talking about Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth, largely due to their consistent ability to punch above their perceived weight. But what is the best eleven that could be fielded using only players from each club?
Starfield 2 will likely never happen because the first wasn’t ‘anywhere near successful enough’, former dev says
A sequel could have been much closer to the original vision…
How Snail Shells Could Help Scientists Track Storms From Prehistoric Times
Researchers linked growth spurts in a snail’s shell to 2 cyclones, suggesting shells could help uncover ancient storm tracks.
The same AI-chatbot could validate opposing political views. Could that deepen divisions?
A study shows chatbots mirror users' politics, part of a broader tendency known as AI sycophancy. Researchers fear this could deepen polarization.
The same AI-chatbot could validate opposing political views. Could that deepen divisions?
A study shows chatbots mirror users' politics, part of a broader tendency known as AI sycophancy. Researchers fear this could deepen polarization.
Farquhar hints 2027 could be his final chapter in sport
Ryan Farquhar hints that 2027 could be the final chapter for him in the sport - as the road racing legend reflects on crashes and family sacrifices on the BBC Bikes Podcast.
Roma interested in Kvernadze and Bakola for January
The right-footed left winger Roma has been seeking since Gasperini’s arrival could be just 90 kilometers away. After seeing a long list of targets fall through, from Summerville to Leweling, the Gia...
Control Resonant gets tough, but gives you the tools to deal with it
Thanks to assist mode, I could set my own challenge.
When what you see doesn’t make sense, your brain does something remarkable
The brain may have a built-in way to quickly settle disagreements between regions processing the same scene. Researchers found that matching signals between two visual areas lasted longer, while conflicting signals rapidly faded away. This “consensus building” mechanism could help explain how the brain turns many specialized inputs into one unified view of the world.
Distant time crystals can somehow fall into the same rhythm
Researchers have shown that multiple time crystals inside a semiconductor can synchronize their oscillations, much like pendulum clocks gradually falling into the same rhythm. The coupling is carried by spin-polarized electrons, allowing time crystals separated by up to 40 micrometers to lock to a common frequency. The discovery reveals surprisingly long-range connections between these exotic spin systems and could help researchers develop future spin-based devices.
Is metascience being co-opted?
In July, the White House released a report that argued academia is deeply dysfunctional and in need of radical reform.Science: A New Golden Age sets out a litany of problems many academics will recognise: interminable waits for grants; short-term funding rather than support for longer, more ambitious projects; ballooning administrative requirements; pressure to publish, and many more. “The scientific machine is getting bogged down,” it says. At least on the face of it, Science: A New Golden Age is a triumph for the metascience movement, a loose-knit, global group of academics, philanthropists and think tankers that want far more testing and experimentation in how we fund public research and innovation. The report tells US research funders to set up internal metascience units to do just this. But it has also set alarm bells ringing that metascience is being conveniently deployed to help justify the defunding of US universities, which US vice president JD Vance has openly labelled “the enemy.” “Just because you have an issue with your plumbing in your house doesn't mean you light the entire house on fire and burn it to the ground,” said Colette Delawalla, chief executive of Stand Up for Science, a group campaigning against what it says are attacks on scientists by the Trump administration. No one is arguing that academia doesn’t need reform, but there’s debate over how far and how fast the system should be shaken up. Does public R&D need slow and steady evidence-based adjustment, or radical new experiments?One of the key arguments in Science: A New Golden Age is that there’s not enough funding for what it calls “mid-level” science: engineering-heavy projects that require tens of millions of dollars, involve ten to a hundred people, and last around five years. Such a project might develop a brain-computer interface for people with Alzheimer's disease, for example. As such, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) has already announced $1.5 billion to set up so-called X-Labs, effectively new research organisations to pursue breakthroughs in areas such as quantum sensing and new scientific instruments. Funding divertedBut there’s a catch: this money has squeezed NSF budgets for more traditional, fundamental research grants, Science reported in June, likely meaning less cash for university-based scientists. Science: A New Golden Age also makes various swipes at universities, accusing them of extracting overheads from scientists to fund administrative bloat. “We have become dependent on a narrow set of legacy institutions,” it says. The report doesn’t mention it, but the US government is simultaneously seeking greater powers over federal funding, which would allow political appointees at funding agencies to screen or cancel research grants mid-project. The White House is also seeking to slash the NSF’s budget by more than half in 2027, although similar cuts proposed for 2026 were blocked by Congress. Convenient hookThis has worried some that the metascience agenda could be misused as a kind of smokescreen to further weaken universities. James Wilsdon, executive director of the Research on Research Institute at University College London, said that the report contains