Today's Science Pulse
UK-led study reveals hidden massive star clusters deep inside nearby galaxies
Astronomers using the VLA and ALMA uncovered previously unseen giant star clusters, described as "ring factories," embedded within nearby galaxies. A complementary analysis of roughly 18,000 star‑forming regions showed that the energetic activity of young stars plays a decisive role in shaping galaxy evolution.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Foundation Alloy raises $22M Series A
Untitled
NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day for April 7, 2026 features a deep‑field image of a nebular formation that resembles a horse’s head. The structure is the reflection nebula IC 4592, not the well‑known Horsehead Nebula in Orion, and its blue hue comes from dust scattering light from a star in the Nu Scorpii system. A second reflection nebula, IC 4601, appears near the image’s center. The photograph was captured from the Sawda Natheel site in Qatar.
Western States Face Above-Normal Wildfire Threats This Summer. New Maps Reveal Which Areas Are Most at Risk.
The National Interagency Coordination Center’s latest wildfire outlook shows an above‑normal fire threat across almost the entire Western United States. Early snowmelt—four to six weeks ahead of historic dates—and a record‑breaking March heat wave have pushed red‑zone risk maps northward...
Skeptical Science New Research for Week #15 2026
This week’s Skeptical Science roundup highlights four major developments: researchers call for solar‑geoengineering studies that incorporate geopolitical conflict, a new analysis links El Niño events to accelerated spring melt of West Greenland sea ice, and Arctic sea‑ice variability has risen 11.4%...
Astellas Exercises Option to License Dyno’s AAV Capsid for AI-Designed Gene Delivery
Astellas has exercised its option to license an AI‑engineered adeno‑associated virus (AAV) capsid from Dyno Therapeutics for skeletal muscle gene delivery, marking the first licensed asset from their 2021 partnership. The capsid, created using Dyno’s large‑scale in‑vivo data‑driven AI models,...
Maple Syrup or Nutella? PM Carney Calls Canadian Artemis Astronaut
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held an Earth‑to‑space call with astronaut Jeremy Hansen, a crew member of NASA’s Artemis II mission and the first non‑American to orbit the Moon. Hansen emphasized teamwork and calculated risk, promising to share images after the...
Loss of Smell Predicts Five‑year Mortality Risk
A failing sense of smell may be an early warning sign of biological decline. In a study of ~3,000 older adults, those who couldn’t identify common odors had 3–5x higher risk of dying within 5 years, independent of disease, smoking, or...
Cell-to-Cell Power Grid: How Mitochondrial Transplantation Is Redefining Metabolic Aging and Tissue Rescue
A new comprehensive literature review evaluates mitochondrial transplantation (MTx) and the Drp1 inhibitor Mdivi‑1 as experimental strategies to reverse metabolic aging in diabetic animal models. The analysis highlights how MSC‑derived mitochondria can induce mitophagy, suppress apoptosis, and modulate immune pathways...
Local Temperate Forest Sounds Boost Well‑being More than Tropical Recordings
Audio recordings of local temperate forests enhance short-term well-being and evoke stronger feelings of awe and restoration than sounds from distant tropical forests, regardless of actual animal diversity. soundscapes
Mummified Permian Reptile Reveals Ancient Breathing
A remarkably well‑preserved mummified reptile from the Late Permian, discovered in the Karoo Basin, has provided the first direct evidence of how early amniotes breathed. High‑resolution CT scans reveal a flexible ribcage and a network of air sacs similar to...
Scientists Discover Spice Synergy that Boosts Anti-Inflammation 100x
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found that combining three common spice compounds—capsaicin, menthol and 1,8‑cineole—produces an anti‑inflammatory response in macrophages that is several hundred times stronger than any of the agents alone. The synergy stems from simultaneous activation of...
Poland Enters the European Semiconductor Race. Important Agreement with France
Poland’s CEZAMAT research centre has signed a cooperation agreement with France’s state‑owned CEA‑Leti to develop fully depleted silicon‑on‑insulator (FD‑SOI) technology. The partnership joins the European Chips Act pilot‑line network alongside IMEC and Fraunhofer, giving Polish researchers access to world‑class expertise....
Dragonflies and Humans Detect Red Light Using the Same Mechanism
A cross‑species study published in Nature shows that dragonflies and humans detect red light through a shared molecular mechanism involving a conserved opsin protein. Researchers identified that the dragonfly's long‑wavelength photoreceptor uses a G‑protein‑coupled opsin nearly identical to human melanopsin,...
