An ultramassive black hole around 33 billion times the mass of the Sun has been discovered by astronomers in the UK. Scientists from Durham University said the gargantuan black hole is one of the biggest ever found. The team described its findings, published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, as “extremely […]
Researchers have built the first ever map of an insect’s brain, according to a new study. The map shows every single neuron (messenger cell) in the brain of a baby fruit fly, and how they are wired together. Scientists say the landmark achievement in neuroscience brings experts closer to true understanding of the mechanism of […]
Six massive galaxies discovered in the early universe are challenging what scientists previously understood about their origins. The galaxies are far bigger and more mature than anyone expected, in what was thought to be the dawn of the universe. Using the first data released from Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) last July, the scientists […]
Astronomers have discovered a new ring system in our Solar System. The ring system is around a newly discovered dwarf planet, named Quaoar, which is around half the size of Pluto and orbits the Sun beyond Neptune. Researchers say it orbits much further out than is typical for other ring systems, calling into question current […]
Scientists have released one of the most precise measurements ever made of how matter is distributed across the universe today. When the universe began, matter was flung outwards, gradually forming the planets, stars and galaxies. By carefully putting together a map of that matter today, scientists can try to understand the forces that shaped the […]
An asteroid the size of a small truck will pass by Earth tonight, making one of the closest approaches to the planet ever recorded. Asteroid 2023 BU will zoom over the southern tip of South America at about 12.27am on Friday, only 2,200 miles above the Earth’s surface. It will be well within the orbit […]
A new emperor penguin colony has been discovered in Antarctica using satellite mapping technology, scientists have said. The newly-discovered colony, announced to mark Penguin Awareness Day, brings the total number of known emperor penguin breeding sites around the coastline of Antarctica to 66, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) said. The site, identified by penguin guano […]
Is slow-paced, instrumental music not helping you get to sleep? Scientists say you should try your favourite energetic song instead. Early research suggests listening to preferred music – even if it is loud, energetic, and has vocals – may be able to facilitate better shut-eye. Experts believe this is because there is no “one-size-fits-all” when […]
A new “artificial pancreas” could automate the process of keeping blood sugar levels in check for people with type 2 diabetes, researchers have said. A small new study suggests patients can keep their blood sugar levels at a healthy level using the device, which requires no human input. Patients in England and Wales with uncontrolled […]
Plant-eating dinosaurs may have evolved to have different ways of eating their food despite having a similar diet, research suggests. An analysis of skull specimens by UK scientists indicates that the first known herbivorous dinosaurs had a “surprising variation in eating styles” as a result of having different jaw muscles and biting actions. The researchers […]