lots of “interesting ideas” and agrees that in places, academia is a “pretty broken system.” But the risk is that metascience is being deployed as a “convenient hook” to support cuts and a “political land grab” to transfer grant power from scientists to political appointees in US funding agencies.So far, the metascience agenda hasn’t been seized on by radical right parties in Europe. But Wilsdon worries it will cross the Atlantic, politicising research reform efforts and making them more difficult to carry out. The report is already making some in Europe sceptical of the entire idea. “The system is not without flaws, but the metascience discussion is not likely to improve the system but rather to generate munition to undermine it,” said Claes de Vreese, a professor of AI and society at the University of Amsterdam. Peter Thiel protégéOfficially, Science: A New Golden Age has just one named author: Michael Kratsios, the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and a former chief of staff to Silicon Valley mogul Peter Thiel. He also served as chief financial officer of Thiel’s Clarium Capital Management. Since the 1990s, Thiel has criticised US universities for moving away from teaching what he views as the classic works of western civilisation, and drifting towards “anti-Western zealotry.” And since 2011, he has offered two-year fellowships of $250,000 to young people to skip or drop out of university, and instead start companies or pursue scientific research. “College can be good for learning about what’s been done before, but it can also discourage you from doing something new,” according to the Thiel Fellowships website. In other areas, the Trump administration has promoted academics with a longstanding interest in metascience. For example, the head of the National Institutes of Health, Jay Bhattacharya, in 2020 co-authored a study arguing the funder backs overly conservative proposals, although he achieved wider prominence as a critic of pandemic lockdowns. Careless talk costs fundingEven before the Trump administration embraced the metascience agenda, some metascientists privately wondered whether they should be careful not to overstate dysfunctions in academia, in case this gets used as ammunition against universities. But others think being cautious with criticism is pointless. After all, last year, the Trump administration sought to cut funding from US universities on an entirely different premise: supposed antisemitism on campus. “I don't think these governments need a technical metascientific excuse to attack the universities, they will want to do so anyway,” said Will Stone, a researcher at Science Works, a new think tank advocating for a “metascience revolution” in the UK. “I think researchers should report what they find, even when the findings may be used to advance policies they disagree with,” echoed Russell Funk, a researcher at the University of Minnesota, who in 2023 co-authored a highly influential paper that argued scientific papers were becoming less disruptive over time. No justificationThat said, Funk thinks that metascientific research certainly doesn’t justify a weakening of universities. Instead, scientists need “time, resources and stability to pursue unfamiliar ideas,” he said. “Taking away those conditions works against the very goal the reforms are supposed to achieve.”The Institute for Progress, a Washington DC-based innovation policy think tank that has championed X-Labs and metascience units, also says that reforms should complement, not supplant, universities. “Unpredictable, unreliable, and reduced federal funding to researchers is destabilising to the very foundations of research and development and is bad,” said Jenn Gustetic, the institute’s director of metascience and R&D policy.Evolution or revolution?This points to a much bigger divide in the metascience community: how far and how fast should public R&D be shaken up? Does it need evolution or revolution? For example, Science: A New Golden Age says the science system relies too heavily on traditional “workhorse” project grants, the type that pay out around $250,000 a year to fund “hypothesis-driven science by small teams on tractable questions.” However, in criticising project grants, the report “decisively picks one side of a debate that is far from settled,” David Hilmer Rex, a metascientist based in Denmark, has written. In June, Pierre Azoulay, a metascientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, defended project grants, saying that the alternative of X-Labs “merits scepticism.”A-B testingOne challenge in metascience is that it’s easier to generate evidence for some types of change than others. Most straightforwardly, research funders can run A-B tests on different ways of awarding money. For example, Germany’s Volkswagen Foundation recently trialled distributed peer review, where applicants rate each other’s proposals, and measured its results against traditional review panels. Distributed peer review made quicker decisions, although awarded money to largely different ideas. However, much of the focus of the metascience movement has been on founding fast-moving and free-acting new research organisations and funders, in contrast to the alleged stodginess of mainstream academia or public innovation grants. A culture of speed and freedom are the animating principles behind Germany’s Sprind or the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria).Related articlesViewpoint: it's time to experiment with how Europe funds science European researchers sound the alarm that Trump rule changes will hit cooperationHowever, while it’s possible to closely study previously successful bodies, such as the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa), for historical clues to their secret sauce, it’s impossible to guarantee in advance that the likes of Sprind or Aria will actually work as hoped. But