Tripodal Carboxylate Bridge Enables Buried Interface Passivation Toward High‐Performance and Durable Perovskite Solar Cells
Researchers introduced nitrilotriacetic acid trisodium (NTANa), a tridentate, non‑planar carboxylate, to simultaneously passivate Sn4+ and Pb2+ defects at the buried SnO2/perovskite interface of perovskite solar cells. The tripodal geometry enables dual‑sided coordination, strengthening electronic coupling and optimizing energy‑level alignment. Devices...
Unlocking Fast Na+ Transport in Sodium Iron Sulfate Via Coupled Electronic–Ionic Modulation
Researchers have introduced an isovalent Zn substitution at the Fe site of alluaudite‑type sodium iron sulfate, preserving its crystal framework while reshaping the electronic structure. The Zn‑induced redistribution of Fe–O states and site‑specific Na–O coordination lowers the Na+ migration barrier,...
Spectroscopic Signatures of Doping in Thin Films of Semiconducting Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
The review details how chemical, electrochemical and electrostatic doping modifies the optical and Raman signatures of semiconducting single‑walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin films. Doping introduces holes or electrons that shift visible‑to‑far‑infrared absorption, near‑infrared fluorescence, electroluminescence and Raman modes. These spectroscopic...
Ultratough Organic–Inorganic Bicontinuous Network Hydrogel via Crosslinking Liquid‐Like Inorganic Ionic Clusters With Polymer Chains
Researchers have created an ultratough hydrogel by crosslinking liquid‑like calcium‑phosphate clusters with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) chains, forming an organic‑inorganic bicontinuous network. The resulting PVA/CPC hydrogel exhibits a tensile strength of 32.9 ± 4.7 MPa and a toughness of 108 ± 19 MJ m⁻³, outperforming most high‑performance hydrogels....
A Highly Adhesive Binder Enables Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries with High Cycling Stability at Low Stack Pressure
Researchers used click chemistry to add hydroxyl groups to a commercial polystyrene‑b‑polybutadiene‑b‑polystyrene (SBS) binder, creating a highly adhesive SBS‑Click binder for sulfide‑based all‑solid‑state lithium‑ion batteries. The modified binder forms hydrogen bonds with both the LiNi0.9Co0.06Mn0.04O2@Li3BO3 cathode and the sulfide electrolyte,...
Dual‐Modified Cellulose Nanofiber Membranes with Boosted Surface Charge for High‐Performance Osmotic Energy Conversion
Researchers introduced a dual‑modified strategy that merges small‑molecule functionalization with polymer grafting to produce cellulose nanofiber membranes bearing opposite, highly amplified surface charges. The enhanced charge and engineered nanochannels boost ion selectivity, delivering power densities up to 5.1 W·m⁻² (negative) and...
NASA’s Private Space Station Program Is Stuck in Procurement Limbo — And the Clock Is Ticking on ISS
NASA’s Commercial Low‑Earth‑Orbit Destinations (CLD) program, intended to replace the aging International Space Station with private stations, has missed its April 2026 award target and still has not issued a final request for proposals. Delays stem from leadership turnover, a...
ESA Spent €82 Million to Launch Sentinel-1D Satellite on Ariane 6
The European Space Agency disclosed that the Sentinel‑1D Earth‑observation satellite launched on an Ariane 62 rocket in November 2025 cost €82,070,773, roughly $89 million. The mission was originally slated for a Vega‑C launch, but the rocket’s two‑year grounding forced a switch to...
Science History: Doctor Hypothesizes that 'Transmissible Proteins' Can Cause Disease, Contradicting a 'Central Dogma' Of Molecular Biology — April 9,...
On April 9, 1982, UC‑San Francisco neurologist Stanley Prusiner published a landmark *Science* paper showing that an infectious protein, later named a prion, caused scrapie in sheep. By demonstrating that the agent lacked nucleic acids and could transmit disease through...
Interview: Researching Quantum Algorithms for Today’s Devices
Quantum computers today remain noisy, limiting the number of logical, error‑free qubits despite hardware that can host hundreds of physical qubits. Universal Quantum’s algorithm scientist Lucy Robson is building error‑correction protocols and trapped‑ion algorithms to speed up drug‑discovery simulations, focusing on...
