Physicists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have revisited Voyager 2 data from its 1986 flyby of Uranus, revealing that some of our understanding of the ice-giant planet may be false. The new analysis suggests that the flyby occurred during an anomalous period, with unusual solar activity compressing the planet’s magnetosphere. This finding has significant implications…
Science on The Soothsayer / page 14
Mathematicians have long suspected that hexagonal tiles are the most efficient way to fill space, but a new paper by Thomas Hales and Koundinya Vajjha reveals the worst shape to pack. The researchers focused on convex and centrally symmetric shapes, and their findings have significant implications for the field of mathematics. Forecast for 6 months:…
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has successfully skimmed the surface of the sun, coming within 6.1 million kilometers of the sun’s surface at a speed of 692,000 kilometers per hour. This historic flyby marks the culmination of six years in space for the probe, which has been studying the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, from the…
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that women who incorporate short bursts of intense physical activity into their daily routines can lower their risk of major cardiovascular problems by 45%. The study, led by Emmanuel Stamatakis, suggests that even just 20-30 seconds of intense exercise per day can…
The American burying beetle, once a common sight in North America’s grasslands, has been making a comeback in southwestern Nebraska’s Loess Canyons. According to new data, the beetle’s population has increased by 17% over the last decade, with models showing that native grasslands free from eastern red cedar are crucial for their survival. This trend…
Scientists have developed an experimental screening method that pairs dogs with artificial intelligence to detect the odor of cancer carried on patients’ breaths. The canine-AI duo was highly accurate and sensitive, successfully spotting four types of cancer in 94% of cases. This breakthrough could lead to earlier cancer detection and increased survival rates. Forecast for…
Researchers from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered that human eyelashes possess a unique feature that helps to repel water, keeping our vision clear during rainy conditions. This water-repelling ability is attributed to the micro-ratchet-like structure of the eyelash cuticle and its hydrophobic properties. The study…
The year 2024 saw significant advancements in the field of psychedelics, with the discovery of psilocybin’s ability to temporarily erase brain networks. Additionally, geoscientists found the most dangerous part of the Cascadia megathrust fault, and DNA analysis revealed the macabre diet of two 19th-century lions. These findings have the potential to revolutionize mental health treatments…
Scientists have predicted that the undersea volcano Axial Seamount, located 470 kilometers off the Oregon coast, is likely to erupt in 2025. This prediction is based on extensive monitoring data and knowledge of the volcano’s behavior. The researchers have identified signs of magma accumulation and increased seismic activity, which indicate that the volcano is building…
2024 was a remarkable year for science, with numerous record-breaking discoveries that captivated the world. From the oldest known mid-air explosion to the development of the world’s fastest microscope, scientists made groundbreaking findings that shed new light on the natural world. This article highlights some of the most significant discoveries of the year and provides…