advocates of new organisations say this inherent uncertainly shouldn’t stop us trying. “If we wait for definitive proof that something will work before we try it, I don't know where your proof is coming from,” said Stone. Trade-offsUp until now, experiments in metascience haven’t generally come with hard trade-offs over money. In the US, new ideas such as focused research organisations have often been funded by billionaire philanthropists. In Europe, new innovation agencies such as Sprind and Aria, or the Netherland’s new National Agency for Disruptive Innovation, haven’t needed explicit cuts elsewhere in the research system. But with the $1.5 billion establishment of X-Labs by the NSF, the trade-offs are becoming clearer. Some metascientists privately wonder whether a smaller pilot would have been more appropriate, given that the idea is untested. The Institute for Progress counters that the $1.5 billion X-Labs budget is spread out over a decade, so will account for less than 2% of the NSF’s annual budget. “It’s important to remember that [Darpa] was once an institutional experiment as well. Now it’s one of the most cited innovative funding models in the world,” said Gustetic.As for Europe?The US isn’t the only country placing metascience at the heart of its research strategy. Science: A New Golden Age looks admiringly at the UK, which in 2024 set up a Metascience Unit to scrutinise how it funds research. In Brussels, it’s more of a mixed picture. In 2018, the EU set up the European Innovation Council to funnel grants and equity to start-ups, although it’s sometimes criticised for awarding money too slowly. Recently, the council has started experimenting with challenges, where teams of inventors compete to overcome a technological challenge. The European Commission also wants to experiment with partially randomising grant winners, to cut down on bureaucracy. However, the Commission’s own advisers have said the EU’s own research schemes are too conventional. They want the Commission to establish a new dedicated unit to scrutinise and experiment with funding. But there’s no sign of a such unit emerging in Brussels’ plans for the next Horizon Europe programme, which from 2028 is set to distribute more than €160 billion over seven years. Sam Bogerd, director of breakthrough innovation at the Brussels-based Arq Foundation, an AI-focused think tank that also looks at metascience, says that Europe might have the opposite problem to the US: universities and basic research funding are still reasonably well supported, but there’s not enough experimentation. “We're not taking a close enough look at where this money can achieve the most, and I am worried that the good ideas around metascience will be tainted politically by their association with the Trump administration,” he said. He’s still lobbying for the Commission to set up an experimental unit. But in the meantime, the Arq Foundation plans to do its own research, and is currently hiring two metascience researchers to run the rule over how Brussels spends research funding.
Scientists thought they knew how this 70-year-old leukemia drug worked
A 70-year-old leukemia drug is still revealing new secrets. Researchers found that removing a protein called NUDT5 protected cells from the drug, even though simply blocking the protein had little effect. The unexpected result points to a hidden cellular role that could help explain why people respond differently to certain leukemia treatments.
Scientists find two tiny new snails with shells that close like doors
Scientists discovered two tiny new snail species in Montenegro, showing that even Europe still holds animals unknown to science. One lives in the threatened Komarnica Canyon, where a proposed hydropower reservoir could destroy habitat before its full biodiversity is understood.
Walking This Many Steps Extra Each Day Could Reduce Heart Disease Risk
In TODAY.com’s Expert Tip of the Day, a cardiologist explains why you don’t need to aim for 10,000 steps a day to have a healthier heart and her advice to patients.
Will AI change who gets ahead?
Why women’s AI fluency could become an increasingly important factor in leadership, visibility and career opportunity Editor’s note: This Leading Fearlessly column first appeared in the Fearless e-newsletter on Sept. 14. I was recently catching up with a former colleague who told me she was avoiding “getting on the AI bandwagon.” Her comment puzzled me.…
CJ Bailey discusses aftermath of Vanderbilt game
CJ Bailey met with the media yesterday, the first time he’d spoken with reporters since The Thing That Happened. There is no way to explain any part of what went down during The Thing That Happened, of course, but he did the best he could. Sometimes the football is snapped and major regret ensues. In […]
Arsenal 27yo’s new contract is now imminent
Declan Rice’s Arsenal contract extension is now considered to be imminent, and Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz could be the next up.Photo by Clive Rose/Getty ImagesFabrizio Romano reports that a new...
Bucks Are Reportedly Eyeing Pistons Star Free Agent Jalen Duren
Could the Milwaukee Bucks land Jalen Duren?
How the fate of a rural hospital could help flip the House
In one Virginia race and others, Democrats are highlighting the rising costs of health care and possible closures of facilities, putting Republicans on defense.
Could comet 3I/ATLAS teach us about life beyond Earth? Scientists say the story's not over yet.
No evidence has been found linking 3I/ATLAS to aliens. But the interstellar object, just the third of its kind to be found, shows that life's molecular precursors are abundant in the Milky Way.
Centennial Building auction stays on track, but its fate could hinge on repayment
Millennia Cos., the building's owner, still has time to get a loan approved and satisfy its creditors, but for now, the auction is still on.