The FDA Has Released Draft Guidance for NAMs Validation – Now What?
On March 18, 2026 the FDA issued draft guidance for validating new approach methodologies (NAMs), including complex in‑vitro models (CIVMs). The guidance centers on four validation principles—context of use, human biological relevance, technical characterization, and fit‑for‑purpose. The 11th 3D Tissue Models Summit in Boston...
Fire Erupts During Test Of The SpaceX Starship V3 Engine
SpaceX experienced a fire during a Texas test of its Starship V3 Raptor engine on April 9, 2026. The incident, captured on a NASA Spaceflight livestream, showed a loud pop followed by a burst of flames on the Raptor North...
NASA Artemis II Astronauts Prepare to End Moon Mission in 'Fireball' Re-Entry
NASA’s Artemis II crew completed a historic ten‑day flight, becoming the farthest‑flying humans at roughly 252,000 miles from Earth. The Orion capsule will re‑enter the atmosphere at 23,839 mph, subjecting its heat shield to a high‑risk "fireball" descent. Astronauts held a live press...
Artemis II Is 'Inspiring' A Whole Generation
Artemis II completed a historic crewed lunar fly‑by, the first such mission since Apollo 8, and is now on its return to Earth after a ten‑day journey. The four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—spent more than two years...
Space Mission to Image Earth's Protective Bubble
A first‑of‑its‑kind mission called SMILE will orbit 120,000 km above the North Pole to image Earth’s magnetosphere using X‑ray emissions from solar wind. Led by UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory with partners including ESA, the University of Leicester and the Chinese...
'Mini-Brain' Model Explores Concussion's Effects at Cellular Level
University of Cincinnati biomedical engineer Volha Liaudanskaya is using engineered "mini‑brains" to study how concussive forces affect brain cells at the cellular level. The assembloid model combines five cell types—including neurons, astrocytes, microglia and two vascular cells—allowing simultaneous tracking of...
From War to Weather: A 'Super El Niño' Event Poses Fresh Risks to Global Food Costs
A potentially “super El Niño” is forecast for late 2026, raising the risk of severe drought and heat across major agricultural regions. The weather threat compounds already‑high fertilizer and energy prices caused by the Iran‑Hormuz conflict, which has choked roughly one‑third...
China’s Solar Drone Redefines Strategic Infrastructure Power Shift
China just made one thing very clear: the future of strategic infrastructure will not be built only in space. It may also fly for months in the stratosphere, powered only by sunlight. That is why this matters. China has fielded a fully independent solar-powered...
Western Overturning Circulation Drops, AMOC Nears Critical Tipping Point
New study finds "canary in the coal mine" for the #AMOC: a consistent decline of the western overturning circulation, down from 20 to 15 Sv during 2004-2023 at 26° N. AMOC "could be at or near a critical tipping point, potentially...
Nasa Meteorologists Trialling Model to Produce Ultra Local, Short-Term Forecasts
NASA meteorologists at the Wallops Flight Facility are trialling a new ultra‑high‑resolution weather model called US1k, developed by Meteomatics. The model delivers forecasts on a 1 km grid every 15 minutes, nine times finer than typical operational models. By providing a zoomed‑in...
Schizophrenia Linked to Barrier Dysfunction and AhR Modulators
Schizophrenia as a Disorder of Biological Barriers: A Narrative Review and Potential Interventions https://t.co/IEkOVzShh6 @IJMS_MDPI "AhR ligands relevant to neuropathology. Microbial and synthetic phenazines, pollutants, lipid peroxidation derivatives, and nutrients are AhR modulators..."👇
AI Redefines Scientific Discovery Beyond Speed
A new phase of scientific discovery is beginning. AI is enabling researchers to learn, reason and tackle complex biological challenges in ways that were previously not possible. This is more than acceleration. It is changing how discovery itself happens. https://t.co/yEh5pmDu5X @ConversationUS
Red-Light Therapy: Breakthrough or Junk Science?
Red‑light therapy is attracting both scientific interest and commercial hype. Recent clinical studies have documented measurable improvements in peripheral neuropathy, retinal degeneration, and certain neurological disorders, leading some professional societies to endorse specific treatment protocols. At the same time, researchers...