Calling all current and future scientists: Kiel is the place to be this week
This week, Kiel has become a meeting place for science in Europe. Researchers, school pupils, young scientists and members of the public are coming together through a series of major events led or co-organised by Kiel University.At the centre of it all are around 150 of Europe’s most talented young researchers, aged 14 to 20, who have travelled to Kiel from nearly 40 countries for the 37th European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS). Running from 22 to 27 September, the European Union’s flagship competition for young scientists brings together winners of national science competitions to present around 100 original research projects across fields ranging from engineering and computer science to medicine, environmental research and the social sciences. The winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony on Saturday.For Kiel University, hosting EUCYS is both an honour and a natural extension of a much longer story. Germany’s northernmost comprehensive university has invested for many years in supporting young scientific talent and bringing research into dialogue with society. The Kiel Science Factory gives school pupils opportunities to experience research first-hand, while programmes such as Rent-a-Scientist send researchers directly into local classrooms. Major annual public events including Kiel Week and the European Researchers’ Night take science beyond the campus through talks, exhibitions and hands-on activities.That long-standing commitment has increasingly taken on a European dimension – and this week, many of those efforts are coming together.One of the foundations for this success is the European Researchers’ Night (ERN), which celebrates its tenth edition in the Kiel region this year. The initiative is funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, with Kiel University developing the successful EU proposals and securing the funding, while regional partner KielRegion coordinates the many activities on the ground. Together with research institutions, schools, companies, local authorities and civil society, they have built ERN into a major platform for public engagement.Over the years, Kiel’s ERN programme has grown far beyond a single evening into a whole “Science Summer”, beginning with “Science Shopping” in spring and culminating tomorrow, 25 September, in Science Day.“We have developed a wide range of public engagement formats, often together with the other research institutions in the region, the city and regional authorities, schools, companies and civil society,” says Eckhard Quandt, Kiel University’s vice president for research, academic infrastructure and transfer. “Over the past decade, we have increasingly taken this commitment to the European level.”That combination of European funding expertise and strong regional partnerships also helped Kiel University take the next step. Drawing on its experience with ERN and its European networks, including the SEA-EU University Alliance, the university brought together Brest in France and Split in Croatia for a successful bid to the EU’s new Science Comes to Town initiative. Throughout 2026, the three cities are serving as Europe’s first Science Ambassadors, with more than one thousand activities bringing science into schools, public spaces, cultural venues and everyday life.EUCYS is perhaps the clearest example of how Kiel University is using Science Comes to Town to create new connections between major European initiatives. From the outset, the university deliberately planned the contest for the week of European Researchers’ Night and opened the EUCYS exhibition to the wider Science Day audience. Tomorrow, that means thousands of visitors can encounter the next generation of scientific talent first-hand, while the young researchers themselves gain a much bigger public stage.“Because we opened EUCYS up for European Researchers’ Night, there will be a lot of people actually visiting the exhibition,” says organiser Stefanie Altemark of Kiel University.“We wanted Europe’s most talented young scientists not only to compete with one another, but also to become visible to the wider public. At the same time, people in Kiel will have the opportunity to see what the next generation of scientists are already capable of,” says Quandt.“We’ve shown over the last years that science is a big part of Kiel, and it’s always been the goal to not only show that to people in Germany, but also to show it to people all over Europe. Thanks to Kiel University’s expertise in European funding programmes, we have been able to turn that ambition into reality,” says Sünje Fock, who is coordinating the Science Summer at KielRegion.The model is characteristic of Kiel University’s approach: combining European funding expertise and international networks with strong regional partnerships to give major initiatives greater reach and visibility.This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, giving Kiel University the special opportunity to welcome Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Department for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions at the European Research Executive Agency, to Kiel tomorrow. Her visit brings together two priorities that have shaped Kiel University’s work over the past decade: supporting researchers and bringing science closer to society. Debiais-Sainton emphasises how closely the two are connected: "For thirty years, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) have given more than 150,000 researchers the chance to pursue their dreams and open up new fields. Doctoral Networks and Postdoctoral Fellowships give them the freedom to move, to connect, to train and to follow their curiosity across borders, sectors and disciplines. But excellence cannot live only in laboratories. Researchers’ Night takes science out of the lab and into the city, to the families, the schoolchildren and the curious minds who will become the next generation. Kiel shows what that looks like at its best. That is the MSCA promise: open science, open borders, open doors."For Kiel University, these activities are not separate endeavours. They are part of a broader understanding of academic excellence in which outstanding research, talent development, international cooperation, knowledge transfer and engagement with society strengthen one another.“For me, one of the most important lessons from the past decade is that scientific excellence, knowledge transfer, talent development and engagement with society cannot be treated as separate tasks,” stresses vice president Quandt. “They reinforce one another.”That philosophy is also reflected in Kiel University’s current bid for Germany’s Excellence University status. The designation is part of Germany’s national Excellence Strategy, which provides substantial long-term funding to selected universities to strengthen internationally competitive research and their overall institutional development. A successful outcome would provide new opportunities to build on what has already been created: deepening international cooperation, creating more opportunities for knowledge exchange and public engagement, and extending the university’s reach across the region and beyond. “If we are successful, it would allow us to take what we have built in Kiel considerably further – including expanding our networks and transfer activities beyond the region and increasingly across the Baltic area,” says Quandt.This week’s events offer a glimpse of what that could mean in practice: a university using its research strength, European expertise and regional partnerships to create opportunities for scientists at every stage of their careers while making science more visible, accessible and exciting to the wider public.
Analysis | One Republican could hold back the party’s candidates in Pennsylvania. And it’s not Trump.
Pennsylvania Republicans are starting to worry that the state’s lopsided race for governor is directly affecting four of the nation’s most competitive House races.
Lawmakers consider ways to reduce Oklahoma’s high veteran suicide rate
Wait times for mental healthcare, access to firearms and gaps in veteran services in rural Oklahoma could contribute to the state’s high veteran suicide rate.
Nick Clegg plays down fears ‘godlike’ AI could exterminate humanity
Former deputy PM now involved in tech industry says many within the sector are ‘winding themselves up into a lather’
Milan want Rabiot to commit to long-term contract
Thursday’s reports claim that Milan want midfielder Adrien Rabiot to commit to a new long-term contract, and that the Frenchman could potentially end up seeing his career out in San Siro if he decid...
The Deferential President
Not long ago, President Trump could claim that he ran the world. Now he’s waiting at the bottom of a set of airline steps for the Chinese president.
Could doing less be better for your health?
From sleep to gut health, we investigate the simple habits that science says could make a difference.
Nutex Health (NUTX) Could Be 29% Undervalued As Nasdaq Texas Listing Nears
Nutex Health (NUTX) just secured approval to dual-list its common stock on Nasdaq Texas, with trading expected to begin around September 23, 2026. This move may broaden liquidity and investor access. Recent trading has been choppy for Nutex Health, with the share price slipping 3.33% over the last day and 5.81% across the past week, even after a 30 day share price return of 7.32% and a 90 day gain of 21.31%, which leaves momentum still positive overall. Look beyond Nutex Health and review how...
Ngumoha reveals Iraola change that could boost his England chances
Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has not enjoyed a blistering start to the season, but was named in England’s squad for their forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches.Ngumoha has not registered a goal...
Juventus join race for Manchester United-linked RB Leipzig star
With David Raum’s contract at RB Leipzig set to expire at the end of the season, speculation is growing that the Germany international could leave the club on a free transfer.According to Gazzetta d...
Many INW businesses report AI integration issues
Some Inland Northwest companies are facing security concerns and public perception issues as they integrate artificial intelligence tools into their operations. A new program at Gonzaga University, however, could help businesses address some of those challenges.
Alexander Nikishin May Have to Look Back to Russia
The Carolina Hurricanes and their standoff with Alexander Nikishin may have one solution, and it could involve Russia. The post Alexander Nikishin May Have to Look Back to Russia appeared first on HEAVY.
This Yankees’ Prospect Could Be X Factor in October Bullpen
Yankees right-handed pitching prospect and their third-best prospect, Carlos Lagrange, is being considered for possible addition to the postseason roster, reported Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch of MLB.com in a tweet, per Aaron Boone.Lagrange has been recovering from a right shoulder capsular sprain that has kept him out since July. Lagrange returned to Triple-A Scranton […] The post This Yankees’ Prospect Could Be X Factor in October Bullpen appeared first on HEAVY.
Columbus City Schools teachers warn health insurance plan costs could double in 2027
Columbus City Schools teachers are warning that they could be in a financial crisis soon due to rising health insurance costs.They said their healthcare insura
Seacoast business prepares for potential Nor'Easter
With a potential Nor’easter headed toward New Hampshire, eyes are turning to the Seacoast, where there could be high surf, strong currents and coastal flooding.
Hands-on science can be cool
After spending many long days conducting experiments to find a new way to combat bacterial infections in crops, Misha Hegde and Mia Soleil Maurer have been rewarded with international recognition and access to top research facilities. But these are not typical scientists. They are 16-year-old German high school students.“Our supervisor told us that in order to start a project, you need to begin with either a question or a problem,” says Misha, adding that she and Mia had read about antibiotic resistance in certain plants being treated for bacterial infections. “We found out that antibiotics overuse is very common in agriculture,” explains Mia. “Our aim was to create an alternative to antibiotics and to try to raise awareness of the problem of overusing antibiotics.”Their subsequent research has focused on harnessing bacteriophages, the natural predators of bacteria, to eliminate pathogens threatening food crops treated with antibiotics. At the Schuldorf Bergstraße Jugend forscht MakerLab in Seeheim-Jugenheim, located in the German state of Hesse, they discovered a novel phage that infects the Rhizobium rhizogenes bacterium, which causes the hairy root disease that can reduce yields of tomatoes, carrots, soya beans and other food staples.The students believe their method could curb antibiotic use, while protecting plants from infections without disturbing the natural soil microbiome. “The application of phages is host-specific, so they would only kill the targeted pathogen or disease-causing bacteria,” explains Mia. It may also offer environmental benefits, since applying antibiotics can contaminate groundwater.Getting to this point has not been easy. The childhood friends admit to feeling frustrated when their trials did not yield the expected results. “We spent six months on our first experiment, just doing the same thing over and over and over again, to the point where we thought, is it even worth it? Why are we doing this?” Misha says. “You just need to be brave enough to take that first step and keep going.”The benefits of inquiry-based learningTheir determination has paid off. In 2025, the pair won first prize in biology at Jugend forscht, Germany’s national competition for young people interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. They were also among the winners of the German Research Foundation Europa-Preis, which is awarded to selected national winners at Jugend forscht, and took third place in the 2025 European Union Contest for Young Scientists.The Jugend forscht Foundation opens doors for young people to connect with scientists as well as industry professionals. Jessica Bönsch, executive director of the Foundation, sees Misha and Mia as prime examples of how young people can develop a deeper understanding of science through their own research