Federal Scientists Celebrate Artemis II Success Amid Challenges
"Artemis II: Beleaguered federal scientists take a victory lap" by @chelseaeharvey for @EENewsUpdates /@politico: https://t.co/79kGMuySrj
Analyzing Causal Datasets to Uncover Disease and Aging Mechanisms
Now lets do this for the datasets that contain causal information on how diseases and aging work
STOMP—Scientists Skeptical of RFK, Jr.’s Dubious Crusade on Microplastics
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department and the EPA announced a $144 million Systematic Targeting of Microplastics (STOMP) initiative, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and EPA head Lee Zeldin. The program will develop standardized detection methods, map microplastic presence...
Artemis II May Only Teach Us How to Explore Again
So what, exactly, is Artemis II's contribution to our knowledge of the Moon? Maybe it's just relearning how humans can explore. https://t.co/yslyyDUYUA
Aging Biology Targets Key to Better Stroke Outcomes
Targeting the Biology of Aging in Cerebrovascular Disease: Inflammation, Metabolism, Senescence, and Regeneration 🔎Addressing age-specific pathophysiology will be critical for improving outcomes in cerebrovascular diseases in the aging population... https://t.co/DuScTnSIh5 https://t.co/Irok29jqMx
#1 Neurologists: What You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's & Dementia
In this episode, Mel Robbins talks with neurologists Dr. Aisha Shirzai and Dr. Dean Shirzai about how lifestyle choices can dramatically reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. They explain that brain health is shaped by daily habits—not...
Asia's Energy Path: Coal Return or Renewables Surge?
Will Asia return to coal, or will a new renewables future emerge from the Iran crisis? David Fickling and Akshat Rathi discuss https://t.co/PdxxKr6KZD
A Blue World Believes Low-Impact, Marine-Based Materials Are the Next Frontier for Fashion
A Blue World, a new platform championing marine‑based biomaterials, aims to replace petrochemical inputs across fashion, beauty and wellness. It recently acquired German textile maker Smartfiber, whose Seacell yarn is fully biodegradable and infused with seaweed nutrients. The platform connects...
Everything You Need to Know About Artemis II so Far – Podcast
The Guardian’s Science Weekly podcast recaps NASA’s Artemis II mission, where the four‑astronaut crew broke Apollo 13’s distance‑from‑Earth record during a ten‑day lunar flyby. The episode details technical hiccups the crew faced, the breathtaking views of the Moon, and the intense emotional...
Embrace Complexity to Improve the Translatability of Basic Neuroscience
Basic neuroscience researchers are urged to view heterogeneity as a feature, not a flaw, to boost translational relevance. The article outlines three practical steps—recognizing model limits, measuring variability, and probing mechanisms across scales—to embed complexity into experimental design. It highlights...
What if Dark Matter Came in Two States?
A new study in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics proposes that dark matter may consist of two distinct particle species whose relative abundances differ between galactic environments. This two‑state model can explain the gamma‑ray excess observed at the...
Emergence of Hypomania and Mania Following Initiation of a Ketogenic Diet: Case Series
A new case series of nine individuals who started a ketogenic diet reports that eight experienced hypomania and one developed mania within two months. Seven of the participants had no prior bipolar‑spectrum history, and symptoms emerged after an average weight...
Health Associations of Various Fruit Forms: Solid Fruits, Juices, and Smoothies
A cross‑sectional survey of 443 adults compared solid fruit, 100 % fruit juice, and fruit smoothies. Participants who primarily drank smoothies showed the most favorable health profile, including the lowest hypertension prevalence (18.6 %), lowest BMI (22.7 kg/m²) and highest energy ratings. Juice...
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Different Vitamin D Combination Regimens Based on Indirect Comparisons for Children with...
A Bayesian network meta‑analysis of ten randomized trials involving 867 children compared nine oral vitamin D‑based combination regimens with vitamin D₃ monotherapy for nutritional rickets. The combinations produced significantly higher serum 25‑hydroxyvitamin D, lower bone‑specific alkaline phosphatase, and increased calcium and phosphate levels,...
Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate, Cholecalciferol, and Protein Supplementation Interventions on Muscle Mass and Metabolic Disturbances in Patients with Chronic Kidney...
A systematic review and network meta‑analysis of 22 trials involving 2,879 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients compared sodium bicarbonate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and protein supplementation. The analysis found cholecalciferol significantly increased muscle mass, sodium bicarbonate most effectively raised serum albumin, and...