projects. “The experience of working on your own research question is very important,” she explains, adding that “inquiry-based learning engages with real-life problems in a way that can be more motivating than traditional classroom teaching.”The Jugend forscht Foundation offers financial support through sponsor pools in Germany’s federal states. Some projects are developed in cooperation with student research centres, university labs or informal collaborative learning areas called makerspaces. Other activities start as hands-on “garage projects” and can grow within the Jugend forscht network and infrastructure.The Jugend forscht Foundation is also a partner of Science Comes to Town, an EU initiative to strengthen public awareness about science and create bridges between researchers and communities. The EU-financed project involves universities, research institutions and other stakeholders in three host cities — Brest (France), Kiel (Germany) and Split (Croatia).“It's so important for people not to live in a bubble, because I think science can be very scary if you misunderstand it,” Mia says of SCTT. The initiative’s aim of raising awareness about science is “absolutely amazing,” Misha adds. “I think it's the best way to kind of make science digestible for the public. In a world where misinformation in science is getting more radical, more dangerous, becoming more of a threat to the trust in scientific infrastructure and foundations, we need such programmes.”Misha and Mia also believe that SCTT can help break down gender stereotypes in science by encouraging young women to study and pursue careers in scientific fields. Both students have benefited from female mentors and encouragement they had when they were much younger. Mia’s love of science began with a class trip to a lab, while Misha — with a smile on her face — says she wanted to study history until “a teacher kind of coerced me into joining a school science club.”Recognition beyond EuropeIn May, Misha and Mia were among the finalists at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair held in Phoenix, Arizona, and involving nearly 1,700 pre-university students from over 60 countries. “It was very crazy because there were so many people and so many teenagers interested in science,” Mia recalls. The event was also challenging. “It was eight hours of continuously presenting your project,” adds Misha.Attending the fair was a chance for the young women to see first-hand the value of international collaboration as well as how research cultures differ. “America is a bit more willing to take risks, and I think that's something we can learn about here in Europe,” Misha explains. However, she continues, “I think Europe has the talent, has the innovation and has the resources” to be competitive.Misha and Mia plan to continue their phage experiments in the new school year, inspired by the project’s hands-on nature and the support they receive from their supervisors. They have also attracted the interest of professional scientists and received invitations to leading research facilities, including the Centre for Synthetic Microbiology, jointly run by the University of Marburg and the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Germany. “It is so cool that we can do something to try to move the world in our school and at this age,” Mia says.After completing secondary school, Mia plans to study microbiology and pursue a career in medical research, focusing on Ebola and other infectious diseases. “This has been my dream for so long,” she says. Her friend Misha is interested in biological research with a focus on medicine. “I've gotten addicted to the process of going to the lab, planning out experiments, then failing, trying again,” Misha says. “I think there's just so much to be discovered, so much to be done.”The students' names and photos were published with the permission of their parents.Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Merriam business owners concerned as city considers downtown redevelopment
Business owners in downtown Merriam, Kansas, are raising concerns about proposed redevelopment plans that could lead to the demolition of historic buildings, while the city says no decisions have been made.
Iowa Judge Dismisses Trump’s Lawsuit Against The Des Moines Register
The suit challenged a poll that showed Trump trailing Kamala Harris in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign. A judge warned that similar legal challenges could have a chilling effect on news reporting.
New Yorkers could pay $26,000 out of pocket for climate change
“Energy. Impact. Action.” Is the official theme for Climate Week NYC 2026.
Will Dart-less Giants pursue trade for Flacco, Harbaugh reunion?
The Giants could consider reaching out to the Bengals about QB Joe Flacco's availability, with Jaxson Dart expected to miss the rest of the season.
Tennessee lawmakers discussing more authority over entertainment districts
State lawmakers could create more control over local entertainment districts across Tennessee.
OpenAI agent breaches Australia’s government health data portal
SYDNEY >> Australia said today that an AI agent developed by OpenAI breached a government health data portal in June, gaining unauthorised access to public and non-public files, in what could be the first known instance of an AI agent hacking a government website.
Iowa judge dismisses Trump’s lawsuit against Des Moines Register and pollster
The judge said that allowing the lawsuit and its “faulty” claims to proceed could have a chilling effect on journalists and public debate.
AL West Race Comes Down to the Wire!
The American League West is turning into one of baseball’s most dramatic division races, and it could come down to the final game of the regular season. The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are tied at 78-79 with just five games remaining. Houston currently holds the tiebreaker after winning the season series against Texas, giving…
iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone Duo: Comparing Apple’s New Pro Phone Against Its First Foldable
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro includes a heck of a camera that sets it apart, but the iPhone Duo’s ability to unfold from small phone to tablet could offer new ways to use an iPhone.
World of Warcraft Would Never Work on PS5 or Xbox
The official gamepad support in WoW: Forever is about as good as it could be, but it's still a square peg in a round hole
Australia says OpenAI agent breached government health data portal
Australia said on Wednesday that an AI agent developed by OpenAI breached a government health data portal in June, gaining unauthorized access to public and non-public files, in what could
49th Tawes Crab and Clam Bake serves up politics, seafood despite roaring winds
CRISFIELD, Md. — Howling winds and heavy rain could not halt one of Maryland’s most enduring political and culinary traditions on Wednesday.
Tuchel Contemplates Senior England Training For Young Gunner Star
Thomas Tuchel could fast-track Arsenal’s record-breaking prodigy into senior sessions as injuries deplete the Three Lions’ squad, offering the teenage sensation a chance to test himself alongside some of the world's best.
Senators propose coach salary cap for Protect College Sports Act
What if the Protect College Sports Act limited the amount a coach could make?
Report: Chicago Cubs Could Play Doubleheader In Boston
Bears' QB crisis could force Ben Johnson into unfamiliar territory
This Week 3 matchup could pose a challenge like no other for Ben Johnson.
Here’s what Siri AI looks like on HomePod, per leak
Siri AI is likely coming to HomePod soon, and leaker pdfu today shared evidence of what the new Siri could look like on a HomePod.
Chelsea and Arsenal set to battle for Dutch league midfielder
Gjivai Zechiel is developing into one of the finest players in the Netherlands, and the midfielder has now caught the attention of Arsenal, who believe he could be the real deal.The 22-year-old plays ...
Scientific Papers Can Now Become AI Agents
There are millions of scientific research papers that include tons of information. Of course, not all that information is valuable, but buried across those papers are experiments, datasets, methods and software that could help researchers answer new questions. The problem is that no scientist can possibly read and make use of more than a small […]
Packers Could Unleash $55M Veteran After Jayden Reed Injury
The Green Bay Packers wide receiver room looks a lot thinner with Jayden Reed out of the picture. They wanted to consolidate the targets in the offense, and now it has backfired with a room that does not have much to offer beyond their top two. Fortunately for them, the injury might give them a […] The post Packers Could Unleash $55M Veteran After Jayden Reed Injury appeared first on HEAVY.
Scientists warn super El Nino could cause 450,000 deaths: Should we worry?
Missouri Consumers Could See Health Insurance Premiums Rise by as Much As 26% In 2027
Missourians who buy their own health insurance and many people covered through small-business plans could see premiums increase between 10% and 26% in 2027. Preliminary rate filings submitted to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance show higher costs may be on the way for consumers. Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance Director Angie Nelson […]
Jaxson Dart’s injury could reverberate around the NFL
What Jaxson Dart's injury means for the Giants, and perhaps the NFL
“9-1-1’”s Peter Krause reacts to fan theory that Bobby Nash could still be alive
Krause recently stepped into a new role on NBC’s “Line of Fire,” following the shocking death of his beloved firefighter character.
Class is back in session at Robbins Science Center
Since the school bus crash at Robbins Science Center on June 2, facilities have worked over the summer to repair the damage. “The building had substantial water damage after the bus hit a sprinkler pipe and set off the sprinkler system. It took several weeks to dry out the building so reconstruction could begin. Crews...
Scientists Built a Paper-Based Battery You Can Swallow. It Could Power Medical Pills for Days
The tiny battery could help doctors track treatment and deliver medicine.
Lawsuit seeks to block new NC mail-in ballot processes
A coalition of left-leaning groups is suing to block new absentee ballot guidelines approved by the State Board of Elections, arguing that mail-in voters could be disenfranchised.
Could quitting ultra-processed food boost mental health?
A preliminary study led by UC San Francisco adds to growing evidence that reducing ultra-processed food may improve symptoms of depression. Published in JAMA Psychiatry, the study is believed to be the ...
'Avengers: Endgame' Returns to Theaters, Could Reclaim No. 1 Box Office Spot
Disney's "Avengers: Endgame Encore" is tracking to lead the box office this weekend, ahead of "Doomsday" in December.
Roma Reportedly Eyeing Frosinone Winger Giorgi Kvernadze
Roma’s search for an athletic left winger could lead to Frosinone’s Giorgi Kvernadze, who could make a midseason switch.
Google DeepMind's latest AI tool promises a new era for genetics research, but experts warn to take its predictions with caution
AlphaGenome Atlas could make it easier for geneticists to access powerful AI, but its predictions aren't always accurate.
Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 could soon get a Pixel 11 exclusive feature
A cool Pixel 11 upgrade is coming to older Pixel phones.
Scientists Discovered an Inexplicable New Kind of Ice. It Gets Hot Enough to Melt Steel.
There are dozens of types of exotic ice, but this one could help solve an outstanding astrophysics mystery in the outer solar system.
The Mysterious Devil’s Arrows Stones Appeared in England 4,000 Years Ago. Scientists Just Learned Where They’re From.
Ice-flow models rule out natural transport, leaving prehistoric engineers as the only ones who could do it.
What happened to ‘The Love Boat’ cast? See the crew of the Pacific Princess 40 years later
That swirling theme music could mean only one thing: The Pacific Princess was pulling in with its appealing crew and oodles of celebrity guests. See the stars of ‘The Love Boat’ more than 40 years after the finale.
Could Proteins Become the Next Tool in Forensic Science?
Researchers reviewed how forensic proteomics uses mass spectrometry to analyze proteins in hair, bone, fingerprints, and body fluids. The approach can recover biological and contextual information when DNA is limited.
Earth's crust is 'unzipping' beneath Italy — and that could explain most of the earthquakes in the region
The peeling away of Earth's crust beneath Italy may explain a lot of the seismic activity in the mountains that run along the spine of the country.
SBA considers changing definition of a small business
The change could create new opportunities to land lucrative federal contracts.
JPMorgan Weighs Opening Card Business to Private Credit
J.P. Morgan Chase is reportedly exploring whether other funding sources could approve some of the cards it rejects. That's according to a report late
Atlanta man bought a business on credit cards and now has too much debt. Ramsey offers him his take
Ramsey says one move could leave him debt-free.
Google could bring the Pixel 11's customized My Pixel colors to older Pixels
Looking at the latest My Pixel app, we have found evidence suggesting Google may expand the customized app icon colors to older Pixels.
MORNING BUSINESS REPORT: Oil tanker shortage, McDonald's other ads, smartwatches vs calories
An oil tanker shortage could keep prices high, McDonald's plans to add ads for other businesses, and smartwatches may not accurately count calories. Here's the Morning Business Report for Sept. 23.
Voters are turning to AI on politics. Is it up to the task?
Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in how voters get information about politics and elections, raising fresh questions about how the technology could influence the way voters stay in…
Why Congress can't avoid Medicare cuts to docs
An overhaul could put an end to perennial doc fixes Congress passes to short-circuit scheduled Medicare cuts.
Feyi-Waboso could be star at World Cup
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso could be one of England's stars at next summer's World Cup if he can keep fit this season, says Exeter boss Rob Baxter.
How Scientists Contained a Threat That Could Have Destroyed Humanity
A half-century ago, scientists and lawyers agreed to strict self-regulation in DNA research to avoid catastrophe. But it took enforcement to really stop them.
DA Larry Krasner faces an uncertain political future as Democrats weigh what could come next
New questions emerged this week about Krasner’s political ambitions and his potential bid for Philly mayor. Meanwhile, others are angling for his job.
Could we be about to see the end of northern English dialects? My experience – and the science
When I moved to York I thought everyone sounded like a cross between Sean Bean and Mel B. But now the north’s linguistic richness really is being flattened, says author Zahaan Bharmal
Schalke 04’s Maximilian Wöber reflects on remarkable ÖFB comeback
Maximilian Wöber probably could not have scripted the moment much better. Schalke 04 were clinging to a 2-1 lead away at Union Berlin deep into stoppage time when the Austrian defender found himself ...
Lions Predicted to Trade Jameson Williams for Two Steelers Stars
The Detroit Lions could trade wide receiver Jameson Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a pair of star players. The post Lions Predicted to Trade Jameson Williams for Two Steelers Stars appeared first on HEAVY.
National Grocers Association CEO warns America could be left with just 'five or six national chains'
The National Grocers Association warns America is facing an "inflection point" where independent grocers could vanish, leaving just five or six national chains.
Vikings Get Intriguing Justin Herbert Take Amid Chargers Struggles
The Minnesota Vikings don’t have a long-term solution yet at QB. That could change in the coming weeks if Kyler Murray performs well and leads the Vikings to wins. However, if that doesn’t happen and Minnesota needs to lean on Carson Wentz again this season, then general manager Nolan Teasley might need to look at […] The post Vikings Get Intriguing Justin Herbert Take Amid Chargers Struggles appeared first on HEAVY.
Trump's diesel export dilemma
Soaring fuel costs are increasing pressure on US President Donald Trump to curb diesel exports ahead of November's midterm elections. But what may seem like an easy fix could unleash a chain reaction that ultimately leaves American consumers and the global economy worse off.
Scientists built a mosquito toilet to reveal viral information
The excrement shows potential diseases that could spread
Chargers' Oronde Gadsden has chance to make major impact
Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden could see a major uptick in production after the team lost two tight ends to IR.
Clippers Get More Bad News With Brandon Ingram Injury Update
The Los Angeles Clippers have had one of the worst months in NBA history, and things could be getting worse. Fans of the franchise are still reeling over the news of losing five future draft picks to doom their future as punishment for the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention. More bad news comes in the […] The post Clippers Get More Bad News With Brandon Ingram Injury Update appeared first on HEAVY.
FedExCup Fall Schedule 2026
The 2026 FedExCup Fall is here. For many players, the next eight events could have a major impact on their 2027 PGA Tour season.While the FedExCup Fall doesn’t carry the same spotlight as the playoffs, it can be an important stretch for players looking to improve their position in the standings, secure playing opportunities and, […] The post FedExCup Fall Schedule 2026 appeared first on HEAVY.